Choices at 14
Year 9 is traditionally the time you have to choose what subjects and qualifications you are going to do in Years 10 and 11. In some schools you can make your option choices in Year 8.
Every school is different but you will have to study English, Maths and science. Your school may make other subjects compulsory as well, but you will be told about this.
You will be provided with information about what options your school offers. Read this carefully before making your final option choices.
The options
GCSEs
Your school will decide what GCSE subjects they want to offer (there are over 50 to choose from). You’ll spend a lot of time in class listening to your subject teacher and completing classroom based activities although there might be some practical work involved depending on the subject. You will have to do an exam and produce work that is assessed by your school.
English Baccalaureate
Plans to introduce the English ‘Bacc’ (as it is often referred to) were announced late in 2010. It recognises achievement in five core GCSE subjects: English, mathematics, science, a humanity (history or geography) and a modern foreign language.
Foundation or Higher Diploma
A Foundation Diploma is the equivalent of 5 GCSEs (grades D to G) and a Higher Diploma is the equivalent of 7 GCSEs (grades A* to C). Don’t be fooled into thinking you can get lots of GCSE equivalent passes for less effort than taking individual GCSE subjects. Young people in Bolton who have done the Diploma tell us it is a very challenging qualification and not an option to be considered lightly.
It is made up of three parts:
- Principal Learning - develop skills employers value through the study of an occupational area
- Generic Learning - functional Skills, Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and at least 10 days work experience
- Additional and Specialist Learning - extra qualifications such as GCSEs or BTEC units
You will be assessed in a variety of ways including exams and assessment by your school and/or a training provider. To get the full qualification you have to pass all parts of the qualification.
Vocational (Work Related) Qualifications
These qualifications, eg, BTECs, are designed to meet the needs of specific employment sectors. You will learn practical employment skills and develop other ‘soft’ skills that employers value, eg, working as part of a team, solving problems, being a good communicator. You will still have to spend time learning in a classroom although for some parts of your course you might be in a working environment, eg, in a salon if you are doing hairdressing. You will be assessed through projects, written work and completing tasks.
Foundation Learning
This is a tailor made package of lessons that will help you learn and develop skills that will help you live more confidently and independently or take qualifications that might seem too hard for you to achieve at the moment.
What next?
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Read any options information your school gives you carefully.
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Download a copy of Which Way Now? from this page and have a go at some of the activities.
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If you are struggling to understand any options information ask a teacher for help.
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Don't make any rash decisions.
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Don't pick a subject just because your best friend is doing it or you like the subject teacher.
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If you have set your heart on a particular job make sure you research it carefully to make sure the subjects you choose now meet the entry requirements for specialist qualifications and employer requirements later on.
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Make the most of your local Year 9 option event. Listen carefully to what your Connexions Personal Adviser, employers and local learning providers have to say about the world of work.