Options confusion.... (again) Calling all History teachers!!

[chocconut]

I really need some help, as I am driving myself (and everyone around me) nuts!!. My DS has got to choose his options tomorrow, and due to compulsory subjects at his school, he actually only has two options to choose, once he selects his MFL. He is really keen on being an architect/engineer and so has chosen the arty route of doing both DT and Art to develop his creative side as he is already very strong in sciences and maths.... the problem is he has had to drop history in order to do so. His careers advisor said that doing Art A Level without the GCSE would be really difficult but he could always do history at A level without the GCSE (as long as he does well in English - at which he is very good).... He is happy with these options and so am I, considering the choice restraints, but I can't help but think it is really sad that he is dropping history so early in his life!. He is a good all rounder and loves writing essays and discussing things and has always enjoyed history apart from this year as he has not had an inspiring teacher - this has made his decision to 'drop' it quite easy. My question is, do you think I should encourage him to do history as a gcse independantly with a tutor - he is a very high achiever and a hard worker but is this realistic? how easy is it to go on to the A Level without the GCSE? should I just relax and encourage his interest in history outside of school?? HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!

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Personally, and I am not a History teacher, I would allow him to get the best grades possible from the subjects he has chosen, rather than possibly dip out on some A/A* because he has had to handle another subject at GCSE. Art is a killer on homework and, if they have a lot of linear exams for the other subjects (I think our year 9's now will have more linear exams), then he is going to have an even greater workload for the finals in the summer of year 11 (unless you are intending to time the History differently).

I have also heard it said that you can pick up History at A Level without doing the GCSE. However, do you know the detail of the syllabi? DS did the GCSE which was all about WWII. He is now doing the A Level which is yet more WWII. I can imagine that anyone trying to join his set without the two years' background knowledge would struggle with the pace.

My dd is doing A'level History, she did not do it at Gcse. She loves it and has no probs keeping up.She is doing Medieval History.Lots of the kids doing History A'level have not done the Gcse.

Thanks for the replies everyone....

Kez Yes, my worry is that I might put at risk the other subjects too... which is why I'm doubting myself. I've always prided myself on not being particularily pushy and not pressuring my kids and I guess that's what I'll be doing if I make him do an 'extra' subject. I'm not sure what the workload really is and what he'd cope with without undo pressure... I think subconsciously I'm also worried he won't get the famous 'Ebacc', whenever I discuss options everyone seems very shocked that I am 'allowing' him to drop history because of it!!. It's not so easy when you have so few options though...he is such a hard worker, I want him to explore his creative side as well, its so hard to get the balance right!!

senua There are two syllabi you can choose from at A level and DS prefers the one that is NOT about the war (they do see alot about it, if you include primary etc), so that would be a positive.

runaround Good to hear your daughter is coping well.... Didn't she miss the essay writing techniques etc that the GCSE is meant to prepare them for? or was having English/English Lit to a good standard enough?? Ds is doing RE as well, I think that may help a bit?

choosing DT and Art is not usually recommended due to the amount of coursework requirements. Both subjects require a lot of coursework/research

cricketballs Yes, I was worried about that too, but after loads of chats with both teachers, they say that both have changed and that most of the work is now done in class time, and that they felt my DS in particular would be able to cope well (he is very organised and dedicated). Apparently both exam pieces are handed in quite early on in Year 11 (around March) and so they said DS would then be able to concentrate on the other subjects completely - as the others are mostly linear now, that would help as he will need lots more revision time towards the end of the year. They also said that both would be very good to have for architecture/engineering (which seems to tally with what I've been able to find out) and so it's really difficult to tell DS to drop one that might help what he wants to do in the future (and which he loves)...

oooh I dont know - my DC is in Y10 and was very keen to do Art GCSE . Goes to a school that specialises in technology so has to choose DT and so chose Product Design and decided not to go ahead with Art because of the time consuming coursework involved with both subjects. Nearly 7 months down the line and definitely made the right decision-there is a lot of work / coursework with DT and a 2hr exam coming up in May which when trying to juggle with 10 other GCSE's would have been near meltdown if doing Art as well.

Hi OP. DC1 was in a similar position and chose music and art over a humanity - loves both. Art is a lot of work but enjoyable and a break from the academic stuff - but does stay after school at least once a week to do extra as well as doing it most evenings at home. Not doing EBacc subjects as no humanity but I don't think that is a problem. DC2 just chosen options and did consider art but we talked her out of it for 2 reasons - 1 - she is lazy! 2 - she is planning to do sciences at A level and hopefully do medicine and therefore needs top grades. She is doing Ebacc subjects because she has chosen Geography and music as her 2 free options (after choosing MFL) - but that is not why she chose the subjects.

If he wants to be an architect why wouild he choose History at A Level? Sciences plus Art surely would be the way to go?

My eldest DS is becoming a doctor and chose History at A Level. Even less obviously relevant. He just enjoys it.

OP, too late for his choices I know but I did History A Level without the GCSE and got an A years and years ago, which equates to an A* now. I know the current specs well and it's perfectly doable. I know pupils who've done it and done it fine. If he's still interested in it in two years time, there should be no problem.

hells Glad he's not the only one not following the Ebacc route! The arty subjects add an awful lot to an education so I'm pleased he's followed his instinct on this one!.

titchy yes, he knows sciences/Maths way to go but loves history too and as he's had to drop it now, thought an AS in it would let him carry on with a subject he loves, give him some breadth, and allow him to carry on with it later as he has 'had' to drop it now. Having said that, that's two years down the line and who knows if he will have changed his mind by then. My question arose mostly in case not having the GCSE would close off options for him if he has a sudden change of heart in the future (he is only 13!!), after the fantastic wise words of Mners, I don't think cramming an extra gcse now would be wise though... especially as it seems he could pick it up again if needed (and wanted)!!. Thanks for all the replies!

yes I think he would be ok to do History at AS/A level without studying it at GCSE. In my DC's sixth form you can as long as you have got at least a B in English (or that may be an A )