Questions to consider

You can support your teenager in making their own decisions by helping them to think things through. The following six questions may help you.

1. What are they interested in?
   If your teenager is interested in a course, they are more likely to make an effort and succeed. Explore their interests both in and out of school.
2. How do they like to learn?
   Different courses involve different learning styles and have different approaches to work. Your teenager may prefer classroom-based learning or they may prefer a more practical, work-related course.
   
   The mix of coursework and final exams varies between GCSEs and there are plans to reduce the amount of coursework in some subjects, so you will need to check this out with your teenager's school. Some work-related courses involve a large amount of coursework.
   
   For more information on the mix of coursework and exams in GCSEs, see Commonly offered GCSE subjects.
3. What are they good at?
   Which subjects does your teenager do well in? Also think about what they are good at outside of school work.
4. Are they keeping an open mind?
   There is a lot of new information to think about. Are they keeping an open mind about unfamiliar courses or qualifications until they have found out more about them?
   
   Could a new subject or course give them a fresh challenge?
5. Do they have a specific course in mind after Year 11, or do they have any career ideas?
   Encourage your teenager to think ahead and make sure they take into account any subjects or qualifications that might fit in with any ideas they have.
   
   If they have no definite ideas, reassure them that the important thing is to choose a broad and balanced mix of subjects to keep their options open after 16.
6. Is more information and advice needed?
   Encourage your teenager to take advantage of the help and advice available to them. You can help them make a list of questions and where to find the answers.

For information on where to find help and support, see Who else can help?