options

[southeastastra]

what month do they usually have to decide on these?

our letters came last week, we have until a week on friday to get them in - no time at all!

Usually by easter at my school as timetabling takes ages. If you have not had any info it could be because of the new diplomas being introduced. In my area we had to wait for the local college to confirm options for students to travel there to do!

by easter? oh no, the school have said there will be an option evening.

at the parent's evening it like they were trying to 'sell' their gcse course.

this is so hard!

Have you asked the school for dates. Bet they have them sorted. Our parents knew back in September. It's natural for some staff to sell their GCSE in some schools but students are not easily fooled and I always recommend they speak with students already studying the subjects they are intersted in. That is where they will get the most honest answers!!
Have you seen an option form? Ours is blocked so only certain combinations can be done.
If they have not done it by now then I think they must be waiting for colleges to inform them of their diploma choices.

what are the new diplomas? feeling dim now.

The government has decided that students should have the opportunity to choose a more vocational qualification eg, hair and beauty, catering, engineering etc. Therefore local colleges and other schools offer these to other schools. They are aimed at students who struggle with traditional qualifications or know what they want to do post 16 and at my school they can choose 1 instead of 2 GCSE choices. They will then be bused to the local providers. As 10 schools could be sending students these courses are run on a certain day and this info could be what your school is waiting for.

the school is probably doing that then. in a way i just hope the classes he picks aren't disruptive.

The advice I give to parents is to help with options but understand that their child knows what they enjoy and what they don't. It good to take an interest but our parents think forcing their child to do ICT is good for their future but in most cases they are bored stiff and hate it so put less effort in!!!
It's a tricky and exciting time.

thanks ditdot, we have a meeting next week. finally!

Ours are doing them now, this week!!

Timetabling starts ASAP as soon as all sheets are returned.

However, I work in a huge school (1800) so timetabling is probably less difficult in a smaller school, so perhaps options could be later in that situation