Options year 9 - French then choose 2 from computer science, history and Geography, going round in circles!

[jenthehen]

Just any advice really, she's set on the French, very similar level at History and Geography, hasn't studied Computer Science since year 7 but is interested in it (as are husband and older son who think it would be good for her to take it). She needs to make a decision. It's a long way off but future career interests are Medecine or law. (She'll be doing all the usual sciences, maths , English etc).....

All are good choices! That's helpful, eh?

Has she looked at topics in history and geography, might that make a difference?

Why no CS since yr 7? DS2 does it and he says it's difficult. Is she confident in her ability on that?

Check the syllabus for CS.

I’ve heard it’s not great, but it might have changed. A friend’s son is doing it but now regrets it.

My son does cs and it's his favourite subject, DD enjoyed it in y7 but then she did two languages so it wasn't available to her. She would probably be the only girl in the class but that doesn't worry her. I'm concerned that she's only considering it as son and husband think it's an important subject and offers opportunities in most areas today.

Yes Clary, she's looked at the topics and likes them equally in each subject apparently (I looked at the Cs and thought it looked boring but didn't want to influence her!).

Just pick the ones she likes the most. Although having said that my son loves history but found GCSEs history boring. Maybe use the options to chose less "wordy" subjects that will allow her to put her efforts in to the main/core subjects.

History and geography are both essay type subjects, so maybe computer studies would be a good contrast.

Thanks Mymatemax, I did think of that (then forgot about it). It could make a pleasant change doing something on a screen too rather than copying copious notes from whiteboards.

There does seem to be quite a change in the subjects from Y9 to Y10. My son loved Spanish, now finds it tedious and grammar heavy. He enjoys Geog but finds lots of people are achieving lower than expected due to the way the answers need to be worded....it's not easy for them.

History - would help with strong essay writing and thinking of quality of sources which could help with law

Computer Science - logical thinking helps with Medicine and law. plus programming aspects could help if she ends up doing science research. Presumably strong in maths?

take a look at the schools exam results the past few years and pick the subject with the best results, that's what i'd do in this situation!

Geography is definitely quite a bit about technique in getting the marks.

All good points and strategies for choosing. You could also try "since you can't decide I'm going to draw 2 out of a hat". At the point you do that, she may well suddenly find herself hoping the right two come out of the hat. Very good technique for identifying hidden preferences

We went to our DS's options evening last night & they had two computers options. ICT or Computer Science. DS has chosen the computer science as it interests him more. His head teacher said in a speech last night for the pupils to choose something that they will find interesting & not to choose something that their parents want them to do or just because their friends might do it too.

DS also doing his options - we’ve been advised by the school

Pick subjects you find interesting
Find out what is covered in the syllabus
Think about end goals - career - what GCSEs will help you get there
What are you good at
Avoid making choices based on relationships eg family friends or teachers
Don’t pick a subject because you like the teacher - who knows what teacher you’ll have Y10/11
Consider any extended writing or project work involved and if that suits you

jen re your son, you can download the mark scheme along with the past papers for all subjects which will tell you specifically what words and phrases they are looking for.

We have them all. I am sure for science there is a list of key words and the revision books are helpful too.

My eldest is in year 10 and school provide (for a fee) the revision books to help them get a handle on phrasing and revising as you learn. He too is doing computer science and loves it, but Dh is a programmer so uses python daily and has massively helped Ds to get his head round it all.