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Original poster

Choosing options in year 8

54 replies

Jamrollypolly · 07/03/2014 14:06

Hi

My dd's school have just sent a letter to say that the current year 8 students will be choosing their options this month! They will have meetings in school and we will also be invited to an options meeting to help decide. The reason for the change is to give students a better chance due to the changes being brought in.

Are any other schools doing this? Does anyone know the pros and cons? Can any experienced parents/teachers share their experiences.

I really want the best for my child (like any other parent) and would really appreciate some advice. I thought I had an extra year to do some research.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jamrollypolly · 07/03/2014 16:15

I agree cheesypeasfortea. Although I'm sure my daughter would rather do extra history/geography over music.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jamrollypolly · 07/03/2014 16:11

Thanks for your reassuring reply onemoremum. The school is an outstanding comprehensive and I have confidence in the school. I spoke to the AH at the school who said although the forms need to be in by the end of March, we may still be able to make changes up to the end of the year.

Does anyone know of any good websites?

OP posts:
CheesyPeasForTea · 07/03/2014 16:01

My year 8 DD is also currently choosing her options, for the same reasons as the OP mentions. It does seem strange that she is having to make choices when she is only twelve and hasn't a clue what she wants to do in the future. I too think it is a shame she will have to give up some of the creative subjects like music and art, that she enjoys but isn't good enough to take forward to GCSE level.

OneMoreMum · 07/03/2014 14:55

Firstly don't panic, I have been through this twice now, (DSs in years 9 and 10 chose their options in year 8).

There are pros and cons:
pros - they get to drop the stuff they are not interested in, they get an extra year in practical subjects like art and DT to hone their skills in a bit more detail before they have to start producing coursework that counts. They also spend a lot less time in form groups and more with kids that share their interests.

cons - they have to decide a year earlier, obviously! Shame to have to drop things earlier (like music & catering for mine) that they enjoyed but didn't want to take qualifications in.

Most subjects they haven't really started the GCSE syllabus a year earlier, they have just narrowed down the subjects they are studying. DS1 seemed quite calm going into year 10 knowing what to expect compared to friends' kids who were straight into GCSE syllabuses in new option groups.

I'm not sure it's that big a deal either way if you're happy with the school, it sounds as though they're doing it for the right reasons and are on top of all the changes going through (as much as they can be).