BTECs are more vocational qualifications which are geared towards teaching you skills and getting you a job rather than pushing you in an academic direction. The minimum requirement even for the best universities is that you take three A-levels (excluding General Studies); these will be the basis of your offer. Latin The Design and Technology umbrella covers a number of individual topics, each of which constitutes a GCSE in its own right. Economics Dont forget that the workload for some subjects may be greater than others requiring more reading, for example so try not to choose too many high-workload options. A. Maths B. Your school might decide that you have the potential to achieve more than five GCSEs. Take our hideously hard GCSE quiz Part of Learn & revise You know what it's like: every year, when exam season approaches and students set down to their revision, somebody somewhere will say. Choosing abalance of subjects can help tokeep your options open. 1. In contrast, hard subjects also known as traditional or facilitating subjects are seen by both universities and employers as very useful subjects to study because they show how hard you can work and also teach skills that will be useful in all kind of further education courses and careers. In practice, the vast majority of applicants will have three or more science subjects, which will put them at an advantage over someone with only two sciences. At the end of the day, whatever GCSE options you pick will result in two years of you learning things you didnt know before and giving yourself the chance for a better future. Its also worth bearing in mind that if you do leave school after your GCSEs, there nothing stopping you from going back into education in the future to study for A-levels. Knowing your strengths and learning styles will help when thinking about the subjects youd be good at. If you choose this option, youll may be required to attend a summer school or get your Latin and Greek up to a minimum standard in some other way during the summer preceding the start of your university course. Apart from study what do you do in your free time? The subjects are: If youve got your heart set on something like Music, Drama or Art, those subjects are more likely to form part of your A-level choices, even at top universities. A careers adviser can assess your interests, skills, and goals, and help you decide what the most relevant subjects would be for you. Weve covered the most common degree courses below. 0 Like (Not forgetting that useful stuff can be fun too!). Students can only be take exam resits in English and maths. Human Biology I could pass those in my sleep". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Oxford Royale Academy is a part of Oxford Programs Limited, a company registered in England as company number 6045196, registered office at 264 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY. This is the 2nd year results are scored on a 9 to 1 grading system rather than A*-G. '9' is the highest. They're both pretty good and fun GCSEs imo, but it all comes down to what you personally enjoy! Its tough to choose, but youll feel quite good about your final list of options once youve done it. Physics, Most universities have no specific entrance requirements for Geography not even A-level Geography! Wellington College, Tychay, Ralph andJenny, Great The idea of GCSEs is to give you a broad general knowledge, from which you can then become increasingly specialised through A-levels and then your undergraduate degree (or, more specialised still, a Masters or PhD beyond that). If theres one thing we know as an online college, its that learning is lifelong! Students have to stay in education or training till they're 18, although training could be an apprenticeship course takenas part of a paid job. Although these are the main compulsory subjects, some schools do make other GCSE subjects compulsory, so you should double check with your school if there are any other subjects that you need to take in addition to the ones above. Do you want to continue studying in a classroom environment? For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service. Your school and teachers are likely to have a good idea which science GCSE route would work best for you. Geography Whats more, if youre predicted to attain an A or A* in Maths or Science, youll have to sit an extra exam. However, it'simpossible to know what the future holds so it'simportant to work towardsthe best GCSE results you can achieve. Sign up with Success at School to save your favourite jobs, tips and courses, build your CV, and have your say in our Student Space. Again, only the most well-respected subjects are included here. You'll have many options in Year 10, but there are some subjects so important that everyone has to take them. Ideal for the more creative among you, GCSE Art allows you to unleash your imagination in a variety of artistic mediums, including things like painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Not only is this GCSE easy, but it can also be really fun, too. If youre thinking of applying for a respected university, non-traditional subjects such as those below are best avoided unless theyre a fourth or fifth AS or A-level sitting alongside three solid traditional choices: Britannia House, 29 Station Road, Kettering NN15 7HJ. Common examples include French and Spanish, maths and computer science or politics and international relations. Enol online now or call +44 1865 954800 to book your place. You learn to question the reliability of sources, which makes it good for developing critical thinking skills that will be essential once you get to university. Teachers - see how to use the Young Professional programme in your school or college, with lots of free teaching resources at your fingertips. Some GCSE subjects are chosen for you, as theyre compulsory. The GCSE provides an opportunity to embark on our career on the subject we like the most. Further Mathematics is also essential at some universities, though most will offer catch-up classes if your school doesnt offer it. My long internet look up has now been rewarded with useful concept to talk about with my friends and classmates. English Literature Economics at A-level is useful preparation, but dont worry if your school doesnt offer it; Business Studies is also seen as a good relevant A-level. Therefore in the subject lists that follow, those in bold are generally deemed essential for studying the subject, while those in italics are often seen as useful but not necessarily required. Sign up to our newsletter Not take that subject or give a try..? (Tick all that apply), dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk, customerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea, Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service, contact the relevant government organisation directly, Travel advice (including self-isolation), Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations contact the, Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing. However, one size doesnt fit all when it comes to choosing subjects. business studies, home economics, ICT or media studies) could place you in a better position to go on to pick A-level subjects that universities place a lot of value in. With the possible exception of the occasional Oxbridge college, you wont be at a disadvantage for only taking three; indeed, its better to take three and get brilliant results in all three than it is to take on more than you can handle and get worse results because of it. Discuss your options with your school or college and find out whether they'll offer both AS and A Levels so you can decide the best route for you. Our Careers Quiz will help you decide what job you should do. Physics By clicking "Accept", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance user experience and analyze site usage. Lets start by looking in detail at recommended A-level subjects for those who know what subject they want to take a degree in. Social studies C. History D. Physics 3. First of all, it depends on which degree youre aiming for. The start of your career may seem a long way off and therefore not particularly relevant right now, but such considerations should have a bearing on your GCSE choices because you need the right foundation on which to build relevant skills and experience. Choose a range of subjects both humanities and science subjects. Some A-levels, like science, may no longer be open to you if you choose a single science at GCSE. Your teachers should be able to comment on whether your proposed GCSE subjects would give you a manageable workload. Physics Its a good way to develop a deeper understanding of those around you and the factors that could be influencing both their behaviour and yours. We bring together young people, employers and policy in an innovative way that creates real impact. But as with any decision, approaching it fully-informed will reassure you that youre making the most sensible choices. Taking double (or triple) science could work well for you too, but you have to mainly consider subjects you enjoy and subjects youre good at when choosing GCSE options. If your school offers Philosophy it would be worth taking it; though it wont be an advantage in applying (since not many schools offer it, it would put you at an unfair advantage), it will at least give you a feel for the subject and whether its something youd like to pursue. Philosophy Whats most important is that youre in the set thats right for you. Everyone has their favourite teachers but theres no guarantee of who youll get for your GCSEs. You are likely to study between 7 and 9 GCSE subjects depending on your school. For example, if you know whole-heartedly that you want to be a doctor, then choosing subjects related to that job like physics, chemistry and biology will certainly be useful. Is it all just easy subjects, which I like but might not be useful to me when its time to do further education and/or get a job? Take a look at the articles below if you needmore help. Quiz: Are You A Lion, A Tiger, Or A Bear? On the other hand, you can start some subjects from scratch, at both A-level and university. In addition to your main instrument, Grade 5 piano is often considered desirable. The same goes for those of you who tend more towards the humanities naturally, more humanities subjects will stand you in good stead for a degree on the arts side of things. Science subjects such as Physics or Mathematics demonstrate logic and familiarity with scientific principles. At GCSE level, a varied selection of subjects is desirable, as this keeps your options open. Therefore, remember, nothing is final, and whilst the GCSEs you choose are important, theyre not your only chance at success. Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818. Dont miss an issue of our printed magazine, Lets Use World Book Day to Inspire a Love of Reading, Wetherby Senior Students Prepare for University, St Swithuns Pupil Visits Geneva for UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board, Time to put your maths, English, science and history to the test. Classics courses usually contain some element of studying the history and archaeology of the time, so a grounding in the basics will prove helpful if this option is open to you. An apprenticeship would be a great opportunity for you to learn useful skills for the workplace while also earning money. A-levels in Latin and Classical Greek are highly desirable if you want to study classics. To confirm your account please take the following steps. If you ask around, youll find many people wish theyd not taken a certainGCSE, or with theyd had a bash at taking another GCSE. An apprenticeship is the perfect option for you, you want to learn and better yourself but are also desperate to get on the career ladder. Students doing this BTEC would be marked by course assessment as there are no exams, and would learn in a way which aims to build skills, confidence and motivation. Play the "What GCSE Should I Take Quiz" to get an answer to your questions about what your GCSE subject should be. Generally,schools will offer the most popular courses, such as. GCSEs are assessed by exams taken at the end of the two year course. Check your inbox for an email with the subject "Action Required: Please Confirm Your Success at School Account" from the email address team@successatschool.org and click on the confirmation link. Thanks once more for a lot of things. Well consider the best A-levels to take for a variety of popular university subjects, and then give some more general advice if youre not sure what it is you want to study. Mathematics, While there are usually no set requirements for studying Philosophy at university, a mix of arts and science subjects will prove useful an arts-based subject will give you essay-writing skills, while science subjects help develop your logic and reason. We are masters of some subjects and Jack of some. Psychology is the study of human behaviour, with a bit of biology mixed in (for example, gaining an overview of how the brain works and the effect that certain chemicals in the brain can have on behaviour). Not all schools offer all the non-compulsory subjects, but you should be offered at least one subject from each of these broad groups: Youre not obliged to choose one subject from each of these groups; you can choose more from some than others according to your interests. We have other quizzes matching your interest. For queries or advice about pensions, contact theNorthern Ireland Pension Centre. If youre asking yourself what jobs pay well, its possible you havent got a set career goal and youre still open to options. Sometimes, studying a range of different subjects can be a good way for you to decide what sort of career youd like when you leave school. Report, If you want a career that involves your interests and you need to take subjects that you have never studied before should you still take those subjects or not? Choosing GCSE options 19 questions to ask yourself. Messing about on the river might not sound like schoolwork. School House is published twice a year in February and September to provide the UK's most affluent parents with school profiles, educational reports and comment, as well as a regional directory comprising hundreds of schools. However, most students prefer subjects that have a mix of graded coursework and exams, so they can spend longer working on their assignments. When picking your GCSE subjects, you should: Which problem did you find on this page? If you still don't see the email, click on the re-send confirmation email button below. Teacher and parents are key sources of advice. The good news is that there are an increasing number of options out there even if you didnt get good grades in your GCSEs. For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service. The rest are subjects that complement the course with transferrable skills or useful background knowledge, and are suggestions based on ideas offered by a selection of university admissions pages. 0 Like 3. In addition, students have to study three 'foundation subjects . If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section. Its not very common, but students in some education establishments may also get the option to take a BTEC first extended science. Youre likely to enjoy the subjects youre good at. The company contracts with institutions, including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Yale, for the use of their facilities, and also contracts with tutors from those institutions, but does not operate under the aegis of the University of Oxford or those other institutions. When picking your GCSE subjects, you should: (select one answer) get accurate and up to date information get reliable advice discuss your options with your subject teachers and family all of. As a general rule, the more qualifications you gain throughout your life, the less important your GCSE options become. Biology/Human Biology These changes have more or less been phased in now (2020),and for a timeline of the changes, you can check out the information provided on the AQA website. Foreign Language, The study of engineering at university typically requires A-levels in Mathematics and at least one other science, usually Physics. Its advisable to have at least two science subjects. Psychology Secret State. Emailcustomerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk, Call 0800 587 0912Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk, Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office. Biology drama, music, art) Design and technology (e.g. Do you feel confident solving problems and equations? Its worth looking into A-level subjects you might want to do straightaway, so you can check what the requirements are. French, Spanish) Your friends will be going through the same stress as you, so you can bounce ideas off them if you like but its important to remember its your final decision. For example, if you end up studying at university and gaining a degree, potential employers are more likely to be interested in what you studied there, rather than what you studied when you were 16. A Lower Sixth pupil at The Leys School, Edward, has won gold in the first round of the UK Linguistics Olympiad Advanced Paper. English Literature We are looking for people who would love to build a career in Operations within the Food Manufacturing Industry, who [], If you are looking for work, you might be asked to complete a work trial (also known as job trial, []. Math Practice Test, GCSE: Trivia Quiz on Textile Technology! In most cases, youll need to take at least one subject from the following four groups: If you have a particular career in mind, you should do some research into what subjects employers in that industry look for. Examples of soft A-levels include PE and sport, art & design, business studies, accounting and performing arts. Maths,English, and science are the core subjects, and IT/computing, physical education, and citizenship are the foundations. Complete them your own pace and get a certificate for your CV! Physics You usually need a minimum of five GCSEs to give you a chance to go on to study Law. Report. For queries or advice about rates, email LPSCustomerTeam@lpsni.gov.uk. Self care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life. So to be a sports person, you might consider doing PE, however you can be very good at a sport and not do PE. But remember, as with any advice, dont ever just listen to one person, there are always lots of different opinions and experiences. This interesting subject covers earth processes and human interactions with the planet. A hard subject is another way of describingwhatscalled a facilitating subject those preferred by universitieswhen applying for a range of degrees. While you probably wont have any choice in which exam board you use unless youre self-studying the subject in question, its worth looking up which exam board your school uses so you can be sure the kind of assessment youll receive will suit you. That inspirational teacher might leave school, after all. Check that the email isn't in your junk/spam folder. Some top universities out there consider certain A-level subjects a bit too soft. Your teachers are there to help you choose the most appropriate subjects for you. A. Specialised cell B. Scholarship Exam Quiz: Questions and Answers, GCSE Biology Revision - Heart & Circulation. I was just wondering which GCSE subjects i should pursue for the job of maxillofacial surgeon, (I would prefer to become Sign in with Success at School to save your favourite jobs, careers advice and courses, build your CV, record your work experience and talk to employers and unis in our forums. Weve included the most traditional and respected ones here; some universities will also accept subjects such as Computing, Design and Technology and Psychology as additional science subjects. We don't have access to information about you. Thismeans students taking GCSEs in England will receive a mixture of number and letter grades when they receive their results, until the system is fully adopted. If youre trying to choose between two subjects, think about how each option fits with your other GCSEs. Psychology Further Mathematics is not usually given as an entrance requirement, but it is definitely highly desirable to at least AS level, as youre likely to struggle without if you take engineering to degree level. What this means is that GCSEs in English, Maths, the Sciences, Geography and History are going to get harder, with less coursework, and the majority of the exams taken right at the very end of the two-year course, rather than module by module. Quiz: What Will I Look Like When I'm Older. Plus, theres a chance youll make additional new friends in the subject you choose, too. Never fear, your 19 golden questions to ask yourself are here. The government says new GCSE content will be more challenging and fewer grade 9s will be awarded than A*s. A four is broadly being compared to a C grade, although the exams watchdog, Ofqual, warns against direct comparisons and overly simplistic descriptions. Soft subjects aregenerally morehands-on, practical, or vocational, for example, photography, media studies, art and design, drama,and thesocial sciences. You dont have to make this decision on your own. Mathematics A third wave of 9-1 graded GCSEs - including psychology, ancient history, business, ICT and media studies - will be taught from September 2017 with exams in 2019. But if youre aiming for an academic subject at a Russell Group university or a non-Russell Group university with a similar position in the league tables youll need to take at least two subjects from the list above to give yourself a good chance of getting in. 2. Report, Hi - there are certain subjects like maths and English which every student has to take. English Literature Maladaptive Daydreaming Test: Am I A Maladaptive Daydreamer? This is the one exception to the rule that you should not take courses that are too similar. A-level Music, along with a high standard on at least one musical instrument (with practical and theory exam grades to prove it), will be essential or highly desirable. However, you might not know exactly what qualifications you need to get there. Just bear in mind that its very unlikely to count towards your minimum three A-levels required for university admissions. Essay-based subjects such as English Literature or History demonstrate analytical skills and critical thinking. Please let us know if you agree to these cookies. You could even pop to the library and take a look at some of the texts and course books youd be expected to study. Artistic subjects. This list of degree subjects and typical A-level requirements from Which Universitycan help you decide which GCSEs would be good choices to take. We all love some subjects more than others. The last concrete evidence of your academic ability comes in the form of your GCSE grades, so they are important. If youre aiming for a top university like Oxford or Bristol, you might find getting in a struggle if youve picked A-levels like these. Practical subjects such as Art or Music demonstrate self-discipline and creative thinking. Computer Science We know, we know. you can choose to continue with or not - such as Art, History or PE However, if you also did First Certificate qualifications in this area, you would (A) feel more confident about the area of physiotherapy and (B) be able to show any uni your dedication and willingness to learn more. before getting you moved up into a higher set. What is a neuron? For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme, emailHSSS.mail@economy-ni.gov.uk. You'll usually need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, English Language and Science. Home Economics. 3. These are known as core GCSE subjects and include: Maths English Language English Literature Welsh (if you live in Wales) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Oxford Royale Academy is a part of Oxford Programs Limited, a company registered in England as company number 6045196, registered office at 264 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY. Nevertheless, the skills youll learn will be invaluable should you wish to take on History in the long-term. Boost your skills and careers confidence with FREE online courses. I feel very much fortunate to have seen your website page and look forward to really more brilliant times reading here. Although it can be tempting to choose your subjects based on what teacher you might get, we suggest that you resist. I can't say if this applies to geography, but history has a rather high amount of content to learn so take that into account. The minimum number of subjects you are asked to take at GCSE is five, with most students choosing between nine and ten different subjects. Some subjects may be restricted, whereas others may not be offered at all. The aim of this guide is to help you see things more clearly and get a good impression of the possible options, whether you have your heart set on a particular career path or not. English Language and Literature Its worth being clear its not an exhaustive list of hard subjects, but instead its the case that picking options from this list will keep your options open. The new grades, which are being phased in, are numerical and count down from 9to1, with a 9 being roughly equivalent to, if not slightly higher than, a traditional A*. For example, if you find that you really enjoy languages, then you might consider a career in tourism, or if you find that you love geography, you might want a career that allows you to travel. Make sure its doableandachievable; you dont want to be feelingstressed because you took on too many subjectsor youre having to catch up with missed classes.