All students (whether currently at King Edward’s or new applicants) entering into Year 9 are asked to make choices about the range of subjects that they will study.
All pupils study, or continue to study, the subjects below:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• English
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Religious Studies
• Physical Education & Games
• Physics
• Wellbeing
We then ask pupils to choose a further five subjects to study alongside the mandatory ones listed above.
This can be either Two languages + 3 option subjects or Three languages + 2 option subjects.
Languages
All pupils study at least two languages in Year 9.
Current pupils will continue to study their Modern Foreign Language 1, that being the language first started in Year 7. For their Modern Foreign Language 2 they have the option to continue to study their current Modern Foreign Language 2, i.e. the language started at the beginning of Year 8, or switch to Italian or Latin.
Pupils joining the school next year must pick two languages from French, German, Spanish, Latin, or Italian. It is expected that one language will have been studied for at least two years, and that the other will have been studied for at least one year – unless opting for Italian which is taught as a beginners language.
It is possible to study three languages, in which case one will
Thinking Ahead to GCSE Options
Please note that it will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of Year 10.
It is not essential for those intending to take Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Art, Classical Civilisation, or Computer Science at GCSE to study the subject in Year 9.
If in twelve months’ time you decide you want to take a language to GCSE, you will only be able to choose a language that you have studied in Year 9.
For students joining King Edward VI School in Year 9:
- If you have only studied one language in your current school you must pick that and Italian.
- Should you need any advice regarding language options please do not hesitate to contact Mr A J Sinclair (Head of Languages) ajms@kes.hants.sch.uk
For current Year 8 King Edward VI School students:
be Latin.
If you decide on two languages, you can add any three subjects from the list below, whilst if you decide on three languages, you can add two subjects from the list below:
Art*, Design and Technology*, Music*, Drama*, Computer Science, or Classical Civilisation.
Please note that whether choosing two or three subjects from this list, at least one must be a creative subject, marked *
Dr BM Waymark –Deputy Head (Academic) Bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk
- Take lots of advice – from your tutor, your teachers, heads of department, head of year or Dr Waymark. Visit the Guidance Centre and talk to the careers team.
Although every effort will be made to match everyone’s choices, unfortunately it is impossible to guarantee that you will be given all your preferences. Various timetabling pressures mean that a few people may be unable to do their preferred combination, which is why we ask you to list alternatives.
Year 8 to Year 9 Options 2025-2026
Art
The Art course in Year 9 is predominately technique-based, the main aim to give pupils the opportunity to explore as many different materials and processes as possible in preparation for GCSE but also to make the year dynamic and fun. The topics are designed like an art foundation course and aims to encourage experimentation as having investigating materials and process.
Projects usually last half a term and considerable emphasis is placed on pupils gaining awareness of the work of different artists and cultures. We look at a wide range of influences from Fine art to fashion illustration and everything in between. We have also taken students on trips such as a visit to the Harry Potter film studios to see the artwork that is behind the scenes. We also exhibit students finished pieces so they see their work in a professional setting.
The department is well equipped with spacious creative open studios. The department has excellent printmaking facilities, large kiln, ceramic wheels, small darkroom and specialist Apple iMac suite running Adobe Creative Cloud and giclée printer. We have one of the best art libraries of any school with titles covering Fine Art to Sculpture, Graphic design and Art History. The studios are regularly open after school and lunchtimes for students to work in lovely creative environment. We have a dedicated gallery.
Head of Department: Mr G L Piggott glp@kes.hants.sch.uk
Classical Civilisation
This course is ideal for all students who have an interest in the civilisation of Ancient Greece and Rome, whether or not they continue with their Latin Studies.
In Year 9 we look at the development of Ancient Greek Societies and read extracts from Homer’s Odyssey. In addition all students will undertake an independent investigation into a topic of their choice.
This is a very diverse subject with something for everyone. The ancient world still informs the present and there will be plenty of discussion on comparison of values and lifestyles as well as appreciation of the influences on our own culture. There will be opportunities for research, project work and student presentations and students will develop a wide range of transferable skills, including assessment of ancient visual and written material and critical and evaluative writing. During the year there will also be a museum visit to the Roman Baths in Bath to support the topics studied.
Head of Department: Miss I M Painter imp@kes.hants.sch.uk
Classics - Latin
in Year 9, students continue to build upon the vocabulary and grammar they have already acquired. We continue to work through the ‘De Romanis’ coursebook, learning a set number of new words each chapter and using them to practice new elements of the Latin language.
Elements of culture are still studied as background to each chapter.
Those who enjoy Latin are encouraged to bear in mind that they are already two years along the road to GCSE, since everything done so far counts towards it. If Latin is discontinued at this stage, it cannot be picked up again later and there will be few opportunities to study it in later life. Latin is a very broad subject and provides training in several valuable skills, linguistic, literary and historical, which make it highly regarded.
Head of Department: Miss I M Painter imp@kes.hants.sch.uk
Computer Science
What is Computer Science
No single subject offers greater potential to change the world than Computer Science. More than anything else, Computer Science is about problem solving. Computational thinking allows us to analyse problems and break them down so that a solution can be created. Usually this involves writing some code but to do this well, you need to understand how computers process information.
This is the difference between a self-taught coder and a Computer Scientist.
Studying Computer Science develops immensely useful skills that are transferrable to just about every subject and discipline. You will develop problem-solving skills that will improve how you think logically and creatively. You will gain a unique perspective that you can use to break problems down, and you will gain a better understanding of how computers work.
Subject Context
In year 8 students were introduced to key ideas like algorithms, logic gates and programming techniques. Now in year 9, we get to properly dive into Computer Science and explore in a bit more depth.
In this year students will study:
• Problem solving skills – Further develop their understanding of programming techniques and develop a working knowledge of the Python programming language.
• Impact on the world – Develop an understanding of the wider implications of digital technology by looking at data science and artificial intelligence.
• Cybersecurity – One of the fastest growing industries with growing implications for our modern and connected world – learn about how cyberattacks occur and how to safeguard against them.
• Connected world – Building on topics from previous years, looking at web design, students will get a “look under the hood” of web page technology by learning some HTML and CSS, two of the principal technologies that the web is built on.
Head of Department:
Mr DG Cutler dgc@kes.hants.sch.uk
Year 8 to Year 9 Options 2025-2026
Design & Technology
Design and Technology in Year 9 gives pupils the chance continue to build practical and design-based skills and apply these in hands on project work.
Pupils are introduced to more advanced computer aided design work, using our departments laser cutter and a CAM vinyl cutters. Hand manufacturing is also taught, with pupils working with timbers, fabrics and plastics during the year.
During Year 9 pupils have the opportunity to explore a new area of Design and Technology; Electronics. Learning about electrical components and soldering a circuit board for a lamp.
Alongside the practical challenges pupils can develop their own sketching style, continuing to draw in 2 and 3D as well as digitally using the Sketchbook iPad application.
This year acts as a foundation to GCSE study and allows pupils to experience a blend of the three in depth GCSE Design and Technology areas offered at King Edward’s.
Design and Technology at Year 9 offers a blend of both creative exploration and tangible practical skills in a number of different workshop environments.
Head of Department:
Mrs A Blow amlb@kes.hants.sch.uk
Drama
The Year 9 Drama course offers students a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of drama and the theatre. The course has been designed to provide a well-rounded education for all students and is especially useful preparation for those considering Drama GCSE.
Through practical workshops, students have the opportunity to develop their performance skills, as well as exploring costume, set, lighting and sound design. They will learn how to approach scripted and devised performances and explore different staging techniques, including mask work and storytelling. Students will build their confidence when working with different groups and will learn how theatre production teams work to create each performance.
Pupils will also attend a workshop by a leading contemporary theatre company to develop skill directly linked with the industry.
Head of Department:
Mrs L A Gilmour lag@kes.hants.sch.uk
Year 8 to Year 9 Options 2025-2026
French
French at King Edward’s is taught in a lively and communicative way and the Year 9 programme should prove stimulating and rewarding to all pupils, whether studying French as their first or second modern language. By the end of the year, all French pupils should feel confident enough to continue with French in the Upper School.
Pupils in Year 9 continue the ‘Dynamo’ course which they began earlier in the Lower School. Pupils in their second year of French will meet six times a fortnight rather than four and use the ‘Dynamo 2’ textbook. Those who have studied French for longer at KES will follow the ‘Dynamo 3’ course and meet four times a fortnight. The aim is that all students will have a solid foundation before they embark on their IGCSE.
As well as the textbooks, pupils have access to complimentary resources on the Dynamo website and teachers can assign tasks and assignments accordingly. There are videos that accompany the course and pupils enjoy following a group of French teenagers and their adventures. As pupils will have become familiar with the Studio books already, this is a natural and straightforward progression for them.
French teachers work closely together to encourage and challenge all pupils. At this stage, all classes are mixed ability, allowing all pupils to access materials evenly. French teachers aim to open students’ eyes to the possibilities and opportunities of studying French at IGCSE. We are lucky to have a French assistant who organises a French speaking club every week and also sees pupils in lessons to work on their spoken French.
We have an annual visit from a French speaking theatre group, which allows students to appreciate the progress they have made in their French-learning journey and this coupled with further opportunities in the Upper School to explore the language, such as a biannual trip to Paris, means that our students truly grow in their knowledge and understanding of French culture and language.
French is the first or second language of many countries; France is our nearest continental neighbour and an important business partner and provides many leisure opportunities. Fluency in such a major language is an asset in many careers and the French department aims to engender passion from the outset in this excellent subject.
Upper School pupils are invited to travel to France during October half-term. This biannual trip takes place over 4 days and introduces pupils to the sights and sounds of Paris. It is a popular trip and pupils return with a great understanding of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Head of Department:
Ms K M Clement kmc@kes.hants.sch.uk
German
German is the EU language with the largest number of native speakers and the second most commonly used scientific language in the world. Germany is also the world’s largest exporter and the financial capital of Europe, so a knowledge of German makes good business sense as well as providing the key to an understanding of much of our shared European literary and musical heritage.
The German Year 9 continuers’ course at King Edward’s continues the lively approach to language learning experienced by Year 8 beginners, using a range of up-to-date materials: course-books, frequent use of ICT, whether on individual devices or school computers, many online materials and DVDs. It continues to cover topics most likely to be of interest and relevance to young people - such as holidays, TV and film, food and hobbies - with a firm emphasis on communication and understanding. This approach is supported by an appreciation of language structure and regular access to our German language assistant, providing an ideal foundation for the Edexcel IGCSE course in Year 10 and Year 11. Extra resources are uploaded to the King Edward’s intranet and to Google Classroom, which can be accessed from home as well as in School, providing extra practice when it is needed.
The course also focuses on the culture and customs of the German-speaking nations of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and encourages contact with these countries. The Department offers a weekend trip to Berlin for Lower School students as well as a weekly German Culture Club.
This is a stimulating course for pupils with the desire to acquire a major European language, which will be increasingly marketable in the UK as a direct result of the current national climate of low language uptake at GCSE.
Head of Department: Mr R D Soames rds@kes.hants.sch.uk
Year 8 to Year 9 Options 2025-2026
Italian
In Year 9, a beginner’s Italian course is offered as a second Modern Language. Students are quickly introduced to the basics of this beautiful, musical language, spoken by around 80 million people.
This course is suitable for strong, keen linguists, who already have a foundation in the romance languages. An intensive but enjoyable first year can lead to study of the language as a GCSE in the Upper School and onto A Level in the Sixth Form. Grammatically, Italian shares roots closely with French and Spanish, however studies of Latin also help significantly, particularly with recognition of vocabulary. Lessons are taught over six periods per fortnight and students will have gained a good grasp of the language by the end of Year 9. Additionally, we have a native language assistant who works closely with the group on a fortnightly basis.
Learning Italian, knowing a language different from the more typical foreign languages taught at schools, allows students to stand out from the crowd, and will enable access to a fantastic country, culture and people.
A study trip to Italy of four days is offered during February half-term.
Italian Co-ordinator: Mrs S Rugge-Price srp@kes.hants.sch.uk
Music
Music in Year 9 offers pupils the opportunity to delve deeper into genre style and ensemble skills. Highly practical, pupils spend the majority of learning time on musical instruments in practice rooms or in our iMac suite. Pupils demonstrate learning through creating performances and compositions that they have creative control over. Topics include Film Music, Rock’N’Roll, Jazz, BritPop, and Music from around the world. The topics are designed to prepare students for the continued study of academic music into GCSE whilst maintaining a focus on practical, engaging music making above all.
Through original performances and compositions students can better understand the musical elements that make these genres successful and utilize the skills learnt in performing to aid their musical literacy. Pupils will advance their understanding of Music Technology engaging with software programmes such as Musescore and LogicPro.
Although many students who play musical instruments/ voice select the course, there is no requirement to learn a musical instrument/ voice in Year 9. Students should have a curiosity for the subject and be willing to enjoy the performance element. The course also includes workshop and concert trip opportunities specifically tailored to the topics and enrichment of Year 9 Music.
We encourage all Year 9 students to take part in one or more musical activity in the School, (such as Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, KES Choir, Chamber Choir, Swing Band or Big Band) as this supports musical literacy and key skills such as resilience, organisation and creative problem solving.
Head of Department: Ms T Hayden tjh@kes.hants.sch.uk
Year 8 to Year 9 Options 2025-2026
Spanish
Studying Spanish will enable you to communicate with the 400 million people who speak the language, whether that be on holiday in Spain or Latin America or in a work-related environment in the future. The course not only teaches language and grammar but it also gives you an insight into some of the liveliest and most vibrant cultures on the planet.
Year 9 syllabus is fast-moving and practical and the textbook Viva 2 or Viva 3 gives you a firm basis of the grammar and structure of the language for you to build on successfully. This is supplemented by online resources which students can access both at School and at home, through the Google Classroom or the Internet, with personal logins. There is fortnightly contact with the language assistant in order to practise speaking.
Year 9 pupils traditionally travel to Spain with Year 10 at the beginning of the Easter holidays. Students take part in a Homestay programme in Córdoba, where they stay with families in pairs and attend Spanish lessons at a specialist language school.
