You will have started finding out about the world of work, exploring different career ideas and thinking about what you might like to do in the future in Year 7. 

During Years 8/9 you are going to have to make some important decisions about your future studies.

Scroll down to find lots of helpful information or use these quick links to jump to topics of interest:

• Getting started
• Career ideas
• Planning ahead
• Useful websites and resources

Getting started

It may seem daunting to have to choose the subjects you will have to study for the next few years now, but try not to worry too much, as you will have plenty of time and opportunities try out different subject areas.

You may find a new passion in a new subject, or realise you don’t like a certain subject as much as you thought you would! This is all normal and part of the GCSE process – to find out what you’re passionate about, and what you are skilled in.

 

Here are some top tips to help with subject choices:

TOP TIPS
- Talk to older friends, family, parents who may have studied the subjects before
- Talk to your subject teachers, they know you and your academic skills and interests best
- If you know what you want to do in the future, choose subjects that increase your understanding of that area
- If you really have no idea, start by eliminating subjects you don’t like
- Make your choice based on you, not anyone else!
- Try not to choose a subject based on what your friends are doing, or whether or not you like the teacher
- Talk to your school’s career adviser.

Career ideas

As well as talking to key people you can use eCLIPS to look at specific jobs of interest and careers linked to your favourite school subjects.

There is also an e-leaflet about Choosing GCSE subjects that you may want to read, together with further information about studying specific subjects at GCSE.

Explore eCLIPS

The majority of careers require the core subjects that you have to take anyway e.g. Maths and English. If you want to take certain subjects at A Level you may need to have studied them at GCSE, for example, French and German.

If you are unsure which career is right for you, check out the tips on our which career? page.

A great way to gain knowledge is to try work experience in an area which interests you. This means actually trying a job for a week or so. Why not look at virtual work experience opportunities on our see your future…be your future page.

You can also listen to real people in real jobs with our career chat podcasts.

Explore the which career? page Visit our see your future…be your future page Listen to our career chat podcasts

 

You can even ask a Careers Adviser to help with any questions you may have on our live webchat.

Chat to an adviser

Planning ahead

Achieving 5+ 4/5-9 grades at GCSEs will give you more options at the end of Year 11.

You’re probably aware that you have to continue with your studies and gain further qualifications until you are 18.

Options after Year 11 include:

• Sixth Form – You may want to apply to stay at your own school sixth form or attend another sixth form in your local area and study A Levels and/or BTEC vocational courses.

• College – you leave school and attend a college where you can study A’ levels and vocational courses at different levels dependant on your grades for example, IT, Sports, Public Services and Health and Social Care to mention a few. Look at your local college websites to find out more.

• T Levels - these are 2 year courses that are the equivalent of 3 A Levels. They have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study. They offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). Check with local colleges what subjects they are offering. After your GCSE study there will be many more occupational areas available. 

• Apprenticeships - you work full time and get your qualifications while you are working. Apprenticeships are found in a range of industries and take about 18 months to complete. Most employers are looking for GCSEs especially in English and Maths. For more information, visit our Apprenticeships and Traineeships page.

• Employment – you can only start a full-time job if you are also working towards an accredited qualification.

See the planner below for key dates. You don’t want to miss any!

Useful websites and resources

Careers research:
eCLIPS - information on over 1400 job roles, Career Wizard tool and information to help you make education and work choices
National Careers Service - job profiles (click 'Explore careers') and careers advice
icould - over 1,000 short videos of people talking about their jobs, plus career articles
Careers Gateway - links to specific careers websites relating to different job roles
UCAS - explore different jobs and pathways

Choosing GCSE options:
eCLIPS - go to 'education' section on the eCLIPS website
icould 
BBC Bitesize

Personality quizzes:
16 Personalities - tells you your personality type

 

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