YEARS 8 AND 9

Now you've moved up, you'll start making important decisions about your future, and you may need help choosing your options. You'll need to think about the subjects you're good at, and what you enjoy most. Remember, the GCSEs you take could be important in determining your future career.

During Year 9 you will be asked to choose the subjects you will study during Year 10 and 11

 There will be lots of support and information to help you with your choices 

  • Teachers will tell you about the subjects on offer and what they will cover
  • You can arrange an interview with Mrs Pipe, the school's Careers Adviser.  She will also be in attendance at parents' evenings to explain how your choices can affect your future career plans
  • Guest speakers from industry will inspire you to think about future career choices

Remember:

  • Most jobs don't ask for specific GCSEs or other qualifications, but most will expect at least a grade 4 in English, Maths and Science which you will be studying anyway.
  • Choose subjects you enjoy and do well in, and think about new subjects and the importance of each one to your career ideas.
  • Think about the type of person you are, rather than what your friends want to do, the teachers you like or whether you are a boy or girl.
  • Do your research into qualifications and careers.
  • Not all GCSE subjects will be offered by your school but most will

The Government is encouraging more young people to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related subjects because they will give you the skills you will need for a wide range of career choices in the future.  Have a look at these useful websites:

Remember it's important to make sure you choose subjects that you like and are good at! 

If you would like a careers guidance interview, please book an appointment in person with Mrs Pipe in the library, or you can email CPipe@alechunter.com

Labour Market Information:

Identifying where the jobs are now and where they could be in the future is called Labour Market Information. Researching this will help you choose your options and future career pathways.

 

www.youthemployment.org.uk

www.icould.com

 

www.nomisweb.co.uk

www.parentalguidance.org.uk/labour-market-information

 

Raising the Participation Age (RPA)

It is a government requirement that young people stay in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday; more information can be found here.  This can be any of the following:

  • Sixth Form
  • Further Education College
  • Apprenticeships / Traineeships
  • Employment (with training)
  • Volunteering (with training)

 

For further information, advice & guidance please visit the Directions IAG website, which is packed full of useful information for students, parents and carers using this link: https://directions-careers.co.uk/