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Original poster

Help with GCSE choices

42 replies

mummyof2boys30 · 18/01/2024 14:47

So we have to pick GCSE choices. Hes my eldest and finding it very daunting. He thinks he wants to do engineering, architecture or youth work. I feel youth is probably the best option but want him to make own choices.

So compulsary is
English lang
English literatue
Maths
RE
X1 science (choosing physics).

His other definates are
Design and technology
Learning for life and work
Digital texhnology multimedia.

He has one more to choose. From the following 3 is any a better option. Trying to keep options open and also not to be swamped in coursework too.
The choice is from
Moving image art
Health and social care
Chemistry
Geography
Business communication systems

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 18/01/2024 19:21

Yes just googled too: https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-learning-life-and-work-2017

clary · 18/01/2024 19:19

quickly googled Learning for Life and Work and it sounds like the sort of thing that should be covered in a decent PSHEE curriculum. The face that we are all ??? tells you what you need to know!

clary · 18/01/2024 19:18

yes I agree with others, I'd drop whatever learning for life is (?) and take chem and geog. Or even better, chem and biology. If he is a sciency type then three sciences is a good idea. He must be bright if he is at a grammar so I wouldn't waste time with the learning for life. I've never heard of it and it certainly isn't needed for any future choice (unlike chem and bio).

SnowsFalling · 18/01/2024 15:59

Given your update, I'd drop one of the definites, and put in Geography and chemistry.

Weepingskies · 18/01/2024 15:28

I think if he might be interested in engineering I’d definitely add chemistry. And maybe review his other choices again.

TeenDivided · 18/01/2024 15:23

If he is at a selective grammar then I am somewhat surprised by his choices.

I have no idea what 'Learning for Life and Work; is, but I'd drop that and one of the others and replace with Chemistry and Geography.

3WildOnes · 18/01/2024 15:14

Chemistry or Geography. I would be inclined to encourage him to drop one on the definitely list and then take both Geography and chemistry.

sunflowerpinks · 18/01/2024 15:13

My dc is studying Engineering and I would strongly encourage Maths, Further Maths /FSMQ and Physics. I'd probably recommend all three Sciences actually.

Original poster
mummyof2boys30 · 18/01/2024 15:12

He can only do single award science or can choose 1,2, or 3 of them. Maybe chemistry then is the needed option

OP posts:
Original poster
mummyof2boys30 · 18/01/2024 15:10

Languages is definately a no go as he absolutely hates them

OP posts:
Original poster
mummyof2boys30 · 18/01/2024 15:10

Not England no, Northern Ireland. He does well in school, but would rather be socialising. Its a selective grammar school with 98% of grade c and above 🙈. 100% alevel pass.
I think architecture is out of reach too and am encouraging him to look at engineering. Problem is at 13 he doesnt have a clue.

We also dont understand the whole system. Its changed so much from my time

All are GCSEs and not btech options.

OP posts:
LIZS · 18/01/2024 15:07

MothBat · 18/01/2024 15:00

Assume not England as not combined science. Geography or Chemistry good choices for engineering or architecture.

Agree. If he is serious about either avoid the vocational subjects.

SnowsFalling · 18/01/2024 15:05

Also assuming not England, so my info might not be right, but I'd look into the volumes of coursework involved in his option choices. It may be a massive amount. Our school limits everyone in terms of BTEC courses. 3 is the absolute maximum for all kids.

MothBat · 18/01/2024 15:00

Assume not England as not combined science. Geography or Chemistry good choices for engineering or architecture.

Weepingskies · 18/01/2024 15:00

This is quite an unusual set of choices and I’d be concerned about him limiting his options in the future. For example, only doing one science seems quite narrow, is there any opportunity to perhaps do something like dual award science? If I were him I’d try to identify what courses I might want to do post GCSE, thinking widely, and aim at keeping my options open. Good luck.

sunflowerpinks · 18/01/2024 14:56

I find it sad that there's no foreign language in the mix!

British teens are falling so far behind their European counterparts in this respect

TeenDivided · 18/01/2024 14:52

How academic is he?
My guess from those options is perhaps not very, in which case Architecture won't be viable.

H&SC - is that a BTEC? Might be useful background info for future youth work, plus as a BTEC will be lighter on exams.

What is 'Learning for Life and Work'?

Chemistry and Geography are probably going to be the hardest in terms of complexity and will have high revision load. I'd avoid if he's a 4- student but they would keep more doors open if he's a 6+.

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