Options Careers Guide
Dear Pupils Choosing your GCSE options is not always easy and the subjects you choose to study at this stage may help you explore your next career steps. To help you with the decision making process, the Careers Department, along with the subject Heads of Department, have drawn together information from different sources to create this guide. It is here to help you appreciate the benefits of studying different subjects and the possible careers they could lead to. Some of you may have a very definite career route that you would like to follow. This might involve one day applying for University or alternatives, but it is important to understand which qualifications are required to achieve your career goal. However, the vast majority of Year 9 pupils may not have a definite career in mind - this is normal so don’t panic! Therefore, my advice is to read this guide carefully and choose subjects that you genuinely enjoy and want to learn more about. If you or your parents/carers have any questions, please speak to your form tutor who can make arrangements for you to have an appointment with me where I can help you with career information, advice and guidance. If you need to contact me via e-mail, my e-mail address is rebecca.wills@lincolnminsterschool.co.uk. Miss Wills Head of Careers
Next Steps
Welcome
What are GCSEs? GCSEs are qualifications that school children in the UK study towards when they’re 14-16 years old. GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and chosen subjects are studied over two years with final exams taking place in Year 11. What GCSEs do I need to find a job? That depends! Although every job is different, most companies will expect you to have at least 5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science at a "pass" level. In some cases, students leave secondary school with 10 GCSEs or more. If you are going to study at A-Level and then perhaps on to University, employers will look more closely at those qualifications, but your GCSE grades are still important when you are taking your first steps in your chosen career. What optional GCSE subjects can I take? Optional GCSE subjects vary from school to school. The Year 9 Options Guide will take you through the options available at LMS. If you’re considering staying on at school to study A levels then you may want to begin to think about what subjects you’ll want to study, as it is advisable to have taken a subject at GCSE level if you want to study it in the future. If, like most students in Year 9, you are still in the early stages of career planning, then you may want to consider keeping your options open. Sometimes, studying a range of different subjects can be a good way for you to decide what sort of career areas might interest you when you leave school. How should I choose my GCSE subjects? There’s no ‘right’ way to choose your GCSE options, but it does help if you think about your future when making your decisions. Try not to be tempted to choose subjects simply because they are subjects that your friends have chosen or because you like your teacher. Ask yourself: · What am I good at? · What do I enjoy? · What kinds of careers, if any, interest me now?
Career Links: Arts Subjects Many employers want to recruit people who are lateral thinkers and creative problem-solvers - natural qualities of artists and designers. GCSE Art and Design or Graphics will help you to develop your creative, technical, communication, analytical and problem solving skills - skills that are essential in these and a wide range of other career opportunities. These courses will suit you if you: like to use different materials and processes to develop your visual skills; are creative, enthusiastic and imaginative; are willing to experiment and to take risks when you are trying out your ideas; are able to work independently and like to visit art galleries and museums to make your work more informed and interesting; enjoy communicating your ideas, opinions and addressing issues. What skills will I get from studying Art? Studying for GCSE Art subjects will primarily enhance your creativity and artistic skill, but it will also help you to further develop your analytical skills, motivation and, through an awareness of other artists, your expression and understanding of mood. What careers can Arts subjects lead to? Art Therapist Community Arts Worker Fashion Designer Fine Artist Graphic Designer Illustrator Print Maker Teacher Textile Designer Other jobs may include: Advertising Account Executive Arts Administrator Multimedia Specialist Museum/Gallery Curator Why studying art and design subjects are a good idea for your future Career: 1. The internet has created an explosion of opportunity for digital designers and multimedia artists The world is filled with computers, smartphones, tablets and other portable electronic devices. Almost all businesses have an online presence, with online advertising increasing by the day.
Careers at LMS
Careers at Lincoln Minster School The Careers Department at Lincoln Minster School can help you with your next career steps through: Career Interviews. If you want to talk to someone about your GCSE options and career paths beyond, speak to your tutor and a careers appointment can be arranged with the Head of Careers to talk through your options. Career Lessons. As part of your PSHE timetable during Years 10 and 11, you will have careers lessons. These will help you to find out how to make good decisions, examine your personal skills and qualities and support you in planning for life after school. Work Experience. In January 2021 you will be spending a week out of school on work experience. Organising and preparing for your placement and spending a week with an employer will give you a brilliant insight into the working world. It should make you feel confident that, you too, will one day have what it takes to be happy and successful at work. Employer Encounters. Look out for employer talks organised by the careers department and you different subject choices and listen to career stories from parents, alumni and local employers. Your next steps…… Ultimately it is important to chose subjects that you enjoy and you know that you are good at. This will not only give you the best chance of success in your exams, but will also direct you towards paths where your personal skills will match your future career. Hopefully, this guide will encourage you to think about the subjects on offer and what skills and opportunities are created by your studies at school.
Career Links: Biology Biologists are scientists who study the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our very own microscopic DNA. They try to understand how animals and organisms work, including humans, how we evolved and the things that can make us ill or improve our health. Biologists use this knowledge to stop the spread of disease, track down natural resources, improve public health, animal care and conservation and work out the true impacts of things such as pollution. Because biologists deal with the natural world, their jobs can take them anywhere, from labs to zoos, to ocean liners in the arctic and fieldwork in the Amazon jungle. What skills will I get from studying Biology? As with the other sciences, Biology helps you to build up research, problem solving, organisation and analytical skills and will strengthen your ability to apply theory to practical uses. What careers can Biology lead to? Biology is a key subject for lots of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers, particularly in healthcare, medicine and jobs involving plants or animals. The list is long and includes: nursing, dentistry, forensic science, psychology, physiotherapy, botany, environmental science, zoology, geology, oceanography, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, genetics and research. Rachel Lambert-Forsyth, director of education and training at the Society of Biology, says: “Biology opens up exciting career possibilities. From conservation to cancer research; biologists are tackling important 21st century challenges, and we need skilled young people to be part of this. It is also important to remember that Biology is excellent preparation for non-scientific careers thanks to the skills it provides – everything from analytical thinking to writing reports.” Biology will support your study of other sciences and Maths as well as subjects like Psychology and Geography and study it with a language or an essay subject like English at A-level and you might have even more choices for your career. Thinking ahead... Biology is part of that group of four subjects, which also includes Maths, Physics and Chemistry. You’ll often need at least two of these four subjects to get onto lots of different science based courses when you select your A levels, so it’s a useful all-round choice at that point. You’ll specifically need Biology for courses in Medicine, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Dietetics (studies in food and nutrition), Physiotherapy and Veterinary Science.
2. Fine artists can reach a worldwide market at the click of a button For the first time ever, those who make fine art, sculptures, photographs, fashion garments and other hand-crafted products are able to market and sell these directly to the public – on a large scale – without going through a third-party such as a gallery. Marketing and selling products via an artists’ website or print-on-demand facility enables artists to ship printed images and products to an audience that would previously never have known they existed. 3. Those with a wide skill set have an advantage, in any career Some people have a mathematical brain, others have strengths in written language, while others excel in creative areas such as Art and Design. If you are lucky enough to excel in two or three of these areas, you are part of a much smaller subset of the population. Art enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, complex analysis and critical thinking skills. No matter what career you choose, those who can arrange, present and display material in a way that is aesthetically pleasing have an advantage. 4. Good marks impress, no matter what Outstanding marks, in any subject, indicate skill; intellect; strong work ethic and a commitment to fulfilling one’s potential. All of these things are desirable traits in an employee or university applicant. For the vast majority of university degrees, taking an art-related subject alongside other subjects will not disadvantage you.If you excel in Art, don’t be convinced to take a more ‘useful’ subject – unless you want to or are good at it. If you have ability in a creative area: grasp it and let it shine. 5. Art marks are not solely dependent on an exam While Art subjects have an examination component, a large quantity of the work that is assessed is completed during class or homework time over the duration of the year. Art students often arrive at exam season with a significant portion of their Art marks accumulated and accounted for. For many students – especially those with a heavy exam load in other subjects or those who struggle with exam anxiety – this advantage is significant. 6. Coursework teaches you self-discipline Art and Design qualifications have a large workload. Students who take the subject must adapt as a matter of survival. While the heavy workload can be an initial shock; those who manage well emerge with focus, organisational and time management skills that many other students dream of. How can I find out more? The Art Career Project (www.theartcareerproject.com) Speak to your teacher about what studying Art and Desgin at GCSE is like. Talk to Year 10 and 11 pupils about what they do at Art GCSE, see if you can see some of their work.
Career Links: Business Studies Business studies looks at how businesses work. The subject covers areas like: Objectives and strategy: what businesses set out to do, and how they plan to achieve them. Accounts and finance: how businesses manage their money, and where they get it from. Management and administration: how businesses are organised, and how they use staff and resources. Production and marketing: how businesses create their products, and how they find people to sell them to. Business Studies also has some crossover with other subjects like Accountancy and Economics, which looks at how businesses relate to society and the wider world. What skills will I learn from studying Business? Business Studies is one of those subjects where you will learn key skills that will directly help you in the workplace. Some of the skills that you will learn from studying Business Studies include: Analysis and evaluation skills: As you learn more about Business Studies, you will develop good analysis skills and will be able to pick out key information from statistics and text. You will learn how to use data to draw conclusions and make informed decisions. Analysis and evaluation skills are highly sought after by employers and you'll be able to apply your acquired skills to real-life situations in business. Numeracy skills: Although Business Studies is about more than just numbers, studying the subject will help you develop better numeracy skills. Economists are often required to study figures and statistics and look for trends in order to decide on a course of action. Cultural awareness: Nowadays, even the smallest of companies can trade overseas and that's why having cultural awareness skills are so valuable to employers. By studying Business Studies, you will develop a good knowledge and understanding of how different cultures look at different events. Communication skills: Business Studies is also concerned with the study of people and society. In any workplace, having good communications skills is important and by studying Business Studies, you will learn how to communicate with people in business. Business Studies at GCSE and A-Level, will help you improve your written and verbal skills. Problem solving: Studying Business Studies will help you develop problem solving skills that you can apply to real-life situations. Business Studies can be a complex subject and by looking at case studies, you'll learn about effective problem solving techniques that will help you in other subjects and in your future career.
Biology is usually required or recommended for degrees in: Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, Materials Science, Nursing & Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Sports Science, Psychology and Speech Therapy. It is also useful for: Anthropology, Psychology, Civil Engineering, Geography, and Teaching. You may need A-level or BTEC in Biology to take on a higher apprenticeship in healthcare or biological sciences – e.g. researching diseases or biochemistry. GCSE Biology might also come in useful for intermediate or advanced apprenticeships in animal care, horticulture, veterinary nursing or environmental conversation careers. How can I find out more? The Royal Society of Biology (www.rsb.org.uk) Speak to your teacher or the Head of Department about what Biology GCSE entails.
What careers can Business Studies lead to? Most universities offer degrees in business subjects if you want to study business in higher education. These range from general Business Studies degrees to more specialist degrees such as business administration or business management. Certain degrees such as management science may be more theoretical, whereas others like business and accountancy are more mathematical. Some universities might offer business degrees as sandwich courses, where you will spend a year working in a business, and you can also study business with another subject such as English as a joint honours degree. Many business studies students go into management and administration jobs in commercial businesses, and a business studies qualification can also be helpful to get into finance, banking or insurance. But skills in management and marketing are also required in other areas such as charity, social work and local government, while a knowledge of business is also important for consultancy, certain teaching jobs and for financial journalists. A business studies qualification is also good grounding for studying an MBA, which is a master’s degree in business administration. Business Studies can also be useful for other school leaver options, such as Higher Apprenticeships. There are apprenticeships available in many sectors, including business, finance and law, where you will get work experience with a company in an area such as administration, management or sales. Remember that most organisations are run as a Business in some way, be it a shop, an accountancy firm, a school or a charity. How can I find out more? You may not know much about what studying Business is like, this link gives a good overview of the content of the course www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zpsvr82.
Career links: Chemistry Chemists get to ask some great questions, from “If I set this on fire what will happen?” to “If I combine these elements together in the right way can I create something totally new”? And it’s all part of the job. Chemists conduct experiments to study how elements work in different conditions, test how they mix, and work out what they are made up of right down to the tiniest particle. The results can be ground breaking, colourful, explosive, or almost impossible to see. Chemists use their experiments and knowledge to develop medicines, foods, fabrics and other materials, from neon lights to shatterproof glass. They also use it to understand the world around us, from why leaves change colour to discovering invisible pollutants in the air. Chemistry is sometimes known as the ‘central science’ because it helps to connect physical sciences, like maths and physics, with applied sciences, like Biology, Medicine and Engineering. What skills will I get from studying Chemistry? Questioning and experimentation can be useful when it comes to building a whole range of skills for work. Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps to you challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management. What careers can Chemistry lead to? Chemistry will help you get ahead in most STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) careers. Chemistry is an important subject for careers in medicine, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research. Chemistry will help in your study of other sciences and technical subjects including: Maths, Physics, Biology, Engineering, IT, Psychology, Geography and Geology. But, study it alongside a Modern Language or an essay subject like History at A-level and you will have even more options for courses and careers.
For degrees in Medicine or Geology, for example, you will often need two out of Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A-level. Chemistry is often highly recommended, especially for the life sciences- the study of living organisms. Chemistry is usually required for degree courses in: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Dentistry, Dietetics (studies in food and nutrition) and Pharmacy. It is often needed or recommended for: Biology, Medicine, other types of Engineering, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Materials Science, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Sports Science, Psychology, Zoology and Veterinary Science. How can I find out more? Royal Society of Chemistry (www.rsc.org/careers)
Career Links: Computer Science You have grown up in a world where technology is evolving rapidly, creating new subject areas to explore and changing the way people work in every area from medicine and fashion to engineering and economics. So whatever your career plans, you know it’s vital to develop your grasp of these ideas and concepts that will shape your world. GCSE Computer Science explores the principles of digital technology and ways of working called ‘computational thinking’, with coding as a core of the course. You’ve got to be able to think logically, solve puzzles and be tenacious when the going gets tough. But it is also really creative and you’ll get a real buzz out of getting something to work yourself, especially when programming. If you are interested in game design then you might find computing is for you. Before you can do the complicated stuff you need to master the basics. Making a computer dance to your tune is a really creative thing - but it's not easy. Computer Science will make you think. It will stretch you and test your powers of logic and patience. What skills will I get from studying Computer Science? In Computer Science you’ll learn loads of new stuff, combining the ‘theory’ with lots of practical tasks and challenges. So there’ll be lots of practical skills used on the computers, learning to program, doing the projects and conducting tests and experiments for your research. But there’ will also be quite a bit of extra reading and exercises to get your thinking and analytical skills sharp. What careers can Computer Science lead to? It’s no exaggeration to say the world runs on computers. They are everywhere: in homes, schools and offices but not just in the way you think. They are also embedded in all sorts of machines. Computers control airplanes, chemical plants, send rockets to space, control the central heating and make sure your car runs efficiently. As new things are developed, the world needs more and more people to research new ways of using computers to do the things they want. GCSE Computer Science (Computing) is a great foundation for going on to do Computing at A level. Computing at A level is a great foundation for going on to study Computer Science at University and that can open up a lot of possibilities. Common employers are IT consultancies and IT service providers.The IT departments of major organisations in the telecommunications, aerospace and defence, financial services, retails, public and third sectors also employ IT graduates. Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have a wide range of opportunities, too. Potential Careers include Database administrator Games Developer IT Consultant Multimedia Programmer Network Engineer System Analyst Cyber Security Worker Jobs were Computer Science would be useful include: IT Sales Professional IT Trainer Secondary School Teacher Technical Author How can I find out more? National Careers Service Website (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles) Careers in Computer Science (www.computerscience.org/careers)
Theatre Technicians work in a variety of roles in theatres and similar institutions. The job includes a range of specialisms. Lighting technicians install and angle floodlights, spotlights and so on, according to the directions of the lighting designer. They might also have to operate the lights during a performance, following the action on the stage and cues from the stage manager. Sound technicians create and record sound effects, background music while other technicians are responsible for areas such as set construction and special effects. Costume Designers design and create the costumes used in theatre. For a historical play, this may involve a lot of research. Working to a budget, they decide how the costumes can be created to look as genuine as possible, while meeting the needs of the performers. For example, they take into account any quick costume changes during a production. Costume designers may supervise a team of wardrobe staff who have to prepare the costumes and ensure they are kept clean and in good condition throughout the run of a performance. The usual route towards a career as a costume designer is to complete a degree or HND in a relevant design specialism such as theatre, costume or fashion design. Drama teachers teach the skills of drama and theatre arts. They work in schools, colleges of further education, universities, specialist drama schools, youth and community groups and arts centres, and for local authorities as drama advisers. Many drama teachers working in schools also teach a related subject, such as English. They teach pupils how to study plays, write scripts, design sets, and direct and perform a piece of drama. To become a secondary school drama teacher, you'll need a degree that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or to follow a relevant degree with postgraduate training leading to QTS. You could also study Drama with the aim of becoming a Drama Therapist, Arts Administrator or Dancer. How can I find out more? www.creativeskillset.org National Theatre (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk) The Stage (www.thestage.co.uk)
Career Links: Drama Drama and Theatre Studies is a subject with a long history. The earliest known dramatic productions took place in open-air theatres in ancient Greece and theatre is still popular across the world. Productions range from Shakespeare plays at Stratford-upon-Avon to comedy shows in the upstairs rooms of pubs. People's reasons for going to the theatre are equally varied. Some go to relax and escape. Others go to be emotionally stirred, and to gain deeper insights into life. What skills will I get from studying Drama? Drama could teach you a wide range of skills, including: how to breathe correctly and project your voice how to move well on stage how to use body language (posture, gestures, etc) dance skills (including jazz, tap, and social dancing) how to read and interpret a script how to improvise (develop an idea or character without a script) how to perform Shakespeare and other classic works. You might also cover other areas, such as singing, speaking verse, the use of masks, stage management, technical skills (eg, sound and lighting operations), make-up, writing for performance, publicity, and the history of the theatre. The skills learned through drama can help to develop yourself-confidence, imagination and communication skills. What careers can Drama lead to? Drama is useful for any role where you need to present yourself well to others and fits in well with a range of creative careers. Below is a sample of some roles that studying Drama could lead to. Actors and actresses work in live stage performances and/or recorded media such as film and television. Their job is to bring to life, as effectively as possible, the role they are playing. They use their own experience and emotions to help them portray characters. There are many different routes into this career. While there are no minimum requirements, most entrants complete a professional training course at a drama school. Stage Managers work 'behind the scenes' in theatres, arts centres and so on, helping productions to run smoothly. They make sure that the actors and actresses are ready on time, that props and stage furniture are in the correct position for each scene, and that cues are given to sound and lighting operators at the right moment. In small theatre companies, stage managers may also look after other areas of a production, such as lighting design and set construction. As with actors and actresses, many stage managers complete a professional training course at a drama school.
Career Links: English Language and Literature English is a core subject at school, which all students must study at least up to GCSE level. Most employers and universities will want you to have a good grade in English Language. What skills will I get from studying English Literature and Language? English is the primary language of communication in the UK. Most of us grow up speaking it fluently or learn naturally as we become immersed in the classroom and society around us. But written English is a different story. To learn the rules of spelling, punctuation & grammar, construct a sentence on a page and pronounce the words we happily speak every day, takes everyone a lot of time, study and patience. Learning these rules can help you to study other foreign languages at the same time too. Employers say that one of the most valuable things they look for in the people who work for them is good communication skills and this means being able to present confidently to a group of people and answer questions as well as write with accuracy. Being able to write a good cover letter, which is free from mistakes, can also be key to getting that job in the first place. Essentially, whenever you need to persuade, inform or connect with someone, English is useful. Studying English Literature helps to sharpen your analytical skills. If you can take a text and find the themes plus connect it with other texts, theories and historical events, you are showing that you can handle complex ideas, search for patterns and interpret information in a wider context. You will also develop your planning and research skills as well as gain knowledge of history, culture, philosophy and even human behaviour. What careers can English lead to? English is helpful for any job that involves communication, writing and/or literary knowledge. These include: advertising, marketing, writing and journalism, law, consultancy, business, teaching, performing arts, academia, government, linguistics, foreign languages, media and design. Careers in the sciences, engineering, technology and maths also need more English than you think. Writing proposals, academic papers & articles and communicating with others is key to getting funding for projects and reaching people with your work. Thinking ahead… English Literature or Language A-level is an essential subject for an English degree. Some Drama, Media Studies, American Studies and Law degree courses will also ask for an English Literature or Language A-level. How can I find out more? National Careers Service Website (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles)
Career Links: Electronics Electronic systems are all around us, and the number of roles relating to the design and maintenance of electronic systems are on the increase. Many of the skills required to work in the electronics and technology sectors have been identified as part of a skills gap within the labour market. What skills will I get from studying Electronics? knowledge and understanding of the basics of electronics. understanding of electronics in daily life. an ability to carry out tasks safely and skillfully. an understanding of 'How Science Works' across the principle concepts, techniques and facts of the specification. an understanding of the relationships between evidence, data, scientific explanations and theories and how new evidence can change scientific theories. the ability to apply your knowledge and understanding to planning a task, testing ideas and solving problems. the ability to apply your knowledge successfully to unfamiliar contexts acquire skills in data presentation and evidence-gathering. What careers can electronics lead to? Electronics engineers design, develop and test components, devices, systems or equipment that use electricity as part of their source of power. They can work in labs, hospitals, offices, in the community or in the armed forces.Career prospects for those who go on to further studies relating to Electronics can range from roles in the defence industry, radio communication, satellites, medical equipment or acoustics. Many electronic engineers will qualify through apprenticeship schemes or complete an undergraduate degree at University. How can I find out more? www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/electronics-4430/why-choose www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/electronics-engineer
Career Links: Food Preparation & Nutrition Food Preparation and Nutrition would be a good choice if you want to enhance your skills and knowledge in relation to how food is planned and prepared. It is a great way to acquire life skills and learn to cook. You could choose Food simply because you enjoy it, or because you are good at it and you want to complete a qualification in the subject. It is a subject with a great variety of content including both independent and team working, problem solving, costing and planning. The course covers elements of food science, use of ingredients and nutrition and actively encourages you to explore the wide diversity of foods available and their application in creating a wide variety of dishes. At Lincoln Minster School we do a lot of food practical work to show you how food works: in order to do this we cook every week. We build your skills in both making and presenting food. Lessons are varied because it very much depends on the topic. Some are formal; others will involve presentations and discussion. What skills will I get from Studying Food Technology? Food technology is about the conversion of raw materials into edible food products using design and making skills. You will investigate the food industry to gain understanding of commercial food production. By the end of the course you will have: Developed high level practical skills and made food products regularly. Acquired a working knowledge of food science and nutrition, the scientific principles of food handling and how the food industry operates. Studied food as a material by investigation and have learned to disassemble and evaluate food products. ICT: nutritional and food related software; the use of digital photography and the use of excel to produce reports and charts. What careers can studying Food Technology lead to? A Food Technology qualification can lead to a range of career opportunities within the food industry - such as food technologist, dietetics and sports nutrition, hotel and catering management, retailing, as well as the many careers related to food production. It will also train you in a variety of skills from decision making, to problem solving and team work - all of which are important life skills. The careers paths available from initially taking a GCSE in food to progressing to Further/Higher education are vast, here a few to consider, but there are many more: Chef, Development chef, Catering industry, Dietitian, Nutritionist, Hotel management, Food technologist, Sports science, Quality control, Quality management, Food safety, Brewing industry, Medical industry. How can I find out more? British Nutrition Foundation (www.nutrition.org.uk) National Careers Service Website (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles)
Career Links: Geography Are you interested in how the world works? Then Geography could be for you. Geography is a unique subject because it looks at both the physical structure of the planet and the social structure (i.e. how we affect our environment and how it affects us) in the past, present and future. Geography can be divided into two main branches: Physical Geography: is a branch of earth science, which looks at the natural elements of the world, including the atmosphere, land and oceans. Physical geographers study things like climate, soil, how the earth was formed and how it is changing over time. Human Geography: is a social science that studies how humans interact with the planet and covers things like population growth, migration, how urban and rural settlements develop, how we work with animals and even how our economies are effected by the environment we live in. What skills will I get from studying Geography? communication teamwork skills completion of group projects research and analysis data collection and analysis Employers love the mix of technical and social skills people get from studying Geography, which they see as very transferable,i.e. useful for a whole range of jobs. What careers can Geography lead to? According to the Royal Geographical Society, Geography graduates have some of the highest rates of graduate employment. Possible related careers, include: Environment Agency worker Conservation Surveying Water management Environmental planning Tourism Town or transport planning Sustainability A GCSE or A-level in Geography could also be useful for apprenticeships in surveying, horticulture, agriculture, land based engineering or BTECs in environmental sustainability or environmental conservation, although it won't always be required.
The army, police, government, research organisations, law and business sectors also love the practical research skills that geographers develop. Because geographers learn about human and population development, geography can be useful for jobs in charity, public sector and international relations too. Thinking ahead… If you want to study Geography at University you’ll almost certainly need to study it at A-level as well as GCSE. Geography A-level is also required from some environmental science and planning courses. According to the Russell Group, Geography A-level is useful (that means it’s a good idea to study it!) for courses in: Archaeology, Civil Engineering, Geology and Sociology. How can I find out more? Royal Geographical Society (www.rgs.org) Geogrpahical Association - careers advice and useful links (www.geography.org.uk) Speak to your Geography teacher or the Head of Department
Career Links: History People who study history are explorers of the past. They investigate past politics, societies, cultures, languages, health, art, education, money, conflicts and more, look at how things have developed over time and connect the dots to understand how we got where we are today. It would be helpful to know what could happen before we make an important decision wouldn’t it? Well, studying history can help us do this on a large scale. By analysing past events we learn about the consequences of people’s actions, from Kings & Queens to the London baker who forgot to put his fire out on September 2nd 1666. If we apply this knowledge to the present, governments, businesses and individuals can learn lessons from past mistakes or successes and make informed choices about their futures. For example Economists might look at the causes of the recent recession and past economic problems to try and avoid them happening again. Studying history can also be inspiring. When we discover what people have achieved against the odds and how things can change over time, it can give us the motivation we need to succeed. What skills will I get from studying History? History teaches us to ask two very important questions: why and how? This is key to sharpening your critical thinking abilities, which combine analysis, research, essay writing and communication skills to help you to solve problems and form arguments for debate. Historians look at all the available evidence and come to conclusions. If you’re working with ancient history, you may not have a lot of source material to go on and it will be up to you to bring together all your knowledge and to try understand some of the mysteries of the past. What careers can History lead to? With your analytical, writing, debate and detective skills, you’ll be primed for a huge range of careers in law, politics, public sector, business, marketing, journalism, economics, teaching, academia, insurance, social research, archaeology and curation (museums, galleries, archives and libraries). Studying History at GCSE will help you with other GCSE and A-level essay subjects like English Literature, Languages, Psychology, Economics and Sociology. Because it helps you develop both writing and analysis skills, it can also be really useful alongside a science subject or maths to broaden your knowledge and abilities. How can I find out more? www.history.org.uk - Includes podcasts and how-to study guide
Career Links: Languages Have you ever been stuck trying to ask for directions or ordering food abroad? Perhaps you have watched a foreign film and wished you didn’t need to read the subtitles? Whether you dream of living overseas, traveling the world with work or helping people communicate: gaining language skills can help you and are highly valued by many employers. What skills will I get from studying a Foreign Language? Learning a foreign language can build your communication, interpersonal, inter-cultural, and public speaking skills - otherwise known as 'soft skills'. Some studies have also shown that learning another language can improve your ability to multi-task and block out distractions, a skill useful for all learners, especially when it is time for revision. This aptitude might be helpful to you in the future, if you are required to learn a new language, such as Mandarin. What careers can Studying Foreign Languages lead to? Languages are great for a wide variety of careers especially those involving translation or communication with people from non-English speaking countries. This can include careers in tourism, government, politics, media, publishing, and journalism. You can also work in education, fashion or law. Any organisation which works across countries, values employees who can speak more than one language. Thinking ahead… Entry requirements for language courses at university tend to vary across institutions. If you want to study a language such as French or Spanish at university you will need to have studied it at A-level as an entry requirement and therefore also at GCSE. Some universities, like University College London, require a Modern Foreign Language GCSE for entry across all of their under-graduate degree courses. How can I find out more? National Careers Service Website: (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles) Thinking about studying languages further? (www.studyinglanguages.ac.uk)
Career Links: Maths Maths, is a core subject at school, which we must all study at least up to GCSE level. Maths is so much more than just a mandatory subject; the career possibilities can be endless. It all comes down to what maths is. Just as languages provide the building blocks and rules we need to communicate, maths uses its own language, made up of numbers, symbols and formulas, to explore the rules we need to measure or identify essential problems like distance, speed, time, space, change, force and quantities. Maths helps us find patterns and structure which is relevant to many aspects of life. Practically, Maths helps us put a price on things, create graphics, build websites, build skyscrapers and generally understand how things work or predict how they might change over time and under different conditions. What skills will I get if I study Maths? Maths is one of the best subjects to develop your analytical, research and problem solving skills. Not only will studying maths give you the knowledge to tackle scientific, mechanical, coding and abstract problems, it will also help you develop logic to tackle everyday issues like planning projects, managing budgets and even debating effectively. What careers can Maths lead to? Just about everything. People with Maths qualifications can go into: accounting, medicine, engineering, forensic pathology, finance, business, consultancy, teaching, IT, game development, scientific research, programming, civil service, design, construction and astrophysics to name a few…... Maths directly supports the study of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, IT, Economics, Business and Biology which can also help with your Maths revision. But studying Maths at A-level alongside an essay based subject like English or History can help keep your options open for more jobs and university courses.
Career Links: Music Did you know that in the UK £864m is made per year from the live music industry alone? Also our Creative Sector forms 6% of our GDP and there are 2 million employees in the music industry. People occasionally say ‘Music is not an academic subject’, but this is not the case- employees and universities value the many transferable skills that music brings. Some people say ‘"I play an instrument outside of lessons, I don’t need to do it for GCSE?" but why not use those skills and your hobby to help you get a good grade? What skills will I get from studying Music? Dr Robert Adlington, associate professor of music at the University of Nottingham points out that: “While some of these skills are acquired by students of all subjects, for example team work and good communication - music students have an edge. “The experience of organising, hosting and performing in events that are open to the public provides them with skills beyond those on other programes, requiring knowledge of customer awareness and interaction with the public, for example.” Music will help you build your problem solving, research, planning, analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as develop your creativity. Not to mention discipline, composure under pressure, time management, communication, self confidence, team and individual working ability - all gained from practice and performing. You might also learn technical skills through using computers, equipment and software to create and record music. Don’t forget music is…. Academic; a recent study found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Research shows that musical training permanently wires a young mind for enhanced performance. Physical; learning to sing or play develops co-ordination. Dexterity skills and breathing skills promotes a healthy body. Emotional; Music is an art form. We are emotional beings and everyone requires an artistic outlet. For life; Skills learned through music will last your entire life.
Thinking ahead… Maths A-level is a must have for degrees in: Physics, Engineering, Actuarial Science, Economics and, of course, Maths, although you may need to study Further Maths as well to do this. Maths is recommended or sometimes required for: Computer Science, Accounting, Chemistry, Biology and Life Sciences, Medicine / Nursing, Dentistry, Business Studies, Management Studies, Finance, Architecture, Geology, Psychology, Surveying and even Philosophy. Some subjects, like Medicine, require two out of this common gang of four subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. So although you might not need to study Maths to progress into medicine, you must take at least two of the other subjects instead. Maths is also crucial for studying advanced apprenticeships in Accountancy and Technology and Engineering subjects. How can I find out more? www.mathscareers.org- This site is packed full of advice for every stage of your education. Have a go at their career quiz and see where your maths skills could take you.
What careers can Music lead to? Music graduates have a wide range of career options available to them both inside and outside the industry, including: performer, teacher, administrator, songwriter, conductor, composer, recording engineer, manager, promoter, or music publisher. The range of roles can seem quite endless! There are also more jobs than ever in music business related areas, such as: careers in digital marketing, social media, PR, technology, label services, ticketing and merchandising. It is also common to find music graduates in consultancy, finance, banking, music therapy and legal jobs. Music complements a range of commonly required A-level subjects like Maths, Physics, English and Biology. You can choose to study Music either at University or a Conservatoire. Most universities will require you to study Music A-level or equivalent like Music and Grade VII/VIII for more traditional courses. Some universities also require at least one essay-based subject such as History or English. If you study Music at GCSE or A-level, this can be a good foundation for vocational courses in music technology and jobs in sound recording, audio engineering, studio facilities or music production. How can I find out more? Careers In Music (www.careersinmusic.co.uk) National Careers Service Website (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles)
Career Links: Physical Education (PE) If you love playing sports, have bundles of energy and enjoying learning about human movement then studying PE at GCSE, A-Level and beyond could be a good move for you. Physical education isn't just about sports though. You'll learn a lot about health, well-being and the human body. Physical Education is the study of physical movement, safety and health and well-being. There are a wide range of activities associated with PE including sports, dance and weight training. Physical Education helps develop and maintain confidence, well-being and social skills that can be more difficult to achieve through other subjects. What skills will I gain from studying PE? You'll gain many valuable skills from studying Physical Education that will help you in other GCSE and A-Level subjects as well as your future career. Some of the skills that you will develop include: Communications skills: Many aspects of PE involve working in teams towards a common goal. Through playing team sports and problem solving with others, you'll develop clear communication skills that will help you in the workplace. Every employer looks for candidates who are able to communicate well. Social skills: Physical Education is a very social subject and can involve a lot of group work. You'll learn how communicate and socialise with people in an effective way. When you start working, you'll encounter people from a range of different backgrounds, each with different personalities. Studying PE will help you learn how to best communicate with people in a team in order to produce the best results. Analysis and evaluation: At GCSE and A-Level, PE involves analysing your own and others' performance while looking for ways it could be improved. This is a particularly useful skill to have in your career as you'll often have to critique your own work and identify areas for improvement. If you work in management, you'll also benefit from the soft skills that PE teaches and will learn how to deliver messages clearly and effectively. Physical fitness: As a PE student, you'll also benefit from being physically fit. Not only will this help you in the physical side of the subject itself, but it will also improve your general well-being. Doing regular exercise is proven to relieve stress and promote good mental health. What careers can Physical Education lead to? Physical Education lends itself to a range of careers in sports and fitness as well as other industries that you may not have considered before. For example, did you know that many nutritionists, physical therapists and chiropractors have a degree in PE? Some careers that you could consider doing with PE include: Sports scientist PE teacher Physiotherapist Diet and fitness instructor or personal trainer
Career Links: Physics? Physicists look for all the hidden laws that explain why all matter (that’s every physical thing) and energy in the known universe exists, where it comes from and how it behaves the way it does. So if you’re wondering how forces of nature, like gravity, work or how aircraft stay up in the air, you’ll need to go to a physicist like Brian Cox, Stephen Hawking or Albert Einstein for an explanation. Physicists use the laws they uncover to develop new materials, machinery, and technology to improve our lives and help us explore the universe further, from computers to telescopes and spacecraft. Physicists ask some big questions, but they specialise in different areas and their work can be varied. For example, nuclear physicists study the tiniest particles of matter to discover what the universe is made of, whereas astrophysicists study some of the largest things – stars, planets and celestial bodies. Many physicists also combine their work with the other sciences (Chemistry and Biology) to study things like meteorology (the atmosphere) and geophysics (the structure of the earth). What skills will I get from studying Physics? Physics will help you to build up your problem solving, research and analytical skills. With these skills you’ll be able to test out new ideas plus question and investigate other people’s theories, which is useful for any kind of job that involves research or debate. What careers Physics lead to? Physics is a useful subject for the majority of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) careers and you’ll find physicists everywhere, in industry, transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, games companies, research labs and more. Physics is especially helpful for jobs that involve building things and developing new technologies, including: engineering, astronomy, robotics, renewable energies, computer science, communications, space exploration, science writing, sports and games technology, research and nano-technology. A spokesperson for the Institute of Physics says: “Physicists are involved in finding solutions to many of our most pressing challenges – as well as studying atoms or making sense of the extra-terrestrial, physicists diagnose disease, model the climate, design computer games, predict markets and design hi-tech goods."
Thinking ahead... If you want to specialise in coaching or teaching a specific sport, then there's a chance that you'll need to have a degree in Physical Education. If you plan to study Sports Science or Occupational Therapy, then having GCSE and A-Level PE will certainly come in useful when applying to university. However, every institution is different and you should check the entry criteria with individual universities when thinking about degree courses. At GCSE and A-Level, Physics, Chemistry and Biology go well with Physical Education and will be particularly useful when applying for jobs and university courses. How can I find out more? Success at School (www.successatschool.org/advicedetails/562/Why-Study-Physical-Education-PE) Speak to your PE teacher or the Head of Department
Thinking ahead… Physics can be useful for getting onto a wide range of university courses. Physics is also part of the gang of four – which includes Maths, Chemistry and Biology – that you usually need to pick at least two from at A-level to do a range of science degrees, including medicine and engineering. Physics is especially highly recommended for the physical sciences, which involves the study non-living objects. Physics is usually required for degree courses in: Engineering (general, aeronautical, civil, electrical, mechanical and chemical). It is often recommended or useful for: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and other practice based medicine courses, Architecture, Computer Science, Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Maths, Materials Science, Pharmacy, Sports Science, Surveying, Psychology, Teaching. You may need a Physics GCSE or A-level for some Advanced/Higher apprenticeships in Engineering or to work as a science technician. How can I find out more? Institute of Physics (www.iop.org) Future Morph (www.futuremorph.org)
Career links: Religious Studies Religion plays an important role in our society and can influence what people think, feel, and believe. Through studying Religious Studies, students get a broad look at how religion and spirituality form the basis of our culture. Even if we think that we do not believe in any religion, and that it is nothing to do with us, nevertheless, it affects a great many aspects of our everyday lives, wherever we live. Religious belief has been with humanity since the very beginning. It is an attempt to explain those things for which we do not otherwise have an answer: why are we born, why do we suffer, what happens to us when we die? Furthermore: By studying religious doctrines, rituals, narratives, and scriptures, we gain rich insight into the ways in which communities create, sustain and transform themselves As citizens in a multicultural world we enjoy unprecedented opportunities to encounter people whose religious beliefs and practices are very different from what we know. Such encounters make it all the more important that we cultivate our ability to understand and interpret what other people do and say. When we study religious values, beliefs, and practices we shed light on the sources of some of humankind’s most problems and conflicts. Many study religion in the hope that such knowledge may assist in the human quest for peace, justice and compassion. The study of RE teaches one to listen attentively, speak thoughtfully and write persuasively. What skills will I get from studying Religious Studies? Religious Studies also helps students develop marketable skills and aptitudes including: analytical and strategic thinking research skills critical judgement the ability to work with abstract, conceptual ideas the ability to negotiate and resolve conflict; an understanding of the impact of conflicting ideologies an appreciation of human diversity, belief systems, cultural and spiritual experiences These skills are particularly useful for future careers in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration or the media. Studying RE leads to: · an understanding of where people’s beliefs come from · an understanding of why people view the world differently · an examination of the fundamental questions of life · the weighing up of different beliefs, opinions, and experiences · the working out of one’s own views about how to live our lives · the ability to relate the beliefs, values, and experiences of others to our own experience of life
What careers can Religious Studies lead to? Religious studies students work in a variety of different role in a range of employment sectors.Typical employers include: national and local government, including the Civil Service and government agencies schools, colleges and universities (for teaching and research positions); charities, voluntary and not for profit organisations social services and other caring professions; the church and other religious organisations; financial and legal firms; the National Health Service; PR, advertising, sales and marketing companies; media companies Religious Studies students work in a variety of different roles in a range of employment sectors.Typical employers include: Libraries, charities, museums, television companies and publishing houses also employ Religious Studies students in a range of roles. How can I find out more? ·National Careers Service Website (www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles)