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Original poster

Year 9 options help

33 replies

domesticgodessintraining · 20/01/2012 12:10

Would ICT, geography and business studies be classed as weak GCSE options by Universities, or would it be better to do ICT, Geog, History or RS?

OP posts:
AMumInScotland · 20/01/2012 14:15

For some universities and some subjects, not having an MFL can be a show-stopper. But it depends what he/she's likely to want to do - if you're going into science or engineering, it's less likely to be an issue than if you go in for an arts subject.

crazynanna · 20/01/2012 14:10

At dd's school meeting on Wednesday,they said the EBach is more of a measurement of the school than the child....I think or something like that Confused
DD is dead set against a language...so has to go down the Open Pathway...is that a disadvantage then?

londonmackem · 20/01/2012 14:08

Must doe English, Maths, Science, Humanities (Geog/Hist) and an MFL to get English Bac. If capable of going to a good uni then I would recommend Eng bac subjects. Surprised your school is not encouraging this and this is how they will be measured.

Popoozle · 20/01/2012 14:05

I'll be watching this thread with interest - DS1 is choosing options too. We have history down as a definite - nothing else! Confused

Original poster
domesticgodessintraining · 20/01/2012 14:03

Thank you ladies. I will show DD your comments when she gets home.

OP posts:
GrungeBlobPrimpants · 20/01/2012 13:08

Geography great
ICT and bus studs not so great. Nowt wrong with one 'weak' 'light' or fun subject if they really want to do it, but not two. Out of the two I'd say business studies was the better one

senua · 20/01/2012 13:00

History, Geography and RS are traditional, well respected, academic subjects.
ICT was in the news recently as being not fit for purpose and will probably have an overhaul soon.
Business Studies is not very highly regarded but, if you are that way inclined, it is easy to get a good grade.

AMumInScotland · 20/01/2012 12:54

They are much more interested in subject choice at A levels than at GCSE level. If you look through the Russel Group Informed Choices booklet link here then you'll see that they don't say much at all about GCSE subjects, except that some courses may have particular requirements. There are some things you should watch out for - having maths, a science, a language - which are the likeliest ones to cause a problem.

But generally I don't think they'll be bothered about Business Studies rather than History, at GCSE level. OTOH if he did History GCSE he'd have an option of continuing with it to A level, where it definitely would be a "good" subject choice.

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