Compulsory subjects at A level/IB and equivalent
Different countries have policies on which A level subjects are compulsory which they deem would add a necessary skill or body of knowledge students leaving the secondary school system would benefit from.
For example in certain countries that use CIE's a levels, General Paper is compulsory which is an essay subject that draws upon a wide range of academic disciplines (social sciences)
Sample paper
Also in the Caribbean's equivalent to a level there is Caribbean studies which is similar to general paper in the way questions are asked except that the questions are only limited to Caribbean issues but still drawing up a range of academic disciplines (social sciences)
Sample paper
It must be noted that these two course are only single year courses ie no A2 or unit 2 etc.
What are your views on compulsory subjects at this level? Is it beneficial for all to study them ie Science, maths, social science etc students? Is it an extra unnecessary burnden?
Discuss.
For example in certain countries that use CIE's a levels, General Paper is compulsory which is an essay subject that draws upon a wide range of academic disciplines (social sciences)
Sample paper
Also in the Caribbean's equivalent to a level there is Caribbean studies which is similar to general paper in the way questions are asked except that the questions are only limited to Caribbean issues but still drawing up a range of academic disciplines (social sciences)
Sample paper
It must be noted that these two course are only single year courses ie no A2 or unit 2 etc.
What are your views on compulsory subjects at this level? Is it beneficial for all to study them ie Science, maths, social science etc students? Is it an extra unnecessary burnden?
Discuss.
Scroll to see replies
I agree.
I think it's too early a stage for science students to completely abandon essay writing.
I think it's too early a stage for science students to completely abandon essay writing.
Disagree with the concept of compulsory subjects after GCSE. In my opinion, and mine alone, nothing good can come from forcing a 16 year old to spend 2 more years of their lives studying something they don't give a **** about
Original post by keromedic
I agree.
I think it's too early a stage for science students to completely abandon essay writing.
I think it's too early a stage for science students to completely abandon essay writing.
Why do you think it's too early? It is an unnecessary burden to bear at a level.
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Original post by Arieisit
Why do you think it's too early? It is an unnecessary burden to bear at a level.
Because students often enter University after having done no essay work for 2 years and are unprepared.
I'm just going what ppl I know have told me. I've never attended University.
Original post by keromedic
Because students often enter University after having done no essay work for 2 years and are unprepared.
I'm just going what ppl I know have told me. I've never attended University.
I'm just going what ppl I know have told me. I've never attended University.
It's a much higher level of writing done at a level so I presume it's the same style that would be used at uni. Why then, can it not be taught there at uni?
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Original post by Arieisit
It's a much higher level of writing done at a level so I presume it's the same style that would be used at uni. Why then, can it not be taught there at uni?
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I don't think essay writing us taught at uni.
You're just expected to get on with it, I'd imagine.
What are your thoughts on Carri Studies?
Original post by keromedic
I don't think essay writing us taught at uni.
You're just expected to get on with it, I'd imagine.
What are your thoughts on Carri Studies?
You're just expected to get on with it, I'd imagine.
What are your thoughts on Carri Studies?
It's hard and terrible
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Original post by Arieisit
Does it really matter what you get in it though?
General Studies or Critical Thinking is compulsory in some skls here.
Original post by keromedic
Does it really matter what you get in it though?
General Studies or Critical Thinking is compulsory in some skls here.
General Studies or Critical Thinking is compulsory in some skls here.
Yes it does matter. I must get a grade 1 with distinction in all subjects if I am to get a scholarship.
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Original post by keromedic
Does it really matter what you get in it though?
General Studies or Critical Thinking is compulsory in some skls here.
General Studies or Critical Thinking is compulsory in some skls here.
General studies (and i think critical thinking is the same) is a load of rubbish. I know as ive done it myself. It was compulsory at my 6th form to do it to A2 level. Luckily it was only 1 lesson a fortnight (if that).
But because general studies is so rubbish, unis dont really like it. Some dont even accept it. If they changed general studies and made it better in some way, so that it wasnt a load of rubbish, then it being compulsory wouldnt be a problem as people would actually get something out of it. People at 6th form may be more willing to do it and unis might be more willing to accept it.
If they improved general studies a lot, then this could be the compulsory subject that everyone could do.
Having another subject, such as maths, english etc as a compulsory subject at a-level wont really benefit people, as if you are rubbish at it (especially maths which is really hard) or you genuinely hate it, then you wont want to do it. Plus it would take up one of your options which would limit what/how many other subjects you can take as well. At least with general studies (which was only like 1 lesson a week/fortnight), if they improved it, its a general thing which anyone could do- regardless of their strengths or abilities.
Original post by Emma:-)
General studies (and i think critical thinking is the same) is a load of rubbish. I know as ive done it myself. It was compulsory at my 6th form to do it to A2 level. Luckily it was only 1 lesson a fortnight (if that).
But because general studies is so rubbish, unis dont really like it. Some dont even accept it. If they changed general studies and made it better in some way, so that it wasnt a load of rubbish, then it being compulsory wouldnt be a problem as people would actually get something out of it. People at 6th form may be more willing to do it and unis might be more willing to accept it.
If they improved general studies a lot, then this could be the compulsory subject that everyone could do.
Having another subject, such as maths, english etc as a compulsory subject at a-level wont really benefit people, as if you are rubbish at it (especially maths which is really hard) or you genuinely hate it, then you wont want to do it. Plus it would take up one of your options which would limit what/how many other subjects you can take as well. At least with general studies (which was only like 1 lesson a week/fortnight), if they improved it, its a general thing which anyone could do- regardless of their strengths or abilities.
But because general studies is so rubbish, unis dont really like it. Some dont even accept it. If they changed general studies and made it better in some way, so that it wasnt a load of rubbish, then it being compulsory wouldnt be a problem as people would actually get something out of it. People at 6th form may be more willing to do it and unis might be more willing to accept it.
If they improved general studies a lot, then this could be the compulsory subject that everyone could do.
Having another subject, such as maths, english etc as a compulsory subject at a-level wont really benefit people, as if you are rubbish at it (especially maths which is really hard) or you genuinely hate it, then you wont want to do it. Plus it would take up one of your options which would limit what/how many other subjects you can take as well. At least with general studies (which was only like 1 lesson a week/fortnight), if they improved it, its a general thing which anyone could do- regardless of their strengths or abilities.
The part in bold is my main problem with compulsory subjects.
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Original post by Arieisit
Exactly.
It taking up one of your options, before you even think about what subjects you WANT to take is one of the main problems.
Another big problem is that- depending on what the subject is- if you arent very talented in that subject, then you will end up with something like a U, as a-levels can be hard. Especially with subjects like maths which are one of the hardest. Having a load of people getting a U will then look bad on the school and the teachers, as well as the pupils which will be trying to get offers from uni's, jobs etc.
At least with something like general studies- its 1 lesson a week, so its a compulsory subject, but its not imposing on your other subjects too much.
Like i said in my other post though, if general studies was made compulsory, it would need a major overhall. Either that, or have another compulsory subject similar to general studies, which would still only take up 1 lesson a week.
Out of all countries I know of, I thought UK was the only country where you could abandon subjects you don't want to take before Uni...
My home country Japan has loads of compulsory subjects, and you get to choose from each subject field (Like IB, but there is NO national examination like A levels/GCSEs).
USA...from what I heard from my American, friend they also need to choose from each subject field.
French baccalaureate, well, you have many compulsory subjects. You need to take French, History/Geography even if you are doing Scientific Bac (though the coefficient of Maths/sciences are much bigger), with other optional subjects like Latin, Ancient Greek etc
Where as for A-levels, 3 subjects of your choice is what they only ask for.
I think not setting compulsory subjects can strengthen your strengths (RIP English). Whereas if you set compulsory subjects, students become all rounded but everyone has 24hours/day no matter how many subjects you do, so it would be inefficient to strengthen the strengths and the strengths can be wasted.
The worry about not setting compulsory subject is that pupils can choose three non-academic subjects which...isn't the best thing to do for employment etc unless you are exceptional at photography or something...
Even though I could choose IB and IB is WAY more respected and known in Japan (or US, France etc) than A levels, I chose A levels (Maths and science). This kinda shows my viewpoint... I want to focus on my strong subjects and subjects I like. I actually wanted to take History further and I wanted to be introduced to Business studies/Economics, but I chose science because science requires well equipped lab which you can't afford at your home. You could afford a piano, possibly, as well as books from library or History sources on the internet, but not scientific equipment. If I wanted to know more about history and write essays, then I could do it at home, but I can't do experiment at home.
This became too long, but to sum it up...
If a student is willing to learn and study independently, compulsory subjects shouldn't be set. The assignments from unrelated subjects to your carrier can distract from focussing on their passionate subjects.
But if a student is not willing to study any academic subject, compulsory subjects should be set to force them to explore and gain basic perseverance/general knowledge. However the syllabus shouldn't be that hard because it can make the student even less willing to study when they already are.
Critical thinking, or general studies shouldn't be compulsory though... "Light" English/Maths/History+Geo can be compulsory with less bulky syllabus.
I personally find the CIE essay thing very interesting. I love these kind of essays (I don't care about literature essay, sorry) if they are not under exam conditions!
My home country Japan has loads of compulsory subjects, and you get to choose from each subject field (Like IB, but there is NO national examination like A levels/GCSEs).
USA...from what I heard from my American, friend they also need to choose from each subject field.
French baccalaureate, well, you have many compulsory subjects. You need to take French, History/Geography even if you are doing Scientific Bac (though the coefficient of Maths/sciences are much bigger), with other optional subjects like Latin, Ancient Greek etc
Where as for A-levels, 3 subjects of your choice is what they only ask for.
I think not setting compulsory subjects can strengthen your strengths (RIP English). Whereas if you set compulsory subjects, students become all rounded but everyone has 24hours/day no matter how many subjects you do, so it would be inefficient to strengthen the strengths and the strengths can be wasted.
The worry about not setting compulsory subject is that pupils can choose three non-academic subjects which...isn't the best thing to do for employment etc unless you are exceptional at photography or something...
Even though I could choose IB and IB is WAY more respected and known in Japan (or US, France etc) than A levels, I chose A levels (Maths and science). This kinda shows my viewpoint... I want to focus on my strong subjects and subjects I like. I actually wanted to take History further and I wanted to be introduced to Business studies/Economics, but I chose science because science requires well equipped lab which you can't afford at your home. You could afford a piano, possibly, as well as books from library or History sources on the internet, but not scientific equipment. If I wanted to know more about history and write essays, then I could do it at home, but I can't do experiment at home.
This became too long, but to sum it up...
If a student is willing to learn and study independently, compulsory subjects shouldn't be set. The assignments from unrelated subjects to your carrier can distract from focussing on their passionate subjects.
But if a student is not willing to study any academic subject, compulsory subjects should be set to force them to explore and gain basic perseverance/general knowledge. However the syllabus shouldn't be that hard because it can make the student even less willing to study when they already are.
Critical thinking, or general studies shouldn't be compulsory though... "Light" English/Maths/History+Geo can be compulsory with less bulky syllabus.
I personally find the CIE essay thing very interesting. I love these kind of essays (I don't care about literature essay, sorry) if they are not under exam conditions!
(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by C0balt
Out of all countries I know of, I thought UK was the only country where you could abandon subjects you don't want to take before Uni...
My home country Japan has loads of compulsory subjects, and you get to choose from each subject field (Like IB, but there is NO national examination like A levels/GCSEs).
USA...from what I heard from my American, friend they also need to choose from each subject field.
French baccalaureate, well, you have many compulsory subjects. You need to take French, History/Geography even if you are doing Scientific Bac (though the coefficient of Maths/sciences are much bigger), with other optional subjects like Latin, Ancient Greek etc
Where as for A-levels, 3 subjects of your choice is what they only ask for.
I think not setting compulsory subjects can strengthen your strengths (RIP English). Whereas if you set compulsory subjects, students become all rounded but everyone has 24hours/day no matter how many subjects you do, so it would be inefficient to strengthen the strengths and the strengths can be wasted.
The worry about not setting compulsory subject is that pupils can choose three non-academic subjects which...isn't the best thing to do for employment etc unless you are exceptional at photography or something...
Even though I could choose IB and IB is WAY more respected and known in Japan (or US, France etc) than A levels, I chose A levels (Maths and science). This kinda shows my viewpoint... I want to focus on my strong subjects and subjects I like. I actually wanted to take History further and I wanted to be introduced to Business studies/Economics, but I chose science because science requires well equipped lab which you can't afford at your home. You could afford a piano, possibly, as well as books from library or History sources on the internet, but not scientific equipment. If I wanted to know more about history and write essays, then I could do it at home, but I can't do experiment at home.
This became too long, but to sum it up...
If a student is willing to learn and study independently, compulsory subjects shouldn't be set. The assignments from unrelated subjects to your career can distract from focussing on their passionate subjects.
But if a student is not willing to study any academic subject, compulsory subjects should be set to force them to explore and gain basic perseverance/general knowledge. However the syllabus shouldn't be that hard because it can make the student even less willing to study when they already are.
Critical thinking, or general studies shouldn't be compulsory though... "Light" English/Maths/History+Geo can be compulsory with less bulky syllabus.
I personally find the CIE essay thing very interesting. I love these kind of essays (I don't care about literature essay, sorry) if they are not under exam conditions!
My home country Japan has loads of compulsory subjects, and you get to choose from each subject field (Like IB, but there is NO national examination like A levels/GCSEs).
USA...from what I heard from my American, friend they also need to choose from each subject field.
French baccalaureate, well, you have many compulsory subjects. You need to take French, History/Geography even if you are doing Scientific Bac (though the coefficient of Maths/sciences are much bigger), with other optional subjects like Latin, Ancient Greek etc
Where as for A-levels, 3 subjects of your choice is what they only ask for.
I think not setting compulsory subjects can strengthen your strengths (RIP English). Whereas if you set compulsory subjects, students become all rounded but everyone has 24hours/day no matter how many subjects you do, so it would be inefficient to strengthen the strengths and the strengths can be wasted.
The worry about not setting compulsory subject is that pupils can choose three non-academic subjects which...isn't the best thing to do for employment etc unless you are exceptional at photography or something...
Even though I could choose IB and IB is WAY more respected and known in Japan (or US, France etc) than A levels, I chose A levels (Maths and science). This kinda shows my viewpoint... I want to focus on my strong subjects and subjects I like. I actually wanted to take History further and I wanted to be introduced to Business studies/Economics, but I chose science because science requires well equipped lab which you can't afford at your home. You could afford a piano, possibly, as well as books from library or History sources on the internet, but not scientific equipment. If I wanted to know more about history and write essays, then I could do it at home, but I can't do experiment at home.
This became too long, but to sum it up...
If a student is willing to learn and study independently, compulsory subjects shouldn't be set. The assignments from unrelated subjects to your career can distract from focussing on their passionate subjects.
But if a student is not willing to study any academic subject, compulsory subjects should be set to force them to explore and gain basic perseverance/general knowledge. However the syllabus shouldn't be that hard because it can make the student even less willing to study when they already are.
Critical thinking, or general studies shouldn't be compulsory though... "Light" English/Maths/History+Geo can be compulsory with less bulky syllabus.
I personally find the CIE essay thing very interesting. I love these kind of essays (I don't care about literature essay, sorry) if they are not under exam conditions!
I agree. Study what can get you a good job. Other things can be hobbies.
I have a major problem with compulsory subjects taking up your time where you would just have to focus on the main subjects.
In both of the examples I provided, the syllabi are lengthy add and hard. Especially CIE since there isn't really a fixed amount of things that they can bring.
Writing essays can be tedious for exams.
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Original post by Arieisit
I agree. Study what can get you a good job. Other things can be hobbies.
I have a major problem with compulsory subjects taking up your time where you would just have to focus on the main subjects.
In both of the examples I provided, the syllabi are lengthy add and hard. Especially CIE since there isn't really a fixed amount of things that they can bring.
Writing essays can be tedious for exams.
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I have a major problem with compulsory subjects taking up your time where you would just have to focus on the main subjects.
In both of the examples I provided, the syllabi are lengthy add and hard. Especially CIE since there isn't really a fixed amount of things that they can bring.
Writing essays can be tedious for exams.
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Wut...they have syllabi for these? I mean for the 2nd one I understand but for CIE on, don't you only need a background knowledge which can be taught in individual subject (HEP, Shakespeare etc) and your opinion with a little bit of essay skills? ._.
Well I personally would enjoy these essays if I didn't have to do them on time but no I don't think they should be compulsory. It helps you to argue and write your opinions in well structured sentences, but they don't necessarily give you any common/general knowledge, which I believe compulsory subjects should bring - Not to be embarrassing when you go out to the "adult" society.
Original post by C0balt
Wut...they have syllabi for these? I mean for the 2nd one I understand but for CIE on, don't you only need a background knowledge which can be taught in individual subject (HEP, Shakespeare etc) and your opinion with a little bit of essay skills? ._.
Well I personally would enjoy these essays if I didn't have to do them on time but no I don't think they should be compulsory. It helps you to argue and write your opinions in well structured sentences, but they don't necessarily give you any common/general knowledge, which I believe compulsory subjects should bring - Not to be embarrassing when you go out to the "adult" society.
Well I personally would enjoy these essays if I didn't have to do them on time but no I don't think they should be compulsory. It helps you to argue and write your opinions in well structured sentences, but they don't necessarily give you any common/general knowledge, which I believe compulsory subjects should bring - Not to be embarrassing when you go out to the "adult" society.
Yes, here they are
Caribbean Studies
http://www.cxc.org/SiteAssets/syllabusses/CAPE/CAPE%20Caribbean%20Studies%20Syllabus.pdf
General Paper
http://www.cie.org.uk/images/128664-2015-syllabus.pdf
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Original post by Arieisit
Yes, here they are
Caribbean Studies
http://www.cxc.org/SiteAssets/syllabusses/CAPE/CAPE%20Caribbean%20Studies%20Syllabus.pdf
General Paper
http://www.cie.org.uk/images/128664-2015-syllabus.pdf
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Caribbean Studies
http://www.cxc.org/SiteAssets/syllabusses/CAPE/CAPE%20Caribbean%20Studies%20Syllabus.pdf
General Paper
http://www.cie.org.uk/images/128664-2015-syllabus.pdf
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Lol so they do expect you to prepare? And...they do mark our quality of English...ah..no thank you, I've had enough of these. XD
Original post by C0balt
Lol so they do expect you to prepare? And...they do mark our quality of English...ah..no thank you, I've had enough of these. XD
Lucky me then
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I think those papers are quite interesting. English sixth formers are very specialised. If one wanted a compulsory subject to make them more rounded, I would make it a mix of two papers: 1) one open-ended discursive essay question (like the General Paper ones, similar to LNAT essay etc.) and 2) one open-ended data analysis question (data analysis using spreadsheets, with results and conclusions presented in a short video presentation). These are quite useful generic skills for students who aspire to go to university. I would make it an AS which is taken over two years, so it wouldn't take much time really (2 hours per week).
(edited 10 years ago)
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