From Strengths to Subjects: Year 9 Connect GCSE Choices to Careers
For Year 9 students, choosing GCSE options can be an exciting, but sometimes daunting, moment in their education. With more subjects and pathways available than ever, it can be difficult for young people to decide what to study, or to understand how their choices could shape their future.
To help students feel more confident and informed, Bristol WORKS recently supported Year 9 pupils at Oasis Academy Brislington with a Strengths, Interests and Values Day, featuring a fast-paced and engaging speed networking session with local employers and professionals.
The event gave young people the chance to meet professionals from a range of sectors and ask honest, practical questions about education, career journeys and real-world working life. Volunteers included representatives from Foot Anstey, Savills, Bray and Slaughter, the Department for Work and Pensions, and several Bristol City Council services, including Children and Families, Parks, and Bristol Museums.
After a short introduction exploring what we mean by personal strengths, interests and values, students jumped straight into the speed networking activity. Working in small groups, they asked the professionals about the skills and qualities they use in their roles, the subjects they chose at school, and how their interests helped shape the decisions they’ve made.
Volunteers also shared their personal career stories, including the different routes and roles that led them to where they are today, helping students see that there are many ways to build a fulfilling career. Students learned more about the range of jobs available within each organisation, as well as the skills, qualifications and experience needed to progress in different industries.
While speed networking can feel intimidating at first, the volunteers were brilliant at putting students at ease. It was clear the young people gained a lot from the experience, from boosting confidence and communication skills to making stronger links between their options choices and future opportunities.
As one learner said:
“I’ve learned not to be nervous and to speak up.”
Another pupil reflected on how the conversations helped them think differently about GCSE options:
“I got a lot of insight about subjects I want to do for GCSE like geography is good for jobs in nature.”
For others, the session offered reassurance that GCSEs are an important step, but not the final destination:
“I got to learn about other people experiences which gave me hope because some volunteers became something they never knew they will do and they love their jobs.”
It wasn’t just the students who benefited. Volunteers also spoke positively about the experience, highlighting how rewarding it was to support young people at such an important decision-making stage.
Katie Corbett, Social Value and EDI Manager at Bray and Slaughter, said:
“It felt really nice talking openly about GCSEs and pathways, and the students were very engaging, asking lots of questions.”
Bristol WORKS would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who generously gave their time and expertise to support this event. A special thank you also goes to the Year 9 students at Oasis Academy Brislington for approaching the session with enthusiasm, thoughtful questions and a real willingness to learn.
