Year 9 GCSE Options

As your child approaches the end of Key Stage 3 we are beginning to increase our focus on how to choose the best subjects for GCSE.  English, Maths and Science GCSE are taken as standard in all schools across the country but your child will have a number of decisions to make about which additional subjects they would like to study through Years 10 and 11, including taking on subjects which are not currently delivered to Years 7 to 9.  All pupils will continue to receive lessons in PE and Values.

In order to support this process we have provided a series of taster sessions allowing them to experience possible new subjects (such as Construction, Animal Care and Media) and to understand the changes in focus for subjects that are currently taught and could be chosen for Key Stage 4 (such as Music, Geography, Art).

Assessments have been carried out in all current subjects, with the results and personal progress symbols being sent home in the year 9 reports ahead of Parents Evening on Thursday 21 March.

The Westlands and Wyvern Options Booklet, with information about all possible subject choices have been emailed out.  We hope that you will be able to use this alongside your child’s report in order to carefully consider the options available.  While all students will study English, Maths and Science, the choices to be made involve choosing Geography or History and then 2 further options.

Options Evening will be taking place on Wednesday 27 March from 5pm-7pm, with talks available to fully explain the options process.  Due to the large numbers of pupils and parents involved, there are multiple talks taking place.  A link to a google form to book a seat at one of the talks has been sent out along with the Options booklet.  Teachers from all options subjects will be available to talk to in order to discuss potential choices and to find out more about how that subject is taught and examined in Years 10 and 11.

If you haven’t received either the Options booklet or booking link for Options Evening, please contact Mr Wade (henry.wade@swale.at) to request another copy.

No decisions need to be made yet, with the online Options form being made available on the day of Options Evening. Final decisions on Options choices must be made by 17 April, after the Easter holidays.  As you can see, this gives plenty of time for you and your child to explore the options available.