Key Stage 4 Option Choices

A key feature of Year 9 is the selection of GCSE options. Students often have mixed feelings about this. Making choices that can help shape their future can be daunting. However, to support students to make informed choices there are a range of events scheduled throughout the option choice process.

The process starts with students undertaking a career-based questionnaire using the career platform Careerpilot in IT towards the end of November. They will use this questionnaire to help them to look at a range of sectors they may be suited to and providing details about which subject lead to specific sectors.

The option process itself will be launched through assemblies and parent communications on 9 March.

On 16 March parents and carers will be an invited to an Options Information Evening where both students and parents will have the opportunity to hear from subject leaders, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of the pathways available.

Throughout the coming terms, form tutors and subject teachers will also be on hand to guide and support each student's strengths and interests.

Rewards

I’m thrilled that Year 9 students continue to consistently earn an impressive number of rewards for their hard work and dedication in class. This achievement truly reflects their commitment and effort both inside and outside the classroom.

A large portion of these rewards recognize students for showing outstanding COMMITMENT to their learning and genuine RESPECT towards others.

Whilst I’m proud of all of our Year 9 students, I want to especially acknowledge those named below who have consistently excelled across most lessons, demonstrated strong leadership, and made remarkable progress. Well done to each of you.

Top ten students across the year group:

Tutor Curriculum

This term we have continued to include our Core Communications, Literacy and Current Affairs Quiz within our tutor time curriculum and PSHE topics have centred around combating extremism and terrorism, conspiracy theories and fake news, as well as radicalisation. Students have also undertaken specific sessions as part of Black History Month where they have the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture on Britain.

Next half term students will be further developing their Digital Literacy skills as well as having a spot light on anti-bullying. They will also be participating in the annual International School’s project. As part of their career related learning students will look more closely at how subjects link into a range of different careers, and they will reflect on their learning through the student reflection review process

Information regarding the Tutor Curriculum, along with the Tutor Time Learning Journey can be found on our website via the following link, Tutor Time Curriculum.

Whole school events

Our whole school Race for Life event took place on Friday 26 September. It was fantastic to see so many students completing their laps, whilst being adorned in something pink for such a worthy event.  An amazing £2703.75 was raised!
On Friday 10 October, World Mental Health Day, the school took the opportunity to support the Young Minds Hello Yellow day.  It was great to see Year 9 take part by wearing a yellow accessory alongside their uniform and many thanks to those who baked or donated cakes for sale at break time. We raised £860 for this very worthy charity. During tutor time students received guidance on how to support their own mental wellbeing and were reminded of the resources and support available to them within the school including support from our Mental Health Team, Lulu our school dog, and the wider Individual Educational Needs (IEN) team. 

Student Leadership

Congratulations to the Year 9 students successful in their applications to be a Charity & Community student leader.

Online Safety

A reminder that our website contains a variety of online safety information within the Safeguarding tab and we have added the September and October Online Safety Newsletters and a link to Parentsafe which is a very useful tool produced by LGfL (London Grid for Learning).

It offers a wide range of support materials and advice for parents to keep children and young people safe in the online world.

Topics on offer include:

• Top tips for right now
• Safe settings and control on various devices
• What’s that APP?
• Talking to children about the topic
• Screen time
• Top topics including fake news
• Sex and relationships
• Help and reporting

You can view resources and advice via the links here:  Parentsafe LGfL Website and Online Safety Information on the NLS Website

Calendar 

• 11 November - Remembrance Day
• 14 November - Odd Socks day in support of Anti Bullying week
• 17-21 November - College assemblies
• 3 December - Winter Music Concert
• 4 December - Post 16 Careers event with a focus on Warwickshire College.
• December  - Community and Charity Christmas activities including collections for Christmas hampers and Christmas Jumper day 12 December

We’d like to take the opportunity the thank you for your continued support in this crucial year in your child’s education journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to keeping you updated on your child’s progress and celebrating their achievements throughout the remainer of the term. We very much hope you have a lovely and restful half term.

Mrs Sarah Barley-Morey
AHT Y9 Lead, Careers & Student Self Reflection Lead