Year 9 marks the onset of an exciting stage in your academic journey. In the vast majority of subjects you will start your GCSE level of study at some point during the academic year. This will be a test of your organisation, determination, diligence and resilience but it will also be a chance for you to enjoy the challenge of rigorous academic study.
Later in the year, you will be asked to make decisions about which subjects you would like to continue for GCSE. Some of those decisions will be made for you: we ensure that you continue with core subjects so that your education is balanced and attractive to universities and employers. Nevertheless, for the first time, you will have a say in the content of your education as you choose your options subjects. When the time comes, I encourage you to seek advice from a range of people including your subject teachers, the pastoral team and your parents.
Outside the classroom, I urge you to continue to take part in your usual co-curricular choices whilst also challenging yourself to try something new. There are so many activities and at no other point in your life will there be such a variety of opportunities so easy for you to grasp. This year, it is also a good idea to start to look for leadership roles as you prepare to become a more senior member of our whole school community.
It is important that you are not over-awed by the thought of all that Year 9 offers, rather, you should be excited by the prospect of a year of great variety and potential. Consequently, I wish you a happy and successful year and I look forward to supporting you in all that you do.
As a note to parents if you have any queries or concerns I can be best reached via email rileye@westholmeschoool.com.
Miss Prendergast, the Assistant Head of Year, can be contacted at prendergasta@westholmeschool.com.
Alternatively, we can both be contacted via the main switchboard.