There are some subjects that everyone has to take, Mathematics, English, Science (Double or Triple), but you’ll still have at least four other options to decide upon during Year 9, in readiness for Year 10. Subjects in Year 10 can be taught in slightly different ways at GCSE, and it may be that one type of learning suits you more than others, so speak to subject tutors for their advice & guidance. 

Some people know what job they want to do from an early age.  For others, it’s not so straightforward, and it is always a good idea to keep an open mind. Choosing a career can be a big decision, but both within & out of school there is plenty of help available, plus you have the opportunity to source idea's for yourself, to help you find the career that’s right for you.

Remember as you progress through school, your ideas & options may or will often change as well. 

Lots of people at school can help:

• Subject teachers know exactly what studying a subject in Year 10 and 11 involves, and can advise whether it's right for you.
• Your Year 9 Progress Leader can assist you.
• Mr Fisher, the schools Career Adviser can tell you which subjects and qualifications are useful for particular careers.
• The special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) can help you access support if you have a disability or learning difficulty which affects your studies.
• A learning mentor can help with any problems getting in the way of your learning.  

To help you decide what to study in Years 10 and 11, start by asking yourself what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at, think about: 

• What you’re interested in: it could be other cultures and languages, writing projects, helping people, being outdoors or designing things. 
• What types of activity you enjoy most – working things out and thinking them through, practical activities or artistic options like painting, drawing or performing music? 
• What you’re like at home, as well as in school – what skills have you developed following outside interests. 

A good way to start your planning is to think about what motivates you as a person. 

Make a list of activities you've enjoyed – both inside and outside school.  What was it about them you liked?  There are no right or wrong answers – but, for example, you might find that you enjoyed: 

• Getting to know more about a particular subject.
• Solving challenging problems.
• Working as part of a team.
• Meeting new people.
• Presenting to people

Have a look at the short personality tests to discover your strengths & what makes you tick and links to possible job and career pathways. 

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The choices are yours, but most people look for advice on important decisions.  There’s plenty available, but you should do as much as you can yourself to research all the options. 

Parents, carers, family and friends probably know you best, so talking to them can help you work out what might suit you.  But remember that they won’t always know a lot about careers or courses you’re interested in. 

Speak to your subject tutor at school.

Our school Careers Department can help you with planning your career and Post 16 options. We believe that each of our students needs high-quality career guidance to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

The Careers Leader at Worthing High School is Mr Martin Fisher. (B1b Office). Email mfisher@worthinghigh.net or drop into his office to arrange a meeting.

If you’re planning to work towards a particular career or college course, don’t be put off just because it means taking a different direction from friends or family members. It is your choice and your future.