Steps in Choosing Your Options

In deciding which optional subjects to follow at GCSE level, there are a number of factors to consider.

Questions that you should be asking yourself include:

Which subjects do I enjoy? 

It is often the case that the subjects at which students do best are those which they most enjoy. Your time in Years 10 and 11 will be more enjoyable if you are studying subjects which you find interesting and stimulating. It is important to remember, however, that the material that you cover in a particular subject in Years 10 and 11 may well be quite different from that which you covered in Year 9. For this reason, it is very important that you do some research into exactly what each GCSE entails. This booklet should give you some key information in this respect.

Which subjects am I best at? 

It is important that you opt for subjects at which you have a strong chance of doing well.

Do I need to study particular subjects if I wish to follow a particular career? 

For entry to some professions, it is important to have the right academic qualifications.  However, for entry to many degree courses and professions, it is not a requirement to have studied any particular subjects. Most students in Year 9 probably do not have clear ideas about the degree subject they would like to study, or the type of career they would like to pursue. The best advice is probably to ensure that you make a sensible choice that does not rule out particular careers that you may be considering, but which leaves enough flexibility to allow you to change your mind later. Above all, you should ensure that you play to your strengths by selecting subjects which you enjoy and at which you are good. Remember that the most important thing for most students is to get good GCSE grades, rather than GCSEs in particular subjects.

Who can help me make my choice? 

Many people are on hand to help you decide which is the best combination of subjects for you. Your form tutor, subject teachers and parents will all be happy to lend advice. You may also wish to talk to pupils in years 11, 12 and 13 who have followed these courses for advice on what the study of a particular subject is like from a pupil’s perspective.

Do I understand the workload that particular subjects demand. 

Different subjects have different workload requirements. Some may only had a a final exam as an assessment. Other subjects require constant assessments and/or coursework. These require a great deal of commitment and organisation throughout the year. 

• I would defiantly recommend to NEVER choose a subject because you don't know what else to choose and it seems like a good option

• I would like for them to know that there is no need to worry if they change their mind, as the process to switch subject when entering yr 10 is quite simple. However, i would suggest trying out the subject first, even for just a couple lessons to make sure their decision is the right one and, they may want to take into account that changing one subject usually results in a change of classes for one or both of their other options because of timetable clashes. I would also advise them to think carefully about the options they choose because it will set them on a particular path, but that they should try not to become stressed or anxious about it because it is always possible to reopen doors in the future. As young students we must rid ourselves of the belief that our whole lives depend on one pivotal choice we make at the age of 15, that's certainly what i thought and I'm sure many others feel the same! The truth is things do change over time and the course of our lives will curve and loop in unpredictable ways, just look at us right now, we are calling them unprecedented times for a reason! What's really important is staying true to ourselves and finding happiness in the moment, thinking far into the future is overrated and stressful. 

• Factors that really helped me decide, were make sure you not only like the subject, but you're good at it. Make sure you get as much information about the courses as possible, so later on you don't face any surprise work. Also figuring out what you're good at, if you're not as good at exams look more into the course work based subjects.

Studential: Choosing GCSE Options 

Youth Employment UK: Choosing GCSE Options – 19 Questions To Ask Yourself

The Uni Guide: How important are GCSE choices when it comes to university?

Career Pilot: Choosing your GCSEs

You must choose three option subjects.

A Level 2 certificate has the same standard as that of a GCSE.

It is important that you choose you courses carefully as swapping courses later on will mean catching up on any work missed. If you have any questions on what a course entails, ask the subject leader. However, we know that sometimes it may be necessary to consider a course swap. 

Year 10:

• There will be a period of time within which it will be possible to swap courses. This is dependent on if the swap can be made.

• After the initial swapping period it may be possible to drop from an academic subject to either a supportive or an alternative course.  Once again, this is dependent on if the swap can be made as there are restrictions on class sizes in some subjects.

Year 11:

• It may be possible to drop from an academic subject to either a supportive or an alternative course.  Once again, this is dependent on if the swap can be made as there are restrictions on class sizes in some subjects.

No. You are welcome to choose any course and it is possible to mix academic, supportive and alternative courses from different subjects. You cannot choose within the same subject area. 

There are many ways to get to the A-Level years. The most important is to secure 5 GCSE passes at grades 4 or above. However, some A-Level courses have specific GCSE courses as a requirement. See here for the entry requirements to A-Level courses. 

It is also important to consider workload during the GCSE years.