Making Choices

Year 9 is an important time at La Mare. It is the year when you have to make decisions about the courses you would like to study in years 10 + 11.

The decisions taken now are important because the subjects you choose to study and the qualifications you gain can affect the range of jobs, training and further/ higher education courses that are open to you at 16 and beyond.

You study fewer subjects than years 7-9
All your work is building towards the qualification that you will be studying
There may be an opportunity to study a subject outside of school
Every Grade counts! (No matter what it is)
All subjects are important!

On top of the core subjects of English, Maths and Science you will also have to choose 4 subjects from the subject areas below.

Alternative Pathways

For a small cohort of students we also offer an alternative provision package tailored to their specific needs. This is co-ordinated by the inclusion department and students targetted for this will recieve specific guidance during the options process.

When choosing subjects the requirements are as follows:

You will need to identify 6 preference from which you will be studying 4.

The first 4 preferences must follow these rules:

At least one subject must be in bold (Ebacc subject, you can choose more than one of these)
You can only choose one underlined subject (these courses are run by external providers and so take place at the same time)
You must choose from at least three different subject areas

More detail on each subject can be found on the courses pages where you will find the options booklet.

KS4 Courses

We will be discussing options in school, at parents and options evenings and in mentoring meetings between now and the end of half term. You will be required to return your options choices on the google form (to be released after year 9 options evening), the date for final options choices is Monday 6th March. All forms returned by this date will be treated equally and there is no advantage to handing them in early. We encourage you to discuss your full range of options with school and parents / carers and make and informed and right choice for you.

If you require any fruther help or information please speak to your form Tutor, Subject Teachers, Mrs Vaudin (Head of Careers) or Mr Ward (Assistant Head)

Do choose subjects that you are good at.
Do choose subjects that you enjoy.
Do choose a subject because you have done some research and it’s the type of subject you would enjoy.
Do choose a subject on the advice of your teachers.
Do choose subjects that may lead you to a future career.

Don’t choose subjects because your friends are taking them.
Don’t opt out of a subject because you dislike the teacher.
Don’t choose a subject because your brother/ sister did it.
Don’t choose a subject just because it is new.

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