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Original poster

8, 9 or 10 GCSEs - does it matter?

28 replies

DontCallMeBaby · 04/02/2018 20:19

DD has to submit her options form in a few weeks. She has

  • Core subjects: maths, English literature, English language, double science (5 GCSEs)
  • Subjects she’s certain about: French, history, product design (3 GCSEs)

So that’s 8, which seems like an acceptable number to me (I have 9 and DH only has 7, although obviously from a terribly long time ago). However she has two further option slots to fill, and that’s where it gets tricky. The short list is business, ICT (a very design-led course), health & social care. Only business is an actual GCSE, the other two are GCSE equivalents (and both 75% coursework).

I think 8 will be fine for all possible purposes, provided she gets decent grades, especially as they’re mostly solidly academic. I’m not 100% sure coursework will suit her, as she tends to wing it, but then 10 exam heavy subjects might stretch her too far. I also, though I haven’t said this to her, think business sounds dull as fuck and the other two sound more interesting/fun.

She, however, doesn’t want to have ‘only 8’ GCSEs. No real reason given. IS there anything wrong with 8? She currently wants to do medicine at university - I’m not convinced she’ll get there (again, not something I’ve said to her) but it’s a good ambition as it encourages her to work hard. Her school’s sixth form will require two grade 6s and three grade 5s to get in, and subject related requirements on top of that.

Do I reassure her that 8 GCSEs is fine? Or am I missing something here?

OP posts:
Heifer · 04/02/2018 20:51

My DD has just selected her Options. At her school the "norm" is 9 GCSEs. I personally feel this is the right amount for her, although she is thinking about taking RE as a Fast Track (lunch time/after school) as a 10th. Her teacher told is that she is very capable of getting high marks and should try starting the course and seeing how it goes (I stated I was worried taking 10 could weaken some of her other grades).
My understanding is that Unis look at the top 8 grades - so I guess I would worry if my DD was only taking 8 in case she had a bit of a bleep on 1 subject.
One question I do have though is if she is keen to do medicine why isn't she taking triple science? Our school recommended anyone that wanted to take A Level Science should take Triple - but I know that some schools don't offer it - is that the case with your DD? Ive read that it's not a problem if they have taken double, plenty of people do well a A level from Double but it can be a steeper learning curve at the start.

For Info - my DD has selected
Maths/English x 2/Triple Science/History/Spanish & PE (with possible RE) I personally think that she may well start the Fast Track RE but may decide to drop it later on.

clary · 04/02/2018 20:47

8 GCSEs is fine if that's what your school does. But it sounds like your DD's does 10.

I wouldn't advise ICT - very dull and not offered now as a GCSE so rated low. H&S is possible to do as a GCSE (eg at my DCs' school) so I am with you, I would be wary of whatever it is that the school is offering (what actually is it? BTEC?)

Business is good, challenging and well rated, lots of yr 10 DS2's mates like it. what else could she do? Does she enjoy any other tech eg food? drama? TBH 5 is a lot of option slots to have to fill - will she do them all or is one an option if she doesn't get her preferred choices?

GodFather · 04/02/2018 20:44

As someone who works in a secondary school. My advice speak with her tutor or head of year.

Many of my students range from 8 to 10. I am it depends what is best for the student and how the school works.

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