11 Plus Exams Forum

My son, who is in Y9 Grammar School has a dilemma: Economics or Design resistant materials?
Apart from main subjects, he chose music as he is doing grade 8 flute.
What does economics curriculum involve? Is Design considered to be a really soft subject? Is it OK to be doing music and design? Most of the boys seem to be going for Economics. My son is one of the best in Design in his year.
Any advice please.

I would recommend he does what he enjoys and takes options he will do well in. No point in gaining a 'C' in Economics when he could have had an A* in Design!

That said, DS1 took both. He then went on to study Economics at A level too. The school have made it really relevant and it's probably the only time when living through a recession has been very useful! He is very strong in Maths so Economics has also come quite easily whereas the Design he found less useful.

Good luck with the decision making

Economics is considered a "soft" subject at GCSE but not at A Level so in terms of academic rigour there isnt much of a diff between how design or economics is looked at. As T12ACY says doing what he enjoys best where he will get a good grade may be better. Your DS is probably doing enough rigorous subject and I think adding design makes him much more interesting.

Thank you for your advice! We have a parents meeting in a few days nad I will try to get somemore info before making a decision.