The Student Room Group

GCSE options y9

I’m struggling on choosing what options to take for GCSE. I definitely want to do triple science and PE. But I’m not sure on what else. My school lets me choose whatever I want and I’m considering:
History
Photography
Textiles
Re
Sociology

I have to choose 2 from this list.
I’m also not sure on whether or not to take a language?

Thank you

Reply 1

First think about what is the Career you want in your life. Have some work experience during Easter holidays which will give first hand experience to see if that i what you want to do. Then the career path will let you decide what should be the A level subjects and then decide on GCSE subjects- Choose what you really like and you are good at so that you enjoy course and are able to perform well in exams too

Reply 2

Original post
by Candy110
I’m struggling on choosing what options to take for GCSE. I definitely want to do triple science and PE. But I’m not sure on what else. My school lets me choose whatever I want and I’m considering:
History
Photography
Textiles
Re
Sociology
I have to choose 2 from this list.
I’m also not sure on whether or not to take a language?
Thank you

Hi, my daughter choose her subjects few years ago and it was hard.... same for the A levels... I understand your doubts, but nobody can tell you what you like among the subjects you listed. I suppose photography and textile are among your interests? If you want a safe choice, History and Sociology are less specific and will give you a broad set of knowledge. I wish you all the best for your future.

Reply 3

Hi,
im a current year 9 and am taking for options; food tech,sociology,IT and history.
i personally find sociology and history really intresting to study and would say they are definitly more open subjects. i didnt take a language as im not very good at the and know if i dont enjoy it wount get very good grades.

i think choose the subjects you will enjoy most and if your someone that gets intimidated by exams have a look at what courses are less exam based but bear in mind that textiles and art based subjects will be hard work (all my friends took art and they are contantly catching up at home)

let me know if you have any thoughts or questions as i am more then happy to help as i know choosing your gcses can be quite stressful and intimidating xx
Ella :smile:

Reply 4

Original post
by Candy110
I’m struggling on choosing what options to take for GCSE. I definitely want to do triple science and PE. But I’m not sure on what else. My school lets me choose whatever I want and I’m considering:
History
Photography
Textiles
Re
Sociology
I have to choose 2 from this list.
I’m also not sure on whether or not to take a language?
Thank you

photography and textiles being coursework subjects they mean throughout the years they're a lot of work but at the end you have one less subject to revise for - but whether that's important to you is a different matter
history I found really interesting, and re really boring although it is generally considered an easier subject to do well in. never heard of a sociology gcse tbh.
languages can be difficult but so rewarding, I did Spanish gcse and am going it at A level, but for so many other people it was the worst (my school made everyone do either French or Spanish)
honestly, go with what you enjoy. subjects that you think you'll be motivated to revise and work at outside of lesson, that you don't despise the teachers for (it is a shame but a bad teacher can turn a fun subject miserable), and remember that whatever you choose it won't define your future no matter what teachers or parents say.

Reply 5

Original post
by Candy110
I’m struggling on choosing what options to take for GCSE. I definitely want to do triple science and PE. But I’m not sure on what else. My school lets me choose whatever I want and I’m considering:
History
Photography
Textiles
Re
Sociology
I have to choose 2 from this list.
I’m also not sure on whether or not to take a language?
Thank you

Hi @Candy110 ,

Choosing your GCSE's can feel like a big step, but you can break it down to make sure you chose the best options for you. ☺️

Firstly, although you may not know yet, think about what you may see yourself doing in the future. Do some research into which of those GCSEs align with this goal best.

Secondly, you could think about which subject you are truly passionate about, or even just an interest you may wish to explore further. Doing a subject you enjoy can really improve your academic performance and enjoyment in school.

Finally, I recommend talking with your school if you are struggling to make a choice, they will hopefully support you in making the decision and give you information which will make it easier.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)

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