Choosing your GCSE Option subjects ASSEMBLY

Transcription

1 Choosing your GCSE Option subjects ASSEMBLY Friday 13 th January 2017

2 Purpose of this assembly Help you with your decisions about what optional subjects you should choose to study in Year 10/11, by advising you how these choices may affect your career decisions

3 Core and Optional subjects CORE SUBJECTS Religious Education Maths English Language and English Literature Science OPTION SUBJECTS Art GCSE Business Studies GCSE Business & Enterprise BTEC Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Computer Science GCSE Drama GCSE Electronic & Mechanical Systems GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE French GCSE Geography GCSE Health & Social Care BTEC History GCSE ICT BTEC Music GCSE Physical Education GCSE Resistant Materials GCSE Spanish GCSE Textiles GCSE

4 Considering a top uni? Russell Group universities The 24 leading UK universities - very best research, outstanding teaching and learning, unrivalled links with business and organisations, etc. and thus very competitive! University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University Durham University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial College London King's College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics & Political Science University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen Mary, University of London Queen's University Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick University of York

5 SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT DEGREE COURSES Accountancy (also Banking/Finance/Insurance) ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Usually none although one or two universities require Mathematics USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Mathematics, Business Studies (AGCE, National and Diploma) and Economics Actuarial Science/Studies) ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Mathematics USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies (AGCE, National and Diploma) Aeronautical Engineering ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Mathematics and Physics USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics, Design Technology American Studies ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Requirements vary but English and/or History are often asked for USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Politics Anthropology ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: None USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: A small number of courses like a science AS-level such as Biology Architecture ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Some courses say they want an arts/science mix. Some may require Art USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Art, Mathematics, Design Technology and Physics. AGCE or National Art and Design may also be useful at some universities. Do note that a portfolio of drawings and ideas may be asked for

6 SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT DEGREE COURSES English ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: English Literature/English Literature, Language (some courses will accept English Language) USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: History, Religious Studies, a Foreign Language Environmental Science/Studies ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Many courses will ask for two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Geography USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Another facilitating subject, particularly a science European Studies ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: A Modern Foreign Language USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Another Modern Foreign Language, English Literature, History, Politics French ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: French USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Another Modern Foreign Language, English Literature, History, Politics Geography ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Most degrees require Geography USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Some Geography BSc (science) degrees prefer one from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics Geology/Earth Sciences ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Usually two from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Geography, Geology

7 SUBJECTS REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT DEGREE COURSES Sports Science/Physical Education ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Many courses want to see one from Biology/Chemistry/Mathematics/Physics (some courses will treat Physical Education as a science equivalent). USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Physical Education, Psychology Surveying ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: None USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: For some types of Surveying ie. Building Surveying, Mathematics and Physics could be helpful. For Estate Management (General Practice surveying) most A-level combinations will be considered. Teacher Training (Primary and/or Secondary) (Those best for Primary Teaching shown in Italics) ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: At least one from Art, Biology, CACHE, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama (Theatre Studies), English, French, Geography, German, History, ICT, Italian, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Physical Education, Religious Studies (Theology), Spanish USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Religious Studies/Theology, Philosophy, English Literature, History Veterinary Science ESSENTIAL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: You should do Chemistry and Biology and one from Mathematics/Physics so that you have all universities open to you USEFUL ADVANCED LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS: Further Mathematics

8 Considering university? How do you look up what A levels and GCSEs you might need for a particular course at university? UCAS website (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)

9 Considering university?

10 Considering a top uni? If you want to increase your chances of going to a good university in the future, it is suggested that you choose at least 2 subjects at A level from this list. Mathematics, English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Languages (These are sometimes referred to as FACILITATING SUBJECTS )

11 Some general tips on achieving at GCSE level 5 x A*-C grades are required for many Apprenticeships Good grades in the Core (English, Maths, Science, RE) subjects cover many entry requirements to college or university At least 5 x A* - Cs GCSEs are usually required to take A levels or to take a Level 3 vocational course at college If you think you may want to apply to go to Oxford or Cambridge universities, you must try to achieve as many A* grades as possible (and certainly more A*s than As) A good set of GCSEs are needed for ALL university courses and particularly a good grade (9 to 7) in English and Maths. - even for scientific courses)

12 GCSE choices For any Art or Design-based career best to have an Art of Designbased GCSE and it is advised that you to go on to do a Foundation Diploma at art college, before going to university. For a degree in English, universities often look for applicants who have a GCSE in a modern language If you want to study Law, a modern foreign language is advisable To become a primary school teacher you need GCSE science as well as maths and English (+ 2 others). C or above If you want to study a particular subject at university, you usually need to have studied the same subject at A level first (except law and economics)

13 Example 1: Thinking about LAW? To become a lawyer or solicitor, you will need to get a degree qualification (not necessarily Law) at UNIVERSITY You will need to take A levels Examples would be History, English Literature, RE (Law A level is not required) You will need to achieve at least 5 A* to C grade GCSES (if you want to take History at A level, you will need to choose to study GCSE History)

14 Example 2: Thinking about ENGINEERING? To become an engineer you will need to get a degree in ENGINEERING at UNIVERSITY You will need to take A levels in Maths and Physics You will need to achieve at least 5 A* to C grade GCSES (good grades in English, Maths and Science are essential)

15 Example 3: Thinking about ARCHITECTURE? To become an architect you will need to get a degree in ARCHITECTURE at UNIVERSITY You will need to take A levels Examples would be Art (you will need to show universities a portfolio) You will need to achieve at least 5 A* to C grade GCSES (a good grade in Maths and English are essential)

16 Example 4: Thinking about MEDICINE (Doctor)? To become a doctor you will need to get a degree in MEDICINE at UNIVERSITY You will need to take A levels in Chemistry (essential), Biology (recommended), a further Science or Maths (recommended) Other recommended subjects to take at A level are English, RE, History, Psychology You will need to achieve a strong set of GCSEs, particularly in Maths, English and Science

17 Still no idea what Option subjects to choose? Keep your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects, Speak to your SUBJECT teachers, to your tutor, to your Year Head, to Mrs Thompson, to Mrs Buck in the Sixth Form, and definitely chat to your parents/carers about this

18 How to find out more about choosing a career Careers resources in the LRC:

19 How to find out more about choosing a career Y9 Careers Information area on the VLE:

20 How to find out more about choosing a career Y9 Careers Information area on the VLE:

21 What next? Parent/teacher consultation evening Thursday 2 nd February Deadline for handing in your Options Form Monday 6 th February