Choosing subjects for Years 10 and 11: what's compulsory and what's optional :Cross Stitch – Education and learning
In Years 10 and 11 there are subjects you must take (‘compulsory’) and subjects you can choose between (‘optional’). Talk to your parents, carers, teachers and Connexions advisers to help you decide which subjects are right for you.
When choosing what subjects to study in Years 10 and 11, think what you enjoy most and do well at.
There is lots of information and advice to help you make your decision – see ‘Your choices in Year 9’ for details.
Some subjects are compulsory because they cover essential knowledge and skills that everyone needs for the future.
The subjects you’ll have to take exams in are:
This usually means GCSEs, but these subjects may also be available at entry level.
There are some other subjects that you have to study, but may not lead to exams:
- careers education
- citizenship
- information and communication technology (ICT)
- physical education (PE)
- religious studies
- sex and relationships education
- work-related learning
Some schools have other compulsory subjects – check with your teachers.
The optional subjects you can take in Years 10 and 11 vary from school to school. Your teachers will tell you what subjects are available – and some schools also put this information on their website.
However, your school must provide you with access to at least one course in each of four areas. These four ‘entitlement areas’ are:
- arts (including art and design, music, dance, drama and media arts)
- design and technology
- humanities (history and geography)
- modern foreign languages
Although your school must have at least one course available in each of these areas, it’s up to you whether you take them.
Other subjects you may be able to choose from include:
- business studies
- engineering
- health and social care
- leisure and tourism
- skills for working life and life skills
- manufacturing
- social sciences
These subjects might have different names at your school.
You can take these before or alongside GCSEs. Available in a wide range of subjects, they can help you move on to other qualifications.
As well as GCSEs in traditional subjects, you can choose from work-related (‘applied’) or short course GCSEs.
Key Skills are essential skills that will help you succeed in study, training work and life. They cover communication, working with others, problem solving, number skills and more. You can take these as recognised qualifications, along with your other qualifications.
Functional Skills are practical skills in English, maths and information and communications technology (ICT). They are becoming a part of other qualifications, including GCSEs, Diplomas and Apprenticeships. Functional Skills will also be available as stand-alone qualifications.
Some schools offer vocational qualifications. These give you skills directly related to the world of work.
You may also be able to gain work experience through the Young Apprenticeships scheme. To find out more, see ‘Work experience in Years 10 and 11’.
The Diploma is available in selected schools and colleges
Selected schools and colleges across the country also offer the Diploma qualification for 14 to 19 year-olds.
The Diploma is a practical, hands-on way of gaining the knowledge and skills you need for college, university or work.
Once you’ve found out which options are available at your school, it’s time to find a balance of subjects and qualifications that’s right for you.
Remember that it’s a good idea to keep your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects. But you’ll also need to make sure that you can fit everything into your timetable – and that you’ve considered whether there are any subjects that will be especially useful for your future plans.
Your teachers, parents/carers, careers co-ordinator or Connexions personal adviser will be able to give you advice on getting the balance right.