The range of subjects

Your teenager has a wider range of courses available than when you were at school. This increase in choices takes into account the different ways teenagers like to learn and widens the variety of places where they can learn, including the workplace.

Please remember that not all schools offer the full range of choices, so check with your school prospectus.

The courses offered in Years 10 and 11 can be taken at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2. For example, GCSEs grades A*-C are at Level 2.

For an explanation of what the different levels are, see The National Qualifications Framework.

Entry Level courses

If your teenager is likely to find GCSEs difficult, there are courses at Entry Level leading to a Certificate of Achievement. These useful qualifications can lead on to GCSEs or other courses at Levels 1 and 2. The important thing is for your teenager to find a course that interests them and matches their ability; this way they are more likely to succeed and stay in learning or training after 16.

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)

The majority of students in Years 10 and 11 will take GCSEs. Your teenager now has more options to choose subjects that interest them and match their abilities.

The range of subjects has broadened out in recent years to include more vocational or applied GCSEs, for example, in engineering, media studies and manufacturing. If your teenager likes a practical 'hands on' approach or is interested in learning about subjects directly related to an area of work, an applied GCSE may be for them.

Some applied GCSEs count as two GCSE qualifications. You can also choose to take some GCSEs as 'short courses', equivalent to half a full GCSE.

For more information on the range of subjects that may be available, see Commonly offered GCSE subjects.

14-19 Diplomas

The Diploma is an integrated programme for 14-19 year olds that uniquely combines essential skills and knowledge, hands-on experience and employer-based learning, to prepare your teenager for work or further study.

The first five 14-19 Diplomas will be available in selected schools and colleges from September 2008, and by 2013 they will be available as a national entitlement in 14 different lines of learning at Levels 1, 2 and 3 covering all the sectors of the economy. They will sit alongside, and may incorporate, A levels and GCSEs.

14-19 Diplomas will bring together:

• Principal learning - developing knowledge, understanding and skills in the context of a particular sector
• Generic learning - including functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT, and personal learning and thinking skills
• Additional/specialist learning - offering young people the opportunity to study a particular topic in more depth or broaden their studies through complementary learning
• An extended project - allowing individuals to plan and organise their own learning. At Level 3 the project will demonstrate project management and other higher skills that higher education institutions need
• Work experience as a key feature.

Phase 1 - September 2008

• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Society, Health and Development

Phase 2 - September 2009

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Hair and Beauty
• Hospitality and Catering
• Land-based and Environment
• Manufacturing and Product Design

Phase 3 - September 2010

• Public Services
• Retail
• Sport and Leisure
• Travel and Tourism

Aimed at young people with different abilities, the Diplomas will be available at Levels 1, 2 and 3. At Levels 1 and 2 the Diplomas will be taken alongside core subjects that everyone takes.

Subject to availability, your teenager may have the chance to do a Diploma at Level 2 or 3 after Year 11.

Work-related courses

These courses will suit your teenager if they want a practical 'hands on' course and have an interest in, and a commitment to, a particular area of work, such as construction, catering, business, agriculture or engineering.

There is a range of different courses - check what is on offer at your teenager's school. All of them usually involve learning away from school at a college or with a training provider for one or two days a week.

Assessment of these courses includes showing that you have the practical skills and knowledge for a task. Examples of the qualifications available include NVQ Levels 1 and 2, City & Guilds Levels 1 and 2 and BTEC Introductory Certificate Entry Level.

Young Apprenticeships

A Young Apprenticeship is an option that could suit your teenager if they like a more practical way of learning. They do the subjects in school that everyone takes and for the other two days a week they go out and gain skills and work experience with an employer or training provider. They work towards a nationally recognised work-related qualification, such as an NVQ, City & Guilds or BTEC at a level to suit them.

Young Apprenticeships pave the way for doing an Apprenticeship after 16, but also keep open all the other options too.

Young Apprenticeships are available in health and social care, the motor industry and business administration, among others. However, they are not offered in all areas - please check with your teenager's school to see what they offer.