Your options for GCSE
Tuesday 6 March 2007
If you're in Year 9, you will soon be asked to choose the option subjects you'd like to take for GCSE in the next school year.
If you're not sure what you should choose, take a look at our guide to finding the right choices for you.
Thinking about options
There are some compulsory subjects, such as Maths and English, but you will have a chance to take subjects that suit you more than others might.
There's not really any need to think that the subjects you choose now will mean that you have to decide what you want to do for a career when you're older. Although it might be handy to have an idea of what you want to do when you leave school, it's OK if you're not quite ready to make that decision just yet.
What sort of person am I?
Don't just think about what you're like at school, take into account your home life as well. Perhaps you're the outgoing type who would feel at home on a stage in a play, or leading a group in an activity.
Do you have an analytical mind, or are you always interested in other cultures and languages when you go on holiday? What could be better than bringing something you love doing in your spare time into your school day? Are there any options that allow you to do this?
What am I good at?
Are you the practical sort who loves doing things with their hands, or maybe you're more creative and love to paint or draw? Are you really into music, both listening and performing?
Maybe you're really into gaming and computers, or you can't get enough of sport. What do you do well outside of school that you could use while studying your options?
What subjects do I like?
You'll be studying these subjects for the next two years, so it's important that you enjoy doing them. What could be worse than being stuck in a classroom doing a subject you wished you'd left behind?
That said, you should also try and think about the future. Do you need this subject for your future plans such as university or a job?
What's the best way for me to learn?
Different subjects are taught in a variety of ways, and it may be that one of these teaching methods suits you more than another.
Chances are you'll have to do at least one exam for most of your subjects, but some also let you do coursework as part of your final grade. Some subjects aren't always about written work but also could include speaking or listening tests. Would that suit you?
Do some research
When you're thinking about any of the above questions, don't be afraid to ask your teachers about every subject. Getting as much information as you can on the subjects that you might want to take is a good idea; you want to be sure the subject is right for you before making that all-important final decision.
Careers advisors at Connexions can also help you in making your choices, and Directgov has info which can help you.
