How many GCSE options can (and should) you choose?

Choosing your GCSE options

When do you need to choose your GCSE options?

The process of choosing your GCSE options often begins in Year 9. Many schools offer the opportunity for students to gather information on possible option subjects via an options open evening. This is a time when students can meet staff from all option subject areas to discuss their courses, the requirements of the course and what they can expect to learn should they choose the subject. This will take shape in different ways throughout various schools however, many will do it as a market stall and students will freely circulate with their families to speak with staff and current students who study the courses they are interested in studying. 

Compulsory vs. optional subjects

There are three core subjects that students have to study in key stage 4 (KS4), with all other subjects falling under the ‘optional’ subject category. 

The three core subject areas are:

• English (literature and language)

• Maths

• Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

English language is compulsory in all schools in England and English literature is compulsory in most schools in England. If you attend school in Wales, Welsh will also be a compulsory subject to study.  

Science is split into three separate subjects however, in some schools, it may be split into two as ‘combined science’ (double science) or three separate subjects (triple science).

It is worth thinking longer term as to whether a potential career in a science-based subject (such as medicine) is an option and some schools may require students to study triple science at GCSE level.

Examples of optional subjects include:

• Humanities subjects

  • History

  • Geography

  • Religious studies

• The Arts

  • Art and Design

  • Drama

  • Dance

  • Media

  • Music

• Technology

  • Computer Science

  • ICT

  • Design and Technology

• Modern Foreign Languages

  • French

  • Spanish

  • German

There are a range of subjects available in schools and each school will offer different subjects, depending on the school's circumstances, location and the expertise of their teachers. 

Factors to consider when choosing GCSE options

When deciding on your GCSE options, it is important to consider your personal interests. For example, you may have an interest in computers, technology and its uses, therefore Computer Science would be an appropriate choice. Similarly, you may be very creative and enjoy the freedom of expressing yourself via drawings or movement, therefore Art or Drama may suit you best.

It is also worth considering your future career aspirations and how your subject choices may align with those goals. It is important to note that your GCSE options will not have a significant impact on your future job prospects and that it is more likely that they will provide a platform for you to progress to the next phase of your studies such as A Levels, apprenticeship and more. For this reason, it is more important to choose options that you feel you will enjoy studying for two years. 

GCSE subject choices: what are your options?

Popular GCSE choices

Many students opt for traditional popular subjects which are well supported by schools and are often widely resourced. Popular GCSE options include:

• History

• Geography

• Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German)

• Art and Designs

• Drama and Music

There are many advantages to studying popular subjects however, the main reason being that they provide a good foundational base for A Levels and further education. 

Unconventional GCSE options

More unconventional subjects are more likely to help students stand out from the crowd, but are much more dependent on their school's offerings. Unconventional GCSE options include:

• Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin)

• Astronomy

• Statistics

These more unconventional subject choices ensure that students can pursue subjects which are driven by their passion and interests. They also provide students with a unique profile and help you stand out from the crowd a little more when it comes to university or job applications in the future. 

Specialised GCSE subjects

Specialised GCSE subjects are often more tailored towards specific career paths and aspirations. They often provide students with foundational knowledge which can be used for further study or apprenticeships. Examples of specialised GCSE subjects include:

• Computer science

• ICT

• Business studies

• Engineering

• Construction

• Health and Social Care

• Food technology, Hospitality or Catering

• Photography

Studying specialised subjects often helps you engage more in your learning as you are following your passion and interest.

Customising your GCSE selection

When making your final decision for your option subjects, it is important to consider several key factors to ensure your choices match both your current interests and your future aspirations.

When selecting your GCSE options, selecting subjects that will both challenge you and appeal to your interests will likely lead to a more enjoyable experience and in turn, improve your performance. 

It is equally important that you consider your future goals when selecting your options. For example, engineering or medicine can have required subjects, so it is important to select subjects which will set you in good stead to progress to A Level studies to prepare for university. 

By researching your GCSE options, you will have the ability to reflect and evaluate potential choices. Take the time to understand what each subject entails, what the curriculum covers and how it is assessed. This could be done in a variety of ways, including speaking with the teaching staff, speaking to current students and using online resources, forums and videos. 

How many subjects can I choose?

Depending on your school, you may be able to choose 1 to 5 subjects. We will use an example of a school that allows its students to select 4.

Subjects will be broken down into groups, with each group containing a mix of subjects, designed to give you a rich choice. You would then select 1 subject from each group, and then make a second backup choice from each group. You can only select a subject once, for example, if you selected Art in group A, you would not be able to select Art again in group D.

Make an informed decision

In summary, choosing your GCSE options is a big decision that requires careful consideration and planning. You will have the opportunity to pick a small number of option subjects ranging from 1-4 in most schools, depending on the school and how they prefer their students to opt for subjects.

As discussed throughout this article, it's important to 

• Weigh up the various factors such as personal interests and future career goals

• Make sure you utilise help and advice from teachers and other students currently studying subjects

• Carry out thorough research online, utilising 

  • Online lessons

  • Videos

  • Resources

Try to ensure you choose a range of subjects which give you good coverage of the curriculum. Try to choose from a variety of categories, such as technical, academic, creative and vocational. 

It’s also important to consider the long-term implications of your choices. The choices you make may impact on which A Level subjects you have available to you. That being said, there are many subjects which will allow you to study them at A Level without having studied them at GCSE level, so don't put too much pressure on yourself.

FAQs

What happens once I’ve picked my options?

Once you have selected your options and backup choices, you will generally have to wait for your school to arrange timetables for the coming year. In the meantime, some schools may choose to arrange meetings with students and their parents to discuss choices and ensure the subject and student are a good fit for one another. 

Once you have a confirmed space, some subjects may also provide GCSE transition work for you to work through.

What if I’m not happy with my choices?

Most schools try to ensure they have processes in place to prevent being required to change a student's choice once the new school year begins. This creates a lot of upheaval for the student and if a student does move to a new subject, they may find they have a lot of catching up to do, even after just a few weeks. For this reason, it is extremely important to ensure that thorough research is carried out to make the best choices in the first instance. 

Where can I get more information and help with my choices?

Your teachers are your best source of information. They have years of experience and will be able to advise whether you would be a good fit for the subject. 

Additional information about subject choices, combinations and more is available at Save My Exams’ learning hub. 

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