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Original poster

GCSE options- humanities...

31 replies

Hmmph · 29/01/2021 09:46

My son is trying to chose his options.
So far he has
Maths, Eng Lang and Lit and Triple Science
French
Computer Science
Religious Studies

And he is stuck on whether to do History or Business as his final choice.

He is fairly academic and does well in all subjects, although he prefers maths and science.

In my head, it is traditional and better to do History as I feel you should do History or geography so you have a humanities subject. I also know this is compulsory to get an EBacc.

But he is wavering as business sounds interesting and he already has an essay subject in religious studies.

What does the wisdom of Mumsnet think?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hmmph · 29/01/2021 10:25

Do you think Religious Studies will add enough balance without History?

Tbh I think he should do History, as I feel it’s a “better” subject. But that sounds a bit silly!

He thinks Business because it’s more relevant to life- which is true- but I think it might be seen as a lesser subject.

Logically children should be studying more subjects like psychology, Business, finance as they are much more relevant to life and careers.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hmmph · 29/01/2021 10:20

He doesn’t really like Geography!

He does think the History syllabus sounds interesting, he just thinks Business sounds more interesting and relevant. Which, to be fair, it does.

OP posts:
Notcontent · 29/01/2021 10:09

What about doing geography instead, if he is stronger in sciences?

This is just a personal opinion, but I am not a fan of subjects such as “business” at GCSE level...

WombatChocolate · 29/01/2021 10:08

Ebacc is for the school. It isn’t something the student themselves get. But that said, it isn’t a bad thing to aim for as it includes well regarded subjects and ensures a good balance.

WombatChocolate · 29/01/2021 10:07

History is the more academic option.
Hard to do History A Level without doing GCSE. Business A Level (and degree) will still be open to him without GCSE (or A Level).

GU24Mum · 29/01/2021 10:03

Does he think the History syllabus sounds interesting? History is one of those subjects which I think is so different depending what you're studying.

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