Making choices about your future is never easy and it becomes even more difficult when the range of subjects and types of qualification is so large. It is a good idea to take advice from lots of people on your future – your mentor, teachers, your family, the Connexions service and your friends. Think carefully about what they say and whether their advice makes sense to you.

If you have doubts that it makes sense to continue studying after Year 11, consider the following:

• Staying on at school improves your chances of getting good qualifications
• The better your qualifications, the more employment or university/college options you have. Getting Level 3 qualifications is the best way of getting into university or college. On average, people in the UK earn up to £400,000 more over their lifetime if they have a degree than if they don't. Take the long-term view.
• Sixth Form study is enjoyable because the range of courses available means that you are studying the courses that you want to study

The following guidelines might seem obvious but they are worth keeping in mind as you decide which subjects to take.

What do you enjoy?
Obviously you will consider the subjects that you have enjoyed at GCSE but also consider what it is about these subjects that you have enjoyed and whether a new subject would give you the chance to develop this further. For example, do you enjoy debate and discussion? Do you enjoy creating new things? Do you enjoy finding out how the world works? Several courses will suit people who like each of these types of study. Try not to base your choice on what your friends are doing (you are unique, aren’t you?) and on whether you like or dislike a particular teacher – you will find that relationships between students and teachers at Sixth Form are more relaxed than in the younger years.

What are you good at?
You probably already have a fair idea about this based on marks in your GCSE tests and mock exams. If these have not gone well, don’t despair – students often find that their results in the final exam are an improvement on their mock exam scores because they have had more practice by that stage and have made improvements in the areas that need them. If you are not sure whether you are good at a subject, ask your teacher!

What do you need for your future study or work?
Some courses at universities and colleges have specific requirements for the A-levels that you need; for example, Medicine and Architecture. Most, however, are simply interested in the grades you achieve and in your other skills and potential for further study. For more detailed information on this, see the UCAS web site www.ucas.com or talk to your Connexions advisor.

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