Year 9 is the last and most important year of KS3. At many schools, this is the year students choose their GCSE subjects and DofE Bronze begins. This year's decisions shape the next two years of study, but no decision is irreversible: the aim is to choose calmly and with good information.
This guide draws on years of seminars and one-to-one guidance with families and students across England. Inside you will find:
- GCSE options step by step: compulsory and optional subjects, how to choose, and what to avoid
- DofE Bronze: sections, timings and how to get started
- Studying smart: self-testing and spaced repetition
- Year 9 tools in Unifrog: Skills profile, Careers and Subjects libraries, virtual work experience
- Home languages and deciding on a GCSE in them
- Month-by-month checklist: three small steps each month, a video/podcast, and one English book plus one in your home language
This guide is a living document. It will be updated regularly based on your questions and suggestions.
We'd love to hear your questions and comments
Log in to leave a comment below this post. For example:
- When is your school's options evening, and which subjects are optional?
- Are you doing DofE through school or independently?
- What do you find hardest about choosing subjects?
We'll answer questions on this page as soon as we can.
Please don't share your child's name, school or other personal details in the comments.
Download the Year 9 family guide
If your school doesn't provide Unifrog, or you're interested in an IXL membership, you can request it from UKER.