Year 9 Options Evening letter

19th September 2023

Dear Year 9 Parent/Guardians,

As you are probably aware, Year 9 students at Biddenham International School and Sports College have the opportunity to choose and start their GSCE/Level 2 courses earlier in the academic year than is the case in some schools.  As part of this process, your child has been involved in an ongoing carousel of lessons since the beginning of the year that has aimed to give them a flavour of the subjects available.

We would therefore like to take this opportunity to invite you and your child to the Year 9 Options Evening at Biddenham International School on Tuesday 10th October between 5pm and 7pm. 

The evening consists of two parts. There will be the chance to speak to individual subject teachers in the 6th form (Nicola Adams) block and ask any questions that you may have about each option subject.  Our careers advisor will also be available throughout the evening.  There will also be two talks in the main hall delivered by Eleanor Grylls, Head of School followed by Danni Despirito, Head of Year 9.  Please see the times below for the relevant talk for your child’s tutor group. 

• 17:00 for Tutor Groups 9MAB, 9ANH, 9SJ, 9SA and 9ANC
• 18:00 for Tutor Groups 9GTL, 9OB, 9CF, 9GFP and 9DAT

The choices that your child is taking will lead to their first set of formal qualifications. We want to ensure that the students and you receive the very best advice and guidance so that they are able to make the best selection of subjects.

The core curriculum which every student will study is; GCSE English Language, GCSE English Literature, GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Religious Studies and GCSE Sciences (separate or combined qualifications).  Students will then choose four additional subjects (one per column) on the options blocking form, one of which must be an Ebacc subject, which on the form are highlighted in blue. 

If you have any further questions about the evening then please feel free to contact me at school on 01234 334560 or via e-mail on George.Foy@Biddenham.beds.sch.uk

Yours sincerely,

Mr George Foy

Assistant Headteacher

Key Stage 4 Raising Standards Leader