GCSE choices - does this look like a good selection?

[louisea]

The school has several compulsary subjects: English Language, English Lit, Maths, Double Science & Statistics (or triple science) and Religious Studies. That leave 3 slots for options. The boys have chosen Systems & Controls, Geography and Spanish. All together 10 GCSEs. They also want to do computing but the school doesn't offer the subject. We discussed the possibility of doing it externally but the Head of Year thought that it might not be practical due to the controlled assessments required.

The school mentioned the EBacc. They did say the universities might look more favourably on the candidates with EBacc than without. By chance, the above choices fulfil those requirements.

So, does the above look like a good mix? Both boys may go on to do Product Design at A level, not sure what else.

It is a shame that they have so few choices for their personal options and can't broaden their subjects a bit more. There were other subjects that they would have liked to consider (e.g ICT) but they can't fit it all in. They see the benefit of what they have chosen over other subjects considering the path that they may want to follow in the future. We've explained to them that some of what they wanted to study will be picked up as training opportunities at work or be studied at a later stage privately.

It is also such a shame that they have to make such decisions so early. As the Head of Year put it, they have to make choices now that will close many doors to them but could open others. We haven't yet told them that those doors aren't necessarily shut permanently though with some things it would be harder to move sideways than with others.

Sorry if this has become a bit of a ramble. I'm typing as I think.

[TotallyBS]

Computer science gcse or A level, from an employment viewpoint, is a waste of an option so I wouldn't spending too much time lamenting the absence of an option for your DC :)

Employers like their trainees to be maths qualified. The level depends on the job ie people who program simulations are usually degree level mathematicians. Others like their trainees to be comp sci graduates. Some like to see that you have taught yourself to use Microsoft Office beyond just knowing how to write an essay using Word. Then there is Java.

Basically, employers like candidates with an interest in IT but if they want a computer science qualification then they want it at degree level

[complexnumber]

"As the Head of Year put it, they have to make choices now that will close many doors to them but could open others."

This reminds me of my favourite maths quote:
?I advise my students to listen carefully the moment they decide to take no more mathematics courses. They might be able to hear the sound of closing doors.?

This selection looks great to me.

[EllenJaneisstillnotmyname]

It does include subjects to get the Ebacc, which is maths, science, English, a modern foreign language and either history or geography. They look like a good set of GCSEs to me.