A levels: Maths, Economics and....

[Goingdooolally]

Which third one?

He doesn’t like French or English. Is quite good at Chemistry but doesn’t like Physics or Biology. He likes History but doesn’t enjoy essay writing. Maybe Geography but he doesn’t seem that fussed.

Maths and Chemistry are his strongest subjects (targeting grade 8s) although he is doing Trilogy Science.

What do others do? He’s not sure what he wants to study but I’d say he might suit something Business/Economics/Maths related as he’s interested in the business field/how economies work.

Thanks!

Government and Politics?

Do they not offer Business?

Most subjects related to science at university require chemistry. It might be a good option to take to keep his choices open.

Yes they do offer Business. Also Psychology (although grades historically low but could be the cohort), Politics and Geology. He’s dyslexic and not keen on essay writing!

Further maths?

Further maths?

My dyslexic non-essay writing DS had an 8 for maths at gcse and is doing maths, further maths and physics (and enjoying them)

Only if he loves maths of course!

He was advised not to do both BS and Economics. Not quite sure why - too similar?

In previous years they’ve been allowed to do 4 until October half term then drop one to help them choose.

I did maths, further maths and economics

Maths, further maths, economics and chemistry?

He’s not even top set maths, I’m not sure about further maths. He’s always been pretty good but he’s in a very strong year group. He seems to be suddenly doing a lot better and got an 8 and a 9 in his most recent assessments (non calc and calc). He doesn’t like “wordy” questions.

Chemistry is very useful for many things too

Why is he doing trilogy (that is the new word for double, am I right? So not triple science?) if he is predicted 8s? With an 8 in Chemistry he should be able to do it at a-level

Check out university course requirements, eg, for doing business studies at, say, Bath, what a-levels do they ask for?

There are surprises so worth checking out

(For example I did not know FM was important for engineering degrees until we researched it)

Dd is doing maths, geography and psychology. She might want to do an economics degree but maths is the main requirement for that and geography seems to include some economics as well as other areas of interest. Chemistry is her reserve.

How about computer science? Or Law?

@MrsBennettsSecretSon

Chemistry is very useful for many things too

Why is he doing trilogy (that is the new word for double, am I right? So not triple science?) if he is predicted 8s? With an 8 in Chemistry he should be able to do it at a-level

Check out university course requirements, eg, for doing business studies at, say, Bath, what a-levels do they ask for?

There are surprises so worth checking out

(For example I did not know FM was important for engineering degrees until we researched it)

He was never really that into Science. He did the Trilogy so he could do Drama too. He’s just got better as time has gone on. He’s woeful at Biology so I think his Science grades will be quite weak unfortunately. His teacher said he was working at a 7 equivalent in his Chemistry.

Chemistry is a good one if he likes it. With maths and chemistry, you can do a very large variety of STEM degrees, inc things like medicine and civil engineering (it might limit your choice of uni if you don't have another science, but possible). With economics added to the mix (which btw has some essay writing, doesn't it??), you can do most social science degrees, PPE etc, as well - and of course businessy courses. So if he's undecided what he wants to do in life, Maths, Chemistry and Economics is quite a good, broad set. BUT if it's anything like schools around here, his school will likely try to push him into all science and maths, or maths/econ/politics (or maths/econ/Further Maths if he's brave enough).

I would suggest chemistry too, since it's his best subject and keeps the door open to most things science related

Maths, Economics and Chemistry would seem like a good combination. The not liking essays (my DS is the same) rules out a lot of things!

I didn't think that FM was particularly important for engineering degrees (back in the day you didn't even need a Maths A Level!) although it would potentially be a bonus.

Chemistry would be great if he enjoys it. Broader than doing further maths.
Geography is essay based, like history.

I’m laughing at the politics and law suggestions. He’s such a brilliant (manipulative 😱😁) negotiator, I’d always said he’d make a good politician or a lawyer!

School doesn’t offer law and he didn’t do CS GCSE.

Maybe chemistry is a good shout, shame he didn’t do the full gcse. Might need to get him up to speed on it in the summer.

The only concern would be if his Biology grade is likely to be woeful, is his combined science grade going to be good enough to study Chemistry A Level (though if he's staying at his current school, that may be less of a concern).

Mine’s doing maths, FM, economics and biology- seems a good combo.

If law not offered and he might like to be a solicitor, philosophy is ok for law school.

@hoodiemum

The school is very relaxed on subject choice. they even let my daughter do A level History with a 4 at GCSE.

No philosophy, it’s a small independent school. The usual traditional academic subjects plus Psychology, Geology, Economics, Business Studies, Theatre Studies and Politics.

My ds is going to do maths, further maths, economics and biology