GCSE Options in yr9 - optional languages?

[badRoly]

Dc1 is in the middle of choosing options. All the boxes are ticked except for 1. The choice is between Spanish and Geography.

I'm after advice from knowledgeable people in higher ed - is not doing a language at GCSE restrictive/frowned upon?

Dc1 has already chosen triple science, history and drama.

Thank you

[Essexmum69]

Generally only at UCL, although there is a selective sixth form near me that insists on a MFL gcse as part of their entry criteria. So check the entry requirements of schools or colleges your DC is interested in, but its rarely a problem.

[BackforGood]

It's rarely a 'requirement' but usually seen as a positive thing to have on your CV. If they will do well at Sapnish, and enjoy both, then I'd always recommend an MFL. If they are going to struggle, then do Geography if that is going to offer a higher grade.

[badRoly]

Thank you both.

She currently wants to study medicine at Cambridge and has seen that UCL ask for a language at GCSE. UCL being her 2nd choice for medicine. This has all come from her own research.

I just wondered if there was an unspoken/unwritten requirement that those of not in the loop didn't know.

Local college and 6th form don't require a language to study A Levels.

[Leeds2]

Many schools require a language at GCSE so that the student passes the Ebacc. From what I can see, having students pass the Ebacc benefits the school, rather than the student.

If she even thinks she may want to apply to UCL, I would certainly recommend choosing Spanish.

[badRoly]

I do think she should do Spanish but she feels it's her weakest subject.

I am trying very hard not to impose my views on her but am struggling as I wanted to do 2 languages at GCSE and was told no and have always regretted not fighting my corner. But that was me, not dc1!

Dh in the other hand hated French and is indifferent about whether or not she takes it.

[badRoly]

And I agree wholeheartedly with you Leeds2 that the EBacc is all about the school.

[lljkk]

I understood the UCL to go to great pains to say that GCSE in languages is NOT part of admissions criteria. However, for those who are accepted & don't have GCSE already, they will need to take a short course in MFL before they finish at UCL in order to get their degree. I wouldn't worry at all about it, honestly especially if it's a weak subject for her.

[badRoly]

Thanks lljkk, I'm inclined to accept I'm overthinking it all , poor old dc1, I'll have got it all out of my system for dc2-4

[MillyMollyMama]

Actually, I think Cambridge will notice. Oxford medical students have an average of 10 GCSEs at A* so don't give any reason to Cambridge to turn her down. They may not state an MFL but it is a gap if you don't have one.

[badRoly]

Options evening at school today - dc1 is going for Spanish.

Every teacher she spoke to said she didn't have to but it might limit choices further along the line if she drops the MfL.

She also spoke to her Spanish teacher who reassured her that she would currently be working towards a B but an A or even A* is not beyond the realms of possibility of she really works hard!

So thank you all for your advice

[HereIAm20]

I agree with MillyMollyMama and that Cambridge would expect there to be a MFL at least to GCSE. My best friend works in admissions at one the Cambridge colleges!