Education 'n' Work

Choices at 13+

We've produced some great info for young people in Year 9:

Getting Started 2010


Thinking about the future

During Year 9, you will be encouraged to look to the future, to think about your possible careers and life after Year 11. This could be the first time that you've been asked to think about these questions.

Choosing your options is all about making decisions. You can find ideas, advice from older students, and tips to help you make up your mind on the pages in this section.

If you don't have many firm ideas yet, don't panic. Just keep your options open, because it's quite natural to change your mind!

Making a decision

Making a decision about what to study in Years 10 and 11 should make you think about what you are like at school/college:

  • Which subjects do I enjoy?
  • What lessons am I good at?
  • What's my learning style – do I prefer coursework or exams?

Next you need to think about yourself:

  • Am I confident, ambitious, caring, quiet, creative, sporty or practical?
  • What do I like to do in my free time?
  • Is there something new that I would like to try?

Finally, look forward to your future:

  • Do you need to take a particular subject for your future career?
  • Do you have an ambition that you want to achieve by a certain age?

Taking a few moments to consider the type of person you are and what interests you, is part of the decision making process.

How can I get help?

It's always easier to make a decision if you talk to other people about it first.

You can talk to:

  • Parents, Guardians or Carers
  • Friends
  • Careers Co-ordinators
  • Form Tutor and Subject Teachers
  • Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs)
  • Connexions Personal Advisers (PAs)

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