Which subject options?

Lesson

To assist students with subject choices in Year 8 or 9/S2.

Context

Many students in Year 8 or 9/S2 need help in deciding which subject options to take. Looking at, and sorting, pictures can be an easy way of making some initial decisions.

Learning outcomes

Students make effective decisions about their subject choices for the following year.

Level

Y8 or 9/S2 students, particularly those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Resources

Print out a selection of pictures from Jed that represent a range of jobs associated with the subject options available, for example a Recycling Officer (Geography) and a Tourist Information Centre Assistant (Leisure and Tourism). Pictures should be printed in as high a quality as possible, preferably in colour, and could be laminated so that they can be used over and over again.

Starter

Make sure the students are clear about the range of subject choices they have and show them the pictures you have prepared.

Main

Sort the pictures provided into three sets:

Like - these are activities that you can see yourself doing.
Not sure - these are activities that you are not sure about and may need further research.
Don't like - these are activities that you cannot see yourself doing.

Discuss the 'Not sure' selection to finalise your decision about each one, and then talk through why you chose the cards you did for the 'Like' section. You, your adviser or teacher can record the details for future reference.

Plenary

Discussion about what the student is looking forward to in their choice.

Extension activity

This same process could be used for any of the choices that a student may have to make during a course, especially those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Using Jed's pictures and text

Please note that the text and pictures in Jed are subject to copyright. Your Jed licence agreement gives you a limited licence to copy some parts of Jed for use in your establishment. Please familiarise yourself with the full terms and conditions of the licence agreement before you start.