Subject choices for KS4 - Years 10/11 - 2023-2025

Year 9 Options: 2023-2025

The time has come for Year 9 students, along with their parents or carers, to make option
choices for courses which will start in Year 10 in September 2023 Some areas of the
curriculum such as English and Mathematics remain mandatory, but there is now an
opportunity to pursue some subjects with a heightened focus. The 2023 option process asks
students to select 4 preferences (with 2 alternative choices) for what will become their GCSE
option subjects.

Updated school performance measures have caused us to make some changes to our option
selection process in recent years. The Introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc); a set of
subjects at GCSE that keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers
has facilitated some structural changes to the options process . It requires that students in
addition to English, Mathematics and Science, to follow a Humanities course (History or
Geography), and take a Modern Foreign Language. Whilst we do not force all students to do
this, we do encourage students to take a Humanities subject, and /or a Modern Foreign
Language where appropriate. You will see this listed as ‘Preference 1’, or in both ‘Preference 1
and 2’ depending on which option form your child has been given. Please visit the link below for
further information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-ebacc/englishbaccalaureate-ebacc

Our KS4 Curriculum and Options Information evening takes place on

Thursday 9th February 2023 between 4.00 pm — 6.45 pm School Hall

In order that our students benefit most from their courses in Years 10 and 11, we have high
expectations of their maturity, application and level of motivation in regard to their current
studies in year 9. We expect that students will be organised, punctual and maintain high levels
of attendance (95%+) whether they are in school or working from home. A poor attitude to
learning could have an impact on the range of courses open to your child.

If parents/carers and/or students wish to take individual advice beyond the information made
available in the booklet and on the school website, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Holmes, Head of Year 9, or a Subject Leader/Head of Faculty who will be happy to converse with you over email.

Contact details are in the Option Booklet which can be downloaded here

Options Forms

On the 6^th February  you will be sent a copy of the options booklet by ParentMail and your son/daughter will have been given a paper copy.  Option Forms will be issued on arrival at the Options Evening on 9th February.

After attending the Option evening as outlined above, carefully considering the choice of subjects on offer, and following the instructions set out in the options booklet, the form will need to be completed and returned to school by 24th February 2023

 There is nothing to be gained by returning the form early, but any late returns will not be considered until all ‘on time’ forms have been processed.

 Your child’s options form should be returned to their form tutor

Remember, if you have any questions please contact the school using the appropriate email, as outlined in the Options Booklet.

Regards

Russell Stevens

Headteacher