1. Year 9 Options

2. Your Option Choices Matter
Compulsory Subjects
English
Maths
Science
Other GCSEs, BTECs and other qualifications
Maths, English and science are compulsory at GCE level

3. Your GCSEs Matter
Grades in these subjects will effect your choices and the range of options open to you at the end of Year 11:-
Higher level course at school or college
Course entry requirements often specify grades in these subjects
Jobs or apprenticeships
Many employers will look for students with A*-C grades in these subjects
University
The majority of universities require English and maths at grade C or above
Grades in these subjects will effect your choices and the range of options open to you at the end of Year 11:-
Higher level course at school or college
Course entry requirements often specify grades in these subjects
Jobs or apprenticeships
Many employers will look for students with A*-C grades in these subjects
University
The majority of universities require English and maths at grade C or above
Examples
Entry to A levels and other level 3 courses in some subjects may depend on 4/5 or even 6 grades in one or more of these subjects for entry
Medicine/ Veterinary Science/ Russell Group Universities: Courses are highly competitive. Universities may specify 8/9 grades across a number of subjects including English, maths and science.
Primary school teaching: 9-4 grades in English, maths and science are essential and in addition you will need to undertake tests in maths and English
Secondary school teaching and social work: Courses and employers generally require at least a 4/5 grade in English and maths.
Nursing: At least 4/5 grades in English, maths and science are required
Engineering: You will generally need 4/5 grades in maths and science

4. Smart Choices – Reasons to Choose Subjects
Because you like the subject
Because you think you will be good at the subject
Because they interest you
Because they may link to future career ideas
If you are keen on science and are doing well and/or think you may want a science related job in future, choose at least a double award. (core and additional science) You may choose to take triple science or individual science GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics if this choice is available to you.
A good mix of subjects will keep a range of options open. You could choose to take subjects included in the English Baccalaureate (English, maths, double science, history or geography and a modern foreign language). Traditional subjects like these are valued by employers, sixth forms, colleges and universities.
If you have strong ideas on the sort of course or career you wish to pursue in future, you should check entry requirements for courses or careers or speak to a careers adviser or subject teachers in school. Some higher level courses will require you to have taken the subject at GCSE in order to progress to A level/ Level 3 diploma or degrees.
You may want to try a new subject which is only offered from Key Stage4. It is often the case that these subjects, whilst helpful and whilst they may still be “smart” choices for you are not required at GCSE in order to progress to higher levels.

5. Less Smart Choices Because your friends are taking the subject
Because you like the teacher
Because you think it will be easy
Because your brother/sister took the subject
It is a new subject and you don’t really know what it involves
Think carefully about your reasons for choosing each of the subjects you have selected.
Are these “smart” choices for you?
Find out more about what these subjects might involve at GCSE and how well your teachers think you might do at GCSE
For new subjects especially find out what these subjects will involve at GCSE and think about how they may help you in future
If you have strong ideas about courses and careers in future do some more research on courses you could do beyond GCSE and careers you are interested in
Use the “Careers Resources” page on as a starting point for your research

6. Subjects and Related Careers
Most jobs do not require specific GCSE subjects
You may change your mind about jobs in future
For a few jobs, however, you will need specific subjects, for example:-
Art and design based jobs
Engineering and technology
Language based jobs
Practical jobs
Scientific jobs
Art and Design based jobs such as fine artist, graphic designer, sculptor, illustrator, animator, wallpaper designer usually require you to take an art or design based course at a high level. For higher level art and design courses you'll need a portfolio of work, and evidence of drawing skills. Taking a GCSE art and design course, or a Foundation or Higher Diploma in Creative and Media, can be a useful way of starting to develop both your portfolio and your drawing skills - as art and design course admission tutors like to see both your artistic/design abilities and also how your skills have developed over time. Engineering and Technology professional level jobs such as civil engineer, architectural technologist, or structural engineer usually require you to have taken maths, plus physics or an equivalent construction or engineering Diploma at a Higher level (level 3). Design and technology at GCSE, or a Foundation or Higher Diploma in Engineering or Construction and the Built Environment, can also be useful subjects to demonstrate to employers/universities your technical ability and interest. Language based jobs such as translator, interpreter or European lawyer usually require you to have studied two languages at GCSE. This is to give you a broad base to go on and do the higher level language study you'll need for these competitive jobs. Practical based jobs such as: carpenter, chef, hairdresser, and builder usually require evidence of practical ability. It's a good idea to choose a subject to demonstrate this - for example, food technology if you're keen to be a chef, or art/design if you are keen to be a hairdresser, or the foundation or Higher Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment if you are keen to go into building.  Sometimes the requirement may be for you to have taken the subject, and shown interest, rather than achieved a particular grade or level. Scientific jobs such as: medical doctor, vet and biochemist often require specific sciences - for example chemistry plus one other, preferably biology, for medicine; chemistry, biology and physics for some veterinary science courses.

7. Subjects and Related Careers
English: Journalism, Law, Politics, Media, Social Work, Teaching, etc………
Maths: Accountancy, Business, Construction, Computer Programming, Engineering, Finance, Health, Science careers, Teaching, etc…
Science: Construction, Engineering, Environmental work, Health, Technology, Other science careers (eg. Psychology, Veterinary work, Astronomy)
Religious Studies: Can help in careers such as Social Work, Social Care, Nursing, Counselling, Youth Work, Community Work, Law or Politics
This and the following slides are not by any means extensive lists of careers related to subjects but are intended as examples to help you think about how subjects could link to future careers

8. Subjects and Related Careers
Geography: Travel & Tourism, Environmental Work, Transport & Logistics, Landscape Architecture Planning (town & country), Surveying, Geology, Estate Management
History: Law, Politics, Journalism, Archeology, Museums, Heritage, Costume Design, Conservation
Languages: Translation & Interpretation, Travel & Tourism, Teching, Sales & Exports, Legal & Financial areas, Journalism
ICT: Useful for many jobs, Engineering, Computer Science, Games Design, Media, Marketing, Administration etc…
Art & Design: Design work in Publishing, Computer Games, Clothes/Textiles, Websites, Teaching, Film, Theatre or Arts, Exhibition/Retail Displays
The examples on this slide are not by any means extensive lists of careers related to subjects but are intended as examples to help you think about how subjects could link to future careers

9. Subjects and Related Careers
Business: Starting point for entry to different business areas including manufacturing, banking, retail, hotels & restaurants, public services. Careers include management, marketing, sales, human resources, law, administration
Design Technology/ RM: Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, Motor Mechanics, ICT careers
Sport: Teaching, Leisure Centres/Gyms, Coaching, Outdoor work, Armed Forces, Sports Science
The examples on this slide are not by any means extensive lists of careers related to subjects but are intended as examples to help you think about how subjects could link to future careers

10. Websites and IT Packages
KUDOS

11. Need More Advice? Talk to your form teacher or tutor
Discuss your options with a careers adviser at school
Speak to your subject teachers
Contact an adviser from the National Careers Service on
Talk to your parents or carers