Choices at 14 ... My GCSE Choices
You will choose your options in Year 9, to start in Year 10.
This is the first step in building your qualifications profile for your future education and training choices and your career.
Think about subjects you enjoy and are good at alongside the subjects you may need for future career choices.
This weblink contains lots of information and videos which may help you when thinking about your GCSE choices.
Click choices at 14 to hear real stories about choices
Once you have explored the weblink above take a look at our Year 9 choices booklet.
There are also lots of activities at school, click the Year 9 link for the Future Choices programme to find out more.
Don’t stop here dip into choices at 16 & 18. See what interests you and take a look at the GCSEs they require. No need to choose your pathway or career now but it is worth taking a peek to see what these options are asking for in terms of qualifications and see the influence that may have on your GCSE choices. See the UCAS Guide on choosing your GCSEs and register for UCAS Hub to discover more.
Choices at 16
This weblink is a great place to start https://gmacs.co.uk/ . Click on explore your options, and then 16-18.
Click here to see a short video about choices at 16
Click choices at 16 to hear real stories about choices
More about Apprenticeships
Click on the links below to get a flavour of the broad range of apprenticeships available:
Digital and technology degree apprenticeship
Morrisons
https://www.morrisons.jobs/early-careers/degree-apprenticeships
United Utilities
https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/apprenticeships/
Tarmac
https://tarmaccareers.com/early-careers/apprentices-and-higher-apprentices/
HS2
https://www.hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/apprentices-and-graduates/
Go Construct
https://www.goconstruct.org/ for more information
Find out what is available currently in your local area:
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/real-stories
scroll down to find an apprenticeship.
Remember an apprenticeship is a job with training. So vacancies appear throughout the year.
Traineeships
Many young people face leaving school at 16 unsure of what to do next, feeling like they don’t have the right qualifications to get a job, or work experience.
Traineeships are short, flexible education programmes designed for 16-24 year olds, introduced in the UK to help young people develop and learn the essential skills that will help them find a career.
Find out more about a traineeship https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship
Note: From 1 August 2023, the government will no longer fund a standalone national traineeships programme. Traineeships can continue to be offered by providers locally.
Finance
You may be eligible for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which can help with things like books, travel or equipment if you will struggle with education or training costs.
Choices at 18
Use this link and click on to going to university and Alternatives to university e.g. apprenticeship, job , Gap Year.
Click choices at 18 to hear real stories about choices
How to decide on your next steps – see this useful guide: https://ultimateguides.ucas.com/howtodecideyournextsteps/
and explore more:
Finance for university.
Is it really a loan as we know it? Is it really as bad as many people say?
Make up your own mind by clicking the links below:
Shorter Version Student Finance England:
Shorter Version university student blog
Who can I talk to?
Want to talk through your options? Need help with an application? Not sure what to do next?
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Mrs Brotherton - Careers Lead
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Ms Patrick - Independent Careers Advisor - F43
Email: futurechoices@parrswood.manchester.sch.uk
Contact Number: 0161 446 8640