Key Stage 4 Options Process

As you are aware, your child has reached the exciting stage where they will be starting their Key Stage 4 courses in September 2023. 

There are a number of important events relating to the options process which are designed to give you and your child as much information, support and guidance in making the most appropriate choices for their future. 

All information regarding the options process is available here on the ‘Key Stage 4 Options’ page of the school website.

This includes:

  • Course information;
  • Contact details of our Heads of Department in case you have any subject-related queries;
  • The Year 9 Options Booklet containing lots of useful information. 

Choosing a Subject

CHOOSE a subject because:

  • You are interested in it and would like to pursue this interest.
  • You are good at it.
  • You have been advised by your teachers.
  • It may be useful for future studies or career.

DO NOT choose a subject because your friends have chosen it. Think only of your own abilities, aptitudes and future interests.

DO NOT choose a subject because you like the teacher. You are not guaranteed to get that teacher in years 10 and 11.

DO NOT choose a subject because you think it is an ‘easy option’. Every subject will make strenuous demands on you.

Making a Choice

WHY MAKE A CHOICE?

Career plan: In many cases a student has a specific career ambition. Many careers have educational requirements expressed in terms of examination results in particular subjects so it is vital to choose the right subjects.

Personal preference:  As young people get older their personal likes and dislikes become clearer cut and they may not want to study every subject.  Providing that a good broad general education is undertaken, there is no reason why a student should study every subject.   It is often valuable to build on their interests, as, by focusing on these, they are more likely to enjoy success.

MAKING THE CHOICE

This choice is important and the following section is designed to help both students and parents to make the best decision possible.

There are three main considerations to bear in mind:

The subjects chosen may have an important bearing on the future choice of career.

The choice will determine the pattern of study for each student for two years and it must therefore be a combination which will give the student a sense of satisfaction.

The subjects chosen should give the student the best possible opportunity to gain the highest level of success of which they are capable.

Obviously there will be many other things which are of concern to individual students.  The important thing is that these be taken into account by the individual student and their parents, for this is essentially an individual choice.  Many people can offer advice but they cannot make the final decision which must rest with the student.

Subject Choice and Career

A good general education is important whatever you are going to do. Universities, Colleges of Further Education, Employers and Training Officers have one thing in common. They are all looking for young adults leaving school who have an all-round education with a breadth of interest, experience and qualifications rather than someone who is a narrow specialist at this stage.

In a rapidly changing technological society it is likely that workers of the future will have evolving careers and may choose a career in a job sector that doesn’t yet exist.

The implications for school are that we must produce intelligent, articulate and adaptable young adults, with a well-balanced course of study that has a breadth of subjects.

Making decisions is not easy.  Think very carefully, hold discussions with teachers and parents, find out as much as you possibly can about all the option subjects, and above all ASK QUESTIONS.

The large number of possible routes from school makes it impossible to give comprehensive guidance here, but students have had an insight into the post-16 landscape through careers activities and also have the opportunity to speak to Kevin Welch, our careers advisor in school.

The Options Form

The button below will take you to the Options Form page. Please complete and submit the form by Monday 27th February.  You will be able to gain access to this form from Friday 10th February.

Please refer to the guidance on the school website. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please complete this Options Form and submit by 27th February

Thank You

Contact Details

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any queries. May we take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support throughout the options process.

School Lead on Options is Mrs J Benigno – jen.benigno@ths.set.org

Independent careers advice and guidance from Mr Kevin Welch – kevin.welch@ths.set.org

All the information about options, qualifications, course content, assessment, and career paths is available via the menu tabs above. However, if you would prefer to download the option booklet in full, you can do below.

Options evening date on - 9th February 2023 - 3.30-6.30pm

Options form deadline Monday 27th February 2023