Thoughts on RE or computer science as final GCSE choice please.

[megletthesecond]

DS has four options on top of maths, English, and probably triple science. First three options will be geography, French and DT.
But he's torn on his fourth between RE and computer science. He's good at both.

Longer term plans are for something on the lines of environmental engineering so I can see why computer science might help. But he also enjoys RE and would do well at it.

We're stuck .

Our DS stopped doing RS at the earliest opportunity and picked CS for GCSE. Both decisions had our full support. We really did think RS was a waste of time, though that can be influenced by the syllabus. If you’ve got a school running a modern syllabus with ethics, philosophy, logic, and above all, all major faiths treated on an equal basis, it just might be worth considering. But not all syllabuses are like that, and many schools abuse their the option choices to do some monotheist evangelical drivel. Can also depend on where you are;

www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/de/religious-education-core-syllabus-english-version.pdf

Make sure the computing course is a good one with a strong emphasis on logic and coding. The old ICT style or “playing with Office” should be avoided.

So do your homework on course content.

Computing likely to be more useful

Someone else posted the exact same thread recently - suggest you have a look at the opinions on there.

DD's RE consists on Christianity & Islam beliefs and practices, and Ethics (Relationships&Family, Peace&Conflict, and 2 others I can't remember). I think it is very relevant to the modern world.

environmental engineering? Might be wise to gain some idea of belief systems and ethics across the world if you’re planning to be involved in shaping the environment.

Presumably whatever he learns in Computer Science could be picked up during university and early work? (I have no idea ...)

As a scientist i would say go for RE. It is good for scientist to have an awareness of ethical, religious and moral issues. I know too many scientists who have had a very narrow education. I think the Coronavirus response shows this too!

I’d also suggest it for his own mental health, as it can be a good balance to the overdose on maths when revising.

Yes.. Also he seems to be doing only 1/2 essay subjects - and English lit won’t be much help if his working life requires the ability to write carefully researched, persuasive reports on the benefits of a particular course of action. RE might help with that.

Thanks all. It's been really useful 👍.

If you consider RS to be learning about religion, then it can seem irrelevant.

Alternatively, it could be seen as an opportunity to explore differences, construct arguments, express views and persuade others. As mentioned previously, these are valuable skills for all.

That said, computer science develops other soft skills including logical thought, answering a brief as well as the knowledge and skills base.

I think it depends on which skills your son wants to develop. It might also depend on what he does (in normal times) for hobbies.

His decision will be the right one though-good luck!