For Students:

You must choose:

• A modern foreign language other than English
• At least two Science subjects
• At least one Humanities subject.
  Students are not allowed to choose both Business and Economics. Choosing either subject will still allow you to study IB Economics or IB Business. 

We also strongly encourage you to choose a creative subject (Art, Drama or Music).

In addition, you will be offered a careers interview with the Careers Advisor, to help you make your choices.  Please make contact via email to make an appointment and encourage your parents to attend with you. You should also discuss your options with your form tutor, Head of Year and subject specialists.

Remember:

• Close as few ‘doors’ as possible – look ahead at what courses and careers may no longer be easy to do if you drop a subject now.
• Choose subjects that you enjoy – but think first; why do you enjoy them?
• Choose subjects that you are going to do well in – but do not just go by present grades.

For Parents:

• Help your child to find out as much as possible about the courses and qualifications they can do. It will help your child if you also attend the careers interview.
• Gently challenge a choice they are thinking of that concerns you.  For example, if you feel that they have not done enough research, or if you feel they have underestimated their ability or are being influenced by what their friends are taking. Please email a subject teacher if you need more information.
• Your child is more likely to succeed if their choices fit their interests and abilities. 
• Help them to identify these by encouraging them to discuss how they feel about different lessons, spare time activities, tests, examinations and practical projects.

If your child has no clear plans at this stage, encourage them to opt for a broad range of courses.  If they have a particular career in mind, they may need specific experience, subjects, qualifications and grades to do it. Look at course entry requirements in online prospectuses and, for higher education courses that interest them, on the university websites and www.ucas.com.

The Options Process is Staged: 

• Students have already received taster sessions and parents and students have been invited to a series of workshops based on different career pathways.
• An Options Fair will be arranged for students and parents in early January. This is an introductory talk for the BISC cohort. We will explain what IB means, the subjects offered at BISC and some important deadlines. 
• The Careers team may provide opportunities for a careers interview, and we encourage parents to attend. 
• Of course, during this period, we encourage students to talk to their teachers, and seek as much advice as possible before committing to their options.