GCSE option choices

[gluenotsoup]

Hi,
DD is just in the process of choosing her options. She thinks wants to do separate sciences rather than the dual award, so effectively has 3 sciences studied to 3 GCSEs rather than to 2. Her next choice is RS, she will also be doing German and History, already underway. So - she has to choose 5 but can only study 2. She is drama BTec as the next option as a reserve. I’m a bit unsure how to advise her here- is a BTec seen as being as good as a GCSE, or not looked on as favourably? Is she better doing something else at GCSE and discounting BTecs altogether? Or will triple science pile on the pressure when 2 will be just as good, and something like drama shows a rounded set of interests? She swings about what she wants to choose, and doesn’t really have a clue about what she wants to do in the future- sometimes it’s medical, then it’s law, then it’s something random like a spy so I’m advising she just gets as high results as she can in what she enjoys and see what happens on the future to keep options open.
What do you all think? Any advice greatly appreciated 😊

I think they should choose their own GCSEs I let mine and they were happy without me I interfering

@QuizzicalEyebrows

I think they should choose their own GCSEs I let mine and they were happy without me I interfering

I agree final choice should be by the pupil. But there is no harm in a parent taking an interest in the pros and cons of choices to ensure the pupil has full information. Some 13 year olds are less mature than others and may need guidance.

She will definitely have the choice! She’s just conflicted as really she would do triple science, RS and drama, but can only pick two (already chosen between History and Geography in y8), and is yo-yo-img and driving me daft. She is getting a bit stressed about it and the best I can do is help her make an informed choice that makes her happy and keeps future doors open. I think she’ll speak to one of the teachers before making the choice too.

I forget some are only 13 when they choose.

Yes a bit of guidance wouldn't go amiss you're absolutely right.

I'm sure I had more input than I realise. I do tend to drip feed my advice and often give unsolicited advice whereby the DC roll their eyes or just wander off

The good thing about separate science is that say she is good at 2 and bad at 1 she can get grades that reflect her ability rather than a poor score bringing down her overall grade

It would be good to study them separately of she does want to do A levels and then medicine even if not necessary.

She has a good rounded selection.

One thing to be mindful is that some drama courses rely on group collaboration and achieve a group grade! Sometimes this means a higher achievers grade may be brought down others less engaged.

I just think it’s really cute that she might want to be a spy.

😂
It is sweet really! All these grown up choices they have to make, constantly feeling as though they have to be mature, and then those perfect, random little glimpses into the child still inside. They’re to be treasured really. She’s a funny mix, so insightful at times and then goes off on a tangent in case she might be able to work for MI6🥰

She’s one of the youngest in the year too.

Actually workkng for MI5 or MI6 isn't beyond the realms of possibility. They advertise nowadays for applicants!