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Original poster

Post 16 study - what if your child doesn't like anything?

29 replies

RedskyLastNight · 09/10/2019 07:50

Starting to look at Post 16 options for DS.

He would like to do Geography A Level.
And that's it.

I've pointed out if he does A Levels, he needs to do 2 more.

He ummed and ahhed for an age and said "Maybe Physics". DS has spent the last 2 years telling me how much he hates physics (though to be fair some of that is the teacher).
I point out if he does Physics, he will need to do maths. He pulls a face and says that would probably be ok.

He's not interested in the other sciences. He hates writing essays so anything that involves volume of writing is out. He would consider Computer Science but that's not offered in many places (and not at his current school, where he'd quite like to stay).

He's not interested in any BTec subjects. He has no idea what he might do as a future job.

He "should" (if he puts in the volume of work required) get a mix of 4-7s at GCSE. But he's lazy and disinclined to work.

Help!

OP posts:
Thistly · 09/10/2019 08:07

If his only interest is geography, look at careers relating to that field.
Have you noticed a gap between his verbal intelligence (discussion) and written ability?
The ‘lazy and doesn’t like writing essays’ could have something underlying to rule out like dyslexia.
Its a shame if the gcse options he has taken are not inspiring him. Was there anything he’d have liked to do but couldn’t because of constraints? I ask in case there’s any chance he could pick that back up later.
Some young people need time to mature into their interests, and an apprenticeship or vocational course at college can be helpful in clarifying interests which might generate a bit of motivation

clary · 09/10/2019 08:04

Yes agree with Noble, 4-7 diesnt sound like a massive A level success tbh.

At my DCs' school he'd need 6/7 in all three A level choices which may be a bit if an ask by the sound of it. Does he fancy any if the subjects you can pick up at A level eg sociology, psychology?

If I were you I would look at college courses, there may well be something focused on computing which he can do on its own or alongside geography. Or have you thought about an apprenticeship?

noblegiraffe · 09/10/2019 07:55

Ask the school if they can arrange a meeting with a careers advisor.

Has he visited any colleges? I have to say that a mix of 4-7s, lazy and disinclined to work doesn’t scream successful A-level candidate at me (especially not in maths where a 7 would mean he would need to work his arse off to get anywhere).

Preggosaurus9 · 09/10/2019 07:55

Looking at careers should be a priority. A levels aren't an end unto themselves!

Do you expect him to go to university? If so look at Geography degree courses see what the entry requirements are. Take those subjects.