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Original poster

A Level Geography or History

32 replies

ResearchedOut · 31/08/2023 23:21

DS is finding it impossible to choose between these 2 A Levels.
Advice from those with experience in this area would be much appreciated!
His choice was geography but over the summer he has had a wobble (he has always loved history).
He has read the syllabus for both in detail and finds an even match of what he would enjoy on both. He did equally well on both at GCSE. Likes both sets of teachers the same. His other A’levels are economics, maths and german (will drop one of the 4 in Year 12).
He is academic but has no idea what degree he wants to do, nor what career he will go into.
I think geography will be more useful for a job - and the history topics don’t cover the last 300 years - so relevance to modern day tenuous?! However I’m not confident enough to advise him - I’ll beat the brunt if he makes the wrong decision!

OP posts:
Boomboom22 · 31/08/2023 23:43

I'd go geography for maths, data analysis, human which links to economics especially demographics, and a bit of science with physical. Plus personally think easier to get the grade than history though both are hard, 40 mark essays are subjective.

Original poster
ResearchedOut · 31/08/2023 23:41

Thanks OvaHere - really useful points - and yes, he’s definitely planning on going to university.

OP posts:
RatSalad · 31/08/2023 23:40

I’d go for history for the same reasons as above.

Also, a good perspective on history does more for general knowledge and helps you enjoy other aspects of culture - literature, arts etc.

OvaHere · 31/08/2023 23:39

I'm saying all that assuming he is planning to apply for University. If he's not then it won't matter at all which he chooses I imagine.

OvaHere · 31/08/2023 23:36

I would go for History because I think it will give him the opportunity to show more essay/interpretation/analysis type skills.

I know Geography isn't exactly like economics or maths but it's a bit closer than History is so I think History gives him more range. If that makes sense.

Original poster
ResearchedOut · 31/08/2023 23:35

No idea really - although he has muttered about the armed forces or law! So that shouldn’t influence the choice.

OP posts:
Temporaryanonymity · 31/08/2023 23:28

Has he had any thoughts about a career path?