Taking time to research and accurately complete the options process is very important as it will ensure that your child not only enjoys their curriculum in key stage 4 but also has the opportunity to fulfil their academic potential.

The first stage in the process is to carefully research the different subjects that are available to study in key stage 4. Each student needs to select a total of three options and a reserve choice. These are divided into three groups -

1. Core subjects - These are subjects that students must study. They are English language, English literature, maths and science. Students also continue to have core PE, PSHE and careers lessons but these are not examined.

2. English Baccalaureate subjects (EBacc) - These are French, geography and history and all students must select at least one of these. 

3. Open block subjects - Students must select two of these and a reserve choice. These can be seen in the table below. When choosing subjects from this block there are some rules to remember -

• If a student wants to do more than one EBacc subject, the others can be selected here.

• Students who receive an invitation to do either computer science or triple science should select it here.

• In order to ensure a broad curriculum, the following subjects cannot be selected together - catering and H≻ music and drama.

It is important that you look in detail at what each subject offers and how it is structured. On the website you will find the following information to help you do this.

• The options booklet that gives written information about each of the subjects

• Subject videos with explanations from the subject leaders about the courses.

2. Getting individual advice from subject teachers and the Year 9 options team.

Year 9 Options and parents evening - Thursday 22 February 5.00pm-7.00pm. This is an important opportunity to talk to teachers about what is involved in the subject and whether it is a course that you should consider.

3. Completing the option form

This form will be emailed to your child's school email account on Thursday 22 February and needs to be completed by Friday 22 March. 

Once all students have completed their option choices, we will let you know if your child has been successful in securing the subjects that they have chosen. In the majority of cases, students will get their selected subjects. However, there are occasions when this may not be the case. This may happen when -

• Students have chosen a subject that is not suitable for them based on their previous performance in the subject.

• Students with low attendance who want to do vocational subjects.

• The combination students have chosen does not give them a broad curriculum.

• There are not enough students to run a class or course.

• A subject is oversubscribed

If this is the case, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.

If you are unable to attend the parents' evening, or you have any further questions about any aspect of the options process, please contact the school using the options@hphigh.co.uk email address.