AL choices - Help us narrow this down please

[TomatoXtra]

Hopefully I’ve put this in the right section. Just looking for a bit of advice on the subjects, good combinations and anything else relevant that I haven’t thought about.

Looking at a chemistry degree or something chemistry related. Fascinated with the chemistry of fireworks, volcanoes and generally anything that blows up or explodes.

Originally wanted to take
Chemistry, maths, geography and computer science.

But we have an option block clash
Spoke to school who advised picking one of geography and CS (the clash) and then doing another science. I’ve said to do what is most interesting as it’s going to be hard work and need to keep motivated.

Definitely taking

• Chemistry
• Maths

Then can’t decide between

• physics with astrophysics
• physics with engineering
• Computer science
• Geography
• Biology

Likes all of them, probably likes biology the least.

School have agreed on 4AL to start with and will monitor. Predicted 8/9s in 8 subjects and a 7 in English literature.

Have applied to all other 6th forms in the area which offer the original subjects. We’ve put forward the original 4 subject choices on the forms but no guarantees we will get a place or the combination (They don’t seem to do option blocks). Would prefer to stay at current school if possible though.

I’ve attached the blocks for current school but removed the irrelevant subjects.

Thanks 😊

Geography and Physics-Astrophysics would maybe fit well?

Keeps a lot of options open for him.

(Chemical engineering might be a good career path?)

Is straight physics available with the Chem and maths? This would give more options at degree as most/all physics type degrees would require physics.
Computer science degree will only require maths not CS at A Level.
If it’s a possibility I would start with chem maths physics geog.
In meantime research whether geog A level is required for degree. The chemistry might be enough.

I don't actually know anything about modern Physics A level.
Is it a case that they are both 'Physics' A level with the same common core modules, and they are just running two separate sets of optional modules?

I did Chem, Bio, Maths and Economics and it was really nice doing something 'non-sciency' so would definitely recommend Geography.

I studied Chemistry at Uni and there was some unexpected physics so the A-Level if he decides to do it would definitely be used later on.

Physics also goes really well with Maths, especially if he does the mechanics module.

Computer Science is another good option for career prospects in general, but not really needed for what he's aiming for I guess.

@TeenDivided its core modules then an option in year 13 (I’ve attached the AQA spec overview for you). School has decided to offer 2 options. Some schools only offer one so we are lucky to have the choice.

Quite a few votes for physics. That’s good. I think DS was leaning more towards that (just needs to decide which option). School have said that it doesn’t matter which physics option he does as universities just look at the fact he’s done physics. That said, they’ve also mentioned, they offer engineering because they get quite a lot taking physics because they want to go into engineering so it’s aimed at those people, the Astrophysics option is more for the physicists and scientists. Based on what he wants to do, they said either option would be fine.

Lots of votes for geography over CS as well. Good to know not doing CS won’t close any doors if he changes his mind and wants to go down that route.

Anyone know if there’s a big workload difference between CS and geography? I know there’s 2 exams for each with a project for CS and fieldwork for geography.

I know chemistry at degree, and sometimes in the workplace, requires a bit of coding now, but this is usually taught from scratch as not everyone has the skills, so I don’t think there will be any great loss not doing it at A Level. Compared to CS, I have a feeling geography would make the combination more rounded and offer the analytical essay kind of things to balance out the maths and science. Which is useful for university reports and essays. Is this a reasonable judgement?

Thank you for posting the spec, it was interesting.
I did A level Physics but neither of my DDs did/do A levels, so it is interesting to see.

@TomatoXtra, if your DS is taking Maths A-level and will, I am assuming, have taken GCSE CS, he will not have a problem with the coding within a Chemistry degree; that would not be a reason, of itself, to take CS A-level, even if your DS ultimately decided to take CS degree

Having said that, Geography A-level does not really keep many additional doors open. The reason to keep it on the selection would be to provide relief to an otherwise STEM-rich selection. Typically there are not essay questions as such in exams; but there are extended multi-mark questions and, if an NEA option sits within the syllabus, another opportunity for extended research and reporting.

Physics A-level is the one that keeps the most additional doors open but is a demanding A-level, so your DS needs to prepare himself for that. It would be a good companion to Chemistry and it might be that the Astro-variant is the one he might prefer given his general interests

Another vote for Physics, especially if the Maths syllabus includes mechanics as there is quite a bit of crossover. Some crossover with Chemistry too.

Further maths would keep top university doors open. I think C,P, M and FM is ideal. That gives numerous options including engineering.

We seem to have narrowed it down a bit. He’s had a good look at the specifications, had chat to his physics teacher and decided he prefers the Astrophysics option.

So we have

• Chemistry
• Maths
• Physics (Astrophysics)

Just the 4th one to decide on (all in the same block)

• Geography
• Computer Science
• Further Maths

@TizerorFizz. Half of me went, “Nooo! Not more subject suggestions” because we’re having enough of a struggle as it is, but Further Maths is a very reasonable and sensible suggestion. Its not something he’s mentioned, but I have suggested it to him. Thank you.

@PerpetualOptimist, thanks for your reasoning and knowledge on Geography and Computer Science. I have mentioned this to DS so he can have a think about it.

@TomatoXtra
F Maths should not be taken if school doesn’t recommend it but it’s a great choice to add to his STEM subjects.

Fair point. School haven’t said one way or the other about FM, although that could be to do with DS not having mentioned he’s interested in taking it before.

I’ll get him to ask.

No harm in asking.