History or Geography?

[DoctorNicoleWatterson]

Which would you choose at GCSE?

Dd1 choosing options, enjoys and is equally competent in both History and Geography, likes all the teachers. Has to do one, but doesn't want to do both as this would limit other subjects she knows she wants to take.

I would go for History, purely because I find it more interesting, DH would choose Geography as he thinks it's more useful.

Just interested in which you'd choose and why?

Any idea for longer term interest or relevance to career?

She really doesn't know what she wants to do yet unfortunately, they choose in year 8, so she's only 12.

Geography bus a bridging subject so helpful bin terms of both science and social sciences.

History is brilliant for essay writing skills, depth of context.

Personally I think geography keeps more foods open at A level and beyond if you aren't certain you're a scientist or arts person

My ds has chosen history as in his words ..why does anyone ever need to know about oxbow lakes?!

History.

Studying history develops a lot of interchangeable skills. Mainly research and interpretation.

It studies events, people, perception, argument, interpretation, biases, revolution, evolution...the list is endless.

History - every time! Much more enjoyable subject that you can keep up as an adult.

I would let your DD choose. Interestingly DS always preferred History to Geography but did absolutely brilliantly in Geography in report before options last year. He choose History as he enjoys it more. DD liked Geography all along and this last report this year when she has to pick her options she did really well in History but she said she is definitely still picking Geography as she enjoys it more.

Geography always pulled off much higher grades so maybe that if they need a great full set of grades. Otherwise do the mirr interesting (history!)

Can you have a look at each syllabus? I loved geography when I was 12 but found the gcse course deadly boring. Conversely, I hated history when we were doing cavemen and Romans but loved it at gcse when we studied World War 2.

Three words.

Geography field trip.

That's DH's argument MissMarple, but I feel history is also useful. Learning about the past helps you to understand why the world is how it is now and helps predict what might happen in the future. It also helps teach communication and writing skills, how to construct an argument, research and problem solving, analytical and interpretation skills.

I can see the merits in both subjects.

History is considered a better subject as it's more rigorous especially at a level - but if they are thinking sciences for a levels geography is fine. Ultimately the subject that they prefer is best

Daddylonglegs1965 that's the issue, would love her to choose but she can't decide, enjoys and is good at both!

History! It covers doo much more than just dates. She will learn writing skills interpretation cause & effect how our society has evolved ....

Watto1, we had an options evening where we spoke to the subject heads, they went through the syllabus, Dd liked the sound of all of it . Think we may end up picking one out of a hat!

I did both, but then there wasn't the range of options in my day that there is now. But if I'd had to choose, I'd have chosen history.

I think history teaches invaluable critical thinking skills, the ability to take a long view of events, and to set current events in the context of the past.

(Am now a historian.)

Not helped by both teachers saying they think she should do their subject.

I agree ask the teachers which modules they are doing.

If that doesn’t swing it try and find out which is most popular with the cohort and choose the other for a (hopefully) smaller class!

Or even try and find out which the annoying/naughty/loud/generally a pain kids are taking and take the other for a nicer class experience.

Sorry I’m an education cynic in cold dark January

Hmm, edging towards History at the moment.

History - much more useful for pub quizzes

AppleKatie, funnily enough the fact a rather disruptive child is taking geography is the one thing that has made Dd sway towards history.

PenguinPandas, I always used to dread landing on blue in Trivial Pursuits.

I think history is very useful in terms of learning to write and how to construct an argument, how to critically evaluate sources, how to analyse complex issues. I use these skills regularly in my work life, even though my job has nothing at all to do with history.

Does she know what periods they will study for GCSE history?

Is it Nazi Germany and Ancient Rome, or American history and the Tudors etc etc if she knew exactly what they would be studying that might swing the decision either way as some history is far more interesting to different people than others.

Don’t underestimate the day to day classroom experience. Being in with distruptive kids makes a massive difference.

Also, what are the field trips on offer?