How to: pick your year 9 GCSE options
13 comments | Published by teentoday.co.uk editor
Not sure what option to take?
You’ve probably only just adjusted to life at your secondary school when you’re asked to make major decisions about what you’re going to continue to study - the Year 9 options. But don’t panic because we’ve created this teentoday.co.uk guide to help you through the process.
The decisions you will have to make
The decisions you make in Year 9 are important because they control the next 2 years of your school life and can have consequences for what you go on to do after your GCSEs. In Year 9 you will have to decide which subjects you want to focus on in the next 2 years (Years 10 and 11). Some subjects are compulsory but others are for you to decide - your options. Because you are studying fewer subjects, the ones you choose can be studied in greater depth.
What’s your passion?
The subjects you are best at are normally the ones that you are passionate about. Think about the subjects you enjoy studying and why. Do they bring out your creative side, is it other languages or cultures that you love, or maybe you’re the sort of person who only feels safe whilst holding a calculator.. whatever your thing, choose subjects that inspire and motivate you.
Anything you can do..
Think about people you admire and why - is it Richard Branson for his business brain or maybe J K Rowling for her writing? Do you think you could give them a run for their money? Be nosy, talk to people and find out about what they studied and why? And if you’re wondering, Richard Branson left school at 15 - so you can show him how it’s done!
The future
Although the choices you make are very important don’t worry too much about the future. Many people at your age are unsure about what they want to do with their lives, so just remember to choose a balanced set of subjects you enjoy.
Totally confused?
If your brain is a muddle and you don’t know where to start, why not speak to the people that will be teaching you. They will let you know what the lessons involve and you’ll be able to see if it’s for you. Remember though, think about what’s best for you, not just what pleases your friends, family and teachers.
Outside the classroom
If the subjects on offer don’t inspire you or you want to try something different, remember there is lots you can do outside the classroom to meet new people, get experience and knowledge, socialise and, hopefully, find your calling. Why not volunteer, get active or look for work experience that fits around your spare time.
TOP TIP!
Be unique; don’t take a subject just because your friends have. Branch out, take the subjects you love and see it as an opportunity to make new friends.
TOP TIP!
If you have no idea what careers interest you choose a broad range of subjects.
TOP TIP!
Some GCSE courses lean more towards coursework and others are much more exam-lead. Which do you prefer?
TOP TIP!
Your school should ask you to meet with a careers advisor who should offer loads of great advice. And if your school doesn’t offer you this service then ask them why.
What options did you choose and why?
Charlz
I chose Business Studies, German and Geography and it was compulsory to learn Maths, English, Science, ICT, P.E.
I chose:
-Geography cause its a relaxed subject in my school and stuff cause you learn like basically everything.
-German am good at the languages and defientley not going to live in the UK.
-Business Studies cause i just love money and i know i can get an A* cause my mum and uncle teach the subject.
Becki
How the hell are you meant to decide? its too hard. I want to be a doctor so what subjects would be best????????????????????????????????
Help me please!!!!
megan
all i know is that i have to take maths english science and a language so i have no idea
and not helpful coz i wanna be a science teacher or photographer
helpful that my school doesn’t do photography
becky
I’m going to take German, Food, Drama and History.
~ German because I’m good at languages and I enjoy doing it.
~ Food because it’s my best technology subject.
~ Drama because it’s my favourite subject and I want to be an actress.
~ History because I like it and do well in it.
sum
HIHIHHIHIHIHIH
mairah
i have nooo! idea what to pick but i do have an idea of picking drama becuase its fun and practical and religious education and health and social.Its very hard.!!
SubjectGuru
I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career when I had to choose my GCSEs. But it was actually much easier than I thought it would be! I hated so many subjects at school, I just chose my two favourites (art and religion) and then took two others that I hated the least (French and Spanish). Now I know I want to be a writer, and I don’t even care what I get in my GCSEs! My advice is to take what you enjoy, not what will make you successful for sure. Oh, and if somebody says ‘my friend in sixth form took art and hated it’ but you have no idea what else to take, just take it and see for yourself! You might be pleasently suprised…
Becky
I’m not sure entirely what options i’m going to take because I know they are in different columns and that differs at each school.
I know compulsory subjects are Maths, English, Science (1 science, as opposed to all 3, unless you take them), P.E, Religion, and 1 Tech.
So hopefully I am going to take;
Art,
Triple Science
Either ICT or Geography.
& For my Tech, Textiles.
Sophs
i go to quarrendon school and i am so confused i am certain what i want to do when i grow up but i dunno how many you can take and what ones i want to do for fun!! aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh xox
jo
How many options are you aloud to take?
I know Maths, English Science, and maybe P.E(not to sure about P.E) are compulsory..
I heard you’re only aloud 3, but then I heard you HAVe to take 3 + ..
I want to take
Catering
Art
Drama
Health and social
and I.T
but i’m not to sure how many your’e aloud to take :\
anyone got any ideas?
xox
Michael
In my school, it is compulsary to do the 3 core subjects: Maths, English and Science, plus RE short course, and:
1 tech
1 expressive arts
1 humanity
plus extra subjects, non compulsary
So hopefully I will do
Food Tech
Music
Geography?
Business studies
Beth
In my school it is compulsary to do english, maths, 3 sciences and R.E.
I would like to be a doctor so i think i should take ICT, Business Studies and ?. I Have to take 3 additional options, but i dont know whatshould be my third. HELP ! ! !
cHloE BaBz
IM IN YEAR NINE AND I DO NOT KNOW WAT TO PICK
LUV CHLOE xXxXx