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Original poster

A level advice wanted: Geography, maths, computer science and ????

34 replies

Porcupineintherough · 11/11/2021 13:59

Ds1 is choosing his A level options. He's tentatively picked 3, including his favourites CS and geography, but needs a 4th to go with them. Was vaguely thinking about a degree in engineering but wants to keep his options open. His ??? for a 4th are further maths (capable but not keen), physics (so so) or a BTEC in engineering. Has ruled out chemistry and biology.

Thoughts please.

OP posts:
clary · 11/11/2021 15:34

Does the school actually do AS? I thought that was not a thing at all in England any more. Apols if you are not in England op.

I do not get this thing where schools insist on four A levels tho. A levels are hard. Why do an extra one you don't need?

Pippi1970 · 11/11/2021 15:34

Dds academic indie has dropped 4 a levels except FM. They encourage 3 and maybe core maths/epq and a lot of the Art students take Film AS

Original poster
Porcupineintherough · 11/11/2021 15:29

Yes there is the opportunity to do an epq but not on top of 4 A levels, unless they include maths and further maths. He could, I guess, do the 3 he's chosen and an EPQ, that's actually a good possible plan.

@jackstini the one thing all engineering courses seem to demand is a maths a level.

OP posts:
JuneOsborne · 11/11/2021 15:26

No EPQ on offer?

jackstini · 11/11/2021 15:25

Or do engineering instead of maths and take Core Maths AS level - it's a 1 year course so in year 2 he just has 3 to concentrate on..?

GlacindaTheTroll · 11/11/2021 15:25

At our school, pupils only do 4 A levels if 2 of them are maths and FM.

Either physics or FM would support engineering ambitions, and a fair amount of other STEM degrees.

I don't think chemistry is required for engineering except for chemical engineering, but it is a generally useful subject for STEM courses.

Original poster
Porcupineintherough · 11/11/2021 15:24

He's predicted 9s across the board (French excepted) so that's not a problem. It's typical at his school to start with 4 A levels, some then drop one after AS.

Chemistry doesnt seem to be required for engineering, unless of course it's chemical engineering. His school have an excellent chemistry department and he's still not enthused so I think that one is out.

From an engineering pov I think the best thing he could choose is further maths but, as you say, that's a lot of maths.

OP posts:
clary · 11/11/2021 15:17

Btw if you do FM you have got to be very keen on maths as it is half your timetable. What is his predicted grade in maths?

clary · 11/11/2021 15:16

Why is he doing four? No need at all. Does he drop one in due course or what?

I would check out what's needed for engineering at uni btw as I believe chemistry is often needed or useful.