INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS

1.1 The Options Process

Year 8 students finish their Key Stage 3 courses in July 2021 and move on to Key Stage 4 courses in September 2021.  In preparation for this transition, your child will shortly be choosing his/her courses ready for Years 9, 10 and 11.  This is obviously an important decision for your child’s future and we aim to offer support and guidance to ensure the options process is as straightforward as possible.
The choices made are of great importance as they pave the way for future study. For this reason, we will do everything we can to provide students, and you as parents/carers, with the best possible advice and information.

 

1.2 The Options Process Timeline

Virtual Options Evening – Monday March 29th

In order to find out more about different subjects, we have organised a virtual ‘Options Evening’ where you can attend up to six sessions to find out more regarding subjects of interest. In each session, you will hear a brief talk by the Subject Leader, then have the opportunity to be part of a question and answer session. Sessions will run between 5pm and 7.10pm.  A Loom video will also be available on the website to explain the options process and the Key Stage 4 curriculum.

We are offering you the opportunity to select up to six sessions during Options Evening. Please follow the link here to indicate the sessions you would like to attend; each session will be approximately 10 – 15 minutes long, so that Subject Leaders can respond to any questions you may have.  If you already know a question you would like to ask, please type it into the Google Form when you sign up for a session – your question will be passed to the Subject Leader in advance. Nearer the time, we will send you a link to follow so you access each subject session.  PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THE SESSION TIMES YOU HAVE BOOKED. 

1.3 Helping Students to Choose

Mrs Clarke, Year 8 Leader, and Form Tutors have been given guidance to support students with their option choices and are available to help students in the first instance.  Students will watch different assemblies and presentations on the subjects available and have the opportunity to watch Year 8 students interviewing current Year 11 students who share their experiences in different option subjects.

Parents/Carers and students are invited to attend a virtual Options Evening on Monday 29th March which has been arranged to provide advice about the Key Stage 4 curriculum.  During the evening, we will explain how parents/carers can support their child through this decision-making process and provide an opportunity for Subject Leaders to explain their courses at Key Stage 4 as well as run a question and answer session.

We have also organised an opportunity for you to have an appointment with the Year 8 Team or a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss option choices. Appointments will take place after school on Wednesday 21st April and Thursday 22nd April. Details regarding how to book a 'virtual' appointment will be provided nearer the time.

Full informatoin can be found here: https://www.oaksparkhigh.org.uk/3017/year-8-options