Year 9 Options

Welcome to our options page for year 9

Choosing options is an exciting time for pupils We hope that the resources on this page will give pupils and parents/carers a good overview of the process and all the information needed to make well-informed choices.

A step-by-step guide has been sent out parents/carers directly. This contains many of the same details and links set out below.

Introductory presentation for pupils

A copy of the slides used by Mr Painton and Mrs Sismey in the introductory presentations for pupils is here. The presentation gave pupils an overview of the options process along with some advice on making good choices. Pupils also had the opportunity to ask any initial questions they may have.

Introductory presentation for parents / carers

A copy of the slides used by Mr Painton in the introductory presentations for parents is here.

Options booklet

The latest year 9 options booklet is available to view here. Please do read this document as it contains lots of important information on the key stage 4 curriculum and the options process. It also includes a summary of all the courses on offer – what pupils are taught, how they are assessed, the enrichment opportunities available and information on further study and careers.

Bright day

On Tuesday 7th February, pupils in year 9 will take part in a bright day focused on their future study and career options. Many of the resources for the day will be accessed via Unifrog so it is important that pupils can log in to this platform (see below). Full information will be sent out to parents/carers in due course and uploaded here when available.

Videos on the core subjects

You can watch videos about the core subjects (English, Maths and Science) using the links below. These are subjects all pupils will study and the information in the videos supports the details in the options booklet, dealing with a number of the most frequently asked questions

Virtual options evening – for subject-based presentations and questions

On the evening of Tuesday 7th February, parents/carers and pupils are able to join online webinars via Microsoft Teams. The links to each subject were included in the guide sent out directly to parents/carers. These webinars will include a short presentation on the subject and then parents/carers will be able to ask questions using the chat feature. Presentations will begin at the following times in each subject:

  • 5.00pm
  • 5.25pm
  • 5.50pm
  • 6.15pm
  • 6.40pm
  • 7.05pm

Unifrog

Unifrog is a progression and careers platform that we use extensively across the school – right from year 7 through to the Sixth Form. Pupils will use it on the bright day. Parents are also able to access resources on Unifrog.

An introduction for parents is available here. A reminder for pupils on how to log in is here.

Options Q+A – for final advice and guidance

There will be a final opportunity for help with the options process in the week commencing Monday 20th February. If you have specific questions about the process that haven’t yet been answered or your child is really struggling with making a decision, you will be able to email info@rushcliffespencer.com with details of your specific query. A member of the Senior Leadership Team will then arrange to discuss your query with you. For pupils who require a more personalised pathway, parents/carers will be contacted and a one-to-one slot will be arranged with a member of our Learning Support or Pastoral team on Wednesday 8th February.

The options form

Options forms are accessed and submitted via EduLink One. There is more information in the options booklet. The form will be available from 7th February (after the virtual options evening). It should be submitted by Friday 24th February.

Options subject presentations

Please click on individual subjects below to view the powerpoint presentation for that subject.