WELCOME TO YEAR 7
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 7 at Parkstone Grammar School. We are very excited by the prospect of working with you and helping you to enjoy all of the learning opportunities that are available, so that you are happy and successful in all that you do. In Year 7 one of our priorities is to ensure that you settle into school as quickly as possible and adjust to the move from your previous school.
Your Form Tutor will be the person who has the most contact with you. You will have daily contact with them and they will be the member of staff who will probably get to know you best. Moving to a new school is exciting but there may be some aspects of this change that take some getting used to. It is important that you speak to your Form Tutor about any concerns or queries that you have as you settle into Parkstone life. They will know how to help if you need it.
Try to be organised in the way that you approach your studies. Forward planning is essential to make sure that you have the correct books and materials with you for each lesson. Your teachers should tell you what you need to bring to each of their lessons, but if you are not sure, please ask.
You may get more homework than in your previous school once you are settled in. You will need to ensure that you always record your homework in your planner, including the deadlines. Check your planner each evening when you get home and prioritise the tasks so that you do not miss any of these deadlines. If you are unsure of how to do a particular piece of homework, ask your teacher for some assistance – before the deadline!
We want you to be able to enjoy all aspects of life at Parkstone. There will be many clubs and activities taking place at lunchtimes and after school. Come along and try out something new – seize every opportunity you can. It is an ideal way to meet new friends and to get the most out of your first year at Parkstone.
Finally, we are certain you will enjoy your first year with us at Parkstone. Don’t forget to ask if there is anything you are unsure of. You will find everyone is really helpful.
MR GRAVES
WELCOME TO YEAR 8
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 8. This is a really exciting year for you as this is the first time that you will get the opportunity to make choices about your future studies.
You will need to give careful consideration to which subjects you enjoy the most and where your strengths lie. Your teachers will be able to help you with this; so don’t forget to ask them how they feel you are getting on in your studies. It is essential to do your very best in all subjects so that you get a true indication of your strengths.
During the Spring Term, you will be asked to make your pre-GCSE choices. You will have had many opportunities to discuss the options open to you beforehand and to listen to the advice of others. However, it is important that the final decision is yours. You should pick the subjects that you feel you will enjoy the most and that will enable you to follow any career aspirations that you may have. Don’t be tempted to make the decision based on what your friends want to do.
Most students are able to study their first choice of subjects. However, if this is not possible we will let you know as soon as we are able to. If you are concerned that you have chosen the wrong options, speak to your Head of Year as soon as possible. It may not be too late to change your mind but, unfortunately we can’t make any promises about which subjects will be available.
Good attendance throughout the year is essential as it is often difficult to understand work that you have been absent for and may affect your progress. Many subjects will start teaching work that builds into your GCSE course.
Please continue to take advantage of all the clubs, societies and other opportunities that we make available and why not try something new to meet more people or extend your interests into different areas.
Finally, make sure that you enjoy Year 8. It is an interesting year with important and exciting decisions to be made.
MR SCOPES
WELCOME TO YEAR 9
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 9. I’m sure you will find this to be a really exciting year as the foundation for your new GCSE courses which will culminate in your GCSE examinations in three years’ time.
For the first time you have had a major input into determining the curriculum you are going to follow because of the option choices made at the end of Year 8. This means that you will now study 11 subjects plus PE, RE and Wellbeing. In addition, you will also have a ‘Time to Talk’ lesson to support you as you adapt to the greater academic requirements.
To help you get to grips with the expectations of your subjects Year 9 is seen as a foundation year providing the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required for success at GCSE.
Later this year you will need to reduce your 6 options choices down to 4 ready for your GCSE courses. This may be a difficult decision but don’t forget your teaches will be here to help you through the process. If you feel that you are not coping with any aspect of your course please do discuss it with your Teacher, Form Tutor or your Head of Year as soon as possible.
Year 9 is also a time for looking towards the future and so you should continue to use some of your time to learn new skills and actively pursue existing hobbies and interests. There should be time for other activities both within and outside the school environment, whether it be sport, drama, music, Cadets, voluntary work or any of the other amazing opportunities available. Remember that those additional things you do outside your schoolwork add to your education and to your own personal development. Take the opportunity to expand your horizons; use your initiative, develop your independence and try something different.
Time will pass quickly so don’t put off those things that need to be done. You will find that Year 9 will pass very quickly and Years 10 and 11 even quicker. More than anything I hope that you enjoy your time in Year 9. Show courage when things are challenging; commitment to being the best you can be and show compassion to those around you. These things will all enable you to make the best of your time in Year 9.
MR SCOPES
THE OPTIONAL CURRICULUM
This is where students will start to make choices about what they will be learning for their GCSEs. We offer a wide range of GCSEs to cater for the differing interests and abilities of all students.
Students are asked to pick six subjects from the following list to study in Year 9. They will then be asked to pick four from these six (or Astronomy) to study for their GCSEs in Year 10 and 11. They are recommended to ensure a breadth of choice, whilst at the same time considering their future career paths.
Please find the Year 8 Options Booklet with details on the Options process and subject content here: 🔗YEAR 8 OPTIONS BOOKLET
Please find the Options Evening Presentation with further information here: 🔗OPTIONS EVENING PRESENTATION SLIDES
| GCSE Level |
| Art |
| Business/Economics* |
| Computer Science |
| Design & Technology: Graphics
Design & Technology: Textiles |
| Drama |
| Food Preparation and Nutrition |
| French |
| Geography |
| German |
| History |
| Music |
| Physical Education |
| Religion and Philosophy |
| Spanish |
* If students want to carry this subject on for their GCSEs they will choose to either study Business Studies or Economics.
English Baccalaureate
Students are strongly advised to take one language and one humanities subject (either History or Geography) plus two other subjects when they reach their final GCSE options. This will allow them to achieve the English Baccalaureate.
This pathway may not be suitable for all students and should be discussed carefully to ensure future career paths or subject combinations will not be closed.
Students can take more than one language and more than one humanities subject. We recommend breadth and creativity so including an arts or creative option would also be recommended.
MRS WILLIS