1. Choosing your Year 9 GCSE Options
ASSEMBLY
Monday 8th January 2018

2. Purpose of this assembly
Help you with your decisions about what optional subjects you should choose to study in Year 10/11, by advising you how these choices may affect your career decisions

3. Core and Optional subjects
CORE SUBJECTS Religious Education Maths English Language and English Literature Science
Citizenship (no exam) Careers and Employability (no exam) Core PE (no exam)
OPTION SUBJECTS
Art GCSE Business Studies GCSE Enterprise BTEC TECH AWARD Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Computer Science GCSE Design Technology (Graphics OR Resistant Materials OR Textiles)
Drama GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE French GCSE
Geography GCSE
German GCSE
Health & Social Care BTEC TECH AWARD
History GCSE
ICT BTEC
Music GCSE
Physical Education GCSE
Spanish GCSE
All students will continue to study the Core subjects
And here are the OPTIONAL subjects, of which you can choose 3 and a reserve choice, and when you write these on your Options Form, you must list them in preference order, so the subject you want to study most as your first choice, then your second choice, and you should be happy to study either your third choice or reserve choice (but again put in preference order).
Most of you will choose 3 GCSEs, a few of you will choose 1 or 2 GCSEs plus perhaps a BTEC course and/or CoPE.
The difference between GCSE and BTEC courses…
At the end of your GCSE course, you will sit examinations in your subject, but with a BTEC course, you will be assessed through coursework with less focus on exams. The BTEC courses are equivalent to GCSE qualifications, but if you are opting for a rigorous academic career path (for example to become a doctor, scientist) you should choose GCSE option subjects.

4. Considering a top uni? Russell Group universities
The 24 leading UK universities
- very best research, outstanding teaching and learning, unrivalled links with business and organisations, etc. and thus very competitive!
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
Cardiff University
Durham University
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
Imperial College London
King's College London
University of Leeds
University of Liverpool
London School of Economics & Political Science
University of Manchester
Newcastle University
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
Queen Mary, University of London
Queen's University Belfast
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University College London
University of Warwick
University of York
In your careers sessions, for those of you interested in going to university, we have talked about how some of the best universities (called ‘Russell Group’ universities) are advising students about which A levels can help them to get into their courses at their universities.
Here is the advice…
If you already have an idea about what you might like to study at university (for example, medicine, aeronautical engineering, Biology, Geography, French), you need to have a look through a list I have put on the VLE in the Year 9 careers area, which will advise you which A levels you need to be studying at school to be able to apply for those university courses.
Lets look at some examples…

5. SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT DEGREE COURSES
Accountancy (also Banking/Finance/Insurance)
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Usually none although one or two universities require Mathematics
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Mathematics, Business Studies (AGCE, National and Diploma) and Economics
Actuarial Science/Studies)
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Mathematics
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies (AGCE, National and Diploma)
Aeronautical Engineering
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Mathematics and Physics
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics, Design Technology
American Studies
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Requirements vary but English and/or History are often asked for
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Politics
Anthropology
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: None
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: A small number of courses like a science AS-level such as Biology
Architecture
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Some courses say they want an arts/science mix. Some may require Art
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Art, Mathematics, Design Technology and Physics. AGCE or National Art and Design may also be useful at some universities. Do note that a portfolio of drawings and ideas may be asked for
If you think you might want to do an Aeronautical Engineering course at university, you would need to do Maths and Physics A levels, and it would be useful to additionally do an A level called Further maths, or DT (but this is not essential).
Another example…

6. SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT DEGREE COURSES
Medicine
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: If you do Chemistry, Biology and one from Mathematics or Physics you will keep all the medical schools open to you. If you do Chemistry and Biology you will keep open the vast majority. If you do Chemistry and one from Mathematics and Physics you will limit your range of choices much more
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics or a contrasting (non-science) subject
Music
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: For most traditional courses, Music and Grade VII/VIII
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Some universities have a preference for at least one essay based subject
Nursing and Midwifery
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Usually Biology or another science
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Biology, CACHE, Sociology, Psychology, Chemistry
Occupational Therapy
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Some courses ask for Biology
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Psychology, Physical Education, Sociology or another science
Optometry (Opthalmic Optics)
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics (some courses prefer Biology as one of the choices)
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics
If you want to become a doctor and study medicine at university, you would need to take Chemistry, Biology and either Maths or Physics A levels, to keep all options open to you.
You COULD just take Chemistry and Biology A levels only (and 1 other A level) and you would be able to apply to MOST universities.
But if you DON’T take Biology, you will limit your options considerably. Etc.

7. SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT DEGREE COURSES
Sports Science/Physical Education
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Many courses want to see one from Biology/Chemistry/Mathematics/Physics (some courses will treat Physical Education as a science equivalent).
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Physical Education, Psychology
Surveying
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: None
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: For some types of Surveying ie. Building Surveying, Mathematics and Physics could be helpful. For Estate Management (General Practice surveying) most A-level combinations will be considered.
Teacher Training (Primary and/or Secondary)
(Those best for Primary Teaching shown in Italics)
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: At least one from Art, Biology, CACHE, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama (Theatre Studies), English, French, Geography, German, History, ICT, Italian, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Physical Education, Religious Studies (Theology), Spanish
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Religious Studies/Theology, Philosophy, English Literature, History
Veterinary Science
ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: You should do Chemistry and Biology and one from Mathematics/Physics so that you have all universities open to you
USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics
If you think you might like to study Sports Science or PE at university, essential A levels are either Biology/Chemistry/Maths or Physics, though sometimes PE A level is accepted instead of the other science subjects, and USEFUL A LEVELS are: PE and Psychology.
If you want to become a teacher, you would need to look very carefully at the list of ESSENTIAL A levels and USEFUL A levels as teaching courses are VERY specific, as you can see.
Important note: If you want to study a subject at A level, you need to do a GCSE in it first.
If you are being advised that you need a CORE subject at A level, that’s fine because you will all be continuing with your CORE subjects at GCSE level.
BUT, if the subject they are advising you to take at A level is a GCSE OPTION SUBJECT, you will need to choose this for one of your GCSE options.
Universities sometimes specify what subjects and what grades they require at GCSE LEVEL for entry to their courses, as well as what A levels…

8. Considering university?
How do you look up what A levels and GCSEs you might need for a particular course at university?
UCAS website
(Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
You might like to check this out…
Let’s take an example…to find out what A levels and what GCSEs you would need to take…to study Medicine at Manchester University…you can go to the UCAS website and do a course search.
Just Google Search UCAS and this screen will appear.
Type keyword: Medicine, and then select Manchester University.

9. Considering university?
And as well as telling you what A levels you require for this course (as most university courses do), UCAS tells you what GCSEs you need.
So to study Medicine at the University of Manchester, you will need to have passed…
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade A or A* (so 8 and 9 grades) and
you must pass English Language, Maths at least 2 science subjects at grade B (so grade 6 or above).

10. Considering university?
Another example… to study English at UCL – a very good university in London…
And to apply for this course you will need at GCSE level, English Language grade B (or 6), Maths grade C AND a grade C (so probably grade 5 rather than 4) in a foreign language at GCSE.
Please note that LOTS of university courses don’t mention ANY particular requirements for their courses at GCSE level – BUT…you need to check – like these examples!

11. Considering a top uni?
If you want to increase your chances of going to a good university in the future, it is suggested that you choose at least 2 subjects at A level from this list.
Mathematics, English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Languages
(These are sometimes referred to as ‘FACILITATING SUBJECTS’)
So what do you choose for your option subjects if you are not sure what you might want to study at university? If you have no ideas about this yet, it is important to choose subjects which will leave as many opportunities open to you as possible. Some A level subjects are more frequently required for entry to university courses than others – these are called the facilitating subjects, because choosing them at A level keeps open a wide range of options for university study.
These facilitating subjects are here…maths, English, physics, biology, chemistry, geography, history and languages – choosing 2 of these at A level will keep a wide range of degree courses open to you.
HOWEVER…
The most important advice to you, is that we want you to get good grades in your GCSE subjects, and so, if you have strengths in OTHER subject areas which you need to pursue for your future career plans, you can choose OTHER subjects. But please first ensure that you speak to your subject teachers about which subjects they feel you should do. This is very important…
I’m aware that most of this information I have given to you so far relates to students who may be considering university…
What about if you are considering an apprenticeship or going to college after Year 11? We call this ‘taking a vocational route’.
What should you be aiming for, to prepare yourselves for this route?

12. Considering an apprenticeship or college?
Let’s look at apprenticeships first…
What are they? They are a job, just like any other job, where you get paid and work with other people in a company…BUT, they ALSO come with a qualification. You can choose to start an apprenticeship anytime from age 16 to 24, so you could decide after your GCSEs to go straight into an apprenticeship or to do you’re A levels first and then go into a higher level apprenticeship when you’ve completed them.
You can get apprenticeships in finance (particularly accountancy), business, marketing, motor engineering, healthcare, nurseries, adult care, many in IT, chefing, social media, and other areas.
So what qualifications do you need to be able to apply for one of these apprenticeships?
This vacancy is for an apprentice to join a company in Guildford, doing general office work. Interesting job, smallish salary, but great prospects to progress in the company. What are they asking for? 5 GCSES including Maths, English and ICT at grade 4 or above.
Lets look at another example…

13. Considering an apprenticeship or college?
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This vacancy is for an apprentice to join an estate agency just down the road from here, to help customers find rented property. Interesting job, for a 17/18 year old rather than 16 year old, great prospects to progress in the company. What are they asking for? Maths and English at grade 4/5 or above…AGAIN.
Let’s look at going to college… If you may be considering going to college to study a vocational subject – ie. one related to a career, like childcare, hospitality, animal management, aboriculture (so becoming a tree surgeon) – these types of courses, you will need at least 4, grade 4 and above grades at GCSE to join a Level 3 course.
Whilst these examples don’t particularly relate to what subject options you should choose in Year 9, as all of you will continue to study English and Maths anyway, the message is…that choosing subjects that you enjoy and therefore will hopefully get good grades in, is important for ANY ‘next step’ you may take after Year 11. It’s good to know this in Year 9 when you have plenty of time to ensure you work towards those good grades!
The information on the next screen relates to all students, considering ANY future options, including college and apprenticeships.
There are some careers or career pathways that require a certain number of GCSEs and/or at a specific grade – here they are…

14. Some general tips on achieving at GCSE level
4/5 x grades 4 to 9 at GCSE are required for many Apprenticeships
Good grades in the Core (English, Maths, Science, RE) subjects cover many entry requirements to college, apprenticeships or university
At least 5 x grades 4 to 9 at GCSE are usually required to take A levels or to take a Level 3 vocational course at college
If you think you may want to apply to go to Oxford or Cambridge universities, you must try to achieve as many TOP grades as possible (grade 8s and 9s)
A good set of GCSEs are needed for ALL university courses and particularly a good grade (4 to 9) in English and Maths. (English and Maths - even for scientific courses)
Just to confirm…many apprenticeships require 4 or 5 x grades 4 to 9 at GCSE, and ‘advanced’ apprenticeships often require A levels or equivalent qualifications.
I cannot stress this enough…GOOD GRADES IN THE CORE subjects, particularly maths and english cover MANY entry requirements to universities, apprenticeships and colleges. In knowing this now, you can ensure that you work towards achieving grade 5 and above in your English and maths!
To go on to take A levels after your GCSEs, you normally need AT LEAST 5 grades 4/5 to 9 in your GCSEs, with the subjects you want to continue to study requiring top grades at GCSE.
If you are thinking you may want to go to Oxford or Cambridge university? You need as many grade 8s and 9s as you can achieve – the more the better to raise your chances of being offered a place
For ALL university courses – you need good grades (sometimes a 4, sometimes a 5 or above) in English, Maths and Science. (In fact all employers want good grades in English and Maths aswell).
Some more tips… mostly relating to those of you who may be considering university…

15. GCSE choices
For any Art or Design-based career – best to have an Art of Design-based GCSE and it is advised that you to go on to do a Foundation Diploma at art college, before going to university.
For a degree in English, universities often look for applicants who have a GCSE in a modern or classical language
If you want to study Law, a modern foreign language is advisable
To become a primary school teacher you need GCSE science as well as maths and English (+ 2 others) – at least grade 4 or above
If you want to study a particular subject at university, you usually need to have studied the same subject at A level first (except law and economics)
If you are interested in an Art or Design-based career – you should choose an Art or Design-based GCSE, and you may need to go on to do a Foundation Diploma at art college, before going to university.
To go to university to study English, it is useful to have taken a GCSE in a modern language
If you want to study Law, taking a modern foreign language at GCSE and A level is advisable.
To study primary school teaching at university, you must have GCSE science at, at least grade 4, as well as english and maths at grade 4 or above, and 2 other GCSEs. Sometimes the universities require a minimum B (6) grade in these GCSEs for teaching degrees.
If you want to study, for example, Geography at university, you usually need to have studied geography at A level first, same for History, English etc. – there are a few exceptions, like law and economics).
THIS IS A LOT OF INFORMATION! So let’s see how you can start to build up a picture of your future plans…
I’ve chosen just a few careers to show you…

16. Example 1: Thinking about LAW?
To become a lawyer or solicitor, you will need to get a degree qualification (not necessarily Law) at UNIVERSITY
You will need to take A levels
Examples would be History, English Literature, RE
(Law A level is not required)
If you are thinking about becoming a lawyer or solicitor, you will need to…
Go to university to get a degree – this doesn’t have to be LAW (students always think it does)
Before this you will need to take 3 A levels – examples for this career would be history, english, RE (again, law is NOT required)
And before this you need to achieve 5 grades 4/5 to 9 at GCSE level (remember – if you want to take History A level, you will need to choose history GCSE!)
You will need to achieve at least 5 x 4/5 to 9 grades at GCSE
(if you want to take History at A level, you will need to choose to study GCSE History)

17. Example 2: Thinking about ENGINEERING?
To become an engineer
you will need to get a degree in ENGINEERING
at UNIVERSITY
You will need to take A levels in Maths and Physics
To become an engineer…
In most cases, you will need a degree in Engineering
You will need to take Maths and Physics A levels and one other
And you will need 5 x 4/5 to 9 grades at GCSE – good grades in english, maths and science essential)
You will need to achieve at least 5 x 4/5 to 9 grades at GCSE
(good grades in English, Maths and Science are essential)

18. Example 3: Thinking about becoming a PLUMBER?
To become a qualified Plumber,
you will need to do an apprenticeship
whilst attending a college course (Level 1 and Level 2)
To become an plumber…
You will most probably get an apprenticeship and go part-time to college to learn your trade.
Your college courses will be Level 1 and 2, and to access these you will need 4 x 3 to 9 grades at GCSE – including english, maths and science
You will need to achieve at least 4 x 3 to 9 grades at GCSE (including Maths, English and a Science subject)

19. Example 4: Thinking about ARCHITECTURE?
To become an architect
you will need to get a degree in ARCHITECTURE at UNIVERSITY
You will need to take A levels
Examples would be Art (you will need to show universities
a portfolio)
To become an architect…
Again a degree. In Architecture
You will need to take A levels – one will be Art and you will need to develop a portfolio of your work
And again, you will need 5 x 4/5 to 9 grades at GCSE (good grades in maths and english essential)
(remember – if you want to take Art A level, you will need to choose art GCSE!)
You will need to achieve at least 5 x 4/5 to 9 grades at GCSE
(a good grade in Maths and English are essential)

20. Example 5: Thinking about MEDICINE (Doctor)?
To become a doctor
you will need to get a degree in MEDICINE
at UNIVERSITY
You will need to take A levels in Chemistry , Biology, a further Science or Maths (recommended)
Other recommended subjects to take at A level are English, RE, History, Psychology
To become a doctor…
You will need a degree in medicine and…
A levels including these subjects
And a very strong set of GCSEs, particularly in maths, english and science
If you are still very unsure about what options to choose, my advice would be…
You will need to achieve a strong set of GCSEs, particularly in Maths, English and Science

21. Still no idea about which Year 9 options to choose?
Keep your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects,
Speak to your SUBJECT teachers, to your tutor, to your Year Head, to Mrs Thompson, to Mr Martin in the Sixth Form, and definitely chat to your parents/carers about this
Keep your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects. Don’t worry if at this stage you have no idea what you want to do career-wise. Choose subjects that you enjoy and that you will achieve high grades in.
If you are strong in the facilitating subjects (geography, history and languages are all facilitating subjects) choose these.
And if you don’t want to choose these, choose other subjects that you will enjoy and therefore hopefully do well in.
But make sure that before you make your choices, you speak to…
Your subject teachers, to your tutor, to Mrs Gregg, to Miss Noonan, to me, and to Mr Martin in the sixth form who knows about applying to universities…and definitely chat to your parents or carers.
A reminder about the careers resources we have in school and on the school VLE to help you to explore careers…

22. How to find out more about choosing a career
Careers resources in the LRC:
You have already hopefully all looked at these? They are there for your use – please come and look through them in the LRC!

23. How to find out more about choosing a career
‘Y9 Careers Information’ area on the VLE:
You have also hopefully had the opportunity in tutor sessions and in your careers lesson to explore these resources on the VLE.
These sites will cover important questions you might be asking yourself now, which are
How can I find out about different jobs and careers?
What type of careers would suit me?
What way of working would suit me? Office work, working in a hospital, working in a factory, a warehouse, outside, etc.
What GCSEs would I need, to do that job?
Please ask your parents and carers to help you to explore careers using these.

24. What next? Parent/teacher consultation evening – Thursday 1st February
Date for handing in your Year 9 Options Form – Monday 5th February (not before please, and make sure that you list your subjects in PREFERENCE ORDER and are happy to accept either your 3rd OR reserve choice)
In just 3 weeks time, you will have your parent/teacher consultation evening with your parents and subject teachers. You will be able to discuss with your subject teachers whether they would recommend that you take their subject at GCSE. Mrs Gregg will be presenting the GCSE options to your parents. And I will be there for advice and guidance if you and your parents or carers would like to speak to me.
We are giving you your Year 9 option booklets today – it is very important that you read through ALL the options in this booklet with your parents and carers before making your subject choices, because it describes each course, and it is only by reading this that you can decide if the is the course for you!
Your option forms will be given to you at the parent/teacher consultation evening on Thursday 1st February and please return them on Monday 5th February – but not before please – we want you to ensure that you are making an informed choice about these and need you to read your booklet, chat with your teachers and parents, speak with me, and this is why no forms will be accepted before Monday 5th February. You have quite a lot to consider.
If you would like to book an appointment with me to chat through your ideas for GCSE subject choices, please come and see me in the LRC.
Thank you, Mrs Thompson