Normally, you’ll be expected to take around 9 GCSEs. English, Maths and Science are compulsory, and some schools may have additional compulsory subjects, but the rest is up to you! Your school will have a range of subjects to choose from and whilst you can choose the subjects you enjoy, it’s also a good chance to consider different options and how they could impact your future.
These are some things to think about when choosing your optional GCSEs:
1. Which subjects do you find interesting?
Choosing your GCSEs is your chance to focus on the subjects that interest you. If you find yourself dreading geography but looking forward to Spanish, then it’s clear which one is right for you.
Also think about your interests outside school such as sports, art, music or computer games. This is your chance to learn more about your interests and potentially turn them into a career!
2. What are your strengths?
In which subjects do you get good grades? When do you find yourself putting your hand up to answer questions? There are always some subjects which come more naturally to us than others, so work with your strengths and choose some of these subjects.
It can be hard to know what you’re good at so ask your parents, friends and teachers where they think your talents lie.
3. What is your learning style?
Do you prefer to learn by doing, listening or reading? If you’re a hands-on learner, then you may be good at subjects such as design and technology or art whereas students who like to read a lot may enjoy history or languages.
4. What would you like to do for your A Levels, T-Levels or other Level 3 options?
If you know which subjects you want to study at sixth form or college then check whether these subjects have any specific GCSE requirements. Most courses will only require a certain number of GCSEs at a good grade, but others may require good grades in certain subjects.
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5. Do you want to go to university or do an apprenticeship?
If you already know you want to continue your studies after sixth form or college, it’s worth double-checking university entry requirements. Entry requirements will differ from university to university, but they usually expect some GCSEs at a good grade.
Most universities will be flexible on the subjects you have studied with the exception of some Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health courses. GCSE requirements are set by the professional body for these courses, not the university, as the course involves a professional registration at the end of it. Therefore, the GCSE requirements are non-negotiable and must be attained.
6. What are your career goals?
The start of your career could be a long way away but it’s never too soon to start thinking about jobs you’d like to do in the future and how your GCSEs can help you get there. For example, if you’re particularly interested in sciences or Medicine then you might want to choose double science if your school offers this, as you’ll need this science background in the future.
7. Are you prioritising the subjects you want to study?
It’s important not to choose the subjects your friends are choosing just because you want to be in class with them. Focus on your own interests and remember you can still see your friends at lunchtime!
Similarly, don’t choose a subject just because you like a teacher, or avoid a subject because you dislike a teacher. Your teacher is likely to change each year and there could even be new teachers joining your school.