Welcome to Year 9 Pathways!
Year 9 Pathways evening Thursday 22nd February 2024
This is where we start the process of looking at the changes that take place when pupils finish Year 9 and start on their Year 10 pathway.
The most significant change is that pupils will be studying fewer subjects in September, and they will be able to choose some of them. To make this choice we have provided you with a range of information that may help you please see outline below.
Introduction:
Choosing the right courses outlined on this webpage and in the Pathways booklet is a full range of courses, which we believe provides for the needs of all our pupils. This will offer all of them progression routes into further and higher academic or vocational education.
This marks a very significant stage in a pupil’s education, since in Years 10 & 11 Pupils have some degree of choice in the subjects they study. It is, therefore, very important for pupils to watch the necessary videos and read information in the Pathways booklet carefully, to discuss preferences with their parents and to seek advice from their teachers and tutor.
This process of reading, reflection and discussion is very important, as we offer a wide range of subjects, including some that were not studied in the curriculum so far. It is therefore essential to take time to understand what each course offers, what combinations are possible, and what is most suitable for each pupil as an individual. In some instances, tutors or other teachers will have specific advice and guidance to offer on what would be most suitable, and pupils should take this into account when completing the preferences form. Please follow the steps below in order to make fully informed choices:
Step 1: Pathways booklet
Please read the Year 9 Pathways booklet (at the bottom of the page) and take particular care on page 9 onwards which outlines the difference between a Core subject (one that all pupils must study) and a Specialist subject (these are the subjects your child must pick three from plus some reserves).
Step 2: Video guidance for choosing subjects
Next, please watch the following video with your child which gives advice and guidance of how to choose subjects to study.
Step 3: Pathways Evening 2023
Our Pathways Evening on Thursday22nd February 2023 5:30-7pm at Hartshill Academy is an opportunity to hear about the Pathways process in some detail and to speak to staff about courses. Our Careers Advisors will also be there if you wish to speak to them about post 16 options or careers in general.
Step 4: Have a final discussion with your child and submit the online form.
When you and your child are confident they have made the right choices for them please fill in the Pathways form:
Click here for the Pathways Form
Please note the form will open for submission at 10am onwards on 7th February, it will not be accessible before this time ). All forms should be submitted by Friday 1st March 2023.
Next Steps:
Your part of the process is now complete and choices will be evaluated by Subject Leads and Senior Teachers. This may lead to some conversation with pupils/parents. To ensure all pupils are on the right course for them.
It is also important to note, however, that at this stage, you are opting for a preference for your choices. We will make every effort to meet these choices. On rare occasions, some options may not recruit a viable group. We will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative choices.
You will receive a letter confirming Year 9 Pathways choices in June.
Help and Advice:
If you require any further help and advice the following staff are here to help:
| Mrs Miranda Corcoran | Pastoral Leader - Year 9 | Miranda Corcoran@hartshillacademy.org.uk |
| Mr Luke Wilkins | Senior Leadership Link | Luke.Wilkins@hartshillacademy.org.uk |
| Ms Suzi Shepherd | Vice Principal | Suzi.Shepherd@hartshillacademy.org.uk |
| Mrs Debbie Partridge | Careers Advisor | Debbie.Partridge@hartshillacademy.org.uk |
| Mrs Laura Stubbs | Special Educational Needs | Laura.Stubbs@hartshillacademy.org.uk |
Please note parents of SEND pupils: You will also be able to book appointments with Miss Stubbs as part of our virtual consultations. Date to be confirmed.
Thank you and happy pathways process!
