Number of examined subjects at age 16

[TeacakeEater]

How would you feel if your 15/16 yr old were studying only 6 subjects?

I ask as this is the new format at our local (Scottish) high school.

I have a primary-age child who seems very keen and able at school. Local private schools are still offering 8 subjects and that is an option. Is 6 too narrow for an able student?

Of course it's too narrow! By the time they've done Eng Lang, Eng Lit, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, there's no room for anything else!

What about history, geography, music, languages, IT etc etc

I think it depends on how you count them! I know nothing about Scotland's Educational system, but could see the following as being a balanced curriculum

English Lang & Lit
Maths
Science (biology, chemistry, physics, computer studies)
Humanities (Geog, Hist, RE)
MFL
Arts (Art, Music, Drama, Design etc)

English Lang and Lit are not separated out so count as 1.

Sciences are all individual subjects.

I have family in England but I don't know what breadth other countries have at this age.

There is also the opportunity to take "crash" Highers (broadly speaking AS level) in future years even if you haven't studied the subject for a couple of years e.g. I've seen Biology suggested as one that could be picked up later.

Most schools near me insist on 7 or 8 for the majority of students:
English
Maths
Modern Language
A Science
A Social subject - Geography, History, RMPS, Modern Studies
plus 2 or 3 others (additional sciences, art, technology etc)

Carol from what I've read about cfe there have been schools who have stuck with 7 or 8 and starting those subjects in S3. However the new curriculum was intended to have the "broad general education" up until S3 and it's not certain those schools will carry on with 7/8 in future years.

Where we are 6 is the limit. It is a postcode lottery.

My DC are in High School in Scotland, my younger is in 4th year and due to sit 8 National 5s next May. The year below her are only doing 7.

I don't think it's a huge deal to only do 6, but 7 would be better. My Ds, who sat his SGs this year, had to choose his 8 subjects at the end of 2nd year so obviously some subject became casualties then. At that age (13-14) it can't be clear to all kids which subjects are most important to them. I like the new system because it should be a year later (14-15) before those choices have to be made, so maybe there will be more focus on the 6/7 subjects that they choose. Having 6 subjects still allow for academic kids to drop a subject before they sit highers. At least the broad general education gives them all the other subjects for a year longer than the old system.

Preferthedog thanks for your reply.

That is the rationale, to focus later on fewer subjects. I think I am comparing it unfavourably to English-based family now and also my own experience at school.

I can see it working well where a pupil is clearly pulling in one way say to Science or MFL and has a dislike of other subjects, but I don't think it's a good base for choosing Highers if you are an all-rounder. Plus it just seems a bit unambitious for academic students.

To be honest my gut reaction is that of longingforsomesleep but I'd like to be persuaded the other way!

You're right, it is unambitious for clever kids who could probably pass exams for lots more subjects, but few uni courses need a variety of subjects. Isn't it better to spend more time and study in-depth the subjects that they will have to study later? My daughter wants to do music/drama or modern languages at uni. She is doing eight, but if she could only do 6, she could still do maths/English, 2 languages, music and drama. Her current other subjects could still be studied in better depth until the end of 3rd year. She would still have a 'broad general education' despite narrowing her subjects in the fourth year.

I think it's normal for us all to be wary of the new system, and certainly my daughter is in the Guinea Pig year, but I'm not worried. The less bright kids will only have 6 subjects to focus on at exam time and the brighter kids will still have the opportunity to shine in their chosen subjects.

I hope I don't regret my optimism next year though!

Ds1 is in s4 doing the 8 subjects he picked at the end of S2
They were promoting a range of subjects being picked, to the extent of stating that doing all 3 sciences was frowned upon even for those intending to go on to Medecine, which surprised me.

I've heard that too about not doing all sciences and as a "sciencey" person myself it rings warning bells that those in charge of education are not on the same wavelength as me!

Thanks again preferthedog. I see what you are saying and the school have said that about university entrance and focusing on those "Higher" subjects.

I just remember how I enjoyed all sorts of stuff at school at that age, with my favourite being a course in RE of all things, taught by a brilliant teacher. I would never have chosen it for career or further ed. I actually LIKED education and the school don't seem to want cater for that type of kid! I think my view is getting more entrenched but thanks very much for taking time to answer.

Good luck to your daughter I hope it goes well for her, it helps so much when they've got an idea of what they want to do later.