A level choices after gcse results

Doesn't seem to as much, no! Mainly because his history A level focused on quite old stuff but his NEA was quite sociological. I don't think a history A level is as useful for a sociology degree as sociology is for what he does in his history degree, largely because of his knowledge of various theoretical perspectives and theorists.

They do go together well, though.

If definitely ask the college again if they’ll consider her for psych. She did well in science which shows decent maths skills. I did classical civilisation and loved it.

Does that work vice versa @Piggywaspushed? Asking as DD loves history gcse but really fancies sociology at A level (she’ll need to move schools as not offered at hers for gcse or A)

If she likes history so much, she'll probably like sociology. My DS has used masses of his sociology in his history degree.

Depends what type of BTEC (a BTech is something different :) ) you do.

National extended certificates are equivalent to 1 A Level
National diplomas are equivalent to 2
National extended diplomas are equivalent to 3

Each distinction star gave her the same UCAS points as an A*

Just about to start the 3rd year.

@NotDonna - she’s at Exeter studying business with law. Her BTEC gave her 2 grades (she got D* x2).

That’s very interesting. I hadn’t realised BTec business counted as 2 A levels. Is that at all universities? Don’t suppose you could divulge what’s she looking to do next please?

If she’s determined to have 4 A-level equivalents, the 2 A-levels and a BTEC might be a combination worth considering. This is what my DD ended up doing: BTEC in business (equivalent to 2 A-levels) plus A-levels in philosophy and law. The fact that the BTEC was assessed throughout the two years of sixth form meant that she only had to focus on 2 subjects when A-level exams rolled around. Plus the BTEC really taught her the value of continuous study - which is a great foundation for university.

Language alone isn’t considered the academic one

Language A level is much tougher than people think!!

There is an English Language and Lit A level. Language alone isn’t considered the academic one, but if she doesn’t want to read, is that an issue going forward? History won’t be that easy.

Look at something like occupational therapy degrees. Social sciences ok and its in clearing at St George’s London. Maths grade 4 ok too. Bearing this in mind, I would look at social sciences and look more widely at courses. Sociology seems sensible and it’s surely not mathsy!

See if her school does the health option for sociology. Most don't but some do.

Might also want to look at OT too?

perhaps look at the nhs jobs website to give you and her an idea of the vast range of science related jobs out there - radiographer, podiatrist etc - there might be degrees she hasn’t yet considered and that third a level might be less important than she thinks right now

My daughter did that combination followed by a degree in Nursing. Most uni's accept sociology as fulfilling the science requirement for nursing.

Given the options available I think Law would be best. It will draw on her strengths and be interesting and something new. Doing an A level in any topic you didn't enjoy much at GCSE would be a mistake.

That's an excellent set of results. Make sure she knows she should be proud.

There's no shame in retaking maths. Even if remarking did help upgrade to a 5 there's room for some consolidation of maths skills. The college is correct to be clear that a 4 or even 5 isn't enough grounding for any numerate A-Level. Don't let your dd label herself with "I'm useless at maths" - she hasn't yet been taught maths by a teacher who is able to help her properly. She's clearly very bright though.

My first thought was Sociology. It's similar to psychology in that it looks at how people think and act but in terms of within society rather than an individual.

For BTEC have a look at Health and Social Care. I've taught that for many years and within it is 'Anatomy and Physiology' which is science. Most centres teach that unit because it opens up careers in health such as nursing.

As someone else said it is a lot of hard work and usually includes a work placement but it is usually finished before A Level exams take place.

Other units (but the centre choose not the student) psychology, sociology, communication and public health.

The public health unit is usually done in a group and the students plan and deliver a health campaign.

I must say reading everything you say about your DD, sociology is a really obvious choice.

I have had three students in the last two years go off to do SaLT degrees.

Has she looked into it at all?

Of the two, English Literature is the traditional heavyweight A level, while English Language is quite new. It’s a perfectly good A level, if it’s a subject that interests her, but I’m struck by a lot of your commentary being about the status of various subjects. Similarly, drama is a perfectly acceptable A level for many degree subjects.

If she really enjoys Biology and wants to do it for its own sake, she could suggest retaking Maths in November, but I can’t think of any degree options opened up by Biology alone without Chemistry or Maths or Sports Science. she’s best off choosing subjects she will really enjoy.

I’ve suggested lit as she’s good at it, but she said she she’s not enjoyed the poetry element so doesn’t want to do it

What specific poetry is being studied as part of A Level English Lit? Why did she not like poetry?

My DD hated poetry at GCSE as well, but she loved their poetry choice at A Level, and now enjoys reading a variety of poems.

I would also counsel against four. The BTEC may be academically easier and have less end of course pressure but a good distinction level assignment can run to upwards of a 50 page, fully referenced document. And she may need to produce about eight of those over the two years (and maybe some practise assignments). There is a lot of time and effort needed. Most centres also have the students sit at least one examined unit in year 12. She will probably find passing the exam relatively straightforward but getting a distinction on them is hard and most students need to put in some serious work on past papers to get there.

She was thinking because the applied science isn’t an A level that it would be an extra, so she had 3 A levels as required by lots of places, plus a back up.

Pretty much all unis ask for three A levels or equivalent but none need four. Four is a lot more work which doesn’t seem to be a good plan here @gluenotsoup

Just bc it’s not an A level doesn’t mean it’s easy, just a different way of getting a qualification. No need for a back up. Just take two A levels plus the applied science- but first check courses.

No need for psych A level to do psych degree, but I think it often requires a science. Applied science might well tick that box too, but she should do some research.