Not many GCSEs

Don’t worry!
Apart from GCSEs there are other qualifications around
> Which employers value
> Which will help you get on to a course
> or into a job of your choice.
> These qualifications are available at various levels depending on your interests and abilities.

In many schools now, from Year 9 onwards, it’s possible to do a range of alternative qualifications that are more ‘work related’ and which are designed to highlight your knowledge, skills and personal qualities.

> If you’re not doing English or Maths GCSE it might be possible to do a Key Skills qualification in ‘communication’ and ‘application of number’ to show employers that you are able to use words and numbers effectively.
> If you don’t do ICT at GCSE you might be able to take an IT key skill qualification, which shows that you have a good basic knowledge and use of IT.
> Some schools also offer Health and Safety certificates, which show that you know how to behave responsibly in the workplace.
> To show that you have other personal qualities, the ASDAN Youth Award is now a popular choice from Year 9 onwards. This can be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level and enables you to gain credit for your achievements in activities such as work experience and community work.

So, even if you’re not doing any or many GCSEs there is no need for you to leave school or college without some qualifications BUT it is essential to talk with your subject teachers, Careers Teacher and Head of Year to find out more about alternative qualifications in your school.
Putting your head in the sand might leave you with nothing.
Contact your Personal Adviser or local Connexions Centre for more information and advice.