Choosing A Levels - a different perspective please

C_Ronaldo

could the OPs son not do computing or IT at college, id let your do what he wants to do, maybe its not a good idea 2 do 2 sciences,

button16

Just to let you know some universities do not accept further maths as they see it the same as maths. I am currently doing Chemistry and Maths at A2 as well as geography. Maths is the most demanding subject out of all of them.

Rikki

studentphil wrote:

If anything boarding school is probably more structured in your homework time.

It is lower down the school. In the sixth form you are expected to disipline yourselves more.
In the upper sixth you have house duties which can take you away from studying for the whole evening.

studentphil

dora37 wrote:

I appreciate that - but he really isn't interested in much else.

The good thing is the Maths would be completed in the 1st year, then Further Maths in the 2nd. So though they are obviously hard to do in 1 year, he will not be studying them at the same time.

These are the subjects he enjoys - at the end of the day, his welfare is the most important, so whatever he chose, if he/college thought he wasn't coping, then something would have to go.

Having bright children - what a minefield!!

You wait until he gets to Oxford then the minefield is pennies or 50 pound notes

Need_More_Money_2

dora37 wrote:

Hi,


My worry is that should I let him go down the Physics route, even though his heart may not be it, with it being such an intense subject (as well as studying Maths & Chemistry), that he may regret choosing it.

Sorry for the long post - sometimes fresh eyes make all the difference and we want to advise him correctly.

I think it depends why he originally didn't want to do Physics. I found physics boring at GCSE level and almost didn't take it at A-level. I did a last minute switch from Computing to Physics and was very surprised about how different Physics is at A-level. I found it much more interesting and challenging. (Although that was a long time ago) It is hard work though.
I'm not sure if it is still the case, but it used to be that Computing wasn't worth doing as an A-level if you wanted to work in anything related to computing. Physics was considered a better option. Physics is certainly well regarding as providing a good scientific grounding and will be useful for any further scientific education or work.

dora37

studentphil wrote:

I did 5 hours a night at A level and that does not mean you have to be locked away in your room. I used to do 6-8 pm and then maybe 9pm -12am.

I was joking!!!!!!!!!!!

studentphil

Rikki wrote:

It is lower down the school. In the sixth form you are expected to disipline yourselves more.
In the upper sixth you have house duties which can take you away from studying for the whole evening.

It is very different to nomal school that is certain.

Rikki

dora37 wrote:

I appreciate that - but he really isn't interested in much else.

The good thing is the Maths would be completed in the 1st year, then Further Maths in the 2nd. So though they are obviously hard to do in 1 year, he will not be studying them at the same time.

These are the subjects he enjoys - at the end of the day, his welfare is the most important, so whatever he chose, if he/college thought he wasn't coping, then something would have to go.

Having bright children - what a minefield!!

It was just making you aware that is is going to be hard going. My son too has chosen all academic subjects so I am aware of the time and effort needed. I agree totally if thats what he likes then go for it.

dora37

C_Ronaldo wrote:

could the OPs son not do computing or IT at college, id let your do what he wants to do, maybe its not a good idea 2 do 2 sciences,

He has put Computing as back up, in case he doesn't get the necessary A grade for Further Maths.

Rikki

studentphil wrote:

You wait until he gets to Oxford then the minefield is pennies or 50 pound notes

Oxbridge