Your 14 to 16-year-old and the National Curriculum

Life choices and life-long learning

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Information and communication technology (ICT)
• Physical education
• Citizenship

They will also have to choose several other subjects to study.

From September 2008, some schools will be offering new diplomas. This is a more hands-on way of learning skills that employers and universities look for.

There is more to life than school or jobs! Children have so many more choices now.

Apart from English and Maths, most jobs don't need your child to have studied a particular subject at GCSE level. Most employers will probably be more interested in your child's range of study, their grades and if they enjoy learning. Some jobs need A-levels or degrees and some jobs need particular A-levels, so if your child has their heart set on a particular career, please check what they need.

Also make sure that your child is not basing their subject choices on things like:

• wanting to stay in the same class as their mates
• wanting to keep the same teacher
• thinking that some subjects are not as much work.

Because of different timetables, they may not stay in the same class, teachers may change and they have to be prepared to work hard in all subjects.

At this level, subjects are tested by a mixture of coursework and exams.  Coursework can be tested in a few ways:

• essays
• oral presentations
• art
• projects
• research.

They usually have a few days or weeks to do their coursework. Check when things are due in and help them plan their study timetable.

Do:
• help them find a quiet place to work
• encourage them to use a local library and internet resources
• encourage them to write clearly and neatly, check for spelling mistakes
• let them have regular breaks and make sure they get enough sleep and eat healthily.

Don’t:
• let them leave work to the last minute
• copy things straight from other books (this is called plagiarism)
• watch TV at the same time as studying

From September 2009, coursework in some subjects will be replaced by controlled assessments. Find out more at your child’s school.

Don’t be daunted! There is a lot to think about at this stage, for you as well as your child. Don’t be afraid to take advice. There is so much on the internet to help you as a parent and for your child.

For more advice on learning and qualifications for 13 to 19 year olds, contact Connexions Direct. Call an adviser: 08080 013 219.