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What should I think about when choosing my options in Year 9?
You need to make a well-balanced selection in order to keep your options open. Your teachers know you best – listen to the options that they suggest you take.
If you have a particular career in mind you may benefit from studying certain subjects. Some subjects (such as Business Studies and Psychology) can be taken at A level without being studied at GCSE.
Your school may offer the English Baccalaureate or also offer a Diploma - ask your teachers and Personal Adviser for more information.
Don’t choose subjects because you feel pressurized by others or because your friends are doing them or you like the teacher.
If you are thinking of going onto higher education you can find out what GCSE subjects can help you to apply for a particular degree course.
What Subjects do I have to study in Years 10 and 11?
There are some core subjects that you must study and which lead to exams; these are
English
Maths
Science
In addition you will do courses in physical education and ICT, these may not lead to exams.
Some schools may have other compulsory subjects like a modern foreign language. In addition there will be other subjects that you can choose to do, like Art, Drama, Design, Geography and History; each school will be different.
You may also be able to consider studying for a Diploma alongside GCSEs if your school is offering a Diploma or the English Baccalaureate.
What is the English Baccalaureate?
The English Baccalaureate is a way of grouping a broad set of academic GCSEs together and you would achieve this if you secure good GCSE passes in English, mathematics, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language and a humanity such as history or geography.
This combination of GCSEs at grades A*-C will entitle you to a certificate recording your achievement - the English Baccalaureate. Typically these are the types of subjects that universities would expect you to have obtained.
What other courses are there in for me to do in Years 10 and 11?
You may be able to do a Foundation course if you need extra help to build your skills and confidence. You will need to check what's offered in your school. You can look at Mycoursemyfuture too.
Who can I talk to if I need help in making my decisions?
There are a number of people who can help you:
- Your careers teacher, form tutor and subject teachers can all help.
- If you are looking for more detailed guidance you should seek out your Personal Adviser, he/she is a careers expert. They will spend part of the week in school. They can help with choosing courses, mapping out career options, finance, health etc.E-mail
- For advice on going to University or anything to do with higher education you could also use the Email an Adviser service at Uni4me.
What are my main options after Year 11?
It’s important that you continue ‘learning’ and you can do this by continuing your learning
- full time at school or college taking either general subjects, applied subjects or a combination of both
- in the workplace, perhaps through work-based learning or in a job.
Both options can help you to carry on studying right through to higher education if you wish, find out more about your options at Uni4me
Can I go to college or an apprenticeship if I don’t have any qualifications?
YES! But this will mean you will probably have to spend more time at college or in training and your options will also be reduced as you need certain GCSE grades for some courses. You may also be able to go into a Foundation Learning programme.