Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

GSCE choices - Latin or Art?

59 replies

BankHolidayFun · 09/02/2023 09:44

DS is at a selective school. He has chosen History and Religion and Philosophy as 2 of the 3 GCSE options (these were no brainers)

His third choice is between Latin and Art.

He is good at both, but probably enjoys Art more although he's certainly not a top artist and more likely to look at doing humanities at university (History, PPE, Philosophy ) than anything creative.

I have been pushing Latin as it's a good opportunity for him and not a lot of state schools offer this. Also, it's the basis of many languages and it helps with broader general knowledge. I admit I am probably reluctant for him not to choose it as I would have loved the opportunity to study it myself!

Also, he's not the most organised child and I'm concerned he won't cope with the homework and deadlines for Art as it's obviously course work heavy. Saying this, his art teacher thinks he will be able to cope

Any thoughts? Would it be beneficial in applying to a top university if he studies Latin at GCSE?

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
clary · 09/02/2023 11:20

No advantage wrt university in study Latin, no. It’s a great subject tho and as others say, will support learning of other languages as well as helping with English (I still think “necessito est” when wondering how to spell necessary).

Will he be doing an MFL as well? If so, then Latin will support that, tho he may think it’s too much language.

Art – well, I agree that a creative subject is a good thing; all my 3 DC did one (catering, drama, PE). But I gather from anecdata that art can be a massive thief of time, so unless you love it, and doing art is your standard way to relax, it may not be the best choice. It involves hours of extra work every week as far as I can gather. I know students who ended up hating it in year 11. I also know some who loved it of course. But they loved it passionately in yr 9.

Is there another creative he might consider – tech, drama, PE, music?

thesandwich · 09/02/2023 11:16

What are the school results like for each subject? IME art teachers can be v good at supporting pupils to do well….or not….

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 09/02/2023 11:13

Twizbe · 09/02/2023 10:48

I was always told that Art was an A or E subject. You were either good at it or not.

Personally I'd do Latin, but then I have 2 degrees in classical civilisations

25 years as an Art teacher and that is just so not true.

timetorefresh · 09/02/2023 11:11

Twizbe · 09/02/2023 10:48

I was always told that Art was an A or E subject. You were either good at it or not.

Personally I'd do Latin, but then I have 2 degrees in classical civilisations

Out of interest what do you do? Are you reliant on those degrees?

BonjourCrisette · 09/02/2023 11:03

I loved Latin at school and have found it fairly useful in quite a few ways. But actually, unless he is a very keen linguist I'd probably go for Art assuming he enjoys it. I think it's good for all children to do something creative or practical as part of the spread and managing the coursework etc will probably be a really good learning experience for him. Better to learn some lessons about managing his workload at GCSE level rather than at university!

Phos · 09/02/2023 10:51

What you study at GCSE doesn’t really make much difference to universities. Latin a-level is well respected but it doesn’t hold additional sway over other humanities or
languages for the types of courses you list.

Id be wary of Art. Like music it sounds nice to have a practical subject but unless you’re naturally able at it, it is a LOT of work and not really value add. Latin would have more transferable skills.

slamfightbrightlight · 09/02/2023 10:49

I’d go for Latin. Even many years later I still find it sometimes comes in handy for working out words in other languages or explaining to my DCs the origins of words in English. Plus the history and epic poetry sides are interesting.

Twizbe · 09/02/2023 10:48

I was always told that Art was an A or E subject. You were either good at it or not.

Personally I'd do Latin, but then I have 2 degrees in classical civilisations

Chiasmi · 09/02/2023 10:46

Art is by no means an easy option, but for most children, most of the time, it's good to have a subject that's a bit different. More practical, often more chilled lessons, less "book learning" type homework. It really breaks up the week and gives something to look forward to.