News & Events

Choices at 14

23 January 2012

Our Year 9 Choices Evening on Thursday 26 January aims to help pupils make positive and informed decisions about their learning over the next two years by providing ‘guided choice’. Pupils and parents will have a further opportunity to talk to subject teachers at our Year 9 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 9 February 2012 before stating their preferences by Tuesday 21 February 2012. As they move into Key Stage 4, pupils will find new curriculum and pastoral structures designed to support their learning and help them achieve their very best.

Year 9 is a critical year. It represents an important transition. For the first time in their education pupils have the opportunity to choose their own course of study. Make sure it is an appropriate one that will help them later in life. For all pupils this should be challenging and rewarding.

It is important when considering the options, that pupils:

• Think for themselves (focus on what they want to do not what their friends might be doing)
• Reflect on their learning experiences so far (focus on the subjects and avoid thinking about personalities!)
• Think long term (find out about what they need to help them achieve their goals beyond Deer Park: 6th Form/College, University, Employment)
• Ask questions about courses, their structure, expectations, and assessment frameworks
• Listen to advice from teachers and parents
• Allow us to guide pupils towards the most appropriate courses for them as a learner within the subjects they choose.

Further information about ‘Choices at 14’ is located on iDeer. Pupils should log onto iDeer to access the information and to complete the online options form.

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If you have any questions about the choices available and the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Skerten or Mr Germaine.