Making curriculum choices in Year 9 is a very important part of your time in school. It is an opportunity for you to take control of your education and shape the way you want your future to be. The options you choose for Years 10 and 11 will affect how you spend your time at school for the next two years. The choices you make may also influence what course or job you decide to do after Year 11.

You now have fantastic opportunities available to you that will help you get the future that you want. It is important to choose subjects that will interest you and motivate you. Spend some time thinking about what you enjoy doing, what keeps you interested in something and what makes you work hard. Avoid the trap of thinking that some subjects are only for boys and some are only for girls – this is not true. Remember that you are not alone in making these decisions, everyone in Year 9 is going through the same process. Teachers, friends, parents/carers, family and the schools Careers Leader and Careers Adviser will be able to guide advise and support you in this important decision-making process.

If you have a firm career idea, choose the subjects you need to meet the entry requirements for future opportunities that interest you, including higher education. If you don’t have a firm career idea, choose a broad spread of subjects that will give you plenty of choice post 16.

Teachers, friends, parents/carers, family and the schools Careers Leader and Careers Adviser will be able to guide advise and support you in this important decision-making process - you need good information and advice to help you choose well.