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Secondary education

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Original poster

Business studies GGSE ?

22 replies

Namehanger · 06/02/2015 07:18

DS1 choosing GCSE's, looking to do computer science at university.

So far his GCSE CHOICES are:
Maths, English x2, Science x2, French, Computer Science, Drama, Dance.

The options are Geography or Business Studies.

I think he should do Geography as otherwise it will look a little light on academic subjects with two performing subjects.

Any experience of business studies, is it a facilitating subject ?

OP posts:
TheAwfulDaughter · 06/02/2015 07:28

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Yangsun · 06/02/2015 07:32

Actually I disagree with awful, it does look light on academic subjects and that would certainly limit hi is optiona at a level. Some unis do look at GCSE subjects too. There is nothing wrong with bs but along with drama and dance it is a bit light on the academics.

TheFirstOfHerName · 06/02/2015 07:55

I think Geography would be a good addition.
The current list only includes 6 'academic' subjects.

LIZS · 06/02/2015 07:59

Geography . Most of ds friends who did Business Studies found it a disappointment and there is a still a question mark over its academic rigour being recognised later on.

merlehaggard · 06/02/2015 08:04

I also think geography for the same reasons as above.

titchy · 06/02/2015 08:20

His current choice has 7 academic subjects. What grades is he likely to get? If he's an A* high flyer then yes 7 academic might be a bit light, if he's not then should be fine esp given the two performing ones will take a lot of time.

lljkk · 06/02/2015 09:02

What uni is he aiming at & why?

cressetmama · 06/02/2015 17:04

DS in Y11 thinks Business Studies is dire.

TalkinPeace · 06/02/2015 17:27

Geography.

Business studies is lightweight

TalkinPeace · 06/02/2015 17:28

Also if not doing either History or Geography the list looks a bit light.
Why Drama and dance?

Christelle2207 · 06/02/2015 17:31

In his situation I would pick geography. However I did BS myself and found it useful on a basic level at the start of my career. I also did it at a-level though and wouldn't recommend it for that other than it was the easiest of the 3!

Original poster
Namehanger · 06/02/2015 18:14

Thanks, as I suspected Business Studies a bit of a lightweight subject.

Am happy to for him to do dance & drama as they will be so good for his confidence and social skills, not his strong points.
ICT is an extra already but I do think he should do a humanity.

However he is a smart boy so should do find academically.

OP posts:
cricketballs · 07/02/2015 07:02

GCSE Business is not coursework heavy. The CA is 25% of final grades (Applied Business has 60%).

I am not going to spend time defending the subject on this thread (have done this regularly on MN) other than to say it is not easy, it requires a variety of high level skills to gain higher grades and it's content is as Christelle has said is very useful no matter what career path is chosen

jeanne16 · 07/02/2015 08:15

I think you should be far more concerned about doing both Dance and Drama. You should choose one, not both. If he is academic, then these 2 choices will not show him in the best light.

summerends · 07/02/2015 08:42

I agree with Jeanne. Each of BS. dance and drama provides useful skills and a balance with the traditional academic subjects however it is better to have eight of the latter for entry to RG university or equivalent.
I would have thought that the combination of geography, BS and dance or drama (with one done as an extracurricular) would provide a better range and balance of skills (assuming that another humanity or language does not appeal).

VeryStressedMum · 07/02/2015 08:47

I would choose geography business studies and drama. grades are important but the subjects are very important too. to get into A level they'll look at the subjects as will uni applications.

Original poster
Namehanger · 07/02/2015 09:55

I agree Geography, Business Studies and Dance would be best or even my first love History.

OP posts:
maddy68 · 07/02/2015 10:03

I teach business studies
It comprises of economics, law, recruitment, motivation, how businesses start and grow, politics etc
It's really rounded and is a favourite when getting onto a level courses that they haven't got a gcse in for example law, economics etc

I would say let your child choose which option they would enjoy most

Ginandtonictime · 07/02/2015 10:11

Surely dance is something he could do as an after-school club? Geog, BS and drama is surely the best combo for the future him ...

cricketballs · 07/02/2015 11:01

waves to Maddy68! Felt like a lone figure on threads about this subject

just to continue what Maddy has said; this week my year 10 students have been studying commodities; this ran into an interesting discussion on the current situation regarding oil prices, the role of OPEC and the impact of oil prices, not only on business but the world as a whole (including a debate regarding if oil is the reason for wars)

scaevola · 07/02/2015 11:10

I'd steer him towards geography.

I'm not convinced that the EBACC concept will stick, but it might. So as it's a narrow choice between a subject that completes it and one that doesn't, I'd go for the one that does.

Original poster
Namehanger · 07/02/2015 11:15

Thanks everyone, in Dance they do a lot of choreography which he is interested in.

Let's of great insight here, I might let DS1 look at it to continue the discussion. Hi DS1 xxxx

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