Our KS4 options process will begin on Wednesday 29th January.

You can see full details about the process, the specific dates and times below:

The Process

The decisions concerning which subjects to follow in Years 10 and 11 are very important ones.  Students, parents/carers and teachers must work together to make the most appropriate decisions.  The process should provide opportunities for both information-giving and discussion so that informed choices can be made.

 

KS4 Options Process and Timeline

Wednesday 29th
January

KS4 Options Assembly and Communication
to Parents/Carers

Monday
10th February

 

KS4 - Year 10 Course of Study and Subject Information Booklet 2025 Available

This booklet provides an explanation to parents/carers/students about the process, the choices available, how the selection process will operate and an opportunity to start reading more
about different subjects. 

If you have additional questions for Curriculum Leaders please feel free to contact them at school.

THE BOOKLET IS AVAILABLE HERE

Friday
14th February

Online Videos Available

  • Introductory video from Mr Haycocks
  • Overview video from Mr Holland
  • Subject details video from subject leaders

THE VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE HERE

Monday
24th February
to
Friday
7th March

Options Choice One to One Interview

with Form Tutor, Head of House or a member of SLT
during the school day.

Thursday 27th February

 

Online Options Preferences Form

The online forms will be emailed to students on
Thursday 27th February.

Monday
24th February
to Wednesday 12th
March

Additional Support

Additional support available from Form Tutor, Head of House, Curriculum Leader or SLT on request.

Please email (enquiries@balshaws.org.uk)

Friday
7th
March

Year 9 Tracking Reports Issued to Parents/Carers

An up-to-date report giving assessment results/attitude to both learning, as well as additional information where applicable to support decision making.

Thursday 13th
March

Year 9 Parents' Evening - 4pm to 7pm

An opportunity to discuss current performance and future potential.

Wednesday 19th
March

Online Options Preference Form Return Date

Nb: The option to continue studying a Modern Foreign Language and therefore following the EBACC suite of qualifications to GCSE is open to all students. MFL teachers have closely monitored and tracked the progress of all the students in KS3, but Year 9 especially, and those students whose prior attainment and progress tracking indicates that they have the academic ability to pursue the EBACC pathway will continue to study either French or Spanish. 

April/May

Options Preference Forms Processed

Follow-up with individual students as required.

June

Notification

Parents/Carers/Students notified of subjects,
confirmation of teaching groups.