Welcome to your GCSE options process! This is an exciting time   in   your   school life  where  you  start  to make real choices which will support you in reaching your goals, whatever they  might  be.  Teachers  and  leaders from across the three DMAT secondary schools have worked hard over the last few months to put together a range of

options at each of the schools. We hope these will excite and challenge you and enable you to  take  the  next steps in your educational journey.

The subjects you choose to study for the next two years mark the beginning of you shaping your own path as a young adult. This is the path that will move you towards the life that you want to lead beyond school as you make your way in the world. It is an exciting time with lots for you and your family to think about in the coming weeks.

Perhaps you are coming into this process feeling confident and excited about the decisions that lie ahead for you. Perhaps you are clear about what you see in your future and the choices that  will  get  you  there.  Or  perhaps you feel less certain and maybe even a   little  anxious.   The   choices   might feel daunting and the process might seem challenging. No matter how you feel about the weeks ahead and your courses of study  in  years 10 and 11, it is important to remember that you are the most important person in the process and that you have a team of people  around  you  who  will  support you at every moment.

As you embark on the options process, keep in mind two things: Firstly, that you are the owner of your decisions and that you have autonomy and   agency   in   these   choices.   Your options  should  reflect  your  interests, talents  and  ambitions and  remember that  these  choices  will  turn  into  your timetable for the next two years and will shape your experience significantly.

Secondly, remember that you are surrounded by adults who want the best for you and who want to support, guide and advise you through the decision- making. This includes your tutor, your subject teachers, your head of year and any of the adults who you know and trust at school. There is no such thing as a silly question so be curious, talk things through and find out  what you need to know to make the best and most informed decision for you.