Welcome to our information site about the Year 9 options process.
At Tewkesbury School, the end of Year 9 marks the conclusion of Key Stage 3 and students will now begin to look with excitement, curiosity and determination as they move forwards towards the next step in their education. Key Stage 4 allows students to focus on studying subjects which they have developed a passion for in Key Stage 3 and also to choose new courses which may equally hold a particular interest for them.
This is arguably the most important decision for our Year 9 students to date and we pride ourselves on being able to offer high quality information and guidance. In addition, we need our students at Tewkesbury School to make decisions based on their future aspirations and what they enjoy. The options and decisions made in Year 9 will influence each of our students’ academic and career opportunities in the future, therefore, it is very important that they make decisions which are appropriate for them.
Making the correct decision is vitally important because the subjects chosen could influence future academic and career possibilities. We aim to ensure that all students are able to participate in a carefully planned careers education information and guidance programme which helps them to make informed choices.
We have been unable to hold an in-school meeting, so this year we have continued with the delivery our options information remotely, via this site. Please start by watching the virtual presentation from Mr Adams which explains the full process. You should then move on to viewing the individual subject presentations and get in touch with subject teachers via email or request a Google Meet, if you have any questions.
Students will need to make their four GCSE options choices by Friday 18 February 2022. A link to the form is available on this site. After students have given their choices their full consideration, the form must be completed and submitted, including reserve choices.
Once forms are submitted, if there are no problems with a student’s choices, no further action will be needed and students will be reminded of what they have chosen in the summer term. If a student is allocated one of their reserve subjects, they will be notified of this before Easter and given an opportunity to confirm that they are happy with the combination of courses being offered.
Parents whose child falls into this category will not routinely be contacted but are more than welcome to get in touch if they need further information. In the rare instance of a student’s option subjects not fitting at all, parents will be informed and further advice given. This will happen as soon as possible and definitely before Easter.
Please spend some time watching the presentations and if you should have any further questions, please get in touch with myself or the relevant subject staff.
Rhys Adams
Deputy Head (Curriculum)
rhys.adams@tewkesburyschool.org