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Deciding which subjects to choose and which to leave
out isn’t easy.
Things to think about…
- Do you need certain subjects for the career you
want to do?
- Having a good spread of subjects leaves lots of
careers open.
- Some advanced subjects can only be taken if you have a grade C at GCSE.
- If you are unsure, find out as much as you can
about each subject.
- If you like a subject you tend to work harder and
do better.
- Good decisions need careful research so start early.
- Ask your PA for help and advice as you need it.
English
- Everyone has to study English.
- Good grades in English will help you in whatever
you decide to do.
- You may choose to study both English and English
literature.
Mathematics
- Everyone has to study maths.
- Maths is really important for many jobs, from giving
change in a shop or working out how much paint is
needed to decorate a room to careers such as engineering,
architecture and accountancy.
Functional Skills
- Will be part of maths, English and ICT GCSEs from September 2010.
- They are skills that mean you can apply maths, English and ICT in a range of practical situations.
- You will need good functional skills to complete everyday tasks in life, at work or in learning.
- You will be awarded a level or grade in functional skills. These will range from Entry level to Level 2.
Foundation Learning (FL)
- FL is sometimes called a
Personalised Learning Programme
- It is a course at Entry Level or level 1.
Science
- Everyone has to study science.
- If you want a science-based career, take care when
choosing your GCSEs. Most problems at A level or degree
level occur when science qualifications or knowledge
are missing.
- Some jobs or study at advanced or higher levels
may not be available if you only do a single science
GCSE at school.
- To do A levels in biology, physics or chemistry,
you usually need to have two science GCSEs –
Science and Additional Science.
- If your school offers separate GCSE sciences -
physics, chemistry or biology – and you are
committed to a scientific career, studying all three
may be for you.
- If you take Applied Science at GCSE, you would
normally move on to Applied Science A level, not to
physics, chemistry or biology. To get on a degree
in science, the university may require you to do a
foundation year or year zero before you start your
degree.
- Good maths ability and qualifications are required
for science-based courses and careers.
- Science is required for careers in primary teaching,
healthcare professions, engineering, construction
and food and drink manufacturing, as well as for laboratory-based
scientific research.
ICT
- Everyone must study Information, Communication
and Technology (ICT).
- Computer skills are needed for nearly every job,
from banking to design work and weather forecasting.
- Jobs in offices may involve using a computer for
most of the time.
- More specialist roles include managing, installing
and supporting IT systems.
- Higher level opportunities include developing IT
systems and programs to improve business efficiency,
working as a systems analyst or web manager.
Humanities
- Subjects include history, geography, religious
studies and humanities.
- Studying one of these will help you to understand
the world we live in, its people and the past, and
how we react in certain situations.
- It’s usually possible to start one of these
subjects at A level without GCSE study.
- In history you will learn skills in researching
and analysing information and in presenting arguments
and facts. These are all important for working in
the media, education, law and architecture.
- Geography is important for careers in meteorology,
planning, transport, environmental conservation and
cartography.
- Religious studies leads to a greater understanding
of customs, beliefs and behaviour across the community.
RS is useful for careers in management, law, journalism,
social care, nursing, teaching and advice work.
Business studies
- Business studies involves learning about company
organisation, business communications and administration.
- You may develop skills in using computers.
- It is useful for careers in office work, finance,
insurance ormanagement services, and also if you want
to work for your local council or the Civil Service.
Physical education
- Everyone must continue with PE lessons as exercise
and fitness is important for all. You may also be
able to choose GCSE PE as one of your options.
- Studying PE is useful for PE teaching, the Armed
Forces, professional sport, physiotherapy, the police,
sports centre and swimming pool attendants.
Technology
- This may involve studying food, information or
design technology.
- You would develop practical skills in planning,
research and design.
- Technology is really useful if you are considering
design, catering, printing, engineering, construction,
manufacturing or computing.
Art and design
- Art GCSE is essential if you want to go to art
college or have a career in design.
- To work as a designer you would need high level
skills in drawing, a good eye for colour and an interest
in the latest trends.
- You need to be very creative.
- Skills and ability in art and design are also useful
in teaching, museum work, occupational therapy and
advertising.
Music, dance and drama
- Qualifications in performing music and drama are
useful for careers in teaching, youth work, theatre
and entertainment.
- Those who are particularly strong on the performance
side may be successful actors or musicians.
Languages
- Skills in modern foreign languages are useful in
a lot of jobs.
- If you feel you have a talent for languages and
would like to do this as a career, you are advised
to take two languages.
- Qualifications in languages can lead to work as
an interpreter, translator, teacher, business or political
analyst and foreign correspondent.
- A language GCSE may be an entry requirement for
top universities in the future.
Work-related subjects
- Cover broad sectors of work such as applied business, health and social care, leisure and tourism, construction, engineering and more.
- They may suit you if you are a 'hands on' person, if you want to find out more about an area of work and develop 'work' skills.
- They are offered as Diplomas, BTECs and Applied GCSEs (a Double Award needing the same amount of study time as two GCSEs).
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