A level choice help.

[ChickenFajitaAndNachos]

My son has decided to do English, History and ICT A levels. He has not decided on his 4th subject yet but does not want to do any of the subjects he did for GCSE. The main contenders are Sociology or Psychology. He got A's in English, History, ICT and Drama, Bs in double science, English language and RE and Cs in Maths, French and Geography in his GCSEs. Any thoughts on these choices? I am a Sociology graduate but am being careful not to his influence his choice of 4th subject. He has absolutely no idea what he wants to do after A levels.

Something that will mesh well with English and History? ICT will be good for a change from heavily essay based subjects, but doesn't really go that well with the other two. How about Economics or Philosophy and Ethics if he's unsure about Psychology or Sociology? My DB did English, History and Sociology years and years ago and said he didn't feel 'mature' enough to fully get sociology.

What about Economics? Ds did Sociology and loved it and I think it would go well with History and English. Does your school do Philosophy? Might that be another contender?

woops cross post but interesting its along the same lines

Thank you I will ask my DS to check out Philosophy and Economics. He is happy with his three other choices, I know ICT doesn't go that well with English and History but my DS does enjoy it so that's the main thing I think.
Good point about Sociology and maturity.

Spooky cross post!

Philosophy and Ethics is quite similar to RE, if that helps.

We just checked the prospectus and Philosophy isn't offered. R.E A level sounds interesting though so my DS is giving that one some thought.

Psychology seems to be the "buzz" subject at the moment, at DD's school and with wider circle of friends. I don't think many of the schools round here offer Sociology, although all do Psychology. I don't know if that is because Psychology is perceived to be the "better" subject, or is just more popular!

Would second Economics as a possible, although at DD's school this isn't encouraged if they don't have a B in maths. Maybe Business Studies?

I'd suggest Psychology as well. It's popular because it's interesting. I also think economics makes more sense when you're older/more mature so that might be a factor for your son

I asked him about Economics, Business Studies, Politics, Theatre Studies and Law and they were very firm nos. I think it will be RE or Sociology, essays and seem to be his strength going on his GCSE results.

Thank you for replying.

I was going to suggest Psychology too, possibly as slightly lighter on the essay writing, at AS anyway. Three full on essay writing subjects may be heavy going, even if that is his strength.

A C in Maths is not good for an Economics A level. Most schools would not recommend this as a serious option. Psychology and Sociology are ok with History and English but not as valuable as they are. ITC seems an odd choice with English and History. Drama would have been a good choice to go with English.

Milly my DS really doesn't want to do drama plus lots of the options offered are I think BTECs which are worth 2 A levels. So he couldn't drop it at the end of year 12 as would only be left with 2 A levels. He enjoys watching shows as a hobby but doesn't want to study it any further. He definitely doesn't want to do Economics.

Is Classics an option? My DS was also planning on taking English Lit, History, and ICT (plus Law) as AS levels. He's now decided to study Classical Civilisation instead of ICT, after really enjoying a taster class at his Sixth Form's induction day. A couple of his friends (also planning on English and History) did the same.

Oh his school doesn't offer that which is a shame. Do you know what your DS's friends picked as their 4th subject? It's tricky as my DS has no idea what he wants to do career wise. I'm not even if he will go to university as never been one of the really bright ones at school.

I'm trying to remember what other subjects DS's English and History friends are taking but can only think of Law, which your DS has said he's not interested in, and Photography which probably doesn't help at all.

Your DS's grades suggest he's strong in English and Humanities, so I don't see why he shouldn't do well at A levels and go on to University if that's what he wants.

As you're a Sociology graduate (so am I), you're in a strong position to know whether Sociology might be right for him. Does he have an interest in social issues? You could have a chat with him about what you loved about the subject and see whether he's interested or whether it leaves him cold.

Thank you Phaedra. He liked quite a bit of geography, not the physical geography but the population stuff and also most of RE. I'm just worried that I will influence his decision and he will hate it. I looked at the sociology syllabus and couldn't see much on gender issues as I don't think he would like that.
I'll chat to him tomorrow.