What can you choose?

Nov 13, 2011 by G Fish

The following pages contain information on all of the curriculum subjects available to you during Key Stage 4.

Our intention is to ensure that you follow a broad and balanced programme of study over the next two years. However, the range of courses we offer makes it possible for each of you to plan your own individual “Pathway” through to the end of Year 11 in order to be best prepared for whatever it is you want to do post-16.

The subjects you will be studying are divided into two groups – Core Subjects and Preference Subjects.

Core Subjects are those subjects which you have to take, although, as you will see, you do have a certain amount of choice in how you do them.

Preference Subjects are those subjects where choices can be made.

There is a paper version of these online pages, entitled 'Looking Ahead - Opportunities and Options at Key Stage 4' that you can download here or by clicking the image (right).

Careers Research

Take a look at the Researching Careers link from the left-hand menu, to help you with your decision-making!

Raising of the Participation Age

If you are currently in Year 9, your education and training will continue until you are 18.

This doesn't mean that you have to stay on at school for an extra 2 years, but does mean that you will need to think carefully about your choices after Year 11.

At 16 you can choose to continue your learning at sixth form or college; get an Apprenticeship or get a job with training.

There is current debate about whether full-time jobs (without training, such as those within familiy businesses) will be accepted. Commentators are also still debating how the Government plans to enforce the extra 2 years, should students choose to work with family members, or choose only one-year courses.

Moving on Up - Leaflet for Young People: Download
Raising of the Participation Age - Leaflet for Parents/Carers: Download
Raising of Participation Age - Leaflet for Staff: Download

Norfolk's helpyouchoose.org Website Offers Help

Norfolk's helpyouchoose.org Choices@14 website is a good place to go for impartial help and advice with your decision-making at 14.

There are also helpful booklets available to download. You should also be receiving copies of these in school as well.

14-19 Learning Options in Norfolk 2011. A Guide for Parents and Carers: Download

Message from the Principal

Nov 13, 2011 by I Clayton

Year 9 is the time when you make important decisions about your future. 
Over the next few weeks you will be choosing some of the courses you are 
going to study during Years 10 and 11. 

There are some subjects (Core subjects) that every student has to take. However, 
there are some areas where you can choose the subjects you want to take and this 
website is part of the process of helping you to make those decisions.

You will need to study the information here carefully with your parents. You will 
have the opportunity to talk to a variety of people who can help you to make the 
right choices – subject teachers, your Form Tutor and other students in your form.

At the Year 9 Preference Evening (Thursday 17th November 2011), you will hear a 
talk giving some advice about the choices you are making and there will be 
displays from all the subjects, with subject teachers available to help you with 
your decision-making.

Before deciding anything, there are some fundamental questions you should ask 
yourself.

  Do I like the subject? If not, be very cautious - you are unlikely to 
  do well in a subject you dislike.
  
  How good am I at the subject? It’s better to take subjects you think 
  you can be successful at.
  
  Do I understand what the course involves? Read the subject details 
  carefully, including the subject content and the methods of assessment 
  (including any coursework elements).
  
  How does the subject fit in with my plans for the future?  
  Do I want to enter the Sixth Form or go to College or start an Apprenticeship? 
  Will I be hoping to go to University?
  
  If you haven’t thought much about your long-term future, now is a good time 
  to start!

At Thorpe St Andrew School we believe very much in offering guided choice. This 
guidance is especially needed in Science, Design and Technology and Physical 
Education where there are a complex range of courses on offer. If we feel that 
one particular subject may be more appropriate for you than another, we will 
discuss this and advise you. We will attempt to accommodate all of your choices 
where appropriate and this is something we discuss before any decision is made.

Good luck in your choice and future courses.

I C Clayton
Principal