Pencoed Pathways: GCSE Options 2026-28
Welcome to the GCSE Options page for the Year 10 2026-2028 cohort. Below information about the different GCSE option subjects. If you prefer, you can download the full booklet here.
Each Area of Learning Experience in the school delivers a range of qualifications to Year 10 and 11 learners, both academic and vocational. Learners will select three 'options' subjects to study across the two years, in addition to the compulsory core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Religious Studies, Welsh, and Skill Challenge Certificate. Learners will also have two Games lessons a fortnight.
Think carefully about your choices, and make sure they're right for you:
- What subjects do you really enjoy? You'll do better if you're actually interested in what you're learning!
- Are there specific subjects you need to take in order to progress to further study? The majority of subjects will link neatly to AS and A Level studies. However, if you're interested in a particular college or vocational course, or area of work, make sure you check the entry requirements.
- Keep your options open. If you're not sure what you want to do after GCSEs, don't panic - it's a lot to think about when you're only 14! Look at options that cover a range of topics and skills, rather than focusing on a particular area. Good grades in a range of options, and your core subjects are just as valuable.
- Make your own choice. Whilst it's nice to have a friend in class, chances are that you and your friends have different interests and goals. Taking an option just because your friend is, is not in your best interest. It's important to put yourself first!
- Make your own choice - part 2! Don't choose, or avoid choosing, an option because 'that teacher loves me!'/'that teacher hates me!'. Firstly, teachers don't love or hate pupils! Sometimes you may not see eye-to-eye on things, but this shouldn't influence your choices. Secondly, you won't necessarily have the same teacher next year, or a different teacher for that matter! GCSE is a step up from Key Stage 3. If you follow the advice above, and choose subjects that you're interested in, you'll be fine - you're studying something your teacher is just as passionate about!
Below is a list of courses delivered by each AoLE. You can scroll down to view them all, or click the links below to go directly to a particular subject. Each subject has an information sheet, and options subjects also have a short video introduction from key teaching staff.
- EXPRESSIVE ARTS
- HEALTH & WELLBEING
- HUMANITIES
- LANGUAGE, LITERACY & COMMUNICATION
- MATHS & NUMERACY
- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
GCSE ART and Design
Art and Design Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Art and Design Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Art and Design
GCSE Art and Design: Photography
Art and Design: Photography Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Art and Design Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Art and Design
GCSE Drama
Useful links:
WJEC Drama Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Drama
GCSE digital media and film
Digital Media and Film Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Digital Media and Film Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Media Studies
GCSE Music
Useful links:
WJEC Music Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Music
HEALTH & WELLBEING
GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare
Health and Social Care, and Childcare Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Health and Social, and Childcare Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Health and Social Care
Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering
Hospitality and Catering Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Hospitality and Catering Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Hospitality and Catering
GCSE Physical Education and health
Physical Education and Health Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Physical Education and Health Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Physical Education
Level 1/2 Sport and Coaching Principles
Sports and Coaching Principles Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Sports and Coaching Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Sports and Coaching
HUMANITIES
GCSE Business
Business Studies Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Business Studies Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Business Studies
GCSE Geography
Useful links:
WJEC Geography Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Geography
GCSE History
Useful links:
WJEC History Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to History
GCSE Social Studies
Social Studies Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Social Studies Flyer
**GCSE Religious Studies - COMPULSORY**
Religious Studies Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Religious Studies Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Religious Studies
**Skills Challenge Certificate - COMPULSORY**
Skills Challenge Certificate Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Skills Challenge Certificate Flyer
WJEC - What employers say about SCC
LANGUAGE, LITERACY & COMMUNICATION
**GCSE ENGLISH Language and literature - COMPULSORY**
English Language and Literature Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC English Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to English
GCSE Spanish
Useful links:
WJEC Spanish Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to International Languages
**GCSE Core Cymraeg (Welsh) - COMPULSORY**
Core Cymraeg Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Core Cymraeg Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Welsh
MATHS & NUMERACY
**GCSE Maths- COMPULSORY**
Useful links:
WJEC Maths Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Maths
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GCSE Design Technology: Engineering
DT: Engineering Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Design Technology Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Engineering
GCSE Design Technology: Product Design
DT: Product Design Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Design Technology Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Design and Technology
GCSE Digital Technology
Digital Technology Course Information
Useful links:
WJEC Digital Technology Flyer
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Information Communication Technology
**GCSE Double / Single Science - Compulsory**
Double / Single Science Course Information
Useful links:
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Biology / Chemistry / Physics
GCSE Triple Science - Optional
Triple Science Course Information
Useful links:
Careers Wales - Careers linked to Biology / Chemistry / Physics
You can find useful information about choosing courses, subject paths, and careers on the Careers Wales website.