Year 9 options
At this stage of their educations, students have an exciting opportunity to have a direct say in what they wont to study by choosing which subjects they want to pursue until year 11.
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At this stage of their educations, students have an exciting opportunity to have a direct say in what they wont to study by choosing which subjects they want to pursue until year 11.
The decisions year 9 students make now will have an effect on decisions they will make later when they leave year 11 and move onto Sixth Form, starting employment, taking up training or going to college. It is very important, therefore, that students choose wisely and leave themselves as many avenues open as possible for the future. Various people will be talking to them about the choices they will have to make including perents, teachers and friends.
Students should remember the following when selecting options:
Do
• Do choose subjects which you like or enjoy.
• Do choose subjects at which you are successful.
• Do choose subjects which you may need for a career or further education.
• Do find out everything that you can about the subject before you choose it.
Once you have started a subject we expect you to stick with it for the full two years.
• Do talk to the people who know you best.
• Do listen to the advice your subject teachers give you.
Don’t
• Don’t choose a subject just because your friend has chosen it, friendships may change with time but your GCSE grades will remain with you forever.
• Don’t choose a subject just because you like, or dislike a particular teacher. They may not end up teaching you!
The next step is to understand the details of the courses students can apply for. This booklet is part of understanding the differences between courses and will help them to make sensible and considered decisions. Please bear in mind during the whole process that all option courses are subject to timetable and staffing constraints. For this reason, we may not be able to arrange the exact combination of subjects that every student is seeking. Students should ask their Head of Year and their subject teachers if they would like further advice.
By the end of year 9, very few students can accurately predict what they will actually be doing when they leave school. It is for this reason that we want all students to continue to study a very broad range of subjects. A balanced portfolio of subjects is essential as this allows them to demonstrate strengths in different areas as universities and employers value this. Students should also take into account their strengths and interests so that they can combine the best possible grades and enjoyment of their studies.
As well as thinking about the breadth of subjects chosen in terms of enjoyment and subject strengths, students also need to consider possible future career paths. It is worthwhile finding out the entry requirements for any areas they are interested in. This can be a useful starting point, or used as a check that the choices made will facilitate entry to specific further/higher education courses or employment.
The following websites may help in this area:
Start: A wealth of advice on learning and careers ( www.startprofile.com)
National Careers Service (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers)
National Apprenticeships: Guidance on apprenticeships (https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices)
Parental Guidance: Advice on helping to choose options (https://www.parentalguidance.org.uk/making-choices)
UCAS: For looking beyond GCSE’s to Post 16 and 18+ options (https://www.ucas.com/furthereducation/post-16-qualifications)
Summer Term Timeline Overview
1. Year 9 Options evening for students and parents
2. Booklets and Forms shared with families (both in person and over email)
3. Tutor time sessions with computers to support in completing forms
4. Final deadline for Google form to be completed
Lift Sir Herbert Leon
Fern Grove,
Bletchley,
Milton Keynes,
MK2 3HQ
