A level choice dilemma

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DS is really struggling with his A level choices. He's basically come down to 2 options:-

1. Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Economics, or
2. Maths, Physics, German, Economics.

Trouble is he doesn't have a clue about future career options nor his uni/degree choices.

He'd like to do German because he enjoys it and he regards it as his "fun" subject to give some light relief against the others which he'll find more demanding. But, if he does German, it's 4 separate subjects, so he'll have few free periods and 4 lots of homework/revision.

If he does Further Maths, it's effectively 3 separate subjects as they do A level Maths in L6 and then Further Maths in U6, so lots more free periods and only 3 lots of homework/revision. He's been looking at Maths degrees and the better Uni's seem to expect Further Maths.

Other than tossing a coin, anyone got any advice? I think it's a head versus heart argument. Logically, he knows Further Maths is the option he should choose to keep options open for Uni, but in his heart, he loves German and likes his fellow class mates and teacher. (Yes, I know 4 is unnecessary anyway, but he's been given the option and wants to take it!).

Drop economics?

Does he have to choose now? Can he start with 4 then drop either German or Further maths for U6?

Has he considered looking at universities in Germany?

Double maths, physics and German.

You don't need economics for anything I think?

Double maths, physics and German.

That's what he wanted to do, but it turns out Further Maths and German are in the same timetable block so not possible.

Can he start with 4 then drop either German or Further maths for U6?

Timetable blocks mean he can't do Further Maths and German - they're in the same block.

Personally, I suspect he'll drop German anyway for U6 if the workload becomes too much, but then he's lost his chance to change to Further Maths as he won't have finished his A level Maths syllabus (it runs a lot slower as a 2 year course whereas if he does FM, the A level normal Maths is accelerated to take the exam at end of L6).

Oh, that's a really tough one then.

Further Maths will be more useful degree-wise, I guess, whether he goes the maths, physical sciences, or economics route. And German easier than FM to practise and pursue out of school. But can really see his dilemma

If he wants to do economics as a degree he just needs maths a level so it leaves it open for him.

Fewer and fewer people are taking languages . Even at top unis offering economics such as ucl and lse there are lower grade boundaries for hojnt honours Economics and German.

However, depending on which uni he wants some do prefer FM as well as Maths for their economics degrees.

*joint not hojnt