GCSE options in year 8

Discussion and advice on GCSEs

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Hera
Posts: 856
Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 3:50 pm

Re: GCSE options in year 8

Post by Hera »

Drama was dropped last year I think as an option. The school only announced a month or 2 ago that they would be changing from a 2 year to a 3 year GCSE course so it is a very recent development. As I said at the start I am unhappy with the change but I feel sorry for the schools too with the relentless pressure from both the government and parents to maintain and increase grades. I do feel that a lot of the fun has gone out of learning with constant assessments and an unrelenting focus on exams and results, but that is what what schools are being told they must do.

On a more positive notes DS thinks he has pretty much made up his mind about which subjects to list. Geography as the obligatory humanity and then Computing and History as main options with Latin and Classics as reserves. Thanks for all the comments about the subjects, it definitely helped the process.
Amber
Posts: 8058
Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:59 am

Re: GCSE options in year 8

Post by Amber »

tiffinboys wrote:If these subjects are canceled due to low uptake then I won't entirely blame schools or government. Government has not disallowed to offer Art, Drama etc. Most schools have these subjects option. They also say that the subjects will not be offered if uptake is low. I think we need to encourage uptake of creative subjects, but these very threads advise is Art and other creative subjects take too much of the time and effect other subjects.
Well it isn't the schools' fault, no. But it is absolutely the fault of the Government, which meddles far too much in the curriculum. Our children are pretty much the only ones in the world who have to specialise when they are so young - giving choice to such young people is bound to lead to problems and why we think it is a good idea is beyond me. Schools are worried about league tables and performance in core subjects and parents are worried about competition and academic rigour. Children are pawns in this and what is lost is breadth and learning of subjects which aren't ranked in league tables. Government policy has led to this and that is where the blame should lie.
tiffinboys
Posts: 8022
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:00 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: GCSE options in year 8

Post by tiffinboys »

It's up to the schools and parents as well. Art, Drama, DT, Music are all offered in our grammars and are counted towards schools' performance. In fact, these subjects are thriving in our local grammars, even Dancing at our GS. One Mfl is compulsory (German, French or Spanish), Latin is also taught from yr 7 to 9 and there is good uptake even at GCSE. fantastic facilities for Rugby, Rowing and Cricket, though football is played at bit low key.

All this with a lower funding than comprehensive schools. :wink:
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: GCSE options in year 8

Post by Guest55 »

Totally agree tiffinboys - we have huge numbers taking drama, art, music and technology, as do other Bucks GS. Once the GCSE gets dropped it often has an effect on the quality of teaching in KS3.

It's about ensuring parents are aware that all subjects count towards performance tables now and that students need a 'spread' of subjects.
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