Year 8 Options Process 2017

What is the Options Process? As you come to the end of Key Stage 3, you are no longer expected to study all of the subjects you have taken over the course of Year 7 and 8. You will get to choose 4 subjects that you wish to study from Year 9 onwards and take as a GCSE qualification.

Compulsory Subjects You do not have a choice over every subject. You must take: English Literature and English Language Mathematics Science A humanities subject (Geography or History) or a language (French) You must also take PD and core PE, but there will be no final qualification

Option Subjects The remaining 3 subjects can be: Art* Dance Food & Nutrition French Geography Graphics History Music PE RE Textiles* Avoid choosing Art and Textiles as combined workload too high

Example Emma’s timetable English (9 hours) Maths (9 hours) Triple Science (9 hours) Geography (5 hours) RE (5 hours) Graphics (5 hours) Art (5 hours) Core PE (2 hours) PD (1 hour) = 10 qualifications Emma has been in the top set so she is likely to be entered for 3x single sciences

Example Tasnim’s timetable English (9 hours) Maths (9 hours) Double Science (9 hours) History (5 hours) French (5 hours) Textiles (5 hours) GCSE PE (5 hours) Core PE (2 hours) PD (1 hour) = 9 qualifications… Tasnim was an EAL student who is grasping English so it is better to concentrate on 2 sciences. She is from Italy so also has an opportunity to take her home language as a GCSE.

What if I don’t know what to choose? Making a decision at this stage is quite challenging as you may not have decided which career you are interested in beyond education (18 years old). Talk to the person next to you about how this makes you feel.

Thoughts What are your immediate thoughts and feelings? What concerns do you have about making your choices? Who/what might you turn to for advice? You must also take PD and core PE, but there will be no final qualification

In the meantime… You will be sent an email asking you to complete a quick form about what options you think you might choose. Do not panic – these are not your final choices! Fill in this form by 03/02/17 to ensure that the classes you want to take are offered.

Next Steps Find out as much information as you can about the subject areas you are interested in. You will be given an information booklet containing details of each course on Friday 17th February. You can take this away to discuss with parents/carers over half term and do some research if you wish!

Next Steps There will be a special Year 8 Options Evening on Wednesday 1st March. Come along with your parents/carers so that they can discuss your interest with subject leaders You will then need to make your final choices and a second email form will be sent to you to submit them.

Next Steps Think carefully and make sure you have considered the commitment to these subjects. You must do this by 22/03/17. If you change your mind before this deadline, you can submit them a second time. You will be notified about your choices after the Easter holiday.