GCSEs are available in over 50 subjects covering a huge variety of topics. Not every school or college can offer every GCSE subject but, because they are by far the biggest type of qualification taken by 14-16 year olds you can be sure there will be a wide range of subjects in your school and area. Although all GCSEs you take are important it has been shown that to achieve C grades in English, Maths and Science will give you much better chances for the future.

Yes and no! One of the great things about the new secondary curriculum being offered in schools now is that you have a lot more choice about what you can do so many GCSEs will be optional. However, there will still be some compulsory subjects (ie, those you 'have' to take). These are normally English, Maths, Science and possibly others such as ICT, RE and Technology. Your school will tell you which subjects you have to take.

GCSEs can lead to any one of the 4 learning routes, or a combination of routes. You may decide to choose A levels, a 14-19 Diploma or a mixture of both. Or you may decide to apply for an Apprenticeship and work towards an NVQ. Depending on the subjects chosen GCSEs offer a mix of classroom-based and practical learning so you are more than prepared to progress to your next level of learning. GCSEs are also highly valued by employers and universities.

GCSE courses come in a range of subjects which includes 8 Applied GCSEs, that is, subjects related to the world of work such as Health and Social Care or Engineering. Some GCSEs come as single subjects, some as half-GCSEs (called Short Courses) and some as double-GCSEs (called Double Award). Most GCSE courses take 2 years to complete, but some can be completed in one.

You may decide to combine GCSEs with other courses such as 14-19 Diplomas (or perhaps units from Diplomas) or Foundation Learning courses. Remember also that there are courses you need to take alongside GCSEs which will be the same for whatever learning route people follow, for example Functional Skills (everyday Maths, English and ICT) and Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS - otherwise known as employability skills).

GCSE achievement is graded A*-C. Most jobs - including Apprenticeships - and many courses after Year 11 require a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including Maths and English. However, if you do not achieve these grades first time round you could resit or look at other options which may be better suited to your learning style, for example Foundation Learning courses.

You must make sure that you look at what is on offer in your school or area before making your decisions. In most cases you will find there is enough on offer for you to have a set of options that you're happy with at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11). If not, why not look at combining GCSE courses with other qualifications on offer in your school or wider area? You will need to discuss this option carefully with your school.

In many cases you will study a broad range of GCSE subjects and this will ensure you can move onto many other courses at the end of Year 11. However, it is worth thinking about future courses you may want to take, or careers you may want to follow to see if GCSE subjects are mentioned. You may also need a specific subject at GCSE in order to carry on to A Level. Check out your school prospectus for any such requirements and have a look at Connexions Direct Jobs4u to look at specific job requirements.