Key Stage 4 Pathways

Welcome to your Year 8 Pathways information page

During Year 8, you will choose the subjects you will study from the start of Year 9, when Key Stage 4 begins at Swanshurst.

The pathways process helps you explore the courses available, think about your strengths and interests, and make informed choices about your future. You will receive support through assemblies, lessons, taster activities and conversations with staff. Parents and carers will also have opportunities to find out more and discuss the options available.

Key dates

Subjects you will study

All students will study English Language, English Literature, mathematics and science. Students will follow either the combined science or triple science route, with guidance provided by the Science department.

Alongside their qualification courses, students will continue to study a wider curriculum, including physical education, computing, religious studies, citizenship, and health and wellbeing.

Students will normally choose four option subjects. Those following the supported learning pathway will receive separate guidance about their choices and the number of subjects they will study.

Visit Subjects You Can Choose to explore the courses available, including what you will learn, how you will be assessed and where each subject could lead.

Making your choices

Take time to explore the subjects available and discuss your ideas with your family and teachers.

When considering a subject, think about:

• Whether you enjoy it and are interested in learning more.
• Your strengths and the progress you are making.
• How the course is assessed, including examinations and coursework.
• How it could support your future education, training or career plans.

Choose subjects that suit your interests and abilities. Try to make your own decisions rather than choosing a subject because your friends have selected it.

Students must choose either history or geography. We also encourage students to consider a modern foreign language. The pathways form will explain the requirements for each pathway and any restrictions on subject combinations.

Support for students, parents and carers

You do not need to make these decisions on your own. Subject teachers can explain course content and assessment, while form tutors and the Year 8 team can help you think through your choices.

The Pathways Evening, taster activities and Parents’ Evening will provide opportunities to ask questions and find out more before completing the form.

Visit Pathways Support for presentations, guidance and resources to help with discussions at home.

Completing your pathways form

The link to the online pathways form will be sent home on Monday 1 March 2027.

Please read the instructions carefully and use the information from lessons, events and discussions with staff to make your choices.

The form will be open for completion from Monday 8 March until 3pm on Friday 12 March 2027.

If you need help accessing or completing the form, please contact the school before the deadline.

What happens next?

From the week commencing 15 March 2027, staff will review students’ choices through personal interviews and begin creating the pathways groups.

We will aim to accommodate students’ preferences. Where a choice or combination cannot be offered, staff will discuss suitable alternatives with the student.

Pathways subjects will be confirmed in June 2027, ready for the start of Year 9 in September.