10341-Cnnx-P&Carers-MW v4 HR
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Case Study
Bethan
Questions to consider Of the teenagers taking part in a recent Next Steps survey by the Department for Children, Schools and Families: • 91% said they chose options in Year 10 because they were interested in them • 78% chose subjects that led to specific courses after Year 11 • 82% said their options would help with future careers. You can support your teenager in making their own decisions by helping them to think things through. The following six questions may help you. 1. What are they interested in? If your teenager is interested in a course, they are more likely to make an effort and succeed. Explore their interests both in and out of school. 2. How do they like to learn? Different courses involve different learning styles and have different approaches to work. Your teenager may prefer classroom-based learning or they may prefer a more practical, workrelated course. The mix of coursework and final exams varies between GCSEs and there are plans to reduce the amount of coursework in some subjects, so you will need to check this out with your teenager’s school. Some work-related courses involve a large amount of coursework. For more information on the mix of coursework and exams in GCSEs, see Table of commonly offered GCSE subjects on page 10.
3. What are they good at? Which subjects does your teenager do well in? Also think about what they are good at outside of school work. 4. Are they keeping an open mind? There is a lot of new information to think about. Are they keeping an open mind about unfamiliar courses or qualifications until they have found out more about them? Could a new subject or course give them a fresh challenge? 5. Do they have a specific course in mind after Year 11, or do they have any career ideas? Encourage your teenager to think ahead and make sure they take into account any subjects or qualifications that might fit in with any ideas they have. If they have no definite ideas, reassure them that the important thing is to choose a broad and balanced mix of subjects to keep their options open after 16. 6. Is more information and advice needed? Encourage your teenager to take advantage of the help and advice available to them. You can help them make a list of questions and where to find the answers. For information on where to find help and support, see Who else can help? on pages 8–9.
Bethan is currently in Year 9 and for her option choices decided to study textiles alongside her core GCSE subjects, combined with a City & Guilds Land-Based Studies Certificate Level 1 specialising in Animal Care, which she will study at college. She talked to a range of people, including her parents, teachers, Connexions personal adviser and friends. She was attracted to the vocational course at college because it would give her the opportunity to do something more practical in a subject she was interested in: ‘I have loads of animals at home and I love looking after them. I chose to do Animal Care partly because I think I might like to work with animals in the future and also so that I can do something more hands-on.’ Bethan’s parents were initially concerned about the college course, fearing that she might be missing out on other qualifications in school. After discussions with her teachers and college tutor they were reassured that she would still gain around seven GCSEs, and also achieve a vocational qualification equivalent to D-G grades at GCSE. Bethan thinks she might like to continue at college full time after Year 11 and study for further qualifications. She feels positive about her future: ‘I’m looking forward to going to college and spending time with the animals. It will be good to do something more practical and I’m also looking forward to meeting people from other schools. It will be a good preparation for going to college after Year 11.’
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