Top Tips:
• Take your time – it is not first come, first served so being first to submit does not result in a better chance of getting your option choices. Use the time to consider your choices and linking them to your future aspirations.

• Students should talk to parents about their interests and discuss which subjects they enjoy and do well in. Use the Subject Evening to find out what your teachers say about you in your subjects.

• Students should consider what they would like to do in the future and what subjects would help them to achieve this. Use careers advice where possible to investigate the subjects that support your career path.

• Over the weeks leading up to Option Choices subject areas will be covering how their subject links to future qualifications and careers so listen carefully to this information.

• Research post-16 courses and consider which subjects would be relevant.

• Try and select a variety in the subjects chosen – this will allow for greater choice post-16.

• Do not select a subject because you want to be with a friend.  In any case, even though you might be taking the same subject, you might be in different groups in Key Stage 4.

• You cannot take the same subject twice.

The right reasons to pick a subject are:
• I am good at the subject and it interests me.
• I know that this subjects will help me achieve my post-16 ambitions.
• I want to keep my options open late in to post-16 learning.
• I have achieved good marks and feedback from the subject.
• Continuous Assessment shows that the subject I am picking is a strength.

The wrong reasons to pick a subject are:
• I like the teacher – it may not be the same teacher in Key Stage 4.
• All my friends are doing the subject.
• The other choices are difficult.

What you can do now:-

Unsure of a future careers? Go to www.icould.com and have a go at the Buzz Quiz – find out what is important to you and which careers suit your personality type.

If you want to go to university, find out which A Levels you need for different careers and what this means for your GCSE choices. https://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/what-a-levels-do-you-need-for-the-degree-you-want-to-study 

If you have a particular career in mind, find out more about what it involves and what qualifications you will need https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/  by looking at the Job Profile.

If the career you want to do involves you going to university, find out where you could study and the qualifications you will need www.ucas.com .

National Apprenticeship Information www.gov.uk/further-education-skills/apprenticeships 

National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/pages/home.aspx 

Russell Group Universities guide https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/media/5686/informed-choices-2018-1-6th-edition-final.pdf