What should I think about when choosing my options in Year 9?
You need to make a well-balanced selection in order to keep your options open. Your teachers know you best – listen to the options that they suggest you take.
If you have a particular career in mind you may benefit from studying certain subjects. Some subjects (such as Business Studies and Psychology) can be taken at A level without being studied at GCSE. Your school may also offer the 14-19 Diploma in Creative and Media - ask your teachers and Personal Adviser for more information.
Don’t choose subjects because you feel pressurised by others or because your friends are doing them or you like the teacher. If you are thinking of going onto higher education you can find out what subjects can help you to apply for a particular degree course.
What Subjects do I have to study in Years 10 and 11?
There are some cores subjects that you must study; these are
English
Maths
Science
Citizenship
Careers Education
RE
ICT
PE
Work-related learning
Sex and Relationship Education
Some schools will have a focus on particular subjects such as ICT or languages, and these subjects may form part of your courses. All 14 to 16 years olds are also entitled to 5 days ‘enterprise experience’. You also have the right to study at least one from each of the following areas: modern foreign languages, design and technology, a humanities subject and an arts subject. From September 2008 if you want you will be able to consider studying for a Diploma alongside GCSEs.
What are Diplomas?
The Diploma is a new qualification for 14-19 year olds in England. Diplomas have been created and developed by groups of people from industry, education and universities to allow you to get the knowledge, skills and attitudes that employers and universities both say are essential. You can combine them with other courses such as vocational qualifications and GCSEs.
Eventually there will be fourteen Diplomas, relating to broad economic sectors and a further three covering general education areas. Diplomas are being launched across the country at various times between September 2008 and 2010. Each will be available at:
Foundation level which is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades A* - G
Higher level which is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* - C
Advanced level which is equivalent to 3·5 A-levels A* - E.
In addition there will be a Progression Diploma – this is roughly equivalent to 2 ‘A’ Levels, and is aimed at students who do not wish to study for the full Advanced Diploma.
The Diplomas which will be available nationally from September 2008 are:
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
- Society, Health and Development.
In Salford the Diploma available from September 2008 will be:
- Creative and Media
What other courses are there in for me to do in Years 10 and 11?
You may be able to do an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), Vocationally Related Qualification (VCR) or a Young Apprenticeship. You will need to check which are offered in your school. which are offered in your school. You can look at the where2nxt Salford on-line prospectus too.
Who can I talk to if I need help in making my decisions?
There are a number of people who can help you:
- Your careers teacher, form tutor and subject teachers can all help.
- If you are looking for more detailed guidance you should seek out your Personal Adviser who will spend part of the week in school. They can help with choosing courses, mapping out career options, finance, health etc.
- You can also contact Connexions Direct, which offers quick access to advice and information on a range of topics. The website is Connexions Direct or call them on 080 800 13 2 19 to speak to an adviser.
- For advice on going to University or anything to do with higher education you could also use the Email an Adviser service at Uni4me.
What are my main options after Year 11?
It’s important that you continue ‘learning’ and you can do this by continuing your learning
- full time at school or college taking either general subjects, applied subjects or a combination of both;
- in the workplace, perhaps through work-based learning or in a job.
Both options can help you to carry on studying right through to higher education if you wish, find out more about your options at Uni4me
Can I go to college or an apprenticeship if I don’t have any qualifications?
YES! But this will mean you will probably have to spend more time at college or in training and your options will also be reduced as you need certain GCSE grades for some courses. You may also be able to join training initiatives such as ‘Entry to Employment’ (e2e).