Year 9 students will be given practical help and support to make the right subject choices and set them on the path to future success - as well as a motivational talk from multi-millionaire Poundland founder Steve Smith.

The Spring Term is an important one for Year 9 pupils as they select four foundation subjects to study alongside the core programme of English Literature, English Language, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Citizenship.

As part of the annual Course Choice event - on Wednesday, January 11th - Yr 9 students will get hands-on experience of a range of GSCE classes and college courses, whilst listening to a presentation from Connexions. Successful businessman, Steve Smith, a former market trader who founded retail empire Poundland - which he later sold for £50 million - will be visiting the school to speak to students and inspire them to pursue their career dreams.

Displays will be set up on the day to showcase what various courses have to offer and how they are able to help students fulfil their ambitions in future careers, including travel & tourism, construction and art.

Mr D Brook, Head of Middle School, said: “The event is all about helping our students plan for the future.

“This is the first big life choice many of our students will make and our Course Choice event gives them a glimpse of what each course has to offer to put them on the road to success.

“It is a very exciting time but students will need lots of support both from home and school to make the right choices.”

Year 9 students will sit school exams in all foundation subjects early in February, which will help them choose the correct subjects and courses going forward. A Parents Evening will also take place on Wednesday, March 29th to give students, parents and carers the chance to discuss options before each student sits down for a one-to-one interview with a senior member of staff in April.

The process will completed by the end of June.