My DS is now in Year 11. He is pretty clear that he would like to go to university, but really isn't sure what subject he will want to study. When I ask him what subjects interest him, he says he tends to get interested in whatever he is doing. I think that's a reasonably truthful answer. When he chose his GCSE options in Year 9 there were no subjects that he actively wanted to drop, it was more a case of having to prioritise because it was impossible to continue with everything. For GCSE he opted for triple science, French, German and drama. Maths, English and RE were compulsory.
At my DS's school, his year group will be asked to choose 3 subjects at A level. DS would be up for doing German at A level. That is probably his best subject relative to his peers, ie he consistently comes top in German, and I have no doubt that he would be capable of doing it at A level. He is also similarly capable at French, but has shown less enthusiasm about taking that on to A level. Whilst DS enjoys learning languages, he is not at all into reading novels for pleasure, so I don't think a "traditional" degree in a MFL would suit him. Other subjects he has considered for A level are maths, physics and chemistry. At the last parents' evening, the teachers in all these subjects were of the view that DS would be A level material in these subjects. DS is good at these subjects, but not the top student. He never comes top at maths, but (in a decent comprehensive) is consistently in the top half of the top set, sometimes but not always in the top 10. Similar in physics and chemistry, though he would on average come closer to the top in those subjects than in maths.
I have been inclined to advise DS that doing some kind of science degree would probably be the best option, on the grounds that in a competitive jobs market, a science degree equips you both for jobs that specifically require a degree in that subject and those that just require a degree. But I don't know whether the right advice is that if he wants to go down the science route at a good university, it is best for all 3 A levels to be in maths and/or science subjects, ie no room on the timetable for German. I have a vague memory of reading that if you are doing A level physics, you really need to do A level maths too in order to cope with the maths in physics A level. Would welcome views on whether that is true, and whether the same also holds true for chemistry.
I would also welcome views on what advice you would give to an A level student about choosing a science-based degree. I dropped maths and science after O levels, so do not feel at all well equipped to advise. I know there will be posters thinking that my DS needs to make all these choices for himself. I agree, but he is pretty unsure what to do for the best and would welcome some advice. Any thoughts on A level choices and ultimate degree choices welcome!