Options Booklet 2021-2023 | Page 3

Introduction

We hope this booklet, together with the 'Virtual' Options Video (which will be on the website), will help to explain the school curriculum for Key Stage 4 and assist your son/daughter in making his/her option choices. There is information on both core and optional subjects contained on the following pages. We will also hold a telephone Parents' Evening w/c 12th April where you can ask further questions if needed.

You may be aware that in recent years the government made changes to the way in which GCSEs operate. GCSEs are now more rigorous and consistent across all subjects. Assessment will be externally marked with 'end of course' exams in most subjects.

Friday 12th March 2021

Paper copies of this booklet will go home with students. Promotional videos and our 'Virtual' options talk will be avilable on the school website.

From Monday 15th March 2021

Tutors will give students a guide on how to log into the ‘Online Options’ system. Paper forms will be available if needed. Students will be able to start making choices from this point onwards.

w/c 12th April 2021

Telephone Parents' Evening: a member of staff will be calling you during this week to discuss how your child is getting on and answer and questions you have.

Wednesday 21st April 2021

Deadline for option choices.

Welcome to the Key Stage 4 Brochure for 2021 – 2023. Here we will set out information and guidance that will help you and your daughter/son make the best possible decisions about which subjects to study over the next three years.

In Years 7, 8 & 9 pupils follow a wide range of subjects, providing them with a good grounding for their futures. Our aim here at Diss High School is to continue to offer a broad range of choices at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). The pressures to ensure that all pupils study a broad range of subjects until the age of sixteen, have resulted in a larger 'core' and increased emphasis on areas of the curriculum which should be studied by all.

We want to give our students the opportunity to study the subjects which will enable them to gain the 'English Baccalaureate'. This is awarded to students who have gained suitable grades in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, a Modern Foreign Language and either History or Geography.

The timetable for choosing courses for next year is:

Mr N.Cole

Head of Year

Miss V.Pittman

Deputy Headteacher

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