A level choices after gcse results

@TizerorFizz I agree that the college aren’t being very helpful. Btw the 7/6 will be combined science (double award). The result is overall and the 6 or 7 isn’t awarded to one particular science but to all 3. So she’ll have studied all three sciences but only two thirds of each one. Many 6th forms allow A level sciences to follow combined science gcse but there’s an expectation that because a third is missing from the individual science there’s a fair amount of catch up to do.

Forensic science? @gluenotsoup I really don’t see that at all. It’s very narrow surely?

Her sciences - were they combined? What does the 7 refer to? Why medical when sciences weren’t great? I’ve no idea what you need for all medical courses as there’s loads of them, but I would start looking. Forensic science is very odd though. Most science needs maths. Just walk away from sciences. You need better communication with this college regarding how to choose subjects. This looks like a fudge to me.

My DD dithered over where she was going to go for 'A' levels/subjects for weeks. Not because her GCSE results had thrown any wild cards, but just because.

I think I got too involved in trying to help her make up her mind because I wanted to know what her plan was.

I'd back off bit a bit and let the dust settle. There's always a bit of hopping around first few weeks of term as well. She will won't be the only one not dead set on what she's going to do

I agree with those saying research requirements of a degree you might want to take before committing to A level choices. Just checked Newcastle somewhat at random and it expects either biol, chem or physics - or something like psychology with a 7 at GCSE science. (sorry, just seen she got 7/6 for science GCSE - was thinking of another thread!)

There will be other unis with different offers tho for sure. But if a science is expected, then I would imagine the course will involve a good deal of science - so is it the best fit?

I would think Eng lang - which at A level is nothing like the GCSE, a lot more to do with language acquisition - would fit well with a SALT ambition tbh.

Unis wont accept it for Eng lit courses tho, obviously. But then doesn't sound like Eng lit at uni is of interest to the OP's DC.

I think if she wants to go into SaLT then sociology would be a good option or possibly drama would be fine too.

She probably needs a higher maths gcse so would she be up for a resit?

Lots resit in November - especially if quite close.

But before you commit to that I'd be researching what unis want for SaLT degree this year.

I bet lots do not!Some probably do, but it’s not a particularly popular subject. Oxford suggest helpful subjects are History and a MFL for English for example. it’s irrelevant anyway because neither accept English Language - now I’ve looked! (For their English degrees).

Not all universities require a science for Speech and Language therapy - BCU for example. The 4 in Maths may be a sticking point for the GCSE requirements at some places, though.

Plenty of people get into Oxford with a drama A level. They don’t offer drama as a course but it’s ideal if you want to study English. Lots of plays in their Eng lit course. Shakespeare anyone?!

Why is she more interested in English Lang than English Lit?
If she is interested in psychol at A level definitely ask again.
If she’s interested in any degree like speech & language that requires some maths then a mathsy A level (but not massively mathsy) could help offset that 4 - A levels such as psychol, business, geography.
Maybe take a look at what she may need for degree options. But with 2 solid essay subjects I’d do a different 3rd & something she’ll definitely love.

I still would not choose 2 English degrees. Both are respected but it’s unusual to do both. Lit is more commonly offered.

@gluenotsoup As she’s got two academic A levels, she’s got a bit of leeway with the third. Drama and expressing yourself is never a bad thing. Unless she’s Oxbridge bound, Drama won’t be an issue. If she’s glazing over at the idea of politics, is English Language her thing? My DDs would have run a mile from that.

Unfortunately I think all unis require a science for speech and language theroay. It’s a very psychology/ medical science heavy degree and also would usually include a statics module. Some unis might accept sociology or geography as a ‘science’ a level though.

I don’t know anything about A level English language as it’s not offered at schools near me; they but assume it’s similarly eas say based as English literature? Given she’s looking at History, she already has two essay based subjects, plus history has an NEA (4000 word assignment). Will the college definitely not allow psychology given her combined science results? A 6/7 is pretty good! And bodes well for a decent grade in psychology. They may make an exception if she has a chat with them; especially if she is truly keen. Another option that is less essay based but gives her some maths content (purely to keep doors open) is business studies. If she loves drama then that could be an option but it’s heavily essayed so maybe too much. Three essay subjects is a LOT but if that’s her skill set and passion then…

Lots of people take drama and theatre A level and go on to do history, English, law etc as well as into the entertainment industry

Literature is like the gcse, studying of texts. Language is more akin to Linguistics at uni - they are totally different creatures!! Both awesome but as different as history and politics or geography

@gluenotsoup I would not suggest English Lit if she’s doing Language. Both are English! Drama adds in the study of plays as well as acting so isn’t quite the same. I’d make sure the results are good though and dc don’t mess about. Ditto with the other subjects. I wouldn’t do politics unless she’s interested in how the political landscape works. Checks and balances, electoral system etc.

Will they get details of the syllabus before they choose? A sample lesson?

My suggestion would be Drama and Theatre Studies, assuming that she actually enjoys Drama, rather than 'just' being good at it?

Looking forward, would she be interested in something like Speech and Language Therapy?

She's done well in RE would she do that? Or sociology/politics maybe?

She’s doing Eng Lang? Drama would be best. Adds in some literature and she seems to like it. No GCSE available in Drama? My DDs both did GCSE. Before she chooses anything, check our results. Is the teaching any good? Otherwise Politics, Sociology or Film? RE if offered.

Business will require some maths, so unless the 4 is a blip she might want to steer clear. My DD did politics and loved it so that might be an option. Drama would work very well with English lit.

Classical civilisations.

It's history under another name.
Plus some literature that you read in English although it wasn't written in English.

drama and theatre A level surely? It’s a great a level with practical elements as well as text analysis. She can still do history or whatever at uni.

Does she have any idea about future direction after A Levels? That might suggest a particular direction.

Drama, English Lit or Religious Studies would be good choices based on the GCSEs that she's done. Or she could consider a new subject such as Media, Business, Sociology?