School Head of Dept getting involved in daughter’s A level choices

[W0tnow]

We moved to Spain several years ago, in part because we wanted our children to learn another language. My oldest daughter has picked it up very well. She recently did her GCSEs and did brilliantly. One A, and the rest A*. (She goes to a British international school) She plans to study in the UK.

She wants to pursue a career in science. Biology is her passion. She is choosing Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Spanish for A levels. Or she was.

She was taken aside by the head of STEM yesterday and advised that if she wanted to get into a top tier UK university, she should drop Spanish and take up further maths as she will be looked on more favourably. All of the courses she is interested in require biology, and one other science or math - which she obviously has covered.

Im really annoyed that he spoke to her, she’s convinced he is right, but it just doesn’t sound right to me. We’re Australian and know very little about the UK system. We moved here so the kids could learn the language! She received a 95%ile result for Spanish and he’s convinced her she should give it up! There is also the issue (in my mind) that he has convinced her to narrow her focus. Surely if anything, universities look favourably on students with a broader outlook/ background?

HOWEVER, my experience is that, in reality, having FM is actually important and will make a difference to her application.

I would love to see the specific evidence on which you’re basing this assertion.

You don't need FM for a biology degree.

Had a really helpful meeting with the university coordinator. Spanish, in. FM out. He also had excellent advice around what to do during A levels that will demonstrate to potential universities her passion for Biology, which is where her enthusiasm lies. Not with maths.

@titchy you were bang on the money with this info. It’s exactly what the school university counsellor said.

Good outcome!