In Years 7 and 8 you will start to think about the GCSEs you will want to study; in Year 9 you will choose them. This is called choosing your options. You will have some subjects that you will have to study (compulsory) and others that you can choose yourself (optional).
Compulsory subjects will include English, Maths and Science. There may be other compulsory subjects so check with your school.
The optional subjects will depend on your school, but there will be at least one course from the four subject areas: Arts, Design and Technology, Humanities and Modern Foreign Languages.
Some schools may also offer vocational GCSEs that are a mix of theory and practical skills that relate to specific industries such as business, ICT or engineering.
Help with choosing your options
To help you make up your mind about your options you will need to think about:
- the subjects you are good at and enjoy
- what the entry requirements are if you have a future career in mind
- choosing a broad range of subjects to help keep your options open if you don't have a particular career in mind.
If you need advice, ask at your school or talk to your family and friends.