Your qualification choices in Year 9*

*- in some schools, you will make these choices in Year 8

All schools offer more than just GCSEs and so it's important to check out what's available in your school.

You might want to choose a mixture of academic or general subjects and vocational subjects.

Academic or general subjects are more traditional, such as English, science and maths.
Vocational courses promote practical skills that can be used in the workplace, such as engineering or health and social care.

Entry level qualifications

These can be taken alongside GCSEs and can help you to progress to a GCSE or another Level 1 qualification such as an NVQ
They are available in a range of subjects as well as being skill-related.
Your work is assessed throughout the year through practical tasks and assignments.
Ask your tutor or Personal Adviser to see if these are available to you.

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

This is the qualification you're most likely to take if you're 16.

There are 8 grades of GCSE: A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G. You may need to get certain grades for your chosen career.
Grades D-G are a Level 1 qualification; grades A*-C are a Level 2 qualification.
A vocational GCSE will count as two GCSEs
GCSEs are usually assessed by a mixture of coursework and exams.

Short GCSE courses

Your school may offer short GCSE courses.

A Diploma:

These are available in some schools from September 2008
These might cover one of five subjects - more on diplomas
Available at three levels: Level 1,2,3
You may study the diploma in another place nearby (at a different school, a college or work place)

Every subject you take will give you valuable skills and knowledge for the future.

Find out more about qualification choices in Year 9 by reading the magazine Which Way Now or visiting the website.

Qualification Levels explained - the National Qualifications Framework (from Which Way Now on the Connexions Direct website