Triple science or French Gcse?

As she has to do RE (which might not be an EBACC humanity, but is certainly a respected humanity subject for uni admissions and as pp said, the ethics component is good for medicine), I suggest she drops geography and does both triple science and French.

Otherwise, have a very hard look at whether she wants tomdonarr as an examined subject, or just keep it as a fun hobby or evening class

That's a good point about art. My DD is quite a talented artist but is adamant she is not doing it for GCSE because it involves so much work. She's doing two languages instead.

We were also told that she can do the combined science (2 GCSEs) and still take one of those subjects for A level if she wants to as long as she gets a high enough grade so it is still an option instead of the triple, although I appreciate it is a big jump to A level.

Actually the number of options does look odd and stacked against ebacc, which doesn't seem in the school's interest! At DS's school triple science isn't one of your options, it's the default if you're good at science.
Ideally, you'd go for triple science, French and geography if you have three options and I'd agree to a teenager they may not sound like real options! However, it's the best range under the circumstances for medicine.
I really do get the allure of art but it's not an easy subject at GCSE and very time-consuming.

I find it very odd that the school should deliberately set up a hugely restricted options system (only 3 options) that actively works AGAINST children getting the EBacc.

As RE does not count as a humanity for EBacc, then the school should be allowing triple science + language + geography / history.

As a comparison, DC's comprehensive does not have RE as a compulsory subject, and has 5 very open option choices. Languages and humanities are offered in multiple blocks, so it is really quite difficult to avoid doing the EBacc for suitably bright children. My DCs did 2 languages plus at least 1 humanity plus at least 1 creative subject. The compulsory amount of RE is taught through regular 'off timetable' full days (Citizenship, PSHE - things like drug and alcohol education, sex ed etc - and RE - moral dilemmas as well as a wide range of religions -well as are taught in a combined manner through these days) and Philosophy & Ethics is taught as a GCSE option.

I'm going against the grain here. At GCSE level, it's more important to get a set of well rounded subjects, and that means at least one language. When you say "science", what does that actually mean? Is it not double science? Just single science? I've actually not heard of single science. Even my very average DD did double science. I do think having to choose between triple science and a language somewhat shocking. My friend's DC, for example, did double science at GCSE (also took a language) and then all science and maths A-levels and studied veterinary medicine at university. Another, also studying a science subject at university, also only did double science for GCSEs, but sciences for A-level, but has a language GCSE too, so doing double science at least didn't hold them back. The only children I know who did not take a language at GCSE are those who were dyslexic. The A-level subjects matter more.

Also if she’s really keen on science then the others kids who are really keen are more likely to be in triple science. DD’s school teach triple science in double science time which would solve your DD’s dilemma. Only the able kids do triple as the pace is faster. There will be very bright kids in double science but more likely to be all rounders or strong in humanities?

Do you know where the best teachers are? I have noticed that some departments spread their strong staff, some have them teaching top set, some have the weaker staff teaching top set and stronger staff teaching lower sets.

We just moved DD from top set triple science to 2nd set triple science as the stellar teachers are there. We said it was because her friend is in set 2 and DD has some organisational issues (true) but the head of year raised an eyebrow when he saw who the teachers were.

Triple science, definitely.
DS is studying a language outside school with a Tutor because he refused to continue with French and really wanted to do Japanese. he'll take the GCSE next year and loves his lessons.
However, can I just recommend your dd talks to some students taking the new art spec this year - it's changed a lot and you have to be prepared to do even more work outside the classes. I think it could be a tough one to get a really good grade in and if she's thinking of medicine that may be a factor. However if she's very good at keeping up with coursework she should be fine!

Yes to Triple science. If she's clever she could always study for a French GCSE out of school (if she's only doing 8 or 9 GCSEs in school)?

Triple science will be better for her if she wants to do science a levels; there will be less of a jump from gcse to a level.

Triple Science and at least 1 modern foreign language.

Triple science if she wants to do something medical.

Some religious education is compulsory to 16 in state schools anyway. Many schools therefore try to get a GCSE out of that timetabled time. Often there is a focus on ethics which will be useful if applying for medicine. It will also help her to develop essay writing skills.

If your DC is really able all departments will want them.

Resist

It’s hard isn’t it? How can they know? But for medicine triple science makes sense.

Art/DT etc are masses of work- hours of time.

All of the science teachers I’ve spoken to say do triple science if there is any chance you’re thinking of doing a science at A-level (obv a must if wanting to study medicine).

The school may still allow people who’ve done double science to do a science A-level but triple science is much better preparation.
So best to keep doors open and do triple science.

DS school don't make them do history or geography or a language and don't push for either so not sure sorry.

His school is as follows
Compulsory
English Language
English Lit
Maths
RE

Options
Triple science
Computer science
CiDA

If he didn't pick triple science he would have to do combined science and could choose one other.

Regardless of what she wants to do further down the line, you can study a language outside of school easily and have it taken seriously. Putting on a CV/ application for uni that you study science outside of school but didn't do the full course sounds odd.

I'd recommend triple science. If she is thinking about a science career it will be worth it, and even if she changes her mind the background will be useful later.

It's "nice" to do languages, but to be honest the level of language learning from most kids in the UK system is really poor (only language immersion seems to force us English to learn!). If she is passionate about a language later in life she can explore that.

As a person who works in science/tech area, there are wonderful opportunities for women in many companies in these fields.

Definitely triple science if she wants to study medicine.

Can she swap geography for French?

If she wants to do science for A level then triple science seems the obvious choice. I do think it's sad though how languages are viewed in this country. It's also a shame she can't do 10 gcses then she could do a language as well.