IN the course of chatting to teenagers from a Worcester school about their experiences of education, there was a clear consensus of opinion.

There was little worry about the political battlegrounds of city academies or voucher systems for school admission - they simply asked for more and clearer guidance when selecting what subjects to study.

Politicians will fight the General Election on whether state education can match that in private schools or if celebrity chef Jamie Oliver really can offer cheaper, healthier meals.

But it seems somewhere along the line, what pupils really want is being missed in the debate.

"It would be really good if you knew what you required GCSE-wise," said 14-year-old Chris Houlston, from Christopher Whitehead High School, who took his options last year.

"I had always hoped to study photography at A-level but I have now found out I need art GCSE to do that, which I'm not taking.

"It's frustrating that just a bit more information earlier would have resolved the problem, but I am stuck now."

Careers events and parents' evenings to discuss options are held but, according to last year's uptake, information about the consequences of each choice is harder to come by.

The problem in Chris's case is exacerbated as he has a clear idea what he hopes to do after school - enter the directing side of the film industry - and therefore could have been guided from the word go.

For thousands of other 13-year-olds across Worcestershire, the idea of a career seems a very long way off, and their choices may reflect friends' ideas as much as their own.

"For some young people,the wrong choices now can lead to dissatisfaction at school and could increase the risk of 'dropping-out' later," said Connexions personal adviser, Sue Cross.

"It is essential that consideration is given to how the different courses are taught, the skills that will be developed, methods of assessment and the opportunities that each subject could open up."

Fortunately, help is at hand.

The Connexions service has developed a step-by-step guide to Year 9 choices, including what to consider, where to go for information and what research to do.

In Years 10 and 11, pupils study compulsory subjects - English, maths, design and technology, ICT, science and, in some cases, a modern language - alongside lessons such as citizenship and PE.

Students can also choose up to five other courses.

The first step is to sit down and chat with friends, family and carers - the people who know you best and can offer advice on your strengths and weaknesses.

If you know what career you are aiming for:-

Research the job by visiting your schools careers' adviser or logging on to www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u and find out which qualifications you will need.

If you need A-levels or further qualifications, find out what GCSEs you need to take these.

In case you cannot study all your first choice options, have back-up subjects that will also help your specified job or offer you a broad range of skills.

Don't feel you have to "specialise" - a range of subjects will keep other careers available should you change your mind in the future.

However, for every 13-year-old who has his or her future mapped out, Connexions reckon that five are baffled by their options and have no idea about a job.

In this case:

Write down what subjects you want to continue taking.

Then think what others you might need. Do you plan to go to college or university? What might you study? What qualifications would this require?

Consider taking subjects you enjoy or are good at - you are more likely to flourish in these areas.

Ask subject teachers or career advisers their opinions - they will have seen the situation many times before.

Find out if there is a careers event planned at your school, or even a local college, to pick up ideas.

Consider other avenues - such as Entry Level Qualifications and GNVQs - to see if they are right for you.

Try and keep a mix of subjects to avoid ruling out certain jobs in the future.

Ms Cross, from Connexions, which provides free and confidential advice to young people, agreed that it can seem confusing for 13-year-olds, but said help is at hand.

"With so many available options, it can be daunting for young people when considering what to do next," she said.

"But with guidance and advice from their parents, teachers and Connexions, they will have the network required to make the right choices."

Connexions can be contacted on 08080 013219 and more information on Year 9 options can be found on www.connexions-direct.com/whichwaynow

Four-step guide to recruit headteachers

A NEW four-step guide to help governors recruit headteachers is being sent to schools.

The publication will help members of the National Governors' Council (NGC) decide what type of leader they should choose for the school and which candidate is right for the job.

"It is crucial to consider what type of person is needed, how easy it will be to 'sell' the role to prospective candidates and the level of recruitment expertise on the governing body itself," said Jean McEntire, chief executive officer of the NGC.

Consultation promised before closure considered

THE House of Lords has voted in favour of holding full consultation with local communities before any rural primary schools can be closed down.

The narrow defeat for the Government - by 138 votes to 136 - came during the third reading of the Education Bill last week.

The amendment calls for full discussion with parents and the parish, borough and district councils, before any rural schools close.

Original Government plans issued guidance on holding consultation but did not make it obligatory.

Drugs and weapons problems identified

A FIFTH of secondary schools believe "gang culture" is widespread among their pupils, while half think it is a recurring problem, Ofsted has revealed.

Inspectors stressed that there was very little hard evidence to back up headteachers' perception of the problems.

However, it claimed that 40 per cent of schools reported pupils bringing weapons into the playground or classroom at least once a term. Drugs were also a problem.