Your GCSE subject options will be firmly in your sight if you’re in Year 8 right now, or coming up to that stage of life.
You may have already found that many people will have opinions about your choices. You’ll receive advice from parents and teachers – do listen but in the end go for what you’d like to do.
You may also have friends suggesting you do the same subjects as them – choose for yourself.
Ultimately we suggest you choose subjects that you will enjoy.
Further down the line when workload is heavy you’ll appreciate enjoying a subject and looking forward to rather than dreading lessons. It’s very easy to then talk yourself out of taking a subject you love.
This will always be Maths and English, a combination of Sciences, a Humanities Subject (History/Geography) and depending on your ability a language.
Other compulsory subjects are PE, PSHE, Careers and ICT.
This is a simple one but very important. It’s almost certain that subjects you take at A Level will have to be part of your options at GCSE.
If you want to go on that far, what subjects do you see yourself taking? This long term thinking also applies to university and careers.
It can be scary to think that far ahead but spend a little time dreaming. What would you like to do with your life?
Choose good GCSE options that will look balanced.
If you love the Arts, find a subject like History or a language alongside it. The reason for balance is not to please teachers or planners, it’s just a way of keeping your options open.
As your school career progresses you may find you have gifts you never dreamed of. Try to not shut too many doors too soon.
We all know sometimes a relationship with a teacher can be hard.
You may be tempted to avoid a topic because the teacher is one you find difficult. Try hard not to let that put you off.
Similarly you may choose a subject because of a great teacher – but think hard. In the long term teachers will change but its subject that will carry you through.