Our curriculum has been planned and developed to provide a whole education for all students. When we describe our curriculum, we are not just talking about the sequencing of lessons and subjects across the key stages, but also our Enrichment Days and Every Child Should strategy, which together enrich and broaden a student’s time at Hove Park School. 

Our curriculum is about developing skills, knowledge and providing experiences that will enable all students to make a positive contribution to their community and prepare them for life beyond school. You can find out more information about our curriculum as a whole here: https://www.hovepark.org.uk/curriculum

Students have to make three decisions:

• Whether to study geography or history.
• Which 2 other subjects to study.
• Which 2 subjects to list as reserve choices (in case we are unable to offer the first choice).

Most students will study 9 GCSEs.

All students study the following subjects, which total 6 GCSEs:

• English language & English literature;
• a modern foreign language;
• mathematics;
• science combined course (double award: 2 x GCSEs)

In addition to these 6 qualifications, all students take either geography or history and choose a further 2 courses, making a total of 9 qualifications. In addition to this, some students will also take GCSE Statistics along with mathematics.

In addition to these courses, all students have PE lessons and follow courses covering philosophy, ethics and religion (PRE) and personal, social and health education (PSHE), which includes sex and relationships education.  These are not examined courses.

In addition to their core curriculum, students choose 2 subjects from the following list: art, business studies, computer science, creative media, design & technology, drama, food & nutrition, a second humanity subject (either geography or history), a second language (Chinese, French, German or Spanish), music, photography, physical education, psychology, religious studies, separate (triple) sciences.

All students have to study a humanity at GCSE and choose either geography or history. However, some students may want to study both of these subjects, in which case, they should choose the other subject as one of their two options.

All students will study the same modern foreign language at GCSE level that they are currently studying in Year 8. However, some students may want to study a second language, so should choose that language as one of their options.

As part of the core curriculum, all students study core PE and a course in PRE (philosophy and religious studies). However, we also teach these courses as GCSEs for those students who would like to study the subjects on greater depth. In this case, students should choose the subjects as option subjects. If they do this, they will still also follow the core PE and PRE courses.

Yes. You can choose any 2 subjects from the list of available subjects.

Hove Park’s curriculum ensures that all students keep as many doors open as possible.  As part of the options process we will be making sure that students have a balance of subjects that is right for them.  We will offer alternatives where necessary to meet individual learning needs and these will be discussed with parents/carers. For any students who need additional advice, we will arrange an interview with a senior member of staff to discuss their options after the forms have been handed in.

We make every effort to offer students their first choices and will consult with them and their parents/carers if this is not possible. 

The form has been created as an electronic survey which students need to complete online. Please note, the link to the survey is on our website. There is also a PDF version of the options application form on the website which can be printed, completed and then handed in at the year office or sent via email to office@hovepark.org.uk.