Where next?

Choosing subjects

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Choosing subjects

‘This decision will affect the rest of your life…’. Many teens will recognise this kind of message as they make their subject choices.

As adults, we know that’s not true. We all know people who are thriving on a different path from the one they originally chose. But choices can be daunting for teens, and there are many factors at play – from which teachers they like to what their friends are choosing.

Starting the conversation

Make sure you know the rules – there’s nothing worse than making a decision only to find the school can’t offer that combination.
Leave yourself plenty of time – teachers won’t thank you for asking last-minute questions.
Keep the conversation light – don’t imply they’re closing off their future.
Make sure they know when and how they can change their mind.
There are a lot of different posts online about university, the cost-of-living crisis and the financial debt young students are in. Don’t be afraid to ask about this or if they’re aware. It’s important to have no ‘off limits’ topics.

Do you find your teen gets stressed or overwhelmend when you talk about choosing subjects?

Yes
Now and again
No

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Questions to ask

Question	Why it works
What do you look forward to?	This can surface deeper feelings about the subject.
What do your teachers think you’re best at?	Focus on strengths. If they’re unsure, email their teacher for insight into whether the subject will suit.
Would you prefer all exam or coursework?	Some teens enjoy self-directed long-form coursework, others prefer the time limitation of an exam.
What would you regret not trying?	This uncovers which subjects they’re genuinely motivated to study.
Which subjects do you want to stop?	They’ll feel happier if they know they can drop their least favourite subjects.
Do you think this gives you a good mix?	Ask them to imagine their likely timetable. Is it a good mix? Does it reflect what they’d potentially like to do in future?
Do you have worries about the next few years?	Open-ended questions can help get the conversation started. Try a practical approach by asking them to write a list of things they feel are going well at school. This will provide a helpful insight into their understanding of their school life and how they feel about it.

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What does AI mean for their future?

With AI and other swiftly changing technologies, it’s tricky to know which careers will be good long-term choices. If your teen is keen on something involving manual skills, such as becoming a cook, dentist or electrician, they may be more AI-proof. But if that’s not your teen’s strength, it may be best to focus on what they enjoy, as they’ll be motivated to learn. A quick online search will suggest which jobs are most AI-proof – but bear in mind this is changing all the time.

There are many paths…

Remind your teen that this decision does NOT fix their future in stone. Plenty of people have achieved great things after a huge change of career:

Harrison Ford, the actor, started out as carpenter.
Stormzy, the grime artist, was all set to work in insurance.
Idris Elba, the actor, worked as a tyre-fitter before moving into acting.
Mo Farah, the athlete, wanted to be a footballer until a PE teacher spotted he could run.

We expect you can think of many more from your own family and friends.

People can change their minds, change their jobs and their career path at any time. It might feel like it’s all fixed, but it’s not. Make sure your teen is aware of this should they be feeling the pressure to pick wisely.

Do you think AI's current/future impact on the job market will impact the subjects your teen chooses?

Yes
Slightly
No