9
It’s that time of year again, yes you guessed it, when all us teenagers have to make our option choices, choices that could affect the rest of our lives.
Year nine can be a challenging period for young people. Between transitioning from teenagers to young adults we are also expected to make serious decisions about our future hopes, aspirations and careers. This time in our lives is stressful, pressured and confusing; but we all have to face the dreaded options evening, wondering if we will be able to choose our favourite subjects or need to make a compromise.
During this academic year, at the tender ages of 13 to 14, pupils have to make their choices as to what subjects they want to choose for their GCSEs. There are subjects known as core subjects which are compulsory GCSEs that in most schools in Wales include: Welsh, English, Mathematics and Science.
There are also a range of other curriculum subjects offered from school to school that are squeezed and sized into different option choices to suit the needs of the staff, timetabling and pupils’ preferences. However, how much are we the pupils considered when school make these decisions? And what is the impact on us young people? Could things be improved?
The way in which schools organise their option columns varies across Wales. From my experience at school my initial choices were Triple Science, ICT and Drama.
During my interview with Mr Ap-Tomos, Head of year nine at Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda, he fundamentally disagreed with triple Science being an additional option. He believes that all pupils studying the higher tier GCSEs should be able to undertake triple award science as a core subject without having to compromise on any additional option choices.
OPTIONS
From my research and interviews I have discovered that the curriculum subjects on offer in schools across Wales has reduced year by year. Schools can no longer offer a wide range of subject choices to its pupils and this has a major impact on developing and nurturing a diverse range of skills and interests amongst our young generation for the future. So, what could be the main driver for this decline?
‘Government has cut school funding for the first time since the 1990s’
Recently, the government has cut funding for schools for the first time since the 1990s. Which has led to the option choices narrowing down in comprehensive schools. The subjects on offer in schools are limited as a direct result of these cuts and pupils’ futures are being damaged as a result.
How can we manage our disappointment?
Be flexible, come up with a shortlist of your favourite subjects and be prepared to compromise. You may have already decided on a career pathway so choose subjects that are applicable. However, it is also important to choose subjects that you enjoy and that you are good at. Talk about your ideas and choices with the people that know you best such as family, friends, teachers and research fully before making your final choice.
By Daniel
Pictured above is Mr. Ap-Tomos, Head of Year 9 who feels under pressure at this time of year as he cannot please every pupil.