How do you talk to your Year 10 DC about A level choices?

[Loopylucky]

DC doesn't really know what he wants to do at A Level or Uni. What sort of discussions are helpful? How should he start thinking about it? How do I help support him? I realise it's about what interests him...but how does he also not end up doing A levels that inhibit him when thinking of uni courses?

Thanks

Combination of what he is good at and what he wants to do post-18. And if he doesn't know what he wants to do after, best to pick those that keep his options open.

My DD is year 10, we just occasionally talk about the types of things she could do in the future and what kind of degree and A levels she would need for them - nothing too heavy so far.

In my experience, they tend to get a bit more focused in Y11. In Y10 they have only just picked their GCSEs and don't have full experience of the course. Keep it pretty light in Y10, more around sixth form applications really.

No point in doing an A Level in something you are unlikely to do well in. Also worth looking at alternatives to A Levels at post 16 as university isn't the only way to get on in life and there might be something else out there that suits them better.

I’d wait for open days in y11 - that’s when my dd really switched onto what each local college offers and what (for example) BTECs they do, what the Art departments are like etc. Also, your DC will probably do summer Y10 mocks then know what they’re likely to do well in. Eg Dd ditched the idea of Psychology after Y10 mocks, as local colleges wanted too high a grade in Maths than she is likely to achieve. I think spring of Y10 is a bit early to be thinking about it too much.

I would say firstly explain to them that there are options other than just A level and University and even if you are a stellar academic student they shouldn't just be dismissed.

I'm not thinking about it in earnest - I prob wouldn't even think about it all, or broach the subject, but we got an email from one of the 6th form colleges - there's a taster day in July and applications open tomorrow. They have to choose 4 subjects they'd like taster lessons in. So, it automatically kick started the conversation.

I agree it's early. DC has a way to go before he needs to decide. But he also started his GSCEs in Year 9 (school does a 3 year pathway) so those aren't new.

I would start by thinking about where his strengths lie, eg does he tend to do better at subjects requiring essay answers or subjects requiring maths skills? Has he chosen any artistic/creative subjects for GCSE? English literature GCSE is probably compulsory at most schools. If it wasn't compulsory, would he have kept it as an option or dropped it?