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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Options for Year 10

16 replies

poppy1973 · 28/02/2018 12:57

Hi, I hope that other parents on here can offer me some extra advice.

My child is due to pick his options this week. My dh suggests that my son should take a language. As it would mean that he would gain an extra qualification in ebacc. I feel that my son shouldn't take language as my son really struggles badly with language. Hates the subject, finds the teachers very poor. Probably one of his worst subjects ever.

The school is pushing students to take language so that can get their extra points with regards to the ebacc. It helps the school with their results, apparently.

I personally feel that he should take subjects that he can concentrate on, enjoys and will achieve high marks in. His aim is to go to university for science. My dh agrees with this, however, feels that the lack of ebacc will make him a poor choice for universities. My argument is surely having good gcse grades will be better for future use than having a really bad grade in a language. School is really pushing the ebacc on parents and students at the moment.

Any ideas and opinions would be appreciated

OP posts:

TheFrendo · 28/02/2018 13:00

A language is not required for university. Ebacc is a government measure and is not used by universities for selection. You are right and your H his wrong.

Original poster

poppy1973 · 28/02/2018 13:03

Thank you TheFrendo. I personally don't think it would make a difference if my child has taken a language or not when it comes down to university applications or an apprenticeship (if he changes his mind to careers - later down the line).

OP posts:

TeenTimesTwo · 28/02/2018 13:10

I agree with you.
No point in taking a language if he can't do it and won't try, e.g if in line to struggle to pass.

( However in case your definition of 'struggles badly' and 'bad' is getting a 7 rather than an 8 or a 9 then I agree with your DH, not for the intangible ebacc but for the rounded education)

Hardwickwhite · 28/02/2018 13:13

The ebacc isn’t a qualification - just as you say a measure for the school. I can only think of one university that asks for a language (Kings I think) good grades across the board are much more important.

bittern79 · 28/02/2018 13:14

Our secondary HT has said they don't care if the dc do a language or not. The school is completely ignorng the eBacc. And he said universities do too. (It's a grammar.)

sashh · 28/02/2018 13:16

ebac is a bit of a joke. Let him take the subjects he is good at.

Original poster

poppy1973 · 28/02/2018 17:20

In all honesty, he would be lucky to get a 3 in the language.

OP posts:

TeenTimesTwo · 28/02/2018 17:24

Then it's a no-brainer.
If he isn't going to pass the language but would pass something else, then he does the something else.
If he doesn't pass the language he doesn't get the intangible 'ebacc' anyway.

Soursprout · 28/02/2018 17:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Allthebestnamesareused · 28/02/2018 17:28

(a) Ebacc is NOT a qualification - it is a measure for schools and ven now is being dropped by many schools as the main measure used is Progress 8.

(b) Only UCL wants a language and even then if you haven't done one as a gcse you can take a language course alongside your degree.

(d) Your husband's views are outdated and incorrect.

cupcake007 · 28/02/2018 17:45

My boys are not taking a language. They don't enjoy it and won't get a good enough grade. School have said to choose subjects that you enjoy and don't waste an option on a subject that you know you won't do well in.

Leeds2 · 28/02/2018 18:29

Personally, I think it is a shame that so many DC give up languages at such a young age. But, in DS's case, he is far better getting a 5 or more in a subject he enjoys than struggling to get a 3 in something he hates. Let him drop the language!
The Ebacc will not result in him getting an extra qualification. It is a measure for judging the school, not DS.
As far as I am aware, UCL is the only university which requires students to have a language GCSE (including scientists) and, if you don't, you have to do a language module in your first year. So, lack of a GCSE doesn't stop you applying but, if seeking to avoid languages, there are plenty of other universities available!

orangesticker · 28/02/2018 22:24

I think UCL don't even insist you pass the MFL module - just that you attend classes.
I tried to talk my dcs out of taking a language but both insisted. DD was influenced by a friend and her parent's outdated view on university applications. Ds took his because there's good chance he'd want to do English at Uni and there is often a MFL GCSE requirement for English courses.

clary · 01/03/2018 12:47

What everyone else says. No point doing something he hates and will do badly at.

And the school should see that. I taught MFL and will teach a willing but weak student all day long - but one who hates French and would rather be in food technology? No thanks.

And yy EBACC is not a qualification and will not benefit him, esp if he will get a 3 as opposed to, say, a 6 in tech or drama or computing.

BubblesBuddy · 01/03/2018 13:47

Why is it that bright children in this country cannot learn languages? We are so far behind other countries it’s worrying. It’s like most other worthwhile subjects, it takes effort.

orangesticker · 01/03/2018 13:51

Learning languages is not seen as worthwhile to many....

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