Year 9 Passport

We are delighted to introduce the Year 9 Passport — an exciting new initiative designed to support our students as they begin thinking about their personal development, aspirations and next steps in education and beyond. Year 9 is a pivotal moment in a young person's school journey, as students start forming ideas about future pathways, interests, and the skills they will need to thrive both in Key Stage 4 and in later life. Our Futures Passport aims to guide, inspire and celebrate that journey.

The Year 9  Passport provides students with a personal space to record, reflect on and showcase their achievements, experiences and goals throughout the year. It encourages students to take increasing ownership of their learning, build their confidence, and recognise the wide range of skills they develop both inside and outside the classroom. From academic successes, leadership opportunities and extra-curricular participation to sporting achievements, volunteering and creative projects, this passport celebrates the whole child and the many ways they can shine.

Students will complete and update their passport through tutor time and dedicated sessions, as well as independently at home. It has been designed to be flexible, allowing each student to personalise how they evidence their strengths — whether through certificates, photographs, written reflections, or examples of creative work. Parents and carers are encouraged to support their child by sharing and celebrating achievements as they arise, whether that be a sports trophy, a music certificate, participation in a community event, or simply an example of resilience and effort that deserves recognition.

Alongside recording achievements, the Passport prompts students to develop key skills essential for life beyond school, including communication, teamwork, responsibility, time-management and personal goal-setting. Students will also reflect on what motivates them, the environments they thrive in, and the personal qualities that make them unique — skills and self-awareness that will support future applications for college, apprenticeships and employment.

In addition, year 9 students will take part in dedicated Enrichment Days across the academic year, each designed to broaden their experiences and deepen their understanding of life beyond the classroom. This programme will enrich the work completed in KS3 and help students build a strong foundation as they move into the next phase of their school journey.

The Year 9 Passport also aligns with our wider commitment to preparing students for life after Alcester Academy. It complements our careers education programme, extracurricular offer and pastoral support, and helps build strong habits of self-reflection and ambition. Our aim is that students leave year 9 with a growing understanding of themselves, clear aspirations and a strong sense of pride in what they have already achieved.