Choosing the right subjects

Choosing the subjects you would like to study in secondary education may be one of the first big decisions you have to make. What subjects are available? Which qualifications would suit you best?

 

Getting to know yourself

Are you practical, creative or sociable?

"I enjoy IT and art at school, and using my computer at home to design birthday cards for my friends"

" My favourite subject at school is science, and I enjoy making and building things that I have designed, I also like to repair things."

 

Young people frequently change their career ideas at this stage. Some restriction on choice of subject and the National Curriculum ensures that pupils keep options open by not specialising too narrowly at an early stage.

Most pupils do not have definite career plans at this stage. Their aim is to choose a selection of subjects that will keep as many career doors open as possible. Asking and answering the following questions will help in the selection process:

  • What am I good at and what do I enjoy doing?
  • Which subjects do I dislike?
  • What do my teachers say about my ability to take G.C.S.E. in their subject?
  • What subjects might I need to study in the Sixth Form or at University level?
  • How do I find out about 'new' subjects?

 

BEFORE you can apply  to a higher education institution, you need to decide which subject or subjects you would like to study. This is a personal decision, but there are a few things you should perhaps consider.

It is obviously important to choose a subject that interests you. You are largely responsible for your own study on a degree course, so you need to make sure you are motivated by your subject. If you're not interested, you will not work hard and your result will reflect this.

Consider your long-term career aspirations, and make sure that your degree subject will allow you to follow your chosen route. If you are hoping to become an engineer, then an engineering degree may be for you. It is not always this straightforward, however. For instance, a media studies degree may not necessarily be an advantage if you want to work in television.