Sandhill View Academy

Year 9 Keystage Four Subject Pathways Virtual Event

Dear Parent/Carer

A huge welcome to our Year 9 Subject Pathways Virtual Event. As you are aware, Year 9 Options evening was due to take place on Monday 18^thJanuary, but due to current lockdown restrictions this was unable to take place.

Our Subject Leaders have worked hard over the last two weeks to ensure you and your child receive accurate information, regarding their subject, which is essential to you as your child makes their KS4 choices. Decisions made by Year 9 students about which subjects to study in years 10 and 11 can be crucial, affecting future 6^th Form opportunities and career choices. The Year 9 options booklet (available to view from this page) and the videos should provide you and your child with all the information you need to make these informed choices. There are also contact details, within the booklet, should you need more information on a specific subject.

To reflect national changes, our Key Stage 4 curriculum has been the subject of much review and will continue to give all students access to a broad and balanced education. All of our students will follow a core curriculum and be given the opportunity to follow the English Baccalaureate pathway. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to benefit from a range of rigorous Level 2 qualifications.

Our Year 9 students face many new challenges in the years ahead, not least due to the interruption of their education during the global pandemic, however, we are confident that the curriculum we offer will enable your child to excel. Students have had the opportunity this week to speak with our careers advisor and next week they will be contacted by their tutor to discuss and agree their options. There is much support on hand to guide your child through the process and we look forward to discussing Key Stage 4 options with you during the next few weeks.

Timeline

Date	Information/Event
Friday 22nd January 2021	Options letters sent to parents via MyEd or post.
Monday 25th – Friday 29^th January 2021	Virtual Options Week. Pupils and Parents are asked to watch the videos below and consider their KS4 subject options. Year 9 Personal Development teachers will be in contact with parents/guardians to discuss options
Monday 1st February 2021	Deadline for return of options forms electronically to tutors.

Options Choices

Parents contacting the school about OPTIONS CHOICES should in the first instance email info@sandhillview.com. If you have a specific query regarding a subject, then please use the contact details at the bottom of the relevant page in the options booklet.

Year 9 Personal Development teachers will also be in contact with parents/guardians to discuss options choices between 25th January and 1st February.

Year 9 Options Presentations

Year 9 Presentations by our subject leaders can be viewed below. Please refer to the options available to you on your options form and watch each relevant subject presentation before making the final decision on what subjects you’d like to take.

Pathways & Careers

Careers Education Information, Advice and Guidance

Pathways & Careers
Programme

Our comprehensive programme is aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to recognise and achieve their educational, personal and vocational potential and to manage their transition from KS3 to KS4 & 5 and then beyond, whether it is into higher education or employment. All students are involved in:
- A planned careers education programme throughout the Key Stages.
- Individual support from our own Careers Advisor.
- Access to information about the ‘world of work’ and all the various pathways open to the students at the end of Year 11, including sixth form, college and apprenticeships.
- Participation in the schools work-related learning curriculum, including work experience with a local employer.
Help & Advice

There is a lot to think about…

Ask for help.
Stick with your decisions.
Work hard in ALL your subjects!

For advice regarding subject selection and other careers information, please contact Julia Robinson at: careers@southmoormat.co.uk