gcse subject's

[pilotboy 95]

I need to decide what gcse subjects to choose. what would be the best subjects to choose to become a pilot.(not raf)any advise on which is best.

[punk666]

You dont need any GCSE to become a pilot you need an never ending pocket of money

But to answer your question, I chose subjects that I thought that could help me as a pilot and also just for life in general.

Here is a list of subjects I took

maths
english
science
double science
geography
design technology
music
RE
IT

I found geography really good, it teaches you to read maps, terrain, and most important WEATHER!!!
It also includes how nature reserves are sustained and it opens your eyes a bit more to different cultures.

By the way global warming is true but its going to happen with or without humans!!! another fun fact you learn in geography

[Cpt. Sunshine]

Just chosen mine with the same intentions. Managed to get advice from quite alot of people (dropped a few emails to Flight Instructors, Flight Schools, University Admissions departments, Airline HR departments etc.)

Am doing GCSEs in:

Maths (possibility of Statistics also)
English Language
English Literature
Triple Science
Business Studies
German
ICT
RE

and AS Levels in:

Geography
Critical Thinking

Choosing options is not fun, but the advice I got was do things you enjoy, do things your good at and do things that are relevant. Good Luck!

[DiagonalLeg]

The first thing you need to do is figure out roughly what sector your back-up plan is going to be in.

As said before, you don't really need to study anything outside the normal core curriculum to be a pilot. Ideally you should aim to get a good assortment of different subjects at GCSE. Don't try to specialise yet. Wait until you study towards a degree for that. The degree you want to do will in turn decide what A Levels you should do.

The key advice, however, is have a good backup plan. DON'T count on being a pilot for a living - this would apply just the same even in "the good times".

[x933]

From the point of view of getting anywhere in life, it doesn't matter - I don't think anyone seriously looks at them other than to make sure you have passed some/most/all of them (delete as applicable).

Maths is probably the biggest help, anything business related would probably be a decent tick in the box for the future. Physics if you can hack it but you only really need to know basic principles.

[ShaunLanc]

Well you do maths english and science as standard anway. But i would pick geography and history.

Geography - As stated above, maps, weather, general world knowledge (MEDC's, LEDC's etc)

History - This subject really improved my spelling, grammar, punctuation and way to put across a point. The subject is essay based most of the time so you need these skills to get a good grade, and i believe that having these skills will enable you to write a good CV and express yourself effectively.

I think the choice you get is something like geography, history, music, drama (some other pointless subjects)

Doesnt take a rocket scientist to work out what is best for any career let alone an aviation one. Unless you want to become a actor or musician i think its a bit obvious.

[paco]

Physics would be more important than any of those, unless it's included with "science" these days. But I would also include Biology (for Human Factors - if you know your physiology well, you can just about scrape a pass on that alone) and Geography (Met), and since only 21% of the world speaks English, Spanish as one of the next biggest languages, especially if you're going to fly helicopters. Another language is probably the cheapest way a pilot can gain a useful qualification.

Basic maths also, I guess.

Phil

[BoeingMEL]

English would be a good start...

...then you could write subjects instead of subject's... and advice rather than advise. Pay attention at the back!

Pedant mode off

[Matt101]

Originally Posted by paco

Physics would be more important than any of those, unless it's included with "science" these days. But I would also include Biology (for Human Factors - if you know your physiology well, you can just about scrape a pass on that alone) and Geography (Met), and since only 21% of the world speaks English, Spanish as one of the next biggest languages, especially if you're going to fly helicopters. Another language is probably the cheapest way a pilot can gain a useful qualification.

Basic maths also, I guess.

Phil

Just generic Science these days I'm afraid with either a double or triple award depending on aptitude, but they are not broken into individual subjects except for teaching.

To the OP,

You have to do the core subjects (Math, English Lit & Lang and Science) beyond that do something you enjoy. Although I know it may not seem it now GCSE's are about as relevant as..... well..... something not very relevant by the time it gets to writing the CV.

Just ensure you get the prerequisite "5 at C or above including English & Maths", this is about the only requirement I have ever seen on a Job advert for anything from Caretaker to CEO with regards GCSE's. When it comes to A Levels and Degree you should choose more carefully, keeping in mind what you are good at, what you enjoy and what will earn you enough money to pay for training!

You may want to start saving now though and get some work in towards your PPL and how about joining your local ATC squadron. I know you have already put aside the RAF for some reason but the ATC will offer you some free flying and gliding as well as a lot of other adventure based trips and events, plus it shows an interest in aviation from an early age - which will probably be far more important than talking about whether you chose Business Studies or Art at GCSE while being interviewed.

Best of luck!