French, German or Latin ?

[allovernow]

My son's currently choosing options and, in addition to Mandarin, is torn between French, German or Latin (can choose one). Probably won't do languages beyond GCSE - any thoughts on what is viewed as "better" come Univ. interview time (hopefully Oxbridge/Russell Group) ?

[Amber]

There has been a lot of discussion of the merits of different languages on here recently. If you look at the GCSE bit there is some stuff about Latin and then nada has a thread about German going in Everything Else.

My DD is in Year 11 now and has done Mandarin and Latin. Both are pretty tough. Mandarin is hard to get an A* in unless you are a native speaker (she isn't) and there is a lot of set text learning for Latin. DD is looking at Medicine and I have no idea whether the universities will throw their hands up in either horror or joy at her choices....but she has really enjoyed both languages and I strongly suggest your son chooses on that basis rather than what he thinks will be well-received at university. It's impossible to second guess what an admissions officer would make of French vs German if a candidate was applying for an unrelated subject, but my hunch is it would not be hugely significant.

[moved]

We are in a similar position. DD is taking French early, has the possibility of Mandarin GCSE as she already studies it after school. She will have to take German. There is then the choice, only two allowed, between Latin, geography and accelerated Spanish.

As DD is good at languages I am inclined to encourage her to drop geography, she has already opted for history. At the moment she wants to be a barrister or a journalist.

She will have 13 GCSEs, including PE and music, so balance is less relevant. She has no idea which ones to choose.

[Yummiemummie]

Moved lots of info re your daughters GCSEs there, but what about the original question.....allovernow I think a good grade in any of those languages would be a real asset so he should choose the one he enjoys. Enjoyment seems to lead to attainment were languages are concerned.

[TraffordMum]

If there is no inclination to carry on with the language after GCSE then I'd pick the one that your son is likely to get the best grade in. Does the school publish results online so that you can compare and contrast? Maybe have a look at the syllabus for each subject and see which complements your son's skills most.

[Looking for help]

I would agree - take the one most likely to get the highest grade, especially if Oxbridge is what you're after. I don't believe any are 'better' than the others

[JordanPayne]

I picked French for my GCSE and I found it very easy, the key to French is just to revise it. I ended this year with an overall grade of a B for my speaking and writing exams and a B and a B for my listening and reading which I re-took and I'll find out my grade in August.