Key Stage 4 Options are a significant part of secondary education as they allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and pave the way for their future academic and career pathways. It is an exciting time for our Year 9 students, as they have the opportunity to select the subjects they wish to pursue in the coming years.
To ensure that the options process goes smoothly and that both students and families are well-informed, we have organised a series of activities and information sessions.
The key dates for these events are as follows:
Date |
Time |
Venue |
Details |
| Every Friday from 12 January 2024 | 08.30 – 09.00 | Advisory room | Weekly assembly and advisory sessions for students: Students will receive a blend of weekly advisory sessions and assemblies to support them through the options process. Students will receive an options booklet that will take them through a range of activities to promote discussion, thoughts and what they might be suited for. On the 12th January, students will receive a special assembly and be made aware of the subjects that will be on offer. |
| Week beginning 19 January 2024 | 09.00 – 15.00 | Livingstone Academy Bournemouth | Options Workshops and Taster Sessions for students: The Options Workshops and Taster Sessions are an excellent chance for our Year 9 students to interact with subject teachers, gather information about different courses, and gain a better understanding of what each subject entails. Timetables will be adjusted to ensure that all students can experience a taster session in all options. |
| 01 March 2024 | 08.30 – 09.00 | Livingstone Academy Bournemouth | Initial Preference Student Response: The students will complete an initial preference form outlining their preferences and initial thoughts in response to the taster sessions. This will inform the academy of initial numbers and enable us to hold supportive discussions about their intentions. |
| 07 March 2024 | 15.30 – 20.00 | Livingstone Academy Bournemouth | Parent Consultations Evening: This parent consultation will be with your child’s advisor who, after speaking with subject teachers, will be able to provide guidance and suggestions over the options choices your child has made, while also discussing their academic progress and attainment this year. |
| 14 March 2024 | 13.00 – 15.00 | BIC | The Careers and Apprenticeship Show for students: All Year 9 students will attend ‘The Careers and Apprenticeship Show’ at the BIC, this is an opportunity for students to learn about careers, apprenticeships, training and job routes. This is a premier south coast event hosted at the BIC and will showcase the very best that Dorset has to offer, related to careers and apprenticeships. This event allows your child to find out more about what opportunities are available. |
| 14 March 2024 | 18.00 – 20.00 | Livingstone Academy Bournemouth | Options Information Evening for students and parents / carers: During this event, we will provide an overview of the available options, explain the process, and answer any questions you may have. Teachers of each subject will be available to discuss with you any questions you may have. This is a valuable opportunity for parents to gain insight into the various subjects and their relevance to future career pathways. |
| 14 March 2024 – 21 April 2024 | Livingstone Academy Bournemouth | Completion of Options Selection Window (Google Form): From the 14 March until the 21 April, the ‘Options Form’ will be open and available for students to choose their options. It is crucial for both students and parents to carefully consider the available options, taking into account their interests, abilities, and long-term aspirations alongside the advice from academy staff. |
Additionally, please note that we have established a dedicated team of staff members who will be available for further advice and guidance throughout the entire options process.
We firmly believe that the options process plays a vital role in empowering our students to make informed decisions about their academic journey. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting each student in their pathway to success and facilitating their personal development.
Please also feel free to view our options booklet here.
Please see here the Options Evening Presentation shared on 14.03.2024.