Hi everyone,

I had my Options meeting at the School today. For those of you that don't know what Options are, they are basically where you choose what subjects you want to take in the last 2 years of School - you HAVE to take Math, English and Science and then you can pick whatever other subjects you want to do.

The meeting was basically to let parents know what the Options are and how to help their child make the right decision and to also talk to the staff to see what they thought was best. The teachers did a powerpoint presentation and then we got chance to talk to the tutors.

I am really interested in going into an Health Course so we spoke to the teacher running the health and social studies course to see what she said. My mum explained that I had a neurological condition and that I might be off school for a short period of time because the pain is too bad and she basically said that there was no point in me even entering the course because of all the time I have already had off school!!!!!! I was SO angry and frustrated and thought that they were basically saying that because I was il, I wouldn't be able to get a job in the future!!

We then went into the school's dining room and spoke to my friend and her mum and told her what the teacher said. My friend was discusted and said that she wanted to do the health and social studies course also and that she spoke to a different teacher who was really understanding and nice (my friend has health conditions also!). My friend told us where to go to chat to the teacher so we could see what she had to say.

We found the teacher and explained my health complaints to her and she was lovely and said that just because I am ill doesn't mean that I can't go onto the course and that she wasn't sure why the other lady said it would affect me!! I don't think she was really happy at all and was going to have a word with the other teacher and tell her that what she said was pathetic! The teacher explained that if I had time off, I would have to catch up but it would be in my own time and hopefully, I shouldn't feel too stressed!!

The course that I am putting in for is called a Dimploma and it specialises in Health and Social Studies. A lot of my friends are putting in for that also and one of my close friends, wants to be a midwife so she will be on the same course as me hopefully if we both get accepted!!!! The course lasts for 2 years and once it is completed, you get 7 GCSE's and then can go and get a job specialising in either Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Criminal Justice Team, Social Worker etc etc. We also have to do 50 hours of placements and we will go to a nursing home, Physical Therapy centre etc.

I have to apply for the course - the deadline is the 12th February. I will then have to go for an interview which is where the teachers decide whether you will be suitable for the program - hopefully I should be an then we have to go for a look around the college where I will be doing the course, should I get accepted.

The course starts in September so at least I get plenty of time to study and also chance to talk to my teachers and back out, should I ever change my mind!

I am also going to be taking IT (computers) and some other subjects which I am still not decided on yet! We are hoping to try and get me back into school for the 2 hours computer session as that will get me a qualification. I'm so confused at the moment as half of me wants to go back to school but the other half of me wants to stay at the centre where I am happy and comfortable. Me and my mum are going to have a talk about that later but have decided not to pull out from the school centre as there is no way I would be able to manage full-time at work, at least at the moment!!

I'll keep you all updated and let you know if I get accepted onto the course!!