GCSE Options Guidance

In preparation for the GCSE Options Process, we advise that students look ahead. To support this, further down this page are a number of websites which will help with this.

Questions you should begin to consider:

• Which subjects am I good at?
• Which subjects do I enjoy?
• Which subjects am I considering?
• Why am I considering these subjects?
• How do I enjoy learning?
• What career do I have in mind?

Other important points to consider:

• The core subjects of English, Maths and Science are important for most careers.
• Students should not choose a subject just because they like the teacher, or because their friends are choosing it.
• Students should choose subjects they will enjoy - this will help to motivate them to learn.
• It is never too early to think about long-term career plans or higher education goals, and students should start to research entry requirements and training that may be involved. It is worth checking entry requirements for future courses carefully, as some careers and courses will specify certain qualifications and may ask for specific grades.

Many young people will have no firm career plans when they choose their subjects for Key Stage 4. Even so, it is important for students to start thinking about subjects that might affect their choices after their GCSEs and A Levels.

In general, whichever subjects students choose for Key Stage 4, there will still be a range of options open to them after Year 11. However, for some A Level courses, such as Maths, Languages or the Sciences, students will need to have achieved a certain grade in the same subject at GCSE in order to continue with the subject at A Level. Furthermore, some university courses will specify certain GCSE grades in their entry
requirements, particularly for Maths or Science degrees.

As a guide, please click on the link below to look at the GCSE entry requirements for Glyn Sixth Form. Please note that entry criteria are reviewed every year and are subject to change.

Sixth Form Prospectus and Entry Criteria

For students with aspirations for a career in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary, top GCSE results across the board will be required. This is also the case for students hoping to study at universities such as Oxford or Cambridge.

It is important to note that students will not be limited to continuing with the same subjects or type of course they have taken to the end of Year 11. For example, a student taking GCSEs may decide to progress to A Levels, or may take an Apprenticeship or technical qualification. 

Below are links to key articles which will help in planning for GCSE options.  At the bottom of the page there is relevant information for Parent and Carers.

National Careers Service	Career Pilot
This website provides information and guidance to help make decisions on learning, training and work	Career Pilot for students has useful information on ‘your GCSE choices at 13/14’
GCSE Requirements for Medicine	The UniGuide
This is a link to a table of different medical schools in the UK and their GCSE requirements for Medicine, including subject and grade requirements	How important are GCSE choices when it comes to university? Advice and guidance on GCSE choices
icould	Success at Schools
General advice on choosing GCSE Options	Information on new GCSEs, Options, Careers and more
Choosing GCSE Options - Two relevant articles
Things to consider when choosing your GCSE Options   Are your GCSE Options important?

Options at 13 - Information for Parents and Carers:

Information for Parents and Carers on GCSE Options