Choosing college course/subjects

[Realisticparent]

Ds is in year 11. We've been looking at sixth forms and colleges. We've figured out that he'd like to take 3 A levels or a combination of BTEC/A-levels.

The local colleges offer a huge variety of subjects in my opinion, but he isn't interested in any of them. Although he's doing fine at school and is capable, in higher sets, he says everything is boring.

We've talked about all of the options, apprenticeships, T-levels, A levels. The apprenticeships and T levels are too limited and not in vocational areas that he wants to go into.

The only thing he vaguely enjoys is sports studies which he's going to take but I'm lost as to how to support him to choose other subjects.

I've suggested he picks things that he enjoys but that would be nothing 🤷‍♀️

If he's interested in sport, then options could be PE (but he will need to play a sport to a high level) or a sports and exercise science BTEC- that's a starting point.

If he wants to do sports science or similar at uni, then something biology related might support his application- this could be Biology A-level if he is capable, or the college may offer a BTEC like applied human biology, or even applied science as a single BTEC.

In terms of a third subject, something like psychology might fit quite well- as an A-level it's relatively accessible, and it overlaps nicely with some of the biology content. It's a new subject, so he can't say he doesn't like it, as he's not tried it.

Equally, if he thinks all his current subjects are boring, then why not consider two new subjects? At least then it gives him the option of trying something new, and helps him maybe find something that does interest him?

Does he have a career in mind? Could you work backwards from that?

I'd also suggest he puts something on the application forms for the sake of applying- if he changes his mind, it's likely they'll be able to accommodate him.

He says everything is boring?

What is he interested in in day to day life?
What are his skills / weaknesses.

(There are Outdoor Pursuits BTECs/T-Levels).

Thanks so much. So at the moment he's talking about being a physiotherapist. Although I'm not sure he's taken on board quite how much hard work it will be to get there.

So what you've suggested with biology is definitely along the lines of what he's thinking. The trouble is it's a means to an end to him. I've suggested psychology or sociology and he is open to this.

His main interest is football and everything about it. He plays for a team but it's definitely just a hobby.

He isn't really interested in much else.

He's took History & Geography as options as at the time he was enjoying them but now says they're boring. There are certain bits of it he really enjoys and has good knowledge of.

It's sad that he says everything is boring and it worries me a bit.

@Realisticparent Yes it’s somewhat immature isn’t it? Often life and school is what you make it. The Sport theme seems best. Has he ever thought how people get to do the jobs they do? Often school is a means to an end but it’s required. That’s where growing up comes in. I’d look at sport related qualifications and degrees (not Loughborough! It’s always suggested) and see what’s out there that he could possibly aspire to. However he has to move on from his boring teenage immaturity and start taking an interest in his own future. Unfortunately parents cannot do it for them.

If he knows he wants to be a physio work back from that. What are the qualifications he needs to get to uni. Those are the ones he needs to do.

If it is a combination that the local college doesn't do then look at other colleges.

My DD ended up doing that to get the ALevels she needed to get the uni and degree she wanted.

Iwas chatting to a trainer in my gym.

He had studied sports and psychology at uni then found it hard to find (regular) work, did some personal training, kids clubs, gym glasses etc and had now started a part time osteopathy degree (5 years part time).

@BabyStopCryin Theres a lot of sports scientists about and lots don’t get great jobs with Prem football clubs! Physio is probably better for employment. Plus there’s occupational therapy which might be of interest.