choices

Balancing your choices

Subject	More abouth this subject....	Career ideas	Compulsory?	CRCI
English	Subjects: English Language, English Literature. You’ll improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.	An English GCSE is usually required for most jobs and entry to degree courses. Careers might include journalist, teacher.	Yes	Education & Training, Media, Print & Publishing
Maths	Knowledge of Maths is important in everyday life. A Maths GCSE will involve using numbers in problem solving, measurements and statistics.	A Maths GCSE is also essential for many jobs. Careers in finance, engineering, construction, management.	Yes	Science, Maths & Statistics
Science	Subjects: Dual or Single Award Science. Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Science subjects give you an understanding of how things work. A GCSE is needed to study a science subject at A level.	You may need more than one science subject for some careers and for specific occupations. Careers in engineering, medicine.	Yes	Science, Maths & Statistics
Information and Communications Technology	This subject involves learning about information and communications systems and how to apply them.	ICT is a key skill which is necessary for most jobs. Computer programmer, website designer, computer engineer.	Yes	Computers & ICT
Modern Languages	Subjects: French, Spanish, German, Russian. Learning a foreign language will give you the opportunity to work or study abroad in the future and communicate with people from other countries. You’ll learn about the country and its culture.	Teacher, translator, interpreter. Language skills are also increasingly useful in a wide range of other occupations.	No	Languages, Information & Culture
Design and Technology	Technology courses might include food technology, electronic products, graphics products, resistant materials technology, systems and control technology and textiles technology. These courses give you practical skills.	Depends on the content of the course but will include: catering, engineering, construction.	No	Engineering
Business Studies	Business studies involves learning about organisations and how they work, roles within a business and communication and administration.	Office work, careers in finance, insurance, local government, civil service, management and marketing.	No	Admin, Business & Office Work, Marketing & Advertising
History	A History GCSE will give you investigation, research, interpretation and evaluation skills. You’ll learn about the past and how it has affected the present.	Archaeologist, museum work, careers in law, architecture, the media and education.	No	Languages, Information & Culture, Education & Training
Geography	You’ll gain knowledge of the environment, population, agriculture, industry and the relationship between people and their surroundings. You’ll gain practical skills in fieldwork, IT and map work.	Careers in meteorology, planning, transport, environmental conservation, cartography, surveying.	No	Building & Construction, Environment, Animals & Plants
Art and Design	An Art and Design GCSE can be general, allowing you to try out lots of different creative activities or more specialised, allowing you to learn more about one particular art form.	Teacher, museum work, occupational therapist, illustrator, hairdressing. Careers in advertising and design.	No	Design, Arts and Crafts
Music	A Music GCSE will involve both theory and practice. It will include performing, listening, composing and developing practical skills as well as studying musical styles.	Teacher, music therapist, musician, youth work. Entertainment careers.	No	Performing Arts
Drama	Drama is about more than acting. This course will involve practical work including performances, lighting, costumes, etc. You’ll also learn about productions and techniques.	Teacher, youth work. Careers in theatre and entertainment.	No	Performing Arts
Religious Education	Studying this subject will lead to a greater understanding of customs, behaviour and beliefs across the community.	Teacher, nursing, advice work. Careers in social care, personnel management, law and journalism.	No	Education & Training, Social Work & Counselling Services
Leisure and Tourism	You’ll learn about a variety of leisure and tourism organisations and gain communication skills.	Travel agent, ground or cabin crew, customer services assistant, hote receptionist.	No	Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Health and Social Care	This subject is divided into health care, social care and early years care. You’ll learn about what each area involves and the jobs that make up the sector.	Nursing, child care, social work.	No	Health care. Social Work & Counselling Services
Engineering	This course includes practical engineering skills such as design and production. You’ll also improve your team work and problem solving skills.	Motor vehicle technician, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, marine engineer.	No	Engineering
Citizenship/PSHE	This subject will help you to understand your role as a citizen both in your local community and wider society.	Barrister, police officer, journalist, social worker, prison officer.	No	Social Work and Counselling
PE	Everyone has to do PE, but you may be able to take it as a GCSE option. PE involves the development of skills in particular sports depending on what your school offers.	PE teacher, health and fitness instructor, sports coach, physiotherapist and armed forces.	No	Leisure, Sport and Tourism