Choices in Year 9

In Year 9, young people have some say about what to study in Years 10 and 11.

These decisions are more complicated than they used to be because young people can now choose between qualifications, as well as subjects.

Subject choices

Everyone must study certain subjects, e.g. English, Maths, Science. Other subjects may become optional. The choice varies between schools.

Qualification choices

Schools now offer:

• GCSEs
• Work related qualifications e.g. Diplomas, GCSEs in vocational subjects, NVQs and BTECs.

How are work related qualifications different?

• You learn about a broad area of work, e.g. Engineering, IT
• You often learn in a more practical way
• Teaching may take place out of school e.g. in a college
• Assessment methods may be more varied e.g. with fewer written exams

These qualifications won’t train a young person to do a specific job; that requires further study and training after Year 11.

For more details see What qualifications are there?

More and more young people now choose a work related qualification in Year 9. They can be a good choice for students who:

• Are interested in the area of work concerned
• Perform better if there is a more ‘hands on’ style of learning

However they may still need to be backed up by other grades, at GCSE, in order to move on successfully from Year 11. Speak about this with the school Careers Coordinator or Personal Adviser.

Diplomas

Some schools now offer Diplomas, which are a new qualification for 14-19 year olds. They can involve spending around two days a week learning about a work sector and include both classroom study and ‘hands on’ learning.

Other programmes

Schools may offer other options, including:

• Young Apprenticeships, which involve spending about one day a week learning about a work sector, combined with work experience (around 50 days over two years)
• ASDAN awards which help prepare for adult life.

There may be other programmes available which involve spending time at a college or approved training centre – schools will have details.

A balanced choice

It’s important to choose a balanced range of subjects and qualifications. This will help to keep options open after Year 11.

A small number of careers (or college and university courses) need specific subjects and / or qualifications. Personal Advisers and Careers coordinators can advise on this.

How you can help

• Find out as much as you can about what choices are offered
• Talk to your teenager about what subjects they enjoy and how they learn best
• Check how different subjects / qualification are taught and assessed
• Encourage choosing a balance of subjects and qualifications
• Discourage choosing courses because ‘they sound easy’ or because of friends
• Find out if your teenager is producing an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) in school – it can help them to think about future plans and goals
• Use careers information in schools and Connexions Centres

For more information use:

Look Ahead – a booklet for Year 9 students. Available in schools and Connexions Centres.

Apply Sheffield
The online prospectus for 14-19 year olds in the city.

Careers Barnsley
Apply Rotherham
Doncaster Choices
VocEd