Which GCSEs?

[GCSEsalready]

Hi. DS is choosing GCSEs, form to be in later this week. So far we have
Separate sciences
Further maths
Computer science

And then two from geography, philosophy / ethics and business studies. He's struggling to choose.

Any wise words of advice most welcome, thanks.

DD did GCSE geography and really loved it, ended up continuing it on to A level. He sounds to have a good mix with all of the sciences so maybe something like business or philosophy to get his brain away from that side of things for a few periods a week would be beneficial for him though

I'd choose philosophy/ethics, because I think it covers topics that are important to think about as a grounding for life.

Less strong feelings between the other two, but I think I'd go for geography, because it covers the things that shape out world.

Philosophy/ethics and geography sounds like a solid base.
I always think that GCSEs are the base to enable you to continue to have choices in the next stage or two in education.
I am assuming your son is moving towards academic qualifications (ie A levels) rather than vocational?
Although double geography on a Friday pm was harsh, even though I had a fabulous teacher!

Thanks very much all, that's really helpful. Yes, likely to be going on to A Levels. He's a thoughtful chap, loves talking about big issues, so I (and more importantly he) think philosophy would be a really good fit, and agree it would be good to get his brain away from the other, fact-based, subjects.

I would agree with others saying geography and philosophy/ethics. My DC's friends were talking about choosing economics or business because it would help with future careers but both are subjects you can study at university with no prior GCSE or A'Levels. Maths is much more important at this stage.

Thanks, that was exactly his thinking so that's really useful.

I would sound a note of caution that Philosophy involves a lot of writing - so if that is not something he is keen on, he may wish to avoid (my DS loved the subject but struggled with the getting it down on paper).

i'm guessing from his options so far that he will likely specialise in something maths/sciency, in which case I'd suggest he just selects his two favourites

DS did geography and loved it - now hoping to study it at degree level.

He did business and found it by far his easiest GCSE. Got his highest grade in it. Said a lot of it was common sense and stuff he'd read about or seen in real life. Also short answer type questions rather than essays.

He didn't pick P&E because of the requirement to write longer essay type answers- which he's not good at.

Thanks, this is real food for thought and so helpful. I'll have a chat with DS tomorrow. We hadn't thought about the different exam styles. Thanks all.