As we approach the midpoint of Year 9, it is time for students to start thinking about the subjects they would like to study as option choices for GCSE alongside the compulsory subjects of English, Maths and Science. For your information, please find below details of forthcoming events relating to the GCSE option process:
Friday 9th January
A launch assembly with Mr Matthews (Associated Assistant Vice Principal) to introduce the option process to students.
Friday 16th January – Student Mini Marketplace
A student ‘marketplace’ event where older students already studying each option subject will be available to talk to the Year 9s, answer their questions and show the type of work in that subject. On this day, each Year 9 student will be given a copy of the Options Booklet 2026. This will also be available through our website which will be updated with the new 2026 information within the next few days. There will be time with their tutor to look at the options information on the school website, make some notes and write some early questions regarding things they would like to know more about to help them make their decisions.
Thursday 22nd January – Options Evening 4:30pm – 7:30pm at Redmoor
An opportunity for parents and students to learn more about GCSE opportunities, the option choice process, the various subjects and other relevant information. This marketplace event will showcase the courses offered, with staff and students available to provide information and answer questions. There will also be a summary talk repeated several times throughout the evening.
Please support your child by reading their options booklet with them, reflecting on what you learnt during the Options Evening and watching the information videos for the subjects under consideration. The videos will soon be added to the school website under the new Options banner when this goes live shortly. There is a sample options form at the back of the booklet for you to use as a draft.
Friday 30th January – The official options forms will be given out to students.
Friday 13th February – Options deadline. All completed option forms must be returned to school by 10am on this date.
*Please note: any option forms received after this date will of course still be accepted. However, we need to input student choices and then create the option blocks from these. Late forms will not be considered in this process and therefore may increase the chances of that student having clashes and needing to reconsider their choices.
Whilst this is an exciting time in your child’s education, it can also be a time for concern as students make important decisions about their future studies and we appreciate that this may result in some students feeling a little anxious. We are committed to ensuring that each student receives effective information, advice and guidance so that they can make an informed and considered decision. If you have any queries over this process please make contact with your child’s tutor in the first instance.
