How to choose your options in Year 9: Top tips for students

Choosing your GCSE and vocational options in Year 9 can feel like a big decision. Discover our top tips for choosing subjects that match your interests, strengths and future ambitions, and make the most of your options evening.

What is options evening?

Options evening is an exciting milestone in your academic life. This is your chance to start exploring the subjects you could study in Years 10 and 11, discover what interests you most and think about what you’d like to learn more about.

With an array of GCSE subjects and vocational qualifications to choose from, it’s natural to have questions. Which subjects should you pick? Is it too early you start thinking about what career you’d like to go into? Will your friends be in the same classes as you?

At options evening, you’ll have the opportunity to find out more about the subjects available at your school, what you’ll learn in each one and how you’ll be assessed. You can speak to teachers, ask questions and discover which GCSE or vocational courses might suit your interests, strengths and future ambitions.

The main thing to remember is that these choices are all about you! You have time to explore what interests you, consider your future plans and think about which subjects you’ll enjoy studying. You don’t need to have your whole future figured out just yet - options evening is there to help you make informed choices and feel more confident about the next stage of your education to think about your future plans and understand what subjects have the most potential to be enjoyable for you.

How to choose your options in Year 9?

  1. Choose a subject you enjoy

The best place to start is to think about the subject you currently enjoy. You’ll be spending a lot of time on these so choosing something you like will make studying and revising more fun!

Ask yourself:

  • What topics do I enjoy researching?

  • Do I prefer hands-on work compared to theoretical work?

  • Am I a creative person?

  • Do I enjoy coursework or exams more?

  • Is there something I would like to learn more about?

  1. Think about the future

It may seem like a long way away from choosing college or sixth form, if you want to go to university, or what career you’d like to work in. However, starting to think about potential avenues you’d like to go down can make deciding your options easier.

You may want to pursue a technology-based career so subjects like Computer Science or Design and Technology may be of interest to you, or perhaps you can see yourself going into a creative career so subjects like Art and Design or Drama may be of use to you.

Think about what skills you will develop from certain subjects that can help you develop ready for the future. Some subjects can help you develop communication and presentation skills, while others can strengthen your ability to solve problems, analyse information, think creatively or work independently.

Even if your plans change overtime, which is perfectly normal, having some ideas can help guide you on which subjects will help you get into certain fields.

  1. Make your own choices

Your friends, parents, and teachers are important parts of your life, so their advice can mean a lot to you. However, it’s important to know that everyone has different interests, strengths and goals. A subject your best friend loves might not be the right fit for you, and a course your parents think is useful may not match what you enjoy or want to do in the future.

Be sure to listen to any advice people give you but make sure you’re choosing subjects that genuinely interest you and play to your strengths. After all, you’ll be the one studying these for the next two years. By choosing a subject you enjoy, you’re more likely to feel motivated and work harder! Remember options are the chance for you to begin shaping you own path, so be confident that the decisions feel right for you.

  1. Find out what the course is really like

Before deciding what subjects you’d like to take, it’s a good idea to understand what each course involves. Afterall, the name can only tell you so much. A subject you already enjoy may not include topics you find interesting at a higher level, while a new subject could introduce you to a topic you’ve always wanted to study, and you didn’t think they’d do it at first thought.

Options evening is the perfect opportunity to ask teachers questions about a certain course and even look at examples of work. Before the evening, you could even prepare a list of things you’d like in find out.

Below are a few examples:

  • What topics will you study?

  • How is the course assessed?

  • Is the subject more coursework or exam based?

  • What skills will you develop?

  • Where could this subject lead when you finish Year 11?

For further information on subjects, check out our designated qualification pages. Along with specifications and resources, you will also find our option evening flyers which are regularly updated and added to the website.

  1. Take your time

Choosing your options is an important decision, so don't feel pressured to make your choices straight away. Take some time to think about the information and advice you've received and be open to exploring subjects you may not have considered before. You might discover a new interest or find that a subject is more exciting than you expected.

It's also a good idea to speak to teachers about the subjects you're considering. They can give you a better understanding of what the course involves and the skills you'll develop. Talking to older students who are already studying a course you’re interested in can be helpful too, as they can share their experiences and offer an honest insight into what the subject is really like.

Most importantly, remember that you don't need to have your entire future planned out in Year 9. This should be an exciting opportunity to choose subjects that you enjoy and are interested in. While it's worth thinking about how your options could support your plans after Year 11, choosing subjects that motivate and engage you is just as important.

Further support for options evening:

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our dedicated Student Support area where you’ll find advice on revision and wellbeing to help you throughout the school year.