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This year you will be choosing your GCSE Options.  This involves dropping some subjects.  This padlet will give you extra information and help you reflect so that you make well informed choices.  You can use this padlet in your own time, however, your form tutor will be going through this padlet with you over the coming months.    

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This year you will be choosing your GCSE Options.  This involves dropping some subjects.  This padlet will give you extra information and help you reflect so that you make well informed choices.  You can use this padlet in your own time, however, your form tutor will be going through this padlet with you over the coming months.    

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The skills you develop when studying GCSE's are very  important because employers value these skills just as much as the grades you achieve.   Communication, leadership and teamwork are just a few examples.  Consider what skills you need to develop and explore the GCSE subjects that will help you develop them.  If you are struggling to choose between certain subjects, considering skills may help you decide.  For example, you might be struggling to choose between Art and Drama; you plan to be a teacher when you're older and you know you need to develop confidence for this job role so Drama would be the better choice because performing in front of people will aid your teaching skills and push you out of your comfort zone and help you develop your confidence.  Read the articles below to learn about the specific skills each GCSE will help you develop.

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School ensures you are studying all the facilitating subjects that help to keep all your career options open.  This includes Maths, English, Science and Humanities.

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It's worth exploring jobs linked to GCSE subjects, because if you are struggling to choose between subjects, knowing what kinds of jobs a subject could lead to might help you make some decisions.  However, if you have a specific career in mind, make sure you speak to Miss Grenaghan to check your choice and get advice.  Use the icould website below to help you learn about the jobs linked to GCSE subjects.

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The most important thing that you should be guided by when choosing your GCSE options is what you enjoy.  When you enjoy something you will feel naturally motivated and therefore are more likely to achieve high grades.  And it's high grades that employers and universities most value.  However, it's important to reflect on whether it's the actual subject that you genuinely enjoy, rather than the teacher you have or the friends you're with, or just one topic of the subject etc.  Please play all the videos below to help you reflect on this.

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Aside from learning general theory about how to run a business, you may be wondering what skills you can pick up from taking a GCSE in Business Studies.

Perhaps you are thinking of taking GCSE Business Studies but are concerned about how useful it will be to you?

Even if you don't have aspirations of becoming a budding entrepreneur, there's plenty to gain from the subject.

Business Studies will allow you to develop a variety of transferable skills that can improve your chances of being hired and stay with you for the rest of your life, regardless of what career path you take.

So, here is a list of the skills you will develop and perfect throughout your business studies ventures:

Understanding How Companies Work

One of the most important skills you can gain from a Business Studies GCSE is a keen understanding of how companies and organisations are run.

While this might not be an active skill you can apply to a certain career, a deep understanding of the inner workings of companies can give you great insights into what it's like to be a working professional.

This will almost certainly prove to be a valuable skill for any company you join or interact with, since your knowledge of the ins and outs of the business can help you work well as part of a team within an organisation.

Without much prior knowledge of how companies are run, you might find that it takes you a long time to adjust to a working environment, and to learn the ropes.

The quicker you can integrate, the more likely you are to impress your new employer, and gel with your new colleagues and workmates.

Decision-making

Good decision-making is an invaluable skill for any working professional to have under their belt.

A GCSE in Business Studies can force you to make tough decisions, even if they are only hypothetical ones. The choices you make for an imaginary business may seem arbitrary at times, but this will help you make quicker decisions if it ever becomes a reality.

Being exposed to the various decisions that a CEO or basic employee of a company has to make will help you in the long run with your own decision-making.

This will save you time and hassle in both your personal and professional life and can stick with you throughout your life.

Mathematical Skills

One of the most important skills to have in business is proficiency with numbers.

This doesn't mean you need to be able to do complicated sums off the top of your head, though.

Having good numeracy and mathematical skills can give you credibility when it comes time to crunch numbers.

The last thing you want is to come off as unprepared or frazzled in a business meeting just because you didn't learn the basics about numbers.

Fortunately, GCSE Business Studies will give you the tools you need to work with numbers proficiently, as you study investment, funding and how to use and interpret financial data.

These mathematical abilities are widely useful and will demonstrate to your future employers that you have a logical, analytical mind.

At the end of the day, money talks in business, and you need to be able to wrap your head around the numbers to appear confident and credible.

Adaptability

Studying how organisations adjust to a changing market will teach you how to be adaptable in business.

This is an extremely useful and desirable quality that will make you more than capable of taking on multiple roles within your career.

If you have aspirations of climbing the career ladder and working your way up to the top, then you have to show that you can be adaptable.

Things aren't always going to go well, and when disaster strikes, you want to be confident in your ability to react positively and take decisive action.

A lot of big businesses were formed around the time of the economic crisis in 2007-2008, since cunning entrepreneurs capitalised on the uncertainty to make their move.

If something similar happens and you are left unemployed, or in a company that's sinking, then adaptability is the skill that can help you most.

Also you'll be more than happy to accept that amazing promotion, knowing that you can step up and adapt to the workload.

Planning

The same way Business Studies can prepare you to deal with unforeseen circumstances, it can also help you to get organised and plan ahead.

One of the best ways to mitigate a disaster when you're leading an organization or even an employee is to plan ahead.

GCSE Business Studies teaches you that planning is one of your most powerful tools.

With it, you can avoid certain failures, and flourish when others are floundering.

A great plan is the key to a lot of success in life, including writing those GCSE essays!

Learning how to innovate and develop business plans requires a great deal of organisation, so it's well worth learning the skill of planning before you go into the world of work.

This, of course, is a crucial skill that will definitely serve you well no matter what career you decide to pursue.

Whether you end up working in accounting or the entertainment industry, having a contingency plan is essential.

If you plan in advance, there's less events that can surprise you, which will give you the upper hand over others who are blindsided by such events.

Problem-solving

The skill of problem-solving plays a significant role in any GCSE Business Studies course.

There are many scenarios in which problem-solving comes up in GCSE Business Studies. These include coming up with a business plan that works, adapting to changes in the market and deciding whether or not it would benefit a company to employ people.

Pretty much anything you do in GCSE Business Studies will require you to put your thinking cap on and solve the problem/s in front of you.
In business, there are always fires to put out.
The higher up the chain of command you are, the more fires you will have to put out.

So it's essential that you work on your problem-solving skills as much as possible, particularly if you're ambitious and see yourself in a management position some day.

The workplace is full of workers that might appear to be a single collaborative unit, but each worker is a person with career aspirations, dreams, and problems. As a result, it can seem like a juggling act at some times keeping people happy and working as hard as possible.

Even in an entry-level position at a company you can find yourself with plenty of problems to work on.

Through taking GCSE Business Studies you will likely improve your ability to come up with elegant and logical solutions to problems which employers, of course, love.

Presentation Skills

Presentation skills are imperative in many positions of power at a company, so a subject that allows you to develop them is a definite advantage.

Practising presenting will improve your communication skills and confidence, which are both valuable life skills.

At just about any level of business, you will have to give a presentation at one time or another.

Employers, business partners, and investors like to stay abreast of everyone that's going on within a company, and that could mean that you are called upon to present findings or figures.

In a GCSE Business Studies course it's more than likely that you'll be asked to make presentations to convince your peers that you have the strongest case.

Being able to stand up in front of a class full of your peers takes courage, and although it can certainly be intimidating the first few times, you will get more comfortable with it over time.

If you avoid it at all costs, then when the time comes to make a presentation in your working life, you're probably going to panic.

That's why you need to challenge yourself to work on your presentation skills as much as possible, so you can master your oral communication for when it becomes an important part of your work.

Public speaking is one of the most impressive and employability-boosting skills you can pick up, and it transfers to pretty much every field.

There is no doubt that working on your public speaking will boost your confidence, which can in itself have numerous benefits for your professional and personal life.

Summary

As you can see, Business Studies is a useful, practical and fascinating subject that many students enjoy and benefit from.

This should alleviate any concerns you may have had surrounding the usefulness of the subject, even if you don't plan on becoming an entrepreneur in the future.

A GCSE in Business Studies is a worthwhile qualification for a variety of careers and will open many doors to you.

You just need to make sure that you apply yourself fully and confront problems with a positive attitude, so that you can glean the most out of the course.

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Seven transferable skills you'll gain from GCSE Business Studies

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Aside from learning general theory about how to run a business, you may be wondering what skills you can pick up from taking a GCSE in Business Studies. Perhaps you are thinking of taking GCSE Business Studies but are concerned about how useful it will be to you?

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Computing is a newcomer to the curriculum. It was introduced in 2014 to replace ICT, and it's a foundation subject, which means you have to study it up to GCSE.
As well as learning how to create computer programs, you'll learn to apply the problem-solving skills and creativity to other subjects and real-life situations.

Learn more: Our Computer Science Subject Guide links what you learn in class to your career

In this article, we ask what computer science is, and explore what computing jobs studying the subject at school can lead to.

'Computing teaches problem-solving skills as well as programming'
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What is computing?

In computing, you learn how computer systems work, from the physical stuff (the hardware) to the apps and programs that users interact with (the software). You also learn how to create and manipulate computer systems, and how to apply the skills and approaches you pick up in computing to tackle real-life problems creatively.

You will:

Computing teaches you about the stuff that makes

up a computer as well as how to programme apps

Learn to create a set of instructions for a computer to follow (algorithm) to complete tasks.

Create apps and computer programs.

Understand how hardware and software talk to each other.

Develop your problem-solving skills to enable you to create algorithms and programs.

Learn at least two programming languages.

Understand binary and Boolean logic (the way computers see the world).

Understand how programmes and algorithms are stored in a computer system.

At primary level, pupils learn what the internet is and how to use it safely, use a computer to create and store information, and how to create content such as animations and videos.

What's the point in studying it?

Now you know what computer science is, but you may still be wondering why you need to study it.

Most young people are tech savvy, so computing aims

to teach genuinely useful skills like programming

The vast majority of us use computers in our day-to-day lives for everything from gaming and communicating by email or on social media to finding information, paying our bills and shopping. In 2015, nearly eight in 10 adults in the UK accessed the internet every day or nearly every day, and over seven in 10 used a computer every day (eight in 10 16-24 year olds). Many of us use computers at work.

Computing was introduced as a school subject in 2014 to reflect this, replacing ICT. Most young people are tech savvy - you might have heard the term "digital natives" to describe people who have grown up with computers and the internet. You might use your smartphone on an hourly basis, but how often do you write algorithms and programs outside school?

Computing was introduced to give you more advanced skills so you can make computers work for you. It also teaches you about the ever-changing risks of using the internet, so you can keep your personal information safe and avoid security risks, and reduce the impact of online bullying ("trolling").

It gives you a whole bunch of skills you can apply to your other subjects and in your career, and opens the doorway to new and emerging career paths. IT companies like Google and Microsoft helped the government design the course because they want to make sure young people have the digital skills employers look for today.

What skills will I get?

What subjects does computer science go with?

Computing complements maths because it teaches logical thinking and problem-solving. You can use the skills you develop in computing to help you analyse and solve maths problems.

Computing will help you with any subjects which require a degree of critical thinking - which is virtually all of them!

You might be surprised to learn that your computational thinking skills can be a big help in the arts and humanities. Your critical thinking skills will help you analyse historical, philosophical and critical arguments in history, philosophy and English literature/language. In computing, you'll learn to look at programs and algorithms systematically. You can apply this systematic approach to texts in English and other subjects.

What qualifications do I need to study computing for?

Computing A-level could help prepare you for an IT

apprenticeship

A-level computing or equivalent is not generally required to study computer science at university. Some Russell Group universities accept it as part of computer science applications (you should check individual course requirements before applying, and ideally before choosing your A-level subjects). It is generally well-respected by universities.

Computing A-level (or equivalent) may be a good choice if you're planning to apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship for an IT role.

What computing jobs can I do?

You could consider studying computer science at university if you want to begin a computer science career in roles such as:

Computing jobs do not always require a degree in computer science (many programmers don't have computer science degrees). For example, maths and physics graduates are often qualified for computer science jobs if they have some coding experience under their belt.

Computing jobs don't necessarily require a degree at all:

Apprenticeships are available in IT, cybersecurity and other areas related to computing.

If you have gained coding experience informally, some employers may consider your application regardless of whether you have a degree. However, your options will be more limited, as some employers require degree-level education as a minimum requirement. Some will not require a degree but will favour candidates who hold one.

Does computing help with other career paths?

Because computing helps hone your computational thinking skills and problem-solving ability, it could be useful for a whole bunch of careers. In job applications, you can use your computing GCSE or A-level to demonstrate these skills.

ICT skills are particularly useful in any office-based job. Since computing is new, GCSE or A-level computing could give you an edge on other candidates, since you will have developed creative skills and knowledge that they may not have. Your ability to write programs and manipulate information and content are skills that potential employers may value.

Other subjects in our Why Study? series

Image credits
Lead image via Freepik Computer interior via Wikimedia Commons Multiple devices via Flickr Teacher and student via Navair

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Computing is a newcomer to the curriculum. It was introduced in 2014 to replace ICT, and it's a foundation subject, which means you have to study it up to GCSE. As well as learning how to create computer programs, you'll learn to apply the problem-solving skills and creativity to other subjects and real-life situations.

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Marianna's love of food and nutrition led her to a role with Spoon Guru, an app that helps people make informed choices about what they're eating. She tells us what skills you need if you want to become a nutritionist. Name: Marianna Ragoussis

Company: Spoon Guru

Industry: Food / health

What is your job? Nutritionist

How long have you been doing this job? Around one year

Education

University: Oxford Brookes University

Degree subject: BSc Nutrition

A-levels: Food technology, Information and communications technology, Art, Business studies

1. What was your very first job?

I'm quite new to the industry as I graduated last year, so this is my first nutrition-related job. I was really excited to go straight into a nutrition role at Spoon Guru. While I was studying at university I took a summer internship as a research assistant, and before that I interned in a number of companies.

2. What did you want to do when you were at school?

To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Even when I finished school I was unsure, but I knew that I enjoyed learning about food and nutrition (I took a food technology class), and I wanted to explore this subject more. So I went on to do a degree in nutrition.

3. How did you find out about the industry?

I found out about the industry when I was relatively young, and as I started to become more interested in my last year of school I decided to start searching for food and nutrition degrees. It was one of my university lecturers who introduced me to Spoon Guru; I immediately thought that it was perfect fit for me.

4. How did you get there?

It was great that my degree not only focussed on the clinical side of nutrition but also explored what goes on in the food industry. I tried to be as pro-active as possible during my studies, for example, became the president of the OBU Nutrition Society, as well as doing work experience in hospitals and manufacturers, such as Bakels.

I also believe that my dissertation at university helped me a great deal as it involved personalised diets, which fitted well with Spoon Guru's motive of helping customers make accurate food choices tailored to their individual needs.

5. What is a typical day like?

I focus largely on allergies, intolerances and lifestyle diets (which I find really interesting) while also researching nutrition labelling regulations in the UK and internationally.

On a day-to-day basis, the nutrition team helps to develop the company's database and maintain the accuracy of the information on the app and corporate business-to-business packages.

6. What's the best thing about your job?

The best thing is being able to put into practice what I've learnt at university, and the continual development of my nutrition knowledge. I work in a very friendly environment with lovely people, so I really enjoy the teamwork.

7. What is the most challenging thing about your job?

The time pressures. Sometimes we are given projects that need to be completed in a matter of days. In these situations good communication and teamwork are essential.

8. What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?

Gain as much experience as you can and work hard at university, as this really pays off. Develop good teamworking skills, and have confidence in your own abilities. Another element that helped me land this job is the fact my thesis was relevant to the role.

9. What things do you wish you'd known before starting your career?

I think it would have been helpful to know more people in the nutrition industry and perhaps have a mentor; this way I could have been able to get as much advice as possible.

10. Where would you like to be in 5 years?

In five years' time I would love to be managing my own nutrition team!
If Marianna's role sounds perfect to you, here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a nutritionist.

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Marianna's love of food and nutrition led her to a role with Spoon Guru, an app that helps people make informed choices about what they're eating. She tells us what skills you need if you want to become a nutritionist. Name: Marianna Ragoussis Company: Spoon Guru Industry: Food / health What is your job?

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If that's the case, studying design and technology could be for you. The subject can open you up to a lot of career choices...

What is design and technology?

Design and technology is an area of study that focuses on planning, designing and creating things (called "products") which people use.

Think about your toaster (stay with us). Someone had to spend a great deal of time thinking about how to make it look good while also making it work. That's what design and technology is all about!

While studying this subject, you can learn how to design and make anything from electronics, clothes, furniture, food, and even computer programs.

The subject is sometimes split up into the following categories:

Electronic products: Use electronic materials to build interesting devices.

Food technology: Design recipes and create food products while learning about nutrition.

Graphics: Learn how to use 2D and 3D modelling programs to plan and design products.

Resistant materials technology: Work with materials like metals, plastic, wood, and use them to make interesting products.

Textiles technology: Learn about different fabrics, how they are made, and ways you can use them to create products.

'Design and technology is a broad subject, leading to careers in software, fashion and design'
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We made this infographic to give you a quick overview before you delve deeper into this article:

What skills will I get with design and technology?

By studying design and technology, you'll be able to build up your creativity, problem solving, planning, and evaluation skills. Since many projects are done via group work, you'll also gain communication and teamwork skills. Not to mention a great work out of your creativity bone!

What careers can I do with design and technology?

There are plenty! And we're not kidding. Design and technology can set you up for a career in a wide variety of industries such as fashion, engineering, architecture, information technology, careers in hospitality, and even education.

Popular careers for people with design and technology qualifications include: fashion designer, tailor, product designer, architect, software engineer, civil engineer, carpenter and chef.

What degrees and other qualifications do I need design and technology for?

If you want to study design and technology at university level, some courses require you to have completed the subject as part of your A-levels.

Although some university courses may not list design and technology as an entry requirement, it can still be very helpful for courses in architecture, engineering, information technology and computer science.

A GCSE or A-level in design and technology can also be useful for apprenticeships in carpentry, construction, food manufacture, fashion and textiles, interior manufacturing, and engineering technology.

What subjects does design and technology go with?

Design and technology goes well with art, but also science and technology subjects, including physics, maths, chemistry and IT. When it comes to the sciences, having knowledge of how physical and chemical processes work can come in handy when designing different products. Including food!

The subject also supports the study of art, as sculpture and other disciplines require an understanding of how structures can be designed to support themselves.

Where can I find out more?

Check out our other Why Study? articles...

Image credits
https://www.flickr.com/photos/designandtechnologydepartment/ http://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/question_237188 http://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/list_138849 http://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/pencil_234649 http://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/collaboration_265663 http://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/library_234648 http://www.freepik.com/free-vector/designer-working-on-his-computer_824360.htm

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If that's the case, studying design and technology could be for you. The subject can open you up to a lot of career choices... Design and technology is an area of study that focuses on planning, designing and creating things (called "products") which people use. Think about your toaster (stay with us).

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It doesn't take too many trips to The Student Room to realise that students actively seek 'easy' GCSEs. Often, Physical Education gets top marks for that category. GCSE Drama always ranks in the Top Ten of easy GCSE courses. That seems rather odd because Drama terms like 'devising' and 'stimulus' crop up near the top of search engine results. Apparently, GCSE Drama is more challenging than most people think.

But Drama is also fun, engaging and captivating. Drama isn't like other General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) topics such as Statistics, Science or History. Drama doesn't just consist of memorising facts. You won't simply stare down an exam booklet designed to absorb all of the subject knowledge you can recall. Your Drama GCSE does have a written component but it's not the sum total of your requirements.

And reading two of the exam's six required texts, maybe The Crucible and Blood Brothers, hardly gives a clue about everything you'll learn from this GCSE subject. Indeed, your Drama GCSE will teach you so much more! GCSE Drama:

fosters a spirit of cooperation

builds teamwork

teaches communication skills

sharpens visualisation and creative skills

hones your critical thinking skills

develops public speaking skills

boosts self-confidence

deepens your well of empathy

Many would scoff at that last point. Who cares about feelings when you're trying to put a show together? And from the actor's perspective: you can't worry about others' feelings when you're busy trying to portray... others' feelings. Okay, point taken on that one. Maybe there is something to the skills GCSE Drama teaches, after all. Let's find out.

GCSE Drama: More than Acting Skills

Another arts subject and yet another misconception! Some people think that the only worthwhile reason to study GCSE Drama is to become an actor or director. Drama isn't a very content-heavy subject and you don't learn loads of real-life, useful stuff. Or do you? More on that in a bit.

GCSE Drama has a reputation as being an easy subject. How could something that fluffy be useful? But what people forget is that practical subjects like Drama allow you to develop valuable skills. Like cultivating empathy, as shown in our example.

You'll use such skills throughout your life. Most of the drama skills you'll learn in the AQA GCSE Drama course will serve you well even in the workforce. Unlike sitting a 'practical' GCSE like Geography or Statistics, GCSE Drama doesn't care about the type of job you make a career out of. That's because not everything taught in Drama is drama-related.

For instance, let's talk about that old saying, fake it till you make it. It gained mainstream popularity sometime in the early 70s. Today, psychotherapists, motivational speakers and even social movements like the Law of Attraction all claim it as their personal creed. Do you know what it really means? Act like you have what you want and it will come to you. Act like you are who you want to be and that's who you'll be.

You could argue that such a mindset could be damaging and dangerous. You'd be right. That's why you need an experienced master to guide you to the limits of this type of thinking. That's just one of the lessons GCSE Drama teaches. Let's run through more of the skills you will develop and perfect throughout your Drama studies.

Drama Techniques GCSE

To say that strife is abundant in today's world would be a massive understatement. It seems that, everywhere, people are erupting into violence. Even if it's only a matter of exchanging barbed words. We really need what American Rodney King pleaded for: can we all get along?

No subject teaches you how to work well in a team quite like Drama. In Drama, you are nearly always working with a group of people of varying sizes. You will work with lazy people, disorganised people and vainglorious, bossy people. You may even be one of these characters yourself.

Gossip sites and social media are full of salacious celebrity feuds. We're not saying that everyone in show business gets along like a house afire. Of course, there will be temperament clashes, (un)intended insults and outrageous behaviour. Celebrities are human, just like us.

How that relatively small community works together despite their differences is remarkable. Seldom will you hear of such an artist refusing to work with someone. That's because their Drama training has helped them develop patience and the ability to compromise. You too will cultivate these qualities through GCSE Drama.

Sign up for acting classes here on Superprof.

Teamwork

Even if an actor stars in a one-person show, they do not work alone. They are surrounded by lighting technicians, makeup and wardrobe artists, set dressers and other professionals. The scriptwriter must produce a narrative that the actor can credibly pull off. The prop masters must be alert for clues that the actor is ready for the next piece of equipment. The director must know how - and how far to push their actor.

Whether on stage, in film or in the recording booth - think about voice actors, everyone working on a production must work as a team. The AQA GCSE Drama exam will ask you how you would design a costume for a certain character. Or how a production designer might set the stage to maximum effect for a scene. Such questions are posed to help you understand the importance of teamwork in drama.

Cooperation

Many people think that teamwork and cooperation are synonyms. They're not... exactly. Teamwork means everyone pulling together for a common goal. Cooperation is agreeing to assist or share responsibility. For instance, an actor may practice teamwork to render a flawless product. However, they have to cooperate with their stylists, prop masters and makeup artists before engaging in teamwork.

You might not want to slather on thick layers of pancake makeup. You may feel uncomfortable wearing heavy brocade costumes. You still have to go to all the fittings and wear that clothing under hot klieg lights. That's you, cooperating with the production. What a great quality to nurture!

Discipline

It takes fortitude and endurance to become someone else for a few hours. More so if, indeed, you are wearing heavy brocade or armour. Whether you have allergies, a nervous stomach or a momentary illness - a cold, you must still perform. It takes tremendous discipline to not sneeze or wipe your nose when you're in character. Likewise so for everyone behind the scenes as the show goes on.

Performing on stage or screen isn't where your discipline reserves will first be tasked. You must learn your lines, appear for costume fittings and, for voice actors, train yourself to speak in different accents. You have to maintain a steady diet and health regimen so your appearance doesn't change too drastically. And that, even if you don't have any roles at the moment.

Those involved in set construction must focus on their work. A writer may work late into the night to make all of the script changes the director demanded ahead of the next performance. The wardrobe department will work overtime to produce all of the needed costumes. The behind-the-scenes workers must master discipline, too.

GCSE Drama will teach you discipline. Once you've mastered the art of keeping a straight face throughout the entirety of a ridiculously funny production, you're basically the master of discipline. This skill makes you more aware of your physical state. You'll be able to better adapt your physical responses to various situations. It's not so much about acting as being aware of your body language and how to adapt to distracting, uncomfortable or sensitive situations.

Drama GCSE: Release Your Inner Visionary

Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and, to an extent, Jeff Bezos are all considered visionaries. They had an idea of how they could shape the world and set about doing so. They're not necessarily looked on with admiration and favour - well, maybe save for Mr Musk. Oddly enough, most people consider Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg only questionably visionary. Didn't they do more to revolutionise the world than the others on this list?

But enough about billionaires and their visions. We're talking about you, the budding visionary. And how GCSE Drama will help you develop your skills. Skills which, incidentally, are needed in the world today.

Improvisation

The best-laid schemes of mice and men can still go wrong. Scottish proverb

Crazy weather. Crippling inflation. Constant disappointments, big and small. No matter how well we plan our lives or actions, anything can come along to scupper things. But we can't just stop in our tracks. We have to carry on.

In Drama, you will improvise on a number of occasions. This allows you to think on your feet, develop your initiative and be more proactive. It may not feel like it at the time but this will hold you in good stead. When things go topsy-turvy, you'll have the skills needed to take initiative. Soon, without even thinking about it, you'll be able to adapt to circumstances in your personal life and in the workplace.

Ingenuity

Have you ever watched shows like Monty Python or Whose Line is it Anyway? Isn't it amazing how those actors could take ordinary, everyday things - umbrellas, chairs, hats and the like, and turn them into completely absurd props? Even toddlers are gifted with ingenuity. For a small child, a stick can be a gun. A jumper or pillowcase can double as long hair.

You likely were possessed of such ingenuity when you were a small child, too. GCSE Drama will reawaken your ingenious side. Soon, you too will find yourself envisioning completely new uses for salt shakers, feather dusters and even loo roll.

Creativity

Wordsmiths are decidedly creative. Their work demands the clever use of words to make their writing engaging and thought-provoking. They might lack the ingenuity (and knowledge) to design next-generation power sources, for example. But they can write at length about what such a system might look like. How it might work.

Drama stimulates you to be constantly creative. Of course, nothing can actually teach creativity. It is a muscle that needs a regular workout; constant stretching and flexing. GCSE Drama gives you license to regularly come up with exciting, functional and convincing ideas. The best part is, once you've built those skills, the ability stays with you for life.

GCSE Drama: A Road to Personal Development

These days, Leadership courses like Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and professional development courses all emphasise the need for personal development. What does that mean, exactly? The skills described so far all fall under the personal development header. But GCSE Drama has more development in store for you. As you explore all of the skills that few relate to studying drama, you'll also grow and develop as a person.

You'll Become a More Profound Thinker

Analysing Drama productions allows you to develop your critical thinking skills. Analysing a role to determine how you would play it makes the process yet more personal. Critical thinking skills are useful in a number of jobs. Before you join the workforce, these skills will help if you are planning on studying English Literature, Media Studies or Film Studies at the degree level. Critical thinking skills transfer to other aspects of your life, too. They allow you to think more critically about the film, television and theatre that we all consume on a daily basis.

You'll Become More Empathetic

Empathy is a really important life skill. When you act in Drama you put yourself in another person's shoes. You strive to identify with them and their situation. Learning to feel what others feel is a serious undertaking. You will not remain unchanged from this experience.

GCSE Drama will test your empathy levels. Especially when analysing or portraying a character who is experiencing things you cannot personally relate to. This is an invaluable skill that will open your mind and improve the way you interact with people. It is especially useful if you are considering a career in caregiving, teaching or social work.

You'll Become More Confident

Being in the spotlight, projecting your voice and presence with authority... Naturally, you will gain confidence. Drama, by its very nature, pushes you to perform. Each performance will boost your confidence. Don't hesitate to develop your performance skills! GCSE Drama helps you overcome the fear of making mistakes in a fun, creative and supportive environment.

So, if you want to take Drama don't let anyone tell you that it's an easy option or a cop-out. Drama is a valuable subject that many people benefit from. Studying Drama will help you become a confident, open-minded person who isn't afraid to create, perform or do a bit of public speaking. Now, the only question remains: how to get top grades in this GCSE?

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It doesn't take too many trips to The Student Room to realise that students actively seek 'easy' GCSEs. Often, Physical Education gets top marks for that category. GCSE Drama always ranks in the Top Ten of easy GCSE courses. That seems rather odd because Drama terms like 'devising' and 'stimulus' crop up near the top of search engine results.

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Are you thinking about studying Geography at GCSE or A-level? Our guide will tell you all you need to know about careers that use geography and what jobs are available.

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People who study history are fearless 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 might be about the past, but there are plenty of careers in history that you can pursue today. Why study history? Because it's great news for your future!

I

'Why study history? You'll learn skills you can apply in a huge range of careers'
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We made this infographic to give you a quick overview:

But it's all in the past, why is history useful to students now?

It would be great to know what could happen before we make an important decision wouldn't it? Well, studying history can help us do this on a big scale.

Learn more: Our History Subject Guide links what you learn in class to your career

By analysing past events we learn about the consequences of people's actions, from kings and queens to the London baker who forgot to put his fire out on September 2nd 1666...

History tells us about the future

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 compare the causes of the recent recession with past economic crises, like the Wall St Crash, and work with politicians to avoid them happening again.

History gives us a more balanced outlook on the world

Could our knowledge of the Wall Street Crash prevent future

economic crises?

In history we study lots of different sources and learn that events are often the result of complex and multiple factors. It's never as simple as person A whacking person B over the head and starting a war. Politics, communication, beliefs, misunderstandings and even the environment can shape the way things turn out.

Look at all the different stuff that came together to make things spiral out of control in Game of Thrones ... (OK we know this isn't real history, but an understanding of medieval European politics helped to write it!) Essentially, history helps us see the bigger picture in 3D.

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 the following skills:

Historians look at all the available evidence and come to conclusions, a lot like a good detective, which helps them learn to be organised and manage information. 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 and solve the mysteries of the past.

What careers in history can I do?

These guys might look like relics of the past - but they can

teach us about people ancient and modern

With your ace analytical, writing, debate and detective skills, you'll be primed for a huge range of careers in history and beyond. Areas you could go into include:

Deep breath!

What subjects does history go with?

Studying history at GCSE will help you with other GCSE and A-level essay subjects like:

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.

What degrees and other qualifications do I need history for?

If you want to study history at university or, in some cases, American studies at university, you'll a need to take it at A-level.

You won't need it for other specific courses but the Russell Group recommends history as an excellent subject for keeping your options open when choosing a degree. It can be especially useful for courses that include elements of history and essay writing like:

History GCSE or A-level can also be useful for vocational courses or school leaver jobs in journalism, administration, marketing or law.

Useful links

Historical Association Student Resources: Includes podcasts and how-to study guides

Other Subjects in our Why Study? series:

Image credits

American Union Bank via Wikimedia

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People who study history are fearless 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.

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It's a good question! Believe it or not but some of the most talented and successful musicians in history couldn't even read a single note of music! Ok ok, if you want be a concert pianist, play in an orchestra, or even be a conductor - it's a very different ball game. You'll need some training and qualifications.

However, not everyone who studies music ends up as a musician or a performer; there are lots of other career choices to explore....

What Skills will I get from Studying Music?

Studying music can give you a great mix of social, technical and business skills, which can all help in acquiring the seven skills that define employability; put together in the working towards your future joint report by the National Union of Students and the Confederate of British Industry.

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, good communication and self management, 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 programmes, requiring knowledge of customer awareness, or interaction with the public, for example."

In the words of Albert Einstein: "The greatest scientists are artists as well". Music is kind of like part art, part science! Which means it 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, 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.

What Careers is Music Good for?

Music graduates have a wide range of career options available to them both inside and outside the industry, including: performer, teacher, administrator, songwriter (we think it's one of the greatest jobs out there), 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.

Read our interview with Claire Waterhouse who is a full time professional musician.

What Subjects does Music go with?

Music complements a range of commonly required A-level subjects like Maths, Physics, English and Biology. These are also known as 'facilitating subjects', and selecting a good mix can help keep degree choices wide open.

What Degrees and other Qualifications do I need to study Music for?

You can choose to study music at degree level at either a university or conservatoire. Most universities will require you to study Music A-level or equivalent like Music and Grade VII/VIII for more traditional courses. But a Music Technology A-level may not meet university requirements. 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.

Where can I Find out More about Studying Music?

CUKAS - Conservatoires UK Admissions Service

Check out our Performing Arts career zone.
Other Subjects in our Why Study? Series:

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should i study music? careers in the music industry

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It's a good question! Believe it or not but some of the most talented and successful musicians in history couldn't even read a single note of music! Ok ok, if you want be a concert pianist, play in an orchestra, or even be a conductor - it's a very different ball game.

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If you love playing sports, have bundles of energy and enjoying learning about movement then studying PE at GCSE, A-level and beyond could be a good career move for you.
Physical education isn't just about sports though. You'll learn a lot about health, well-being and the human body.

'You'll learn a range of skills from studying PE that will help you in your future career'

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What is physical education (PE)?
Physical education, or PE for short 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. These students from Long Rd Sixth Form in Cambridge talk about what A-level PE is like and why they chose it:
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 involves 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 verbally and in writing.

Physical education is a great way to build your social skills

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'll also improve your general well-being. Doing regular exercise is proven to relieve stress and promote good mental health.

What careers can I do with physical education?

Studying PE can lead to various challenging careers in physical

education

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 science

PE teacher

Physiotherapist

Professional sportsperson

Sports coach/consultant

Sports policy at local and national level

Diet and fitness instructor

Personal trainer

What degrees and other qualifications do I need PE for?

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 have GCSE and A-level PE will certainly come in useful when applying to university. However, very institution is different and you should check the entry criteria with individual universities when applying for degree programmes.

What subjects go with physical education?

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. If your school offers sports science or sports science as well as PE, then these subjects will also impress an employer or university.
Want to pursue an active career? Check out our guide to jobs in sport.
Image credits

Lead image, runners, press-ups via Flickr

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why study pe? why study physical education? careers with physical education

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If you love playing sports, have bundles of energy and enjoying learning about movement then studying PE at GCSE, A-level and beyond could be a good career move for you. Physical education isn't just about sports though. You'll learn a lot about health, well-being and the human body.

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Have you ever gotten 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, travelling the world with work and helping people communicate: gaining language skills can help you.
Before, we begin, for more advice on studying languages at university, you might want to take a look at our 60 Second Interview with a History and French Student.

What languages can I learn at school?

Typically, the main Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) you can take at GCSE and A-level are French, German and Spanish. But that's not all! Depending on your school, the adventurous can choose from an exciting array of languages, including: Afrikaans, Portuguese, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Russian and Japanese.

Find out more: Our Languages Subject Guide links what you learn in class to your career

If you're a history buff, you can also take choose 'Ancient Languages', which includes Classical Greek and Latin. And why not? You may as well... carpe diem! ("seize the day!" Yeah, we had to say it).

What skills will I get from studying a foreign language?

The ability to speak another language, of course! Ok, that's an obvious one but there's more to it than that. Learning a foreign language can build your communication, interpersonal, intercultural, 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. That would definitely come in handy during exam revision...

What careers are foreign languages good for?

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! Learn more about where languages can take you in your career.

What subjects do languages go with?

Languages go well with subjects like English Literature, History and Geography as they are closely linked and can inform each other. Learning a bit about the French Revolution in history? Knowing some French could give you a whole new perspective! Comme il faut!

What degrees and other qualifications do I need languages for?

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. Some universities, like University College London, require a Modern Foreign Language GCSE for entry across all of its degree programmes.

Bear in mind too that languages are classified as facilitating subjects: which are subjects favoured by top universities for a whole range of degree courses, so they are a great option, whatever you want to do!

Other subjects in our Why Study? series:
Photo by quinn.anya CC Attribution

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why study languages at university? should i study languages at university? what careers need languages?

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Have you ever gotten 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, travelling the world with work and helping people communicate: gaining language skills can help you.

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Within the UK there are alternative options to GCSE study, the most common is to attend a University Technical College.  For more information, check out the link and ask Miss Grenaghan for further advice.  The nearest UTC to Whitworth is currently Bolton UTC.

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Today's education for tomorrow's careers

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are government-funded schools with a STEM focus. They provide a unique and relevant approach to education which addresses the changing needs of students and employers in the 21st Century. Established by companies and universities in areas of high demand for talent, UTCs provide sought-after technical qualifications and benefit from industry standard equipment and specialist staff to provide students with the skills valued by employers.

LEARN MORE

Welcome

Through their association with employers and universities, through project-based learning, and through a focus on technical subjects, UTCs bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work. Today, 44 UTCs are open across England, educating c.19,000 students, and supported by more than 400 employers and universities.

More

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Through out your time at school, you should regularly do your own careers research.  Your career interests will be wholly unique to you and you're the only person who can know what will and won't be of interest.  Every time you decide to do your own research, before you start to explore the world of work, you should first reflect on who you are!  Knowing ourselves well helps us to understand which types of jobs, options or opportunities would suit us best.  Take the buzz quiz below to help you get started.

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Through out your time at school, you should regularly do your own careers research.  Your career interests will be wholly unique to you and you're the only person who can know what will and won't be of interest.  Every time you decide to do your own research, before you start to explore the world of work, you should first reflect on who you are!  Knowing ourselves well helps us to understand which types of jobs, options or opportunities would suit us best.  Take the buzz quiz below to help you get started.

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What I wish I'd known before choosing my options

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Recent secondary students open up about what they wish they'd known when they chose their options.

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So, if you're feeling unsure about your options, remember these three clear steps to help you make the right choice:
1. Look ahead
Think about the job you might like to do, or the kind of work environment you eventually want to be in, as this could inform your option choices. For instance, if you know that you want to travel with your work, a modern foreign language could be your calling. If you have no idea what kind of job you'd like to do, don't worry! You won't be boxed in if you take a mix of subjects across a range of disciplines and keep your options open.
2. Give yourself enough time
This isn't a decision to rush so, if you're feeling unsure, talk to teachers and older students. Research subjects and the potential jobs they lead to online, and feel prepared ahead of making your choices.
3. Do what's best for you
Don't just take a subject because your friends are taking the same one or if you like the teacher. Follow your talents and instincts to do what interests .

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How to choose your exam subjects wisely for the future you want

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So, if you're feeling unsure about your options, remember these three clear steps to help you make the right choice: 1. Look ahead Think about the job you might like to do, or the kind of work environment you eventually want to be in, as this could inform your option choices.

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Myths about choosing your options: Busted!

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When you choose your options, everyone has an opinion! We help you find out what's true and what's just a myth - with the help of a bit of comedy.

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Make sure you click on the 'in a job' tab once you know what animal type you are, as this is where it lists the jobs that might suit you!

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Make sure you click on the 'in a job' tab once you know what animal type you are, as this is where it lists the jobs that might suit you!

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Take Buzz Quiz to find out your personality type and what jobs might suit you.

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Take a closer look at selected subjects and issues, with a selection of videos, guides and advice.

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Cookies at icould.com We use cookies to improve your experience of our site and to track site use. Please let us know if you agree to these cookies. Take a closer look at selected subjects and issues, with a selection of videos, guides and advice.

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Many young people don't understand that what they learn in school is incredibly useful in the real world of work.  Use the links and videos below to learn about why your compulsory GCSEs (Maths, English and Science) are so important to future jobs!

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Many young people don't understand that what they learn in school is incredibly useful in the real world of work.  Use the links and videos below to learn about why your compulsory GCSEs (Maths, English and Science) are so important to future jobs!

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Click on the image above to take you to the 'Science, Why Bother' website and click on any video to learn more about why maths is so important to such a wide range of jobs!

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Click on the image above to take you to the 'Maths, Why Bother' website and click on any video to learn more about why maths is so important to such a wide range of jobs!

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Click on the image above to take you to the 'English, Why Bother' website and click on any video to learn more about why maths is so important to such a wide range of jobs!

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Analysing Persuasive Text - English Why Bother?