A Level Maths and Dyslexia - does that work!

[zazas]

My son is about to start his A Levels and is planning on studying Computer Science, Digital Photography and Maths. However he is very dyslexic and I am concerned about the maths. He got a 7 in his GCSE but I am just not sure if it will be just too much for him at A level - he approaches maths in shall we say a 'creative' way and is not at all systematic in his approach! He would like to study someting to do with computers at uni (maybe computer graphics / animation - he is very artistic - A* at GCSE) but we are concerned that although maths would be ideal to keep his options open (he is also interested in Mechatronics) it might just be just too demanding knowing his learning style? But if he doesn't take maths - then which subject should he consider? Anything with lots of writing is challenging of course! He is at this stage unsure - both about his ability to take maths and what else he should consider! Any suggestions?

[Listopia]

Is he looking to take his A Levels at the same school he attended for his GCSEs? I'd guess not as his choices seem like something an A LEvel college could offer but not a 6th Form.

You need to ask someone who knows him.

Would Physics be a viable option? It has the maths to keep him interested but often appeals to more visual learners or those with creative approaches.

Many IT courses have some maths like matrix operations, set theory, logic or binary / hex / base X algebra but really, the mathematics isn't that advanced; especially if he wants a course with a more creative slant.

A quick note for the future - make sure he investigates degrees closely. Some creative IT courses are theoretical, mathematical, code-based courses and some more about using computers to be creative i.e. using pre-existing software. Make sure he choses the right one for him.

[ilovesushi]

If he likes maths, I think he should go for it. Interest, curiosity and motivation are just if not more fundamental than ability, though it sounds like he has ability too. My understanding is that some people with dyslexia really flourish with maths later on when it moves past the rote computing element to more complex concepts. I would support him all the way and encourage him to attack the course with excitement and enthusiasm, not trepidation and a "if it doesn't work out..." attitude.