.....to think that these A'Level options clashes are ridiculous?

[EllieArroway]

My DS wants to do Maths, Physics, Chemistry and possibly Biology for his A'Levels - a fairly sensible group for anyone wanting to go into science, I would have thought.

But he can't because Physics clashes with Biology and Maths clashes with Chemistry.

There are other odd clashes too - English & History, Dance & Drama.

I know they can't please all the people all of the time but.......that's a bit strange, isn't it?

I am a teacher Boney, I understand exactly how it works!!

Maths clashing with Chemistry is ridiculous. For many years, you could not do three Sciences at my school. Last year, they changed the blocking, and our A level uptake in Science tripled, and the additional students were our strongest scientists, who up to that point had left for our rival. I bet the Head of Science is spitting!

ShipwreckedAndComatose

So what would you do in the school's position?

The OP's son wants to stay at the school because his friends are there. Maybe its that that needs to change.

Just seen he wants to read physics in which case he really really does need Maths (preferably double) physics and chemistry. They are essential, particularly if he wants to go to a Russell group university.

Both my DSes would have been buggered with those choices, TBH. DS1 is doing History, English and Psychology A2 ATM with a view to doing History at University.

We had a similar problem with DS2, he had his heart set on going to a local grammar school for sixth form to do all 3 sciences and either sociology or psychology at A level, but you can't do that combination there. He wants to be a nurse, so it is a good combination to do, but he will be going to the local 6th form college to do it. DS1 goes there, it is fine, but just fine IYSWIM. DS1 is particularly bright and motivated so is doing really well, DS2 is bright but needs a little push.

It does seem madness that they are relying on a computer programme to decide what the DC can do, but going on the experience we have had with DS1 in sixth form, his timetable hasn't been set in stone until mid September for the past 2 years, so there may be hope yet.

Boney

You may very well have valid points to raise. But to charge on to the thread being deliberately insulting and accusing me of not giving a shit about anyone else does, I'm afraid, mark you out as being someone not worth listening to.

Only an absolute fool would fail to see that, whatever the circumstances, failing to offer pupils the chance to all the sciences (which are ESSENTIAL for any science based career) is distinctly odd. That is why I raised it here, to ask others what they thought.

And, seriously, grow up a bit.

Boney, having worked in a school with a failing sixth form, I have seen how short sighted decisions to keep popular combinations leads to the loss of subjects such as physics and chemistry from the curriculum.

I have been the head of department who has watched staff and students leave the science department because it has become established that these subjects are lost.

So, no, I would protect certain essential combinations from the lunacy of 'the computer' because the long term health of the whole sixth form would otherwise be at risk.

Happily I now work in a state school which has a much saner approach to curriculum choices!

And thanks to the rest of you for your comments.

I do accept that the school have a responsibility to all of their pupils and it's not as if my DS doesn't have any other options - I just thought this was a sufficiently strange situation that I wanted to see what others thought.

And it's not just affecting my DS. His friend is affected too - and if I'd gone there, I wouldn't have been able to do my options either, which were English & History.

Boney, am gobsmacked at your attitude.

Wanting to do 3 sciences is not exactly an out of the ordinary choice. Seems like the school are not up to much. OP I would send your son elsewhere if you can.

YANBU

Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology were my A levels (although

And yes, giving the school's position, I would enrole DS in the local college!

'Given'

To be fair biology is probably a bit of a waste of time especially if he wants todo physics. Even if he wants to do something biological at university biology a level isn't always essential (or even a good idea).

Maths physics and chemistry being essential is correct.

As the school loses core subjects, it will loose the more able scientific children and slowly but surely it will go on the slide acedemically.

And we wonder why private schools get more children into good universities...............

EllieArroway

I've not said that the school is offering sensible choices, but trying to change the schools timetable for next year by yourself will avail you nothing, they are after the money. The computer will have calculated the most profitable way of doing that.

If you are really serious about getting the timetable changed it will take a group of parents.

You have already stated that the school is not particulaly good academically and stealth boasted about your DS's prowess, if the only reason that he is staying at the school is to be with his mates then maybe just maybe its not a good enough reason to stay.

As for growing up --- I'm good thanks.

Interesting article here about the differences in A level choices between state and private schools.

www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jun/15/a-level-subjects-preferred-by-universities-by-private-school-and-comprehensive

I think I would be looking somewhere else for your DS OP as the school seems very shortsighted. DS would be stuffed with this weirdo choice of both English and History A levels.

Three sciences are not essential for a science career. Two sciences and maths is a completely standard combination for science degrees. I am a Head of Science, and I want the full range available. Many students find their Science preferences change at A level as well, so will pick all three and another subject, and drop one after AS.

The really bonkers thing at your DS's school is not being able to do maths and chemistry. All our A2 chemists do Maths.

And Biology is never a waste of time!!

You're right, Boney. What was I thinking, eh? Giving a shit about my son's future and being proud of him....tsk.

As for growing up --- I'm good thanks Nah.

Lego Interesting re: biology. I'll be speaking to head of science tomorrow, with DS, who is also the physics teacher. He might be able to give some guidance on all of this.

I find your posts really sad Boney. I know money is a factor but what about making sure you are offering combinations that will lead to degrees? Or is no one supposed to have any aspiration beyond A-level?

It reminds me of my school where in fifth year I couldn't do (Scottish) O level History. Was given permission to study it myself in the library, got an "A", only the next year to find that Higher History wasn't offered. Nor could I do it a a neighbouring school. It meant I didn't have enough Highers to get into my course of study, had to do another easier to get into subject for a year and then transfer after one year of uni...

Don't let your DS fall into that trap - go to the newspapers if necessary. Students from state schools failing to get into subjects like medicine etc is big news just now.

The only possible reasonable explanation for this is that it is a very small sixth form. Your child needs to go somewhere else.

TeWiSavesTheDay

But this is where we are, Its the same as when universities opened up to everyone, the "mickey mouse" degrees came in, and universities fought for the cash.

It is a sad state of affairs when money is the main factor in HE education but with pupils having to stay in education/training till 18 sixth forms/colleges will fight for the extra cash.

Unfortunately for the OP her son and others will miss out unless they vote with their feet.

It's worth remembering that there is a strong possibility that those particular blocks of subjects, may change a number of time between now and September. Remember, althuough students have to be in some form of education from September, it doesnt mean they have to been at their current school.

Once the dust as settled on these blocks, the school will likely look at them again and change them again. This time last year, DD wasn't able to do what she wanted to do. I think by the time the school had reached version 13, she was happy!

Certainly at my school, they couldn't have run Geography, as they had planned to in version. Come results day in August and induction day in September, they were only 3 students that wanted to do it. It just wasn't viable.

In short, speak to the school. Don't necessarily kick up a stink, but let them know your thoughts. I am reasonably certain, lots of students and parents will do the same and version 2 will be on it's way before you know it!

In the meantime, check out all the possible post 16 opportunties and apply for all of them!

He should look again at Philosophy, OP. Maybe he could talk to someone who teaches it and ask why he should study it. It goes very well with Maths as well as Physics and, if it's taught properly, will teach him to think until his brain fries!