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Doing A Levels all over again?

username592312

I was thinking about dropping sixth form after my As Exams and taking a BTEC at a college because my courses don't interest me.

I've taken:
-As Music (predicted B/A)
-As Drama (predicted B/A)
-As Media (predicted D/C
-As History (predicted D)

I think the main reason I feel this way is because I really don't enjoy the syllabus, especially for Media and History. To be honest, I didn't really look hard enough for different courses at different sixth form colleges because I thought that I wouldn't be able to go too far out.

I am hopeful for successfully applying to drama school after school, so which route do you think would be best from the following....

Would you:
A: Take a BTEC at college
B: Re-take different As Levels at a different school and stay on until a third year
C: Something else - state it.

All opinions and advice greatly appreciated.
Deanoo =] :biggrin:

Reply 1

llys

What BTEC are you thinking of taking?

Reply 2

smithy5678963

Original post by Deank

Try sixth form again and pick REAL subjects

Reply 3

HarryPotterFanx

Original post by smithy5678963

Try sixth form again and pick REAL subjects

We don't know what the OP wants to do at University. So save the Oxford list of subjects. *sighs* If he wants to study Drama or Music An A-Level in Maths isn't really helpful now is it?

Reply 4

lsaul95

Original post by Deank

BTEC's are very much centred around one subject. I did Art Btec and absolutely hated it, despite loving art as a whole. I hated it because that was all I was doing and needed some variety. I'm starting Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology A levels in September.

I think if you know what you want to do for certain, what subject you want to study, etc, then BTEC's can be fantastic, as that subject is all you will be doing. (Unless you take an AS level on the side or something) However if you want some diversity I think you should try A levels again.

If A-levels were not for you, maybe give BTEC a go. However for me that was definitely the wrong decision as I hated studying just one subject which didn't really require me to use any intellect, so I wasn't challenged. I've been teaching myself my chosen A-levels for about half a year and I find that I am challenged highly, and I love having that challenge. It gives off a better sense of achievement.

I hope you make the right choice, however I recommend taking A-levels again, as it keeps your options open for the future. Whereas if you take a BTEC you are specialising in a certain area, which will be the only area you can go onto later in life. If you change your mind somewhere down the line, you're screwed.

Reply 5

jameslad

Do BTEC if you're more of a practical person.. PM if you want more info regarding BTEC.. I am doing two and on course to going to uni :smile:

Reply 6

ReeceL

I'd do a BTEC, well after all, that's exactly what I am doing. I'm in a similar boat to you.

I hate Sixth form; it's dull, drab, boring and still feels like school.

College on the other hand offers me something that I know I want to do when I am older as a career and something I have an avid passion about now.

Reply 7

steviemcg

Feel I can speak about this cause I ****ed up my a-levels ended up with 2 E's and a U. Believe me go do a BTEC I am doing one now in IT absolutley far better than my a level IT. The BTEC has taught me alot more about the subject and it is centred on what the course's in university teach. the A Level IT taught me none of the things on the uni courses and I feel the BTEC better prepares you for university

Reply 8

llys

Why don't you just drop History after AS and continue with your other subjects? Or even drop both Media and History - for Drama School you won't need more than 2 full A-Levels. That's a bit risky (not taking a third subject to A2) but with 2 A2s and 2ASs you can still apply to quite a lot of places, so it wouldn't be too bad. Obviously taking three to A2 would be better though.

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 9

username592312

Thanks for replies.

Decided to not worry about it for now, and to just stick it out until my exams are finished. After that I'm going to have a deep discussion with my parents ect.

Deano :smile:

Reply 10

irishlion

Wow.. I'm in the exact same position! I want to drop lower sixth asap and start a btec in travel and tourism(I Loooooooove to travel and plan on living in africa, so its perfect!)

That's my plan anyway, maybe stick out the next 3months and sit the exams then start tech in sept.

As people said above me, a btec is very centered around the one subject but from what ive heard as long as you have an interest in it, you will like it!

Do what your heart tells you :smile:

your going to be the one doing the course so if you think you'd be happier. I went to tech for about 3 months last sept and found I learnt more in that 3 months than I have in my time at sixth form. College prepares you more for UNI I think..

I liked it a lot more but ended up changing to sixth form for stupid reasons, now i regret going back to school big time!