Picking Your School Subjects: A Simple Guide for Kids

Hey there! It’s that time of year when I’m constantly asked about what subjects should my son/daughter should be taking at school. Choosing which subjects to study in school might seem like a big deal, but don’t worry, I’m here to help make it super easy for you. Let’s break it down into simple steps:

1. Think About What You Like:
What subjects do you enjoy the most? Maybe you love drawing, or you’re really good at solving math problems. Think about what makes you excited to learn!

2. Look into Jobs You Like:
Have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up? Take a look at different jobs and see what subjects you might need to learn for them. For example, if you want to be a scientist, you might need to study science and math.

3. Check Out What Universities Want:
If you think you might want to go to university one day, it’s good to know what subjects they like to see on your report card. Some universities prefer certain subjects, so it’s good to keep that in mind.

4. Talk to Your Teachers and Family:
Don’t be shy to ask your teachers or family for advice. They know you well and can help you figure out which subjects might be best for you. They’ve been through this before, so they know what they’re talking about!

5. Think About the Future:
When picking your subjects, think about what might help you in the future. It’s good to have a mix of different subjects to learn about different things and keep your options open.

6. Mix It Up:
It’s cool to have a mix of subjects. Don’t just stick to one type of subject—try a bit of everything! It’ll make learning more fun and give you a taste of different things.

7. Stay Open-Minded:
Remember, it’s okay to change your mind. If you try a subject and realise it’s not for you, that’s totally fine! Just stay open to trying new things and discovering what you enjoy.

If you’re still unsure here are some UK-based career interest guides that you can explore to help you discover suitable career paths:

1.National Careers Service (England): The National Careers Service offers comprehensive guidance and resources to help individuals explore different career options, assess their skills, and plan their career journey. Their website provides access to tools such as skills assessments, job profiles, and advice on training and education. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk Tel: 0800100900

2. My World of Work (Scotland): My World of Work is Scotland’s career information and advice service, providing a range of tools and resources to help individuals explore career options, assess their strengths, and plan their career paths. The website offers career quizzes, skills assessments, and information on industries and job roles in Scotland. http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk

3. Careers Wales: Careers Wales offers career guidance and support services to individuals in Wales, helping them explore career options, develop skills, and plan their futures. The website provides access to career quizzes, job profiles, and information on education and training opportunities in Wales. http://careerswales.gov.wales

4. Careers Service Northern Ireland: The Careers Service Northern Ireland provides careers guidance and resources to individuals in Northern Ireland, assisting them in exploring career options, developing skills, and making informed decisions about their futures. Their website offers tools such as career quizzes, job profiles, and advice on education and training pathways. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers

5. Prospects: Prospects is a UK-based careers website offering information and advice on graduate careers, job search strategies, and career development. The website features a wide range of resources, including career profiles, sector guides, and articles on various career-related topics. http://www.prospects.ac.uk

These career interest guides provide valuable insights and resources to help you explore different career options, assess you skills and interests, and make informed decisions about your future career paths. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or seasoned professional, these guides can be valuable tools in navigating the world of work in the UK.

In a Nutshell:

Choosing your school subjects is a big decision, but it’s not something to stress about. Think about what you like, consider your future goals, talk to people who can help, and keep an open mind. Most importantly, have fun learning new things! You’ve got this!