Should DS Change A Level now?

[Ichangedmynameonce]

My DS has started 3 A levels including economics. This was a bit of a lucky dip choice for him- he wasn't sure what he wanted to do and kind of latched on to it. He got a 6 in maths GCSE with a tutor- maths doesn't come easy to him.

We're a couple of weeks in and he's already finding it really hard. To make things worse, they recruited one of the teachers after the start of term and my DS doesn't rate him so far.

I've posted before about his lack of motivation but that's not the issue here.

I'd like him to consider swapping to English Literature (got an 8 at GCSE) or psychology (he's interested in people, why they behave certain ways etc). But- I don't know if this will be possible.

But also and most importantly- I don't know how to have this conversation with him. He's of the minx that he's made his choice so that's that and isn't very open to discussion, but I'm genuinely worried he's setting himself up to fail.

Any advice please? Especially on how to have a grown up conversation with him about it?

And Just to add- one of the deputy heads was covering the lessons until they recruited the new guy. My son found it hard then but manageable- the new teacher has made it loads worse.

Thanks for reading

Of the mind, not minx!

I would encourage him to do subjects that he enjoys and makes him happy.
If he is not thriving, he probably won't enjoy it.
But if economics make him happy, then he might like the challenge!

Thanks @LilyJessie that's definitely what we've done so far. I think he found Yr 11 hard- hard to focus mostly. So he's not massively excited by any of his A levels but wants to do them.

My fear Is that finding it a challenge will demotivate him massively- it won't encourage him to work hard as it would for some kids.

ultimately it’s him doing the course and not you, so no matter how much you’d prefer him to change, at this age it really had to come from him.

Having said that, as you already are doing, have the conversations around enjoyment and see if he reaches the same conclusion as you.

How long does he have left to decide on a change? There will already be quite a whack to catch up on so that needs to be considered if he’s not overly motivated. Might be frying pan into fire my now maybe?

For psychology he'll need to be also doing biology I think, what are his other subjects? Would be be happy to switch to English lit? I think economics would be really difficult with a 6 in maths and a teacher he doesn't rate.

There is still maths in Psychology so that may be no better. What are his other subjects? Can he speak to friends doing other options which might fit the timetable.

It may not be too late to swap courses, but if he does want to swap then he needs to do it ASAP before the work he has missed on the other course becomes too much to catch up.

Maybe you could ask him if he knows what the deadline is for switching courses given he doesn't like his economics teacher?

Hi OP I think it's probably not too late to change. However my DS got a 6 in maths, also with the help of a tutor, and went on to get an A in Economics with no problem. BUT he loved economics and was very motivated, so that may be the difference here.

Not necessarily, my DD did it without Biology and so did quite a few of her friends.
DS also plans to do it alongside Economics and Business

Thanks everyone. Good to hear your DS experience @Motherhubbardscupboard but yes I think the difference is that your DS loved it.

Ask, and do it quickly. Economics is really hard. Certainly no need for biology either psychology.

with

DD2 is doing Psychology, Politics and English Lit. There is a fair amount of maths in Psychology (sampling/stats etc) so she is doing Core Maths (AS) as well rather than EPQ

I would recommend he changes asap to one he will engage in more (DD switched late to core maths as realised this would be helpful)

I've spoken with him this morning. He's got it into his head that if he can understand the basics (which he doesn't currently) he'll work out the rest. Adamant he doesn't want to do psychology or English (I'm completely sure he'd be better at them).
I feel worried that this is a disaster and feel quite helpless to stop it!

What other subjects is he taking @Ichangedmynameonce ?

It's still early days. My DS has just gone into year 12 and is doing Economics. He isn't a natural mathematician. It could "click" for your son. From what I've read a lot of schools/colleges allow changes until October half term.

Thanks @Waspie

@Ichangedmynameonce Given his response to you, I wonder whether there is a different angle on this - helping him to grasp the basics? DD is also in Y12 studying Economics and has asked us for the CGP study guide* which she is finding helpful.

https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/as-and-a-level/economics/ekhr72-a-level-economics-year-1-2-complete

In case it becomes relevant, they also do a “Maths for A-Level Psychology” one.

There’s a code for 20% off their A-Level books until tomorrow, 30 Sep: BACKTOSCHOOL24.

*I suspect I sometimes sound like CGP’s chief marketing manager on here, but I have no connection other that their books have been invaluable for my DC so far.

As far as I'm aware most people doing economics A level also do maths A level. You've not said what his other two A levels are but I'm guessing one isn't maths?

Our local over-subscribed college allows economics a level for those who got a 6 in maths GCSE.

I'd be in two minds but really thinking about what he might do after school. If he likes economics then it could be worth sticking with - but not plan to study it at uni without maths a level.

@JessyCarr thank you! I did exactly this on Saturday before I saw your message! Great minds eh?!