This article was first published in 2018 and updated in 2024.
It's that time of year already: your teachers are asking you to choose your exam subjects, and everyone has an opinion on what you should or should not do!
So how can you tell the facts from the fake news? Don't worry - with the help of a bit of comedy, we've broken down the myths versus reality here, so that you can make up your own mind. Please remember to do your research when choosing your options, visit your school's options evening if they have one, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions - that's the best way to bust any myths around different subjects!
A humorous take on things people say and advice they give to students picking their exam subjects.
Student 1: If you take art you get to do lots of cool drawing.
Student 2: In food tech, all you do is make delicious cake.
Student 3: Biology is definitely the easiest science.
Expert: There’s more to a subject than what it’s called, and lots of subjects including art and P.E. add in more theory that you won’t have covered before. Make sure you know what will be on the course and how you’ll be examined by talking to your teachers or to students in the year above.
Student 4: History is way harder than English, you have to spend all your time on it.
Student 5: I heard that everyone who takes Geography gets like a 9.
Student 3: French is mostly speaking, so you can just memorise phrases and regurgitate them in the exam.
Expert: All courses are designed to be equally challenging, what you gain from each will depend entirely on your passion, motivation and effort. What you get out of the course is what you put into it, so choose wisely and work hard.
Student 7: If you choose RE all you can do is become a vicar.
Student 8: You’ll never get into uni if you take PE.
Student 9: You can only become an astronaut if you study physics.
Expert: While some further education courses and university degrees do require certain subjects, there are many careers open to everyone regardless of what they choose, and no one subject will seal your fate. What’s more, having a mix of subjects gives you good general knowledge and shows you have a broad range of interests. So there you go, myths busted!
Student 3 - Speaks French translation: My Aunt with the I would like twelve the station.
Just to recap:
Lots of subjects will include new theory that you won't have covered before, including subjects like Art and Design and PE. You should talk to teachers to find out exactly what you will be examined on
There's not necessarily any such thing as an 'easy' subject, all courses are designed to challenge you. You should be guided by your interests and passion for a subject
No one subject will seal your fate at this stage. While lots of further education courses and jobs will require you have certain qualifications, there could be opportunities for you to take these later in life.
Hear from students and teachers about some of the most popular GCSE and National subjects in The Ultimate Options Guide.
For information on the guidelines around options in your nation, see:
Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects in England
GCSEs in Northern Ireland: What are my options?
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
The Ultimate Options Guide 2025
Find out more about some of the subjects that may be on offer when choosing your GCSE or National options.
How to choose your options wisely for the future you want
Life coach Mark Anderson gives a step-by-step guide to making a good decision when picking your subjects.
What I wish I'd known about choosing my options
Former secondary students open up about what they wish they'd known when they chose their options.
