Guided Choices Year 9


At The Lowry Academy, our Guided Choices process is designed to allow our Year 9 students make key decisions about their future with as much support and guidance possible. These are important decisions for our students as the subjects chosen will help to shape a curriculum that will suit interests and future career needs.

We have designed a curriculum offer which:  

  • is broad and balanced across a range of both academic and vocational subjects  
  • allows students to pursue courses in areas of particular talent or interest  
  • provides a level of flexibility to meet the needs of students who might require support  
  • links clearly to further study and future employment.   

In our Guided Choices booklet below you will find detailed information on all subjects that we offer from Year 10 onwards. The English Baccalaureate certificate is a key part of our Guided Choices programme at The Lowry Academy. Students who opt for a Humanities subject – either History or Geography and a Modern Language will qualify for the EBacc Certificate. English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Science are compulsory components of our KS4 curriculum for all learners. Our EBacc approach reflects the importance placed on studying this combination of subjects by the Department for Education who believe students with this combination of subjects will be provided with 'a properly rounded academic education'. Students following this route should also note they can opt for a further two subjects selected from our full offer thus allowing them to study a broad range of subjects to ensure they keep future options open.

Alongside the academic subject choices made during this process, it is also important that all students make maximum use of the range of co-curricular opportunities on offer from Music and Drama productions to Sporting activities and the library or science clubs.

This is an exciting time for students at The Lowry Academy. 

Please view our Guided Choices booklet below. If you have any further queries after reading our 2023 Guided Choices Booklet then please contact Mrs Aylward, Vice Principal by emailing rosie.aylward@lowryacademy.org.uk or Miss Wells, Assistant Principal KS3 Raising Standards by emailing sam.wells@lowryacademy.org.uk

Guided Choices Booklet 2023

Key dates for your diary

Thursday 26th January 2023:  Guided Choice Evening

All Year 9 parents, carers and students are invited to meet our teaching staff to discuss their subject choices available at KS4. Choosing the right subjects is very important for each student. This evening will be an opportunity for you to meet teachers, ask questions/ receive guidance and information about option choices and how they can help students towards their desired future pathway choices. 

Thursday 2nd March 2023:  Year 9 Parents Evening

All Year 9 parents and carers are invited to meet with their child’s current teachers to discuss their current progress and consider their suitability for studying their chosen subjects at KS4.

Thursday 9th March 2023:  Year 9 Choices Meeting

All Year 9 students will have a personal choices interview with a member of staff to finalise their KS4 option choices.