DS's dilemma (he's in Year 11, running out of time to make decision).
He definitely wants to study Geography A Level next year.
He is quite keen on the idea of studying Physics A Level, but he would have to also take A Level maths, which he doesn't want to do.
He has ruled out studying basically every other subject.
The only other thing he's vaguely interested in is the Cambridge Tech IT Diploma (equivalent to 2 A Levels) because he's liked studying Computer Science (not offered at A Level at his current school and he doesn't want to move) at GCSE. I'm not sure this is right for him, because actually he's mostly enjoyed the programming aspect, which isn't included in this qualification, and I'm not sure where he goes at 18 after a Geography A Level and a Cambridge Tech IT Diploma.
He might be interested in studying Computer Science at university but again they would want A Level maths. He wasn't desperately keen on the idea of going into an IT related apprenticeship (which is the only thing I can think of that would naturally follow on from the Cambridge Tech). It does look like at least some universities would take him onto a Geography degree with Geog A Level plus the IT diploma, so that's a possible future option (although I don't know if in practice this would be less preferred than a candidate with 3 A Levels).
His ultimate plan (at the moment) is to join the army. He originally had this as a plan for after sixth form, but after talking to some people we know who are ex-army, he's now thinking he would do better to get some further qualifications first (hence he's started thinking about university).
His teacher assessed GCSE grades are likely to not be that good (erratic worker, plus undiagnosed learning difficulty, was massively improving through Year 11 but we suspect it won't have been enough) but we are not expecting him to have any issues with getting into his school sixth form to study any of these choices (another reason he wants to stay there as there's a good chance he won't make entry criteria for other places). His teachers for all these subjects are happy for him to study them Post 16 (and in respect of maths, his teacher suggested he should also consider further maths, so no concerns about ability).
The problem is that DS just doesn't like maths. He also struggled with some of the later topics they studied, and with the premature end of school has not been able to revise these in the way he normally would. Consequently he has little confidence in his maths ability (not withstanding teacher saying he thinks DS is more than capable of A Level). However, I have a maths degree, and we are in the fortunate position to be able to pay for tutoring if need be, so he can have as much outside help as he needs. I also think maths+physics will be lower workload than 2 unrelated A Levels, so he can spend more time on it if he needs to.
Sorry, that was a long post. I guess my gut feeling is I think he should take maths, physics and geography A Levels, but I also think he shouldn't study a subject he's not keen on. Trouble is there doesn't seem to be an ideal alternative ...
Don't know what others think? Has anyone else been in the position where their DC took an A Level they weren't keen on to enable other choices?