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Son , no idea what A level to take

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 4:58 pm
by debs2028
After a little advice , I have 3 older children who all knew at this stage what A levels they wanted to take . My youngest ds has absolutely no idea nor any idea ( which I would not expect at this age necessarily ) of what degree / career he eventually wants to follow .
In terms of what he would be able to do , I think the only subjects he has discounted are Spanish and Geography .

He's a bright lad that is in the top set for all his subjects but tends to to be in the middle to bottom of those sets ( probably could be higher but not really a worker )

He doesn't really even have favourite subjects , he enjoys certain topics within a variety of subjects . He does enjoy Physics, but not as keen on maths and he likes Drama.
He is doing triple science and options were history , geography and drama .

We will be at sixth form evening next week but I suspect most teachers will say he is capable of doing the subject at Alevel if he wishes .

Anyone else's child been in a similar position ? What did they do in the end ? Did it work out ?

I don't know if it's relevant but he's end of July birthday so very young and probably lacking in maturity for his school year .
All help appreciated :D

Re: Son , no idea what A level to take

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 5:30 pm
by kenyancowgirl
Remember that there are other options besides A lelvels. Pick up your local FE College prospectus - A levels are not for everyone. Suggest he speaks to his Careers Adviser at school or has a go at Kudos or Fast Tomato career packages to generate some ides that way - if he has an aim post A level/Uni then he can work back from that.

I have a son who also hasn't a clue - he does know he doesn't want to do Sciences although they are probably his strongest subjects...it is quite normal but does make it a bit harder! He may still not have a long term aim but as long as he understands the implications of any choices he does make at this stage (ie if he rules out any subjects, does that action rule out any career ideas?) then that is probably OK. Alternatively, if he has a clear idea beyond education then he needs to make sure he is taking any essential subjects.

He will have to put some research into it though - and make sure he does it, not you for him!!

Re: Son , no idea what A level to take

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 5:48 pm
by Guest55
If he thinks he might want to go to uni then he can put some subjects choices into the link below and see what he could study:

https://university.which.co.uk/a-level-explorer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He can then pick other subjects and see what difference that makes ...

Re: Son , no idea what A level to take

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 6:08 pm
by Amber
We have had one here take A levels which were later regretted; and one who had no idea at all, like your son. In the first case, as the regretted subjects were sciences and Maths, it was very easy to get a place on an unrelated course at university with no relevant A levels at all (though in the end the DC chose to take one independently in a gap year). In the latter case, even on results day there was a lot of uncertainty and we still don't know if the 'right' subjects are being studied. This particular child would be far better off with the IB sadly, which isn't offered at state schools locally.

What I would say is if in doubt and with absolutely no preference, you couldn't imho do much better than Maths, Chemistry and English/History/Geography. Most options would be kept open with that combination, with the last one being chosen from the most likely one to interest him in the long run.

Re: Son , no idea what A level to take

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 6:55 pm
by DC17C
Have a look at other options for post 16 education...we are looking at a UTC...university Technical College for my ds. He can do all A levels or 2 a levels and BTech in engineering or digital technology plus project work and work experience with local employers.
I suspect he may go on to uni when a little older but think this route may give ds additional skills he needs to get there.

Re: Son , no idea what A level to take

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:01 pm
by debs2028
Yes , his school did do the ib but stopped it the year he joined . Think it was to expensive to run alongside traditional A levels . I think it may have suited him had it been available.
I'll definitely get him to look at the sites mentioned in above posts as they will give him more of an idea ( hope anyway )
He's adamant he wants to stay in sixth form rather than college . Think this is more friend related.
I know ( at the moment ) he is talking about a gap year before uni and I'd definitely encourage this.
I think keeping to core subjects sound like the way to go but ultimately it has to be his decision. I think of the 3 sciences he likes chemistry least ( bad teaching I suspect -sadly ) , maths not overkeen , enjoys history and English literature ( but not doing essays :) ) Really enjoys his drama lessons