Please see below details of our 2025 Options process.

As part of this process we are giving the students an opportunity to do some taster session.   

Please see below the letter which was emailed out to Y9 parents/carers and the options booklet, which has been given to all Y9 students, can downloaded at the bottom of the page.

Dear Parents/Carers and Year 9 Students.

We are now at the stage where your child is approaching the end of Key Stage 3 and we have started the Year 9 options process during which, your child will be asked to select subject choices for the Key Stage 4 curriculum.

I have already delivered an assembly to the students to explain what the process entails and would now like to take the opportunity to invite you and your child to our Y9 Options Information Evening on Wednesday 4^th March from 5.15pm. During the evening you will have the opportunity to speak to subject teachers and I will be giving a talk in the Large Dining Hall explaining the options process.

Please come to the dining hall during your allocated time slot.

• 5.15pm - parent/carer and student from each of forms 9EDG, 9GLP and 9GRY

• 6.00pm - parent/carer and student from each of forms 9HTR, 9PRS, 9TMS and 9HLS

All students will be required to follow the core curriculum of:

• GCSE English Language

• GCSE English Literature

• GCSE Maths

• GCSE Science (combined or triple)

• Core Physical Education

• Personal Development

In addition, students will be asked to select 3 further choices from a range of subjects, one of which must be Geography, History, MFL or Computer Science – this is to fulfil the government requirement for all students to access a broad and balanced curriculum.

To support this options process, we offer a range of information, advice and guidance and in addition to discussions with tutors and subject teachers, the following programme takes place:

• 13^th January - Options assembly presentation for Y9 students.
• 21^st January – Year 9 Parents’ Evening – your opportunity to discuss progress in subject areas.

• 27^th January – Ebacc assembly to students
• 30^th January – ‘New’ subject assembly to students
• 30^th January – options booklet issued to students and emailed home to parents.

• 4^th March – Options Information Evening in school. The opportunity to speak to subject leaders about what their KS4 courses involve and require from the students.

• 5^th March – You will receive a link via email to an electronic form on which your child will select their option choices
• 20^th March – option choice deadline

For many students, choosing their options is a relatively straightforward process, however it is a serious decision and it needs to be given some thought. Students should think about the following questions:

• What subjects do I enjoy?
• What subjects am I currently successful in?
• What do I definitely need to do to get to where I want to be? For example, if you wish to study A Level French, you must take GCSE French.

Students - if you have a particular career in mind after you leave school, you must choose subjects that will help you to get there. Also, consider how each course is assessed and whether this plays to your strengths. However, you must be aware that it may not be possible to put some combinations on the timetable: there are limits to the number of rooms and teachers available at any one time.

Choosing options is a significant milestone for students, and it’s important that they select courses that not only suit their interests but will also enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes. Throughout the process, several members of staff — including your child’s class teacher — will review progress so far and support both students and parents in making well‑informed decisions.

As is the case each year, some courses may not run if numbers are too low, and others may become oversubscribed. For this reason, it is essential that all students choose a reserve subject in each column. This reserve should be a subject they genuinely have an interest in and would be happy to study if needed. We encourage students to keep an open mind as they explore the full range of options available so that they feel confident and informed when making their final choices.

Finally, please remember that Key Stage 4 is not the end of your child’s academic journey — it is an important stepping stone towards the many opportunities that lie ahead.

I hope the information contained here and in the rest of the booklet is useful to you and we look forwarding to meeting you on the 4^th March.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Christina Warrington - Deputy Headteacher