Year 8 Options – essential information

Planning your future

As you start Key Stage 4, you will be following a range of courses that will lead to external qualifications. Some will be GCSEs, others may be other qualifications which are the equivalent of a GCSE.

The opportunities open to you in the future will depend on what you achieve during these years. For example, to be able to follow many sixth form and college courses, you will have to gain several GCSE passes at grade 5 or higher. However, it is not just a matter of gaining qualifications – all achievements are important, from taking part in additional activities in school to demonstrating our school values such as aspiration, resilience and team-work.

We are here to help you make the best choices for your future.

The options process

Even though we are not all currently in school, we will endeavour to provide an options experience that will support you through every step of the process. We want you to make an informed choice and be happy about the subjects you will ultimately take to examination.

Our Options Booklet contains a wealth of information about the options process as well as an informative course guide for each subject, so please do read it carefully.

Please watch this video which will explain the subjects you must study, the subjects which are optional, the support available and lots of tips and advice.

Key dates

Thursday 4 March 2021: Virtual Options Evening: Please watch the video above together with the subject videos with your parents to find out about the range of courses on offer. All subjects will be represented and you will be able to hear from teachers.

Thursday 11 March 2021: Year 8 Parents’ Evening (Virtual).

Dates and details TBC: Taster Lessons: the chance to experience subjects you have not studied before.

Thursday 25 March 2021: Deadline for completed forms to be in. Final Options sheet to be completed and passed to Mrs Shires.