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Original poster

Son changing GCSE options computing to textiles

58 replies

Chipshopninja · 18/12/2024 23:20

Wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation

My son has come to me tonight and said he wants to change one of his GCSE options from computing to textiles

My initial reaction was no but when he explained his reasons they seem valid.

To clarify a few things,

At his school they pick their options to start in year 9 (not 10 like it is at most schools) He is only 1 term into it.

Changing options is possible at this stage

His reasons are that the computing class he is finding the work boring and the other boys are disruptive. I think a lot of the "naughty boys" for want of a better phrase chose it. He is quite advanced with computing and is predicted a high grade at this point. However if he hates the class I can see the grade going down over time.he says he's dreading the lesson

He wants to switch to textiles because fashion design is something he is interested in and his other GCSE option is Drama so I can see how the two would go together quite well (costume design)

He says he wants to challenge himself and also look forward to his lessons rather than dreading it. Computing isn't a challenge for him, textiles would be.

He's not the best artist in the world but not terrible especially if he's allowed to do it digitally

He has spoken to the textiles teacher who has said she would love to have him in the class and there is space. It was undersubscribed so the teacher to student ratio would be better than computing.

I sew as does his Grandma so there would be some support at home (none with computing)

He came to us in a very grown up way and outlined all his reasons and tomorrow he's going to speak to the head of year and the textiles teacher again because I've said I want to know how he will catch up on a terms worth of work and a couple of other things he needs to check Such as how much hand drawing is required

My feeling is that GCSEs should be about choosing subjects you enjoy and are good at. Universitys really arent bothered what subjects you do its about your grades and what subjects you did at A Level.

Trouble is computing he is very good at but doesn't enjoy.

What would you do in this situation?

OP posts:
parietal · 18/12/2024 23:32

Computing at GCSE and a level has lots of theory and not much of the fun bits (coding). If he is strong in maths and does a coding club or similar out of school, he could still do computing at university if he wants. So on that basis, the switch to textiles is fine. It does not close any doors to him.

Original poster
Chipshopninja · 18/12/2024 23:35

parietal · 18/12/2024 23:32

Computing at GCSE and a level has lots of theory and not much of the fun bits (coding). If he is strong in maths and does a coding club or similar out of school, he could still do computing at university if he wants. So on that basis, the switch to textiles is fine. It does not close any doors to him.

Thanks for your reply

He is in the top set for maths but no coding club. He used to find it interesting when he was in primary and went to a few workshop type things but I think he's just bored with it now

The way he's feeling at the moment is he wants to do Theatre Studies with English Literature at University

Obviously that could change

OP posts:
Mmhmmn · 18/12/2024 23:38

Why say no initially?
Life should be enjoyed. If he wants to do textiles he should do textiles. He could be the next greatest thing in design.

That’s cool that he’s strong in maths and has arts / creative side as well. I feel like that’s quite rare and interesting mix, sure he’ll be grand whatever he does.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

1 year olds General education Secondary education
Original poster
Chipshopninja · 18/12/2024 23:42

Mmhmmn · 18/12/2024 23:38

Why say no initially?
Life should be enjoyed. If he wants to do textiles he should do textiles. He could be the next greatest thing in design.

That’s cool that he’s strong in maths and has arts / creative side as well. I feel like that’s quite rare and interesting mix, sure he’ll be grand whatever he does.

Edited

I didn't say no, I thought no.
That wasn't clear from my post

I thought no because he is predicted a very high grade and it's very risky to go from a subject he is very good at to one where we have no idea if he will be good at it or not.

That said I then remembered that when he has textiles in year 8 the teacher loved him. That could be because he is well behaved though rather than his ability!

OP posts:
HPandthelastwish · 18/12/2024 23:45

What other options does he do? If he has anything else art or tech based he won't be able to swap as they are the same GCSE

Original poster
Chipshopninja · 19/12/2024 00:07

HPandthelastwish · 18/12/2024 23:45

What other options does he do? If he has anything else art or tech based he won't be able to swap as they are the same GCSE

They only get to choose 2 options

So in his case Drama and Textiles or computing (there are kids I know doing art and drama so that shouldn't be an issue)

Then they have to choose either geography or history

Have to choose a modern language

RE is compulsory

Core PE

English, Maths, Science (triple in his case)

OP posts:
Elizo · 19/12/2024 00:17

Chipshopninja · 18/12/2024 23:20

Wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation

My son has come to me tonight and said he wants to change one of his GCSE options from computing to textiles

My initial reaction was no but when he explained his reasons they seem valid.

To clarify a few things,

At his school they pick their options to start in year 9 (not 10 like it is at most schools) He is only 1 term into it.

Changing options is possible at this stage

His reasons are that the computing class he is finding the work boring and the other boys are disruptive. I think a lot of the "naughty boys" for want of a better phrase chose it. He is quite advanced with computing and is predicted a high grade at this point. However if he hates the class I can see the grade going down over time.he says he's dreading the lesson

He wants to switch to textiles because fashion design is something he is interested in and his other GCSE option is Drama so I can see how the two would go together quite well (costume design)

He says he wants to challenge himself and also look forward to his lessons rather than dreading it. Computing isn't a challenge for him, textiles would be.

He's not the best artist in the world but not terrible especially if he's allowed to do it digitally

He has spoken to the textiles teacher who has said she would love to have him in the class and there is space. It was undersubscribed so the teacher to student ratio would be better than computing.

I sew as does his Grandma so there would be some support at home (none with computing)

He came to us in a very grown up way and outlined all his reasons and tomorrow he's going to speak to the head of year and the textiles teacher again because I've said I want to know how he will catch up on a terms worth of work and a couple of other things he needs to check Such as how much hand drawing is required

My feeling is that GCSEs should be about choosing subjects you enjoy and are good at. Universitys really arent bothered what subjects you do its about your grades and what subjects you did at A Level.

Trouble is computing he is very good at but doesn't enjoy.

What would you do in this situation?

He seems to have good reasons and there don’t seem to be any arguments against texties. Make sure he is familiar with what is required and if you can check grades the school gets in that subject. He sounds mature and sensible and I would support. GCSE are a slog. Important to do what he enjoys

healthybychristmas · 19/12/2024 00:20

He sounds great. It's far better he does something he's interested in and I completely understand why he wouldn't answer in with a load of boys who are not behaving themselves. Good for him!

NobleWashedLinen · 19/12/2024 00:39

Go for the change. It's really important for GCSE students to feel motivated habing chosen their options subjects genuinely.

I don't know if it's the same for all exam boards but GCSE Computer Science totally killed all interest in computing in my formerly highly enthusiastic coding-for-fun DC. If what you love is writing computer programs and you are on a course that is 90% about theories of computer functionality that you would only need to know if you were thrown back in time and had to reinvent computer technology from scratch, and only 10% about how to actually write computer programs, it can be really frustrating. I am sure textiles will be a lot more worthwhile.

Original poster
Chipshopninja · 19/12/2024 00:44

Well this has been a surprise!

I really thought there would be a host of people telling me how textiles was a waste of time etc

Thanks folks. Hopefully school will let him switch so he will be happy 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
Chipshopninja · 19/12/2024 00:44

NobleWashedLinen · 19/12/2024 00:39

Go for the change. It's really important for GCSE students to feel motivated habing chosen their options subjects genuinely.

I don't know if it's the same for all exam boards but GCSE Computer Science totally killed all interest in computing in my formerly highly enthusiastic coding-for-fun DC. If what you love is writing computer programs and you are on a course that is 90% about theories of computer functionality that you would only need to know if you were thrown back in time and had to reinvent computer technology from scratch, and only 10% about how to actually write computer programs, it can be really frustrating. I am sure textiles will be a lot more worthwhile.

This sounds a lot like DS's experience so far

OP posts:
Elizo · 19/12/2024 00:49

Chipshopninja · 19/12/2024 00:44

This sounds a lot like DS's experience so far

Edited
Show quote history

DS also quit computing for PE due to boredom. Was never convinced PE was a good fit for him, but had to go with it and support him. Few bumps but going ok. Much better than being sick of cómputing and pressured to do it

CuriousGeorge80 · 19/12/2024 01:09

Honestly, I think just let him pick what he wants to do and enjoys - he will be far better off doing that than something he already dreads. His other subjects are perfectly sensible and he has a genuine reason. I don't see that you can say no.

I would be tempted to look at an extra curricular computing based course that actually covers what he wants to do (coding, presumably) to keep him engaged, if that's a possibility.

MarieKlepto · 19/12/2024 01:10

Textiles. For his sanity. I used to be an IT leturer/tutor in FE. In the world of IT, as someone being educated for a career, no one on the planet really, really needs to know what a floppy disc was and what sizes they were. No one needs to know about Charles Babbage. Etc, etc, etc. I really wanted to teach IT, not history.

Original poster
Chipshopninja · 19/12/2024 07:20

Thanks everyone ☺️ seems like he's made the right choice.

OP posts:
NobleWashedLinen · 19/12/2024 09:01

MarieKlepto · 19/12/2024 01:10

Textiles. For his sanity. I used to be an IT leturer/tutor in FE. In the world of IT, as someone being educated for a career, no one on the planet really, really needs to know what a floppy disc was and what sizes they were. No one needs to know about Charles Babbage. Etc, etc, etc. I really wanted to teach IT, not history.

My question is whether the academics making the research breakthroughs that will lead to new and more powerful computers in 2074 need to have a grounding in how floppy disks worked and Charles Babbage? I could see the point in a GCSE course that is teaching the history as a way of laying the foundational knowledge that will be vital for making new advances. However if it's not really relevant to that, the history of computer science is a subsection of history of science and the GCSE course doesn't need to cover it any more than GCSE biology needs to cover Phrenology and the practical applications of balancing the Four Humours as practiced by Hypocrates.

ShadowsOfTheDays · 19/12/2024 09:06

I would say 'ok, sounds good' and let him get on with it.

TroysMammy · 19/12/2024 09:18

Textiles with drama and history sounds interesting. Listen to him and support his choices. I didn't have support from my parents because they didn't know how to guide and support and the careers teacher was more than hopeless.

CurlewKate · 19/12/2024 09:21

Absolutely. He should go for it. Do what you enjoy is my motto. And he is also more likely to meet his tribe in Textiles.

chickensandbees · 19/12/2024 09:25

DD is in Y11 doing textiles and it is a LOT of work. However she really enjoys it and it is a respite from the academic work. I would go for it!

Talipesmum · 19/12/2024 09:26

Sounds like he’s thought it through very well - mine did computing and also Design Technology at gcse, so I know a bit about both, sort of! Computing would be really tough if you’re not enjoying it and the class is hard work, though coding is a great skill. But I’d weigh that against what your son is actually interested in in the future. If he was thinking of science / computing a levels id probably be encouraging him to suck it up.

But I reckon textiles will be great. Have a look at the curriculum - they probably have to do a significant piece of coursework like the DT students had to, and this is really excellent training. It’s hard work and stretches them in a different way to totally exam based subjects. Probably a great “prep for future life” type thing to do - I was really impressed with my son’s DT project and with his cousin’s textiles one (I think it was) a few years ago - it’s partially about the thing they make, but much more about the planning, designing, evaluating etc. I could really see those skills being useful in the future.

Talipesmum · 19/12/2024 09:32

Also to add - our sons class had a useless teacher who left after a year and the poor new teacher had to cram most of the curriculum and coursework prep into the second year of GCSEs and they did great - son ended up with a 9. So catch-up can be done.

user2848502016 · 19/12/2024 09:34

Seems like he has thought about it properly and knows his own mind so I wouldn't even hesitate to let him change.

I'm a scientist but did art gcse and those lessons were something I always looked forward to, such a nice break from the more academic subjects. The coursework didn't even feel like work really because I enjoyed it.

HelloMyNameIsElderSmurf · 19/12/2024 09:43

He sounds brilliant, what an interesting combo of subjects.

Costume design is very competitive though, and I'd really encourage him to be 'getting his eye in' now. So lots of theatre visits/exhibitions/there's some great stuff on YouTube. There's also a great FutureLearn course on royal costumes which is free. And I'm obsessed with watching backstage quick change videos on tiktok.

(I can't sew a hem but have clearly just outed myself as a costume nerd.)

HelloMyNameIsElderSmurf · 19/12/2024 09:45

HelloMyNameIsElderSmurf · 19/12/2024 09:43

He sounds brilliant, what an interesting combo of subjects.

Costume design is very competitive though, and I'd really encourage him to be 'getting his eye in' now. So lots of theatre visits/exhibitions/there's some great stuff on YouTube. There's also a great FutureLearn course on royal costumes which is free. And I'm obsessed with watching backstage quick change videos on tiktok.

(I can't sew a hem but have clearly just outed myself as a costume nerd.)

I've just realised you said he might want to do Theatre with English, not costume design per se, my enthusiasm might have ran away with me...