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Preparing you for work and adult life

Some subjects and skills are so important to your future that they're part of all key stage 4 learning programmes.

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Personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS)

These skills make it easier for you to organise yourself and work as part of a team. They help you to improve your learning and solve problems so that you perform better and achieve more. The skills are split into six groups: independent enquiry, creative thinking, reflective learning, team working, self-management and effective participation.

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Functional skills

These are the practical skills of English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT). You use them in everyday life, in learning and at work. Everyone needs good functional skills. That is why they are included in all key stage 4 learning programmes. They are part of the Diploma and, from September 2010, GCSEs and Apprenticeships. Schools and colleges are being encouraged to enter students for separate functional skills assessments to make sure that they have the best possible preparation for progression to further study and work.

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English, maths and science

You can do very little in life without a good grasp of these subjects. That's why you have to study them at key stage 4. Many employers require applicants to have GCSEs in English and maths.

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Learning activities that help you become confident, responsible young adults

These help you understand the world around you and develop the skills you need for adult life. They include ICT, PE, citizenship, religious education, sex and relationship education, careers education and work-related learning. Your school may offer a course that leads to a qualification in one or more of these areas.

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What next?

Find out about personalised learning programmes

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Hot tip

Schools sometimes make other subjects compulsory too, so read your options information very carefully.