Choosing your GCSE options

• In year 9, you can select some of the subjects you would like to study in years 10 and 11. This is called choosing your options
• Everyone has to study maths, English and science, usually at GCSE-level
• The other subjects you can take will depend on your school. You should be able to choose at least one course from each of the following areas: arts (such as music and drama), design and technology; humanities (such as history and geography); and modern foreign languages. Sometimes you can also choose new subjects, such as law or sociology
• Alongside GCSEs, you can study for work-related qualifications. These are called VTQs (vocational and technical qualifications) and include Technical Awards. VTQs help you develop practical skills in subjects such as construction, computing and childcare

You’ll be studying the subjects you choose for the next two years so it makes sense to pick what you think you’ll like.

Decisions you make now may limit your choices later. Look ahead – what do want to do after year 11? Can this help you decide which subjects to choose?

Exploring what subjects you may need in future is well worth the effort now. If you want to study certain subjects at A-level, you may need to have a GCSE in the subject first. To apply to certain university courses, you’ll need certain A-levels. On the other hand, you can start some subjects from scratch, at both A-level and university.

Choosing a balance of subjects can help to keep your options open. The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a measure for schools which shows how many students take a number of set subjects (English, maths, history or geography, the sciences and a language) and their average results. EBacc subjects can prove a useful guide when choosing your options, especially if you want to continue with your studies.

Take time to think things through.

• Consider which subjects you are good at, are interested in or enjoy
• Look at the topics you’ll be studying in each subject to get a flavour of the course. Beware – you can’t always tell if you’ll like something new, but you can get an idea of what to expect
• If you’re trying to choose between two subjects, think about how each option fits with your other GCSEs. Does a subject go well with your other choices? Or does a subject provide a welcome change? If you’re taking lots of essay-based subjects, it can be nice to include one choice with a more practical focus
• Find out how courses are marked. If you don’t like exams, you may prefer some subjects which include coursework, also known as non-exam assessment (NEA). This is when performances or practical tasks count towards your final marks – for example, 40% of your marks may be coursework, with 60% exams. Coursework is often part of subjects such as art, music, PE, drama, design & technology and food preparation & nutrition. The split between coursework and exams is not always the same so check to avoid any surprises!

Talk to a range of people to get different views.

• Ask your subject teachers, form tutor, or careers teachers for advice
• Talk to your parents, carers or relatives
• Look out for special options assemblies or evenings at school
• Read any information or handouts you are given
• Speak to a careers adviser for free on the phone or online at the National Careers Service

Get career ideas

• Explore icould video stories by your favourite school subject or job type

More on making decisions

• Can’t decide? Tactics for making decisions is a useful list to work through and includes examples around GCSE subjects
• Choosing well: how to pick the right path for you is a more detailed guide to making choices which affect your future
• See our short subject guides Why choose Geography? and Why choose History?