Options in year 8 or 9

If you are in year 8 or 9, at some point, you will need to choose what you’re going to study until the end of year 11. This will usually be GCSEs, but other qualifications are also available at some schools.

Everyone has to study the ‘core’ subjects: English, maths and science. This is important. No matter what you do with your life, people will likely want to know your English and math grades from school. Universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers agree that English and maths matter. Science is also important for many options after year 11. More jobs need science skills.

At most schools, you will also need to study 'foundation' subjects. These include citizenship, computing, and PE.

You will be given choices about what else to study. How this works will depend on your school. They will give you and your parents/carers more information. Most schools produce an options booklet and hold an options event.

When choosing your options

When choosing your options, you should think about the following:

• what are you good at?
• what do you enjoy?
• what are you interested in studying after year 11?
• what jobs are you interested in doing in the future?