Year 9 Option Choice Information

In Year 9 you are asked to make choices about certain subjects that you will study at GCSE. You will find out more about this in the Spring Term of Year 9.

Essential advice about choosing GCSEs

1. Enjoyment: Choose subjects you think you will enjoy. This means researching content closely and asking teachers and others who know you well for advice.

2. Aptitude: Choose subjects which you think you will be good at - you will be more likely to enjoy them as well. Think about why you might enjoy particular subjects and how committed you feel – e.g. drama: have you enjoyed performing previously? Do you like working collaboratively? Are you committed enough to rehearse for GCSE performance work in the evenings and maybe at weekends?

3. Prospects: Think seriously about future ambitions. If you already have a university course in mind, check entry requirements for specific courses at university and work back from there.

4. Balance: If you have no idea what you want to do in the future make sure that your options provide a broad and balanced programme.

5. Independence: Don’t choose on the basis of what friends are doing or on the basis of favourite teachers. Make your own decisions.

(the advice above appears on the UCAS Advisers website)

Follow the links below for more information that could help you make decisions about which option choice subjects to study at GCSE and what options are open to you after Year 11

Choosing Your GCSE's (video from the University of Reading)

GCSE Choices

ICould: Choosing Your GCSE Options video

Career Pilot: Your Choices at 14

Career Pilot: Advice for Parents & Carers