loobylou wrote:
... Dd was complaining that people's perception is that, if you're clever, you do science A levels and if you're not you do humanities.She could have done sciences/maths at A level (she actually got the highest science marks at GCSE in her school) but has chosen to do humanities because she loves them. She doesn't regret her choices at all but she resents other people's assumptions about them.
Me too! Interestingly at DD1's school in her year very few of the top science GCSE set did all science A levels, although some of the rest did maths and/or one other (this was in 4 A levels as a norm for the very able days)
loobylou wrote:
Why do you think people assume science/maths are harder than history or English? Is there any truth in it?
Because they are ignorant. No.
loobylou wrote:
I know maths/sciences/economics lead to higher salaries in the end (on average) - is that why?
Sadly yes.
loobylou wrote:
Is it because you need sciences to do subjects that are perceived as difficult like medicine or engineering?
No, and why those subjects are considered more difficult is another question...
Great post loobylou, for what it is worth A level wise here parents are one scientist, one humanities, DDs a mix for both (if you include maths and further maths) all high achieving in sciences at GCSE, but all firmly in careers that are totally unrelated and for which humanities might have been more useful. The assumption that appears to prevail in some circles that if you are good at sciences you should do them is a really bad one. The idea that this makes you brighter or holds more prestige even worse. Sorry for long post but it is a personal bete noir of mine
