Advice & Guidance
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The BasicsMost students will take nine GCSEs – the CORE curriculum of Maths, English Language, English Literature and two Sciences plus four option choices. Many further education courses and employers require you to have between a Grade 9 and 4 in at least five subjects. As well as GCSEs some courses offer equivalent qualifications, such as BTEC or Cambridge National qualifications. |
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Preparing for the futureDo you know what courses you would like to study in the Sixth Form? For example, if you know you want to do Geography at A-Level, then choose it as one of your GCSEs. What kind of career interests you? It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any firm ideas at this stage. Just make sure you take a balance of subjects as this keeps your future options open. |
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Take your timeTalk to your teachers. Speak to older students. Research your dream job and see what qualifications are required. We can help with this so if you need any careers advice or guidance please speak to a member of the Key Stage team. |
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Your future, your choiceAvoid choosing subjects just because your friends have chosen them, you might not end up in the same class. Really think about what you enjoy studying now and what you know you’ll enjoy studying over the next few years |
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Read the subject informationLook at all the courses we offer and carefully study the content and the skills required. You might find you’re more interested in the content than you thought. |
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Making your decisionWe strongly recommend that you speak to your parents/carers and staff in school to seek advice. Listen to what they have to say and then make your own choices. You will be studying these subjects for two years so it is important that you enjoy them. |
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Consider your strengthsThink about the subjects that you are good at and that you enjoy. If you’re not sure, seek guidance from your teachers. |
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Keep your options openRemember, if you have a balance of subjects, you keep your options open for your future studies and career. The skills you learn could be just as important as the qualifications when considering your future career: just because you study Art, it doesn’t mean you have to become an artist! |
