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Choosing GCSE subjects is a tricky task for students. If you are in Year 8 or 9 right now, then you must head on to decide what you are going to study.
These subjects will prove to be the basis of your future. You will have to work hard to carve a niche for yourself in the areas you want to pursue. However, this choice can be made easily with the right guidance and approach.
We have provided some need-to-know practical ways for you to choose what interests you the most.
Students in the UK have to make an important decision when choosing their GCSEs in their 9th Year. GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Students in Year 10 (14-15 years old) take this course and study for two years. During the 10th Year, students take mock exams to prepare for the finals. At the end of Year 11, the final GCSE exams take place.
After completing their GCSEs, students must decide whether to study further and complete their A-Level exams. Those who wish to study pursue A-Levels, and those who don’t leave school.
GCSEs are a compulsory part of education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, providing a unique assessment framework for students. These two years of school are extremely important for students, so they must start prepping early on to decide on the subjects they want to take.
Read More: Is A-Level Math Compulsory?
Some GCSE subjects are compulsory for students, so you cannot leave them even if they don’t interest you. These include:
Technically, you might not have to take a Modern Language, but your school might say otherwise. Also, ask your teachers if you were hoping to skip math! You'll have to wait until A-levels if you don't want to take these subjects.
Some schools also include two additional core subjects i.e., physical education and social studies. These subjects do not require coursework and tests; however, they are taught for recreational purposes.
The optional GCSE subjects you can pick can differ between schools. Some subjects might have restrictions, while others might not even be offered. If there's a subject you really want to study that your school doesn't provide, you will take it somewhere else, like at a college or another school.
Usually, you'll need to choose at least one subject from these four groups:
If you have a specific job in mind, it's a good idea to check what subjects employers in that field prefer.
If you're thinking about staying in school for A-levels, think about what subjects you might want to study then. Some schools want you to have studied a subject at GCSE level if you're going to do it at A-level later.
If, like most Year 9 students, you're still not sure what job you want, it might be a good idea to keep your options open. Trying different subjects helps you figure out what kind of job you like in the future.
For example, if you like languages, you might think about a job in tourism. Or if you enjoy geography, you might want a job where you can travel.
There's no exact number of GCSEs that everyone should do. Most students do about 9, but you can do more. However, it's usually recommended not to do more than 16. Some students take 11 or more subjects, which is hard for them later when studying.
Keep in mind that the more GCSEs you take, the harder it might be to keep up with studying because you'll have a lot of subjects to juggle.
This could also leave less time for your other activities and hobbies, which are essential for your mental health. Don't stress too much about the number. What matters most is that you're taking the right amount of GCSEs and not overwhelming yourself.
It's better to do fewer subjects and do well in them than to take too many and not have enough time to study for all of them.
Usually, kids pick their GCSE subjects in Year 9, around 13 or 14. When they return to school after summer break and move to Year 10, they start studying for their GCSEs in their chosen subjects.
This means they won't study some subjects they did before and will focus more on their GCSE choices for the coursework and exams.
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In England, GCSEs are graded from a 1-9 grading scheme. However, in North Ireland and Wales, they are graded from A* to U. U is the ungraded exam for various reasons.
9 is the highest score you can get on your GCSE. A minimum of 4 is required to pass, and 1-3 are termed “fail”.
There are five primary education boards that set the GCSE syllabus and administer the examination to ensure parity between schools using different scoring systems. These educational boards are:
Follow these ways to choose your GCSE subjects:
When deciding on your GCSE subjects, it's super important to go for the ones that genuinely interest you and that you'll enjoy studying.
When you're into a subject, you'll be more excited about learning and will do better in classes. Since you get to pick four subjects for your GCSE exams, you've got plenty of room to choose the ones you love. You don't have to stick to just one.
So, if you're into physics and like learning German, why not choose both? Remember, these exams are a big step in your education journey, so focus on the subjects you're most interested in.
Another important tip is to avoid picking subjects just because your friends pick them.
We understand that when you're choosing your GCSE subjects in year 9, it might seem tempting to choose the same ones as your friends so you can be in classes together and spend more time together.
But it's important not to do this. Your GCSE subjects should be based on your interests and future plans, not just what your friends do. These subjects are a big step toward your academic success, so choose wisely based on your goals.
Remember, your friends won't be taking your GCSE exams for you. These exams are important for your future, so you better choose wisely, keeping your emotions aside.
Learn More: How To Get An A In Math?
It's a good idea to get advice from others to see what might be best for you. Your teachers know your strengths and weaknesses well, so asking them for guidance can be really helpful. They also have inside info on the exam structure and course contents.
If you have friends or siblings who have already done their GCSEs, ask them about their experiences and what subjects they chose. They can tell you how hard the subjects were and whether they'd recommend them.
But remember, take their advice with a grain of salt. People tend to have strong opinions about subjects they like or dislike, so make sure to think about what's best for you. Use their advice, thoughts, and research to make your final decision.
When choosing your GCSE subjects, it's helpful to look at the mark schemes for each subject you're considering. Different subjects have different ways of assessing, so it's good to see if they rely more on coursework or exams.
Some subjects, like Arts and Drama, focus mainly on coursework. If you're not a fan of exams, you might prefer subjects with a mix of exams and coursework or are entirely exam-based.
Coursework for GCSE subjects is usually spread out over the two years of study in years 10 and 11. Looking at the syllabus and mark schemes also helps you see what topics you'll be studying over the two years. If some topics sound dreadful, that subject might not be the best fit. But if you're excited about most topics, then that subject is probably a good choice for you.
You can easily access mark schemes and syllabi by asking your teacher to print them out or by searching online for resources from the exam board.
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There are different ways of thinking, like being more logical or creative. Some people use one side of their brain more than the other. People who are 'left-brained' tend to be rational, while 'right-brained' people are more creative.
But you can train your brain to use both skills. You can do a fun test to find out which side you're more dominant in. Knowing your strengths and learning styles will help you choose the right subjects.
Look into how subjects are marked. Ask yourself, "Is this GCSE mostly coursework or exams?" If you work well under pressure, a subject with only exams might benefit you. But most students prefer subjects with a mix of coursework and exams so they can spend more time on their assignments. You can also try practice papers to see what you'll need to know.
When picking your GCSE subjects, it's good to think about what you want to do in the future. Some jobs or colleges might need or prefer certain subjects. So, it's smart to check which ones could help you with your future plans.
For instance, to be a doctor, you should take biology and chemistry for your GCSEs. But if you really don't like biology, think about whether a job or college path in biology is right for you.
It's important to balance what you want to do long-term with what you're interested in and good at. If you're unsure what you want to do after your GCSEs, it's still a good idea to pick subjects that keep your options open and give you a strong base for future learning.
Choosing your GCSE subjects is a big deal, but remember, it's not permanent. Think about what you like and want to do in the future. But don't be scared to try something new. You might find out you really love it! Even if you don't, you'll still learn useful stuff.
Many students start a GCSE and realize it's not right for them. So if you've picked the wrong subjects, changing your mind is okay. Your health and happiness matter more than anything else.
Don't stress about finding the perfect subjects. It's fine to make mistakes and switch things up. With effort and determination, you can do well in any subject you choose.
Check out the length and coursework of subjects. Some, like Film and Painting, focus a lot on coursework. If exams stress you out, you should balance your workload with subjects that aren't so exam-heavy.
Also, think about your timetable. If Music and Biology classes are simultaneously, you'll have to pick one. Try to choose subjects that go well together regarding workload and schedule. And pick subjects that give you lots of options for the future.
If your decision is solely based on the following things, you’re doing something wrong.
According to GOV.UK stats, Computer Science has become one of the most popular subjects among students. From 2022 to 2023, the number of entries increased to 11.9%. Other popular subjects include History, Mathematics, and modern languages.
German and Ancient Languages were not picked up by most students, and their entries dropped in 2023. Combined Sciences, Mathematics, and English are the most popular subjects, as the majority of students pick them up.
If you want to explore GCSE subjects, take one or two trial lessons to understand if you really want to study it for two years. My Tutor Source offers extremely professional and certified GCSE tutors worldwide.
You can check subject-specific GCSE tutors by browsing through the website. They offer a free trial lesson which you can take and decide if you want to take a certain subject or not.
GCSEs are a prerequisite for higher education. Students who wish to pursue A-Level, vocational training or attend a university can choose their path by scoring well on their GCSEs. However, poor grades can limit your chances of getting into better universities.
GCSEs are essential not only in universities but also in workplaces and training workshops. As much as they reflect the academic potential of a student, they are not the sole determinant of success. Students must choose the subjects wisely they are actually interested in and follow the practical ways described to make an informed decision.
A professional GCSE tutor can also help you make an informed decision!
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