Son changing GCSE options computing to textiles

[Chipshopninja]

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?

What an odd reaction to the OP, who is doing everything to support her son in his choices, having listened to him.

@Talipesmum the other choices in that block are

Art - he's not keen and it was the one thing I wasn't sure of in relation to textiles. He's not naturally arty in that sense. Better at performing arts

Business - he's not interested in that

Travel and Tourism - he says that's a bit of a naughty kids class as well

Heath and Social care - as above

The only ones he would have been interested in were textiles, Food Tech and potentially dance and they are all in the same block as Drama which he loves so he can't do those.

I thought it was odd that the OP thought this decision had anything to do with her, to be honest.

I think it's still a good life moment - support to request the change, but having to make the best of it and determination to do so. He's a very sorted young man.

Sorry not read post properly

Tell him to take art

Computer science is soooo boring if your are a creative person ( sorry I T teachers) computer sience is perfect for some .

Open a dialogue with art teachers, a good department teaches skills, if he works hard and listens to advice he will progress , if he continues to work hard he can enjoy the direction of fashion and art , a good art teacher will let him choose his interests.
Alexander Mcqueen was an artist first then a fashion designer ..the world of art will open up , take him to galleries, enjoy the journey with him.

Exciting times

I did have a chat with him about doing art I think it could work but he is adamant it's not for him.

He seems OK now a bit disappointed but he has said he's going to get his head down and just get on with it.

I have a brilliant kid

(Wish people would read the whole thread though 😅)

Oh that's so disappointing for him :(

I know he's dismissed Art, but would it be worth an email to the Art teacher explaining his predicament and interest in costume design and seeing how much flexibility there is in the curriculum? It's been a million years since I did GCSE art, but I do remember having quite a bit of flexibility in how each topic could be interpreted. It might be that he could incorporate costume design and textiles into quite a lot of it. Here's the AQA curriculum: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/art-and-design/specifications/AQA-ART-GCSE-SP-2016.PDF

If not then I'm sure he'll keep his head down, get on with Computing and make the best of it. He sounds really lovely.

What a pity he can't change. I was going g to say I wouldn't worry about computing gcse as he can still do A level without and indeed still a computer science degree without A level as most just need maths A level.

He does however seem like a really sensible young man in his approach to giving reasons for a change and indeed his attitude when he has realised he can't change. I therefore wouldn't be too worried about his grade slipping. I wonder whether he could do some additional coding out of class if he finds it quite easy.