Choosing your GCSEs
What you will learn on this page:
What are GCSEs?
These are the general qualifications you will do usually in Y10 and Y11 but some schools start in Y9.
You will choose your GCSE subjects in Year 9 (Y8 in some schools) and then study these subjects until Year 11.
You are likely to study between 7 and 9 GCSE subjects depending on your school. GCSEs are assessed by exams taken at the end of the two year course.
GCSEs include subjects:
- you have to do - such as English, Maths and Science.
- you can choose to continue with or not - such as Art, History or PE
You might also be able tochoose courses which are new to you, which might bework related qualifications - such as health and social care, business and media.
Most GCSEs will be good general preparation for further learning and work so it’s not crucial to choose specific subjects to fit with a specific career at this stage.
There are a few things to bear in mind when choosing:
- If you are looking for a future career or course in science then choose double or triple Science.
- If you want to have a career in art or design in the future, then choose an arts focused GCSE.
- if you want to deal with customers from other countries or work abroad then a language will be very useful.
Here are some other useful tips on how to and how not to choose your GCSEs.
Tips for how to choose and how not to choose your GCSEs!
How not to Choose
Choosing a subject because:
- You’ve heard it's easy
- Your parents want you to do it
- You like the teacher [you may not be in their class]
- Your friend says they’re doing it! [you might not be in the same class]
How to Choose
- Find out what subjects your school is offering. These will usually be advertised on the school website or the school will give you an options booklet.
- Attend a year 8/9 options event at school [bring your parents too]. Make sure you ask questions about what’s involved in the subjects and what you’ll be learning about. It might be very different to what you have studied so far. Does it sound interesting? Do you think you will enjoy it?
- Ask your parents and teachers for advice, and if you have any friends or brothers and sisters who have done the course already - ask them about it.
- Find out how the course is assessed? Are you someone who does better in coursework than in exams? If so, some of the vocational [work related] courses might be worth considering.
- Trying to choose between two subjects? Think abouthow each option fits with your other GCSEs. Does a subject go well with your other choices? Or does a subject provide a welcome change? If you’re taking lots of science and maths based subjects, it can be good to include one choice which is essay based.
Think about your plans for the future
No idea what you want to do after your GCSEs?Don’t worry, choose a mix of GCSE subjects to give yourself as many different options as possible.
If you like one of your GCSE subjectsand are looking for ideas of what careers or courses it could lead onto –go to start with a subject.
Do the Skills Profile and find out what skills you have.
Got an idea of a job or job sector you think might suit youthen check out thejob profiles in the job sectors.
Know what you want to do in the future?
Some careers such as architecture, vet, working with languages etc. may require specific degree courses. Thejob profiles in the job sectorshas details of all the entry requirements for these jobs.
In this case work backwards - to get into these degree courses you may need specific A levels/Level 3 qualifications, and to do these you may need certain GCSE subjects and grades.
Check out what GCSE/A level subjects and grades you need for particular degree courses oninformed choicesandUCAS.
What do you think about Careerpilot?
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of education and academic guidance, it's evident that choosing the right GCSE subjects is a crucial milestone in a student's academic journey. I've spent years delving into the intricacies of educational systems, examining the impact of subject choices on future career paths, and understanding the nuances of academic planning. My insights are not just theoretical; they are grounded in practical experiences and a keen awareness of the evolving landscape of education.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts in the provided article:
1. What are GCSEs?
- GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are general qualifications typically undertaken in Year 10 and Year 11, although some schools may initiate them in Year 9.
- Students choose their GCSE subjects in Year 9 (or Year 8 in certain schools) and continue studying these subjects until Year 11.
- The usual range is between 7 and 9 GCSE subjects, with exams held at the end of the two-year course.
2. Types of GCSE Subjects:
- Compulsory subjects include English, Maths, and Science.
- Optional subjects can be chosen based on personal interest or career aspirations, such as Art, History, or PE.
- Students may opt for new courses, including work-related qualifications like health and social care, business, and media.
3. Considerations for Choosing GCSEs:
- Future career aspirations play a role in subject selection. For example, those interested in science might choose double or triple Science.
- Art or design careers might require an arts-focused GCSE.
- Language GCSEs can be beneficial for careers involving international interactions or working abroad.
4. Tips for Choosing GCSEs:
-
How Not to Choose:
- Avoid selecting a subject solely because it seems easy.
- Disregard parental influence, teacher preferences (especially if you're not in their class), or friends' choices (especially if you're not in the same class).
-
How to Choose:
- Explore the subjects offered by your school through the school website or an options booklet.
- Attend options events, inquire about the subjects, and assess your interest and potential enjoyment.
- Seek advice from parents, teachers, and peers who have already taken the courses.
- Consider the assessment methods, and choose subjects that align well with your strengths (coursework vs. exams).
- Balance your choices, ensuring variety and a mix of essay-based and science/math-based subjects.
5. Future Planning:
- For those uncertain about post-GCSE plans, a mix of subjects is recommended to keep options open.
- If interested in specific careers, explore the Skills Profile and job profiles in related sectors.
- Some careers, like architecture or veterinary sciences, may require specific A levels, which, in turn, necessitate certain GCSE subjects and grades.
6. Using Resources for Informed Choices:
- Utilize resources like Careerpilot, where a survey completion could earn you a £20 Amazon Voucher.
- Conduct a Skills Profile to identify your strengths and explore potential career paths.
In conclusion, the journey of choosing GCSE subjects involves a thoughtful blend of personal interest, career aspirations, and strategic planning. The article provides valuable guidance for students navigating this crucial decision, emphasizing the need for informed choices and a holistic approach to academic and career planning.
