Which A level options for DC?

[Starblueyellow]

DC initially wanted to go to college but have now decided to do Sixth Form. They are really not sure of what they want to study. Looking at following options:

A level psychology
A level Photography
A level Spanish

Btec applied science
Btec graphic Design

What will people suggest to keep more doors open for university?

Currently in year 11

I think the early specialism is particularly difficult to get your head around if you come from a different system. One thing to bear in mind is that unless the school or college course is full/oversubscribed there can be changes to course choices after results day if they meet the entry standards. You can also apply to multiple providers with no penalty. Your DD can apply to as many schools or colleges as she wants. It doesnt have to be a single application.

Good posts from @Owlbookend – yes it is not helpful to say “no good uni will accept Btecs” (plenty of good unis will) but equally a YP needs to think about what they might want to do and check what the requirements are. It’s true that a lot of science subjects at uni will require A levels or, yes, a greater coverage of science in a Btec.

@Starblueyellow you mention switching between college and sixth form but tbh that is not such a big deal. Both will offer A levels and both may also offer Btecs and other alternative quals. The main difference can be around needing to be in school all day, every day versus college being a bit more flexible.

But the big decision for your DC is certainly the qualifications they want to take and the subject as well.

It looks as if your child is considering 3 main types of course here.

1. The language route - this would either open up taking Spanish or a related degree at university or a degree with an option of studying abroad. You don't sat whether or not Spanish is spoken at home.
2. The "Science" type route. You need to go backwards and check if the courses you are considering would be acceptable to universities for the course(s) you are considering. Psychology A level is considered to be a Science subject. Adding A level Biology may be a good fit. Generally I would say that the 2 A level equivalent BTEC could be a better option for some Science courses. You will need to check the course entry requirements carefully though.
3. The creative route with Photography and Graphic Design. You can usually take a creative degree with just one of these subjects and then add a Foundation course later if you change your mind. Surprisingly Psychology is a good fit with Photography in terms of interpretation and the meaning of the images that you are taking.

Thank you. This is helpful.

I am glad you think Psychology and Photography go well together; as I think these are the options DC may take plus Btec in applied science; Biology may be an option too.

Spanish is spoken at home but I am really not sure about taking it a A level.

Hope it will become more clear after we go to the open days in the next few weeks.

Is he he taking Spanish GCSE @Starblueyellow ? What grade is he likely to get? Does he have lessons at school or is he taking it as an extra home language?

The A level spec is great, I love it (well French and German are my subjects but the Spanish spec is broadly similar) but it is not a shoo-in for a native speaker if that makes sense. Otoh if he speaks it well and is studying it at school for GCSE he should be fine.

I think in this case psychology, photography and biology A level is a better option, if they get a 7 in gcse biology/combined science.

Just gives more options for universities and degrees.
There is also the option of looking for a degree with a year abroad and going to a Spanish speaking country

I just wonder what can you really do with a Spanish A level and degree? Thinking the science route may be more useful as long as DC is keen on it.

Biology is at 6 at the moment so perhaps the Applied Science Btec will be more realistic?

A level MFL will always be worth doing - it’s a great spec that teaches you about current political social issues in Spanish speaking countries as well as the language and literature (some anyway).

Spanish degree yes I agree does not immediately lead to a career (apart from teaching obvs haha) tho again, good transferrable skills for lots of different careers.

Science degrees tend to lead more directly to careers (depending on the degree) but as noted you will need to make sure the science A levels chosen will work for the degree. Biology A level as PPs have said is a good option to keep some uni courses open as long as DC is interested and capable. But yes A level with a 6 may be hard work and perhaps not leading to a high grade.