Does my child really need to choose French as an option?

[user1493494748]

My child is in year 9 and has already chose her options. However, she hates French and is bad at it too. She is Gifted and Talented but French is her worst lesson. The teacher and her doesn't have a good relationship and her friends describe it as the teacher bullying her. I have heard a video of what he has said and I support what they say. So, should my child change that option into something she enjoys or carry on doing French. Also, how would this support/conflict with her future?

[Sostenueto]

Hi Iamastonished. Nope not an academically selective school just an outstanding Catholic school with all mixed faiths including atheists. But all off the point. A gifted and talented child should have no problem changing a subject in year 9. The point if the discussion just got waylaid.

[mousymary]

Pupils are told time and time again not to choose a subject based on the teacher - good or bad (or whether your friends are doing it). Presumably in this school there is more than one French teacher and also teachers come and go.

Surely subjects are supposed to be hard? If everything was "easy" it would be a bit of a drag. Languages are like building a Lego model - you need to build up from the bottom and make sure your foundations are secure. You can't do a bit here and there and there are no short cuts. That is why many pupils deem them "hard". What they mean is that you have to put in a good deal more effort than for many other subjects.

[bojorojo]

Catholic usually equals selective by another route!!! They neverf have a standard catchment like every other school: the net is cast very wide. What percentages of low and middle achievers? What percentages of FSM, PP and SEN?

I think you are right mousymary. MFLs require effort and so many children do not want to be bothered and are told if something is hard, then it is ok to bail out. It is a poor template for life. MN is full of mums asking if a subject takes up a lot of time, is too hard, can be avoided or asking for agreement that it is worthless.

I think children do get a feel for what subjects are well taught and what departments get good results year after year. This is worth something because it shows standards are maintained and there can be some confidence in good teaching continuing. Even if you get a good teacher you like for a year, it is better than not having them at all.

[sashh]

Catholic usually equals selective by another route!!!

I'd say always