A level choices - History, Sociology, Govt and Politics

You should definitely look at the topics covered and see if she likes the sound of them.

It’s a bit sad that a history teacher thinks history closes doors. It absolutely does not. The civil service, law, HR, marketing, NGOs, and virtually any job that isn’t scientific is open to you.

I think it’s wrong to assume that strong political convictions equal enjoying politics A level. These concerns of young people are not the syllabus and it’s certainly not all about debating and student angst. Maturity will be required.

There’s nothing wrong with her choices. Economics at university would largely be out with no maths. So she should do what she’s good at. Plenty of courses and jobs will be open to her.

Also please remember that something like 75% of careers don’t require a specific degree - any will do! So it’s always best to do what most appeals.

If your daughter does fancy economics speak to college and see what they say rather than rule it out. There’s an element of understanding data obviously but I would have thought grade 6 Gcse maths would be ok. Not everyone in DD1s Economics class are strong mathematicians yet are predicted A’s.

Sounds like a great combination which matches her interests. Lots of uni courses open to her, and plenty of careers.

Just to add (as a History graduate!), there's nothing wrong with a History degree. Granted there aren't many specifically related careers (although my sister went into archives) but all the usual graduate careers are open to you - accountancy, law, civil service etc etc - as well as teaching and academia. The same is true of a Sociology or Politics degree.

I think those subjects sound great. At my school our options were restricted and I ended up doing French and Geography alongside History and not really enjoying either (and therefore not doing well in them, compared to my A in History). My siblings, who were similarly humanities-oriented, sensibly went to colleges where between them they did Sociology, Classics, RS, Politics, PE, alongside History. They all a) did better than me and b) enjoyed sixth form more than me!

Economics isn't purely mathematics - if memory serves it IS a lot of see-saw graphs ("when x goes down, y goes up") but more theoretical/historical stuff too. My maths isn't strong and Economics wasn't easy peasy but I could cope with it and no way could I have done a maths A Level.

I think it's an excellent combination and the greatest path is whatever one enjoys. Encouraging her to opt for a course she's not sure about when she has three she thinks she will enjoy will probably backfire. Of course you have every right to be a part of the choice but letting her truly lead will likely make for long term success and commitment.

OP, does your daughter struggle with maths generally or certain aspects of it? Mine never found it easy but had the most difficulty with things like geometry/trigonometry rather than graphs and calculations so although she'd run a mile from a maths 'A' level, her maths is fine for the maths element of certain other subjects.

I'd suggest geography rather than sociology as it will give her a broader skills base. She will have enormous amounts of reading for history/politics/sociology, something like geography instead will break it up a little. Yes, it's partially an essay subject, but there's the practical side too.

Op, they sound fine. Economics wouldn't 'open more doors' as she doesn't shine in maths so wouldn't be taking maths with it.

My year 10 loves History and, although she's only year 10, is planning History RS and Business A levels. My year 13 is doing 3 essay based A levels anf it's a LOT of work.

'he'd also done' even

Just make sure she looks at the specs so she knows what kind of topics they will cover and that the courses are really what she thinks they are.

Sounds like a good combo to me, OP. DS did history, geography and politics. Did equally well in all three. Wished he also done economics though.

PPE?

At A level it’s now Politics- Government & Politics went under the A level reforms.

I would suggest reading the specs of the boards your school teaches.

I'd just be concerned that they close some doors for her...I speak as someone who's a history teacher so have a degree & alevel in it.
I did economics instead of politics at alevel myself about 10 years ago, loved it. Tbh if you're interested in world issues, it's a great choice, it's essay based at alevel as well. Politics is very much about the structure of government, I personally love elections & would have liked political topics as a teen but I find it so dry to teach.
My worry for your daughter is she'd close a lot of doors with these options. They would naturally lead to a humanities degree at uni & then what? For most people that's either teaching or a masters in something else. Of course, she could become an academic but that's a long slog. Some of the careers people say you can do with a humanities degree are really open to an elite only.
If she's in anyway mathematically inclined, maybe maths keeps her options wider than sociology.

I would suggest geography rather than government and politics. Especially if she's interested in climate change etc. It will also give her a science to balance out the humanities

DS is doing history, politics and economics, which are all complementary.

My understanding is that the current Politics A level syllabus is more rigorous than the previous government & politics A level.

My ds is in year 13 studying Edexcel Politics and has applied to university to do Philosophy & Politics.

Politics is very content heavy and the A level is all essays - mainly 30 Mark some 24. I think sometimes students feel politics will be a “fun debating” type of subject but a lot of the content is fairly dry - UK Constitution / Political thinkers etc. It is probably most similar to History.

That said my ds really enjoys it.

Sounds an interesting combination
My DC wants to take Maths, economics, politics & drama, seems a bit of an odd mix to me.
I suggested history, but that didn't go down well.
I think your DD will be fine with that mix

English History and Economics might be a more 'classic' combo. It's what I did and got me into great university even though I wasnt star pupil.