In Year 9 some decisions have to be made about the course of study that you will follow in Years 10 and 11 at St Paul's. At this stage, it is important that you undertake a broad and balanced path of study, which means that your choices should not miss out any major area of the curriculum. This is to ensure that you will not be at a disadvantage later, when choosing subjects to study in higher education or entering a particular field of employment. The National Curriculum is designed to promote this same philosophy.

The Pathways Booklet 2005-2007 (GCSE Options) explains the courses of study that are open to you during the next two years. You should read this booklet carefully to find out which courses are offered by each department. Some of the subjects will be new to you and Heads of Department have given as much guidance as possible in this booklet. Your teachers will also be discussing the nature of their courses with you and will be pleased to answer your questions.

The Core Subjects

Every student will study the following core subjects:

• Religious Education (including Pastoral Education)
• English and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Balanced Science (Double Certificate)
• Leisure Activities (PE & Enrichment)

The rest of the students' curriculum will be made up of four areas:

Block 1: Humanities

• History
• Geography
• ICT Double Award (if not currently studying a Modern Language)

Block 2: Modern Languages

• French
• German
• Spanish
• ICT Double Award (if not currently studying a Modern Language)

Block 3: Technology, Creative and Performing Arts

• Art
• Design & Technology – Resistant Materials
• Design & Technology – Graphic Media
• Design & Technology – Food Technology
• ICT Double Award (must also be taken in Block 4)
• Music
• Drama

Block 4: Bias Block

• Art
• Drama
• Geography
• History
• Physical Education
• Leisure and Tourism
• Media Studies
• Music
• Spanish
• Design & Technology – Resistant Materials
• Design & Technology – Graphic Media
• Design & Technology – Food Technology
• ICT Double Award (must also be taken in Block 3)

In Block 4 you may choose any one of these, but not a subject you have already selected in another block, apart from IT which is a double award.

All of the Options are described in much more detail in the Pathways Booklet 2005-2007 (GCSE Options) which also includes the Pathways Form (at the back of the booklet).