GCSE Subject Choice Jill Lemon Careers Adviser Careers

GCSE Subject Choice Jill Lemon Careers Adviser Careers Service

Outline How to select GCSE subjects Ø Who and What can help Ø Future Impact of GCSE choices on Employability

What’s on offer in Lagan ? Ø You will be guided on this by teachers l l Compulsory subjects Optional subjects – some will be familiar, some may be new

How to select GCSE subjects Ø Look at subjects you enjoy Ø That you are good at Ø Take into account any requirements for careers you are interested in

Base conclusions on the evidence Ø Find out as much as you can before deciding Ø Research new subjects carefully Ø But also research familiar subjects Ø Try to get a balance if possible

Maths Ø Remember! Ø Ø Ø Maths A Level Ø Talk to your teachers about your abilities and useful combinations You will need Maths & pref Add Maths/Further Maths at GCSE

Science A Level It is essential to study the following at GCSE: Ø Core & Additional Science Ø Single Science Subjects – Biology, Physics, Chemistry

Science - Getting the right formula Ø Think ahead Ø The more science you study now the more you will keep options open for the future l For careers l For university courses

The Arts Ø Art, languages and music can be difficult to pick up again once dropped Ø If you enjoy these subjects and want them to be a part of your future career then do not drop them

Future Impact of GCSE Choices on Employability Ø Some careers have set subject requirements Ø Many have no set subject requirements -but there may be subjects that are useful

Pharmacy set subject requirements for degree QUB Ø Chemistry Ø One from Biology, Maths & Physics Ø GCSE Biology or Double Award Science Ø GCSE Maths Ø Biology to at least AS preferred

Solicitor – useful subjects. . Ø ü Advising and representing people English Ø ü part of a business. . Business Studies Ø ü Specialising in European Law A language Ø ü Preparing arguments, building cases RE, History, Politics Calculate the amount of money that people named in a will are entitled to receive ü Maths Ø

Future Impact of GCSE Choices on Employability Research career ideas NOW Ø If no ideas – don’t panic! Ø

Do you have career ideas now? Ø Check out entry requirements • • • Ø www. nidirect. gov. uk/careers www. ucas/com www. cao. ie www. belfastmet. ac. uk www. serc. ac. uk Consider relevant work/voluntary experience/extra curricular activities

No Ideas? Don’t panic! Ø Keep options open • www. nidirect. gov. uk/careersØ • Get Career Ideas Section • A – Z of jobs and useful subject links • Labour Market Information • www. ukcoursefinder. com

Who can help you decide ? Ø Ø Ø Your Careers Teachers Your Careers Adviser Subject teachers Your form teacher Brothers, sisters or friends who have studied GCSE’s Your parents or Guardians

Future Job Opportunities Ø Ø Ø Ø Business & Financial Services ICT Agri Food Sector Manufacturing & Engineering Renewable Energies & Recycling Health & Life Sciences Creative & Digital Media

Future Job Opportunities Ø STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths In 2013 CBI Education & Skills survey reported that: “Shortages of STEM qualified graduates are widespread in engineering, hi-tech IT & science areas”

Future Job Opportunities Ø Modern Languages l l Only 6% world’s population native English speakers In a global job market, having a language gives you a competitive edge – 70% of businesses value foreign language skills

Future Job Opportunities Transferable Skills Ø Consider relevant work/voluntary experience/relevant extra curricular activities

Summary Ø Choose subjects you are good at Ø Choose subjects you enjoy Ø Research any career ideas you have Ø If none, generate some ideas using research tools Ø Consider subjects you might require for a future career Ø Consider relevant work/voluntary experience/relevant extra curricular activities

. . practice We have looked at how to choose your GCSE subjects Ø This is the first of many important decisions you will probably make in the future Ø So time to practice your skills… Ø

Decision making We make decisions every day of our lives here are some to practice on: What would you like for breakfast? A) Cereals B) Toast C) A fry-up

More decisions! What would you like to do for a night out? A) Take your family out for a meal B) Go to bowling alley/games arcade with family C) Go for a pizza and to the cinema with friends

And yet more decisions! What would you choose from this menu? A) Tzatsiki B) Guacamole C) Bobotie

Well how did you do? Decision 1 is quite easy as all the options are familiar Ø Decision 2 is more difficult as there are more factors to take into account Ø Decision 3 is hardest as choices may be unfamiliar to you – did you know enough to make a good decision? Ø

What’s the point? Ø Assumptions can be dangerous Ø It is easy to make poor decisions if you lack information Ø Decision making becomes easier when you have all the facts

A word of caution. . Avoid making your option choices based solely on a career idea Ø You may change your mind! Ø Seek instead to pick subjects you enjoy and are interested in Ø

. . and finally Ø Thank you for listening Ø Visit our website on www. nidirect. gov. uk/careers Ø Contact me at jill. lemon@delni. gov. uk