A level choices

[sassymuffin]

DS is in year 11 and has to decide on his A level choices. Last time I went through this process with DD it was different due to AS structure and their was more scope to choose more subjects (up to 5 choices with 4 carried on to A2). DS will be allowed to take 3 which I think is pretty standard.

At his sixth form information evening last night it was announced that universities will now look more closely at GCSE results due to not having AS results anymore. Although it is an obvious conclusion it seemed to panic a lot of the students.

DS is really stuck between the sciences and arts which makes his choices a bit harder. Also the school is banging on about the infamous "facilitating subjects" and how students should take at least two of these to ensure a good uni options.

Considering that they are the first year to do the new complete GCSE syllabus DS is feeling quite pressurised. I just wondered how other DC's are finding this year and A level choices?

sassymuffin at DD4's current school the standard offer is three A2s plus the EPQ. DD had the form to fill in last night and on it there was the caveat that students could opt for four A2s with no EPQ and that's what DD has gone for. Three is all the school has talked about so far so seeing four as an option surprised us. She has no subject decided on for uni - possibly MFL, possibly History, possibly English, possibly Law, possibly Classics. So she's put down History, English, Chemistry and French. That's got her off the hook - is four an option for your DS so that he can spread his favours?

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about the GCSE results. If they've got a sufficient grade to enable them to do an A level (it's been noticed around here the grade requirement is slowly going up in subjects), then they are already a certain standard and then the main thing after that is to pass their A levels.

My daughter chose to take geography, music and RE just because she enjoyed them and was passionate about doing them, but I was to say I was a little worried at the time. None of gel together and none are facilitating subjects. She's now considering geography and music degrees and there's plenty of choice (even though some may think she's restricted herself).

It sounds like it's still a case of keeping his options open, so I'd suggest he does a mix of what he enjoys.

At his sixth form information evening last night it was announced that universities will now look more closely at GCSE results due to not having AS results anymore

They won't you know! For the vast vast vast majority of courses if your predicted grades are in the right ball park you'll get an offer. Same as always. Those very few that used GCSEs as a sift will continue to do so, but no-one will be newly introducing a GCSE sift. what would be the point - we have A Level predictions to offer against.

Facilitating subjects means you have to do that subject at A level to do the same at degree level. Not that they're extra specially looked upon. So don't get too hung up on making sure 2 facilitating subjects are taken. French and Spanish maybe on the facilitating list but no use if you decide to do a Chemistry degree. And remember there are far more degrees that don't require specific A levels than there are that do.

DS's school are saying choose between:
3 A levels (or Pre Us) and an EPQ
4 A levels (or Pre Us) with an option to drop down to 3 in Year 13

DS is looking at History, English, Philosophy + Politics. I keep saying 'That's a lot of writing, you know...'

In fact some universities are declaring that they are weighting GCSE passes. So it is true what the school says. It is best to look at individual courses and universities and also the profile of the students who go there. These are typically popular, sought after universities which have oversubscribed courses. It really depends if you are aiming for a top course or one that is finding it difficult to put bums on seats.

Geography is a facilitating subject and no-one can do a music degree without music A level. I would expect most Geography degrees to expect candidates to have Geography A level.

Thanks for your replies

Full breakdown of Sixth form options are:

3 x A2's with exceptionally able students individually considered for 4 A2's

All to do 1 of the following:
EPQ
Cambridge Pre U Global Perspectives
Cambridge Thinking Skills

All to do 2 of the following Enrichment activities:
Driver awareness training

Film Making
D of E silver/gold

Peer Support
Competitive Sports

Peer Tutoring
Music Ensemble Performance

Leadership Course
Drama Production

Community Service
First Aid

Volunteering
School Radio

All to do 3 MOOC's in year 12 - These are "Massive Online Open Courses" offered by various universities. The courses can be 4/6 weeks long with 3/4 hours study per week.