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Original poster

GCSE Choices - Computer Science and?

57 replies

SometimesYouWinSometimesYouLearn · 11/07/2025 12:07

I have a little IT nerd at home. Now finishing Y7 but time flies fast! Obviously, he will be taking Computer Science as optional subject.

If you have a similar child, what were his/hers choices? What did the select for EBaccs?

OP posts:
Original poster
SometimesYouWinSometimesYouLearn · 11/07/2025 13:12

SilenceInside · 11/07/2025 12:19

It depends on what the school offers and how they combine those options. My child has taken Mandarin, Business Studies, and Statistics alongside Computer Science. Mandarin was because the school wanted a language option for that "slot", and my child is also doing Triple Science.

The Ebacc is really a consideration for the school, and not something I would factor in for an individual child where it's more important that they choose subjects they are good at and are interested in.

Is your child going to do A levels with the thought of preparation to IT studies? I am looking for choices for those who will then study A levels towards IT subjects.

Yes, depends on offer at specific school.

OP posts:
ThePhantomoftheEcobubbleOpera · 11/07/2025 13:02

Computer Science
& Triple science
Spanish
Drama
Further Maths
Stats

clary · 11/07/2025 12:59

Ebacc is neither here nor there. Many schools insist on it or advise it but it makes no difference to the child. Obvs if MFL A level is a plan then you need to take GCSE, but otherwise the main benefit of choosing Ebacc subjects is that you have a spread of subjects (which is a good thing).

There are not so many GCSE subjects that relate to computing. Some schools offer FM or stats. Many do not. If your DC’s school does then these may be worth doing – but not essential. If he plans to take computing as a degree, I cannot stress enough that he should do maths A level and probably FM as well. More important than CS at A level tbh.

So any essential subjects – sciences, maths – he will be taking at GCSE anyway.

The other thing to do is lots of programming out of school. Good for development of skills and also good for personal statement when it comes to uni applications.

DelilahBucket · 11/07/2025 12:23

DS has a friend like this. He did triple science and further maths. He's now doing physics, maths and computer science at A-Level with a view to going to do computer engineering at university.
Things could easily change in two years though so I wouldn't worry about it yet. DS was deadset on being a police officer in year 7. He's now planning on sound and lighting engineering at uni next year.

SilenceInside · 11/07/2025 12:19

It depends on what the school offers and how they combine those options. My child has taken Mandarin, Business Studies, and Statistics alongside Computer Science. Mandarin was because the school wanted a language option for that "slot", and my child is also doing Triple Science.

The Ebacc is really a consideration for the school, and not something I would factor in for an individual child where it's more important that they choose subjects they are good at and are interested in.

TeenToTwenties · 11/07/2025 12:15

It will depend a lot on what restrictions the school puts on choices.

TheNightingalesStarling · 11/07/2025 12:14

This is going to be completely school dependent on how options are done! DD considered CS but eventually went for Spanish instead. Her other two choices were Aninal Care and Geography. They had two free choices and one from History, Geography, Spanish and French.

She is also doing Triple (Separate) Science as she is top set for Science.