Picking your GCSE options can be a daunting
and difficult process. As Year 10s, we have relatively recently been through
that experience and have now completed nearly one term of GCSEs. Therefore, we
are in a good position to offer advice to current Year 9s about how to make
this decision and to inform you about our experience of each GCSE subject so
far.
In this post, we take a closer look at Art,
Photography, Textiles, PE, Drama and Food. Another post will be published later
on this week that looks at the other possible GCSE options.
SUBJECT: Art
As many may know, Art is a very time
consuming subject as there is a lot of preparation work for each final piece
and making the deadlines can often be challenging.
However I don’t regret taking it one bit - even
though my art homework takes the longest to complete, it is the homework I most
look forward to doing. We get set a piece of work on one of the double lessons which
is due in the same time in the following week. The type of homework you get set
includes finishing a painting, doing a drawing, an essay or completing some
development pages.
I tend to do my art on the weekend so that
I know I will have enough time because I am generally very busy. I’d strongly
advise you to stay on top of your work because otherwise it piles up, making it
more difficult to complete. Also, the more you get done in the lesson, the less
work you’ll have for homework because most of the work set is finishing off
classwork.
When I heard about Art from previous GCSE
students, I was put off by their complaints of the amount of time they have to
spend on it. But I can honestly say, it is not as hard as it sounds - just make
sure that you use your time wisely and even attend lunchtime or afterschool Art
Club for extra help. But if Art is one of your strengths, do not be put off by
the workload because it is manageable.
My main advice would be to choose your subjects based on what you enjoy.
ADVICE GIVER:
Georgia-Grace Samuels
SUBJECT: Photography
I chose Photography because I wanted to
learn a new skill. I recommend taking this subject because it is really fun and is quite
different from other GCSEs. The equipment you need is a camera, a laptop and a sketchbook.
Although it is hard work, the sense of achievement you
get when completing a project or assignment is well worth it.
ADVICE GIVER:
Eloise Clarke
SUBJECT:
Textiles
I
chose to do textiles at GCSE because I enjoy starting and completing projects (especially
creative ones in a subject that I enjoy doing).
I also like textiles because at the end of a project you have learnt new
things, gained skills and have something you have made yourself, which gives
you a real sense of achievement.
As well as making two items using the sewing
machine, you must also build up a portfolio throughout the year and complete theory
work. This theory side of textiles is also interesting and useful with the
practical side of the subject. A typical lesson usually involves doing some work
on your portfolio, but mainly learning theory and making items.
In terms of homework, you get set work on
your portfolios such as creating mood boards, drawing designs and thinking of
ideas for your project. Some theory work is also set as well as practical work,
such as some sewing or ironing parts of your design. Like Art, Textiles can
become rather time consuming. However, if you enjoy doing it then the workload
seems less and you feel that it's a good use of your time. It's always exciting
to see your ideas and designs turn into something you have created.
ADVICE GIVER:
Anya Jackson
SUBJECT: PE
I chose this subject because I really enjoy
taking part in the lessons and I have an interest in PE. I would definitely
choose PE if you are sporty as you get graded on four sports - so if you're
good then you can get very high marks. We have a double physical lesson and a
double theory lesson each week. The sport we do in the physical lesson changes
depending on what sport we are being graded on at that point in the year.
The theory lesson is very structured. We
fill in a new booklet every week which also includes our homework. We get set homework
every week, the amount of which varies. The work is very interesting, but only
if you're interested in sport. I am really enjoying PE and the workload is very
manageable.
ADVICE GIVER: Meghan Ingham
SUBJECT: Drama
I chose drama as I had really enjoyed it
over the previous years and wanted to go deeper into the subject and learn more
about acting and theatre in general. I also believed that I could get a
respectable mark at the end of the two years which I would be happy with, which was
another factor in choosing my options.
Drama is very entertaining and the lessons
are extremely enjoyable. There is a very small and manageable amount of weekly
homework, which is mainly preparation for the next lesson. There is more
homework in the holidays when you have to write short essays about the work you
have done in the lessons. This takes a fair amount of time but you are given a
generous amount of time in which to complete it.
I would really recommend taking drama as it
is such a helpful subject for things such as public speaking, and it is so
enjoyable to take part in.
ADVICE GIVER: Daniella Copeland
SUBJECT: Food
I chose this subject because I enjoy
cooking and was interested in learning about the nutrition in food. The only
thing is you can get quite a lot of work and homework but as long as you don't
leave it until last minute then it is easily managed. All of the practicals are
great fun and it is great to be able to choose what you cook.
Make sure to check
back later in the new year to
find out more about some of the other GCSE options!
Contributed by 10A
and collated by Serina Tatham, 10A's blog representative
Illustrations contributed by the VERY talented Taylor Gillin, 12L
If you would like to contribute a post or illustrations, please talk to your form blog representative.