A-level combination: History, Maths & Biology?

I think he's chosen an excellent combination for any of the courses he's interested in, op. All academic/hard/facilitating: one essay subject, one science and maths to covers the stats that he might need for a social science course.

Some are very clear though! Depends what you are studying and where. UCL were clear about what they want to see for Psychology with few subjects listed. Others such as Exeter were also clear but gave a much wider choice. Therefore you choose subjects according to the university you are aiming for and the subject to be studied, if you can. If courses are very selective, eg vet science, medicine, or very precise, History, English, Geography then surely students stand a better chance if they offer the subjects the university says it values most. Just means you get more options on where to study if you have the best combination of subjects rather than an iffy selection.

I suspect that now some schools are limiting students to 3 A level subjects, unis will have to consider different combinations of subjects.

I suspect most university admissions are far less exacting than the MN criteria for university entry anyway.

It sounds like a good set of choices. The chemistry is probably only an issue if he wanted to go into something with a heavy chemistry/science base, but from what you've mentioned it doesn't sound like he was planning that anyway. Plenty of options kept open with that selection, including everything you have mentioned.

I did biology, French and economics A levels many moons ago. I really struggled with biology as a single science, but that might be because I only studied biology O level and not chemistry or physics. It might be different these days with students studying 2 or 3 combined sciences at GCSE.

It really is not necessary to do Psychology at A level to be successful in obtaining a degree offer. Most universities list between 5 and 13 subjects they prefer, having done a quick look, and although Psychology is listed, so is Chemistry, Biology, Maths and quite a few others at Exeter! The A level grades required are high and they like to see two subjects from their preferred lists. Lots of schools do not offer a Psychology A level. Not available where my DDs went, but several went on to do Psychology. Biology, Maths and History would be fine.

My DD is doing History, Maths and Psychology. She has 5 offers from her chosen uni's. She wants to go into teaching but do a History degree first. So for teaching or nursing his coices are perfectly acceptable. However, if thinking of doing a Psychology degree, then really would need to do it at A level. While not impossible to get in, places are rarely offered to those without a good grade at A level.

Absolutely agree with everyone on here who says it's a fine combination. Each subject OP's DC has chosen is a fine choice, alone and in combination. Well done.

I feel so sorry for DCs of posters who fuss about doing just one science or history not going well with science and maths. For goodness sake, isn't it wonderful that they develop different knowledge and skills bases?

One quote: "In general, Maths is an enabling subject which I think everyone should do to the highest level they are capable of." HURRAH HURRAH! If only schools didn't put the less able mathematicians off.

You mentioned psychology - DS is doing it and finds it fascinating. So much so that he's applied to do it at university. I wish it had been an option when I did my A levels. Biology was turgid (decades ago though - might be more interesting now).

If those are the subjects that he really wants to do that's fine. I suspect that now some schools are limiting students to 3 A level subjects, unis will have to consider different combinations of subjects.
As he is considering nursing taking A level biology would keep that option going. He would definitely need a grade C in his GCSE Chemistry for uni entry though, so may need a rethink if that isn't achieved. It would also be a good fit for Pyschology as that is also quite maths based. It doesn't sound to me as if A level Chemistry would be a good idea. You do need a good aptitude for this subject at A level. (I used to teach A level Chemistry and under the old AS system most students who were only taking it because it went well with Biology really struggled and were really relieved to drop the subject at the end of Y12.)
If he changes his mind about nursing then Economics would be a better fit with History and Maths. Perhaps this could go down as his "Reserve" option if there is space for this on the form.

I did a biology degree at Sussex with biology, English lit & history. I did struggle a little with the chemistry side, but nothing that couldn't be overcome. I think its a fine combination

I think the single science 'don't do it' is poor advice actually, I think if you can do a science it's a really good idea. Yes biology is descriptive so tends to be the one that people do but why not? It's a great qualification and shows you can manage a science qualification. Again for healthcare careers it's pretty essential if he goes that way. I wish I'd done that instead of Government and Politics, even though the latter was a fabulous course and I enjoyed it.

I took Maths, Physics, History & Archaeology at AS (old system obviously) dropping to Maths, Physics & archaeology at A2. I studied Physics at university and the Archaeology/History was a talking point in all my interviews. I was told it made me look more rounded. I'd go for it!

oh damn am I out of date, have AS levels died now?

Sorry, haven't RTFT even though it's short but have rushed to the end to say this sounds like a GREAT combination.

Economic or social history requires a decent statistical understanding and an ability to 'get' the numbers, and maths really helps with that. As a history student I struggled with poor maths. Biology and maths are another great combination - any health based or lab based career will also need good stats. In general, Maths is an enabling subject which I think everyone should do to the highest level they are capable of.

I wonder if he would consider economics or chemistry AS as that would expand his range, alternatively another language, e.g. German would be a solid choice either for economic/financial or historical further careers or study.

All highly regarded subjects and would facilitate any number of degree options. Only question I'd raise is Biology as a single A Level - my DD is moving for 6th form (relevant only as we've therefore had guidance from more than 1 school). Each school has stressed in their sixth form prospectus, that extreme caution should be taken if considering a single science. Biology came up specifically since this is the one that students tend to opt for - apparently there is overlap between Biology & Chemistry to some extent and the single scientists feel the pinch of this in keeping up with the other 'multiple' scientists. Having sad that, I'm sure if you go into this with eyes open and are prepared to ask for support when this overlap occurs, I'm sure it's not insurmountable. Good luck!

Rosyredface DS3 did history, physics and geography and his school (a good school) didn't bat an eyelid, quite rightly. MN would have said doing physics without maths was misguided and he'd been bound to struggle (he didn't). If those are the subjects OP's son likes, and given his current thinking about his future, he should go with his instinct. Masses of kids take biology with no other science.

Very good combination and all good subjects.

Absolutely fine combination, keeps loads of options open. Only if he was going to go into vocational science/medicine does it really matter what subjects he does. Employers won't look at the subjects just the grades. Important he does the ones he enjoys and has aptitude for. (I did history, maths, chemistry leading to history degree then accountancy career, worked for me!)

I did those three A levels. I got straight As and as a result was in the very fortunate position of getting accepted by all 6 of the decent universities I applied to - including Durham, Bristol and Nottingham. That was 17 years ago though now!

Agree that maths is a big step up at A level but also history is too - and I know other A level students today who still have found that the same. So don't let him get disheartened if he starts off getting very low history grades in the first term, he'll improve once he starts to get the hang of A level style essay writing.

During visits to colleges we have been told that it's not advisable to just take 1 science subject as usually 2 are taken together. Ds doesn't want a science career though so is now considering other options.