Careers

Year 9 - GCSE Options - Making Choices

For many students, choosing their GCSEs is their first opportunity to make a decision related to their education and career journey. The decisions you make about your GCSEs will shape the studies and career options available to you later on, so it is important that you take time and think about your decisions carefully, discussing them with your parent(s)/carer(s) at home.

At The Kingston Academy we are here to support you with your options to ensure that you;

Have a solid academic education comprising of the subjects and skills required for your future
Are able to make choices based on your individual needs as a learner
Are prepared you for Sixth Form, College and Apprenticeships
Have your interests and aspirations meet

Please find below some tips and hints to support you in your decision making

Do's

Choose something that you enjoy
Choose something that you are good at
Talk to others about your decisions
Research about what is available to you
Keep your options open

Dont's

Choose a subject because your friends are
Choose the subject just because you like the teacher
Choose a subject you don't like, but were told you should do it
Choose it because you think it will be easy

Resources

There are a number of resources available to use. At TKA we encourage all pupils to use Start Profile and all pupils have a log in set up using their school email address. If you have a career in mind use Start to look at the qualification path suggested to inform your decision making.

Start Profile

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Mrs Young, Career Lead at TKA . She is a qualified Careers Adviser and would be happy to support you through your decision making process.

cyoung@thekingstonacademy.org

GCSE Subject Choices Advice

This short video provides an over view of the things to think about when choosing GCSEs

Choosing Your GCSE options

Here from a number of people about how they choose their GCSE in this short video

GCSE_Options_Year9

GCSE Options Checklist

Please use the checklist opposite to help you identify which options are best for you.

Also remember that your tutors, teachers, the Head of Year team and the Career Lead at TKA are here to help you.

Respect/PSHE Curriculum

As part of the Respect Curriculum there are 5 sessions dedicated to helping each pupil think about their options.

Year 9 is about making choices and starting to link educational choices to career decisions

You - ‘what is right for me?’ - knowing what different options involve (content, assessment etc.) so you know whether you are suited
Your Options - ‘what do I want to do?’ - understanding specific jobs and how your choices now will support these
Your Choices - ‘what are my options?’ - making the right qualification and subject choices at 14 and and the implications for studies at 16 and 18
Your Action - ‘make choices!’ - setting goals in relation to the ambition, interests and strengths of each individual pupil

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