A level choices

[rainydogday]

DD needs to choose. But doesn't have a clue about what she wants to do. She wants to go to uni but doesn't know what. So we are trying to keep her options open. However, maths is tricky. She enjoys and is good at T&E and English lit. So will probably choose those for A levels. As She wants to keep her options open, she is thinking of doing a science but as Maths is a big struggle I doubt she will get in to do A level sciences. (her 6th form want at least a 6 in Maths at gcse to do A level science). They offer BTEC applied science so think that may be worth doing. Anyone got any advice if those sound a good option for keeping options open!!

You wouldn't get in to most science degrees with a single science so I think that would be a bit pointless.
What is T&E?
Which subjects are her stringers? Which does she enjoy the most?

What's T&E?

I don't think taking 1 science will help much tbh, and if she is struggling to get a 6 at GCSE probably not advised.

Have a look at this for possible uni courses from choice of subjects

www.theuniguide.co.uk/a-level-explorer/

Don't bother with a single science unless she's good at it and enjoys it. If she's not doing well now aged 16, sod keeping options open; she's unlikely to want to do a degree-level in any field which requires mathematical or scientific ability.

If she can get the 6 in maths she might consider geography or psychology which sit somewhere alongside pure sciences as well as complementing arts based subjects. Sociology is another one would work well with English Lit, but is termed as a social science.

I'm afraid I don't know what T & E is.

I have no idea what T & E is either. Is it another essay subject?
BTEC Applied Science isn't very well regarded by universities, so wouldn't really open up any new opportunities.

Is 'T&E' shorthand for philosophy, ethics & theology?

You can't keep all the doors open with the small number of A levels. Doing one science won't. Being at least slightly scientifically literate might be helpful for someone serious about philosophy and ethics but that's a bit tenuous.

How is she on languages?

If she did want one science then perhaps psychology could work - I haven't a clue about the syllabus though, whether they have to do much statistics type stuff, or what degree/career options it might enable.

T&E is Theology and Ethics. At A level they call it religious studies. The reason behind the BTEC applied science is if she suddenly wanted to go into a health based course this would help. I very much doubt she would ever do a degree in science!

Terrible at languages
And hates it!

I would also suggest Psychology if she wants to keep health related careers open - it counts as a science for things like nursing and allied healthcare courses eg physiotherapy. There is some basic maths but I don't imagine she'd struggle with it. There's lots of case studies to learn.

Hi @rainydogday ! Is your daughter in Year 11 now?

There is no problem for your daughter, even though the system pushes for too much specialisation too early. Your daughter has an opportunity to explore. Time is on her side and young people need time to grow and, sometimes, to just relax. Also, enjoying a subject is likely to produce the best exam grade. So I would just let her do her best in all subjects this academic year. For now, she should tentatively choose the three A Level subjects which she enjoys the most. Then in August, with her actual GCSE results in hand, she can review and take further advice from her Teachers and from you. Some guidance from people who are 20 and 25 will be very powerful, I expect.

Two ‘relevant’ subjects are plenty for most degrees. Some degrees don’t need any specific A Level at all. Some degrees will consider other qualifications, too. It’s worth checking individual degree course pages but only after GCSE results come out.

Kids evolve fast at this age. My daughter changed her target degree subject dramatically at the end of Year 12. And her career choice has changed once during her degree course and may be about to change again!