In Year 9 you’ll have to choose the subjects to take in Years 10 and 11, including those that could lead to qualifications such as GCSEs. A full programme of GCSEs is normally 7-8 subjects.
The subjects:
There are some subjects that are compulsory, and you'll take exams in. They are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
You'll also choose additional exam subjects from:
Art and design, business studies, citizenship studies, design and technology, drama, engineering, geography, health and social care, history, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, modern foreign languages, music, physical education, religious studies and social sciences.
In addition your school must provide you with courses in careers education, citizenship, physical education, religious studies, sex and relationships education, and work-related learning – these are non-examinable.
Qualifications:
Entry level courses – which you could take before GCSEs, or in addition to GCSEs – your school will be able to tell you more about these, and if they’d suit you.
GCSEs - are normally studied for two years, but there’s also a wide range of subjects that are offered as ‘short’ courses that are worth ½ a GCSE. GCSEs are mainly theoretical study, with some practical work too. They are examined by a mix of course work, but mainly written exam at the end of the course.
14 – 19 Diplomas - from 2013, all 14 to 19 year olds in England will be entitled to study one of 17 new Diplomas. The first ones are being introduced from September 2008, so if you are moving into Year 10 in September 2008 you could have the opportunity to take a Diploma course as part of your Year 10 – 11 courses. Schools and local colleges will work together to provide the Diploma course.
Ask your school or Personal Adviser about what's on offer at your school.
VCRs (Vocationally Recognised Qualifications) and NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications – some courses may lead to these qualifications rather than GCSEs.
Young Apprenticeships – you might be able to do a Young Apprenticeship course instead of a GCSE, and this will lead to an NVQ.
How to choose:
Each school is different, so you need to check what courses your school can offer – make sure you get a copy of their Options booklet. Talk to your subject teachers and your school’s Personal Adviser, so that you’re clear what subjects are on offer and which ones might be the best for you.
If you are not given one, ask your careers teacher for a copy of ‘Which Way Now’. It’s a magazine that looks at how to choose your options in Year 9 or visit Which way Now or you can download a PDF file.
If you want a specific course that is not offered at your school visit Manchester 14-19 for schools and colleges which may be able to offer what you want.
You can use the library in your Connexions Centre too as it has information for you to read or take away. Visit Education weblinx for more useful websites.