Support Your Year 9 Child Choosing GCSE Options
Guidance on choosing your GCSE options
A short video and tips for information on choosing GCSE options,click here.
There are a few things to think about when exploring options for GCSE:
1, Your child can do something they're interested in and will really enjoy!
It is really important that your child fully understands what they will be studying, how they will be assessed and what is involved, such as coursework, 100% exams, practical assessments.
Quite often students choose a subject without doing the research and are quite shocked when they have discovered the subject is involves a lot of writing or the topics don't interest them.
For more information on the key stage 5 curriculum (GCSE options) at Ralph Allen School click here!
2, To study a particular Post 16 course they may have had to have studied it at GCSE level, such as an A level in art or a language. If they have an idea of a career they'd like to pursue or a course they'd like to study in the future, check what they need.
You can do this by exploring careers linked to subjects at school and education pathways on Careers Pilot or BBC Bitesize Careers.
You can also check what entry requirements you'd need for an undergraduate degree by heading to UCAS.com and search for a degree of interest.
3, English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people's options open for further study at Post 16 and Higher Education and future careers. For more information and guidance and EBacc subjects pleaseclick here!
Alternatively, your child can arrange to speak to the Careers Adviser by asking their tutor to book an appointment (info below).
4, UTCs and Studio Schools
There are other provisions that offer KS4 curriculums with a spectific focus, such as Engineering, construction and STEM, the high tech creative industry and business.
What is UTC
A university technical college (UTC) is a type of secondary school in England that is led by a sponsor university which specialise in STEM.
What is a Studio School
Studio schoools are similar to UTCs with employer involvement, work experience, personal coaching alongside a standard school curriculum.
A list of the local UTCs and studio schools.
- Digitech School- High tech creative industry- Warmley, Bristol Digitech Studio School - Kickstart your creative career
- Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy, Bristol Abbeywood School - Home
- SGS College of Engineering UTC Berkeley Welcome to SGS Berkeley Green UTC (sgscol.ac.uk)
- IKB Academy, Bristol Home / IKB Academy
- Somerset Studio School Home - Mendip Studio School
For more information on UTCs, studio schools and Year 10 transfers, follow the link to the local authorty website.
Admissions to a UTC or Studio School | Bathnes
Who can your child talk to about careers and education?
Miss Taylor the Careers Adviser is available to speak with students who would like to discuss education, employment and careers.
You are invited to email Miss Taylor: e.taylor@palladianacademytrust.com
Alternatively, your child is very welcome to talk to Mrs Rogers Teacher in Charge of Careers in M18.