A level dance for Physiotherapy at Degree?

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DD is doing GCSEs this summer and thinking at the moment of doing A’level PE and Biology as firm choices but struggling with the third choice. She’s interested in Physiotherapy or a sports science route at university which will need high grades. She’s predicted a high grade in GCSE dance and could get a high grade at Alevel so she’d like to do it but I’m unsure how it will be ‘viewed’ at application for a science based degree. Any idea? We’ve suggested Psychology or Sociology A-level maybe better but she didn’t like the lead teacher…she’s good at maths but lacks confidence to take further and the lack of girls doing physics would put her off unfortunately. (Frustratingly as maths & physics I think could be in her highest gcse grades).

An A level in dance is worth nothing in the job market or the academic market unless she wants to go to an arts school

I think I would also advise against taking both PE and Dance, I think choosing one of them would be fine.
Has she considered chemistry?

Thanks but she hates chemistry 😂we’d have more luck getting her to do physics I think but there’s still such a culture in her peer group against it I think which is bloomin annoying as she’d do well I think.

An A level in dance is worth nothing in the job market or the academic market unless she wants to go to an arts school

This is incorrect.

I am a medicine admissions tutor and have taken students with dance A-Level, as long as they met other subject requirements (two scientific/numerate subjects). Unless the entry requirements page for the course says an A-Level subject isn't accepted, it is.

See, for example, entry requirements for physiotherapy at Manchester:

Grades ABB at A-level, must include a biological science (Biology, Human Biology, Sports Science or Physical Education are acceptable).

A-level Reforms - From September 2015, applicants undertaking A-levels in England in Biology, Chemistry or Physics will be expected to pass the Science Practical assessment.

We do not accept Extended Project or A-level General Studies.

DDD in BTEC Extended Diploma in any of the following: Sport and Exercise Science, Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Health and Social Care (Health Studies), Health and Social Care (Health Sciences).

We do not accept the following:- Sport, Sports Therapy Sports Development, Coaching and Fitness, Performance & Excellence.

Please note that we do not accept Applied Science as a single BTEC Award as it does not contain sufficient Biological content for this course.

The only thing I would query is whether they accept biology and PE in combination, but as they don't state explicitly that they don't they would be on very shaky ground legally if they rejected someone on that basis.

I would also question why universities keep referring to A-Level human biology and general studies, neither of which exist any more.

Biology, Chemistry, maths, PE

physics would be good for forces topic.

Dance, no!

I probably wouldn’t do dance alongside PE, but dance itself is fine as an A level subject. I would say, however, that every young person I know who did physiotherapy at university had very traditional A levels -maths, chemistry, biology, or biology, chemistry, psychology- that sort of thing.

Thanks that’s useful insight, her Dance teacher wants her to do it but she was set on PE & Biology. We were trying to steer her into a maths/ science one as she’s good at these and it’s her choice of a physio career. I have looked at some university entry requirements and it just suggests Biology & PE plus high grades that’s the dilemma she’d get a high grade in Dance.

Will she not be doing 4 subjects in first year of 6th form? Or has everything changed again? I would suggest physics as a good science subject. What a pity there is still a lack of girls doing physics. Perhaps that is a problem with the school. She could do biology, physics, PE and dance in the first year and then review her choices.

Will she not be doing 4 subjects in first year of 6th form? Or has everything changed again?

Changed about 5-6 years ago. Most schools don't offer AS-Levels. AS-Levels are stand-alone qualifications that don't contribute to A-Levels. Most schools/college in England have 3 A-Levels over 2 years as standard. (Different in Wales.)

I'd be concerned that an injury could screw up 2 A levels if she does dance & PE.

Many schools still encourage students to take 4 A levels in year 12 (or 5 including Further Maths), with a view to dropping one before year 13.

@TeenDivided she does a competitive sport at high level so very fit and injury is always a risk anyway but worth considering thanks.
The school isn’t a great one so I don’t think there will be the option to do 4 A’Levels and with her sport commitment I don’t think there be time. We have an open evening soon so I’ll ask.

Another option which she hasn’t considered was the BTEC sport science one that we’ve just found out a different provider offers which could be an alternative.

Although my instinct says both dance & PE A level combo maybe limiting I’m not sure if that’s true. I would select 5-6 potential universities and email their physio admissions department (on behalf of your daughter is fine at this stage; later it needs to be her really) and ask them your query. They are the only ones who matter. If they all say it’s fine then it’s highly likely majority of other unis will be ok. If there’s a mix then a re-think could be in order. As a general rule you should choose subjects that’ll give you the best grade UNLESS it excludes you from your desired course.
I have seen one uni (for a Business Degree) saying dance (amongst others) not accepted. Can’t recall which uni annoyingly as I stumbled upon it, but remember as my middle one considering a business degree whilst youngest thinking about dance A level. Just made me think ‘wow’ youngest couldn’t do business at that uni. But it’s the only one I’ve come across - not physio though so not particularly relevant. I would absolutely be asking the universities. Admission departments are very good at responding and giving great info.

I would imagine that having biology would be vital for both physio & sports science. And to be fair dance & PE are much more relevant than geography or history etc which I bet is accepted. Please email the admissions departments.

I would disagree - the practical element of A level dance teaches team work, communication and problem solving - all highly valuable transferable skills. The exam tests student’s critical appreciation of choreographers and their works as well as understanding dance theory, history and cultural context. It is not an easy option! My daughter actually took it alongside PE and said dance was harder due the the amount of context they had to learn. Her A level PE coursework looked at the role of strength and conditioning on a dancer’s performance and the two subjects linked together very nicely. Has she considered a dance science degree?

Dancers need physio!!! Dance is not unrelated!

Plenty of grammars don’t start Dc on 4 A levels. Don’t worry about that! It’s best to take physics and maths. Not just physics. I too would contact physio departments and check if dance is ok. I don’t see why not!

Also PE and Biology tick the boxes. Plus these courses go into clearing. They are not very competitive. Many universities offer such courses so there’s lots of choice.

I disagree, physio is an extremely competitive degree. I’m a HCP manager. PE yes, Dance, maybe, together no. I’d be looking for someone who can string together words, understand science and has a very practical side to their character. I think maths/physics is really good to understand stats, research, forces on spine etc. I would want to see that the science and ability to articulate their knowledge. Not really dance about the department although I do get the observational elements hence PE or Dance but not both.

Courses go into clearing. They can also be accessed with CCC. Like lots of degrees, they are not all competitive.

Dance A level for physiotherapy is a must! The so called facilitating subjects don't exist anymore, it is normally 2 plus 1 they do very well in.
FYI my friend did dance A-level and got into Cambridge and is now a clinical psychologist!

Since when was physiotherapy not competitive?? I needed A grades for it back in the day! Its a very demanding degree.

Typical requirement seems to be about ABB

I think if she wants to do Dance that it sounds like a great clutch of subjects.

I would also question why universities keep referring to A-Level human biology and general studies, neither of which exist any more.

Mature applicants?

@NoNotHimTheOtherOne

I would also question why universities keep referring to A-Level human biology and general studies, neither of which exist any more.

Maybe for mature students who do have these