Options information for 2026-27
All students in years 8, 9 and 10 will be asked to make option choices in the new year. In preparation for this, and to support students with making their choices, Mr Brockington, Mr Ravasse and Mr Sweatman will be holding assemblies after half term to explain the options process for each of the year groups.
Assemblies for Nov/Dec 2025
|
Date
|
Time
|
Year
|
Place
|
|
Monday 10th November 2025 (wk 2)
|
P2 and tutor time
|
8
|
Main hall
|
|
Thursday 20th November 2025 (wk 1)
|
Tutor time
|
9
|
Sports hall
|
|
Thursday 4th December 2025 (wk 1)
|
Tutor time
|
10
|
Sports hall
|
|
Thursday 18th December 2025 (wk 1)
|
Tutor time
|
8
|
Sports hall
|
Assemblies for Jan 2026
|
Date
|
Time
|
Year
|
Place
|
|
Thursday 15th January 2026 (wk 1)
|
Tutor time
|
9 & 10
|
Sports hall
|
|
Thursday 29th January 2026 (wk 1)
|
Tutor time
|
8
|
Sports hall
|
If any student is absent from an assembly they can speak with their tutor for further information about options. Students are also welcome to come to the star office, at break or lunchtimes, where staff can answer any questions that they may have regarding this process.
Our options evening will be held ‘virtually’ on Wednesday 14th January 2026; all information will be made available on the school website and we will share further information on how to ‘attend’ the virtual event nearer the time. There will be departmental information presented here so that students can make informed choices about which subjects they may wish to take. There will also be an options booklet, with all course information, along with full careers information and advice available. We will be producing a video playlist, regarding the option subjects available, on the school’s Youtube channel for families to watch. This will include a short video from each subject we have on offer.
Our options process will be offered via SIMS Options online which is accessed via SIMS Parent and/or SIMS Student. Students will need to select their option choices via SIMS Options and save them before the deadline of the 13th February 2026. Teachers and form tutors will be available to offer support and guidance to students whilst they are making their options choices. Parents/carers will be asked to confirm their approval of options via SIMS Parent also by this date.
Further information on the option process will be sent out in January with full details on how to access, and select, options choices via the SIMS online system.
Please note the following information regarding choices:
Students will need to make one choice for each remaining year they have left in school. This means that year 8 students will make three choices, year 9 students two choices and year 10 students one choice. Year 9 students will also need to make a decision about geography and history for their two-year pathway.
It is essential that students think carefully about their selections as we will use these choices to plan their future curriculum. Whilst we will do our best to accommodate everyone, changes later on may limit what we can offer. Students should also be aware that it will not be possible to place all year 8 and year 9 students in their first-choice option.
We have a small number of subjects that are only offered to students who are following specific ‘pathways’. Students may only select subjects from the lists in their pathway listed in SIMS. Further information will be given in the options letters and assemblies.
We ask that year 10 students select a ‘reserve’ option, in case a clash is created by their other choices.
We are unable to guarantee that all options will run; final decisions can only be made once options choices have been completed. If a decision is made not to offer an option subject any student who has selected this course will be asked to make a further choice and will be supported with this decision.
