What to do for GSCE options ?
Right now I’m in Y9 and had the option to choose my GSCE options. I didn’t have the option to drop Spanish bc I’m good at it and I choose history, RS , and triple Science. Additionally I already completed my Turkish GSCES , awaiting my results. Recently , I’ve been second guessing my decision, because I really want to do art alongside my other options because of my passion ( currently take it for one of my Y9 options) and I’m not the biggest fan of Spanish . But the issue is my school has a 9 GSCE limit and I’m good at Spanish so I believe that it would be beneficial for me to take it so i at least have one GSCE I’m sure of getting high scores in ( my teacher said I’m predicted to reach a grade 9). With art I’m mediocre but I really like it , what do I do?
Reply 1
Hi!
Even though it might feel a bit early to think about all this, I’d definitely encourage you to start considering what you’d like to study at A-level and possibly at university too. For example, it’s quite rare to be able to take Computer Science at A-level without having done it at GCSE first. And since most universities require A-level Computer Science to apply for the degree, it could limit your options later on.
That said, you mentioned you’re passionate about art. From what I know, many universities will accept a portfolio if you haven’t taken Art at A-level, but that means you’d need to work on your skills and build up that portfolio independently in your own time.
As for the Spanish prediction—unless you already speak it at home, I’m not sure how a teacher could confidently predict a Grade 9 two years in advance! But if they are right, that’s only a good thing. A strong set of GCSEs can be a big advantage, especially since many competitive universities look at your GCSE results as well as your predicted A-level grades. You also mentioned you don't think you'll enjoy it which in itself could impact the amount of effort you put into studying and actually getting that grade 9.
I would personally recommend swapping out RS with Art as there isn't much point in taking it unless you really enjoy the lessons and keeping Spanish if you're confident in your teachers prediction. However, having said that I think its important to give your future self the most options possible (all of this is coming from a year 12 student).
Even though it might feel a bit early to think about all this, I’d definitely encourage you to start considering what you’d like to study at A-level and possibly at university too. For example, it’s quite rare to be able to take Computer Science at A-level without having done it at GCSE first. And since most universities require A-level Computer Science to apply for the degree, it could limit your options later on.
That said, you mentioned you’re passionate about art. From what I know, many universities will accept a portfolio if you haven’t taken Art at A-level, but that means you’d need to work on your skills and build up that portfolio independently in your own time.
As for the Spanish prediction—unless you already speak it at home, I’m not sure how a teacher could confidently predict a Grade 9 two years in advance! But if they are right, that’s only a good thing. A strong set of GCSEs can be a big advantage, especially since many competitive universities look at your GCSE results as well as your predicted A-level grades. You also mentioned you don't think you'll enjoy it which in itself could impact the amount of effort you put into studying and actually getting that grade 9.
I would personally recommend swapping out RS with Art as there isn't much point in taking it unless you really enjoy the lessons and keeping Spanish if you're confident in your teachers prediction. However, having said that I think its important to give your future self the most options possible (all of this is coming from a year 12 student).
Reply 2
Original post
by username7706455Right now I’m in Y9 and had the option to choose my GSCE options. I didn’t have the option to drop Spanish bc I’m good at it and I choose history, RS , and triple Science. Additionally I already completed my Turkish GSCES , awaiting my results. Recently , I’ve been second guessing my decision, because I really want to do art alongside my other options because of my passion ( currently take it for one of my Y9 options) and I’m not the biggest fan of Spanish . But the issue is my school has a 9 GSCE limit and I’m good at Spanish so I believe that it would be beneficial for me to take it so i at least have one GSCE I’m sure of getting high scores in ( my teacher said I’m predicted to reach a grade 9). With art I’m mediocre but I really like it , what do I do?
hii Im in y10 doing history geography Spanish triple science, computer science and rs. my school also had a 9 GCSE limit but I am doing geography and Spanish outside school so that is definitely something to look at trying! personally I would say don't do rs but that's just because I loved it in y9 picked it and now really dislike it but that's just my opinion ofc! it's also good to consider that art is something very easy to pursue outside of school whereas other subjects are a bit more difficult. just do what feels right for you and your school will probably let you change options at the beginning of y10
Reply 3
Get your art teacher to look over your work and see what she thinks. You can still pursue art at a-level without doing the gcse, but if you think your mediocre at art i would say that the teachers advice would probably be the best in this situation. Its always best to choose what you enjoy but you also need to consider what your better at, if you really like art but you are better at spanish then you should stick with spanish. You have the whole summer to think about your choices and you can change them at the beginning of year 10 so best thing rn is DO NOT WORRY!!!
Reply 4
Original post
by username7706455Right now I’m in Y9 and had the option to choose my GSCE options. I didn’t have the option to drop Spanish bc I’m good at it and I choose history, RS , and triple Science. Additionally I already completed my Turkish GSCES , awaiting my results. Recently , I’ve been second guessing my decision, because I really want to do art alongside my other options because of my passion ( currently take it for one of my Y9 options) and I’m not the biggest fan of Spanish . But the issue is my school has a 9 GSCE limit and I’m good at Spanish so I believe that it would be beneficial for me to take it so i at least have one GSCE I’m sure of getting high scores in ( my teacher said I’m predicted to reach a grade 9). With art I’m mediocre but I really like it , what do I do?
these were my exact GCSEs so if you have any specific questions, do let me know. if you want to do an A-Level in art, consider creating an art portfolio. I knew a girl who did not do an art GCSE but created a portfolio, so she was able to take it. Have you considered swapping out other A-levels? Also, I had friends do an art GCSE, not only are you creating something but you are also doing a lot of research into the artist - be aware of that too.
Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)
Reply 5
11
Original post
by username7706455Right now I’m in Y9 and had the option to choose my GSCE options. I didn’t have the option to drop Spanish bc I’m good at it and I choose history, RS , and triple Science. Additionally I already completed my Turkish GSCES , awaiting my results. Recently , I’ve been second guessing my decision, because I really want to do art alongside my other options because of my passion ( currently take it for one of my Y9 options) and I’m not the biggest fan of Spanish . But the issue is my school has a 9 GSCE limit and I’m good at Spanish so I believe that it would be beneficial for me to take it so i at least have one GSCE I’m sure of getting high scores in ( my teacher said I’m predicted to reach a grade 9). With art I’m mediocre but I really like it , what do I do?
Don’t take art. My friend does it and she said the grade boundaries are next to impossible. Also, if you like doing art outside of school then the gcse may destroy your passion for art. Ur already good at Spanish so it’s a free grade
Original post
by username7706455Right now I’m in Y9 and had the option to choose my GSCE options. I didn’t have the option to drop Spanish bc I’m good at it and I choose history, RS , and triple Science. Additionally I already completed my Turkish GSCES , awaiting my results. Recently , I’ve been second guessing my decision, because I really want to do art alongside my other options because of my passion ( currently take it for one of my Y9 options) and I’m not the biggest fan of Spanish . But the issue is my school has a 9 GSCE limit and I’m good at Spanish so I believe that it would be beneficial for me to take it so i at least have one GSCE I’m sure of getting high scores in ( my teacher said I’m predicted to reach a grade 9). With art I’m mediocre but I really like it , what do I do?
Could you not swap either history or RS for art?
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