Curriculum Options

Making Informed Choices – A Staged Pathway

At The Becket School, we believe every student is unique and called to develop their God-given talents to the fullest. Our carefully structured curriculum pathways in Years 7, 8 and 9 ensure that students have the time, guidance, and experience they need to make informed choices about their learning journey.

Through a staged process, students are introduced to a broad range of subjects, encouraged to explore their interests and abilities, and supported by staff, assemblies, presentations, and parent/carer information evenings. This approach nurtures not only academic excellence but also personal growth, creativity, and resilience, reflecting our Catholic values.

By the time students make their final GCSE choices, they are confident, well-prepared, and empowered to select the subjects that will help them flourish, both academically and personally, preparing them for life beyond school.

Year 7

In Year 7, pupils enjoy two hours each week of French and German, giving them an in-depth experience of studying both languages. This changes in Year 8, as students receive two hours of Modern Languages provision each week. This allows us to continue offering a wide range of subjects on a weekly basis, including Art, Music, Drama, IT, Design Technology and Food and Nutrition, while also ensuring that students continue to develop their language skills.

Therefore, we ask our Year 7 students to choose a language to specialise in from Year 8, allowing them to immerse themselves fully and continue to make excellent progress in their chosen language.

Please find below a presentation on this language selection process, designed to support both students and parents/guardians.

Y7 presentation

The online Google Form for language choices will open on Monday of the third week in June and will close on Monday of the fourth week in June. Parents will also receive a letter outlining the process.

Year 8

In Year 8, students study both History and Geography, building a strong foundation in the humanities. At the end of the year, students will be asked to specialise in either History or Geography going into Year 9. This ensures they develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed for future success in their GCSE studies.

Students and parents/carers are supported in making this choice through detailed presentations on both subjects.

History Presentation and Geography presentation

The online Google Form for humanities choices will open on Monday of the third week in June and will close on Monday of the fourth week in June. Parents will also receive a letter outlining the process.

Year 9

In Year 9, students make their final GCSE option choices, selecting TWO subjects from the following list:

French
German
Art
Design Technology
Drama
Food and Nutrition
Music
Physical Education
Computer Science

Please note that students will not be able to select both Design Technology and Food Technology. This is due to the capacity of specialist rooming’s and staffing. This process takes place after the Easter holidays in Year 9 and is supported through assemblies, a parent/carer presentation and option evening (TBC), the Year 9 Parents’ Evening to meet subject teachers, and a detailed information booklet.

Y9 Options Booklet – Subject Information

The online Google Form for GCSE option choices will open the day after the Year 9 Parents’ Evening and will close one week later. Parents will also receive a letter outlining the process.

Through these staged pathways, students are empowered to make informed decisions that reflect their strengths, interests, and aspirations, while nurturing their personal growth and God-given potential.

Extra Curricular

At The Becket School we offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities to support the curriculum as well as develop students’ interests, skills and talents. We want our students to get involved in as many clubs and enrichment opportunities as possible.

We believe that in order to offer an outstanding Catholic education we have a responsibility to develop our students both academically as well as the whole person. Having the opportunity to explore and get involved in enrichment opportunities allows you to develop as an individual and build on areas that you may be passionate about. We also think these clubs are great fun and a brilliant opportunity to meet new people! Please have a look at our enrichment timetable for more information.

Please see below the extra curricular timetable for the different year groups:

Timetable