Guided Option Pathways 2026
Y9 Guided Option Pathways
We pride ourselves on offering a broad & balanced curriculum allowing our students a breadth of opportunity to study the subjects of their choice.
Since starting school this is the first time that our students have had the opportunity to take control of a significant part of their curriculum. Choosing option subjects to study is an extremely important part of the year for the students involved.
Students will continue to benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum, whilst tailoring their studies to allow for a range of further and higher education pathways, once they have completed Year 11. We offer all students a wide variety of courses, taught by committed subject teachers who will challenge and inspire our students to achieve the very best they are capable of.
We hope you enjoy the virtual films made of each subject and find the information on the options process valuable. Should you require any further information or support please telephone the academy or email admin@parkvaleacademy.org.uk.
The 2026 Option Process
Options booklet 2026 available.
Assembly to Year 9 students to explain the options process.
Year 9 Parents’ Evening – 4th March
Taster sessions available for students in some subjects
Week Beginning 18th March 2025
Year 9 Guided Pathways Option Evening – 18th March
Week Beginning 24th March 2025
Student Guided Options interviews with senior staff to agree a final range of subjects
Ongoing throughout process
Individual discussions with students about subject choices/career pathways.
Virtual access to our careers advisor for guidance & support
Unifrog [link]– all students have access to this destination platform that brings into one place every apprenticeship, university course, and college course in the UK, as well as career opportunities, such as MOOCs and School Leaver Programmes.
Our Option Booklet 2026
The Option Process Guidance for Parents & Students
RE: Important Year 9 Parents Evening & Option Evening Information 2026
I am pleased to inform you that the Year 9 guided option process is now underway. This is an opportunity for your child to make exciting and important curriculum choices for their studies in years 10 and 11. This letter is intended to outline some key information, links and dates during this period. Information is also available on our website at https://parkvaleacademy.org.uk/students/guided-option-pathways/
Option Booklets
Options booklets with the choices available to your child and key subject information will be given to all Y9 students via their tutors and can also be found on our website at https://parkvaleacademy.org.uk/students/guided-option-pathways/
Subject Information
During February & March, subject areas will provide students with subject specific information about the courses they offer at Key stage 4. In addition, some taster sessions will be offered to students to allow them to experience a subject and find out more about what that subject has to offer.
Year 9 Parents Evening Wednesday 4th March 4.00 – 7.00pm
During the allotted time you get to glean information about your child’s progress in each of their current subjects. Ask whether tasks are being completed, comments are being acted on and progress being made. What are the most recent marks or grades and how do they compare with those in the past? Is this a subject that may be possible as an option choice? Please use the online system to book your appointments. https://parkvaleacademy.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/
Option Evening – Wednesday 18th March 6.00 -7.30pm
Parents and Y9 students should attend the Option Evening to find out more about the wide range of subjects offered and the process itself. The evening will start with a short presentation about the guided pathway process and some top tips about option choices. Parents and students will then be able to spend time speaking to our subject specialists.
Option Choices Meeting
These meetings will take place during the last two weeks of term prior to the Easter break. During these meetings, students will be supported by a senior leader to choose a final range of subjects that will broaden their knowledge and keep their career options open. If students are already interested in a particular job, apprenticeship, or going on to study at a sixth form, college or university, we will check that the subject choices help them to progress to where they want to go.
Most students will study 9 GCSE or GCSE equivalent subjects. We will work hard to make sure everyone gets the choices they have made, but running any course does depend on having sufficient numbers of students interested and your choices fitting our timetable.
Unifrog – Careers Advice
All students should have received an email from Unifrog. This platform provides information to help students make their option choices. It has a range of information about career pathways and qualifications required. It also provides access to MOOCS, described as free, easily accessible, completely online courses that students may wish to take in their own time.
Weekly drop in sessions are also available in room S1 after school on a Thursday with the academy’s experienced career advisor who will also be present at the Options Evening to offer career advice any support you may require.
I hope you find this information useful. May I also take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your much-valued support and engagement with this important stage in your child’s education.
Career Advice & Guidance
Miss Koppoe is offering remote advice and guidance to parents and students during school closure in preparation for their Post-16 destination, options process, and decisions. Miss Koppoe will also be present at the Options Evening event to offer additional support.
Contact details:
Email: a.koppoe@parkvaleacademy.org.uk
Our Student Subject Taster Sessions
Students will have an opportunity to take part in live ‘Taster’ and ‘Q & A’ sessions with subject teachers. Students will need to sign up to participate in these sessions.