26th January 2028
Dear Parent/ Carer,
KS4 GCSE Preferences
Year 9 is a very important part of your child’s time at school. It is an opportunity for them to take control of their education and shape what their future will be. The curriculum subjects they indicate preferences for in Years 10 and 11 will affect how they spend their time at school for the next two years, so it is important that they are supported to select the curriculum subjects that are right for them.
To support you and your child to make these important decisions, we have set out a clear timeline of activities which will ensure you have the relevant information to make important decisions. The preferences process commenced when pupils returned in January and are split into five phases outlined below.
Stage One: Pupils have been doing preparation work during their EDGE lessons and will have an assembly about KS4 Preferences on Wednesday 28th January. KS4 Preferences Evening will take place on Thursday 29th January. During this important event, you will be able to talk to GCSE teachers and students currently studying these subjects to gain more information and find out more about the recent curriculum updates made by the Department of Education and the impact this has upon our GCSE Preferences offer.
Stage Two: On Friday 30h January, the Sway presentation will be released which is an online brochure that provides detailed information about the process and the subjects potentially available at KS4. The First Look questionnaire will also be released which allows students to let us know which subjects they are most interested in & contributes to building the curriculum blocks that your child will be able to select from. This is not the Final Preferences form. The deadline for this First Look questionnaire is Monday 9th February.
Stage Three: On Wednesday 11th February it is Subject Passion Day taking place in school where Y9 students can find out more information about their subject at a GCSE level and where it can take them within further and higher education and the world of work. Parents Evening will take place on Thursday 12th February where you will get the opportunity to speak to teachers about your child’s current progress and which courses will be suitable for them to pursue.
Stage Five: On Monday 16th March the KS4 Preferences Final form will be released which is where the students make their decisions on a Microsoft form.
It is important that your son / daughter indicates preferences for subjects that will interest and motivate them. The process outlined above will enable them to start thinking carefully about their preferences and allow them to ask subject leaders and teachers questions about what taking a GCSE in their curriculum area is like. While we make every effort to give your son / daughter their first preference, we cannot always guarantee this; it is therefore important that you think carefully about all the decisions that you make.
Yours sincerely,
Ms L Cross Mr J Patel
Head of Academy Associate Assistant Principal
