Home >> Choices >> Decisions @ 14

Choosing your options in year 9 is one of the first big decisions you will have to make.  But don't panic - no one expects you to have all the answers immediately.

Why do I have to choose?

• because it's time for you to have a say in what you are going to study
• because there's not enough time to fit every subject in
• and as work gets harder you will want to concentrate on your strengths
• you might want to take a new subject.

What can I choose?

There are some subjects that everyone must study. These include:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• ICT

And you also have to study:

• PE
• Citizenship
• Religious studies
• Careers education
• Work related learning - learning about work
•  plus any other subjects your school may make compulsory.

But you won't take a GCSE in all these subjects.

Is there anything else? Yes!

Your school will offer other subjects at GCSE, which might include:

• History, geography and other humanities subjects
• Art, design & technology,  textiles
• Drama, theatre studies, music
• Modern foreign languages
• Work related subjects - GCSE double award courses may be available in engineering, applied art & design, applied business, leisure & tourism, health & social care, applied science and manufacturing.
• If you're not ready for GCSEs there are Entry level qualifications which may suit you.

Getting the balance right

Whatever plans for the future you have now, the chances are you will probably change your mind a number of times over the next few years. Choosing the subjects you enjoy but also getting a good balance of subjects, will leave you more options when you are choosing your courses and jobs for the future.

 So how do you choose?

First of all think about yourself:

• what you are good at, your talents
• your strengths and weaknesses
• what interests you
• do you need any particular subjects for the careers you're interested in.

Then find out as much information you can:

• talk to your subject teachers
• what do the courses actually involve?
• have you checked out your career ideas and qualifications you need?
• how are courses assessed - how much course work will you do?
• make sure you go along to your options open evening.

Finally talk your plans over with

• your parents
• friends and relatives who know you well
• your careers coordinator or tutor
• your personal adviser

But ultimately the choice is yours!

Some dos and don'ts

Do try and get a balance of subjects

Do choose subjects that interest you

Do make your own choices

Do find out what the course is all about

Don't take subjects because you like the teacher or because of your friends

Don't think in terms of 'boys' & 'girls' subjects

Don't panic - you can always take other subjects later.

 

 

 

 

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