Switching GCSE Subjects Mid-Course - Getting it Right

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to get as many of the next generation as possible working in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, making them happy and fulfilled adults. Join me in making sure you’re one of them…

Your journey through secondary education can be an exciting yet challenging one, especially, sometimes, when it comes to your chosen GCSE subjects.

Pressure…

Schools and teachers are under pressure to perform well, with students aware that their GCSE results will not only have a major impact on the rest of their life, but their school’s published results. Making pressure appear to be coming on you from all sides.

When choosing which GCSE options to take, all manner of considerations will have been taken into account.

Hopefully you had a chance to read my book ‘I am Choosing my Options’ which explains how identifying your passion and purpose when making those choices will lead you to the path of your highest possibilities. Along with the section on setting goals, you should be on your way to your dream job. If you didn’t read it, ask if your school has a copy in the library, or contact me.

But there are times when, due to a variety of reasons, you may decide the options you chose weren’t ultimately right for you, leading you to consider changing chosen option(s) mid-course.

Before going any further it would be sensible to find out whether your school will let you. Different schools and educational systems have varying policies and deadlines regarding subject changes and it may be too late in the year to make the change. However, assuming it is possible, read on for all the considerations you should take into account.

Reasons for moving can include:

evolving interests;

a change in career goals; or

a chosen subject proving too challenging.

It’s my personal opinion that GCSE choices are taken at a very early age, really, I believe, before you may be ready to make such important decisions.

Note: While I was studying for exams, exams I was taking because I hadn’t had any advice or mentors to guide me, I happened to go with a friend to an audition she was taking for a television advert. While we waited, pandemonium was all around us. People coming in, people waiting to be called, deliveries arriving, people asking where they should be going – you get the picture. Watching the receptionist calmly dealing with new arrivals, directing visitors, signing for packages, answering questions, and generally keeping things professional and preventing all-out chaos, I had a lightbulb moment, knowing that that was what I wanted to do. I’m not the most intelligent person and I’m definitely not a salesman, but working in the background? That was me and this one chance event showed me that. It was too late for me to change courses – indeed, I didn’t even know then that that was a possibility – and I stayed on studying for exams that were of no use to me in the long term, rather than changing to a training course that would have set me on my true career path two years earlier.

This would have made a huge difference to me, then and now. I’m not academic (brilliant!) but as the world needs people for all kinds of job roles, it’s critical for you to be in a job that’s right for you.

However, saying that, the decision to switch GCSE subjects requires careful consideration.

Understanding the decision…

It’s essential for you, your parents, and your tutors to all understand the motivations behind the desire for change. This should include open and honest conversations about your interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations.

Asking the following questions can help you make the right decision:

1. evolving interests – it can take watching just one documentary (or, in my case, event) to ignite a passion in a subject. The challenge here is to consider whether the passion is a long-lasting or fleeting one;
   
   
2. clarification of your abilities to reach your chosen career. Perhaps you’ve realised that your interest is waning in the subjects you’re being taught. Again, is this a fleeting diversion or a serious decision; or
   
   
3. a chosen subject is proving too challenging. This is a more serious point. Protecting your mental health is paramount. If a subject is truly proving too difficult to follow and a different choice is available, it should be taken seriously.

Genuinely struggling with a subject for any of the above reasons - not just because you’ve heard in the playground that a friend’s chosen subject is more hands on, or appears to be more exciting, or

you find yourself passionate about an alternative area of study having read a book or watched a film - a change might indeed be beneficial.

‘Forcing’ you to continue with a subject you’ve lost interest in, or are struggling with, can have a serious impact on your ability, or desire, to learn, let alone the effect it could have on your mental health, which, in turn, will affect your course work.

Before giving up, though, look deeply into what the challenge is. Some pupils choose what they consider to be easy subjects then find that there is a lot more expected of them. Is there more intense learning or not all the play that you expected? There’s a difference between being serious about the choices you made initially, or having chosen a subject thinking you’ll get an easy ride.

But a fleeting interest in a subject that seems compelling now, but in six months won’t hold your interest? This is difficult to know, so, talk to people who know you.

Parents…

Your parents will (should) know your character.

Note: In my case my parents and teachers could have guided me in considering working in the background. It was obvious from my yearly school reports that that type of job would suit my abilities. Looking back over old reports it was there in black and white that I was always the first to put my hand up to help. Academic I was not, but supportive? That was me.

So, talk to your parents, is the new interest more suited to you? Do they think it will hold your interest? If yes, ask them to help you write out your goals to see either where it could lead, or how you could get there from where you are right now.

Consulting tutors and advisors…

Teachers and academic advisors can (and should) play a vital role in guiding you through your educational journey.

When contemplating a change in GCSE subjects, you should seek advice from these professionals - use all the resources available to you.

They can provide insights into the challenges and benefits of switching subjects. For instance, is your past performance indicative of your ability to perform well in the new subject? Is it more suited to your personality?

These experts may also have valuable information about potential impacts on future academic pursuits or career paths, ie if you drop that one subject you won’t be able to take the next step after GCSEs so it could mean changing your career path.

The practicalities…

Now, having made the decision that you’re right, you’re not studying the best courses for you, before making the switch, it's crucial to assess the practicality of changing GCSE subjects mid-course.

If your school or educational system doesn’t allow you to change subjects, consider finishing the year, learning as much as you can anyway.

But assuming you can change, practical considerations include:

1. checking whether the new subject is available in the first place at your school;
   
   
2. there’s space in the classroom for an additional student;
   
   
3. whether there are timetable conflicts with your other subjects; and
   
   
4. if there's adequate time to catch up on missed coursework.

Additionally, you should consider your willingness to put in the extra effort required to adapt to a new subject's requirements and catch up on the work missed already.

Communicating with peers…

Changing GCSE subjects will most likely also entail transitioning to a new class with different peers.

You should approach this change with an open mind and a willingness to make new friends.

Effective communication with new classmates can help in building relationships, forming study groups to support each other, and being able to seek assistance when needed.

In the end, a supportive peer network can greatly contribute to academic success and always remember, a smile is translatable in any language or situation.

Creating a transition plan…

Having made the decision to go ahead, a successful switch in GCSE subjects necessitates a well-thought-out transition plan.

This plan should outline the steps required to catch up on missed coursework, adapting to the new subject's curriculum, and possibly managing any increased workload.

It might involve seeking additional support, such as tutoring or extra study sessions, to bridge any knowledge gaps from missing some of the lessons and time management skills will be essential during this period of adjustment.

Embracing the change…

Once the decision is made and the transition plan is in place, it's important for you to embrace the change with a positive mindset.

Switching GCSE subjects mid-course might be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for personal growth.

Just learning to adapt to new challenges and stepping out of one's comfort zone are valuable life skills that can be developed through such experiences.

Also, you should be inspired by the fact that you’ll now be on the right path for you and keen to take it on.

Conclusion

The journey through GCSE subjects is a pivotal part of your educational path.

While the decision to change subjects mid-course is significant, it's not uncommon for students to find themselves at a crossroads due to evolving interests, academic challenges, or changing career aspirations.

By thoroughly assessing the situation with your parents, consulting with tutors, creating a transition plan, and embracing the change, you can navigate this transition successfully.

And the experience of switching GCSE subjects can be a valuable lesson in adaptability, determination, and growth – qualities that will serve you well as you continue your educational and personal journey.

I’d love to hear how you’re getting on and, where possible, if we can help more.

Lastly, I wanted to both wish you luck and say that I know you can do it.

Success is within your grasp - good luck!