Year 8 Options

The Options process begins for Year 8 students in Term 3. We have put a framework in place to ensure that all students opt for subjects that will enable them to study a broad and balanced curriculum which also reflects their own personal interests, abilities, aptitudes and talents. This will leave them with lots of opportunities open to them when they leave school.

They will participate in a range of activities to support them in making their decisions, including advice from our Careers Team.

Choosing a suitable Key Stage 4 curriculum is all part of the process of planning for future careers or studies. Students will be asked about this during their options interview. Our Career's Lead, Mrs Wooller, is available to answer any queries and offer advice. Her email address is ewooller@littleheath.org.uk

A new guide for 2024/25 with information on the Options process will be added to this page shortly, and a link will be emailed home. If you need any further information, please contact Assistant Head, Mrs Whitford by emailing rwhitford@littleheath.org.uk or contact the Head of Year 8, Mrs Parsons, by emailing aparsons@littleheath.org.uk.

Below is the timescale for this year's Options process:

Date	Event
Tuesday 14 January 2025	Assembly An Introduction to the Options Process Assembly for Year 8 delivered by Mrs Whitford and Mr Coulson
Wednesday 29 January 2025	Information Evening – 6pm in the Main Hall This will provide a more detailed explanation of the Options process, courses and pathways, and what this means for your child. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the courses we offer. Please complete this short form to confirm your attendance: https://forms.office.com/e/Ej7JRZufuY. The presentation from the evening can be viewed here: Year 8 Options Information Evening for Parents 2025 - Presentation
End January/ Beg. February	Options Information Booklet The LHS Options booklet was sent home electronically on Friday 7 February with a letter confirming the pathway that each student will be following. It is also available to download below and on Satchel One. This contains details of all the courses that are offered, and how pathways are identified. Download the booklet here: Year 8 Options Booklet 2025
Term 3	Tutor time activities to support the GCSE Options process This will include the opportunity to speak to HODs of the subjects which are offered as GCSE subjects, as well as students who currently study them. Students will also be offered support and guidance by their Form Tutor, to support them in making their choices.
Term 3	Taster activities Students will be invited to attend additional taster lessons in new subjects at GCSE (German, Spanish, Drama, Business Studies, Child Development, Leisure and Tourism, Citizenship, Media and Hospitality)
17 - 28 February 2025	Applications These will be completed online. Details of this will be sent out nearer the time. Deadline: Friday 28 February 2025
17 March – 4 April 2025	Options Interviews Each student will attend an individual Options Meeting with a member of the Pastoral or Curriculum Team. During these meetings, choices which have been made during the initial application process will be reviewed with students.
Term 5	Follow up conversations and Quality Assurance
Term 5	Confirmation of GCSE course places Students will receive written confirmation of their course choices at the end of the process.