How to Pick Your GCSE Subjects for Years 10 and 11

I know it may be hard to choose your options because there is so much pressure to get it right! You know.. because your life and career depends on it! But.. no pressure! In this article I will be talking from experience and how I feel about these things so if you don't like what I say please don't take it to heart and just adapt the tips I'm about to give you- well, if you want to that is.

Remember... As well as 4 of your options you have to remember that there are compulsory subjects that you have to take as well. For example in my school you have to take English, Maths, Science, ICT, Culture and Beliefs and ICT at a core level even if you don't chose those subjects as an option.

For English, Maths and Science you will get a qualification but for the other core subjects you will not. At least that's how it works in my school.

• You are good at it- if you're good at a subject, of course you are likely to get a good grade at the end. Seems a bit basic, but you would be surprised how many people don't choose the subjects they are good at because their friend isn't or they just think it's "uncool".
• You enjoy it- if the subject that you are considering is something you enjoy that is a great reason to choose it even if you're not that great at it. If you enjoy it you would be willing to learn and improve your skills.
• It will lead to further qualifications and career paths- you might need a subjects to go to sixth form and to a university that you like or you need that qualification for your dream job.

• Your friend is taking it- if your friends are taking an option, don't take it just because they are. You might get in an argument and then you will be stuck with them for 2 years. Also, you won't enjoy it and most probably fail. However, if your friend is taking the same option because you are both interested in that subject- that is a great bonus!
• You hate/love the teacher- if you have very strong feelings towards a teacher don't just completely decide that your either taking or dropping the option. What if they leave? You might find that the subject is nothing that nothing like it was before or you missed out on something you would have really wanted to do.

• Ask Questions- ask teachers, older students and parents about the subjects that you are interested, make sure you what qualifications you are going to get and how much coursework and exams there is. If your not very organised you might not want coursework reliant subjects like art because you won't meet deadlines.
• Think about what you will want to do when you leave school- find out what your desired sixth form, university, job, apprenticeship needs for you to get into it.
• See current GCSE work by other students in your school- are you interested at all in doing similar work to them? If so, that might be the option for them.
• Are your choices opening lot's of doors?- even if you know what you want to do after you leave school, think about choosing subjects that would open doors such as sociology. After all, what you want to do now might change and if you pick subjects that only qualify you to a certain area, you will find it hard to explore other job opportunities.