Learning and Choices

Choices

There are more options available now than ever before and it's not always clear which ones will be right for you. We can help you make that choice, not by telling you what to do, but by making sure that you really understand what all the different options mean for you. For example, there's no point letting yourself be pushed into doing academic subjects if your real talents are in more practical areas.

Useful people to talk to before making a decision are:

  • your parents, guardians or carers;
  • your tutor or careers co-ordinator; and
  • your Personal Adviser.

There are also a number of websites and software which can help you. See the links listed on this page.

How your Connexions Personal Adviser can help you

Your Personal Adviser can:

  • Talk to you on your own or in groups.
  • Listen to your ideas.
  • Tell you about jobs, training, colleges and 6th forms.
  • Talk to your parents and carers about what you can do and any support that might help you.
  • Help you with application forms, arrange interviews.
  • Help you use the information and software in our Connexions Access Points.

Year 9

This is the year in which you will choose GCSE subjects and other options. Most of your subjects are set by the National Curriculum but you are given some say in the subjects you study. You do not need to have a career in mind to choose your options. It is more important to think about which subjects you are good at and which you enjoy.

Of course, it is also important that you choose a broad range of subjects so that you do not rule out any careers later. If you do know what career you want, check the qualifications required using the information in your school library, your Connexions Access Point library or use software such as Kudos on your school or Connexions computers.

You should be given a Connexions Fact File by your school which includes a section to help you make these choices.

Year 11

Year 11 is one of the most important years at school. Not only is it the year during which you will be taking your GCSE exams, but it is the time when you need to make decisions about your next steps.

Your options are:

  • Staying on at school or going to a different school sixth form.
  • Going to a College.
  • In both school or college there is a wide range of courses including NVQs, GNVQs, AS and A2 levels.
  • Get a Job with Training. A job which allows you to spend time studying for work related qualifications. This includes Apprenticeships and national approved qualifications, usually leading to NVQ level 2 and above.
  • Get a job with no formal training Any training may be "on the job" - you're shown what to do! It can be tempting to go for a higher wage but think about what you might do in the future if you change jobs. Will you be able to offer an employer what they need without qualifications?
  • Join a training course to help you prepare for work, trainingand education.
  • The Entry To Employment programme (e2e) can help you build up the skills you will need to be successful in work and gives you the chance to build up your qualifications.

You should be given a Connexions Fact File by your school to help you make these choices.

Years 12 and 13

In post-16 education, you will be working towards academic or vocational qualifications. You will need to think about longer-term career goals and planning your next steps.

Your options are:

  • Continuing on to Advanced level courses if on Foundation or Intermediate level now.
  • University courses.
  • Employment or employment with training through the Apprenticeships programme.
  • Gap year (after taking Advanced level qualifications) You may feel you're not ready to decide on your future career, or you may just want a break from full-time education. A year out can offer the chance to travel, earn money or get involved in something new. Don't waste a year out - make it a valuable experience!

Additional Needs

If you have additional needs you will have a Transition Plan to help you move on from Year 11. You should get a Connexions Fact File from your school to help you think about your choices.