In some respects, your child’s GCSE options may seem relatively unimportant; after all, they can specialise later at A level or at university. But although their GCSE choices are unlikely to have much impact on their future direction, it still pays to invest some time in making the right choices.

Many Year 9 pupils have no idea what career they might eventually go into, and if this is the case, it makes sense for your child to choose as broad a range of subjects as possible. A good rule of thumb to keep their future options open is to take at least one subject from each of the areas, on top of the core subjects. Universities often prefer applicants who have a wide range of GCSEs in conventional subjects such as History, Geography and the Sciences, rather than more specialist subjects like Media Studies or Psychology.

If your child does already have a career in mind, or is leaning towards studying certain subjects at A level, encourage them to look at the entry requirements for a university course or other training in that area. Taking specific subjects may put them at an advantage when they’re applying for further education.

If your child thinks they might want to take a science-related subject later on, it is sensible for them to take at least double science at GCSE. Some schools and colleges won’t let students take science A levels unless they have double or triple science GCSE. 

Perhaps the most important thing, though, is for your child to choose subjects that they’re good at and will enjoy. Try to discourage them from choosing a course because their friends are doing it, or because they like the teacher; friendships don’t always last, and teachers may move on, leaving your child stuck with a subject that they don’t actually like.