We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
GCSE choice time!
Comments
-
I would agree with the others and encourage her to take the subjects she enjoys. As others ahve said, A-Levels will be more important subject wise. All that she will need to demonstarte with GCSE's are a good range of subjects and good grades, particularly in english and maths. I know when i was in school we could not go onto do our A-levels unless we had a C or over in english and maths. A language was also compulsary when I was in school, which I think is a really good thing, shame it isn't compulsory now.0
-
I have found that, like many have said already, it is the number and the grades of your GCSEs that are more important than the subjects. History will help her with her writing, looking at evidence etc, but Geography also deals a lot with world issues like globalisation and can help you keep up to date with current affairs. There isn't really much in it, I think they have the same "value" and for many people it is an either/or choice between them for GCSE and universities know this.
I am glad she is going for a language- if she carries her German onto A Level it also opens the door to a possible Erasmus year in her third year, studying whichever degree subject she chooses over in Germany or Austria. Even doing GCSE could mean she is able to pick it up again at intermediate level for credit at university.0 -
If she hates History and likes Geography, I think she should definitely go for Geography. Echoing several other posters, Uni's are definitely more interested in grades and being able to demonstrate a wide range of subjects at GCSE shows versatility and will also help her if she changes her mind. If she prefers Geography, she's also more likely to do well in it! German is also a good choice and if she enjoys sciences could set her up for a career as a patent attorney!0
-
Excellent advice offered so far. A subject which I don't think has been mentioned is RS, especially at A level. This is good preparation for getting you to think, read and write coherently as well as considering range of viewpoints. Universities like it for those reasons.
Erasmus can be done ( a semester at a European university ) even without a language as in the Netherlands English can be used. However a modern foreign language is an excellent idea - whatever career choice is being considered.0 -
I'm going to throw another idea into the mix: Drama. Far from being a 'performing art', at my DSD's school it's much closer to what used to be Eng. Lang. Check out the syllabus because some performance skills are great for presentation and communication as well.Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants - Michael Pollan
48 down, 22 to go
Low carb, low oxalate Primal + dairy
From size 24 to 16 and now stuck...0 -
Just picking up on the comment made about universities wanting a modern language from 2011. My daughter has done German only from Y8 and into Y9. She wanted to do it as a GCSE option - but they have been told that it is not being done next year. She's never done french and so can't pick that up.0
-
inkie - aargh!!! I'm a MFL teacher, and I'm so cross to hear this!
There's an issue with severe grading of Languages (not just unfounded rumour, I can offer links if ayone interested, please pm), which means getting a half or full grade lower than their average in other subjects. senior management are not keen on this as it lowers the school grade average, so MFL are being squeezed out of the options, or put into blocks which means they don't stand a chance of being chosen. More and more often the second languages are being dropped altogether.
You and your DD and any others in her group could kick up a fuss. I think there's an entitlement to a langauge, but I'm not sure how much that matters to schools concerend with their leauge tables.
It may be possible to take the subject at another institution - quite a lot of schools are in groups or federations with others who may offer it. Is there a specialist langauge college nearby?
On the original question, a friend who's a head told my DD that History is an excellent choice for anyone intending to go into Law - all that assessing original sources, comparing and contrasting evidence, and presenting an argument. Apparently, history is the most common degree amongst the country's elite management as well...It is never too late to become what you were always intended to be0 -
well, I *almost* did law at uni...ended up doing history (graduate this june), which when I was 18 I never thought of. lol. Started at Uni reading Philosophy, and while I don't think Philosophy is avaiable at GCSE, it would be a good option for your daughter at A-Level, as would Critical Thinking...
As for her GCSE's...I reckon History would make more sense than Geography for law, but at GCSE level I really don't think it matters - echoing what others have said, it's the grades that count more than the subjects, and I think Uni's will be more impressed with a broad range of "traditional" subjects...again, languages are a big bonus!
Having said that, I failed maths GCSE 3 times (never did pass) and never took a language at GCSE, but was accepted into Aberdeen Uni to study philosophy, and was told in my first year I could switch to law if I wanted...didn't in the end - plumped for History, but that's another option for your daughter, as Scottish Uni's are more flexible.
The 3rd option is for her to do a degree in something like Philosophy or History (again, a good "traditional" degree, and then go on to do a Law Conversion course...these are popular with employers as the individuals are seen to be more well-rounded than those who have done a straight law degree.0 -
Oldernotwiser wrote: »This would be a very bad idea for someone wanting to do a competitive subject like Law at a good university. The new Diplomas are completely untried and may well not be as acceptable as traditional subjects at GCSE.
Sorry, but that is wrong. The vast majority of Unis will accept Diplomas at level 3, even for Law! Indeed, some are welcoming them as they promote self study and extended writing and emulate Uni courses to a far greater extent than traditional subjects.
Also, as we have established, subjects studied at level 2 will not have a significant impact on acceptance in to Uni - what is studied at level 3 dictates this.0 -
Can I just say what a good choice I think music is? I've studied music for 12 years (since I was 8), and I think it really helps with confidence and personal skills. Whether a singer or an instrumentalist, at some point during GCSE you're going to have to stand up in front of your class and perform, and depending on the exam board, you may have an examiner there for the performance aspect of the course. Its brilliant for getting used to standing in front of people and presenting something, which is so vital for a law degree.
Also, she's likely to be playing in an orchestra, or singing in a choir, which is great for building team work, interpersonal skills etc. And then there's the dedication it takes to play an instrument to a high level. It is so much commitment, and it seems that universities are impressed with the commitment and independent learning it creates. I've studied in 2 universities, and have come across many law or medicine students with high levels of achievement on a musical instrument. This is just what I've been told, but interviewers are impressed with the dedication it takes to get up on a Saturday morning for 6 years to get to orchestra for 9am. Its something I've used to prove my dedication and reliability in job interviews.
Wow. Long post. I'll be quiet now*insert witty comment here*0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.2K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.3K Spending & Discounts
- 240.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.6K Life & Family
- 253.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards