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[sparklyjewlz]

How important is it that my DD does a GCSE in a Language? She feels she should do one even though she really struggles and is unlikely to achieve a C. Will it limit her uni choices later? Many thanks for any info/advice

AFAIK it depends what degree she wants to do at (possibly which) uni later.

Mine's not taken any language exams as had little chance of getting over D, but is carrying on trying learning for adult life.

He wants to do maths (or possibly science) at stupidly competative uni, and they seem only interested in him having (A*/A) maths and science GCSE's, (+ at A level) there's no interest in his English, history, geography results.

(They also told us not to bother with going after an ICT GCSE which he'd do well in, as they don't rate it, and we discovered several others didn't either.)

Some unis look down on candidates who didn't. Some subjects it's a distinct advantage to have done it even if you didn't do well because it's a useful skill.

If she wants to do Law, yes it will limit her options for Uni. If she wants to do Physics, not so much.

It also depends what the other option instead of a language is.

What makes you say she wouldn't do well?

She says she will only be entered for Foundation; but I guess that means she could get a C. It seems a shame to spend 2 years studying something you hate. I will need to speak to her teacher and see what grade she's on course for.

Enter her, then take her to the country of the language she is studying, and leave her there!

Or more seriously, get her a penfriend, get her to do exchanges, listen to radio, watch films/tv from that country etc - things to make that language come alive.

If she can speak her language, she can learn another one.

Any idea what subject she wants to study at university?

What are her other options in that block?

My daughter had eight choices of subject in the column with French. One was a subject she really hates and the other six were things like resistant materials, catering studies. Because none of those appealled either, at least French gave her some sort of worthwhile study - even at a low grade she will be able to feel a little more confident on holidays. Also, foundation does give access to a Grade C so, who knows?