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 year 10 in September.
This 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 Friday 24 January 2025
Tomorrow in registration each student will receive 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 does not commit any pupil to any subjects at this point. Pupils must return their completed survey to their form tutor by Friday 24 January 2025.
To support pupils with the completion of the free choice survey they have all received a digital copy of our KS4 prospectus by email. A digital copy of the free choice survey and prospectus are available on the Options page of our school website.
Year 9 Options Evening – 5:00pm Tuesday 4 February 2025 - 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 be an opportunity for you 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.
Although the primary purpose of this event is to support pupils in making option choices, from 4:30pm members of staff from the compulsory subjects of Maths, English, Welsh, Religious Studies and Welsh Baccalaureatte will be available should you wish to speak with them in advance of the presentations beginning at 5:00pm.
Making initial option choices
The next phase of the options process for Year 9 pupils is to make option choices based upon the draft option lines. This will be done later in the Spring term using a digital options form.
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 where they will be able to amend their initial choices if required. This will take place early in the summer term and options will be confirmed with pupils at this stage.
I look forward to working with your child through this important process and look forward to meeting with you on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
Yours sincerely
Mr A Jones
Assistant Headteacher
