We are very proud of our Year 9 options system in that we, unlike the majority of schools, design the option blocks after the students have made their choices. Over the past few years we have been able to give all our Year 9 students the subjects they would like to study at GCSE. If the first choices result in a subject being over subscribed then we will do everything we can to find a solution.

 

However, if this is not possible, then the school’s over subscription policy will be used.  This states that: ‘If the first choices result in a subject being over-subscribed then students (and their parents and guardians) opting for this subject are contacted by letter. This will give details of the level of over-subscription and ask if any student is willing to change to another subject.  If insufficient students volunteer to change their option, then names are drawn from a hat.   Parents and Guardians will be informed when this is happening.’ 

 

 

Unfortunately, if demand for a particular subject is small, it may not be possible to run that subject. This is dealt with on a one to one basis. Students and their parents will be kept informed at all times.

 

 

 We are very proud of our Year 9 options system in that we, unlike the majority of schools, design the option blocks after the students have made their choices. Over the past few years we have been able to give all our Year 9 students the subjects they would like to study at GCSE. In exceptional cases it may be impossible to timetable some choice combinations. Individual interviews will take place with students who have chosen subject combinations which cannot be timetabled. Students and their parents will be kept informed at all times.

 

 

The timing of the Year 9 Parents’ Evening has been carefully considered. It is important that the evening is about the progress of students in Year 9, and not about the options process. Our students are intelligent young people and can choose from any of the GCSEs we have on offer. However, if you have specific questions for a teacher, please feel free to communicate via the planner or telephone.

 

 

There are two subjects we offer at Key Stage 4 that are not taught at Key Stage 3; media studies and business studies. The teachers of these subjects are always available to discuss the issues relating to their subject at GCSE. We do not give our students the opportunity to observe a lesson first before making their choice. The Heads of these 2 departments will speak to all Year 9 students during the second Year 9 options assembly.

 

There are three subjects we offer at Key Stage 5 that are not taught at Key Stage 4; Economics, Government and Politics and Sociology. Any students who are interested in these subjects should check the ‘Years 11 to 12 Options’ site or speak to the relevant Head of Department.

 

Students of suitable aptitude may be accepted for some AS-level subjects in the sixth form even if they have not covered the GCSE course in Years 10 and 11. Students who are interested in this avenue should read through the relevant ‘Subject Descriptions’ and see the relevant Head of Department.