• Question: Option time is fast approaching in year 9, and I was wondering: What did you take for your GSCEs what would you recommend I take if I want a job in chemistry/oncology?

    Asked by Joe to Matthew, Laura, Francesca, Andrew on 13 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Laura Schofield

      Laura Schofield answered on 13 Nov 2014:

      I did Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Food Technology, French, Geography, History, Maths, Physics and Religious Education. If you want a job in Chemistry/Oncology, you will need to really do Chemistry, Biology and possibly Physics as A-Levels so I would say take Triple Science (if you can, I know some schools only do Double Science) and you have to get C or above in English and Maths to do most A-levels but apart from that, do subjects you enjoy as you’re more likely to get the best marks in them!

    • Photo: Matthew Camilleri

      Matthew Camilleri answered on 13 Nov 2014:

      It is important to do subjects that you enjoy, and it is even more important to leave all your options open. Even though you have an idea of what you want to do in the future, the more options you have the better. With that in mind I would recommend triple science, as you seem to want to work in science, english and maths are obligatory. The as extra subjects you should choose computer science and a language, maybe French. With those subjects you would have a lot of options still open while focusing on the sciences.

      For my GCSEs I had: chemistry, biology, physics, maths, english, maltese, french, italian, religion, social studies, environmental science, computer studies and english literature. It was overkill, and I did not really enjoy all subjects, so do not follow my lead on the subjects I had chosen for GCSE.

    • Photo: Francesca Palombo

      Francesca Palombo answered on 13 Nov 2014:

      I went to a Scientific Lyceum (in Italy), so I took Maths, Physics, Italian language & literature, Latin language & literature, French language & literature, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Philosophy, Arts, Religious Education.
      My suggestion is to make a personal choice, then important are the A levels – these determine your next choice of university course. Good luck!

    • Photo: Andrew McKinley

      Andrew McKinley answered on 14 Nov 2014:

      I’m not sure I can remember all that I did for GCSE. I did the three sciences separately, maths, two english, geography, history, music and french I think. What would I recommend? Do what interests you, and do not be afraid of what you think is difficult. Learning should be challenging – it is exercise for your brain! Running a marathon requires you to exercise your body, to train and to practice. Science is the same – you need to train and exercise your brain, and it is hard work! But – put in that hard work, and you will see the benefit.

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