During Year 10, students will be asked to make choices about the subjects or courses they will study in Years 11 and 12. The process of choosing subjects will be organised by the student’s school. Students and parents may feel apprehensive about making these decisions. But there is help and support available.
In addition to the support from careers teachers in schools, careers advisers from the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service, provide careers information, advice and guidance about GCSE subject choices. This help is normally delivered through class talks, group work and individual interviews. However, things will be a bit different again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is important for students and parents/carers to be aware that careers advisers are still available to provide support.
To contact a professionally qualified careers adviser for free impartial advice and guidance you can:
- go online and chat with an adviser
- telephone: 0300 200 7820
- email Careers Service by completing the online form at Ask Careers
Parental Support
Your support as a parent/carer is vital when your child is choosing their subjects. Your support will help them make the right choices to reach their full potential.
Try considering the following with them:
- subjects they enjoy;
- subjects they are good at or find challenging;
- subjects that can link into careers ideas;
- how they like to learn (coursework, exams or both);
- hobbies / interests they enjoy;
- the type of job they would like to do and what qualifications are required;
- researching jobs through the Careers Service website;
- talking to the careers adviser; and
- talking to subject teachers.
