How can you help?

Your teenager should be at the centre of the decision-making process, and it is important that they take the lead. However, they will need your support.

Start by getting as much information as possible

In order to help, it is important to understand how the curriculum is changing in order to meet different interests and the way teenagers like to learn. Find out as much as you can about the different qualifications and courses on offer.

For information on the help and advice available, see Who can help?

Bear in mind the factors that influence decisions

Try to ensure that your teenager is not making choices for the wrong reasons. This may be because:

• They want to do the same as their friends, regardless of whether it suits them.
• They like the teacher. Help them to see that this is not a good enough reason to do a course that doesn't suit them.
• They see a course as an easy option. It will not be that easy if they find the work boring - we all know how much easier it is to make an effort if you are interested.
• They are put off by thinking a course is 'a boys' course' or a 'girls' course'. Help them to overcome gender stereotyping and follow their interests and abilities.
• They have failed to appreciate, or have misunderstood, what the course involves.
• They are not objective about their own knowledge or ability - their expectations may be unrealistically high or perhaps they are under-aspiring in their choices.
• Timetable difficulties may mean that they cannot do the combination of options that they want. If this happens you will need to help your teenager consider alternatives.

Now there is more choice of courses on offer, your teenager needs encouragement to choose a broad and balanced range of courses that keeps their options open beyond 16.

Questions to consider

What do they enjoy?

Your teenager is much more likely to be successful at something if they find it interesting and enjoyable.

What are they good at?

What subjects does your teenager do well in at school? Also, look at what they are good at outside school.

How do they like to learn?

Think about courses that match your teenager's preferred style of learning. Some subjects involve more classroom-based learning and others may be more practical and work-related.

Do they have a career in mind?

If your teenager has a particular career in mind, they need to look ahead to the sort of qualifications they may need in the future to enter this work. Ask their Connexions personal adviser or contact the colleges and universities directly.

Do they need more information and advice?

If your teenager does not have a career in mind, encourage them to be guided by their skills and interests and to choose a variety of subjects that will keep their options open for the future.

Checklist for parents

• Is there an options information event at school?
• Is there an options booklet outlining the subjects and courses on offer?
• How many choices need to be made?
• Does the school make any extra subjects compulsory?
• Which Diplomas are available locally?
• Do you know how to access your online 14-19 Area Prospectus ?
• Is a Connexions personal adviser available at the options information event if you wish to make an appointment?
• Is there an opportunity to talk to subject teachers at the options information event?