At The Canterbury Academy we aim to provide you with the opportunity to explore all career and Post 16/18 options throughout your time at school. It is important that you feel supported in your ideas about the routes that you would like to pursue and that you are given the resources to help you to be able to research and learn about these routes.
Information about GCSE options
In Year 8 you will be making a preference choice about what subjects you want to continue for your GCSEs. This choice is then reviewed during Year 9.
This choice is important because you will not be able to change your options after this stage. It is wise to give some thought to what subjects you may wish to follow at A Level, Level 3 BTEC, college, at university or what subjects may fit best with a potential job or apprenticeship.
Picking your GCSE preference options in Year 8 and 9 provides the first opportunity for you to specialise in the subjects that you most enjoy. This can feel like a daunting decision however the guidance below should help you to make the right decision.
Top Tips
- Don’t just pick a subject because your friends are doing it – it’s your future so your decision should not be swayed by friendship groups!
- Make sure you do your research first about the subject and what it covers for the GCSE course. Don’t just pick a subject on a whim or because it sounds new and fun.
- Don’t be swayed by who your current teacher is. You may well have a different teacher for GCSE so picking a subject just because you like your teacher may not be the most sensible decision.
- a subject will be taught and ask your teachers for as much information as possible
- Pick subjects that you enjoy. You will always do better if you are studying something that interests you.
A-Level options
Most of our students decide to continue their education at The Canterbury Academy and study A-Levels or Level 3 BTEC combination with us after Year 11. The resources below will help you to make your decision about what A-Level choices to make.
A LEVELS: All subjects now have new A level specifications, as of 2018. The courses are linear, meaning that all the A level exams will take place at the end of Year 13.
LEVEL 3 BTEC: give you a broader knowledge of a particular sector or industry. They are available in a range of sizes which are equivalent to one, two, or three A levels. They can be taken in combination with other qualifications.
LEVEL 2 and vocational bespoke: view our Sixth Form Prospectus
Choosing the right A-Levels
It is important to consider your interests after sixth form when making your decision about the correct A-Levels to choose. If you are interested in going to University it is recommended that you look into courses that you may be interested in applying to and checking the entry requirements. For some subjects and universities, part of their entry requirements depend on you achieving certain grades in specific subjects instead of just meeting the grade or UCAS points requirement overall. It is important to check and make sure that you are keeping your options open.
This can feel like a daunting decision however the guidance below should help you to make the right decision.
Alternatives to Sixth Form – College route
Applied learning – qualifications offering broad study of a job family – available at some Sixth Forms and at Further Education Colleges and through Apprenticeships
If you’re interested in a particular job family or industry but not yet sure what job you’d like to do, these qualifications might suit you. They combine practical learning with developing knowledge and skills. You can go on to further education, an apprenticeship, training or employment, or you can go on to university.
Technical qualifications or T levels – job-related study – available on apprenticeship schemes and at further education colleges.
If you know what sort of job you want to do, or want a course that’s more practical, or includes some work experience, these may be the right qualifications for you. They include NVQ’s and T Levels.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are an exciting alternative option for students who do not feel like A-Levels or university is the right decision for them. Apprenticeships offer hands-on training and also the chance to put your skills into practice in a workplace environment. It is the perfect combination of training and working. You can start an apprenticeship in a range of different sectors- a lot has changed from just being about to do trade related apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are available at multiple levels so students can access apprenticeships after Year 11 onwards. There are hundreds to choose from and some include a qualification, like a degree which allows students to not only receive a funded undergraduate qualification but also get paid for working and receive work experience.