Key Stage 4 Options
If your child/ward is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options in September 2024, which is very exciting.
The process for this starts now, which can feel scary for students. We want to assure students that they will get a lot of support from their teachers and Leadership Team throughout the process.
Below we set out all the support we offer, as well as a clear timeline of events in the order they will occur. Should you have any specific questions regarding options for next year, please contact Chris Simmons, Vice Principal at c.simmons@harrisgarrard.org.uk.
At Harris Garrard Academy, all students follow courses in certain core areas, but there is choice for the remaining subjects.
Compulsory study and available options
The subjects which are compulsory to study are:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined Science (students can change this to Triple Science should they wish to)
- Spanish
- PE
- Geography or History
Details of options subjects will be added here later in the year.
Timeline
A timeline of events can be seen below, so you can see the types of guidance students will receive over the year.
Stage 1: February 5th - 9th 2024. Options Assemblies with Mr Simmons (Vice Principal).
Stage 2: February 9th 2024. Students receive options booklets and website goes live for parents. Parents will be able to access the videos of assemblies from each Department via the website. January 19th: Parent's Information Evening with Ms Ferran (careers) and Mr Simmons (Vice Principal).
Stage 3: February 12th 2024. Parents and students are able to access the options form online to make preliminary selections. Ms Ferran is now available for appointments with careers advice and guidance re. subject choices.
Stage 4: February 20th 2024. Year 9 Options Careers Fair, 4 - 7pm.
February 29th 2024: Parents Consultation Evening with class teachers and scheduled final review of options selection with SLT.
