Maths , Economics & Theatre Studies A levels???

[doorornottodoor]

DS has said he’s thinking about TS as his third A level. His strongest subject is Maths and he should get an 8 at GCSE. He’s dyslexic and English has been a struggle. He’s enjoyed drama but isn’t really a “drama” person although he enjoys film, Netflix , Anime.

I’ve no idea how he did in his drama GCSE. I have emailed his teacher to ask her views.

He doesn’t know what he wants to do at University but is quite entrepreneurial and interested in economies/finance. I’m a bit concerned he’s choosing it as it’s not all exam and will be a change from the others.

@clary I think the key phrase is "where offered". If your college or sixth form doesn't offer it then you can explain it that way. We have a student going to Warwick in September without FM. However their website makes this look impossible! Contextual offers may have come into play here though.

Economics is generally regarded as tricky by those without good maths skills. If he’s doing maths I don’t think economics would be problematic for him and it’s a much better subject than business studies for his cv.

I personally think drama will be difficult for him if he’s going to struggle to scrape a 6 in English. How will he deal with the essays?

OP
Please don't try and coerce your child into taking subjects that are 'safe'

If he doesn't enjoy them, it's more likely he'll do poorly.
Taking traditional/ difficult subjects are favoured by some universities, but those universities require top grades.
It is much, much better to excel in what is perceived as a softer subject, than fail at a traditional/ safe subject.
Not only will that failure ( or lower grades) stop them from progressing, but they will have quals in subjects they don't want to invest in.

Additionally, one purpose of college is to explore subjects. Let him be curious!

And..... Unifrog comes with a parents account. You should have been notified of the code somewhere- parents portal perhaps?

I think maths and BS is fine. If you look at a uni like Bath, which is renowned for management/business etc type degrees they actually specify a maths A level for their business degrees. Is the business definitely the A Level and not the Cambridge Technical, which is more vocational?

As for Theatre Studies: if he doesn't want to do history either, doesn't enjoy writing and wouldn't' dream of doing , say, English then I'd swerve Theatre Studies. The writing element might pull his grade down. Not sure what else to suggest, though, since physics and comp sci have presumably been rejected. I am all for breadth as a concept for people who have even/broad ability/aptitude. There shouldn't be a barrier to studying subjects because of dyslexia and I have taught many who have done well but it does sound like you (he?) are after high grades and it is a risk unless passionate.

Is it just that he is now definite on two and can't really think of a third? Tah's a common dilemma!

Just to add, for al its talking up, economics is not one of the so called (now dropped a s a term) facilitating subjects, any more than business is.

DS enjoys it and doesn't do maths (grade 7 GCSE maths) and is currently predicted an A*. He does have a great teacher, though, who makes it undry.

[quote HercwasanEnemyofEducation]@clary I think the key phrase is "where offered". If your college or sixth form doesn't offer it then you can explain it that way. We have a student going to Warwick in September without FM. However their website makes this look impossible! Contextual offers may have come into play here though.[/quote]
yes exactly, good for your student to get to Warwick 😀 but if it IS offered and not taken, that's when there may be an issue, as I understand. I guess even then it's worth a phone call to clarify.

@doorornottodoor

He’s now thinking Business Studies instead of Economics as he found Economics challenging in the taster sessions.

I did BS (many moons ago) and thought it was a bit Mickey Mouse tbh, wish I’d done economics. I think maths/economics and theatre studies sounds nice and broad. And if his teacher is keen and they get on that’s a big plus.

I am assuming it would have been considered if so, but the school doesn't offer film or media does it? (although media is pretty dry )

Theatre A level us not at all “fluffy” and the split of marks between writing and performing now skews in favour of the writing part. There’s a lot of group work involved which is good prep for Uni. It’s time consuming and challenging. If it’s what he wants to do then he should do it: better grades always follow if there’s a happy student

Please don't try and coerce your child into taking subjects that are 'safe'

Agree with this. If they are doing something they enjoy then it is easier for them. As my DD says someone has to win the Turner.

Lots of opinions - thank you!!! He’s got quite an entrepreneurial (and non conformist!) streak and I can see him doing something business related.

The English is a worry with TS however my older son struggled at GCSE (4 at History/ 5 English) did much much better in A levels and is now studying History at a RG Uni. So I know not to write anyone off. Also he’s got a tiny TS class and a really enthusiastic teacher who is keen to have him.

I need to get onto Unifrog for a look.

DS is planning on doing Maths & Economics and he's chosen Biology as his third A level. At his school they only recommend FM for those wanting to do engineering at university.