GCSE Subject Choices

This is an amazing time, the first real-time that students get to make their own decisions on what they want to study in the UK educational system. There are new subjects and the chance to drop old subjects. But this is also a fork in the educational journey, so let us look at them in a bit more detail.

An Overview

Every school has its own methods, but in general, the following will be the case:

• Choices are made towards the end of Year 9, anytime from Easter.

• Compulsory subjects are English, Maths and Science.

• State school students will have to take Citizenship, Computing and PE (but may not be examined)

• Every school has its own options list to choose from.

• Generally, students take a total of between 6 and 111 GCSEs which includes the compulsory subject.

• There is normally the option of Combined or Separate Sciences.

• Schools often guide students towards the EBacc, a combination of subjects that include English, Maths, Science, History or Geography and a language.

• Parents are invited to Options Evenings in the School.

• Careers advisors at school assist with options.

• GCSE choices can usually be changed in the first few weeks of Year 10 as long as option blocks work, so it is a good idea to ensure choices are right the first time around.

Does the subject choice really matter?

Yes it does!

It may be important to leave a few future choices open by choosing a range of subjects, especially if you are not really ready to choose a specific career path. Often a mix of language, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences are good ideas

Enjoyment of your studies is important. You will still be taking some compulsory subjects that you may love or dislike, so the options subjects should be ones that you enjoy – it is another two years of study after all. Don’t be guided by who the teacher is or where your friends are, the content is going to be key, look at the specification, especially if it is a new subject. You don’t want to be resenting the next two years!

Know what you are good at. If you are naturally or have developed talents in subjects, you will probably find them more accessible, easier and more enjoyable, and in the long run, better grades.

Know the workload. Schools and colleges may allow a wide number of subjects, anything between 7 and 6 subjects on top of your compulsory could be offered. But every subject will reduce the study time available for other subjects, especially in the revision period. Some subjects require a lot of coursework, such as Art and these will take up a lot of time before exams (with the end exam before other written exams), but result in one subject less during exam revision time.

Some Advice

• The student is going to be the one studying the subjects and so the choices should be theirs. Advice and guidance are key, and informed decisions are important. Look at the subject content and skills (essay writing in Humanities subjects, Maths for Business or Economics) and check they are the right choices for you.

• Look at what your school considers compulsory. It will be English, Maths and Science, but it could have additional requirements such as a language or specific sciences.

• Look at assessment requirements. Some subjects are coursework based, others are terminal examinations. Check this suits you.

• Consider your achievements and abilities in the subjects so far. Being good at a subject will assist in your enjoyment and end results.

• Consider your future career. Some future studies at A Level or at university will require you to have studied subjects at GCSE. Careers departments will help you with that.

• Choose subjects. Not where your friends are going or who is teaching you. GCSE is a new start, and two years of studying the content.

• Use your resources to help. Speak to your teachers about the subjects and your abilities. Speak to the careers advisors to help with future planning and careers. Speak as a family, families know their children best.

• Choose the right number of subjects. Too many GCSEs may give you too large a workload, and a set of good GCSEs is generally more favourable than a larger, weaker set of results.

• Don’t Stress. People are there to help you. Schools will have teams to guide you and people to help with every question you have. Everyone is in the same boat, and schools go through this every year!

A note on Combined (Double) and Separate (Triple) Sciences.

Every year, this is an option where parents often need a little more advice. Combined and Separate Sciences are two different routes, key points below:

• Both involve the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

• Both allow A-Level or IB study of the three sciences.

• Applications to university are not affected by the route chosen here, it is the grades that matter.

• Triple will give you 3 GCSE grades, Combined will give you 2 GCSE grades.

• Combined as an option allows you to pick a different optional subject, or reduce your workload.

• Single Science is a further option if sciences are not working for you, your school will often approach this when this is the case.

• Some schools only offer Combined Science.

• If you know you are going on to study Science at A-Level, Triple is not required, but it is advised.

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