A level choices - towards Psychology degree

[HorseAreBetterThanHumans]

DD is currently revising for GCSEs (online school) and wants to do Psychology A level (GCSE predicted grade is 9), and History (predicted grade 7).

Previously thought about third option of English Literature but mock result lower than expected (6, previously predicted 8).

Other options are English Language (predicted grade 9) or sociology (DD loves Psychology so thought a good overlap to reduce stress)?

As online school, unsure how accurate these predictions are.

End goal is A Levels, and potentially then Psychology degree - likely to be Open University part time (if this makes any difference). DD has ASD and ADHD, significant mental health issues so this may be good option (although things may change!).

Any advice appreciated.

What's the current maths and science grades? A Level psychology is the obvious choice but good English and science grades are needed. Have you looked at your local college offer? BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas are equivalent to 3 A Levels and much less stressful for most kids with your child's profile.

I don't think A level maths is an entry requirement, but good maths is needed, especially statistics

Maths was a 6, but predicted an 8 previously. They are now doing a lot of maths past papers to improve - they can do well at maths but have to work at it, so not suitable for A level! Hopefully that is sufficient though? I will check with DH re their maths - I think that they generally do well at maths but there are 2-3 topics which bring the overall grade down.

Double science grades are 7/8 prediction, but I suspect DD would rather stick pins in their eyes than carry on with science ... However, they are academically able to do science, for example, have done research into animal genetics in their spare time. Just for fun! Will Psychology without a science A level be more challenging or hold them back?

DD is quite academic and works hard (in the right environment as we have learned, after years of them struggling) - what they could not cope with is the physical environment of a college. For context they left mainstream school in Year 8 with huge gaps in their learning due to absences, and have worked hard to catch up and do well. Our aim 3 years ago was to scrape maths and english, so this is all amazing to be thinking about to be honest!

Did a psychology degree several years ago and agree that there is a lot of statistics involved

I did a Psychology degree and did A Level Psychology, History and Computer Science. I don’t think it matters too much what she does but the degree is a good mix of analysis, both of theories and data. I got a B in Maths GCSE and struggled a little.

English language A level is very different to the GCSE OP, so check carefully what it involves before choosing this option.
Sociology sounds a much better fit.
For the final choice, I would recommend having a look at the A levels needed for degrees in Pyschology. I would say that either Maths or a Science subject would be a good idea.

If she definitely wants to do a degree with the OU then it doesn't matter what A levels she does, as there are no entry requirements for an OU degree. If she wants to keep her options open, it might be better to do two science A levels (psychology is classed as a science for psychology degrees). Lots of universities won't mind though, but just in case she wants to apply somewhere like UCL. I would do either maths or biology for the other one.

Hi @HorseAreBetterThanHumans !

A lot of Psychology study is Biology, Maths and Statistics. But, as has been said already, OU has no formal entry requirements. In addition, they have 'Access' Modules which will help with Maths or Social Science elements of a Psychology Degree. These are well worth considering.

At A Level, I would encourage your daughter to simply do the subjects she enjoys. Build up her general academic experience and develop her confidence. Who knows, she may even do an A Level which leads to a very different degree.