YEAR 9 OPTIONS AT RAINHILL HIGH SCHOOL
Making Informed Choices for Key Stage 4
Choosing curriculum options is an important and exciting milestone in a pupil's educational journey. At Rainhill High School, we are committed to supporting every pupil to make informed choices that reflect their interests, strengths and future aspirations.
The subjects chosen in Year 9 will shape learning through Years 10 and 11 and help prepare pupils for post-16 education, apprenticeships, employment and future study.
THE OPTIONS PROCESS
Guidance at Every Stage
Our options process is carefully designed to provide pupils with the guidance and information they need to make confident and well-informed decisions.
Throughout the process, pupils receive advice from subject teachers, pastoral staff, senior leaders and careers specialists to help them identify an appropriate combination of subjects.
What Can I Choose?
Pupils study a combination of core subjects, which are compulsory for everyone, and option subjects, which allow pupils to develop particular interests and prepare for future pathways.
Computing and Religious Education feature across the curriculum for all pupils, ensuring that every pupil continues to develop their knowledge and understanding in these important areas alongside their core and option subjects.
CORE CURRICULUM
Subjects Studied by Every Pupil
English Language & English Literature
Mathematics
Science — Combined or Separate Sciences
Core PE — Non-examined
Citizenship, PSHE & Careers — delivered through tutorial sessions and drop-down days
OPTION SUBJECTS
Four Subjects Chosen by Pupils
Pupils can select four option subjects from a broad range of disciplines.
Humanities
History, Geography, Religious Studies
Languages
French, Spanish, German
Performing Arts
Drama, Music, Dance
Creative Arts
Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Design, Art Textiles, 3D Design
Art, Design & Technology
Food Preparation & Nutrition, Construction
Computing
Computer Science, Information Technology, Creative iMedia
Sociology
Business & Social Sciences
Business Studies, Enterprise, Health & Social Care, Travel & Tourism
Sport & Physical Education
Physical Education, Sport Science
ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE
The EBacc Pathway
Some pupils may wish to pursue the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which includes a language and a humanities subject alongside the core curriculum.
Guidance is provided during the options process to help pupils understand whether this pathway is appropriate for their future ambitions.
How to Make Your Choices
A range of information, events and personalised guidance is provided to help pupils and families make informed decisions.
01
Options Booklet
A detailed guide to available courses, including course content, assessment methods and potential future pathways.
02
Options Evening
An opportunity for pupils and parents or carers to explore subject choices, meet teachers and ask questions about individual courses.
03
SEND Options Presentation
A dedicated SEND Options presentation provides additional information and guidance for pupils with SEND and their parents or carers as they consider the most appropriate curriculum choices.
04
1:1 Guidance Meetings
Each pupil has a personalised meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss their choices, strengths and aspirations.
05
Careers Education & Guidance
Careers learning and external expertise help pupils understand how subject choices connect with future pathways and opportunities.
NEXT STEPS
What Happens Next?
Once pupils have explored their options and received guidance, they submit their choices through the school's online options system.
We aim to accommodate pupils' first-choice subjects wherever possible. However, some courses may have limited places or may not be able to run where numbers are insufficient, so pupils are also asked to consider reserve choices.
Next Steps and Beyond
The subjects pupils choose at this stage will shape their learning over the next two years and may influence future post-16 pathways, including A levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, employment and university study.
OUR ADVICE
Choose With Ambition and Confidence
We encourage pupils to take their time, explore each course carefully and seek advice before making their final choices.
Choices should reflect a combination of strengths, interests and future aspirations rather than simply following friends or choosing subjects because they appear easy.
