Standard Grades

Career Choices - The Beginning (Scotland)Many people assume that picking a career is something you do at the end of school, for the majority, people are right. The average age when a person decides on what they want to do is somewhere around 16. In Scotland, it all starts in your third (3rd) year of Secondary school, with your course choices.Course Choices (3rd year); Known as Standard Grades - equivalent of GCSEs!You will be given subjects to choose from in a booklet, as well as a set curriculum which you must abide by, studied over a period of two years.*(core) - Not included as one of your chosen subjects!Standard: (set)EnglishMathsPhysical Education (core)Social Education/Religious Education (core)Further: (chosen)Science (you must pick 1 of 3)Modern Language (you must pick 1 of 5/6)Social Subject (1 of 3)OtherScience - Physics/Chemistry/BiologyModern Languages - German/French/Italian/Latin/Spanish/Russian (varies between schools)Social Subjects - History/Modern Studies/GeographyOther - Drama/Art/Music/Design and Tech/Home Economics/Computing/Business Management/Administration/Accounting and Finance/Graphic CommunicationAlthough it may be tempting to just pick all the subjects which you consider a ‘skive’ or to be easy, I sincerely advise against it! At this time in your life, even if you think you know your future, it can change. I wanted to go to college to do a uniforms course before I join the Police but have had to stay at school due to the economic crisis. It’s best to pick a range of subjects which can widen your scope.Once you reach 5th year you can pick any subjects you like but I’d advise;A science of some kindMaths/English - you have up to two years of highers so don’t feel pressured to both in one year!An art, Art and Design - Drama - Music, there’s plenty!A social subject, they’re especially useful if you’re looking at something text based!Resources:http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/CCC_FirstPage.jsphttp://bitesize.co.uk/http://www.revisioncentre.co.uk/Lhayman896@hotmail.com   -   my e-mail address, just mail me if you have any questions related to this article or contact me on my forum, www.morbidskies.com