Year 9 Options Information and Parents’ Evening 

We would like to invite you to attend our Year 9 Options Information and Parents’ Evening on Thursday 16th January 2025. This evening will be an opportunity for you to come into school to meet with your child’s subject teachers to discuss the progress they are making in each subject and gather information about the options process and option choices. 

Subject teacher appointments will be available between 3:30pm and 6:30pm. To book your appointment, you will need to visit: alderchs.schoolcloud.co.uk If you have any problems booking your appointments, please contact the school office. 

If you find that any of your child’s teacher are fully booked when you make your appointments, please select ‘join waiting list’ so that we can make alternative arrangements for the teacher to provide you with an update.  

There will be an options information presentation at the following times. You do not need to book a place. 

  • 3:45pm – 4:15pm 

  • 4:45pm – 5:15pm 

  • 5:45pm – 6:15pm 

 

We encourage you to bring your child along with you to the appointments, but they must be in full school uniform. We make this request as wearing the Alder uniform instils pride in our students.      

A report will be issued which summarises your child’s behaviour and engagement in learning and their current attainment during their first term of Year 9.  

 

Year 9 Options Process 

Year 9 is a very important year for our students; it is the year in which they look to the future and make informed choices about what they want to study at Key Stage 4 and beyond. We have high ambition for all of our students and our aim is to provide everyone with a curriculum that enables them to leave at the end of Year 11 with the best possible set of qualifications.  

The options process will guide each student to a personalised Key Stage 4 curriculum. Students will be encouraged to think about:  

  • Which subjects they enjoy.  

  • Which subjects they are successful at.  

  • Their aspirations for future education and career choices.  

    

We advocate that all students choose a wide range of subjects, so they keep as many possible options open for further study and future careers. What your child chooses to study at KS4 will influence what they do once they leave us at the end of year 11; A levels, T levels, other vocational courses, an apprenticeship or other work-based training. Your child’s option choices open the doors to their future!  

   

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a set of qualifications seen as ambitious and academic. It includes the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, along with a Language (Spanish) and a Humanities subject (Geography or History). The EBacc pathway is open to all students to choose if they wish. Students should consider the EBacc suite of subjects if they are thinking about a pathway to university in the future.  

    

 The year 9 options timeline is as follows:  

  • Y9 Options Information and Parents’ Evening on Thursday 16th January. 

  • Options booklet and options form issued on Thursday 16th January. 

  • Options assemblies starting on Monday 20th January.  

  • Mrs Howell (Progress Leader for Year 9) Ms Huddleston (SENDCO) and SLT will meet those who may require further support as appropriate.  

  • Deadline for submission of the options form is Monday 10th February.  

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We look forward to welcoming you on Thursday 16th January. If you have any questions during the options process, please email options@alderchs.uk.   

Kind regards,  

Alison Edwards  

Deputy Headteacher (Quality of Education)