When it came to choosing what to do in Year 9 I knew I wanted to do GCSEs and choose a range of subjects so I could keep my future options open. We had an evening at school where they explained everything you had to do. I also talked it through with my parents, and with some subject teachers.

Science and History were my favourite subjects so I chose them, plus ICT because I think it will be really useful in the future. I wasn’t influenced by what my friends chose as I knew that I could always spend time with them at break if we didn’t see each other in lessons.

I’m now in Year 10 and I’m happy with the subjects I’m doing. My advice to other people in Year 9 choosing their options would be to go for what you want to do, don’t follow your friends. And don’t forget to talk to your teachers too.

Daniel, 15, from Wivelsfield

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