Should I swap A levels for BTEC lvl 3 in Art and Design?

Currently I am in my first year of A levels, (Art&design, photography, sociology and psychology) I thought that A levels were the only qualification that would get me into Uni. Only recently, after a month of A levels I found out how wrong I was.
I only chose sociology and psychology because I wanted 4 A levels and absolutely hate those subjects! I hate classes, I hate exams and I can't deal with the stress, I prefer coursework or practical assessments.
I would want to continue only with A level photography and do Art BTEC as well. Later I also want to do a foundation year in Art before going on to study Fine Art at Oxford or UCL. But isn't it too late to swap after a month? Will I catch up with the work?
I am extremely passionate about art. My parents don't allow me to drop A levels because they say that I need a variety of choices if I change my mind about my future career and they think that BTECs are for lazy people. But I will not change my mind, becoming a self employed book illustrator is my biggest dream since the age of 10 (I am 16 now).

Reply 1

Tank Girl

Hello there,

Have you seen the entry requirements for Fine Art at Oxford? It does state that having a substantial experience in history of art is essential: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/fine-art
Will your BTEC course offer this to you? Normally a foundation year will, but it's something to bare in mind!

Maybe you could swap one of your A levels for History of Art (if your college does that?) ... Then your parents would be happy that you're doing an essay based subject, but it'd still be art related?