Choosing your options

Your school will ask you to choose the subjects you'll study in Year 10 and Year 11 ...

... during Year 8 or Year 9

There's lots of support and information to help you choose. If English is an additional language for you, watch Go Higher West Yorkshire's Your Educational Journey  on YouTube to find out more about education up to Year 13 and beyond.

Search:

• Login and search  for information on subjects, your career ideas and Directions, our Year 8 and Year 9 workbook:
  
  

At your school's option choice evening your:

• teachers will tell you about the qualifications on offer, what they cover and how you will be examined
• school careers adviser from C&K Careers will also be there to explain how your choices can affect your future career plans.
  
  
• Also ask about UTCs (University Technical College) - they specialise in science, engineering or technical education for 13/14 to 19 year olds, where you can study GCSEs, A levels or other qualifications.
  
  The nearest UTCs are:
  
  
• Leeds University Technical College (UTC) - specialises in engineering and manufacturing - join in Year 10 or Year 12
• Sheffield Olympic Park UTC - specialising in computing, health science or sports science - join in Year 9 or Year 12
• Sheffield City Centre UTC - specialising in engineering and advanced manufacturing or creative and digital media - join in Year 9 or Year 12
• Leeds City College also has a 14+ Apprenticeship Academy
• See also Studio Schools and other options on the full-time learning page.

Remember:

• Most jobs want some GCSEs but don't ask for specific subjects or other qualifications. Some ask for English, maths and sometimes science but you'll have to study these anyway.
• Choose subjects you enjoy and do well in, look at new subjects and the importance of each subject to your career ideas. Not all GCSE subjects will be offered by your school but most will.
• Think about the type of person you are, rather than what your friends want to do, the teachers you like or whether you are a boy or girl.
• Consider how you like to learn - exams or coursework and try some of these career idea tool
• Do your research – into qualifications and careers.

The Government is encouraging more young people to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects because they will give you the skills you need for a wide range of jobs but remember it's important to make sure you choose a course or subjects that you like and are good at. Check out the Your Life website to see the careers available when you study science and maths.