--- title: "Building Better Futures: The importance of option block selection" description: The key considerations and approaches to building option blocks for GCSE and A-Level cohorts. image: https://tempused.co.uk/hubfs/Dear%20Future%2c%20Im%20Ready...%20written%20on%20desert%20road.jpeg --- [![TempusEd Logo on a white background](https://tempused.co.uk/hubfs/LogoWhite.jpg)](https://tempused.co.uk) - [Home](https://tempused.co.uk) - [Blog](https://tempused.co.uk/blog) - [Contact us](https://tempused.co.uk/contact) - [Home](https://tempused.co.uk) - [Blog](https://tempused.co.uk/blog) - [Contact us](https://tempused.co.uk/contact) [Education](https://tempused.co.uk/blog/tag/education) [Curriculum Design](https://tempused.co.uk/blog/tag/curriculum-design) [Student Experience](https://tempused.co.uk/blog/tag/student-experience) [Options](https://tempused.co.uk/blog/tag/options) # Building Better Futures: The importance of option block selection [![Anthony Starkie](https://tempused.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Consultant%20Photo%20-%20Anthony.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=Consultant%20Photo%20-%20Anthony.jpg)](https://tempused.co.uk/blog/author/anthony-starkie) [Anthony Starkie](https://tempused.co.uk/blog/author/anthony-starkie) 20 February, 2023 ![Looking along a road to the future](https://tempused.co.uk/hubfs/Dear%20Future%2c%20Im%20Ready...%20written%20on%20desert%20road.jpeg) As a school leader, it is your responsibility to provide your students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future. One crucial aspect of this is the selection of (I)GCSE and (International) A-Level options. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which subjects to offer and how to construct the option blocks. In this article, we will discuss different approaches to option block selection and the role of careers guidance in the process. #### Approaches to building option blocks Preselection is a common approach where the school decides on the options to offer, based on the needs of the school and the staff. This approach is straightforward and allows for better planning and organization of resources. However, it does not take into account the individual needs and interests of the students. On the other hand, pre-surveying students provides valuable information on their interests and career aspirations. This information can be used to tailor the options offered to the needs of the students. It also promotes student engagement and ownership in their education, as they have a say in the subjects they will be studying. #### Careers Guidance Careers guidance plays a crucial role in the selection process. By providing students with information on different career paths and the subjects they need to study to achieve those careers, they can make informed decisions about their options. This not only helps them choose subjects that they will enjoy and excel in, but also helps to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications for their desired career paths. #### Pros and Cons Preselection has the advantage of being straightforward and easy to plan, but it does not take into account the individual needs of the students. Pre-surveying students, on the other hand, provides valuable information on their interests and career aspirations but can be time-consuming and difficult to implement. #### The importance of constructing the option blocks Constructing the options blocks is a crucial step in the selection process. By carefully considering the subjects offered and the number of students taking each subject, you can ensure that the resources available are used effectively and that students are able to study the subjects they have selected. To construct the options blocks, you should consider the following steps: - Gather data on the students' interests and career aspirations through pre-surveying or careers guidance.  - Decide on the subjects to offer based on the data gathered and the resources available. - Ensure that there is a balance of subjects offered, including core subjects, electives, and vocational subjects. - Consider the number of students taking each subject and allocate resources accordingly. By following these steps, you can ensure that the options blocks are constructed in a way that benefits the students and the school. Improved engagement and the selection of appropriate options for their future careers will result in better outcomes for students. In conclusion, the selection of GCSE and A-Level options is a crucial aspect of education that can have a significant impact on students' futures. By considering different approaches to option block selection and the role of careers guidance, you can ensure that your students are given the best possible education and are best prepared for the next steps in their educational journeys. #### Supporting Schools TempusEd can help schools in the option block selection process. We provide a comprehensive service that includes collating the student responses and finding the optimal block structure for the cohort. We will work with you to gather the data and use it to construct the options blocks in a way that benefits your students and school. To find out more, please [get in touch](https://tempused.co.uk/contact) or [arrange a no-obligation consultation](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/anthony-starkie). #### References - BBC Bitesize (2023), Choosing your options. \[online\] Available at [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zqpnhcw](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zqpnhcw) \[Accessed 6 February 2023\].  - Murray-West, R (2020), Head’s top tips for GCSE choices. \[online\] Available at [https://shrewsburyhigh.gdst.net/heads-top-tips-for-gcse-choices/](https://shrewsburyhigh.gdst.net/heads-top-tips-for-gcse-choices/) \[Accessed 6 February 2023\]. - University & College Admissions Service (2023), GCSE choices: practical ways to guide students. \[online\] Available at [https://www.ucas.com/node/364286](https://www.ucas.com/node/364286) \[Accessed 6 February 2023\]. 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