At The Spires College, we want to ensure that all students succeed in their chosen subjects.  Therefore, we offer careful guidance to ensure that students are on a pathway that is appropriate for them. In addition to four option subjects, all students will study English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Science, PE, PSHE and Religious Education.

The English Baccalaureate

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is an academic pathway that consists of English, Mathematics, Science, Geography or History and a Language. Students must achieve a grade 5 or above in all subjects to achieve the EBacc award.

The EBacc pathway is available to all students. We recommend that everyone considers following this pathway and advise that those with high prior attainment, in particular, do so. A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a young person will stay on in full-time education. Therefore, in particular, students hoping to continue their studies into higher education should opt for subjects that fulfil the EBacc requirements.

Whist we do not wish to mandate that students follow the EBacc pathway, do bear in mind that an increasing number of young people across the country will achieve this set of academic qualifications and they will effectively be competing against your child when applying for university places and jobs.

The Options process

Choosing the right subjects to study in depth throughout Key Stage 4 is very important and we strongly advise that parents and students access all the support available throughout the process to discuss the choices that are available.

Key Dates

Year 8 Options Assembly – TBC

Options Booklet Published (see link below) – TBC

Options Consultation Evening – TBC

Deadline to Complete Online Form – TBC

Subject Allocation Letter Sent Home – TBC