A level choices, History, Art, RS and Biology a good mix?

[Chumhum]

Dd has to apply to the sixth form at her school by the end of term and after attending an information evening these are the A levels she'd like to do. Art and History were absolute, there were a few options in her mind for the other two slots and based partly on how much she enjoys a subject and how interesting they sounded on the information evening she chose the other two.

She isn't complete sure what she wants to do in the long term, at the moment it's likely she'll do an art degree but we all feel that she should give herself options if she changes her mind in the next couple of years. She's predicted A stars across the board at GCSE so is a bright girl. She's our oldest so we've not been through this except for our own A levels donkeys years ago so I'd appreciate any views.

A single science without maths isn't going to be very powerful when applying to university.

Lots of courses require maths A-level.

Bonsoir it depends what you want to do. For many courses an excellent grade is required in the subject most relevant to the one you are choosing plus really good grades in two other A levels. Ie for many arts courses it's the grades rather than the subjects that count, although it's probably a good idea to do at least two facilitating subjects. Eg Law has no specific A level subject requirements. Also there is a large gap, particularly for maths, between the ability required for GCSE and A level. Sometimes even those with A* at GCSE can struggle to get a good grade at A level. It's not an A level to be chosen lightly.

I agree that GCSE Maths is pants!

I have recently had my eyes opened to SATS maths Level 5 and that is pants too!

i was going to suggest philosophy
what about english lang or lit
or sociology

I would not take A level maths without doing additional/further maths at GCSE.

GCSE maths alone does not bridge the gap between A levels and GCSE

Loads of kids successfully do A-level maths without further/additional GCSE. Yes there is a big jump, but schools are aware of this and emphasise the algebra, give prep work for over the summer etc.

Lots of children do A level maths without doing FM you are right.

Personally I think its better to do FM as it covers most of the first terms work which makes life easier also if a child finds FM too hard they will probably struggle at AS level.

For all those suggesting Philosophy, isn't RS really Philosophy at A level? It is at DD's school.
Maths or English Lit, instead of Bio would probably leave more doors open.

Incidentally, my nephew is studying biology at a top 10 uni (for that subject). He studied A levels in history, English and biology. Maths is not his strong point but got a B at GSCE after lots of tutoring. He stayed at college an extra year, to do A level Chemistry - on people's advice when he decided that he wanted to further study biology at uni. However, he has realised since starting uni that a lot of people only have A level biology and neither A level chemistry or maths.

Unless she wants to do a specific very competitive course don't worry too much about university entry - the next 6 years show a dip in the population for 18 year olds and universities are no longer capped for numbers - it's going to be much easier to get on a course you want if you have the grades.

I thought there was a baby boom from 2000 not a dip ?

There is a boom coming, but the effects of it on the 18 year old population don't start to show until 2019 or so, so anyone applying to university in the next 2-3 years (especially with the number cap gone) faces a relatively easy ride, depending on what they want to do, and as long as they show the required level of aptitude. Universities across the board are spending lots of money into marketing as it's going to be SO competitive as the pool of candidates is smaller.