A-level biology with a grade 6 or Applied Science BTEC instead

[PoorPenguin]

DD wanted to do A-level biology but has just got a 6. School have suggested she does Applied Science BTEC but she really doesn't want to do physics and chemistry.

Has anyone's DC been in the same situation and it turned out OK? She wants to go into neuroscience.

Have you looked at neuroscience degrees and what the required A levels are? And if the applied btec was suitable (i suspect it is)
Id be surprised if she didnt need a second science if Alevels were taken. What was she hoping to take with Bio?

Thanks, yes, some universities accept applied science and this is what we were told by the school this morning.

She wants to do pscyhology and art A-levels as well.

I suppose it's just the fact that she really doesn't want to do physics and chemistry, although I think there's chemistry in biology anyway...

@PoorPenguin There is a BTEC in Applied Human Biology, but I guess the school doesn't offer it?

@SoftIce no, unfortunately not.

School have said she might be able to do a trial in the A level and see how it goes. She only just missed a 7.

DD found biology very content heavy but not complex. She got a 9 and then an A at A level, with a tutor for yr 13 to go over the topics in more detail where she felt school had - understandably - rushed through.

if you can supplement with tutoring and she really wants to go it she could start and drop if it's too much?

is it worth a remark to see if she actually got a 7?

If she wants to do it then go for it. Biology is tough to get high marks in but it’s a great subject.

A lot can happen between GCSEs and A Levels. Her GCSE results are just one data point in the decision making.

My dd also wanted to do biology but only got a 6 and school insist on 7s in all continuing subjects. She’s decided on a fully essay based selection now. That said there is a LOT of chemistry in biology so the BTEC actually may be not be quite so different.

Thanks all. She was 6 marks away from a 7, so I'm not sure if a remark would change anything.

She's actually decided to go with the BTEC as she was worried about how difficult the A level would be. I think the structure of the BTEC will suit her better and then she only has psychology to revise for at the end.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts!

I know very little about BTEC, is it equivalent to 2 alevels? Same ucas points? All coursework based or exams?

My DD didn’t get 7 so is doing v simiiar. Psychology AppSc and prob Chem

As far as I can see everyone excepts it as an A level. You can do level 1 or 3 (worth 3 A levels)

Head of 6th here. I’d put her on the bio A Level - If she’s got a strong work ethic. I’d also get her Uplearn for bio - great online study resource and get her to use this to pre learn content before lessons and review after lessons. Past papers and questions early doors. Tell the school you will do this and see if it will reassure them about her readiness for the course.

@DangoDays my DD had to get 667 to get onto two A stem subjects. Missed a 7
Everywhere is saying no