GCSE Options

[RachCBas84]

Good evening,
My daughter is currently taking her GCSE options. The school is encouraging the students to study subjects which make up the English Baccalaureate (EBACC) however, she wants to drop her language. I've queried this choice with the school and they've said she can still get the qualification without the language if she studies history, geography, computer science or triple science. However, this seems to contradict the government advice. I wondered if anyone had any knowledge of whether this is possible please?

No one outside of schools care about the EBACC - choose the subjects that are right of her.

The EBAC is not a qualification. It’s a measure used to assess schools.

She won’t ‘get an ebac’ whether she does a language or not, so she should make the choice that plays to her strengths

The EBacc isn't a qualification as such - you don't get a certificate for it. The school is measured on how many pupils take the right combination of subjects, and it does have to include a language.

The other thing that has constraints on subjects is the Attainment 8/Progress 8 scoring - this is again something used to measure schools, not individuals, but some sixth forms use the Attainment 8 scoring in their entry requirements - so it can matter for some. For that, eight subjects are used, of which at least five must be EBacc subjects, but that's English, maths and any three others, eg all three sciences.

Nobody cares about the ebacc.

Thank you very much for your replies. I was worried it would affect her chances of getting to university. I'll help her choose something that she is more confident in.

Yes as everyone says, the Ebacc is not a qualification. It’s great to do a range of subjects at GCSE, and that might include MFL and a humanity with English, maths and sciences; but it’s not for everyone.

The subjects the school mentioned also make up the Ebacc but for the school to tick the box for it (and yes it is just a measure of schools) she would need MFL. But if she would do better at something else and the school is happy (some mandate MFL) then she should take that.

And yes, despite what some schools still apparently say, no UK uni demands a GCSE in MFL. MFL is my subject and I love it, but I don’t think it should be mandatory tbh.