[Tomtech]

I'm really not sure about my A level choices, or at least, one of them. I am definitely doing Physics, Chemistry and Maths, but for my fourth subject I need some help.

I firstly wanted to do Geography, but after doing a taster session of it, I'm not as sure. It seems like I will be doing a lot of what I have already done at GCSE, and it feels like everything we will be doing will be at a low level, as the course is open to anyone, whether they have done GCSE Geography or not. I don't think we will be in groups based on ability, so I think that I might be bored and well-ahead of some of the other people that I am put with.

That said, what else could I do? Well, my thinking so far is Further Maths. My only problem with this is that I know it is hard - really hard. I think I could do it, but I'm worried about having other hard subject choices too, like Physics. Is it too much work? Or do the rewards outweigh the disadvantages? I think Further Maths would be an excellent A level to have for jobs and selective university applications and such, if I can take the workload. But then again, taking two maths subjects could be limiting my options, where Geography would apply to a more diverse range of uni courses and jobs.

So, does anyone have any advice here? Can anyone tell me about their experiences about A level Further Maths or Geography?

[chelseafan]

Further Maths would suit your A levels very well.

[Rahul.S]

do further maths....might seem hard at first....with edexcel esp most kids do nearly every question in the book, tonnes of papers and get the grade.

[Origami Bullets]

If you want to do Geography, do Geography. It's a challenging course, it's just that not all of the stuff builds directly on what was learned at GCSE, hence why you can do it without the GCSE.

[Miss1997]

I'm in the same position here! (But with different subjects)

Firstly, do you have any idea what you want to do at uni - that might help decisions?
Secondly, (from various sources) these days unis are looking for students with 'well-rounded' A Levels as it shows off all abilities. For instance, bank managers are looking for all kinds of people - even people with musical degrees - for new accounting positions as they have many skills thats not just maths and numbers. Therefore, it seems to me Geography would be the best decision, but obviously it's up to you.

[Lunch_Box]

(Original post by Tomtech)
I'm really not sure about my A level choices, or at least, one of them. I am definitely doing Physics, Chemistry and Maths, but for my fourth subject I need some help.

I firstly wanted to do Geography, but after doing a taster session of it, I'm not as sure. It seems like I will be doing a lot of what I have already done at GCSE, and it feels like everything we will be doing will be at a low level, as the course is open to anyone, whether they have done GCSE Geography or not. I don't think we will be in groups based on ability, so I think that I might be bored and well-ahead of some of the other people that I am put with.

That said, what else could I do? Well, my thinking so far is Further Maths. My only problem with this is that I know it is hard - really hard. I think I could do it, but I'm worried about having other hard subject choices too, like Physics. Is it too much work? Or do the rewards outweigh the disadvantages? I think Further Maths would be an excellent A level to have for jobs and selective university applications and such, if I can take the workload. But then again, taking two maths subjects could be limiting my options, where Geography would apply to a more diverse range of uni courses and jobs.

So, does anyone have any advice here? Can anyone tell me about their experiences about A level Further Maths or Geography?

Something like 60% of FM students get A/A*. You shouldn't worry too much.

Don't quote me on that figure.

[dragonkeeper999]

I would say further maths. You may be able to take both f. maths and geog for the first half term, see which you prefer and drop the other/ continue with both if you find the workload not too bad.
Do you have a clear idea of what you want to do at uni? If it's anything science related, I would definitely say further maths. If you are less sure, either subject would be fine. However, I would say (not that I'm at all biased ) that further maths is a far more facilitating subject, particularly for the sciences. It will also make maths and physics a bit easier, so may actually reduce your workload.
Go through the specifications of each subject carefully, and consider your own interests and strengths/ weaknesses. Are you really good at essays? Or are you perhaps on target for an A* in GCSE maths and are taking an FSMQ/ AdMaths? (although you should be ok with further maths with just an A in GCSE maths if you really work hard).

[ThatPerson]

(Original post by Lunch_Box)
Something like 60% of FM students get A/A*. You shouldn't worry too much.

Don't quote me on that figure.

This thread is from last year; another poster who isn't the OP bumped it.

[Matt:)]

If you're prepared for the work, I'd do Further Maths. Personally, I find it really interesting and enjoy, but if you don't really enjoy maths, then you're unlikely to do well at Further Maths. At AS level, which is all I've done so far, Further Maths isn't really that much harder than normal Maths, but it is much more interesting. Would you drop Geography/Further Maths after AS, or are you expecting to take everything to A2?