Garth Hill College - KS4 Options Handbook 2024 - Flipbook - Page 7
Advice for Students
At this stage in your education, it is important to follow a broad and balanced course of study. You should
not be concerned if you are uncertain as to what you want to do in the future, but you should consider
subjects that suit your aspirations, needs and interests. Consider carefully whether your choice of option
subjects now will fit well with your preferred further education route or career pathway in a few years’
time. When thinking about your subject options it is helpful to not only choose the subjects you will enjoy
and are interested in but also to think about how your subject choices will affect later decisions with
particular regard for course and qualification requirements at Sixth Form or further education such as
University or Apprenticeship.
Keep in mind too that whilst all GCSEs have equal status as qualifications, each stress different skills and
ways of learning. Above all, choose subjects that will keep opportunities open to you.
The following questions may assist students in their decision making:
1. Do I like the subject I am considering?
2. Do I know what the course of study in this subject really involves?
3. Do I think I can achieve well in this subject?
4. What subjects will support my future career aspirations?
5. Does my choice of subjects provide a good balance overall?
It is important that you consult with your parents/carers, your teachers, your form tutor and/or your Head of
House. The teacher in charge of each subject (shown under every subject title in this booklet) will also be
happy to help and advise.
DO
•
•
•
•
Choose subjects which you like.
Choose subjects at which you are successful.
Choose subjects which you may need for a career or further education.
Find out everything that you can about the subject before you choose it. Check for any particular
requirements of the course.
Listen to advice from subject teachers, form tutor and parents/carers.
•
DON’T
• Choose a subject just because your friend has chosen it.
• Choose a subject just because you like, or dislike, a particular teacher. This teacher may not
necessarily be teaching you in key stage 4.
Careers Education and Advice
There is an extensive careers education programme at KS4. Students will have multiple opportunities to
engage with employers and employees, for example the National Apprenticeship Week events and Careers
Week events. In years 10 and 11, students will benefit from business insight experiences, professional mock
interviews and will have the opportunity to attend an external careers guidance interview. The external
careers guidance provides an action plan for individual students; made available to appropriate school staff,
students and parents/carers. Students will also be supported in the writing of a CV. In addition, students
will receive a regular Careers Focus Bulletin and all students will attend our Annual Careers Fair.
National Careers week (NCW) is an opportunity for parents to get familiar with routes their teens can take
into the workplace. Use the link below to view the Parents Guide to NCW 2024.
•
The_Parents_Guide_to_NCW_2024
KEY STAGE 4 OPTIONS
7
