Students move into their final year of Key Stage 3 and upon entering Year 9 we ask the students to focus on two important factors: The first is to use their well established learning habits to focus on completing Key Stage 3’s broad and balanced curriculum with progression achieved in all subject areas. The other is the consideration of future plans and next steps with a focus on making informed choices for exam subject study and developing their skills in home study/independent learning, preparing them to become ‘GCSE ready’.
This year provides students with a great opportunity to develop key underpinning knowledge that will stand them in good stead for their upcoming GCSE courses, as well as fine-tuning already well developed learning skills. A small number of subjects will start covering GCSE content at some point during year 9, but the majority will be delivering a traditional Key Stage 3 course.
Running alongside their option choices students will focus more closely on future aspirations and career opportunities, exploring their passions and developing the skills to flourish beyond their school years. Students will receive much guidance from Heads of Department about the rich opportunities that each course can offer.
Preferences Process 2023/24
Students will be receiving information shortly about the GCSE’s process. We will be holding a face to face preferences evening on Wednesday 31st January and information will be added to this page after the evening.
Year 9 Preferences Evening 23_24 – Parents Version
Key Dates
Wednesday 31st January 2024 at 6pm – Year 9 Preferences Information Evening
All parents and students should attend this information evening. The evening will consist of a presentation led by the Head of Year and SLT. Parents and students will be given the opportunity to speak with our passionate Heads of Departments and Subject Leads for all subjects on offer. Preference forms will be provided on this date.
Friday 16th February 2024 – Deadline for preference forms.
All forms to be handed to Mr East in person by the end of this day.
Any questions about preferences, please email y9preferences@simonballe.herts.sch.uk
Teachers
Head of Year 9: Mr B East
9A : Miss L Morgan and Mrs H Castle
9B : Mrs A Waight and Mrs A Chapman
9L : Miss L Devine
9M : Mr J Wells
9N : Ms E Warburton
9R : Mr J Kerswill and Mrs L Sparks
Year Group Overviews:
Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term