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Original poster

ds's A Level choices drama rumbles on... help!

107 replies

lainiekazan · 04/12/2013 10:04

The form has to be in on Friday and he can't decide.

He is definitely doing Eng Lit and History. Then he hasn't a clue. The runners are Music, Latin and Philosophy.

He is thinking of putting down all 5 but I think he'll have a nervous breakdown (or I will) if he starts off doing that many. He's worried that Music does not look good enough, he would find it difficult to achieve as highly in Latin as students at a public/private school, and that Philosophy would be one essay subject too many and, again, might not look that impressive.

Any opinions?

OP posts:
Mignonette · 04/12/2013 10:29

What does he enjoy most? He should do that. Music is very hard but also brings great pleasure too.

I love philosophy but it is verbose!

MuppetsChristmasCorral · 04/12/2013 10:26

I did 5 A-levels and it is possible, but it meant I had to sacrifice the odd evening out with friends etc. I didn't mind much as I am a glutton for punishment really loved what I was doing, but if DS is a social butterfly it might not be the best.

My sister did three full A-levels and two AS's over the two years. She did one as an extra in her first year and one the next. Could that be an option if he's desperate for all the subjects?

NomDeClavier · 04/12/2013 10:20

Didn't finish!

I would put music and Latin and decide after the first year which to drop.

NomDeClavier · 04/12/2013 10:19

Music is bloody hard. Harder than geography and I think viewed more favourably than philosophy unless he wants to do philosophy or law.

Latin looks most impressive but where is he realistically likely to achieve highest?

ATailOfTwoKitties · 04/12/2013 10:14

Why is he worried that music 'doesn't look good'? I suspect it's very difficult indeed!

TeenAndTween · 04/12/2013 10:14

Set aside for the moment 'looking impressive'.
Consider

  • what is he good at (academic and hobbies)
  • is he inspired by the courses
  • what might he be considering doing after A level
  • what GCSE results is he expecting
  • what is his work ethic like

Out of those remaining 3, if he does the ones he is interested in, provided he is also capable then wouldn't that be the best thing? Then he drops one going into the second year. As long as he keep the 'heavier' English Lit and History, the impression I get is that the 3rd doens't matter quite so much.

Or put all 5 down then drop one on 1st September?

(NB daughter only in y10 so only just starting to explore this myself)

janeyjampot · 04/12/2013 10:10

We're making similar choices at the moment. One thing I have found helpful is to think about the next stage and look at what is needed there. Does your DS know what he wants to do next?

From a completely objective point of view, the Russell Group publish this guide: russellgroup.org/InformedChoices-latest.pdf which lists certain 'facilitating' subjects which are those that give the most options for university entrance. According to that list, Latin would be the best option, but I think it would be worth looking at past results to check that students have managed to achieve top grades in the past so that you can at least have some idea about whether this is achievable in the school he attends.

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