Explore your study options around the age of 14 when you ar choosing your next subjects to take.
Which core subjects do you typically have to take?
In years 10 and 11 (and in some cases in year 9) you will get the chance to choose what GCSEs you want to take, if you are studying for GCSEs. You will get to choose some subjects, but there are some subjects you have to take. These are known as core subjects:
- English (either a single English GCSE, or English Language and English Literature)
- Maths
- Science (either core science, double science or triple science which covers physics, biology and chemistry)
Some schools may set additional core subjects which you have to take, but these three subjects are considered vital in all schools. You will need to get a grade 4 pass in English and maths (or a C grade in the old system), but you can retake them to achieve this grade if you need to.
What other subjects interest you?
You can then pick GCSE subjects you want to do in the following four areas:
- Arts
- Design and technology
- Humanities
- Modern foreign languages
It can help you to study a range of subject areas at this stage so you can find out more about what you like and have a wider range of study options when you make your next big choices at 16.
