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My Options

Discovering interests, developing skills and celebrating achievement

My Options give pupils the opportunity to explore their interests, discover new talents and develop practical skills through a range of specialist courses. From Year 9 onwards, pupils can experience different subject areas that reflect their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

We recognise that pupils may have a range of interests and that these can develop and change over time. Our Options' curriculum therefore provides opportunities for pupils to experience different specialist areas across their time in Hills and Rivers, helping them to discover what they enjoy and develop skills that can support their future.

Courses are practical, engaging and linked to the world beyond school. Where appropriate, pupils work towards recognised accredited qualifications, giving them the opportunity to gain meaningful achievements that reflect their individual skills and abilities.

Our Specialist Options

Pupils can access a range of specialist courses, including:

  • Art & Design
  • Construction
  • Creative Media & Performing Arts
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Hospitality
  • Humanities
  • Land-based Studies
  • Motor Vehicle Studies
  • Sport & Leisure

Each course provides opportunities to develop subject-specific knowledge alongside transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, organisation, responsibility and working safely.

Specialist learning also supports the development of English, Maths and digital skills through practical, meaningful contexts.

Qualifications and Achievement

We believe that every pupil should have the opportunity to achieve and have their skills recognised.

Depending on the course and individual pathway, pupils may work towards qualifications including:

  • WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Humanities
  • BTEC Level 1 Land-based Studies
  • BTEC Level 1 / WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Creative Media & Performing Arts
  • BTEC Level 1 / WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Art & Design
  • BTEC Level 1 / WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Sport
  • BTEC Level 1 / WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Motor Vehicle Studies
  • BTEC Level 1 / WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Construction
  • BTEC Level 1 / WJEC Entry Level 2/3 Hair & Beauty
  • BTEC Entry Level Pre-Vocational Studies
  • ASDAN Entry Level Personal Progress

Courses are matched to pupils' individual needs and abilities, with appropriate support and challenge to enable pupils to make progress and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Our aim is for pupils to leave Sutton with recognised achievements that reflect their individual strengths and the skills they have developed.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Specialist Options provide opportunities for pupils to experience their chosen areas in real-world contexts.

Throughout the year, pupils take part in educational visits, trips, workshops, employer encounters and practical experiences linked to their course. Pupils may visit businesses, workplaces and specialist settings and meet professionals who can share their knowledge and experience.

These experiences help pupils understand how their learning connects to the wider world and can support future pathways into further education, employment, volunteering and adult life.

Where appropriate, pupils also take part in work experience, giving them the opportunity to develop workplace skills and experience the expectations of employment.

Choosing Options

Pupils begin accessing the Options' curriculum from Year 9. We work with pupils, parents and carers to help them make choices that reflect their interests, strengths, needs and aspirations.

During the Summer Term, parents and carers receive information about the Options curriculum and are invited to a 'Year 8 Transition Meeting', where they can find out more about the different courses and see specialist learning in action.

Pupils then select their preferred options. We aim to provide pupils with their first choice wherever possible, while considering class sizes, staffing, practical resources and the needs of all pupils.

Pupils have opportunities to experience more than one specialist course during their time in Hills and Rivers. This allows them to broaden their experiences, develop a wider range of skills and discover new interests.

Specialist Learning Spaces

Pupils have access to specialist environments that support practical and purposeful learning, including our:

  • Hair & Beauty salon
  • Construction room
  • Motor Vehicle Studies room
  • Performing Arts Hub
  • Hospitality and cooking facilities
  • Science laboratory
  • Life Skills room
  • Outdoor and Forest School areas

These spaces provide pupils with opportunities to learn through practical experiences and apply their skills in realistic settings.

Preparing for the Future

My Options is an important part of our preparation-for-adulthood curriculum. It helps pupils to develop confidence, aspiration, practical skills and recognised achievements while exploring areas that may influence their future choices.

Through specialist learning, pupils have the opportunity to discover what they enjoy, what they are good at and what they might want to explore in the future.

Our aim is for every pupil to develop a positive sense of achievement and leave Sutton with a growing understanding of their strengths, interests and potential, supporting their individual journey towards independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my child doesn't like their option?

We work with pupils, parents and carers to make sure options reflect pupils' interests, strengths, needs and aspirations. Pupils are encouraged to take part, try new experiences and develop their skills. If an option is not appropriate, we will work with the pupil and family to find a suitable solution.

Pupils also have opportunities to experience different specialist subjects throughout their time in Hills and Rivers, allowing them to develop a broad range of skills and interests.

What level will my child work at?

Courses are matched to each pupil's individual needs, abilities and starting points. Depending on the course and pupil, qualifications may range from Entry Level through to Level 1 and, where appropriate, higher-level qualifications.

Pupils are supported and challenged to work towards an appropriate qualification and meaningful outcome.

Can my child study more than one option?

Yes. Pupils begin accessing the Options' curriculum from Year 9 and have opportunities to experience more than one specialist course during their time in Hills and Rivers.

This may include subjects such as Hospitality, Hair & Beauty, Construction, Motor Vehicle Studies, Performing Arts, Sport or Art & Design. We encourage pupils to broaden their experiences and discover new interests.

Will my child stay with the same option each year?

Our Options' curriculum is designed to provide pupils with a broad range of experiences. Where appropriate, pupils may study different options across their time in Hills and Rivers, allowing them to develop a wider range of practical skills and qualifications.

How are options selected?

During the Summer Term, parents and carers receive information about the Options curriculum and are invited to a Year 8 Transition Meeting. This provides an opportunity to find out more about the courses, see specialist learning in action and discuss the opportunities available.

Pupils then select their preferred options, with support from staff and their families.

Will my child get their first choice?

We aim to provide pupils with their first choice wherever possible. However, some specialist courses have smaller class sizes because of the practical nature of the learning, staffing requirements, specialist equipment and health and safety considerations.

If a pupil cannot initially access their first choice, we aim to provide opportunities for them to experience it during their time in Hills and Rivers.

When will I know which option my child has been allocated?

Option choices are confirmed with families during the Summer Term, with information shared through Arbour.

Will my child have opportunities for work experience?

Yes. Pupils in Hills and Rivers have opportunities to take part in work experience and other work-related learning activities.

These experiences may include visits to workplaces, meeting employers, completing practical tasks, taking part in workshops and experiencing different working environments.

Our aim is for pupils to build a meaningful record of work-related experiences during their time at Sutton.

Can my child attend college open days?

Yes. Pupils and families are encouraged to attend college open days and transition events where appropriate. These visits give pupils the opportunity to explore different settings, see facilities, meet staff and begin to understand what their next steps might look like.

We work with pupils and families to support them in making informed choices about their future.

What specialist rooms and facilities are available?

Pupils have access to a range of specialist learning environments, including our Hospitality and cooking facilities, Hair & Beauty salon, Construction room, Motor Vehicle Studies room, Performing Arts Hub, Science laboratory, Life Skills room and outdoor/Forest School areas.

These spaces allow pupils to develop practical skills in realistic and purposeful environments.