GCSE subject choices advice for students and parents

Date published: 06 February 2023

During Year 10, your child will be asked to make choices about the subjects or courses they'll study in Years 11/12. The process of choosing subjects will be organised by the school. Students and parents may feel apprehensive about making these decisions but there is guidance and support available.

Definition of GCSE — Choosing GCSE's in Year 10 is an important process.

Careers advisers

As well as the support from careers teachers in schools, professionally-qualified careers advisers from the Careers Service provide careers information, impartial advice and guidance about GCSE subject choices.

This help is delivered through class talks, group work and individual interviews.

Careers advisers are available to provide free support and guidance at any stage through the decision-making process.

To contact a careers adviser you can:

go online and chat with an adviser
phone 0300 200 7820
email by completing the online form at Ask Careers

Parental support

Your support as a parent/ carer is vital when your child is choosing their subjects.

Your support will help them make the right choices to reach their full potential.

Try considering the following with them:

• subjects they enjoy

• subjects they are good at or find challenging

• subjects that can link into careers ideas

• how they like to learn (coursework, exams, or both)

• hobbies/ interests they enjoy

• the type of job they would like to do and what qualifications are required

• researching jobs through the Careers Service website

• talking to the careers adviser

• talking to subject teachers

More information

For more information, and to watch the Subject Choices video and take the quiz, go to:

Subject choices at Year 10 - video and quiz

There is also lots of useful information available at these links:

Social media

Follow the Careers Service on:

Twitter - @economy_ni
Facebook - @SkillstoSucceedni
Instagram - @Economy_NI
LinkedIn - Department for the Economy NI

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GCSE subject choices advice for students and parents

Careers advisers

Parental support

More information

Social media

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What to do next

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Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment