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Original poster

A-level choices to keep options open? (For architecture maybe..or finance..or who knows!)

37 replies

AmITwirly · 14/12/2014 19:25

My DS (15) has to choose his A-level options now!

His school requires him to choose 4 subjects & he's certain about wanting to do Maths and Geography. He's waivering between the following other choices:

Economics (which he's never done before, but likes the sound of)
Geology (which he did for GCSE in Y9 so he knows he's good at it)
Physics (which he seems naturally good at, but he finds a bit dull)
Chemistry (which he enjoys a lot, but has to work hard at and probably won't get as high a grade as his Physics)

Last week, he did a week's work experience in an Architecture practice and absolutely loved it. Looking at Architecture courses, it seems that they are generally pretty unfussed about the specific A-levels you do, although Maths is considered helpful; but they do need high grades (AAA) which DS might not get.

He also quite likes the idea of finance / banking / business.

So - what to do to keep these options open?? (Or indeed to keep as many options open as possible, because he may well change his mind completely by this time next year!)

For enjoyment he would probably choose: Maths, Geography, Geology & Economics. Would he be better including Physics, because Maths & Physics I think would then keep other engineering / design-based courses open too?

Arrrgh! Anyone out there with any thoughts?
Thanks!

OP posts:
GotToBeInItToWinIt · 15/12/2014 10:52

I did a law degree but ended up in finance, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I chose my a-levels so took English lit, French, Biology and Art. I thought they would keep my options open nicely Smile. It seems like your DS's interests generally lie in a different area to mine though. To be honest I would just pick what he enjoys as if you enjoy a subject you are generally more likely to do well at it.

SecretSquirrels · 15/12/2014 10:45

It's very difficult when they don't know what they want to do. Your mix sounds fine to me.
Maths and Geography are a good start. I wouldn't recommend Further Maths unless very strong. Economics is one of those subjects you don't need at A level to do a degree (like Law), but is a good 4th subject.
DS2 is 16 and was in a similar position. He chose Maths Physics, chemistry and Biology. He was reluctant to do Chemistry but chose it to keep his options open and much to his surprise it is now his favourite. Physics he is finding dull whereas he enjoyed it at GCSE but there is some overlap with Maths and Physics.

Bonsoir · 15/12/2014 07:29

Maths, Physics, Economics, Geigraphy

DoctorDonnaNoble · 14/12/2014 20:10

Looks quite good to me (previous yr11 tutor at grammar school).

Original poster
AmITwirly · 14/12/2014 20:09

No, unfortunately he's dropped DT. (He goes to a grammar school and, although the academic subjects are very well taught, Art and Design are both rather weak.)

Would Maths, Geography, Physics, Economics be considered a good enough mix of sciences & humanities do you think? I'm thinking that might be the best combination if it's acceptable for Architecture; as I think it would also be OK for Geography (human geography) and/ or something finance-related, should DS go down either of those routes.

It's difficult when the DCs don't have a clear idea what they are aiming for, isn't it?

OP posts:
senua · 14/12/2014 20:03

If you don't think that his Maths is up to FM then I think you are ruling out engineering courses.

How closely has he looked into architecture? I get the impression that they all go into it thinking that they will be the next Norman Foster but the reality is that you end up designing ticky-tacky boxes for mass housebuilders. It's also a very long course so v expensive.

Farahilda · 14/12/2014 19:54

They'll want to see a mix of sciences and arts/humanities for architecture.

With maths and geography as two choices, I'd add physics and D&T.

You don't mention D&T though - is it at all a possible subject for him?

DoctorDonnaNoble · 14/12/2014 19:50

They just find it more interesting. Ties in with Maths a lot as well.
If he wants to keep options open I wouldn't do geology as well as geography - you don't need geology to study it at university.

Original poster
AmITwirly · 14/12/2014 19:44

Thanks for the responses so far.

I didn't know that some Geography courses would require Chemistry - that's interesting.

I don't think DS is strong enough to do Further Maths, but I'm interested that you say Physics is better at A-level than GCSE: any idea why?

Funnily enough, Art A-level isn't required for most Architecture degrees, just the submission of a small portfolio (which DS could easily produce). He's good at Art and is doing it for GCSE, but won't continue it for A-level.

The school hasn't explained why the DCs need to choose 4 subjects: I assume one will be dropped after AS levels, so perhaps doing Geology together with Geography as a 4th option to be dropped, would be OK?

OP posts:
hellsbells99 · 14/12/2014 19:36

I thought maths and art were normally needed for architecture?
Maths & physics go well together.
Chemistry, maths & geology would go well together.

DoctorDonnaNoble · 14/12/2014 19:35

Is Further Maths a possibility? My sixth form form are currently enjoying that. They also think Physics is better at A level than GCSE.

senua · 14/12/2014 19:32

Geography and Geology sound a bit same-y.

If Geography is a favourite of his and a possible then look at entry requirements - a Physical Geography degree will require Chemistry.