Help me choose my GCSE options!
Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography
GCSE History
Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography
GCSE History
Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by bchrn0921Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
Hi, GCSE student here! Firstly, if u want to pick triple science, go for it! It’s a great option if you have an interest in science or are planning to take it for alevels. It would also mean that you will be doing 3 gcses instead of 2, so the workload would be the same regardless if u pick it or not. I don’t take computer science or IT, but I know for computer science gcse (based on my peers) it’s very maths based! I can give you advive for art though, as I take the subject. Only take it if you are prepared for the workload- it is entirely coursework based, and all the work you do in year 10 and 11 go towards your final grade, it also requires a lot of effort and attention with writing too. Any more questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Reply 2
(Part 2 forgot to write previously) I don’t do media, but from peers, it is a great choice if you enjoy subjects such as english, as it requires analysis of media, such as films, posters etc, but is not too hard from my understanding
Reply 3
Original post
by bchrn0921Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
Year 11 here, I do triple science, french and art currently and used to do IT so I completely understand your position.
You're doing the right thing picking things you're passionate about - that's the best you can do.
Triple science:
AQA
Currently at - BIO 9, CHEM 9, PHY 7
Triple science is made to sound like WAY more work than combined but in my opinion as long as you're focused on the work and don't leave revision last minute you could totally get 9s. However definitely factor in the way your school teaches. Mine is only halfway through content but we only have 4 months whereas people who do combined are nearly done with content.
If your school teaches triple fast and has good teachers you'll be fine.
Art:
EDEXCEL
Currently at - 9
As for art it is a heavy coursework subject and this takes a lot of hours at home that could be used for revision. I did used to regret art but that was only because I was really lazy. Now that I'm looking back at incomplete work I realised how easy it would have been if I just finished it off the week it was set. (I do fine art) I feel so strongly that art is a subject in which you can easily get a 9. DON'T PUT OFF WORK is the only thing I can say for art, skills improve with time if patient.
IT:
Now this is where we're different as I did not pick it in the end. I didn't feel passionately towards it as I thought however I aced the theory exams. My school didn't explain clearly what the difference between IT and computer science was however they just said you would need strong maths for computer science. I'm good at maths but there was no space available left so I did IT. This was mostly from pressure from my parents to pick it. Since you enjoy this field I'd say go for computer science as it's more challenging and will push you further into what you like for the future.
Hope this helped and I'm sorry it's very long 💗 let me know what you end up picking.
Reply 4
hii I'm in y10 and I do triple. it isn't much harder than combined imo. obviously there's more content but I wouldn't say the content is at a higher level than the stuff we do in combined. my school only offers computer science gcse and I do that and I really like it but idk if IT is better. I also do history which I personally love - at GCSE level it becomes more essay focussed so it depends if you like that. I do geography and while I enjoy the content, I would say the questions are often oddly structured and can be confusing - also lots of people don't like geography content. Geography is quite good if you're interested in STEM (given you want to do computing and triple) as it is more practical and less theoretical. I can't really speak about the others because I don't do them but just pick whatever you want - you shoul be allowed change them if you hate them in y10 and if you have English, science, maths, and computing, colleges will generally be happy to accept you.
Reply 5
Hi! I did my GCSEs a few years ago. My biggest tip would be to choose subjects you actually enjoy, as you'll be more motivated to revise, and as a result you'll come out with higher grades.
I would say to go for triple science over combined. The content is mostly the same, except you learn a few extra modules with triple, but these extra modules are super helpful if you go on to study any of the 3 sciences at A-level. I did triple, and then studied A-level chemistry and biology, and found that I had an advantage over my peers who did combined. The other advantage with triple is that you'll get three separate grades, whereas combined gives you two grades, and it's calculated as an average of the three sciences. So if you're really good at biology and physics but weak at chemistry, you could come out with a 9 in biology, an 8 in physics and then say a 6 in chemistry, whereas if you do combined the poor performance in chemistry could drag you down to maybe a 7-6 overall. You also still have the option of doing foundation or higher with triple, likewise with combined.
Choosing between IT and computer science. Computer science is more respected as a GCSE, and will give you the foundation to then study it at a level, but IT would probably be an easier workload. Assess your priorities - if the other GCSEs you've chosen are the 'harder' ones, then maybe go for IT to give yourself a break, but if you've chosen other BTECs/certificates, then go for computer science. Your school probably has the option to switch for the first few weeks anyway if you decide you made the wrong decision.
I did fine art at GCSE and it was LOTS of work if you want a good grade. I got 9s in all my GCSEs apart from fine art, which I got an 8 in, but I probably put more effort/time into art than any of my other subjects. There also isn't a huge amount of freedom - your teachers tell you what kind of art you have to produce, which artists you have to study, and people also don't realise that there is a lot of analysis too - you spend quite a lot of time writing about your work, or writing about other artists' work. Also, the marking can be quite subjective. It's internally assessed (unless you get moderated) so your teacher gives you your mark. However, it was quite an enjoyable subject. All my other GCSEs were very content heavy, so it was a nice break just being able to listen to music and paint. I have friends that did media/DT and they seemed to have a more manageable workload, however, they were BTECs, so are worth slightly less than a GCSE.
I did history, which I personally really enjoyed, but you've GOT to enjoy writing and analysis, or be willing to put a lot of work in. You also have to dedicate a lot of time to revision if you want a good grade, and some of the topics can be dull and repetitive. I also did geography, which I'd recommend - a super easy 9. As long as you're able to apply knowledge, you're guaranteed a good grade. I didn't even learn most of the case studies, I just used examples that I'd read in books or seen on the news, and I came out with a 9.
I have a lot of friends who did sport and they all came out with the highest grade. Minimal workload, and also sounds quite fun if you enjoy PE.
Good luck!!
I would say to go for triple science over combined. The content is mostly the same, except you learn a few extra modules with triple, but these extra modules are super helpful if you go on to study any of the 3 sciences at A-level. I did triple, and then studied A-level chemistry and biology, and found that I had an advantage over my peers who did combined. The other advantage with triple is that you'll get three separate grades, whereas combined gives you two grades, and it's calculated as an average of the three sciences. So if you're really good at biology and physics but weak at chemistry, you could come out with a 9 in biology, an 8 in physics and then say a 6 in chemistry, whereas if you do combined the poor performance in chemistry could drag you down to maybe a 7-6 overall. You also still have the option of doing foundation or higher with triple, likewise with combined.
Choosing between IT and computer science. Computer science is more respected as a GCSE, and will give you the foundation to then study it at a level, but IT would probably be an easier workload. Assess your priorities - if the other GCSEs you've chosen are the 'harder' ones, then maybe go for IT to give yourself a break, but if you've chosen other BTECs/certificates, then go for computer science. Your school probably has the option to switch for the first few weeks anyway if you decide you made the wrong decision.
I did fine art at GCSE and it was LOTS of work if you want a good grade. I got 9s in all my GCSEs apart from fine art, which I got an 8 in, but I probably put more effort/time into art than any of my other subjects. There also isn't a huge amount of freedom - your teachers tell you what kind of art you have to produce, which artists you have to study, and people also don't realise that there is a lot of analysis too - you spend quite a lot of time writing about your work, or writing about other artists' work. Also, the marking can be quite subjective. It's internally assessed (unless you get moderated) so your teacher gives you your mark. However, it was quite an enjoyable subject. All my other GCSEs were very content heavy, so it was a nice break just being able to listen to music and paint. I have friends that did media/DT and they seemed to have a more manageable workload, however, they were BTECs, so are worth slightly less than a GCSE.
I did history, which I personally really enjoyed, but you've GOT to enjoy writing and analysis, or be willing to put a lot of work in. You also have to dedicate a lot of time to revision if you want a good grade, and some of the topics can be dull and repetitive. I also did geography, which I'd recommend - a super easy 9. As long as you're able to apply knowledge, you're guaranteed a good grade. I didn't even learn most of the case studies, I just used examples that I'd read in books or seen on the news, and I came out with a 9.
I have a lot of friends who did sport and they all came out with the highest grade. Minimal workload, and also sounds quite fun if you enjoy PE.
Good luck!!
Reply 6
Original post
by bchrn0921Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
Only choose BTEC if you're ok with a lot of content. Trust me BTEC sport is soo much typing. Make sure you dont use AI as well bc they put it through a tracker. Overall BTEC is calm especially when ur with friends
Reply 7
Hi!
(1)I agree with the other responses. I do triple and a lot of my friends do combined. In my opinion, triple doesn’t have much more content than combined even tho the teachers say it’s worse.
(2)I don’t do computer science or IT but if I were you I’d look through the specifications on the exam boards’ websites.
(3) For my options, I do French, Spanish and geography and they are great. Geography seems to be a lot of case studies but it’s quite interesting anyway. I used to hate it before I picked it. I was sorta in the same situation where I had nothing else to pick so I just went with it. I am enjoying it now tho anyway and would recommend it! French is my favourite subject so I’m a bit biased but I find it’s relatively easy and there’s not too much content to get thru so hopefully you will enjoy it too!
Overall, just pick what you enjoy cuz it will really take the stress out of things when it gets to exams. Good luck and let me know if u have any questions!
(1)I agree with the other responses. I do triple and a lot of my friends do combined. In my opinion, triple doesn’t have much more content than combined even tho the teachers say it’s worse.
(2)I don’t do computer science or IT but if I were you I’d look through the specifications on the exam boards’ websites.
(3) For my options, I do French, Spanish and geography and they are great. Geography seems to be a lot of case studies but it’s quite interesting anyway. I used to hate it before I picked it. I was sorta in the same situation where I had nothing else to pick so I just went with it. I am enjoying it now tho anyway and would recommend it! French is my favourite subject so I’m a bit biased but I find it’s relatively easy and there’s not too much content to get thru so hopefully you will enjoy it too!
Overall, just pick what you enjoy cuz it will really take the stress out of things when it gets to exams. Good luck and let me know if u have any questions!
Reply 8
Original post
by bchrn0921Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
If you like science, I’d say to take triple! When i was doing it, it really didn’t feel like that much extra content, and If you are going to take science at A-level it’s a good advantage to have.
I’d say Computer Science instead of IT, (maybe i’m biased i did Cs), but there are a lot of great resources out there and CGP have a whole mini book with the whole exam summarised, i’d say it’s good because you don’t have to make a lot of the revision yourself. My school did OCR and i’d say suprisingly, there wasn’t really a lot of maths (and i hate maths), if anything i struggled more with the actual coding.
I also took history, which i personally really enjoyed! It is very very content heavy though, so you NEED to be making the revision as you go along, I like memorising facts/dates, so i didn’t really struggle that much. If you don’t like memorising and your history teachers aren’t as engaging, maybe it won’t be the right subject for you?
I didn’t do any of the other subjects so i can’t suggest much, but i know many people have said geography was a nice subject for them as it was easy but a bit boring at times. If you are going to take Art, i’d say take geography alongside it, just because Art is a lot of work, I had friends who did art and they were very stressed out especially when it came to due dates for coursework.
Reply 9
Original post
by bchrn0921Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography GCSE History Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
Hello @bchrn0921!
I chose Triple Science, Art and French as my GCSEs (alongside my school's other mandatory subjects) and achieved 11 A*'s. Although I ultimately decided to pursue Fine Art at university, I've never regretted studying Triple Science either: it kept my options open for lots of other subjects at A-Level, and I found the content fascinating.
Computer Science or IT are both good options - however, Computer Science might be a bit more maths-based than IT. If you enjoy STEM subjects and would prefer a more scientific/mathematical apporach to computing, Computer Science GCSE gives you a strong foundation for future study at A-Level/university level.
I loved studying art, so I'd naturally recommend that subject - however, I do acknowledge it isn't for everyone and that for some students it does a take a lot of effort. Between Media, Technology and Art, I'd recommend choosing the subject you naturally feel most drawn to or the subject with the specification/content that interests you most. If you are considering a computing job in the future, media might be a good option.
Hope this was helpful and best of luck with your choices!
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Reply 10
6
Thanks everyone so much for the advice!
I have decided for triple science, French, IT and design technology.
I really do appreciate everything that has been said.
I have decided for triple science, French, IT and design technology.
I really do appreciate everything that has been said.
Reply 11
Original post
by bchrn0921Hi
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography
GCSE History
Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
I am currently in year 9 and I have about 3 weeks until my options choices are due to be chosen. I was wondering if someone could help out.
My first issue is that I’m super conflicted between combined science and triple science. I was keen on choosing triple but the stress of exams scares me, and triple science sounds like too much for me. However, I am still considering the fact that I lose an option choice if I choose triple.
My next issue is that I don’t like the majority of the options my school offers. I have to choose 3/4 options, depending on the science I take, and that seems like too many.
I am very confident on choosing French. I also would like to choose a computing subject, but my school offers two: computer science and the certificate in IT. I can only choose one, but they both sound super good and I can’t decide.
The rest of the options seem boring, and I don’t like the majority of them. My school offers these GCSEs:
GCSE Fine Art
GSCE Photography
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Drama
GCSE French
GCSE Geography
GCSE History
Health and Social Care (BTEC)
Hospitality and Catering (Level 1/2 Award)
Information Technology (Tech Award)
GCSE Media
GCSE Music
Sport (BTEC)
Except from the 3 subjects I have expressed interest in, the rest sound boring and I do not wish to choose any. The only 3 that I hate the least would probably be Media, Design Technology and Art. I would like some recommendations for which of the three I should choose, or if I should choose another
I am fairly confident that I would do well with any subject, as my target grades are 7s and 8s, but I am very unsure
I am considering going into Law or a Computing job, as they sound fun. I would also consider a Doctor job but that’s a plan B.
TL;DR
1. Do I choose combined science or triple science?
2. Should I choose computer science or IT?
3. Which other subject(s) should I choose (preferably Media, Technology and Art but can be other subjects)
Thanks for reading, and thanks for any advice you give!
Year 12 here!
I did GCSE triple science with AQA and there really wasn't that much of a difference in content compared to combined science. There are a few extra topics, but it's nothing much, particularly if you're currently doing well in science. Also Free Science Lessons on youtube has videos on every topic of triple science, so there are plenty of resources on the internet. Plus, you get 3 GCSEs from it rather than just 2.
My one piece of advice would be do something you find fun or enjoyable. GCSE options really do not matter as much as A-level choices, and the grades you get matter much more than what subjects you did. the more you enjoy the subject, the more likely you'll do good in it. From my secondary experiences, computer science is really difficult - if you enjoy drawing or making things then I would recommened doing subjects like DT and photography. I have heard that art takes up alot of time. in summary, don't stress about picking GCSE options, pick the ones you think you can get the best grades in! they have very little impact on what you want to do in the future (lmk if u have any questions)
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