English, History and PE A levels, potentially for Oxbridge

[Drangea]

DS is considering the above combination. Aiming to read English or History. Teachers are recommending he applies to Oxbridge. High achieving kid at a super selective boys grammar that send lots to Oxbridge to give context.
We have not discussed with teachers yet, wanted to get a feel first.
Thanks in advance
(also posted in further education, but was advised to move to here)

Because many of the students didn’t realise it related to an English course. Most students who take drama want to go into performing arts or teaching.

I’m talking about the majority in the class who did English that she taught, not the whole uni!

Anthropology A level doesn't exist BTW.

Also, not true. English and drama is an extremely common subject combination.

I think you may be assuming the average student shares your level of intelligence, here.

In her class Sarah. Keep up.

😂

I have been making admissions decisions at Oxford for PPE (mainly) and also History + Economics for many years. If a student was taking History, English and PE A-levels, had high GCSES, was predicted the required A-level grades, and did sufficiently well on the required test and the interviews, then we would be very happy to make them an offer. 3 A-levels is fine. PE is OK. I would just only say that it perhaps wouldn't prepare him for the course as well as other subjects, but it would NOT rule him out, at all.

And the poster who says most Oxford students have 5 or more A-levels is talking absolute nonsense. It's more likely for those taking Maths and Further Maths. For those not taking Maths it is really quite rare to have more than 4 and plenty have 3. I could seek at some data possibly...

Are you hallucinating? Very very few Oxbridge students drop out after starting. There are no clearing places offered at Oxford.

My point sailed right over your head, didn't it?

I was doubting that students of average intelligence would struggle to understand that English and drama might be related. I know you struggle, but that is a rather different matter.

These mythical students, in your sister's 'class,' would be woefully dim indeed, if they couldn't crack that particular link, with their collections of 5 and 6 A Levels.

Incidentally - and I'm sure no one cares, but hey ho: Cambridge English does teach students in classes, on occasion. You might teach something like the translation element of Part I, English 1300-1550 in a class. But on the whole, Cambridge teaches in lectures or supervisions. It could be what you mean is that your (fictional?) sister has a cohort of undergrads at the college she's attached to. But that would not be a 'class'. If her whole teaching experience is of a 'class' of students, she's a very peculiar lecturer.

We need a 'crying with laughter' emoticon. I keep reaching for it on this thread.

In 2024 Cambridge admitted 182 first year students to study English.
In 2024 185 people sat 5 or more A levels.
It therefore remains (very) unlikely that the majority of Cambridge English students have 5+ A levels (even of those who sat A levels of course...other qualifications are available.) If your sister had an unrepresentatively high number of those 185 students in her class - that would be unusual, but not impossible - it does not mean that 5-6 A levels are needed to study English at Cambridge. You don't need a statistics degree from anywhere to understand that surely?

Giddy - sorry but you are talking complete nonsense!!

I'm loving this. Between 7500 - 8500 undergrads started at Oxford & Cambridge in 2024. Only 185 students sat 5 or more A levels in England in 2024. However the vast majority of them must have taken English to be to participate in an English class taught by Ruby's sister. I'm intrigued as to why this mythical sister would be discussing the A level results of a fantasy class with you anyway.

Either swap out PE or do it as a 'fun 4th' A level, along with 3 rigours academic subjects. A language?

Is it normal to start thinking about Oxbridge before you’ve even started your A levels?!

I think it’s slightly hilarious to consider being “set on Oxford” before you even have your GCSE results.

On the other hand I think PE, English and history is a lovely combination. Dh did PE and said it was the best A level he took. He went on to do PE as part of a joint honours degree at Loughborough and has had a successful career (in business).

If your dc is serious about Oxbridge he could bolster the application with a seriously good EPQ in history. And maybe something extra curricular to show off, like a spare-time GCSE in a foreign language.

Or even better, get him to take up rowing! That might be persuasive assuming he’s good at it, at the right college eg Teddy Hall at Oxford

For avoidance of doubt, Oxford tutors do not take sporting activities into account when making undergraduate admissions decisions. This is not part of the admissions criteria for any subject.

(I have over 20 years of experience making these decisions, attending committees that make admissions policy, and talking to many colleagues in many subjects about their own admissions decisions)

I think I can feel the exact expression your face settled into when you typed that.

@SarahAndQuack

I should probably retreat really, but I hate to see complete disinformation spread on here. And I'm fairly careful not to say anything that I wouldn't be happy to say at an Open Day. Though I normally try to avoid asking parents if they are hallucinating!!

Now I'm cackling @SarahAndQuack 😁

Oxbridge do not ask for five A levels, and four usually means FM. OP you can look in The Student Room for subjects and grades for those who got offers.
It’s just one of five choices. If it’s the kind of teaching that appeals to your son why not give it a go. They will be just as interested in how he can demonstrate his passion for the course - supra curriculars, plus any entrance exams/submitted essays and of course the make or break interview. It’s not just grades. They seem quite open to two relevant subjects and a third less so. I’ve known students there with music, art, drama A levels.

Was it this ? I pictured this.

Attached (eventually I hope) screenshot from Oxford University's information for applicants wanting to study for an English degree.
English Lit A level, or English Lit&Lang A level are highly recommended. If you want to do History or the joint degree in History and English, then History A level is essential, plus English is highly recommended. Beyond that all A levels are acceptable with the single exception of General Studies.
PE will be absolutely fine.

You categorically do not need more than three A levels. The standard Humanities offer for everyone who gets an offer is AAA.
My D1 recently graduated from Oxford, she didn't know anyone (doing English and/or History) who had more than 3 A levels. Her flatmate, doing single hons English had Eng Lit, Art and Eng Lang A levels.

He should do A levels in the subjects he loves and can be confident of achieving an A in. Don't do Latin or a MFL unless you can get an A in it. D1 did History, EngLit and Spanish A levels. Having a facility for languages is an advantage, though I'd say German is more useful for Old English than Latin. But it's not essential.

I don't know what it is about Oxford threads that bring out these posters confidently stating that you need 5 A levels, or applications with PE or Art A levels will be thrown in the bin.

The Oxford University website has all the info you need, though of course it's absolutely worth talking to school and Oxford Admissions to discuss.

I think (hallucinations aside) you're absolutely in the right! It matters. It's rotten when people hear wrong information and conclude Oxbridge isn't for them (or university isn't for them, which happens too). I know the OP's son goes to what sounds like the sort of school that habitually channels students towards Oxbridge. But lots of people reading this won't be in that situation. And I know you know this far better than I do. But it's why I still want to reply.