Gcse options in Yr 8

[Roguebludger]

I've started looking at secondary schools in my area and I'm surprised to see that children pick their gcse options in yr8 and specialise in yr9. This seems very early to me and like their missing out on things like an extra year of a language or geography. Is this normal or unique to my area? Are there any benefits to it or is it just cost saving? Should I start looking to move to an area where there's a different system?

Mine don't do it. Choose towards end on yr9, start in yr10.

We had parents evening last night for year 8 ds and I was surprised at the many mentions of GCSEs.

They don't choose until year 9 but they start introducing he GCSE syllabus in September as apparently there is so much content to get through.

i remember at my school we didn't finish some of the courses so no time for revision.

It must be to do with grade as a school near here that has won school of year does choices in year 8. .
I think it seems very early.

The History DD learned in y7-y9 was fab. They went through British history in chronological order from 1066-1960s (including pros and cons of the Empire), and then threw in some American civil rights as well. They learned about actions and consequences, and reliability of sources. It was really well constructed.

It's common, and in no way detrimental, to introduce syllabus material for subjects like maths and science earlier but starting set texts early or repeatedly going over the same ground, narrowing student experience may train them better to pass their GCSEs well but is not the mark of a good school.

DC's school opt for a 'third way' I suppose - they do GCSEs over three years but keep many more subjects than other schools seem to. So they narrow the curriculum in Y9 but not by as much.

I agree that if you're doing 9 subjects and spreading 2 year courses over 3 years that sounds a bit boring.