In Year 9 you have to choose options for GCSE

There are certain subjects you have to take, but remember it is you who has to do the studying.

Try and decide:

• what use are they?
• how do you choose from all the rest?

You will need to think about the following things

• The subjects you enjoy most
• Where to get help and advice
• Things you are good at
• Subjects you may need for your future career
• Keeping your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects

Getting to know yourself

What sort of person are you and what are your attributes. Are you:

• Sociable
• Creative
• Good at Languages
• Practical
• Enjoy Science or mathematics
• Computer literate
• Good at Sports
• Use Words with imagination and fluency

Year 9 is the time for decision-making.

• Do you feel that you are the only person who has no idea where they are going?
• Do you feel that you need to decide on a career now?
• How do I chose the right subjects now?

Everyone feels exactly the same way. The thing to do is to talk to all your friends to reassure yourself and also there are many people who will help you:

• Your parents or carers, family and friends who are
  probably the ones who know you best – your good and bad points!
• Subject teachers
  They know what each subject involves and can advise you on how you might get on with it.
• Careers teachers and co-ordinators
  They can give you an idea of which courses will be suitable for which jobs and how to find out more.
• Connexions personal advisers
  They offer confidential help and support on a wide range of issues and can link you with other organisations for more specialist help as well.
• Connexions Direct advisers
  They offer confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues, via the telephone, adviser online, e-mail or SMS text messaging, or can link you with any relevant local organisations.
• Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)
  Some maintained mainstream schools have a SENCO, whose role is to help you if you have a learning difficulty or disability that affects your studies.
• A volunteer or a learning mentor
  These are employed in schools to help young people overcome any problems getting in the way of learning. Ask if your school is involved.

What is Connexions?

Connexions is a service to help you make the right choices about courses, training and careers. However, it is much more than that. Connexions can offer help with anything else you are going through that might stop you getting on with your life.

• Connexions staff, called personal advisers, will be present in most secondary schools in England , or you can speak to one at your local Connexions centre.
• Staff at your school can tell you how to contact the Connexions service. You should also be introduced to a personal adviser in school during Year 8 or 9.

For general information about Connexions or where to find your local Connexions Centre visit www.connexions-direct.com
For more information on subject choices, follow this link.