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Original poster

GCSE Science choice

34 replies

Milo51 · 23/01/2022 12:27

I would like to get advice from other mums regarding GCSE choice.

My Y9 DD needs to choose GCSE subjects next month.
Her school has changed their policy from this year and quite flexible about science choice.

In addition to triple science, double science, they allow stand alone either one or two sciences subjects if pupil has a valid reason.

My DD would like to do Biology, physics, as a single subjects then, drop Chemistry.

She is quite able for all subjects but she is not keen on Chemistry, Geography even though her grade is quite good for those subjects. She said she can’t enjoy them.

Her choices are

English
English Lit
Maths
Further maths (She might drop)
Biology
Physics
History
Business
Religious Studies
Classics
Latin (She might drop)
Spanish

She loves History and Philosophy side of Religious studies and loves writing essay and debating. So she said she is 120% sure she will not take Science at A level. At the moment she said she would like to be a lawyer.

Is there any disadvantage for her for university entry in the future without studying Chemistry?

OP posts:
MaizeAmaze · 23/01/2022 16:03

Dropping Chem at this stage will make both physics and biology harder.
If she wanted to drop either bio or physics, I would say it makes possible sense. But dropping chemistry is a foolish suggestion that will ultimately make life harder. She'd be better doing a double award if she really doesnt wanted full chem GCSE.

clary · 23/01/2022 15:47

@TeenPlusCat

Not answering your question.

I think it is a shame she is thinking of doing this. I was forced to choose between Physics&Chemistry or Biology back in the 80s. I think the combine/dual award that does some of all 3 sciences is far preferable as general education than more of just 2 of them.

Yep this. I dropped physics at 14 and I wish I had been able to continue it (I couldn't if I wanted to do my other choices). Double science would have been perfect for me. I do feel often and often my lack of knowledge of physics.

To answer the OP, no chemistry GCSE will not be an issue as long as she doesn't want to do any kind of science (medicine, vet, dentist, science degree) later. I still wouldn't advise is on the whole tho. A friend's DD did this.

That's a LOT of GCSEs btw. Is this a private school? 8/9 is plenty and most schools don't do more than 10 max.

OP I would push her to do double then she doesn't lose an option slot but still has it covered if she changes her mind.

QuizzicalEyebrows · 23/01/2022 15:40

It'll look odd if she doesn't

QuizzicalEyebrows · 23/01/2022 15:40

I think most able DC all seem to take triple science

TeenPlusCat · 23/01/2022 15:37

I was assuming it was private as state schools don't usually have the timetable flexibility to offer random combinations.

Also, is 'not enjoying it' a valid enough reason?
I know some kids with ASD can't cope with Biology for example, which would be a valid reason.

TeenPlusCat · 23/01/2022 15:34

What concerns me is your 13/14 yo may be 120% sure now, but in 2 years time, having studied things properly she may change her mind. Especially as education will have been disrupted since she started secondary and e.g. they may have had less opportunity than usual to do their own chemistry experiments.

turnaroundtime · 23/01/2022 15:33

I am so confused. Why so many subjects? My 3 x DC all went to/go to private schools. 2 sons went to leading public schools, Dd goes to a very well regarded day school. They all took/are taking 9 subjects. The only people taking 10 are those taking further maths or a native language in addition to their standard GCSE language as it is so easy for them. Ditto for all their friends at top private schools. Why do state school DCs seem to take 12, 13, 14 GCSEs? The universities don't care

MakkaPakkas · 23/01/2022 15:26

If she wants to do biology at degree level she shouldn't drop chemistry now as chem is often one of the preferred a levels on a bio degree (that may have changed since I last looked but worth checking)

TeenPlusCat · 23/01/2022 15:23

Not answering your question.

I think it is a shame she is thinking of doing this. I was forced to choose between Physics&Chemistry or Biology back in the 80s. I think the combine/dual award that does some of all 3 sciences is far preferable as general education than more of just 2 of them.