Year 9 is a pivotal year as pupils have the option to choose some of what to study in Key Stage 4 when they move into Year 10 at the start of June 2023. When considering the choices available, it is important to make informed decisions.

Parents and pupils are encouraged to take time to discuss and research the options available. There is no first come, first served basis, so there is no need to rush to submit the option/choices form before the deadline of Tuesday 7 February 2023.  We advise pupils to find out all they can about the subjects they are interested in and be sure about what they want to study in Key Stage 4. There will be additional information available to pupils on MS Teams.

At our Year 9 Pupils' Futures and Choices Learning Conference on Wednesday 18 January in the Main Hall, Miss Brace, Assistant Head, talked with pupils about the upcoming process of choosing the subjects they want to study at GCSE, as well as looking further ahead. Hopefully they have taken away that it is important not to rush these important decisions and that choosing a wide range of subjects will ensure that they have still have a wide range of choice post 16.

Our next information event was the Year 9 Key Stage 4 Curriculum Evening: Choices at 14 on Thursday 19 January with the opportunity for parents and pupils to find out about the options process and then talk with subject teachers. Each family was also given a copy of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum Guide: Choices at 14 (see below).

When considering the options available, pupils should reflect on what interests them, focus on what they want to do, think longer term, ask questions, listen to advice, and allow school staff and parents and carers to guide them towards the most appropriate courses if necessary.