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Further education

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Original poster

Art A Level or not?

28 replies

DiscoAtTheProms · 22/06/2025 09:02

DD scored 19-20 for each GCSE Art NEA AO, which I understand will be a likely 8. What does that mean she needs to improve on for A Level Art?

She is planning on taking A Levels in Maths, FM, Physics & Art with a view to Architecture or Engineering at Uni.

It's likely she'll get a 9 in another subject so I'm wondering if she should do that for A Level instead of Art.

She worked really hard for Art GCSE and I've heard A Level Art is even tougher.

Any advice out there gratefully received.

OP posts:
PrincessOfPreschool · 22/06/2025 09:15

Sorry, another thought! DS did Product Design and there was a girl hoping to go on to architecture. She did really well. I think it's easier than art and involves learning about materials etc which is a good basis for architecture. It's creative but more problem solving than art.

PrincessOfPreschool · 22/06/2025 09:12

Just seen one is FM, prob does need the 4th then. I would say it's all about how much she enjoys it and how talented she is (it's possible to get high grades at GCSE by being conscientious and ticking all the boxes).

PrincessOfPreschool · 22/06/2025 09:09

Sometimes it's nice to do something different or more creative. Art would be a good foundation for architecture or design and shows creativity unlike her other subjects. I have no idea of workload though. If it's something she enjoyed at GCSE ie. Didn't feel like 'work' then it's good optionas a 4th A level. If she was really pushing herself to get the stuff done for GCSE and didn't enjoy it then it will feel like hard work (that was my DD and no way it's she taking art A level!). I don't know how much experience you have of A levels but the subjects she's taking, even with 9s are difficult to get the highest grades in. Does she need to do 4. I'm envision my kids to take 4 for a little while and then choose what to drop as they are really not sure what they want to do but I wouldn't take 4 to the end as it can just dilute your top grades.