What are 'good' and 'bad' GCSE options?

[Titsend]

Hi,
Dd is moving into Year 9 in September and is already set on three GCSE options. She is very academically able and works hard. I don't want he choices to disregard her capabilities because her option choices are deemed 'soft'. I am not going to disclose her options as I do not want that to sway any replies!

Could anybody give me a list of GCSE options you would deem soft and those you would view as academic?

This thread was initiated by Dd btw. Any replies gratefully received!
Thanks

Slightly off topic but you can totally do computing a level without gcse. In fact, you can do Computer Science as a degree without studying it beforehand as long as you have maths (and do better than your fellow students )
Anyway, there are no "soft" options anymore, just be aware that some subjects like art can be a huge time sink so factor that in.

I'm sure when I did media studies we had to produce several essays as well as more interesting coursework. It was quite analytical, I loved it. Wouldn't have thought it was a soft option.
Is English literature no longer compulsory? It was at my school - many years ago.

For the students in DD’s school both language and literature are compulsory along with science and maths. Triple science takes up an option so if they do triple they can pick 3 options otherwise 4. Loads of academically inclined students pick combined as they get a extra option and increase their breadth. As long as they score 7-8 in combined all sciences are available for them at A level.

I've never heard of a school where Eng lit wasn't compulsory, except perhaps for those with SEND who would really struggle, so they focus on eng lang. But I'm talking one or two a year if that

@bookmum08

IAmTheBFG that's interesting. I know people who work in media. They earn a decent wage and all have stayed in work during covid in one form or another. The ologies you list would lead to careers in jobs that are never going to go away. Unless a miracle happens we will always have crime etc. Health and Social care is poorly paid but it's probably one of the most important jobs society needs and is constantly crying out for more workers. I certainly wouldn't call these subject 'soft'. If anything they are more importantly than geography or English lit.

It's important to note that 'soft' doesn't mean unimportant, instead it means less academically rigorous. The OP asked the question because she wants her child to have the best chance of getting into a top university for a competitive subject. Of course Media Studies, Health and Social Care and Criminology etc. can lead to fascinating careers, but it isn't advisable to take more than a couple of these subjects if you want to make a competitive application to a top university.