At CBSC, we take pride in our curriculum, in the flexibility it affords and the opportunities it gives to our students. The provision of a broad and balanced curriculum is crucial to the development of well-rounded learners who have the opportunity to progress into our Sixth Form and beyond.

Moving into Year 9, all students will continue to study the full National Curriculum. However, Year 8 pupils are given the opportunity to select two subjects that are not on the National Curriculum to trial in Year 9. This approach allows your son to develop a deeper understanding of these new subjects during a foundation year, helping him to test his suitability for these disciplines before making a final commitment.

The process begins in the autumn and spring terms of Year 8 when pupils are informed of the requirements and the benefits of selecting different subject options. This takes place through tutor time and through assemblies. During the spring term, all parents are invited to an initial Pathways Evening with their child to discuss the provisional subjects on offer for Year 9.

Following this exploratory year, we will hold a second Pathways Evening during Year 9. This is a vital milestone where students, supported by their teachers and families, will decide if they wish to carry these trial subjects forward as finalised GCSE or Level 2 Vocational Courses through Year 10 and Year 11. The process can seem quite complex, and these evenings provide invaluable opportunities to discuss the permutations of these choices at each stage of the journey.

This section of the website contains essential information for you and your son. You will need time to read it carefully, and we cannot emphasise strongly enough that your son should not make hasty decisions and should seek the advice of as many adults as possible, including yourself, teachers, tutors and their learning co-ordinators. Above all, ensure that the choices made are in your child’s best interest, and not simply because it is a subject that their friends have chosen.

This is an exciting time for your child; it is the beginning of a journey towards a bright future. I look forward to seeing you at the options evening.

Key dates below: 

Date	Details
Thursday 12 March 2026	Y8 to Y9 Pathways Meeting 5pm
Thursday 26 March 2026	Y8 Parents’ Evening (Face to Face)
Friday 27 March 2026	Pathways Selection Opens
Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April 2026	Easter Break
Wednesday 22 April 2026	Deadline for the submission of the ‘Y8 into Y9 Pathways’ choices
June 2026	Y8 into Y9 ‘Pathway’ choices confirmed

Matt Robinson
Deputy Principal