GCSE Preferences
In the Spring term of Year 9, students are supported to consider their subject preferences for study in Years 10 and 11.
All students are required to study the core subjects of Maths, English and Science (the latter either as Combined Science or Triple Science, but this path is decided by the Science department, in consultation with students and parents at the end of Year 10). All but a small number of students will study a language and all students are required to choose at least one subject out of History or Geography.
Students then select their other subjects to match their interests, abilities and aspirations to complete their Key Stage Four studies with a total of 4 "option" subjects.
Careful thought and consideration should be given to your child’s choices, in order to reflect their strengths and any future career plans they may already be considering. We hope that you will discuss all the possibilities with your child, so that, in partnership, we can support them in making an informed decision when this time comes.
Further information on subject preferences, the process and key dates will be sent out directly to Year 9 students and their parents, as well as being published here on the website.
KS4 Curriculum Guide and Process
This Curriculum Guide is designed to help you to choose the courses you will study in Years 10 and 11. The next two school years are a very important part of your education. This Guide is designed to help you make the right choices for you and to achieve the best possible results in all of your subjects by the end of Year 11.
Letters
Dear Parents,
I am getting in touch to update you on our GCSE preferences program which is ramping up over the next few weeks. This morning I spoke to all of the students about 2 important aspects of the process that will start this week.
Firstly we will start our subject assemblies, this is where heads of subjects will talk to students about what their GCSE course looks like, an important part of this is the "student perspective" where the views of current year 10 students are heard.
Secondly all students will meet with a member of SLT over the next 3 weeks to discuss how they are getting on with making their preferences and what support we can offer.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some key points to remember:
- All students can have a meeting with our external careers advisor, please contact s.fairweather@smithdonhigh.org.uk to set this up
- All students have to pick 4 preferences and be aware that any of these could be given to them, therefore they MUST carefully research all of them and be prepared to study any of them next year. We cannot guarantee anyone's "top two".
- We encourage you to support your child in this process by discussing the curriculum guide with them and ensuring they are making choices based on the right things (future aspirations, enjoyment etc) not the wrong things (friendship groups and favourite teachers)
Finally a reminder that the actual selection process takes place in the final week before Easter during tutor time.
As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Mrs S Robinson
Preferences Timeline