1. YEAR 10 PARENTS INFORMATION EVENING
GCSE SUBJECT CHOICES

2. Big Decisions! Careers: Education, Information Advice and Guidance
Is being provided.

3. Careers Provision Since Nov: Weekly careers programme.
Jan & Feb: 2 Subject choice talks : DfE Careers advisors; careers teachers.
14th & 15th February : Individual careers guidance interviews.

4. Provision for Parents & Pupils
23rd Jan : Careers Convention
12th Feb : GCSE subject choice advice evening
26th Feb : Consultation with subject teachers.

5. Deadline For Decisions
5th March : deadline for returning GCSE subject choice form.

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

7. Summary of Science Options
2 Science/Technology options recommended for all.
Why?
To keep more career options open.

8. Strong & Committed Scientists
3 or 4 science/technology options.
Many scientific careers now required linkage of knowledge across all of the sciences.
Should take all 3 sciences if considering a scientific career.

9. For non-scientists
1 Science for those who are academically strong in Arts/Humanities and want to have additional creative/expressive options.
Many degrees at UU require a GCSE science & elsewhere eg BEd in Stranmillis.

10. Consultation Speak to me if: Considering taking only one science.
Any other concerns.

11. A level Entry Requirements
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.

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

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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).

18. STEM Agenda Science, Technology (incl. ICT), Engineering & Maths.
Government asks schools to increase numbers taking STEM subjects & to raise awareness of STEM career opportunities.
Needs of NI and UK economies.

19. Maths &/or Physics
Engineering: A level Maths and Physics or Technology (Physics preferred).
Architecture : Maths and/or Physics, with Art.
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.

20. A word of warning…
A level sciences are very difficult and required an A at GCSE level and a good GCSE profile for entry.
Other A levels generally require a B at GCSE for entry.

21. STEAM Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are important too.
They also have career pathways.
Choose these if this is where your strengths lie.
QUB info evening : 21st Feb.

22. 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).

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

24. How to choose subjects Subjects you are good at.
Needed for Higher Education/Career.
Subjects you are interested in.
Combines well with other subject choices.
Keeps A level options open.

25. 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.

26. New Specifications
GCSE subject specifications have been changing in recent years.
May have different subject content from current or past GCSEs.

27. How to choose subjects (3)
Check which A level subjects are accepted by universities.
Russell Group: 24 research led universities
Facilitating subjects: 2 out of 3 A levels.
QUB accepts all A level subjects ( except for medicine & dentistry)
ROI universities: academic subjects preferred but accept SSD, MIA & Dig. Tech.

28. NI Skills Barometer Launched in November 2015.
Predicts areas of over- and under-supply in labour market

29. Subjects in Demand in NI
STEM-related subjects will be most in demand. Why?
Anticipated growth in ICT, professional services and advanced sectors.
Also a wide range of other sectors will need STEM qualifications.

30. More people will be needed with degrees in…
1. Computer science.
2. civil engineering.
3. Nursing.
4. Electronic & electrical engineering.
5. Physics.
6. Mechanical Engineering.
7. Chemistry.
8. History by period.
9. Mathematics.
10. Marketing

31. More people will be needed with foundation degrees/higher level apprenticeships in..
1. Nursing.
2. Science.
3. Engineering.
4. ICT.
5. Creative Arts.
6. Law & Legal.
7. Medicine & Dentistry.
8. Hospitality & catering.
9. History.
10. Performing Arts.

32. Top 10 Growth Sectors
1. Professional, scientific and technical.
2. Information and Communication.
3.Administration and support services.
4. Health & Social work.
5. Manufacturing.
6. Construction.
7. Restaurants.
8. Arts & entertainment.
9. Finance & insurance.
10. Transport & storage.

33. Graduate Demand (UU)
Engineering: manufacturing, environmental, mechanical electrical, process engineering.
Business & professional services: business development, finance, investment, trading, HR & marketing.

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

35. 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.

36. Further Information www.ucas.com (incl. parents’ zone)
: options with subjects & graduate labour market information.
: NI LMI info. ;

37. Help in School School intranet – careers folder.
School careers staff & careers lessons.
Career guidance interview
Careers Convention.

38. Higher Ideas & Heap Online
Higher Ideas
BHS licence : v6c5zzm7
Pathways from school subjects.

39. Can you help?
Careers department relies on parents & former pupils for careers talks, mock interviews and information stands at careers convention.
Please complete the form & give it to me if you could help in any way.

40. Conclusion Deadline : 5th 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.