Year 9 Options Evening 2025
Dear Parent/Carer
Year 9 Options Evening: Thursday 27th February 4.30pm – 6.30pm
We are writing to invite you to Year 9 Options Evening on Thursday 27th February 2025. This is a crucial time in your child’s education with some important decisions to make, therefore we strongly encourage attendance for both you and your child.
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 during Year 9 Parents’ Evening with detailed subject and course information, along with guidance on how to make appropriate choices.
Here are the key dates for the 2025 options process:
Thursday 9th February – Options Booklets given out during Year 9 Parents’ Evening
Thursday 27th February – Options Evening 4.30-6.30pm
Friday 7th March – Deadline for submission of options forms
Term 5 – Separate science selection assessment
Term 6 – Confirmation of option subjects
We strongly encourage students to submit their forms only when they are certain of their choices. Please note that options are not given on a first come, first served basis and therefore your child will not be at a disadvantage by waiting to submit their choices until Friday 7th March.
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.
How should completed forms be submitted?
Options forms should be handed to Reception or to a member of the Year Team at the Year 9 sign-in desk in the morning– Ms Milburn, Mr O’Callaghan or Miss Hamblett.
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.
I’m not able to come to Options Evening, where can I find information to support my child to make their choices?
An electronic copy of the Options Booklet will be sent to families and it will be shared on our website. Hard copies will also be provided to students during Parents’ Evening on Thursday 6th February.
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. Please visit 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 [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at Options Evening on Thursday 27th February.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Milburn
Associate Assistant Principal
