Year 12-13 AS levels and beyond

[HSMMaCM]

Following on from the preparing for AS levels thread.

Hopefully everyone is finishing off AS exams.

Just got back from Bristol.

Both DC loved it. Me and DH too.

DD is keen on Bristol (ex-bf-but-still-friends' first choice for this year) - must get her to book in for September!

We're just back from Leeds, the second time for me. DS really liked it and the course is perfect. Just need to crack in getting the grades now!

What talks did your DC go to Horse and Gypsy?

Journalism. We had a talk and a tour, mooched around the accommodatation and the very old library and ate hog roast in the sun. It was very pleasant apart from the 6.5 hour round trip!

Big thumbs from DS for psychology at Bristol. He spoke to one of the professors and is really keen. Plan B is now UWE for insurance even though it's Frenchay as he wants to live in Bristol.

bTM we went to History, Maths and Geog. Geog was brilliant and DS who hadn't really considered Geog seriously as a degree was very impressed with the talk, so I'm hoping that has started to help him decide on the subject.

We also checked out the sports facilities (again, impressive) and saw one block of accommodation which looked really good.

Finished off by walking to the city centre which has some lovely Victorian architecture. Lots of regeneration also going on.

1 of my DDs is hopefully starting at Leeds this September - I loved it too!

What is she wanting to study hell's?

Hmmm, I mean hells of course, damn phone...

Tilly is that a common RG group thing then? Thanks

nutty, I have no idea. Her subject is Maths (so I guess being good at it - ie grades - is pretty important!), but DH reckons it's in general. Given that all sixth forms train the students up on how to write them and what to include, I would expect they get the same sort of thing from everybody. So how does that help them choose?!

I haven't caught up with DD yet as we were out last night when she got back - will check later on what talks she went to.

Friends DS went to Bristol yesterday and really liked it. We know Bristol quite well - it's a great city.

bTM, if your DD went to the Maths talk yesterday I'd be interested to hear what she thought. Both DH (who has a Maths degree) and DS were not that impressed, although with DS it's more a case of not liking Further Maths and feeling that the majority of Maths degrees will require FM.

DH said it wasn't an inspiring talk; I was present but am not sure how a Maths talk could be inspiring, lol!

Definitely NOT Maths, Horse DD is still not up though!

My friend has got 2 boys studying Maths - one at Liverpool and one at Durham, apparently although the content is very similar, the teaching approaches/ethos is very different, so definitely worth looking round to find somewhere he feels comfortable.

bigTilly - what does your friend's son think of the course at Liverpool?

DD2 had an interview for her course at Leeds (STEM subject) and they asked about several things on her personal statement. They also matched her with an interviewer that specialised in 1 of the things that DD had talked about on her PS (so it's a good job she didn't fib!)

DS1 was asked about some things on his PS, at a couple of his interviews but it was mainly because he'd done a lovely work experience which piqued their interest!

DS has been told that he will be expected to discuss his PS during a telephone interview for Leeds.

Gosh, it sounds like they are pretty important then!

DD went to talks on a combination of Economics, Sociology, Social Policy and, erm maybe some others! She is knackered and grumpy but liked both Mancs amd Leeds.

We are making progress but so many decision! DS has decided he would like to go to uni and that he wants to study maths. Now he has to decide between the 3 year BSc or 4 year MMSci (or MMaths) and neither of us have any idea.

Does anyone know of any particular reasons for choosing the masters over the other? I am not sure if there are financial implications. It appeared at Bristol yesterday that you can swop from one to another but the student we spoke to suggested applying for the Masters course and then changing to the degree course may be easier. Same entry qualifications for both.

Thanks

Hi Laser. We were told whether you apply for the degree or masters, you can switch between them and the university can move you to the Bsc if you don't achieve high enough marks during your studies. But finance wise, it is better to apply for the Masters as you will then have secured funding for the full 4 years I you need it - it is easier then to adjust it to 3 years for the Bsc.

Apologies, this is rather off topic but it is funny when your offspring sends you photos of her spag Bol being concocted and tells you about her weekly food shop !

SugarPlum Glad she has been shopping and is making good wholesome food!

My friends son started on the 3 year at Liverpool and upgraded at the end of last year I think - now in year 3 of 4 years I think. No idea of financial implications!

Sugar - in contrast DD showed me where she's going to shop for ready meals while I go away later in the year. She's more than capable of cooking for herself.

My niece said she wished she'd signed up for the masters programme rather than adding it on later.

Does anyone know whether the DC are generally expected to do any academic work in the summer holidays between AS and A2?
(just trying to plan)
DD doesn't yet know whether she will want, or be allowed, to continue her Spanish to A2.

I think it may vary by subject TeenAndTween - ds has a project to work in for Computer Science and is planning to do some STEP paper practice. He isn't doing an EPQ but his friends who are will be spending a fair bit of the summer on it.