Year 9 Options Evening
February 2024
Dear Parent/Carer
Year 9 Options Evening: Thursday 22nd February 4.30pm – 6.30pm
We are writing to invite you to the Year 9 Options Evening on Thursday 22nd February 2024. This is a crucial time in your child’s education with some important decisions to make, therefore attendance is vital.
The evening will run from 4.30pm-6.30pm and, during this time, you will have the opportunity to explore the different courses and qualifications that we offer at Key Stage 4. Members of staff from each department will be available to speak to during the evening. Our curriculum leaders and subject specialists have a wealth of knowledge and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
There will also be a chance to attend a 15-minute presentation with the Year Team who will talk through the options form and explain the option selection process. The presentations will be held in the Main Hall at the time intervals below.
| 5.00pm | 5.30pm | 6.00pm |
As students approach this crucial stage of their education, they will need support and guidance. The evening will contain important information for both you and your child. Students will be given an options booklet on the evening with detailed subject and course information, along with guidance on how to make appropriate choices.
Here are the key dates for the options process:
Thursday 22nd February – Options Evening, 4.30-6.30pm
Friday 23rd February – Online options forms go live via student email
Monday 26th February – Deadline for completion of options forms
Term 5 – Separate science selection assessment
Term 6 – Confirmation of option subjects
We will be supporting students over the next few weeks with options-based assemblies and further information to support them with their decision.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the process:
FAQs
Do I need to book appointments for Options Evening?
No – the event runs as an options fair; you can browse subject information and speak to staff about the subjects that they teach at your own pace.
What subjects do students have to study?
All students study and receive qualifications in English language, English literature, maths and science. All students have lessons in core PE and PSHE but do not receive qualifications in these subjects (although students can opt to study PE for GCSE if they wish).
I’m not able to come to Options Evening, where can I find information to support my child to make their choices?
The 2023/2024 options booklet will be available to view on our school website. Hard copies will be available from reception after Options Evening (22nd February) should you prefer.
What happens if my child cannot access the online form from home?
The Year Team will run an after-school session in a computer room at school on Friday 23rd February for any students who are not able to access their school emails at home to complete their forms.
Which options give my child the best options for future careers?
Where possible, all students should choose a language and one humanities subject (history, geography, or religious studies) – this will provide them with a suite of GCSEs that fulfil EBacc requirements which studies show help to improve performance in English and maths. See the below website for more information on EBacc: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-ebacc/english-baccalaureate-ebacc.
If you have any further questions, please email Emma Baker on [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 22nd February.
Yours sincerely,
James Ferguson Emma Baker
Associate Assistant Principal Achievement Year Leader
