These are known as core GCSE subjects and include:. The core science GCSE subjects are biology , physics and chemistry.
You need to choose at least one core science subject as part of your options but you also have the opportunity to choose all 3. Although these are the main compulsory subjects, some schools do make other GCSE subjects compulsory, so you should double check with your school if there are any other subjects that you need to take in addition to the ones above.
Optional GCSE subjects vary from school to school. Some subjects may be restricted, whereas others may not be offered at all. If you have a particular career in mind , you should do some research into what subjects employers in that industry look for. For example, if you find that you really enjoy languages, then you might consider a career in tourism , or if you find that you love geography , you might want a career that allows you to travel.
Over the last few years, the government has made some changes to subjects that will affect your GCSE options. These changes have more or less been phased in now , and for a timeline of the changes, you can check out the information provided on the AQA website. Maths: GCSE maths will have more of a focus on problem solving and encouraging students to follow logical steps.
There will also be more emphasis on remembering formulae. English language: Replaces what used to be known simply as "English". This new course will focus on encouraging students to read a wide variety of high-quality literature and non-fiction texts from a range of genres from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
English literature: Studying literature will no longer be compulsory at GCSE level but studying English language will. The new literature course will focus on "classic" literature and unseen texts will also be added to the exam.
GCSE options have also become more "linear", with more focus on the exams themselves rather than ongoing coursework. Students can only be take exam resits in English and maths. For example, if you know whole-heartedly that you want to be a doctor , then choosing subjects related to that job like physics, chemistry and biology will certainly be useful.
You should also consider whether your chosen career will require you to get more qualifications in the future. Talk to your careers advisor to see if you can get a feel for what kind of career you might like to do. A lot of students make the mistake of choosing the same subjects as their friends. Although it can be tempting to choose your subjects based on what teacher you might get, we suggest that you resist.
You should base your decisions on the subject itself rather than the teacher who will be teaching you. As a general rule, the more qualifications you gain throughout your life, the less important your GCSE options become.
For example, if you end up studying at university and gaining a degree, potential employers are more likely to be interested in what you studied there, rather than what you studied when you were Take a look at the articles below if you need more help. How important are GCSEs? What are A-levels? GCSEs are then studied over the following two years leading to final exams. The majority of students will study nine or ten GCSEs, which is a credible number of qualifications for colleges, universities, and employers.
Although, some academically advanced and ambitious students may take eleven or twelve GCSEs at a time. Why does this matter? Well, it depends on what career you have in mind.
And universities sometimes favour students who have a wide range of subjects under their belt, to show that they are well-rounded learners. For mature students looking to retake GCSEs later in life, picking their subjects is usually based on whether they need to achieve better grades, or study a different subject to meet the requirements of a new career.
This guide to choosing GCSE subjects will give you the most relevant advice for ambitious students like you! In some cases, science can be split into two or three subjects, biology , chemistry , and physics , depending on the ability of the student. From there, most students will choose three or four optional courses based on their personal interests and further education plans. There are four categories that all schools must offer at least one subject in. These categories are:. Some students have the option to choose a work-related qualification, and these are usually new subjects that are not studied at key stage three, for example, health and social care or business studies.
What fuels your curiosity? Here's a few pointers. You may have already found that many people will have opinions about your choices. You'll receive advice from parents and teachers - do listen but in the end go for what you'd like to do. Ultimately we suggest you choose subjects that you will enjoy. Remember - you will be studying it for the next two years! Further down the line when workload is heavy you'll appreciate enjoying a subject and looking forward to rather than dreading lessons.
It also means you will probably work harder in it and get a higher grade. Look at both the content of the course and the skills required, and decide if you're interested in the things you will be learning about and whether you can build on the skills you will use.
This will always be Maths and English , but then maybe a combination of Sciences depending on the school and probably your Key Stage 3 or Year 9 results. Some schools may insist on a language, such as French , German or Spanish.
Check this at the start. One other area of restrictions may be the timetable but do be prepared to have a chat with teachers about what's possible. Some GCSE subjects, such as Art and Drama , are based almost exclusively on coursework, so if you're not keen on taking exams at the end of the year, then you may want to move away from subjects that depend significantly on your exam results. Think about the subjects you are good at, particularly since these are the ones you are more likely to enjoy.
Being good at one or more subjects can help you with your workload over the next couiple of years, as you will be able to complete the work more quickly and achieve better results. Also, those subjects you have a natural flair for might inform your career decisions further down the line. If you're not sure how good you are at a subject, talk to your teacher s and ask for their advice.
This is a simple one but very important. If you want to go on that far, what subjects do you see yourself taking? This long term thinking also applies to university and careers. It can be scary to think that far ahead but spend a little time dreaming. What would you like to do with your life? Choose good GCSE options that will look balanced.
If you love the Arts, find a subject like History or a language alongside it. The reason for balance is not to please teachers or planners, it's just a way of keeping your options open. As your school career progresses you may find you have gifts you never dreamed of.
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