1. Aspire to Achieve, Enjoy and Excel Welcome
Options Evening
Aspire to Achieve, Enjoy and Excel
Welcome

2. Mr McLaughlin – Principal Welcome

3. Our Shared Vision and Values
Our vision is to strive for excellence to transform the life chances for all.  Every child will excel to obtain outstanding outcomes across a breadth of experiences.  Students will develop into well rounded valued citizens, ready and equipped for a future world. 

4. 4 choices – TOP TIPS Choose courses that you enjoy
Choose courses you are interested or talented in
Choose a broad and balanced range of subjects
Consider aspirational choices - aim high (or reach for the stars)
Consider the type of course
Consider any GCSEs essential for your career choice but remember plans can change! Keep your choices broad
Use the exam board website to find out more
Ask questions so you can make informed choices

5. Mrs Stannard
Vice Principal

6. Timeline for the Process
Tuesday 19th March                  Options Assembly
Wednesday 20th March         Options Evening     
Wednesday 3rd April                  Options due
Monday 29th April – Friday 3rd May             DoL interviews
Thursday 13th June Options confirmed
PLEASE NOTE that your child may not automatically get the subjects they choose!
Some subjects can accept only a limited number of students and if too few students choose a subject it will not run.
You must select two reserve choices which you would be happy to study!
N.B. There should be minimal option changes after this point and none from 1st October.

7. Core Curriculum – compulsory subjects!
Double Award Science x 2 GCSEs
French (for the majority)
Core Physical Education (non examined)
English Language GCSE
English Literature GCSE
Mathematics GCSE

8. 9 – 1 Grading

9. The English Baccalaureate
Why study the EBacc subjects?
It’s now an expectation from the government
An indication of Academic ability
The EBacc subjects are known as facilitating subjects. These are the subjects most commonly required or preferred by universities to get on to a range of degree courses.
To achieve the EBacc students must opt for:
French
History or Geography

10. Why Languages matter
You’ll be competing against people who have an additional language
You’ll be more employable
Improve your skills and grades in Mathematics and English at GCSE
Add between 10-15% to your salary
Enhance your opportunities in a range of careers e.g. business, medicine, law, technology, military, marketing, etc.
Skills like problem solving and dealing with abstract concepts are increased
Expand your world view and make foreign travel easier
Be better at multitasking (make fewer errors when driving!)
Have all University options open to you!

11. The Options Form Option Subjects History Geography French
Religious Education
Drama
Dance
Art
Health and Social Care
Computer Science
Physical Education
Design and Technology
Food and Nutrition
Construction
 Performing Arts
Music
Music BTEC will run as an additional GCSE during lesson 6 ( pm).

12. SIMS Options Online
Step 1: You will receive a registration code to your address from tomorrow. Check your spam. If you have not received this by Friday please contact Katharine Howard Step 2: Register You will need to enter your child’s date of birth

13. Step 3: Once registered you can log on in www. sims-options. co
Step 3: Once registered you can log on in Step 4: Select Parent from the Current role drop down Step 4a: Students create their own logon using their school address through the same process

14. Step 5: Click on the name of the subjects you wish to choose
Step 5: Click on the name of the subjects you wish to choose. This will then turn blue and appear on list of choices on the right hand side. Select subjects in order of preference!
Step 6: Once you have made
your choices and then select
your reserve choices. Click on
reserve button beside the
subject you wish to pick.

15. Own your learning; own your future
You are hardworking, highly motivated and contribute fully to learning. You are enthusiastic and co-operative with staff and collaborate very effectively. You take full responsibility for your own learning, show perseverance, meet all deadlines and complete work to the very best of your ability. You respond to all feedback given to improve your work. You complete research, preparation and home learning thoroughly and are fully equipped for lessons.