Fewer pupils studying tough subjects

[GeorgeT]

According to Telegraph fewer pupils are studying tough subjects.

I am not surprised by this. Over 7 years ago I felt that many able pupils failed to take tough subjects leaving them with fewer options post 16 and beyond. I fear this is a symptom of league tables. While a Modern Language may not be for everyone I think it should be for many. Also many pupils opt for subjects with little writing so their only essay subject is English. Hardly surprising employers complain about written skills.Is it possible that parents don't understand the impact of the choices made at 14?

Aren't we missing the point here? It is not intended that everyone is supposed to get the EBacc. Someone with the EBacc can do English and Maths and Science and MFL and humanities. That will be a more select group than the current 50% getting 5 GCSEs-in-subjects-of-your-choosing.
EBacc shows that you are a Jack of All Trades. It doesn't matter if you are not a 'Jack' as long as there is/are subject/s that you are a 'Master' of.

I think that the EBacc is a good idea because it encourages a rounded education but it is not the end of the world if you don't have it.

For us, DS2 has just started Y12 and he does not have a mfl at GCSE. I have had a quick check on the top 10 unis for engineering (Courtesy of the Times) and I cannot see that he would need MFL for his mechanical engineering degree.
(It was only a quick check so am prepared to hear I am in error)
His older brother has just started an engineering degree at a RG uni, he didn't need MFL either, although students without a chemistry GCSE have to attend remedial chemistry classes.[hwink]