2018 Options Booklet 

Year 8 students have begun thinking about options as part of the Learning for Life programme. Parents’ Evening and other key events in the next few weeks have been designed to make sure families have as much information as possible to make informed choices about the subjects. The key dates and events are outlined below.

Copy of Varndean School Options Letter that was sent out 15th Jan. 

 

 

 

 

Options Evening Presentation 2018

Options Booklet- CLICK HERE FOR THE 2018 OPTIONS BOOKLET 

Paper copies will be made available through each child’s form tutor for those who do not have internet access. It contains information needed by students and parents/carers to help select courses that students will follow through Years 9, 10 and 11. Please take the time to look through the course information with your child/parent and begin discussions about possible option choices. 

Options Evening - Thursday 1st February: 4.30 – 7.30pm Options Evening

The Options Evening runs for a three hour period to allow families to choose the most suitable time for them. You are not expected to attend for the full duration of the event. During the evening there will be opportunities for students and parents to attend a presentation and an Options Fair. 

1. On the same evening there will be talk given in the main assembly hall which we ask that all families attend. Here you will be given an important overview of the whole options process and courses on offer, as well as  information on how to apply and key dates.There will be 2 talks available in the main hall at 4.30 and 5.45 pm and available on a first come first served basis. Families will need to decide how they organise their time on this evening to ensure they have an opportunity to visit all departments and one of the main talks in the hall.

2. This part of the evening is like an ‘Options Fair’, no appointments are necessary you will be able to speak to staff in their own department areas around the school, see the learning environments and facilities first hand. There will also be a few students from Years 9 and 10 available to speak to who are already studying those courses.

If you have any access requirements for the Options Evening, e.g. wheelchair-access or you require a translator, please contact Pamela Fulton on 01273 561281 or email pamelafulton@varndean.co.uk who will assist you accordingly.  

Week beginning Monday 5th February

Each student will be given a 1:1 interview with a member of senior staff to discuss options and help to support their decision making process. The options form will go ‘live’ at the end of that week Friday 9th February on Varndean Plus.

Wednesday 28th February: Options Deadline

After the deadline we will begin the process of constructing the Options blocks and students will be informed as to whether or not their choices have been possible. There may be some choices which do not work out because a subject may not receive sufficient support or may be heavily over-subscribed. Similarly, students may have made a combination of choices which is considered to be too narrow or restrictive or possibly not suited to their needs, despite the advice given previously. If this is the case Tim Clarke and myself will negotiate any changes which may be necessary with individual students. Final options will be released to students Friday 15th June 2018.

Applications will 'go live' from Friday 9th Feb and will be open for just under three weeks. 

Please note the options forms are available on Varndean PLUS. It will be available after Options Evening

Paper copies will be available for students to collect from form tutors for those we are unable to email.

Options Deadline - Monday 28th February

This is the final date for options forms to be submitted either online or paper forms need to be returned to form tutors, approved and signed by parents. Either way, we ask that parents ensure that they have discussed the options with their child before forms are submitted.

What Happens Next?

Following the submission of students’ choices is the construction of options. During this time students will be informed if any amendments need to be made to their choices. For example, there may be some choices which do not work out because a subject may not run or may be heavily over-subscribed. Similarly, students may have made a combination of choices which is considered to be too narrow or restrictive or possibly not suited to their needs, despite the advice given previously. If this is the case Deputy Heads of School will discuss any changes that may be necessary with individual students. Parents may also wish to be involved in this process.

Choosing options is an important time and I do hope you will find our processes helpful. If you have any queries about the options process, please contact your relevant school base.