Geography vs Art, Stressy DD !

[modernista]

Thanks will look at course requirements...
She is not looking at specifically doing Social sciences so we are only looking at it from a 'cover all bases' point of view as she does not have a clear idea of what she wants to do esp as she is dropping history as well.

Both DH and me did Science for A levels and a a creative/ professional degree. When we came to do a Social Science Masters, we floundered initially as compared to Social Science graduates and had to some extra reading but then managed in the end.

My understanding is that in general, you are allowed to do Social Sciences after studying Maths/ Science but not vice versa?

[KB]

I think if she is already doing music and does not intend taking the art to degree level then choosing it will cut down her bredth of potential a level / degree choices.

Taking music and art may also prove to be very time consuming and agree that those who don't see art coursework as part of their 'down time' tend to struggle.

If she enjoys human geography then economics could be an option at a level. It doesn't require a related GCSE but geography or history would provide relevant skills.

She certainly wouldn't be able to go straight into a science degree without science a levels but a few universities do provide conversion courses, usually of a year and often in conjuction with local colleges. I am not sure if you would get a loan for fees and living costs though.

For social science subjects its more about skills and interest than specific knowledge but if you were applying for eg history or geography which are available at most schools you might have trouble explaining why you suddenly developed a passion that wasn't there at 16 - not impossible though!

As suggested, the best way is to browse t'internet for courses at specific universities.

The main issue at GCSE is to keep doors open and part of that may well include studying a subject that DD enjoys only part of. Even at University the real specialisation tends to come later on so for at least the first year there will probably be some aspects of which ever course that are not of interest.

[modernista]

Thanks for all your replies.
KB - you are right - the fact that she enjoys human geography means she might enjoy economics, sociology etc at a later stage..
Also her music takes up a lot of time as she is involved with orchestras outside school.

Just looked up curriculum and an ARt GCSE means its actually a fine art one and is unlikely to have any design element in it.

Hmmmm... I am feeling more disinclined...

Luckily (for reasons of convenience of less choice), even double science is frowned upon in school. In any case, she is not so convinced by humanities to give up a science.

[modernista]

There is a huge Freudian style guilt trip going on here. My mum made me drop art in favour of economics (safe choice) and I ended up doing Architecture!

So I feel like just letting her take subjects on intuition.

But I dont want to let my emotional baggage get in the way of giving her good advice.

This forum is cathartic. The topic should have been called 'Stressy me'.

[KB]

Its much easier to advise others just because its much easier to be dispassionate and leave one"s baggage at the front door

The trouble with letting them make their own choices in year 9 is that few really know where their career path will take them and quite a few have a skewed view of what the subjects entail. Some also hope that year 10 means getting rid of all the stuff they don't enjoy and the reality doesn't match up.

Hopefully in your case you and DC can come to a conclusion you are both happy with - I hear some teenagers can be reasonable

[tiffinboys]

I hear some teenagers can be reasonable

[Peridot]

Er... Just a thought Modernista but if she is doing so much music anyway, could she drop music GCSE and do both Geography and Art? My DS is taking GCSEs this year and is taking both of those subjects. He's managed to keep up pretty well with the art requirements (although collage did feature fairly prominently I'm sure the syllabus is changing). If you ask him now though he says he wishes he'd done music as according to his mates it's easier.

[Guest55]

If she does music then it is a good idea to take the GCSE - you only need to be around grade 4 to get full marks in the practical. The coursework is far less time consuming than art ..

[Peridot]

Which is why my DS rather grumpily said perhaps he should have done music - an easy option! But doing art has been really good for him, and he has enjoyed it - broadening his abilities and outlook on art, and teaching him how to manage long projects without missing (most) deadlines. Good practice for the future...

[Guest55]

Peridot, which year group is he in? It all gets very intense in Year 11 as Easter approaches and when they have to miss key revision lessons fr the final Art exam some students get upset.

Art is a GCSE I would never recommend having seen the impact on students over the years.