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Original poster

GCSE option choices

34 replies

gluenotsoup · 07/02/2022 17:46

Hi,
DD is just in the process of choosing her options. She thinks wants to do separate sciences rather than the dual award, so effectively has 3 sciences studied to 3 GCSEs rather than to 2. Her next choice is RS, she will also be doing German and History, already underway. So - she has to choose 5 but can only study 2. She is drama BTec as the next option as a reserve. I’m a bit unsure how to advise her here- is a BTec seen as being as good as a GCSE, or not looked on as favourably? Is she better doing something else at GCSE and discounting BTecs altogether? Or will triple science pile on the pressure when 2 will be just as good, and something like drama shows a rounded set of interests? She swings about what she wants to choose, and doesn’t really have a clue about what she wants to do in the future- sometimes it’s medical, then it’s law, then it’s something random like a spy so I’m advising she just gets as high results as she can in what she enjoys and see what happens on the future to keep options open.
What do you all think? Any advice greatly appreciated 😊

OP posts:
RedskyThisNight · 07/02/2022 19:21

It won't make any difference whether her last choice is a BTech or a GCSE. Agree that if English is her strength then 3 sciences is probably too much science (unless there is a desire to study them beyond A Levels).

When you say "current grades" what do you mean? What she'd get if she took the GCSE tomorrow (that seems unlikely!)? You really need to understand what "5" means in your school system. If it's current working level relative to GCSE expectations and therefore likely to improve that's different to working at level relative to standard of work expected now. I would not be particularly encouraging a child looking at 5s in science (i.e. a good pass but not showing particular aptitude) to take 3 sciences unless they really really wanted to. If the school's grading system means a 5 now will turn into a 8 or 9 by GCSEs, that's a different question.

(My DD sounds as though she may be similar to yours. She is taking very similar options to those you have under consideration: English x2, Maths, Science x2, history, RE, Spanish, Drama. She also has Art as a 10th. She is planning to take English Lang, English Lit and History A Levels with a Feminism or Ethics related EPQ).

Original poster
gluenotsoup · 07/02/2022 19:09

Thank you everyone. I have been encouraging her to the extra science, but starting to think it’s not necessarily the right thing for her, and only having 2 won’t be detrimental. She definitely wants to do RS, and she achieves well in it.
Do you think there’s any detriment to the 9th choice being a BTec? Drama or dance are BTec, PE or computer science plus a few others are GCSE, but she’s not keen. It might be 4th or 5th choice. It’s probably not relevant to general performance, but it’s an all girls school, rated outstanding, so hopefully she’ll do ok in most things.

OP posts:
CrimbleCrumble1 · 07/02/2022 18:53

If English is her strength then three sciences may not be the best pick for her.

CrimbleCrumble1 · 07/02/2022 18:52

My DS picked exactly the same as your DD’s choices and then picked ICT. Out of his friends that did the same subjects some picked PE or drama, I don’t think it matters when you have so may solid subjects.
My DS went on to do physics, maths and economics A levels.

TeenPlusCat · 07/02/2022 18:51

3 sciences rather than combined is ~50% more content in each of the 3 disciplines, so not necessarily harder just more .

Do watch the revision load, sciences are heavy as is History.

TeenPlusCat · 07/02/2022 18:49

Take single sciences for GCSE is a lot of science. For DD2's year it was 14 lessons per fortnight (compared with 10 for combined science). Some/many schools have to 'permit' you to do single sciences.

Original poster
gluenotsoup · 07/02/2022 18:41

That’s kind of what I’m thinking, but it will be nine in total. So I’m wondering if drama will just provide more variety and confidence boosting skills, rather than the third science being just another science if two will be as good.
Are studying the three sciences separately much more difficult than the combined? I’m thinking it would be better to get 2 solid 8 or 9’s than 3 at g6 or 7 etc.
Her current grades in every subject is a 5 or 5+. A recent chemistry test was an 8, but she’s still working out how to revise if you know what I mean. English is her strength really.
Thanks for the advice, please keep it coming! 💐

OP posts:
TeenPlusCat · 07/02/2022 17:59

I agree with Redsky . Also Drama could be pretty useful for law/medicine in learning how to speak out etc. The only thing is drama relies on other people... Check the spec.

RedskyThisNight · 07/02/2022 17:52

If she thinks she might want to go into something medical, then 3 sciences will be an asset, but not a necessity.

It sounds like she will have 9 solid GCSE choices, assuming normal English and Maths, it will be English x 2, Maths, Science x 3, History, RE, German . Her last choice won't really make any difference to future prospects and I'd strongly suggest taking something she will enjoy - and something like Drama might well provide some light relief. Plus as it's coursework it will be one fewer exam to worry about!