History/Geog/RE- which GCSE/s?

[Erebus]

Y9 DS is reasonably clever and is heading for the expected triple science, 2 x English, maths, one MFL. So most of his 'options' -aren't!

He is equivocal about whether he'd rather do History or Geog. I know he will have to do one of those (Thanks, Eng Bacc)- or maybe I should say, probably 2 of the 3 listed in the title.

I personally think History would win over Geog purely because his other choices demonstrate a science bent, as can Geog I guess (when I was 18 one could do Geog at uni as either a B Sc or a BA) but I wonder if History demonstrates the ability to construct coherent essays better than Geog might? Actually, this 'ability' is a bit of a weakness for him, thinking about it!

I am also hoping he can do something a bit techy or arty tho he is rubbish at actual art!

We have parents Options Eve tomorrow night but they have been meeting with the DC many times, but of course, DS hasn't yet really grasped what he gets to choose between.

[ISingSoprano]

indyteach I think you are absolutely right about the poor teaching. The Geography dept at our school is uninspiring. I can't quite put my finger on why that might be as individually all the teachers (all male) are really nice people. Conversely, the History department is vibrant and gets fantastic results. It breaks my heart that Geography is such a minor subject at my children's school.

[themonalisa]

I'm thinking that he may have MORE chouce after the EBacc u turn!

[Ponders]

The Ebacc, as such, hasn't changed as I understand it, monalisa

ie 5 A*-C GCSEs inc one of Hist/Geog

A completely new English Bacc is what has been put on hold

[Erebus]

No (maybe!), my understanding is that the EBC exams, the ones due to replace GCSEs have been scrapped; the E. Bacc as a league table measure still exists but uses a wider brush to define it (and way more complex!) from here on. It needed to, really- the original (retro applied) E. Bacc was so prescriptive and simplistic, whereas the new measure apparently does at least acknowledge the arts and technology as valid subjects!

[LeeCoakley]

DD2's history GCSE seemed to consist of 2 years of Nazi Germany and the Vietnam War. As someone who loves history (well, stuff over 100 years ago) it would have bored me senseless.

[NewFerry]

Both my DS are engineering focussed and both studied geography at GCSE. It was a great choice, and they enjoyed the trips
Ds1 continued it to AS and it sits very well in a university engineering application.

Both took RE as well but that ws because its compulsory at their school.