Dear GA families

We are excited to announce that it will soon be time for your child to pick the courses they wish to study in Years 10 and 11 at Gloucester Academy.  This is an extremely important decision and one that should be taken after careful thought and consideration.  Not only does this decision decide which subjects they will study at Gloucester Academy for the next two years, but it also has implications for their Post-16 study options.  Once our students have left us they will go on to study at a sixth form, college or through an apprenticeship scheme.  Having the right subjects to get on these Post-16 courses is incredibly important so we are here to help you all through it and make sure that your choices are the right choices.

As such, we would like to warmly welcome you to our Class of 2024 Choices Evening  

which will take place on Thursday 7th April 2022 6.00 - 8.00pm  

At this launch event, we will begin by explaining the ‘Year 9 Choices’ process in more depth which will then be followed by a chance to meet all the teachers and discuss the subjects with them in person.

Following the event, a ‘Curriculum Guide’ will be circulated which will provide an overview of each subject and what it entails, whilst also including a short 3-minute video from each to help students make informed decisions. 

Please click here to sign up for the evening event LINK

How will my child actually select their choices?

Using the SIMS app

The whole process of selecting subject choices will be completed online through the SIMS app.   Therefore, it is vitally important that you check that you have access to the app as soon as possible.   For those who are yet to log into the SIMS app, you will receive a letter shortly explaining how to access it.  If you are still having problems accessing the app, please email Mrs Lloyd ylloyd@gloucesteracademy.co.uk or phone her at the school 01452 428800, who will be happy to help.   The process of selecting subject choices online will go live on Thursday 7th April 2022 so it is important you have access by this date.

Subjects that are compulsory

There are, of course, some subjects (GCSE Maths, GCSE English Literature and Language, GCSE Science) that every child must study.  Students will also continue to have weekly ‘core’  PE lessons, though this will not be counted as an additional qualification.  

Priority choice

As a priority, all students will need to choose at least one of the following subjects: History, Geography or Spanish.  This ensures they have a broad and balanced curriculum throughout their school career. 

Open choice

In addition to their ‘priority choice’ above, all students will then choose an additional three courses, along with two reserve choices.  The subjects in the ‘open choice’ will be a range of GCSEs and/or Vocational courses to supplement their current curriculum offer which can be seen below:

GCSEs: History, Geography, Spanish, Religious Studies, Citizenship, Business, Art, and Drama.

Vocational courses: BTEC Music, Food & Nutrition, BTEC Sport, Health & Social Care, BTEC Engineering
 

Will my child definitely get their chosen subjects?

We cannot guarantee that students will get all of the subjects they wish to study due to the staffing and timetable structure, as well as minimum numbers to run courses.  However, we will try to ensure that student satisfaction is maximised wherever possible.

10th March 2022	Choices assembly in school
21st March - 1st April 2022	Careers based lessons preparing for choices
7th April 2022	Choices booklet handed out at evening event
7th April 2022	Choices evening 6.00 - 8.00pm
7th April 2022	SIMSs Choices goes live
29th April 2022	Deadline for return of Choices
May 2022	Choices are allocated

I hope this information helps start the thought process regarding Class of 2024 choices.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Yours sincerely 

Mrs P Lewis

Associate Headteacher

plewis@gloucesteracademy.co.uk