A level/btec subject choice - is this too narrow

Alexander -then our DDs will have friends in common I'm sure :)
I've PMd you.

I cannot understand why you are so worried about "narrow" A level choices then, Alexandra? You have not said what she may do if she does not get work and needs another qualification. What role will the A levels play? If any? English and Theatre are narrow and with the BTec in Musical Theatre, they are exceptionally narrow, but what is the problem with that if she does not actually want to do anything with them?

A-levels aside, has she looked into the three year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre at Doreen Bird or Laine Theatre Arts? 16+ entry, three year course, DaDA funding available and can be converted to a BA (Hons) course by a further year of study. It is more akin to going to university though which may or may not work for you from a "growing up" perspective.

I think at age 16 it is ok to go down a very specialist route if they are talented and get into a great college. A-levels can be done at a later date if needed. What is most important is that she gets a strong set of GCSE results and I do worry about some schools (which will remain nameless) who do not put the emphasis on the importance of these exams.

If you want to combine A-levels and vocational then Tring Park is the place to be. Very much a school environment still and I know people who did not get a place in the sixth form as they weren't academic enough (or maybe replace that with couldn't be bothered to do the work.) Hammond is also good but not as academic IMO.

Also a lot of posh actors seem to have degrees in classics, history, or English literature.

I personally would have her do History. English and History would probably translate well to any degree and help her with musical theatre as it can give context around plays etc.

Maths English dance?

Have you conversed with KatyMac ? Her DD did Dance away from home at 16 I believe. She might have experience you could learn from.

Sorry - that last comment could sound a bit passive aggressive! I just meant genuinely has she visited the school? It’s in a lovely part of London, and has a great vibe. DD went there each month on a dance scholarship. But we knew that for her, moving from our little village to London wasn’t the right move at 16. Though if she’s very lucky, London will be where she heads off to at 18/19.

It’s so difficult. The Arts Ed set up sounds odd, is it worth checking directly if the information is correct?
Though that may partly explain why several of the students at TP who were offered places at Arts Ed (& at least 1 who was offered a scholarship) turned it down.

It’s a shame your DD didn’t like TP, it looks as though she could choose from broader academic blocks there. And there’s a lot more financial help!
www.tringpark.com/curriculum/academic-curriculum/gcse-and-a-level-options

But as she’s at vocational school now, she will have a clear view of what she’s looking for. Have you visited Arts Ed at all?

DD is on the drama stream but it’s exactly the same for MT.
Are you saying she not going to apply for Arts Ed now?

I would echo and agree with what other posters have said. My DD is at the school your DD didn’t like and is studying 3 A levels (Eng Lit, History & Drama) rather than the BTEC & 2 A levels. With an additional 20 plus hours per week of vocational study she’s covering all the practical work she needs (hopefully).

I wonder if Musical Theatre BTec is the best prep for an English degree though? I would suggest most students offer 3 A levels with more than one facilitating subject. It’s highly competitive at universities like Bristol. However, the University of Bristol also offer English and Theatre. Same qualifications required but a better bet one would have thought.

As an example, locally - to do English at Bristol Uni they ask for DDD at BTEC plus A in English Literature or combined English Literature/Language.

UWE (Bristol) ask for a lot less:

Tariff points: 112
GCSE: For all applicants, Grade C/4 or above in English Language, or equivalent. Please note the University does not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
A-level subjects: No specific subjects required. Points from A-Level General Studies and AS-Level subjects (not taken onto full A-Level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-Levels.
Relevant subjects: English Literature, English Language and Literature, History Psychology, Philosophy
EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.

I think you need to work backwards! If she doesn’t do musical theatre, what else does she want to do and what does she need to achieve it academically? Realistically 2 A levels and the BTEC won’t get her into a high tariff university to study English so what has she got to lose regarding just doing English and Theatre Studies? A low tariff university would be ok, probably.

So either ditch the BTEc and do a third A level such as RS and see what degree she could do, or put all eggs into the Musical Theatre basket with the 2 A levels your DD has suggested. What do other students do?

Can she do French? What did she get at GCSE? I think a language instead of more theatre would broaden her choices.