Overview of the Options Process

Stage 1 - The Straw Poll (completed February)

The Straw Poll is where students let us know which courses they are interested in. At this stage they are not choosing their options. The main purpose of the Straw Poll is to allow us to begin planning the timetable and curriculum. It gives us an idea of which courses will be viable and which combinations of courses we should offer.

Stage 2 - Building the blocks (February - April)

When the final options form is released, students will be asked to choose 4 courses from a possible 16.  This throws up a possible 1820 different combinations.  Obviously it would not be possible to timetable that many combinations (we would need over 1000 teachers and classrooms), so we need to arrange the courses into  four 'blocks'.  Students then pick one course from each block.  The courses in each block are determined by the Straw Poll and how well they fit with the current timetable (for this year's blocks, see the Options Form page).  With that in mind it is important to note that the combination of courses chosen for the Straw Poll, may not be possible after the blocks have been built.

Stage 3 - Completing the form (May)

Once the blocks have been finalised, the options can be chosen.  A Google Form will be emailed to all students with a turnaround time of around two weeks.  Students will be asked to choose a first and second choice from each of the four blocks.  It is important that students think carefully about their second choices as we cannot guarantee that a student will receive all of their first choices.  Last year, all students received at least three of their first choices, and nearly half of them received all four first choices. 

Stage 4 - Allocating the choices (May - July)

This is where the really hard work begins! We will make every effort to allocate as many first choices as possible. Unfortunately we have limited spaces on each course so it is inevitable that some first choices may not be possible if a certain course is oversubscribed. During this time, conversations with students may take place to ensure a 'good fit' of courses is allocated.  Once finalised, a letter will be sent out informing you of the courses allocated.

Key things to Remember

• Think carefully about reserve choices. Do not repeat your first choice as a reserve choice. This will not improve your chances of getting your first choice, it will simply remove any choice you have over a reserve option.

• Speak to your teachers, tutor, parents, carers etc. Take your time and think about the courses. Do not base your choices on what your friends choose.

• You must choose at least one 'starred' course. These are the EBaCC courses that ensure a good breadth of courses are studied. You can choose more than one.