YEAR 10 PARENTS INFORMATION EVENING GCSE SUBJECT CHOICES

Programme 2 short talks. GCSE subject choices: the school’s perspective. The significance of GCSE subject choices for Higher Education : Anthony McGrath, QUB.

Careers Provision Since Nov: Weekly careers programme. Tbc : Careers Convention Jan & Feb: 2 Subject choice talks : DEL Careers advisors; careers teachers. 19th & 20th Feb : Individual careers guidance interviews. 24 th Feb: Parent/teacher consultation.

Compulsory Subjects English Maths Religious Studies (half course) A Modern Foreign Language* Two Sciences/Technology* Physical Education – practical; non-exam.

Summary of Science Options 2 Science/Technology options 3 or 4 Science/ Technology options for strong and committed scientists. Many scientific careers now require linkage of knowledge across the Sciences. 1 Science for those who are academically strong in Arts/Humanities and want to have additional creative/expressive options.

Consultation Speak to me if: Considering taking only one science. Considering taking both Home Economics and Child Development. Any other concerns.

Optional Subjects Further Maths for A level Maths. English Literature for A level English Literature. Add. Maths & English Lit. : 10.5 GCSEs English Lit. and R.S. : 10 GCSEs. A level subjects must be taken at GCSE level.

Optional Subjects Journalism or Drama – breadth. Only one Technology option – breadth. P.E. or R.E. (can do both with English Lit.) ICT or Computer Science : breadth

Rationale Flexibility in terms of number of GCSEs taken. Retain breadth and balance. Keeping career options open. Exploit strengths. Timetabling and staffing constraints.

Why a compulsory language? Strong competition for graduate jobs. Competing in a European or global market. Many universities thus seek to develop an international dimension to courses. Undergraduates encouraged to build up language skills, even if not a linguist. GCSE language a basic entry requirement.

Why a compulsory language? (2) Employers (banks, law firms) require graduates who can apply their linguistic skills, eg. Engineering, Maths, International Business or Law with a language. Language competency is a vital ‘extra’ component of a graduate’s CV. 25% loss of business in NI through inability to communicate in a foreign language.

Why 2 Sciences/Technology? To keep career options open. Sciences are required for a number of careers. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Optometry and Pharmacy (among others) : GCSE Chemistry, Physics, Biology. 2 Sciences for a range of careers.

Why 2 Sciences/Technology? (2) Chemical or Forensic Sciences : often 2 Sciences (Chemistry and Physics or Biology)and Maths required. Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Countryside Management: sometimes 2 Sciences; sometimes 2 STEM subjects; Geography often acceptable too.

Why 2 Sciences/Technology? (3) Biological Sciences, Biotechnology: often require 2 sciences at GCSE level and at A level too; sometimes A level requirement is for 2 STEM subjects. Chemical Engineering: often requires Chemistry, Maths and Physics. Health, Clinical Sciences & Therapies: 2 sciences at GCSE and often 2 at A level.

Why 2 Sciences/Technology? (4) Pharmacy & Pharmacology: often 2 Sciences, most importantly Chemistry. 2 STEM subjects: Environmental Science; Marine Sciences; Physical Sciences; some Sports Science courses; Biological Sciences; Geography & Geology (Geography acceptable too).

STEM Agenda Science, Technology (incl. ICT), Engineering & Maths. Government has set schools targets regarding the numbers in schools taking STEM subjects and on raising awareness of STEM career opportunities. Needs of NI and UK economies.

Maths &/or Physics Engineering: A level Maths and Physics or Technology (Physics preferred). Architecture : Maths and/or Physics, with Art & Design. Research careers in government, industry and universities. Finance-related careers: Maths and/or Physics are valued. Computer Science: Maths and/or Physics valued. GCSE Physics for Engineering apprenticeships.

Degrees With No Subject Requirements Law, Criminology & Politics. Accountancy (Maths sometimes preferred). Business-related degrees. Film Studies. Hotel & Hospitality Management. Psychology (Sciences &/or Geography preferred).

Degrees With No Subject Requirements (2) Social Work, Sociology & Social Policy. Surveying, including Quantity Surveying. Theology.

How to choose subjects Subjects you are good at. Needed for Higher Education/Career. Interested in it, if all other factors apply. Combines well with other subject choices. Keeps A level options open.

How to choose subjects (2) Subjects offered at A level. Subjects you would like to study beyond GCSE level. Suitable forms of assessment : coursework vs exams and workload. Teaching methods which suit your learning style, eg. practical vs theory.

GCSE subjects not offered at A level Journalism. Child Development ( Health & Social Care) Manufacturing ( Design & Technology) Drama ( Theatre Studies) Learning for Life and Work

How to choose subjects (3) Check which A level subjects are accepted by universities. Russell Group: 25 research led universities Facilitating subjects: 2 out of 3 A levels. QUB accepts all A level subjects ( except for medicine & dentistry) ROI universities: general subjects not applied A levels.

The Graduate Labour Market NI : traditional sectors, eg. medicine, engineering, dentistry, accountancy, law, construction. Innovation within traditional sectors. Emerging Sectors in NI : IT : NI centre of excellence for eg. software development Financial Services.

The Graduate Labour Market (2) Growth areas in NI (continued): Advanced materials, eg. polymers. ‘Green’economy; clean technology, sustainable energy. Creative industries : new theatres, Cathedral Arts Quarter, growing NI film industry. Agri-Food/Food & Drink Manufacturing.

The Graduate Labour Market (3) Emerging sectors in NI (cont’d): STEM : high % graduate employment in NI. Life Sciences and health care. Media and digital media. Hospitality and Tourism. Law : high demand outside NI.

Graduate Demand (UU) Built Environment: surveying, project management; engineering. Agri-food : supply chain management; food science, quality assurance; research.

Graduate Demand ( UU) IT & Technology : software engineering; web development; business analytics; consulting. Creative Arts : designers; media professionals; community arts; digital art and design.

The Graduate Labour Market (4) For approx. 50% of graduate careers, any degree is acceptable. Employing the person, not the degree: employability skills should be developed, eg. self reliance, people skills, general employment skills and specialist skills. Skills gained through work placements, extra-curricular activities and subjects.

Further Information (incl. parents’ zone) : options with subjects & graduate labour market information. : NI LMI info. ; School intranet – careers folder School careers staff

Higher Ideas & Heap Online Higher Ideas BHS licence : rbdkma38 BHS licence : IDNXVNBP Register – password sent

Conclusion Deadline : 3rd March Good GCSE results are vital for Higher Education and careers. Never too early to think about what these qualifications will be used for. Careers research is vital.