Choices at 16
Choices at 16 What do you need to think about before finishing Year 11?
You don’t have to continue learning after you finish in Year 11, but it will help your job chances in the future if you gain more qualifications.
What courses or training programmes should I choose?
Ones you are likely to gain the entry requirements for
Ones you know you can do well in
Ones that you are interested in and that you enjoy
Ones that let you learn in the way that best suits you e.g. do you prefer sitting in a lesson taking notes or would you rather do something practical? Ones that will give you the qualifications to enter the higher education courses, work based learning programmes or career options that you hope to get at 17, 18 or 19.
Where should I study post 16?
Somewhere that does the courses/programmes that you are interested in. But before you sign up make sure you visit the place and talk to students who already go there to find out what it is like. Also check out what you will be doing all day i.e. what the course or programme involve.
Can I afford to study after Year 11?
Financial help is available to encourage students to study after Year 11 e.g. Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). See the Money section. Help with travel costs is sometimes available. These payments should not affect any benefits your family receive.
What else do you need to think about?
If you have a particular idea about a higher education course or a job you want to do you need to find out what the entry requirements are going to be If you have a general idea about the type of work you want to do you should find out which courses or training will help you on your way, but won’t stop you doing something else if you change your mind. If you want to continue in full time education find out what subjects you can do and what they might lead to. If you have no clear ideas about what you want to do in the future think about the courses and programmes you are doing: which ones do you enjoy? Which ones do you get the best marks in? Can you think of any jobs these link to?
Where do I find out more?
All local authority areas in Greater Merseyside have websites or booklets or both detailing all the options for post 16 study in those areas. Make sure you check out the relevant ones for you in the local links below. Keep checking back with Connexions live for the latest information on local opportunities including volunteering. Before you make any decisions about your future it is a good idea to talk them over with your friends and family, your teachers, but also speak to your Connexions Personal Adviser. He/she will be impartial about the various options available and will be able to keep you up to date with new courses and opportunities that may interest you as they become available.
