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Original poster

Options: no geography or history, is that a problem

62 replies

Snid · 29/08/2022 19:33

DD has to choose options this coming year. They’ve got to take: double science, maths, English language, English literature, RE and a modern foreign language. They then get three more choices. Is it odd to choose ones she really likes, so three art/design/music options? That leaves out history and geography, and classics and Latin. It seems so early to be cutting out the wider arts. She will probably go onto study something art or design based but who really knows that at 13?

OP posts:
cantkeepawayforever · 30/08/2022 16:48

I would not recommend art and design and music ( nor art, drama and music).

DD did art and a design subject.
DS did music.

The idea of the coursework for all 3 makes me feel a little pale. Dd managed, as she us very organised. Ds is an excellent practical musician so the coursework was straightforward. However just quantity of work and deadlines would make a combination of all 3 really tough.

PhotoDad · 30/08/2022 16:40

Snid · 30/08/2022 12:58

Yes, I’m aware that most schools do “blocks” of subjects. DD school doesn’t do this. They let students choose the subjects then work out how to give them what they want. I’m sure it doesn’t always work out.

Yes, we will talk to the school about the coursework balance.

The school where I work (and where my DCs go/went) does this (and at A level too). It's increasingly rare, as it can be hugely difficult for the timetabler.

I was that timetabler for four years...

Any of those combos would work, with the warning that art/design/music can all involve a lot of coursework (as PPs have said). Go with what they enjoy!

chillipenguin · 30/08/2022 16:21

RE is the humanities but is it the whole GCSE or just half as I know in the olden days it just used to be half.

Discovereads · 30/08/2022 16:20

Snid · 29/08/2022 20:02

I tend to agree, although skipping music would make more sense to me. She really wants to drop the MFL and would quite happily take Latin or classics instead but that doesn’t seem possible.

You can actually drop the MFL for GCSEs. Schools don’t like you to as that is required for the English Baccalaureate- which is not a qualification and has zero impact on your child’s chances for sixth form. It is purely a measure used by the government to assess how well educated its students are.

My youngest dropped MFL for GCSEs because she said the only languages she was interested in are computer languages. She dropped the MFL so she could take computer science and design technology.

My second oldest, did similar to your DD. Dropped MFL to be able to do both Latin and Ancient Greek.

I think if you have a good reason why, and push back, you can convince the school to allow you to drop the MFL. Especially if it has no bearing on their future goals and they hate it enough they will not score well on the GCSE exam. Children rarely do well in a subject they hate.

Porcupineintherough · 30/08/2022 16:12

At my kids school you have to do one humanity but RE is a humanity so I don't see any problem with what she's selected.

Original poster
Snid · 30/08/2022 12:58

Yes, I’m aware that most schools do “blocks” of subjects. DD school doesn’t do this. They let students choose the subjects then work out how to give them what they want. I’m sure it doesn’t always work out.

Yes, we will talk to the school about the coursework balance.

OP posts:
Seeline · 30/08/2022 11:40

She may find that art/design/music can't be fitted into the timetable. Subjects are usually put into 'blocks' to make timetabling easier, and it would be unusual for all 3 to be available.

Also be aware of the amount of time outside of the classroom things like art and Design require. Much more than the amount of homework associated with other subjects.

lanthanum · 30/08/2022 11:35

A friend's child, when choosing options, wanted to go into musical theatre, and so did music, drama and graphic design, meaning there wasn't have room for both a humanity and a language. They later changed direction, and got into Cambridge for law, so it obviously didn't narrow their options too much.

Watch the coursework balance, especially with art, which is notoriously time-consuming.

Original poster
Snid · 30/08/2022 08:54

Yes, we’ve gone over the music curriculum with her. I don’t think playing is the most important aspect of music for her.

I hadn’t thought of RE as being the humanities subject, I don’t know why, but it makes sense to.

She has ages to decide but as soon as they’re back at school the year begins to work on choosing options so I thought we should put a little thought into it.

OP posts:
sheepdogdelight · 29/08/2022 20:44

Music is not all about performing - there is a composing element and a written/music appreciation element as well. If your DC just likes playing, it may not be for them.

I guess RE is the humanity in there? I don't see a problem with your DC's choices. She should be aware that art and design will be a lot of work, though the advantage is fewer exams.

Original poster
Snid · 29/08/2022 20:02

I tend to agree, although skipping music would make more sense to me. She really wants to drop the MFL and would quite happily take Latin or classics instead but that doesn’t seem possible.

OP posts:
Valhalla17 · 29/08/2022 19:39

Subjects she likes and will work hard at is most important, but I would suggest doing art and skip design....then choose history, geography, classics or latin instead to be honest.