Curriculum Choices in Year 9 for Key Stage 4

As students transition from Key Stage 3 to 4, it is vital that they develop the skills that underpin the knowledge & understanding they acquire to access the next phase of their learning

At St Albans Girls School, we pride ourselves on offering our learners a truly broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum. Our aim is to support and guide Year 9 students as they embark on their learning journey into Key Stage 4. For the first time, students will be able to make choices about their future and it is of the utmost importance that they choose subjects that they enjoy so that they achieve well in the GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. We encourage all students to keep their curriculum as broad and open whilst choosing subjects that they enjoy and will excel in. 

Students need to adopt a positive attitude in class and organise their home learning time effectively. They are also expected to develop their thinking, ask questions and apply their knowledge; The choices they make will lead them into the next stage of their education and employment, as such students are encouraged to consider their plans for the future to help inform their choices.

Students are guided through this transition with a series of assemblies, an information evening, taster lessons, a subject fair and will attend progression meetings with a member of the leadership team to support with initial discussions. The full timeline of activities is shown below and more specific details will be shared at the Curriculum Choices evening in January 2026.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Choices Timeline 2025

Year 9 Curriculum Choices Timeline 2025-2026 - Infographic