It's nearly decision time for Year 9 - the moment when you can start taking some control of your own direction, following your passions and developing the skills you need for your own future.
Whether you're already clear on what you want to do or - more likely - confused about which options to pick, don't panic! We've put together lots of information and advice to help you think it all through and to reach a decision you feel confident about.
There's no need to rush into a decision. It's a process, and we've a programme of events and resources to guide and support you. Take your time, do your research and reflect on your interests, strengths and dreams.
OPTIONS PROGRAMME 2021
TUESDAY 23 FEB - Virtual Options Evening - Find out everything you need to know about choosing your options. This will be online, with video guides, FAQ, and a comprehensive listing of information about all 29 subjects on offer at Key Stage 4
FRIDAY 26 FEB - Taster day selection deadline - Pick your three subjects for Taster Day.
FRIDAY 5 MARCH - Taster Day - Try out Key Stage 4 lessons and find out more about Options subjects. This year it will be remote live lessons. (Please note date change)
WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH - Y9 Parents’ Evening - Get 1:1 advice from subject teachers on your progress to inform your choice.
FRI 26 MARCH - Deadline for decisions - Complete the online form to let us know your choice.
Taster Lessons
We run lots of taster lessons to give students a clear idea of what the different options subjects are like. There's chance to find out about the programme of study for each course, and to ask questions.
Many of these tasters are run during normal timetabled lessons, but we also hold a special Taster Day, which is on Friday 5 March. Students can pick 3 different Taster lessons from a list.
You can pick them now, or if you prefer, wait until you've looked through the information presented at the Virtual Options Evening on Tuesday 23 February. The deadline to book your taster sessions is Friday 26 February.
As with so many things this year, the current situation isn't ideal and has meant we are running things in a different format than usual. However, we've had a bit of practice now at virtual open evenings and transition evenings, so we're confident that our Options Programme will give you all the information, support and guidance you need.
C&K Careers Options Guide
Our Careers Advisors C&K Careers have produced detailed guides both for students and families to help in choosing which you may find helpful. Links to these have been emailed to all Year 9 students, parents and carers.
We hope that you're feeling really excited about this next stage in your education. You've got this!