RE: Year 9 Option Choices 2023 

I am writing to inform you of some important information and key dates regarding your son’s option choices for Key Stage 4. 

At Woolwich Polytechnic, students begin Key Stage 4 in year 10.  So, in year 9 students make decisions about the GCSE or vocational courses they would like to study.  Our process for making these choices begins in January with a range of activities, and, we will ensure that your son is supported throughout the process.  The timeline for this is as follows: 

• January/February  – Careers and Course Information – during Personal Development sessions and assemblies, students will be introduced to the options process and gather information about the different courses available to them as well as thinking about their future careers. Head of Departments will present to the students about the courses available.  Please ask your son to look at the following websites for additional guidance: GCSE Options: Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects - BBC Bitesize  and GCSE choices: Practical ways to guide students | Undergraduate | UCAS. 

• Wednesday 8th March 4.30pm-5.30pm – Parents Information Evening – a presentation about options followed by subject ‘market stalls’ and Q&A session with Head of Departments. 
• W/B 6^th March – GCSE Taster Week – the opportunity to sample GCSE style lessons, including for some of the subjects not experienced at KS3, e.g. Economics. 
• W/B Monday 13^th March– Option Interview – parents will be invited to attend an online interview with a senior member of staff to make final choices (an appointment time will be arranged in due course). 

Our website has a Careers page ( Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance | Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys) with a range of links and advice to help with the choices.  The Options Book is available on the website in the Year 9 Options page ( Year 9 Options | Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys) which also outlines guidance on how to make choices.  The online options form, which will need to be completed prior to the options interview, will be made available in March. 

 It is important that you attend the Options Evening and the interview in order to support your son in making the best decisions for his future.  

Yours faithfully, 

S. Gurney                                            R. James                               

Assistant Headteacher                 Head of Year                        

(Curriculum)