Choices at 13 or 14

Choosing your options for the next couple of years in school: it’s a big decision, maybe the first you’ve had to make, but don’t let the pressure get to you. All it’s going to take is a bit of positive thinking from you and some support and advice from the people who know you best.

To help you get started, ask yourself

• What am I interested in?
• What am I good at?
• Do I have any ideas yet about what I might like to do in the future?
• Who can help me work my way through the choices? 

Your goal is to choose a balanced group of subjects that will open the door to your future. The good news is that the way the school sets out the subject options practically guarantees that you end up with a balanced timetable.

So you’ll be doing a broad group of subjects which doesn’t limit you, but, in fact, leaves open as many future careers as possible.

Check out this brief guide to the ‘dos and don’ts’ of subject choice.

Your interests

You should be interested in the subjects you choose. Hardly rocket science, but very important. You’re likely to do well in subjects you enjoy.

So do think about what you like and why you like it.

A couple of temptations to avoid:

·         Don’t pick a subject so you can be in the same class as a friend. It’s fine if you’re interested in the subject as well, but be prepared to be bored if you’re not!

·         Don’t choose a subject just because you like the teacher. Teachers move on but the subject stays the same.

What you’re good at

Do pick subjects you’re good at, otherwise the next few years could be a bit of a struggle.

Fortunately, you often find that these are also the subjects you enjoy most, but it isn’t always true.

Don’t choose subjects you have little or no ability in because that could lead to

·         Poorer exam results

·         Loss of self confidence 

Your plans for the future

Don’t worry if you don’t have any clear ideas yet, but do start thinking ahead.

You don’t need to make any specific decisions about a future career or course, but now is a good time to consider:

·         the type of career you might like

·         the qualifications you need to get into it

·         the subjects you need.

Where you can get help and information

You don’t have to make this decision alone, you will get help along the way, and you do have plenty of people around who know you, your abilities and interests.

And, keep your parents or carers in the loop: they’re the ones who know you best and have your best interests at heart.

You can get support and information from:

·         Your subject teachers. They can give you information on their subject to help you make up your mind.

·         Your guidance, pupil support or pastoral care teacher. They can help you think about careers that might suit you.

·         Your school’s career adviser or your local Careers Scotland Centre. They give advice and information on career choice and entry requirements for jobs and courses.

·         The careers library in school (or in your local Careers Scotland Centre). You can read books and leaflets or use career-related computer programs.

·         PlanIT Plus, which has activities to help you choose, and tons of information on the courses and careers you may be thinking about.