would these a levels be good enough for my dd to apply to obxridge?

[rightsaidfreddy]

She really wants to apply to obxridge to study English and her definite options are: English literature, religious studies, classical civilisation, and then for the fourth one its between history, government and politics or french. What do you think?

A level subjects *

Have a look at their websites. There is lots of information about extra curricular activities as well.

The Classical Civilisation is the one I'd check. Other options will be fine.

I think History and French are in the "facilitating subjects" list, so in general better thought of than Politics, otherwise looks good to me (but I only know from googling and Mumsnet )

I'm an Oxbridge admissions tutor for English. Those A-level choices, as you can see from the Faculty webpage (link below), are absolutely fine. Of the three choices for the fourth A-level, all would have their merits. A language is great, History very useful, likewise Politics and Govt, as they are all essay based subjects (hence they are what Cambridge calls 'facilitating subjects').

www.english.ox.ac.uk/prospective-undergraduates/admissions

I would keep up the French! Lovely to have a second language and English at Oxford isn't actually English for about a year

I am sure all of the above are an acceptable choice but she needs to be aiming to get A's in all of them.

Isn't there someone at school who can advise her ?

Plenty of information on the Oxford website.

www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/english_language_and_literature/english_language_a_2.html

Having checked the Cambridge list, I'm surprised to see that RS and CC are on the list, but G&P is not. I am certain though that in my college we would not feel that G&P was a weaker choice. In fact I did English, French and Politics for my own A-levels, back in the day!

www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/english_language_and_literature/english_language_a_2.html

Sorry the link should be above.

History or French definitely. Government and Politics is on the oxbridge "B" list which means that they are a little bit sniffy about it but will grudgingly accept it. French would be best as it would show an aptitude for languages and the (Oxford) English literature course involves learning Anglo Saxon. However, as she is already taking 3 A-list subjects it's OK for the 4th to be a little less rigorous if she really wants to.

You can see a list of A, B and C list subjects here

Okay thanks very much everybody, will let her know they're pretty much fine :)

I did G&P in a year as an 'extra' a level, it was a piece of piss. Content should be taught to all in gen studies / citizenship. At a level her brain is t peak fitness, tell her not to waste her time! [projects own regrets]