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Original poster

A Level Maths - how important is it?

39 replies

JockTamsonsBairns · 31/03/2014 19:05

Just looking for some advice really - Dd1 has had her acceptance letter from sixth form college today, which we're delighted about - but she now needs to fine tune her A-Level options by the end of the week. She's currently Year 11, and will be sitting her GCSE's in May/June, and would like to eventually go to Uni to study Sports Science. She has to take 4 A-Levels - Biology and PE are definites, Sociology a probable. English a definite 'no' as it's her weakest subject. I've advised her to take Maths - she's good at it, but doesn't enjoy it and would love to drop it after GCSE.

I'm just wondering about Uni applications without either English OR Maths as an A-Level? I completely accept that my experience and knowledge of UCAS is about twenty years out of date, and I'm happy to accept that I'm wrong - but it's quite a competitive course to get on to, and I fear she'll be on the back foot if she doesn't have either English or Maths.

OP posts:
mrscog · 31/03/2014 20:55

Would A level Statistics be a good compromise? Would be v useful for the research parts of degree level study and not as challenging as maths. FWIW as student number controls are going next year it will be easier to get on to degree courses anyway.

TeenAndTween · 31/03/2014 20:54

I'm a little concerned by your answer.

She has a maths tutor (implies she doesn't find maths all that easy?) (or are you using tutor as a posh word for normal teacher?) and got a B in her mocks (though you say she is very disappointed, so maybe that is a blip?). Neither of those strike me as a sound footing for A level.

I guess the question you may have to think about, is do you think a C for maths A level, would be better than an B in a different subject?

BackforGood · 31/03/2014 20:50

My understanding is that a LOt of people who sail through GCSE maths without batting an eyelid, then struggle with A-level maths, which takes a mahoosive step up, more so than some A-levels. (I'm not an A-level teacher, just the experience of various young relatives / God children and their friends over the last few years).
That said - presumably because it is difficult- then it's well considered. Very useful for a lot of other degrees such as psychology, economics, as well as the more obvious ones like engineering and sciences. I suppose it depends how set she is on the course, and how set she is against doing maths - generally teens will do better in subjects they really want to do.....

Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 31/03/2014 20:46

Teen - thanks, she's predicted an A in Maths, so doing fine - but definitely not A* level. She got a B in her mocks, and is very disappointed with that, as is her Maths tutor. With a massive push in the next couple of months, I'm confident she'll get an 'A', but she really hates it, and I know she's not really in a strong position for A-Level standard.

If I thought the GCSE would be enough, I'd be happy to agree with her that she could drop Maths, and take a different A-Level, but I'm just not sure that her application to a competitive Uni course would be taken seriously without it.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

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titchy · 31/03/2014 20:35

Is AS maths a compromise?

TeenAndTween · 31/03/2014 20:26

What is she predicted for GCSE maths?

From my research you need to get at least and A at GCSE to be accepted to do A level maths.

And to be honest, from what I've read on here it looks as if, if she can't get an A* at GCSE she may struggle at A level.

Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 31/03/2014 20:25

Sorry for double post, don't know how that happened.

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Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 31/03/2014 20:23

Thanks so much for your replies. A year ago, she wanted to do Physiotherapy, but she's now thinking more along the lines of sports coaching and therapy. It's quite a competitive field, but I'd like her to keep her options open so to speak. I just keep thinking that an A-Level Maths will put her in a good position in terms of entry on to the course, but again, I'm happy to be corrected if my thinking on this is outdated.

She's bright, and quite academic - but I'll admit, she favours the path of least resistance and I think she's gulping at the thought of A-Level Maths. She's capable of doing it, but doesn't enjoy it IFKWIM. We've had the conversation about life being not all about 'enjoyment', and that there aren't any easy options at A-Level - but she's 16, and therefore knows best etc etc.

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Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 31/03/2014 20:22

Thanks so much for your replies. A year ago, she wanted to do Physiotherapy, but she's now thinking more along the lines of sports coaching and therapy. It's quite a competitive field, but I'd like her to keep her options open so to speak. I just keep thinking that an A-Level Maths will put her in a good position in terms of entry on to the course, but again, I'm happy to be corrected if my thinking on this is outdated.

She's bright, and quite academic - but I'll admit, she favours the path of least resistance and I think she's gulping at the thought of A-Level Maths. She's capable of doing it, but doesn't enjoy it IFKWIM. We've had the conversation about life being not all about 'enjoyment', and that there aren't any easy options at A-Level - but she's 16, and therefore knows best etc etc.

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tastingthestars · 31/03/2014 19:45

What would she choose if Maths is taken out of the equation?

DSis did Maths A Level and called it her 'necessary evil' when she chose it, because she didn't like maths but knew it would keep more doors open as she wanted to do an economics related degree. She ended up with an A*. Not sure she ever really enjoyed it, but she's glad she did it because it's been invaluable since. And it shows you can do well even if you're not passionate about it!

GreenerthanGrass · 31/03/2014 19:45

I think that A-Level Maths is probably the most useful A-Level you can do. Not having maths may well restrict her choices

crazymum53 · 31/03/2014 19:40

I would check the entry requirements for related courses- for Sports science it may be OK to not take Maths, but if your dd were to consider Physiotherapy the requirements are more strict and she would need another Science and probably Maths.
For Biology (and related Sciences) statistics is the type of Maths that is more useful.
HTH

noblegiraffe · 31/03/2014 19:28

A-level maths is associated with an increased earnings potential over her lifetime.

Both graduates and non-graduates who took maths A-level ended up earning on average 10 per cent more than those of similar ability and background who did not.

www.independent.co.uk/news/alevel-in-maths-is-key-to-high-pay-1071914.html

It's an old study, I'd say it's even more important now.

Original poster
JockTamsonsBairns · 31/03/2014 19:08

Just to add, we've trawled through lots of prospectuses - and none of them seem to require A Level English or Maths, I'm just worried she'll be at a disadvantage if she doesn't have either.

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