Making decisions
Choosing courses for study in Years 10 and 11 is an exciting time for both students and parents. It determines the content of what you will study for the next two years and will affect both your choices at Sixth Form, apprenticeships or even university. Whilst it is undoubtedly exciting, it can also be a rather worrying time too. The information contained in this website is designed to take away some of the worry, so that you are able to make informed decisions about what you want to do.
We strongly encourage students to give the proper consideration to their option choices basing their decision on their interests and strengths, and whilst looking at different courses, it is a really good idea to think beyond just the GCSEs themselves. Think about what you would like to do in the future and find out about what qualifications you need to pursue that career.
Here are some questions to consider when deciding which subjects to take in Years 10 and 11.
Do I enjoy the subject?
This is a very important question because pupils generally achieve better outcomes in the subjects they like.
Does the course interest me?
Take time to look at the course information about each of the subjects you are considering on the school website (along with a parent or guardian) and follow the links to the exam board specifications for further information. If you need any further information about a particular course please ask the subject teacher if you want to find out more about any course.
Am I prepared for the demands of the course?
All courses require considerable effort and commitment if you are to be successful with some subjects areas requiring more dedication of your own own time over and above normal lessons and homework. When considering a course, look at your effort and attainment grades from the data point. The subjects where you have higher grades are the ones where you are making the best progress currently.
Does my teacher advise me to choose the subject?
Teachers will offer you expert but impartial advice on your ability and suitability for any course. Ultimately it will be your choice of subject but we would strongly recommend that you listen to advice from your teachers.
What are my friends doing?
The option choices you make should give you the set of subjects best suited to your own talents and future choices. Choosing the same subjects as your friends may not necessarily result in you being in the same classes together. It is recommended that you do not follow friends as they may be better suited to different courses to you.
Will the subject give me a balanced course?
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum provides a good balance of subjects. You should aim to achieve variety between the Arts, Sciences and Humanities, and avoid an over emphasis on one aspect unless there is good reason to do so. The Government recommends choosing the EBacc subjects as a means of keeping your future options open. There is more information about EBacc on the school website.
Could I study the subject in the future even if I don’t study it in Key Stage 4?
It is usually recommended that you should study a subject at GCSE before studying at Post-16 level and a number of subjects will require you to have studied them at GCSE before you can study them at Sixth Form or College. However, there are some subjects that you can study after GCSE that you may not have studied for GCSE. You should refer to the course description of the subjects you may like to undertake in the future for guidance.
Which subjects do I need for my chosen career?
If you have a clear idea about your future career aspirations, then do take some time to research the qualifications you require for this career path..
It is important to bear in mind that some future opportunities might be lost if you drop certain subjects. If you are interested in a particular career, please check carefully if it requires any particular Key Stage 4 and 5 qualifications. If you have no clear ideas about your future, try to choose subjects which will give you a wide range of future options.
What shall I do at the end of Year 11?
This is a decision that is difficult to make 2 years in advance. You may have an interest in a particular area of work or further study but this often changes before you reach the end of Year 11. If you do have some ideas on what you would like to aim towards at the end of Year 11, then discuss your final subject choices with a teacher to ensure you have a good balance and have included the subjects appropriate to your final aim.
What shall I do if I need help?
Make sure you have read the information about KS4 Options and KS4 subjects on this website. We are here to support and guide you along the way, so if you have any questions please speak to Miss Heugh (HOY9), Mrs Wood (AHT KS3), your subject teachers, and/or your tutors.