Dear Parents / Carers
We are approaching the time of year when we begin to consider the transition programme and arrangements for pupils in year 9 and their move to GCSE studies in readiness for the start of key stage 4 in September.
On Friday morning I began working with year 9 pupils where I introduced the options process to them during an assembly and went through the key milestones of the process. These are outlined below:
Free Choice Survey – To be completed by Tuesday 31 January 2023
At the end of the assembly each student received a free choice survey to complete. The purpose of the survey is to assist me with the planning of the GCSE curriculum for next year and what subjects will be available for pupils to choose from later in the Spring term. This survey is done anonymously and does not commit any pupil to any subjects at this point. Pupils must return their completed survey to their form tutor by Tuesday 31 January 2023.
To support pupils with the completion of the free choice survey they have all received a digital copy of our KS4 prospectus by email, this can also be found on the Options page within the student tab on our school website.
Year 9 Options Evening – 5:00pm Thursday 9 February 2023 - Main Hall
All Year 9 pupils and their parents/guardians are invited to attend our Year 9 Options evening. The purpose of this evening will be to inform you of the courses available to your child in Year 10, in addition to sharing further information about what your child can experience in the GCSE years. There will also be an opportunity for you to tour the school to visit each department and speak with our teachers about what their courses have to offer. Draft option lines will also be shared at this event.
Making initial option choices
The next phase of the options process for Year 9 pupils is to make an initial option choice based upon the draft option lines. This will be done during the Spring term.
Making final option choices
The final phase of the options process is where Year 9 pupils select their final option choices. To support them with this all students will have a short interview with a member of staff to ask any questions they may have in advance of them completing their final choices via a digital options form. This will take place early in the summer term and parents/guardians will receive a letter confirming the choices made by their child.
I look forward to working with your child through this important process and look forward to meeting with you on Thursday 9 February 2023.
Yours sincerely
Mr A Jones
Assistant Headteacher
