Choosing GCSE options is an exciting milestone for every young person at Millbay Academy. Our Year 9 Options Evening is designed to support students and families as they begin planning their Key Stage 4 journey.

This is a drop‑in event between 4pm and 6.30pm and we look forward to welcoming all Year 9 families into school.

Please note: This event is separate from the Year 9 Parents’ Evening on 23rd April, which will take place online. Details for Parents’ Evening have been shared separately.

At Millbay Academy, our curriculum ensures that every student has access to a broad, enriching and engaging learning experience. Teachers work hard to bring subjects to life, building on prior knowledge and helping students make meaningful connections across their learning.

Our curriculum intent is to transform lives through learning by providing a high‑quality, aspirational education that:

• Ignites confidence
• Expands opportunities
• Develops the whole person
• Prepares students to be life‑long thinkers

Through our Think Like a Creative mindset, students learn to be:

• Resilient
• Reflective
• Creative problem‑solvers
• Independent and empathetic young people
• Ready to shape the world around them

To help families prepare, we have published the Curriculum Booklet, which outlines every subject available at Key Stage 4.

We strongly encourage you to read through the booklet with your young person before attending Options Evening.

Our Options Evening is designed to help students make informed, confident decisions about their future.

During the event, families will be able to:

Visit subject pop‑up stations

Meet teachers, explore course content, and understand how each subject is assessed.

Speak with local industry partners

We are proud to welcome organisations such as:

• Princess Yachts
• City College Plymouth
• Additional local employers and training providers

These partners will help students understand how their subject choices link to future careers and opportunities.

Explore interests and ask questions

Students can take their time visiting each area and gathering information.

Event duration - We recommend allowing around one hour to visit all subject areas and partners.

Students will be encouraged to submit their option choices during the event using our online Google Form.

• The form will go live on the evening
• Laptops will be available
• A QR code will be provided for mobile access
• Places are allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis, so early submission is recommended

If you have any questions before the event, please contact:

Alex Boyce, Head of Key Stage 3

aboyce@millbayacademy.org

Glossary of Key Terms

Options Portal The online webpage where all information about Year 9 Options, courses and the full process can be found.

Preferences The initial selections a student makes to show which subjects they would most like to study. These preferences help us design the most effective Options Blocks so that as many students as possible can study their preferred subjects.

Options Blocks These are the final subject groupings that form the school timetable. Each block represents one timetable slot. Students can only choose one subject per block, meaning it is not possible to study two subjects that appear in the same block.

Options Offer A personalised letter sent to each student outlining the best possible combination of subjects we can provide, based on their preferences and the final Options Blocks. If a student is unhappy with their offer, they may choose a different combination from the available blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do we have to decide?

All deadlines are listed on the Options Portal. Each stage is important, as it allows us time to organise the next phase of the process. If you are worried about meeting a deadline, please speak to your child’s tutor as soon as possible.

Will my child get all of their choices?

We always try our very best to accommodate every student’s preferences. However, this is not always possible. We explore many different timetable arrangements to find the best overall fit for the year group.

What if my child is not happy with their Options Offer?

Students will have the opportunity to choose a different combination from the finalised Options Blocks if they are unhappy with their initial offer or feel another combination suits them better.

What is the EBacc?

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a group of subjects considered essential for many university pathways and future careers. It includes:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• History or Geography
• A Modern Foreign Language
• Computer Science

Schools are measured on how many students study EBacc subjects, and all secondary schools are expected to offer EBacc pathways to most students.

What is Progress 8?

Progress 8 measures the progress students make across eight subjects from the start of secondary school to the end of Year 11. These include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Three EBacc subjects
• Three “Open” subjects (which can be EBacc, arts, vocational or technical qualifications)

It encourages a broad and balanced curriculum and recognises the progress students make across a wide range of subjects.

There are new courses for Year 10 and we haven’t met the teachers yet. How can we find out more?

You can meet all subject teachers at our Options Evening on Thursday 30th April. You can also contact teachers directly using the details at the bottom of each subject page on the Options Portal.

What are BTEC Technical Awards?

BTEC Technical Awards are vocational qualifications designed for 14–16‑year‑olds to study alongside GCSEs. They:

• are mainly assessed through coursework
• may include externally marked components
• count towards Progress 8
• are designed with employers to support vocational career pathways
• complement GCSEs rather than replace them

My child doesn’t know what to choose. Can we get support?

Absolutely. Our Careers Team, is available to offer guidance and answer questions. Please see the Careers section for contact details.

Can my child change options once Year 10 or 11 has started?

No. Changing subjects mid‑course is extremely difficult, as students would have missed essential content and coursework deadlines. Once a course begins, students are expected to continue with it through to the end of Year 11.

What does “co‑curriculum” mean?

This refers to the wider programme of extracurricular activities, enrichment sessions, clubs and opportunities offered beyond the main curriculum. These experiences help students develop additional skills, interests and personal growth.

Do students need to choose subjects linked to a future career?

Not necessarily. While some careers require specific subjects, many do not. The most important thing is choosing subjects your child enjoys and feels confident in.

Can my child choose all practical or all academic subjects?

We encourage a balanced set of choices. Some subjects may have limited spaces or specific entry requirements, which will be explained during Options Evening.

Are there limits on class sizes?

Yes. Some subjects have maximum class sizes due to specialist equipment or room capacity. If a course becomes oversubscribed, we will use the preferences submitted on the Options Form to allocate places fairly.

What happens if a course does not run?

If a subject has too few students to form a viable class, we will contact families directly and support students in choosing an alternative option.

Do students need to bring anything to Options Evening?

We recommend bringing:

• a list of subjects your child is interested in
• any questions you want to ask Laptops will be available for submitting choices but you may also use your phone.