How important is it to follow the EBac route?

[BadTasteFlump]

I am new to this as my eldest is now in year 9. His school is really pushing for any students capable of doing so to take the EBac subjects + triple science too. DS is happy to do this; he loves science and it's a really strong subject for him so he wants to take triple science, a humanity (not decided between Geography & History), a language and one of the arts for his extra subject.

I know he has to take a language to qualify for the EBac, but that's the bit that concerns me. His grasp on languages are not quite up there with his science/maths, which he seems to have a natural ability for. He is never that keen on doing language homework and has complained about not enjoying it before. So I'm thinking that if he chooses a language, he could end up getting a lower grade pass than he would if he picked another subject he seems better at - but that doesn't come under the EBac.

So is it more important to get an EBac at the end, or to get good grades in subjects you enjoy? I am proud that he seems so keen to try his hardest, but am slightly concerned he's being pushed (by the school) into taking subjects he wouldn't otherwise choose...

It is a not to do a MFL at GCSE- it might well close doors that the child doesn't even realise yet they want to go through. It's also a mistake for a NT child to drop something because they find it difficult or "don't like" it.

Agree totally with not dropping an MFL if you're aiming high university-wise - but please don't worry about having Eng. Lit instead of Eng. Lang, or not having History or Geog and therefore not techincally have the EB - trust me we're not interested!

Who is this 'we'? DS wants to do Dentistry. Applicants do have to have GCSE English/English language; English literature is not accepted as equivalent. So clearly some admissions tutors are interested.

I think people need to look at the requirements for the degree their child wants to do; if their child doesn't know yet, then they should do the broadest possible range of subjects so that a wide range of degree courses remains open to them.

If he wants to do dentistry he needs to have everything he possibly can get- and a MFL will be important.

Really wanted to know how is your DS doing now?

Makes no difference whatsoever. No university needs a language (UCL let you study one there). No one cares about the EBAC. Except league tables. I'd say study what he enjoys and will do well in.

Some great graduate training schemes require a language at GCSE so I would definitely try for it if a pass is realistic option even if lower grade than another subject.

Which ones lego can you give us some links?

There is so much conflicting information about this. I've heard before that UCL require a language gcse for some courses - because those courses require a year's placement abroad - but I have yet to hear of a single other one. Links/evidence please!

Can anyone explain to me how EBAC can / could / might affect or limit A level options? Realise this may vary between schools and colleges.

But you can still gain a place in UCL without a language - you just have to take a language module in your first yesr. Sometimes you need a MFL language to study English otherwise it's all about the grades - they want the best eight GCSEs you've got!

I have not come across any apprenticeship requiring a language so would be interested in who is. And UCL do not require a language. You take one in year 1 if you've not got one - which is a large amount of students. It's on their website so v easy to check. Getting best marks is most important thing so do what you are good at

DD is at end of Year 11 and just happened to choose subjects covered by the Ebacc. She's applied to three Sixth Forms and none of them raised it. She wants to do a Music Degree, if not a Geography Degree and has been researching their requirements, Ebacc hasn't come up!

The point of the ebacc is to ensure you have a well rounded education and haven't closed doors prematurely early. So yes, I think it is important and am glad that my ds has chosen a humanity (in fact he's doing two) an MFL as well as English/Maths/double science.

Personally I think the ebacc should be compulsory, it's not all about grades, it's about having a decent education (as someone told me on here when I complained about double science and asked why people couldn't just choose to do a single science (eg drop physics and biology and just do chemistry, if that was their best science).

My kids are doing Ebac but not because it's required, important or that they paid any attention to the need for it...they chose their options based on their interests. Thankfully.

So nobody knows of a single non-language degree course where a language gcse is requires?

This thread started 5 years ago, the EBacc seemed almost irrelevant then and now in 2017, no-one seems to attach any meaning to it at all. Schools don't talk about it, they still rate themselves on number of A*-C passes at GCSE, parents don't seem to care, the Government who introduced it are suspiciously quiet and I haven't heard of a single employer or university who have required it for anything!

Kids should always be allowed to choose and study the subjects they enjoy, to the extent possible, and should never, ever choose subjects based on what you think might look good on a CV to impress a university or employer.

Following the "I am academic so therefore I must study..." route leads to possibly a good, well-paid high status job but likely one which is very dull and can end in stress, burn-out and all kinds of unhappiness in life. Let them find out what they love and go for it. The best careers are often ones people make up for themselves.