This term Year 9 will be making important decisions about their GCSE and Vocational Options in preparation for their transition into Key Stage 4. This is a pivotal moment in their education and we want to ensure that they, and you, are fully supported in making informed decisions about your child’s next steps.

 

On Friday 3 February Year 9 had their first options assembly which introduced them to the process and the different pathways. On Thursday 9 March you will be invited to an Options Evening where you will be able to visit the different subject areas to find out more about the courses offered. You will also receive your child’s recommended option pathway and have an opportunity to ask any questions about the process. Your child’s option pathway is primarily based on their prior attainment, however, we also take into consideration attendance, behaviour for learning and current progress and attainment when making final decisions about options.  Above all the option pathway is the one the school feels will offer students the range of subjects which will maximise their potential and ultimately provide them with a secure route into their next steps after year 11. Your child can choose an alternative pathway but this will need careful consideration and consultation with a member of the Year Team and/or Leadership Team. This is to ensure that you have the information needed to ensure your child is not only fully prepared for Key Stage 4 but Key Stage 5 and beyond.

 

Your child will receive their bespoke pathway via their school email address as they will select their options via a google form and therefore need a google email address. They will make a preferred choice and a reserve choice in each of the three option blocks. I have included an example of the option blocks but the combination is subject to change based on numbers of students opting to take it.

 

Option Block A	Option Block B	Option Block C
Child Care	Business Studies	Business Studies
Computer Science	Drama	Food Technology
Fine Art	Performing Arts (Dance)	French
French	Geography	Geography
History	Health & Social Care	Graphics
Music Technology	History	Creative Media Studies
Spanish	iMedia	Music Performance
Sports Studies	Photography	Music Technology
	Engineering	Philosophy & Ethics
		Spanish

 

You and your child will be able to review and research the different options via the school website using this link: Welling School - Year 9 Options

Please encourage your child to start talking to their option teachers about course content. In order to support you and your child in their final decision making there will be a Year 9 Options Evening on Thursday 9 March where all subjects will provide more detail about the requirements of their specification. The evening will include a keynote speech about the different pathways and impact choices have on post-16 pathways, university and employment. Please save the date as your child will receive their recommended pathway and it will be the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process.

The timeline of support and guidance is outlined below and provides a number of opportunities for us to engage with you and your child to get this process right and allow your child to feel excited about their GCSE and Vocational options at the start of Year 10.

• Friday 3 February: Year 9 assembly outlining the option process and the different pathways offered.
• Week beginning 6 February: Updated option overviews will be published on the website to help students with their decision making (see link above)
• Thursday 9 March: Year 9 Options Evening where parents and students will be invited to attend our event where all subjects stalls will outline subject specifications, examples of work and student voice. Option forms will be given to parents/carers at this event. Anyone unable to attend should contact the Year Team.
• Friday 31 March: Deadline for Option form submission.
• Monday 17 April - Thursday 11 May: 1:1 option meetings with students and parents/carers who have opted for a different pathway to the one recommended and those needing additional support or guidance.
• Thursday 11 May: Year 9 Parents’ Evening and options confirmed.
• Friday 26 May: Option process closes.