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Original poster

Maths , Economics & Theatre Studies A levels???

37 replies

doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 08:52

DS has said he’s thinking about TS as his third A level. His strongest subject is Maths and he should get an 8 at GCSE. He’s dyslexic and English has been a struggle. He’s enjoyed drama but isn’t really a “drama” person although he enjoys film, Netflix , Anime.

I’ve no idea how he did in his drama GCSE. I have emailed his teacher to ask her views.

He doesn’t know what he wants to do at University but is quite entrepreneurial and interested in economies/finance. I’m a bit concerned he’s choosing it as it’s not all exam and will be a change from the others.

OP posts:
Original poster
doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 23:25

That’s an interesting combination @MargaretThursday What kind of teaching is she interested in?

I’ve said to my son to look at Unifrog before he decides (he was talking about doing it over the summer but I think that’s too late) .Can parents have a look/get access?

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MargaretThursday · 11/06/2021 21:56

My dd is doing Maths, FM, Physics and Drama. She's thinking of going for teaching.

Original poster
doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 17:34

He’s now thinking Business Studies instead of Economics as he found Economics challenging in the taster sessions.

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lurkingdh · 11/06/2021 13:52

I'd echo @HoldontoOneMoreDay's point.

Maybe one concern could be if there's an essay/critique part of the Drama course if he finds English to be such a struggle?

I did Maths, Physics and Music at A Level and it was perfectly fine to go in to a CompSci degree. So it won't be limiting outside a few ultra-specialised degrees.

Original poster
doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 13:43

@clary I don’t think he’d want to do pure maths. He likes it, is good at at but doesn’t “love” it. I could see him do a joint honours course of some sort.

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clary · 11/06/2021 13:13

OP be aware that if he is thinking of studying maths at uni, many courses will expect Further maths alongside maths at A level.

OTOH maths is a great A level (my DS2 has done it alongside biology and PE) and certainly rules in (rather than ruling out) many other uni options. Just you say maths is his strongest subject so it's worth bearing in mind.

Original poster
doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 13:04

It’s AQA if that makes a difference

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Original poster
doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 10:01

However he’ll be lucky to scrape a 6 in English so that’s a concern.

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Original poster
doorornottodoor · 11/06/2021 10:00

Thanks all. Not really sure about Uni. He’s difficult to talk to at the moment about anything ! The school has reassured me that it’s a well respected qualification and shouldn’t limit his choices.

His drama teacher has come back really positive. Thinks he’s more than capable of a good grade and said it’s not a huge step up from gcse. There’s only 6 in the class so he’ll get lots of one to one. She’s amazing and was really supportive when he was struggling in lockdown (we had an awful 4 months with him earlier this year)

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UserAtRandom · 11/06/2021 09:35

Not sure what board he would be taking but there is a fair bit of writing in Theatre Studies I would have thought (might be worth finding out)? DD is currently only at GCSE level but finding strong ability in English is really helping her with the analytical writing type bits. How has your DC found these bits at GCSE? If he struggles with English, it might not be the best choice.

HoldontoOneMoreDay · 11/06/2021 08:59

I think it all depends what he wants to do at uni. If he thinks he might want to pursue the pure maths/economics field then that tends to be very competitive and TS may mean he's disadvantaged. If he's thinking more general then I'd see that as an example of someone who has a broad range of interest/talent. I'm a massive fan of drama courses for teaching teamwork, confidence, creativity and problem solving.

But then I'm a drama graduate who does NOT work in uni admissions so take everything I say with a bucket of salt Grin

So yeah - it doesn't really matter if he wants to do one 'non exam' course, what matters is if that will affect his goals for his next phase of education.

bonfireheart · 11/06/2021 08:54

Maths and Economics sound full on and if he wants to do a 'lighter' subject I can see why. I've always encouraged DD to get involved in drama and public speaking because it builds so much confidence. I have a postgraduate degree and a great job, but I really wish I had that confidence to stand up and speak, he will learn so much from it even if he has no interest in working in theatre.