Choosing your options in year 8 or 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?
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because it's time for you to have a say in what you are going to study
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because there's not enough time to fit every subject in
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as work gets harder you will want to concentrate on the subjects you enjoy most and are good at
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you might want to take a new subject
What can I choose?
There are some subjects that everyone must study. These include:
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English
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Maths
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Science
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ICT
And you also have to study:
- PE
- Citizenship
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Religious studies
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Careers education
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Sex and relationships education
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Work related learning - learning about work
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And 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, which might include:
- History, geography and other humanities subjects
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Art, design & technology, textiles
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Drama, theatre studies, music
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Modern foreign languages
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Work related subjects - courses may be available in engineering, applied art & design, applied business, leisure & tourism, health & social care, applied science and manufacturing
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Diploma courses - these combine classroom study with practical hands-on learning related to a particular work sector
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If you're not ready for GCSEs, you may start courses through Foundation learning
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:
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what you are good at, your talents
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your strengths and weaknesses
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what interests you
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also find out whether you need any particular subjects for the careers you're interested in at the moment
Then find out as much information you can:
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talk to your subject teachers
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what do the courses actually involve?
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have you checked out your career ideas and qualifications you need?
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how are courses assessed - will there be controlled assessments and coursework as well as exams?
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go along to your options open evening
Finally talk your plans over with
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your parents
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friends and relatives who know you well
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your careers coordinator or tutor
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your personal adviser
But ultimately the choice is yours!
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 and girls subjects
Don't panic - you can always take other subjects later.
