Year 9 Curriculum Evening

(18 January 2010) Pupils in Year 9 will be entering one of the most important phases of their education so far over the next few weeks. Most will already have been thinking about which subjects they would like to study in Key Stage 4. The choice is wider than ever, not only of subjects but of types of qualification. This year, for example, we offer our first diploma, in Creative and Media.

On Thursday 28th January our Key Stage 4 Curriculum Evening takes place. During the evening there will be a presentation on the options process and the chance to talk to subject teachers about the courses they are offering, as well as representatives from Cirencester College and the Connexions service. Over the following two weeks there will be presentations in lessons and taster sessions for subjects not taught in Key Stage 3. Following the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 11th February options forms will be given out, to be returned by Tuesday 23rd February. As we did last year our intention is that Year 9 will become Key Stage 4 pupils and start their new timetable from June 1st, once Year 11 have left.

Most of our Year 9 pupils are still only 13 and, clearly, have no idea of the career path they will follow. To help them think about possible career choices, and the subjects they may need to study, all Year 9 pupils will be given a login to the U-explore website, which contains a wealth of information about careers. They will also have a lesson in which to learn about the site. This can be accessed from home at www.u-explore.com and could be a useful starting point for discussions about potential careers.

Last year a number of parents emailed me with questions about courses and I will be happy to help in any way I can. If I don’t know the answer I will find someone who does. My email is sttconnole@deerparkschool.net

Tim Connole
Deputy Head