Year 9 Curriculum Pathways

Year 9 marks an important transition point in a pupil’s educational journey at Eastwood Academy. As pupils begin to consider their future aspirations, the Curriculum Pathways process helps them make informed choices about the subjects they will study in Key Stage 4. These decisions will shape their learning experience in Years 10 and 11 and ultimately lead to formal qualifications such as GCSEs and vocational awards.

While all pupils continue to study a core curriculum—including English, mathematics, science, and physical education—they also have the opportunity to select from a range of option subjects that reflect their interests, strengths, and future goals. Through assemblies, information evenings, and one-to-one guidance, we ensure that both pupils and parents are fully supported throughout the decision-making process. This section provides key information about the pathways process, subject options, and the support available to help every pupil make confident and well-informed choices.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum 

English Baccalaureate (EBacc) The EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers. It includes the following subjects:

• English Language or Literature.

• Mathematics.

• Combined Science.

• Modern Foreign Language (French)

• History or Geography.

The EBacc was introduced by the DfE to “promote achievement of a broad academic core at 16” - DfE EBacc Guidance A study by the UCL Institute of Education showed that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides pupils with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education. Further, Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can help improve a young person’s performance in English and maths.

Pupils must choose three subjects - one from each block. The following pages provide an overview of each course, information about course content and details of assessment arrangements. Additional information can be found by following the link to the relevant exam board website under the ‘Specification’ heading. For subject-specific questions, contact details for each course leader are provided on each subject page. For general inquiries please contact Mrs. N. Hewitt - nhewitt@eastwood.southend.sch.uk

Curriculum Pathways Booklet 2026