Choosing your Key Stage 4 options is an exciting time; however it can sometimes also cause confusion and worry. Making the right choice that works for you is important; here are some handy tips to help you:
Research
Find out as much as you can about the courses and qualifications that are available to you.
How?
Look through the information available from school:
- What subjects do you have to do? Which can you choose from?
- Think about any questions you would still like to ask about the options that interest you. For example, the topics you will study on the course, how you will learn (some courses involve more practical work than others), the amount of exam/coursework, etc.
- Attend option and open evenings at school and (if relevant) college to find out as much as possible about the courses available to you. Bring your questions along!
- Sign up for course taster sessions and visits where available.
- Talk to people that know the course well (e.g. teachers, other students, your tutor, Connexions).
Know Yourself
You are more likely to enjoy and succeed at a course if it fits in with your interests and strengths.
Consider the following:
- What do you enjoy? What are your favourite and least favourite lessons? Why?
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
- What lessons do you do best in?
- How do you like to learn? Some lessons are more practical, others are more classroom based.
- How do you feel about exams and coursework? Some options have more coursework and fewer exams.
Your Future Plans
What are your hopes and aspirations for the future? Do you have ideas about further courses you would like to study or a career you would like to work in?
YES: If you think that you would like to work in a particular career make sure your option choices support this! Find out if you need particular subjects, qualifications and grades to do the career.
Research the career in the school careers library (located within the library), research online, or speak to your Connexions Adviser or Miss Armstrong.
NO: Do not worry if you aren’t sure what you would like to do in the future. It is perfectly normal! Choose courses that keep your options open.
Final Tips
Still Confused?
- Try writing a pros & cons list for those subjects that most interest you.
- Talk through your options with someone! Speak to your tutor, a teacher, your parents/carer, Connexions or Miss Armstrong.
- Have a back-up plan! You may not be able to do a combination of choices for practical reasons. Have a back-up plan just in case!
Help is Available
- You will have information, advice and guidance (IAG) in school to help you learn more about the options open to you and how to make the right choices.
- There will be an options evening at the school to learn more.
For information or questions on Careers Education and Information Advice & Guidance at Biddenham please contact Elizabeth Armstrong (Personal and Careers Education Manager).
