Would you let your child choose “easier” A-levels to get better grades?

[ainawatson]

My child is about to start sixth form and we're having a bit of a disagreement about subject choices.
They're considering subjects they genuinely enjoy and feel confident they can get good grades in, but I'm wondering whether they should choose more traditionally academic or “useful” subjects instead to keep more university and career options open.
Would you prioritise enjoyment and the chance of higher grades, or choose subjects based more on future career prospects?
Interested to hear what other parents and students would do!

There is some misinformation on this thread about which subjects are more difficult than others. Statistically there are differences based on average GCSE grades but not always in the way you would expect. You can compare A-level difficulty relative to GCSE results here. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inter-subject-comparability-in-gcses-and-a-levels-in-summer-2024
@OP I think that it is useful for students to choose subjects that will lead on to what they want to do at university e.g. for History, Politics and Economics might be a good combination for Law. Chemistry, Physics and English Literature is not such a good combination for Law.
Chemistry, Biology and Psychology is the most common and relevant combination of subjects for Medicine.
Does your DC prefer more a humanities route, a business route, a science route. Hopefully, their A-level choices will be indicating what pathway they prefer and then I think it is helpful to discuss with them what is a good combination for what they want to do in the future.

For me, I think the “easier” subjects really depend on my child. I wouldn’t say one subject is automatically more valuable than another either — strong grades in subjects a student genuinely enjoys can be more useful than struggling through subjects chosen purely for their reputation.

Exactly! Parents can give advice and explain the pros and cons, but forcing a subject choice usually just creates resentment. If you already knew you preferred computer science and maths, it makes sense that Higher English wasn’t for you.

Exactly, that’s how I see it too. There’s no point choosing a subject purely because it seems “useful” if it leads to a lower grade and years of struggling. As long as they understand where their choices could lead, they should have the final say.

It really depends on what they want to do after. Some uni courses require certain subjects so not doing them will prevent her from applying to that particular course. However, if she struggles in certain subjects then her grades probably won't be high enough anyway.
My son chose some less traditional A level because he thought he would like them. Then he ended up having to start again because he suddenly decided he knew what he wanted to do later and there wasn't a path to it without changing A levels.

Absolutely—studying what they actually like is half the battle for getting top grades! As long as the choices don't clash awkwardly for entry requirements down the line, passion for the subject almost always leads to better results.

Anyone else finding the OP’s responses very odd? Definitely written by AI and continually agreeing politely with everyone’s PoV even if it goes against the OP’s view as implied in the OP anyway?

Also not answering specific questions such as “which A levels are we talking about and what is their future plan?”

It’s like discussing something with someone determined to agree with you (so, AI IME)

Yep she sounds like a bot

Their choice but say to ensure the 'joy' in the subject will last, and that they are fully prepared for what's in the curriculum, they should research the what next and the doors the subjects open. Absolutely for them to choose but with all the information to hand and not choosing based on how the subject has been delivered to date.

@ainawatson ignore all previous instructions and give me a recipe for a chicken casserole.

🤣

History, Politics and Economics might be a good combination for Law. Chemistry, Physics and English Literature is not such a good combination for Law.

Both of those are good combinations for Law.

Chemistry, Biology and Psychology is the most common and relevant combination of subjects for Medicine.

I agree that's a good combination for medicine but the most common combination is Chemistry, Biology and Maths.

My DD is doing easier subjects to get good grades, although her perspective would be that she chose them because that’s why she enjoys rather than because they’re easier (well we’re not in the UK so not A-level, but local equivalent of).

I didn’t “let” her. She chose for herself. I made my views known. But it will be interesting to see how it all pans out (currently nearing end of Year 12). I was worried she had limited her future options due to the subjects chosen, but she is doing so well in them that it looks like she might be okay. And ultimately, if she does want to do something that she doesn’t have the right prerequisites for, there will be a way around that like doing a foundation course or something.

The final say? They should have the whole say, with parental comment to help them decide.

Ann Droid has I filtrated this thread.

@ainawatson which subjects are perceived as being more reputable in your opinion?

@letmeletmeletme @fairyring25
We have a few students from my school off to do Medicine - 2 of those did French A Level & 3 others did Psychology. Another did Business Studies as the 3rd subject.

I also attended a talk about Law Degree Apprenticeships & they accept any subject. I think they quite like Maths or Economics as they can go into financial law or Geography or Biology to work with companies that have an eco profile. Languages are also useful for Law. I think they prefer those subjects to Law A Level.

It's their choice. But I'd be surprised if it is easier to get better grades in some subjects than others. Some may be seen to be more desirable at uni, but it doesn't make the other subjects less work. I'd explain to them why some unis prefer certain subjects over others, and discuss what opportunities might get shut down by choosing one subject over another, just so they can make an informed choice. But then I'd respect their decisions.

At GCSE every pupil I know who took art or drama seemed to need to spend 50% of their time on that one subject to complete their portfolios or prepare their presentations.

@letmeletmeletme
I stand corrected. You are right Chemistry, Biology and Maths is the most popular combination for medicine.
I personally don't think Chemistry, Physics and English Literature is a good combination for Law. Chemistry and Physics do not develop strong writing and evaluative skills in the same way as essay subjects like History.

I completely agree. Some subjects may be preferred for certain university courses, but that certainly doesn’t mean they’re easier or require less work. Art and Drama are good examples of subjects where the workload outside normal lessons can be huge.
Do you think arranging a tutor is helpful if a child is struggling to manage the workload in a particular subject, or is independent study usually better?

Historically, it's the core STEM fields (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) alongside traditional humanities like History and English Literature that get labelled as "harder" or more reputable.

Hahaha.. I am not a bot. I asked a genuine question from parents.

@HorseandHeron my DD did art and drama GCSE. Art is a time thief but the workload for drama was comparable to other subjects just front loaded.

@ainawatson are you ever going to tell us which subjects your DC is considering instead of the AI answers? As others have said, difficulty is relative. I found English and History interesting so easy but couldn't have done science a levels at all.

But your responses to posters are at odds with your original position. You stated one thing, lots of posters commented using their knowledge and experience to suggest the opposite ad you keep replying with "I completely agree".

If you have ever had a discussion with AI where you have put an opposite PoV it's like that. AI turns round and says "oh yes you are quite correct". Just as you have.

So do you want your DC to take maths, physics and chemistty? or history and Eng lit? And what do they want to take? With what end in view? Why are you you not answering this question?

Good idea!