GCSE choices

The new French GCSE has massively more content than the previous one and is much more demanding. And if your DD is at risk of not getting a grade 4 in English and Maths, I can understand why the school would want to prioritise that, because those subjects are key to her future education.

I'm not sure that we have evidence that the school is playing a league tables game multivac! Yes, the OP's DD may not have the best "education experience" if she drops French, but if she is having extra maths and English because she is well below the standard expected to be in line for getting a Level 4 at GCSE (which is why extra maths and English are timetabled at my DC's school), then not getting this will have a huge effect on her later life opportunities as well as the school's league table position!

As others have said, OP needs to understand why the school have recommended this.

The school is playing the league tables game, I'm afraid; it's not about the best possible education experience for your daughter - she's not allowed to continue learning a second language, despite the proven benefits of doing so for any young person, regardless of ability - because it puts THEIR final stats at risk.

My Dds school only let the top 2 groups do GCSE French, as I guess they're the ones with more chance of passing. Perhaps talk to the school and see how she's doing in her other subjects and whether she does need extra tuition.

I would reiterate what pps have said. The history GCSE is massive in terms or content, and very challenging. Personally, I think it is more challenging than the current A-Level. I also had a look at a foundation maths paper the other day and was shocked by how difficult it was. I would speak to the school and ask why they are advising this, as you may find there is a very sensible reason behind their decision.

The GCSEs are so much harder now. DD is year 11 and doing Spanish and the content for this is huge compared to the GCSE her sister sat 8 years ago. If the school recommend extra maths and English then personally I would jump at it. My DD always gets good grades but this year has been a struggle to maintain them.

It is more important to pass Maths and English than to have French.

If someone is in danger of failing English I would be concerned whether they will pass French anyway (all things being equal).

(I am rather hoping my DD will be allowed to do one less GCSE and get extra English in the freed up time, but I suspect she won't.)

You need to ask the school about why they are recommending this.

How is she doing in Maths and English, maybe she needs extra help in those areas. Maybe they only run French for the top language class and she didn't make the cut. Maybe it is a timetabling conflict or teacher shortage. Maybe she is not up to ten GCSEs in total and it would be better if she only did nine (or what ever number).

Just talk to the school and try and agree whats best for your child overall and whats feasible, just demanding she do French (at all costs) might not be in her best interests.