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Original poster

Yr 8 Options GCSE Drama, Music and Art. I know, I know...

34 replies

NeverPromisedYouARoseGarden · 09/03/2020 12:48

I realise there is currently a similar thread to this one but I don't want to hijack so thought I'd start my own. DD is 13, Yr8 and choosing GCSE options.

Here's the setup. Selective school, 3yr GCSE programme, not fussed about Ebacc (us or school).
Compulsory GCSEs:
English lang and lit
Maths
3 sciences
MFL (DD has chosen Spanish)
RE (half GCSE)

Three options:
Drama
Music
Art

I'm well aware that this is a poor combination of options due to the insane amount of coursework but it's very difficult to persuade a 13yo who is viewing it with somewhat rose-tinted specs! All three teachers have said they would really like to have her in their class, which isn't helping with the rose-tintedness! Currently achieving 8/9 in all three subjects.

DD is an all-round bright kid, achieving 7 and above in most subjects. Struggles more with maths and physics. She is v creative and highly imaginative but also inclined to be day-dreamy and disorganised, which is linked to the creativity - lots of exciting ideas in her head - but not always easy to live with! She has no real idea what she wants to do careerwise or even for A levels. To break it down a bit…

  1. Drama - absolute no-brainer for DD. She loves it although no particular desire to make performing arts into a career. I have never seen her so happy and focused and organised (yay!) as during her involvement with school plays and class performances. Does no drama outside of school but plans to audition for local am-dram youth group this year as previously has not been old enough.

  2. Music - Loves the subject and is very talented. Plays two instruments, grades 7 and 5. Very good natural ear. Music teacher outside of school is v experienced and routinely offers additional GCSE support and advice if needed.

  3. Art - Loves the subject, reasonably talented, desperate to crack on with it alongside a group of students who also love art and actually want to be there.

I am trying very hard to steer DD away from art and towards history (a subject she also enjoys and her backup choice). I think she will find the art coursework overwhelming and I worry it will suck the fun out of the subject for her. She would actually be fine if a teacher was setting the art as homework on a weekly basis because she is much better working to deadlines. But there is a lot of self-direction and self-discipline required and I doubt she will be motivated to work consistently doing, say, a couple of hours art per week outside of the lessons. She insists she will, of course!

I also favour history because I'm concerned that she will not have a humanities subject (except the half RE) and I think it would be more useful to have another subject area in which to develop writing and thinking skills. There is essay writing involved with the drama (and possibly the music?) but not to the same level.

I have discussed with the school the possibility of dropping physics in favour of history but it would not work in terms of timetabling.
Have also discussed with DD the option of dropping music GCSE as she does extracurricular music and is already very skilled but she really enjoys it and I do think it will be a relatively 'soft' subject for her and therefore potentially less stressful.

Another thought is that perhaps the three year GCSE programme will lessen the coursework burden somewhat and make it more achievable to do all three. Does anyone have DC who have found this to be the case?

So, if anyone wants to tell me that the combination of subjects is not so bad, that would be great. Or if anyone has a compelling argument to favour history over art, that would be good too. And I'll be showing this thread to DD so that I'm not the only bad guy!!

OP posts:
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Comefromaway · 13/03/2020 10:43

Just a thought about music GCSE, my understanding is that grade 7 is equivalent to level 3 in the UK qualifications framework (ie A-level standard), so in terms of music qualifications she is already performing at a higher level than GCSE.

That's is correct and is the reason why dd's school stopped offering GCSE dance. However with music (I have a music degree) the set works/listening paper is very different to what you get in ABRSM type exams and those written, analysis skills prepare both A level/Btec and ultimately degree courses (even most conservatoires have a written musicology/music history part to the course.

Original poster
NeverPromisedYouARoseGarden · 13/03/2020 10:28

Thanks, ilovesushi. That's one of the possibilities we have discussed over the last few evenings. Although it makes a lot of sense, we felt that over time, with the pressure of coursework and GCSEs in general, DD could easily end up neglecting her extracurricular music or even dropping it altogether. Also, it is the subject in which she is most talented and has the most support outside of school (music teacher and family) so, in theory, it ought to be one of the least stressful ones. Interesting that you regret not taking art. Although we impressed upon DD that extracurricular art courses and clubs are readily available but history clubs...not so much, I do feel that the best way to improve art skills is by quite intensive learning. When DD was much younger and we ruminated about secondary schools, I always imagined her in an art room, wearing a paint-splattered apron, deep in concentration! Obviously a romantic notion, especially since I don't have an artistic bone in my body, but it really resonates with me. And every time we discussed the possibility of dropping the art option, DD ended up in tears Sad.

Anyway, the decision has now been made. We have gone for the three creative options with history as a backup. DD still a little conflicted because she does love history and the syllabus really appeals to her. But, rightly or wrongly, she's followed her heart rather than her head. We shall see. Maybe timetabling-clash issues will intervene.

Thank you again to everyone for your replies. DD was v surprised and grateful that so many of you took the time to share your opinions. And good luck to the other posters who are going through the same!

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ilovesushi · 13/03/2020 01:13

Just a thought about music GCSE, my understanding is that grade 7 is equivalent to level 3 in the UK qualifications framework (ie A-level standard), so in terms of music qualifications she is already performing at a higher level than GCSE. If she has already got lots of music in her life - orchestras, ensembles - maybe there is no need to do a GCSE, unless the syllabus offers something she is not already doing and wants to do like composition. Ultimately it's about picking what she loves and what she will excel in. I didn't pick art many years ago and it was always a bit of a regret as I didn't manage to keep it up out of school.

Original poster
NeverPromisedYouARoseGarden · 10/03/2020 19:42

AtomicRabbit I hadn't heard of ISCO. Will have a browse and see what I can find. I too am concerned about the lack of academic choices and about how many doors that might be closing. The school have said they might allow her to take A level history without having done GCSE but obviously it would depend on her grades and I assume it would be hard going. Also, I'm not sure other schools would be so flexible so she might be closing some sixth form doors.

I will 100% support DD in pursuing two of the options though as I agree with Comefromaway that doing something you absolutely love can get you through and also give you confidence in your abilities.

motherstongue I'm sorry for your DD. It makes me Sad to hear that and it mystifies me why a syllabus would be constructed in such a way as to destroy a love for the subject. Art especially seems to have an awful reputation for this. Why not fire our amazing young people with enthusiasm instead of shooting them down? So frustrating.

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motherstongue · 10/03/2020 16:56

My DD is an art scholar at her school and like other posters before she feels the GCSE has managed to (almost) kill her love of art. Hers is a 2 year course though and she sits her GCSE this year (hopefully, Coronavirus aside) but she spent a copious amount of hours throughout the whole of the summer holidays on her course work as she felt if she didn’t there was a significant chance her overall grade would fall and she just wouldn’t have had the time to rectify it during term time. She said that lots of her friends who took art and were good at art but not particularly gifted in art have really struggled. The upshot is that she has absolutely no plans to continue with art to A level.

Comefromaway · 10/03/2020 14:18

As a music and drama graduate and married to another music graduate I know plenty who earn a very good living from music and the arts.

Sometimes it's about more than just grades, its about doing a subject you absolutely love and that helps you get through the week.

AtomicRabbit · 10/03/2020 14:09

History.

She can then do it at A-level if she enjoys it.

As a musician and someone who loved art and drama as a younger person, I don't see the point in taking exams in these subjects unless it's to get an A grade you and you're after lots of As for the sake of As.

From an academic point of view, History is by far the stronger subject. If she doesn't do it at GCSE she won't have that as an option at A-level. Perhaps I'm too old school but those three extra options look like add-ons to me. They're not academic choices.

I'd be adding in another MFL and/or history and pursuing those other subjects in her free time.

Perhaps you should do some early careers testing for her like ISCO is it? I can't remember the name - to help her work out where her strengths lie and what sort of subjects she should consider taking forward.

Unless she wants a career in music, drama or art, I'd probably not bother with any of them. They're all notoriously underpaid unless you're one of the 0.1% who happen to make it.

willowpatterns · 10/03/2020 14:04

It was several years ago now, but I seem to remember that my DD had an awful lot of GCSE art coursework - hours and hours of it every week. It totally killed all the enthusiasm she had towards the subject.

Comefromaway · 10/03/2020 13:50

To be fair to DD though, the Drama option is not in contention. She has shown a lot of commitment, and will definitely be choosing that as her first option.

My son feels like that about music. It gets him through everything else.

Original poster
NeverPromisedYouARoseGarden · 10/03/2020 13:21

Thanks, Baaahhhh. I've discussed this with the teacher and it seems they try to match the groups appropriately. Although that's no guarantee, of course. From what I can gather, in Yr7 and 8 DD has generally been grouped with one or two committed types and one or two who'd rather be anywhere else, and she does get frustrated by the latter.

The writing aspect is not a problem. DD comfortable with that. I'm secrectly hoping for extensive written work if only to balance the options a bit better. The exam board is OCR. I've had a look at the syllabus but no idea how it plays out in practice.

To be fair to DD though, the Drama option is not in contention. She has shown a lot of commitment, and will definitely be choosing that as her first option.

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Baaaahhhhh · 10/03/2020 13:04

DD did "Drama and Theater Studies", with her board the majority marks were on the "Theater Studies" side. So lots of written work of performance arts. She is exceptional in English so this was not an issue, but it was for many of the other students who chose Drama for the acting.

The main issue DD had was with her classmates who didn't pull their weight. The acting by definition is all group based. If you get in a group where people piss about, and don't take it seriously, it is really soul destroying. DD did most of the writing, the scripting, had all the main parts, and also orchastrated the lighting and sound for her group performances. They went well, but only because DD did all the work! She would never have not done it, but it is one of those GCSE's where you do rely quite a lot on others pulling their weight, and that can be quite stressful.

Original poster
NeverPromisedYouARoseGarden · 10/03/2020 12:44

Thank you, everyone. These replies are really helpful and insightful. I plan to show DD this thread tonight and it will hopefully help her to look at it from other perspectives. At the moment, it's really just enthusiastic teachers versus less enthusiastic mum, so we are at loggerheads.

As well as being a daydreamer, DD is also a procrastinator - hence why she works better to strict deadlines - and that's not an ideal personality trait for any coursework-based GCSEs. We had a falling out this morning when I berated her for leaving yet another piece of homework (art Hmm) till the last minute and now having to do a rush job in her lunch hour, skipping school orchestra in the process and thus compromising both music and art! Arghh! It's so frustrating because if she was more focused and disciplined I would be much more inclined to let her to take the risk with her options. But I do feel for her - I'm a bit of a procrastinator too! - and it's a tough enough time emotionally and physically without having to make these big decisions which could potentially impact your whole future.

In response to some of your replies:

DD has not completed Grade 5 music theory, so that will be relatively new to her. She enjoys composition but hasn't done a great deal of it. To be clear, it's me that thinks it might be an easier option, not DD. She's been told by teachers and other pupils that none of her options are 'soft', quite the opposite.

Re the drama, she does like performing but I think she's more attracted to something else. I don't know what it is, I'm not sure she could articulate it either - maybe the atmosphere, the camaraderie. The teacher is also very inspiring, which makes a huge difference to DD. If a teacher notices her and encourages her, even in quite an understated way, she will give 100%. If they don't engage with her, she loses interest (and focus) in the subject.

Redsky DD's response to your quote about 3 hours homework would be the same as your DD - ie "but I just love art and I don't mind doing it." The enthusiasm will be there, no question, it's putting into practice that will be difficult!

dontletmedown I didn't even consider that GSCE Music might ruin enjoyment of music - I've heard loads about art - so that's something to consider. Although it's made me remember how A level English Lit ruined literature for me for a long time afterwards. We studied some terribly dreary texts and for the next several years I read nothing but trashy romances. A dear friend gave me a copy of Pride and Prejudice in my early 20s which thankfully rekindled the flame!

Comefromaway You make a good point about the music practice. That is certainly a bone of contention on occasion already, especially with the more challenging of the two instruments. And that will get harder before it gets easier, for sure.

OrchidFlakes I really appreciate your perspective. We tend to get so bogged down in the here and now but of course she could pick up another GCSE later down the line. I delayed entry to uni myself (a reaction to the hideousness of A levels) and had a much better experience as a result. And thank you for this... The arts are underfunded and undervalued yet we all seek solace in theatre, art and music when modern life overwhelms us. I know it might not help DD when she's in a funk and behind in her coursework but it makes my heart sing to hear that because in our house we very much value and seek solace in those things and it helps me to understand why DD is so attracted to them.

Thank you, all. Very glad to hear any more suggestions or advice. We still have a few more days before we have to make our final decision... Smile

OP posts:
Seeline · 10/03/2020 09:04

Drama doesn't actually involve that much acting. It does involve a lot of writing/essays.

It does also involve coursework - although in my DDs case it does seem to be a little bit more spread out than some other subjects. They have to do quite a detailed performance log.

If it's the performing that she likes, she may just be better off getting involved in school productions and an outside club, rather than doing the GCSE.

Porcupineinwaiting · 09/03/2020 20:40

Well she could take the art and just not get such a high grade in it as the others. I mean, that wouldn't be the end of the world.

CloudPop · 09/03/2020 19:38

My daughter is doing both art and music, primarily because she loves them both. Art is a lot of work but she really enjoys it - doesn't find the coursework damaging to her love of art.

lljkk · 09/03/2020 18:05

She should do one of them for fun not achievement. I suggest Art, btw gcse art is great way to ruin one's live of art.

oliviaskies · 09/03/2020 16:30

If she is a grade 7 in an instrument, music is definitely a no-brainer. My DD's school made it so they had to be a grade 5 or above, so the class was full of people who were serious about the subject, unlike her drama class which was full of people taking it because they thought it was easy. I'd say to steer clear of art - the coursework is immense and it caused massive stress for a number of DD's friends who had their final pieces lost or destroyed. I'd definitely agree with other posters that she should take a humanities, and if she likes history it seems like a good choice. Liking art on your own terms is extremely different to being set a task and given a set time to do it, and she may end up resenting it.

If she enjoys drama, she should definitely go for it! My DD adored it and made some solid friends (and some good connections). I'd just say to swap drama for history

helpmum2003 · 09/03/2020 16:01

I agree she should drop one and replace with a humanity. It will restrict her choices later on and coursework overload.

We've taken the old fashioned route with our dc on a similar issue and insisted on a language. School supported us. In Y9 they're not really able to visualise that they may change course later on. Y8 is so early to make decisions...

We've looked at a few Uni courses with dc to get a feel for the importance of balanced choices. I'm almost surprised school would accept those options for an academically able child.

Good luck.

AliMonkey · 09/03/2020 15:58

Don’t think of music as the easy option. Hopefully the performing bit will be ok for her. But a lot of work is required for the composition part and DD is also finding the theory / analysis part harder than she expected. I agree that dropping one for history is a good idea. The other one can then be seen as a relaxing hobby rather than something that has to be done.

BeauBeaumont · 09/03/2020 15:51

I think it' would be a real shame if she effectively gave up all humanities at age 13. And it would also restrict the A level direction she could go in. My DD is a talented musician but chose not to do Music GCSE as she said that she did so much out of school that it really wasn't necessary. She is doing drama, Spanish and both history and geography. The teachers agreed that it was important to do as large a range as possible so as not to close down any options – even more important if it's a three-year GCSE course.

confusedparent12 · 09/03/2020 15:46

Following as Ds is likely to want to do both music and drama in a couple of years....As a music teacher (instrumental not class) I would echo what previous posters said, gcse music is interesting and helps their development but it is much more than just performing and while Grade 5 theory is helpful the GCSE composing and listening is not always related to the Abrsm syllabus and the composition element can be very time consuming.

averythinline · 09/03/2020 14:51

Music seems a no brainer for her . Drama is a bit more wordy than many seem to expect...
History opens a lot of doors later so would suggest that rather than art .. it seems a lot of work

marytuda · 09/03/2020 14:46

Can't help really but am in exact same position with DS, also gifted musician (and required to take GCSE music) leaving him only 2 further options. . . . his natural choices would be DT & computer science .. ... whereas old-fashioned me balks at the possibility of him giving up history, geog and French at aged 12 (youngest in year 8). Like OP's DD he could take any subject and do well; but wants to be a techie/scientist, has already picked his A levels accordingly (!)
I don't quarrel with that; but I do think he needs a MFL (not compulsory at his comp). Negotiations proceed apace . .

Batqueen · 09/03/2020 14:45

If she will truly enjoy all three then they are not bad choices but history would add more balance and lessen the load.

I most definitely would not drop physics!

It sounds like either music or art possibly instead of both might allow her to enjoy her extra-curricula activities more. Remind her that if she gets involved in her local drama group there will also be chances to get involved in the music and art side of that eg the orchestra and scenery, lighting. How will she feel if she can’t get involved in a production because she has too much art coursework?

capercaillie · 09/03/2020 14:41

I would definitely include History in place of one of those 3.