Year 9 options, what do you think?

[I love walmart]

We have just been to my sons options evening and I am a bit disappointed in the number of ‘options’ available to him.
When my other son did this 3 years ago he had 4 options available to him, and did not have to do languages or history or geography (if he chose not to). But now the same school is saying option 1 must be geography or history. Option 2 must be French, Spanish or German. Option 3 and 4 are the only chances to do the subjects he enjoys and wants to pursue.
I’m really disappointed and a bit miffed to be honest. He hates languages, has no flair for them and couldn’t wait to give them up. He was gutted when he heard he had to take one. It just feels like such a waste of a learning opportunity. And I’m sad for him that he will be taking a GCSE in a subject that he really struggles with and dislikes.
Is it the same for all schools this year?

[dubletrub]

Sounds like your son's school is doing the baccalaureate, my son had to do a language and either history or geography because the school chose to follow the baccalaureate but a couple of years later my daughter didn't have to do a language because the school had stopped following it

[Vanillapod]

As above.
DS is at a school that follows the English Baccalaureate but I believe you can drop a language if you take 2 humanities.

[BevS97]

In order to get a Bacalaurette you need a language and Geography or History.

Now your son doesn’t need a Bacalaurette but it is the measure by how schools are judged so they need as many students as possible to take them.

At our school all students at a certain standard are expected to take a language but I have backed my daughter and signed to say I agreed that she wouldn’t take it.

[Mexy02]

I agree with dubletrub. Mine have both been forced into it and it’s a complete waste of paper . My eldest is applying to uni and not once has he been asked about it . Most employers don’t even ask about it either . Not all kids fit in perfect boxes!

[Twin mummy]

Yes mine had to take a language and history or geography. They are now Year 11 and French is the only subject where they may not get at least a level 5. We have told them not to worry and focus on the other subjects.

[BevS97]

Bacalaurette isn’t a qualification for pupils at all.


It’s just the way schools are ranked in the league tables.

[galaxyflorida]

At my DS' school, they had to pick at least one of the Bacc subjects (that is a language or history/geography, or both). He was the first year where the school imposed this.

Before that a DT subject was compulsory, which he would have absolutely hated.

[Pjamas]

If you really do t think a language is a good idea try and get a meeting set up with the academic leader of the school and explain how he will be more successful in another subject area - worth a shot as they may let him opt out of the baccalaureate but their stats are important so they may be reluctant.

[Guest]

Languages are pretty easy, just tell him to get on with it - it actually does help in later life


Those that say it doesn't either never did a language and so are trying to justify their decision or don't work abroad or leave the UK