Gcse options help!!!

Hi y'all, currently in year 9 choosing my options this year and I feel overwhelmed.

I'm taking English Lang & lit, language (German), Rs and another humanity (geography) which are all compulsory.

I would also like to take triple science and possibly further maths as you can drop it in my school if you find it too difficult.

What's really bothering me is my creative options. I know I'm definetly taking Music as I play two instruments already but I don't know about my other subject at all. My art teacher has told me that with my artwork and eye for detail I should definetly take art. I like art but I'm scared of the workload. I've considered taking textiles as well but I've heard the workload is just as bad. I have also been told my drama teacher that I have very good acting skills. I am also considering taking drama as I've heard it's a bit easier then art and I've also heard how sociology is quite easy and fun as soon as you get through past the first topic of year 10. I love all of these subjects (to different extents) but I want to be very academic and achieve all 8-9s. What's everyone thoughts on this?

Reply 1

AliG720

Hi I’m a yr 13 student I didn’t do many creative subjects but I can tell you from my friends experiences. My friends who did art hated how much workload there was and with the amount of coursework You have to do most have to sacrifice art for the other subjects or sacrifice the other subjects for art as for drama I have heard it’s quite chill at gcse so that may be a good choice and sociology I know from a friend who does it at alevel she finds it the most boring self explanatory thibg ever. Now I have no clue what sort of thibgs you like you may find that you like sociology more but I’m speaking on behalf of my friends and their opinions. And also with art I think it’s quite hard to get a 9 in my school most were predicted 8/9 and they all came out with like 5/6 except one who got an 8 and I can guarantee every single student in that class was VERY talented one went on to pursue an alevel in art because she knew the gcse result was ******** and she deserved higher.

Reply 2

Muttley79

Original post

by Alice-lll

Hi y'all, currently in year 9 choosing my options this year and I feel overwhelmed.
I'm taking English Lang & lit, language (German), Rs and another humanity (geography) which are all compulsory.
I would also like to take triple science and possibly further maths as you can drop it in my school if you find it too difficult.
What's really bothering me is my creative options. I know I'm definetly taking Music as I play two instruments already but I don't know about my other subject at all. My art teacher has told me that with my artwork and eye for detail I should definetly take art. I like art but I'm scared of the workload. I've considered taking textiles as well but I've heard the workload is just as bad. I have also been told my drama teacher that I have very good acting skills. I am also considering taking drama as I've heard it's a bit easier then art and I've also heard how sociology is quite easy and fun as soon as you get through past the first topic of year 10. I love all of these subjects (to different extents) but I want to be very academic and achieve all 8-9s. What's everyone thoughts on this?

Why is a Humanity and a language compulsory? This isn't a legal requirement.

What other subjects are on offer? How many GCSEs are you taking?

Reply 3

pupilssily9411

hii - just last year, I picked out my gcse options and, now, that I've completed an entire half-term studying my chosen options and seeing how my friends' were coping with theirs, I think I'm equipped enough to give you some advice!

first of all, I think you should definitely give triple science and further maths a shot! if you'd like to do smth related to science in the future, they'd be some good assets. music, so far, is hard for me as I've never done music theory before but, if you have, I'm sure you'll find it much easier. I'd say do not take art, if you're planning on taking music. trying to prepare two composition pieces, two performances and then also doing a bunch of art coursework in the prime time of april would not be a smart move. two of my friends do art and their workload has been insane.

additionally, adding drama on top of all of that would be crazy. I don't know much about drama, but, in my school, a lot of people who do drama have already missed quite a few lessons due to theatre trips and workshops. idk if drama's always like that as none of my friends have actually taken it, but that's all I've heard about.

I know nothing about sociology, since my school does not offer it (unfortunately). the only new subjects they introduced were business and pe (as an actual subject) 😭. anyways, in conclusion, I think you should choose one out of music, drama and art and you should go for further maths and triple science to further maximise your chance of getting higher grades in GCSEs.

good luck!!

Reply 4

04MR17

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Alice-lll

Original post

by Muttley79

Why is a Humanity and a language compulsory? This isn't a legal requirement.

Lots of schools make certain subjects compulsory regardless of legal requirements - I've never been inside a school which doesn't.
I don't think it's fair to be asking a year 9 student questions about their school's policy decisions.

Reply 5

Muttley79

Original post

by 04MR17

My thoughts are to not choose a GCSE because you think it's easy. And that you need to double check how many you're able to study.
So far I can count:
English Lang
English Lit
Maths
F. Maths
Bio
Chem
Phys
German
RS
Geog
Music
That's 11. After that I'm assuming there's only 1 space left?
And you're undecided between art, textiles, drama or sociology?
Lots of schools make certain subjects compulsory regardless of legal requirements - I've never been inside a school which doesn't.
I don't think it's fair to be asking a year 9 student questions about their school's policy decisions.

Just curious - I wondered what the OP had been told about why - schools often aren't honest about the reason.

I don't think schools should pretend the Ebacc is for the student's benefit, it's not. No uni requires it - they do it purely for the school's data. Schools don't have to push the Ebacc which isn't even a real qualification.

I know outstanding schools that don't force students to take the Ebacc - it's done such damage to creative subjects.

Reply 6

Alice-lll

Original post

by Muttley79

Why is a Humanity and a language compulsory? This isn't a legal requirement.
What other subjects are on offer? How many GCSEs are you taking?

Language is compulsory as I go to a language school. Humanities is just a requirement I'm not sure why

Reply 7

Alice-lll

Original post

by 04MR17

Yes. I'm not sure about doing further maths anymore. The limit is 12 in my school (considering you are offered further maths and triple science). But the minium is ten so you have to choose two additional options

Reply 8

detectable-infor

Original post

by Alice-lll

Hi y'all, currently in year 9 choosing my options this year and I feel overwhelmed.
I'm taking English Lang & lit, language (German), Rs and another humanity (geography) which are all compulsory.
I would also like to take triple science and possibly further maths as you can drop it in my school if you find it too difficult.
What's really bothering me is my creative options. I know I'm definetly taking Music as I play two instruments already but I don't know about my other subject at all. My art teacher has told me that with my artwork and eye for detail I should definetly take art. I like art but I'm scared of the workload. I've considered taking textiles as well but I've heard the workload is just as bad. I have also been told my drama teacher that I have very good acting skills. I am also considering taking drama as I've heard it's a bit easier then art and I've also heard how sociology is quite easy and fun as soon as you get through past the first topic of year 10. I love all of these subjects (to different extents) but I want to be very academic and achieve all 8-9s. What's everyone thoughts on this?

Hi
I’m in yr11 and I do triple science and sociology and I find them really fun .
In triple science I don’t really notice the extra content too much and you’ll be fine if you actually understand what’s going on in lesson. And I’m able to balance it with my other GCSEs (I do 10)
Sociology is also fun and not to hard if you know the theorists and how to do a 12 marker.

Unfortunately I don’t do geography or further maths but my friends do and they say it’s honestly not even too bad it’s just a little bit harder than regular maths.My friends in music says that you have to know the compositions on each piece really well but I think they find it a bit annoying sometimes,not quite sure.
If it was me I would pick sociology, bc there’s content fine but not too much that it was drag you down ,but it’s up to you. Hope this helped :smile:

Reply 9

Muttley79

Original post

by Alice-lll

Language is compulsory as I go to a language school. Humanities is just a requirement I'm not sure why

A language school? Specialist schools funding ended at least ten years ago - is this a state school?

I would not bother with FMaths or Art as more students moan about it than any other subject.

Music is a good choice if you are at least grade 4 as the practical is easy marks.

Reply 10

Alice-lll

Original post

by Alice-lll

Language is compulsory as I go to a language school. Humanities is just a requirement I'm not sure why

The subjects on offer for the two additional subjects are
Music
Drama
Cs
Food
Product design
Engineering
Construction
Business studies
Media studies
Sociology
Child development
Sport studies
PE
Other humanties subject e.g if you choose geography as your main subject history and vis versa

You have to study atleast 10 gcse and up to 12 gcse (triple science and F. Maths)

Reply 11

Alice-lll

Original post

by Muttley79

A language school? Specialist schools funding ended at least ten years ago - is this a state school?
I would not bother with FMaths or Art as more students moan about it than any other subject.
Music is a good choice if you are at least grade 4 as the practical is easy marks.

It's a leading educators language school. I'm already post grade 8 with one of my instruments and grade 4 on the other. I also go to the College of Music junior programme so I should be find doing music

Reply 12

04MR17

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Alice-lll

Okay, I'm still not 100% understanding, but am I right in thinking you are wanting to select two from:
music, art, textiles, drama or sociology?

And you're confident on music so you're looking for what the other should be?

I'd also just like to vocalise my opposition to comments like "don't pick this because lots of people moan about it". Pick what's right for you, not what other people do or don't enjoy.

Reply 13

hungrypanda11

Original post

by Alice-lll

Hi y'all, currently in year 9 choosing my options this year and I feel overwhelmed.
I'm taking English Lang & lit, language (German), Rs and another humanity (geography) which are all compulsory.
I would also like to take triple science and possibly further maths as you can drop it in my school if you find it too difficult.
What's really bothering me is my creative options. I know I'm definetly taking Music as I play two instruments already but I don't know about my other subject at all. My art teacher has told me that with my artwork and eye for detail I should definetly take art. I like art but I'm scared of the workload. I've considered taking textiles as well but I've heard the workload is just as bad. I have also been told my drama teacher that I have very good acting skills. I am also considering taking drama as I've heard it's a bit easier then art and I've also heard how sociology is quite easy and fun as soon as you get through past the first topic of year 10. I love all of these subjects (to different extents) but I want to be very academic and achieve all 8-9s. What's everyone thoughts on this?

Hi!
I am a Y10 student, so I chose my subjects last year.

First, defintely take triple science and further maths! Of course you can drop FM if it gets too much.

As for creative subjects, I take DT and Sociology myself. I take AS sociology, not GCSE so it might be different, but I think it's a very interesting subject. Look at the specification and past exam papers. Can you imagine yourself enjoying this subject? Can you imagine yourself getting a top grade in this subject? I recommend doing that with all the creative options. The coursework in Art and DT may seem daunting, but it is a large portion of your grade and the effort you put in before Y11 exam season will be worth it. It is less to revise in Y11 and if you are good with coursework, you know you have a lot of marks banked up.

But please take what you enjoy and what you think will be best for you. If you are better at written subjects (like english, humanities, RS) sociology would be a good option. If you cna imagine yourself doing well in coursework, do that. Choose according to your strengths and what you enjoy.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have :smile:

Reply 14

JDINCINERATOR

The answer to your question is very simple-do what you want to do. If you love music then do music. If a teacher is saying you're good at art, that's nice but that's not what you truly want to do is it?

Reply 15

whatuser

Original post

by Alice-lll

Hi y'all, currently in year 9 choosing my options this year and I feel overwhelmed.
I'm taking English Lang & lit, language (German), Rs and another humanity (geography) which are all compulsory.
I would also like to take triple science and possibly further maths as you can drop it in my school if you find it too difficult.
What's really bothering me is my creative options. I know I'm definetly taking Music as I play two instruments already but I don't know about my other subject at all. My art teacher has told me that with my artwork and eye for detail I should definetly take art. I like art but I'm scared of the workload. I've considered taking textiles as well but I've heard the workload is just as bad. I have also been told my drama teacher that I have very good acting skills. I am also considering taking drama as I've heard it's a bit easier then art and I've also heard how sociology is quite easy and fun as soon as you get through past the first topic of year 10. I love all of these subjects (to different extents) but I want to be very academic and achieve all 8-9s. What's everyone thoughts on this?

I would say take art or textiles! I take art currently and it feels a bit much at first but if you get into a good routine and are able to balance it along with your other subjects it should be okay. Ive heard textiles is similar in workload but i am not sure as i did not take it. However, my friends who took drama mostly regret it as it is mainly writing so unless you like alot of writing i would suggest the other choices. Some of my friends even dropped it in the first month of picking it after realising its more writing then acting.The only people i see take it now are usually people who do theatre or acting outside of school and mostly wish to do something along those lines in the future. My school doesnt offer sociology so i cant give advice on that sorry!

Reply 16

Phoenix737

Hello there! This is the first time I'm posting a comment ahah... SO! I'm in year 12 now, and having done my GCSEs, I hope I can help you! Creative subjects are definitely a good idea. At my school, we had to do a language too (I did spanish), either geography or history (I did history). I also picked triple science (a good idea if you really like science - like me 🙂 - or if you wanna take a science for A-Level). I do recommend it, but maybe that's because I'm a little biased, but really I didn't want to do so many 'extras', and study three sciences kinda makes me wanna get 3 GCSEs out of it, instead of two, but it is totally up to you. I picked Food Preparation and Nutrition after having picked art and dropping. I was in a similar situation to you actually: I took art because my teacher wanted me too, but I realised a few days into school that it wasn't what I wanted to study for 2 years, and I liked cooking and baking better, so I switched. Does you school allow you to switch in case you change your mind? I wouldn't be too worried if you can switch, there is always something the school can do, but please do factor this in before making your decision. Creative subjects are my 'relax' hours in my timetable, as I always smiles when I had food tech. Beware of art though, my friends took it and yes, is it possible definitely to get a 9 but we aware that it is rare, and requires a lot of hard work. My friend sacrificed nearly all her lunchtimes to do art, so please consider this. I had another friend who didn't get the grade she wanted, but I knew she worked so hard and loved the subject, she still takes it now for a-level actually. Drama is an interesting one, I had a friend who did it. I would recommend drama if you really enjoy it, and have a genuine interest in it. Are you good at memorising lines? Do you see yourself studying chemistry/maths/english and then doing some drama too? Drama is also very people dependant, you work with a few different people and perform together, including people you don't like, you have to practice together and organise times to work on different scenes. I had a friend who couldn't practise a lot because her group wasn't very well organised and kept postponing practices. Weigh up the pros and cons, because if your love for the subject outweighs all the cons, then maybe it's a subject for you. Drama exams are also quite difficult, some of it is essay based (depends on your exam board). For me, I'm not really an essay type person (I failed to realised history was all essays until it was too late, but thankfully I did okay). When considering your options, look at what the exam is like! Do you think you can score well if you want to get 8/9s? Ultimately, a lot rides on the exams too, so that is important. Art is coursework heavy, but that means putting in a lot of work from the beginning. Know what style of learner you are, do you prefer exams? A coursework split? But just know in the end you'd be used to exams anyway, it just depends on your personal preference actually. The best thing to do is not give yourself too much to do. Further maths is great if you want to take a-level, but don't worry if you don't take it. They didn't offer it at my school, but I'm doing fine during a-levels! (I hope...) I'm not sure about sociology, you could look through a few modules if you wanted (Seneca may help?) as well as textiles, look at what past students have created for exams and such. The workload is always going to be a lot, but if you have fun doing it, it wouldn't be that bad in the end. Sometimes interests are best left as hobbies too, it's amazing if you can apply them and use them to your advantage, just don't pus yourself to do so much. If you love art, but don't take it, you can still enter competitions, draw in a sketchbook, join clubs etc, and likewise with music, if you don't end up taking it, you can still play your instruments (woah, two instruments - you're so talented!) and join orchestras and perform. Music does have a heavy composing element which does cause headaches for a lot of students, as well as theory, but do what you love. Don't stress too much, pick subjects you like and that will help you, dream up your ideal schedule and I wish you all the best! (Sorry it's so long! I didn't realise I'd type this much...) If you have anymore questions/worries, don't be afraid to ask! 😆

Reply 17

thebestever23

Original post

by Alice-lll

Hi y'all, currently in year 9 choosing my options this year and I feel overwhelmed.
I'm taking English Lang & lit, language (German), Rs and another humanity (geography) which are all compulsory.
I would also like to take triple science and possibly further maths as you can drop it in my school if you find it too difficult.
What's really bothering me is my creative options. I know I'm definetly taking Music as I play two instruments already but I don't know about my other subject at all. My art teacher has told me that with my artwork and eye for detail I should definetly take art. I like art but I'm scared of the workload. I've considered taking textiles as well but I've heard the workload is just as bad. I have also been told my drama teacher that I have very good acting skills. I am also considering taking drama as I've heard it's a bit easier then art and I've also heard how sociology is quite easy and fun as soon as you get through past the first topic of year 10. I love all of these subjects (to different extents) but I want to be very academic and achieve all 8-9s. What's everyone thoughts on this?

Hi!! I dont know if im late but as someone doing textiles in year 10, its like art but more broader and since its more broader you get more creative freedom, the workload for my exam board is not a lot, i finish some lessons right away, and drama if your good at it do it!!! Sociology is good at a levels so if you still want it do it then but the other subjects are good for gcses, but im biased and would say textiles.