Classical civilisation or psychology A level?

[Ligresa]

Dd2 was planning Eng Lit, RS and Classical Civ A levels. She got a 9 in Lit, a 8 in RS and a disappointing 6 in Classical civ. She's now worried that she will struggle at A level. Looking at the past results, the school didn't get anyone beyond a B in Classical civ last year, but it would be the first year of Psychology so hard to know what the teaching will be like. She got 7s in double science and maths if that's relevant.

She's completely at sea and seems to have lost lots of confidence although she was only predicted a 7 so missed by one grade.

Any advice welcome!

What does she want to do in the future?

What other A level options are available? Is it class civ or psychology only?

Nothing she really wants to do!

Sorry as far as A levels. She wants to do English and something at uni

If she’s capable of a 9 in English lit she should be capable of the same in classical civ - they are very similar skills. How was she doing otherwise - do the school know why her grade was relatively low?

I’d do class civ as it’s interesting and good general knowledge.

Wouldn't history be the closer swop for classical civilisations?
Is the school bringing in a new teacher with experience of psychology A level teaching ? Can you look at the psychology results of their previous school?

I don't know anything about Class Civ but I suppose at least she knows the subject, Psychology is more of a risk as new. As a parent neither option grabs me.

Do you think the B maximum grade in A level reflects teaching or pupil ability? Is it a subject taken by less able? I've never come across it ..

Maybe look at some potential Uni courses and see what A levels they accept? With a 9 in English and 8 in RS your daughter is clearly very able. Would she consider a subject she likes less if it improved her chances of Uni offers?

What do school think she should do?

If she’s capable of a 9 in English lit she should be capable of the same in classical civ - they are very similar skills. How was she doing otherwise - do the school know why her grade was relatively low?
No and dd felt the exam went particularly well! We are going to get it back just to have a look.

The school are happy for her to go on with her original choices.

I wonder if it's her SPAG. Although she's able she is a poor speller.

Degrees she wants to do require an A in English lit and any two others. She also got an 8 in drama but really doesn't want to do A level.

If it was due to spelling surely she wouldn't get a 9 in English?

If school are happy for her to do CC and it's a suitable option for her potential Unis and she likes the subject then maybe go for it?

Maybe you'll get a happy outcome from a remark which will answer all questions - it certainly sounds like an odd result. Fingers crossed for you.

How did the class do in CC in general?

Class Civ A-level is lovely and there's almost certain to be a trip to Greece or Rome. Psychology is known for being one of those A-levels people drop out of because it is not what they thought boring.

My dd3 did CC for A level, having not done it at GCSE and absolutely loved it. It’s not considered a soft option and she’s now a Oxford.

I did both at A level and they were both very interesting. If she wants to do English at Uni then probably go for classics as that is also a study of literature in parts.

Yes, I did Class Civ and went on to do Classics at Oxford. They have a course for state school students who haven't studied classical languages beyond GCSE.

The third A level should be something she’s interested in. Drama goes exceptionally well with English and Cambridge accept it for English students. Why doesn’t she want to do Drama? The school appears to get good results in it!

Psychology seems a bit of a risk to me. CC is a great subject. However be honest about likely A level grade achievable. What about a MFL instead? Again a solid academic subject, as indeed is History or Politics if available.

Classical Civilisation will be much more useful for an English degree, and more highly regarded than Psychology if she is targeting a highly-ranked university.

What degree does she want to do?

If she looks on SACU, she'll be able to see the A Level subjects students gained places with.

She has a facilitating subject, and two essay based subjects. It could be a good idea to chose a third subject which demonstrates a different skills set?

Would she have the same teachers at A level as GCSE? What is their track record in terms of results? Is her slightly lower (but still good!) grade something to do with the teaching? If so, that is a consideration. However, if she loves the subject and she clearly has the ability and work ethic to get top grades, she should follow her interests. My opinion is classical civilisation would make her stand out more than psychology.

Thanks all. She now thinks she might do Textiles 😐 I suppose it will show a breadth of skill sets!