Dear parents, carers and Year 9 students,

It is finally time for your child to choose their GCSE options. Most students are excited at the prospect of this, as it is their first real opportunity to take control of their education. It also allows both school and home to talk to students about the courses and careers that they may follow when they leave school.

Our approach at Ark Academy is to emphasise the opportunity that this gives students to really immerse themselves in subjects that they enjoy; however, it is also important that students do not narrow their focus so much that they limit their options when they leave school. The role of teachers, parents and carers is to help the children to find that balance.

The Year 9 GCSE Options Information Booklet, outlining the process can be found here.

This booklet outlines the process, choices available and detailed curriculum information for each subject.

Over the course of the spring term there will be a number of very important [virtual] assemblies. Subject specialists will deliver these assemblies to ensure that students gain a full understanding of each subject.

We are this year unable to provide an opportunity for parents and carers to come into school and talk to their teachers. We have instead created this Year 9 options area of the school website with videos/assemblies from Heads of Departments giving information about their courses.

The subject assemblies can be found below. Each subject assembly will be added to this page once the assembly has been delivered to students. Please take the time to watch the subject assemblies with your son/daughter to help with the decision making process.

You can access the assemblies by clicking on the subject name [once the hyperlink is active]:

If you have any questions, please contact Mr O’Carroll, Vice Principal [Personal development], who will be overseeing the options process.

Mr O’Carroll: s.ocarroll@arkacademy.org

If you have specific questions relating to a specific subject please feel free to contact your son/daughters subject teachers via e-mail. They will be able to clarify any questions that you may have.

Completing the Options Process:

As part of the parent-tutor day on the 31st March 2022 you will confirm your son/daughters GCSE options. You will have the opportunity to discuss the options with the form tutor as part of the discussion.

For those who are unsure or require further guidance ahead of this date; students and parents have the opportunity to arrange a meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss options.