Key Stage 4 Options
The options process is an important period for our Year 9 students as they start to think about the courses they will study in Year 10 and 11, and their future education and career paths after they leave Hope Valley College. We offer a range of GCSEs and vocational courses (e.g. Technical Awards) at key stage 4.
Most of the qualifications that we offer are GCSEs, which count as Level 2 qualifications. The assessment is through formal examinations, although some also have an element of 'non-examination assessment' within them (tasks taken in school under controlled conditions). The GCSE grades are 1-9, with 9 being the highest grade. Technical Awards, which are also level 2 qualifications, include a strong applied focus, linking learning to particular career paths. They have a greater emphasis on internal assessment, mainly via the completion of portfolios.
How to choose your options
Year 9 students choose their options by following the steps below:
- Read the options booklet.
- Complete and submit the online pre-options interview form.
- Attend the Year 9 options evening.
- Ask questions and attend your interview with school leaders.
- Complete and submit the online options form.
Key dates for 2026
- Wed 7 January: Key Stage 4 options launch assembly/options pre-interview form sent out
- Week commencing Mon 12 Jan to week commencing Mon 26 Jan: Options subject presentation assemblies take place in school
- Week commencing Mon 19 Jan: Options interviews with SLT/SEND teams commence
- Thurs 29 Jan: Options preference evening in school/preference forms sent out
- Fri 6 February: preference form deadline (preference forms should be submitted)
- Monday 23 Feb: options form emailed home
- Monday 2 March: options deadline (options forms should be submitted)
Options booklet
Year 9 students will receive a copy of the options booklet in school.
Frequently Asked questions
What sources of information should students use?
Students are encouraged to:
- Talk to teachers at school and during the Year 9 subject evening.
- Talk to their form tutor.
- Speak with our Careers Advisor.
- Visit the UCAS website for information about possible careers: www.ucas.com/explore/career-list
- Further sources of careers advice are available on the careers advice page.
- Discuss the options with family and friends.
If students, parents or carers still have queries, please let us know by email at enquiries@hopevalley.chorustrust.org or telephone on 01433 620555.
Submitting the options form
The online options form should be completed and submitted by Monday 2 March 2026.
