YEAR 9 OPTIONS
FOR STUDY IN 2024 - 2026
This is an exciting and important time for our Year 9 students when they choose which subjects to study as they move from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4.
The decisions they make now will impact the path they take in the future.
Year 9 Options Form is Live!
The online Options Form is now live for Year 9 parents/carers to complete with their child. Following feedback, we have added Drama as an option to Block D.
Link to the Options Form: Year9OptionsForm24
The deadline for completing this form is 9.00am on Friday 15 March 2024.
If a child changes their mind before the deadline, they can resubmit the form and only their latest submission will be used.
Options will not be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, but late responses may result in classes already being full.
Once the deadline has passed, we will work on groups and timetables and expect to confirm Options in May.
If you have any questions about your child’s Year 9 Options, please contact Miss Hansom at s.hansom@honley.tlt.school or on 01484 506484.
Options Evening: 6.00pm to 8.00pm, Thursday 22 February 2024
The purpose of the evening is to provide information for parents and carers about the subjects available to our students when they choose their subjects for Key Stage 4, as well as the process of submitting the options form.
Curriculum Leaders and Heads of Departments will be available to explain the specific subject requirements, contents and benefits at Key Stage 4. Mrs Hesselgrove, Careers Adviser, Key Stage 5 providers and advisers from Huddersfield University, will also be available to help you understand the requirements for the different pathways after high school.
We will also hold a presentation in the hall, outlining the process of choosing and submitting your child's options. Due to the number of attendees and to ensure your maximum benefit, we have split the presentation into two groups and allowed for a 15minute change over between the sessions:
Form Groups: 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d
6.00pm to 6.45pm -Presentation in the hall
7.00pm to 7.45pm - Subjects, Careers Adviser and Post-16 Providers
Form Groups: 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h and 9i
6.00pm to 6.45pm -Subjects, Careers Adviser and Post-16 Providers
7.00pm to 7.45pm - Presentation in the hall
Taster Day Options
To help make their Options Subjects choices, students in Year 9 will have the opportunity to experience two of their potential options subjects during their Options Taster Day on Wednesday 6 March.
The deadline to submit their Taster Day choices is Tuesday 27 February at 1.05pm. The online form link has been emailed to students and to parents and carers. Students can access the Library during break and lunchtime to submit their choices. Don’t miss the deadline!
Core Subjects
There are certain subjects that EVERYONE has to take. The Core examination subjects are:
• English Language and English Literature (two GCSEs)
• Mathematics (one GCSE)
• Combined Science or Triple Science (two/three GCSEs)
There are three other non-examination courses which all students will study:
• Physical Education
• Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
• iGEN (Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education)
Year 9 Options Booklet and Subject Guide
All Year 9 students have been given a printed copy of the Year 9 Options Booklet and the Year 9 Options Subject Guide. Here you will find advice on choosing options, who to speak to, and detailed information on each subject.
Both documents are also available in digital format below as are subject videos for anyone who would like a recap or was unable to attend the Year 9 Options Evening.
Options Subjects
We offer a wide range of optional subjects to choose from.
Students choose FOUR Optional Subjects in total, one from each of the four Options Blocks (cannot select the same option twice).
Option Blocks A, B and C subjects are taught for 5 hours per fortnight, and Block D subjects are taught for 4 hours per fortnight.
Students must select at least one of these subjects:
• Geography
• History
• Spanish
We encourage students to choose subjects which they enjoy, are good at and may be useful to them in the future.
Key Stage 4 Options (1 from each block)
Please read the Year 9 Subject Guide to find out about the curriculum for each subject. There are some subjects which are teacher recommended or can’t be studied alongside another subject, for example Art and Textiles can’t both be taken. Further information is available in the Options Booklet and Subject Guide. If unsure, please contact your child’s Senior Leadership Buddy or their Subject Teacher.
Block A
Computer Science
Geography
History
Spanish
Supported Learning (SEND only)
Block B
Spanish
Statistics & Further Maths
Art
Citizenship
Photography
Design & Technology
PE / Sports Studies
Child Development
Construction
Creative iMedia
Enterprise & Marketing
Hospitality & Catering
Block C
Computer Science
History
Textiles
Art
Drama
Photography
Design & Photography
PE / Sports Studies
Child Development
Construction
Enterprise & Marketing
Hospitality & Catering
Block D
Triple Science
Citizenship
Religious Studies
Statistics
Dance
Drama (added following feedback)
Music
Travel & Tourism
Here to help
Subject Teachers: the experts who know most about the courses and your abilities and skills
Form Tutors: know you best and can point you in the right direction
Employers: can give a wealth of advice about training and employment and are often happy to answer enquiries directly or via their business websites
Parents/carers: know you best as a person
Older siblings and friends: can share their experiences of going through the Options Process and Key Stage 4
Pastoral Support: our key staff are here to help support our students in making their decisions;
Mrs S Cowen - Head of Year 9
Mr I Corcoran - Pastoral Support for Year 9
Mrs S Bardell - SENDCo
Mrs C Thompson -Teacher in Charge of Additionally Resourced Provision
Students can also arrange a one-to-one discussion with their form’s Senior Leadership Options Buddy:
9A - Mrs G Barber
9B - Mr M Clee
9C - Mrs H Halliday
9D - Miss S Hansom
9E - Mrs E Lord
9F - Mr J Meads
9G - Mr P Oliver
9H - Mr D Stephenson
9I - Miss S Hansom
Additionally, Mrs Hesselgrove, Careers Adviser is also here to support students’ with options and careers. Mrs Hesselgrove is available in the Careers Office in the Library at lunchtimes for ‘drop-ins’ (Monday to Wednesday) or to make an appointment, and can also be emailed at a.hesselgrove@honley.tlt.school.
All students have their own login to the C&K Careers website MyDirections.
Username = school email
Password = set by the individual
Through MyDirections, students can access a wealth of information on choices, subjects, decisions, courses exams and qualifications and careers.
Plus, they students can access JED, officially known as the ‘Job Explorer Database’ is a careers programme with over 2500 career titles, 340 video case studies, pictures, quizzes, 'top tens', career facts of the day, and text. JED helps match a students personality and interests to careers that might suit them. It can be used to find out more about a specific job or to give some career ideas for those students who are undecided.
Choosing the right career option can be difficult - now is a good time for students to start to consider what opportunities are available.
Useful websites to support the Options process
The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities
WWW.UCAS.AC.UK
University degree search for course details & requirements across all UK universities
A wide range of information and useful video clips to help parents/carers support their child in choosing their options
The Kirklees online prospectus - college and apprenticeship search
Looking for more tips and advice?
Visit BBC Bitesize to find out more advice and tips on choosing your Options, including advice from students, myths busted and a step by step guide to choosing your options wisely for your future.
