A Levels - Art, DT, EPQ and…. ?

To save a lot of suggestions that your school don’t offer - can you say what courses are offered?

With those predicted grades I'd question whether A Levels was the most appropriate route tbh. Even Art and DT are going to have elements of writing.

What do other students do if they don't want to take A Levels?

That doesn't exist at A level...

Look into Anthropology?

i wouldn’t worry too much about making a final decision now as you can alway change your mind once GCSE results are out and you accept your place. My son started A-levels this year. On his original application he had put Geography, Biology and PE and was offered a space on that basis. He completely changed his mind by August and chose Psychology, PE and Law (tbh he really found year 11 a complete drag so we were also keen for him to try something new to re-ignite his enthusiasm for learning. He is loving psychology and Law).

This was at 6 form college mind you so not 100% sure if that applies to your school but there was lots of movement with friends obviously as some students didn’t get the grades they needed etc

With those grades I'd do an appropriate Extended BTEC Diploma and sort the travel issue somehow.
At minimum I'd really look at the specs for the courses and choose based on that.

@Mydogiscalledsam

A levels are fine for art courses. My DD did Art, Photography and Business Studies. No great essays in BS and practical for the future. RG isn’t often where artists go. Do you don’t need essay facilitating subjects.

He might need to do an art foundation, but not necessarily. Art A level is very different to photography A level. Well in DDs case! The main thing would be to get a portfolio together for his chosen course. There’s a big thread in HE about applying to arts colleges.

If he doesn't like humanities, he really really should not do sociology!

English or sociology?

Good suggestion. Artists are mostly self employed and from my experience at art college, the practical aspects of how to manage your own business can be sadly lacking.

I’m not sure this is true. The exam in A level Dt has been there for years. There is still an Art A level exam of 10 hours.

Its the GCSE where people have switched as the new DT exam is hideous at GCSE. Also 3D design doesn’t exist in A level DT. If it’s offered through DT then they can’t offer art, as that would be offered through art department.

Geography.
Hear me out
It’s a facilitating subject for Russell group, very interesting and would give him good study skills. You don’t have to do it at gcse to do A Level.

Why is he anti Digital Media OP? It might work well in supplement.

My friend went to university at 16 to do art. Would just startinf his degree or an art foundation year early be a possibility?

If not, do an essay writing subject like English. Doesn’t matter how brilliant he is at art, he is still going to need to communicate with others in writing and essay writing subjects will help him with that.

Plus if he ends up doing book cover design in a publishing company the English will be looked on favourably and be useful in talking to colleagues etc

Be careful with DT. Many DT departments are opting for a 3D Design focus but through Art as it is more coursework based and less/no exam. However it would be an Art a-level so you would need to enquire through the school you are interested on which they offer.

Move to a college that offers BTec Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design.

I forgot the * did that, sorry

The first 112 points has 2 A stars
The 156 points is 2 A stars and an a star EPQ and an Arts award pass

All other A grades are as written - an A

Most arts universities and universities offering arts degrees will work on UCAS points. Usually 96-112 points including 2 ALs (Although they do vary so check individual courses). They will look at grades/points but will be heavily influenced, and possibly more interested, in the portfolio and interview.

6th formers don’t need to have a full timetable. He could do just 2 ALs.

2ALs + EPQ + Arts Award + Good portfolio would do just fine.

To give you an idea of points and grades.
AA = 112
AA = 96

Add in the EPQ and arts award
AAa*P = 156
BBcP = 112
CCcP = 96
EEeP = 56

If he wants to do art, art and more art, he should look at BTEC or other vocational options. These will allow him to build up a really strong portfolio for uni entry, and will mean he can come out of school/college with 3 strong grades rather than strong grades in art and DT + a weaker third A-level.

For many degree options in art practice, BTEC or another vocational route can be better than A-levels.

Look at what else is available elsewhere. If he's certain that art and design is the direction he wants to go in, then the extended diploma in art & design (equivalent to 3 A-levels) might be a good option; I think there are other similar options, some just 2-A-level-equivalent.

If he wants to "do art" would he better with a non-A Level course, probably at sixth form college (DD's friend is studying textiles full time, for example)?

If he wants to more "study" art (university route) then have you looked at university entry requirements?

If your ds' college won't let him Art and Photography, then you could consider changing to another one who will. Sometimes, it is the way the college does their timetabling and the teachers and those subjects clash for that college.

My dd did Art & Photography at her 6th Form College (and she also changed colleges) and they went well together. Personally I think DT is a great subject and not easy either. But it will give you ds a practical and vocational edge as it would be fantastic for product design.

Is your ds interested in fine art (e.g. painting, sculpture) or applied art (e.g. graphic design, illustration, animation). The latter will make it easier to earn a living. A lot of art these days is done/enhanced digitally.

Business A level is popular among dds arty friends.