Key Stage 4 Options
If your child/ward is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options in September 2021, 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, regardless of the current lockdown.
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 Kristen Gringeri, Vice Principal at k.gringeri@harrisgarrard.org.uk.
Watch our presentation for Year 9 students
Compulsory study and available options
At Harris Garrard Academy, all students follow courses in certain core areas, but there is choice for the remaining subjects. The subjects which are compulsory to study are:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined Science
- Spanish
- PE
In addition to these, you can select three more subjects to study. You may select one subject from each option block, below:
|
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
PE Option |
|
GCSE History GCSE Geography |
GCSE Triple Science BTEC Business CNAT IT BTEC Health & SC GCSE Sociology GCSE Computer Sci |
GCSE Art & Design GCSE Food Tech GCSE Product Design BTEC Music GCSE Drama GCSE Dance GCSE Religious Studies |
National Curriculum PE
Or
BTEC Sport |
Timeline
A timeline of events can be seen below, so you can see the types of guidance students will receive over the year.
Stage One – Survey and Options Booklet
Students had an individual session with their tutor in December 2020 about how to use the Options Booklet to help them pick options. This was an important part of the process.
Then, over Christmas, students were encouraged to reflect and discuss with family members. After the holiday, students will have another individual session with their tutors on MS Teams to discuss their booklets.
Students receive careful and individualised guidance from staff here at the academy to help with their choices.
Click HERE to download our Options Booklet, created by the lead teachers for each subject.
Stage Two – Options Assembly and Website Launch
In January you will have an assembly lead by Miss Gringeri, Vice Principal, to explain your options. This will be virtual, and pre-recorded. The assembly will include:
- The subjects we offer
- Our options for PE
- Triple science
- Timeline of events
- Support you will be given
- How to choose your options
- This part of the website!
Stage Three – Careers Advisor and Parent Consultation
We wanted all of our Year 9 students to have a one-to-one meeting with our Careers Advisor in February. We will plan to have these in March 2021, when the school is hopefully re-opened.
We will have a parent consultation evening in February, so that parents have an opportunity to ask questions about options and for us to explain the process. More info on the consultation evening to follow.
Stage Four – Leadership Team Meetings and Option Selection
At this stage students will have had a lot of support and we will be arranging a one-to-one meeting for every child in Year 9 with a member of our senior and middle leadership team, who will be able to answer any questions students may have.
In these meetings students will choose their options. We will follow up with parents by confirming their child/ward’s choices by formal letter.
If you have any questions regarding options, please contact Kristen Gringeri, Vice Principal at k.gringeri@harrisgarrard.org.uk.
