Year 8 Options

This is a landmark point in your child’s educational journey when they move from a directed curriculum, including all of the National Curriculum subjects, to a more personalised and individual selection – they have a level of control over what they study and a chance to tailor their learning to their personal interests and aspirations.  It is vital they think carefully about what they choose and hopefully the information we are sharing today will be the beginning of interesting and informative discussions about the best selections.

The video links below will explain the process in full and should be the start of your discussions with your child.  Our KS4 curriculum is tailored to the students’ choices – subjects in each block and group numbers are based around the choices the students make; it is a curriculum built around what this cohort want to study.  Whilst we try and limit the direction we give to students, at this point I would reiterate Mr Parry’s message from his video and encourage all students to consider including Spanish in their choices.  Various studies show the importance in having a second language and whilst it may not be the right choice for all it will give a real competitive edge to those who go on to acquire this qualification.

There are two videos to watch – an overview and reminder of the school’s pastoral systems with the key staff members and messages from Miss Robinson, Head of Year 8, and an explanation of the Options process from Mr Parry, Assistant Headteacher.  This video includes a full overview of the timelines involved as well a message for students about the key Dos and Don’ts in making their choices.  

These presentations are accompanied by the Options booklet which gives details for each of the available subjects (see pdf attachment at bottom of the page).

We are always here to support your children and you in making these important decisions – do contact us if you have any questions.

We hope you enjoy the videos and the subsequent discussions with your child.

Yours faithfully,

Jeff Place, Head of School