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I have taken the wrong A-levels for the career I want to do.

So I'm currently in year 12 and I originally wanted to take art, drama and something else but idk what. However, I couldn't take drama because I was the only one who wanted to take it and to take the subject, there has to be 2 or more people in it. I couldn't take art either because my art teacher didn't like me and gave me a bad grade at GCSE (I barely got a 4 but I needed a 6 for A level). So I decided to take psychology, sociology, business and the EOQ. I've always been interested in the subject psychology and the topic of mental health so I thought I would be good at it. I ended up dropping business within a month as I found it too hard. I'm not going to university so the school didn't see it as a problem if I only have 2 full A-levels. I'm currently 6 months in and I'm regretting these subjects so bad. Since I was so interested in psychology, I decided that's what I wanted my career path to be a few months ago. I've always been one to follow my heart, but it was my head that wanted the psychology career path. The truth is I really don't want my whole future to be psychology based, I mean I love the subject, I just have other careers in mind. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of going into some kind of creative career or something like acting. I have been really interested in working as a party princess or someone who dresses as characters to entertain children. My whole family and everyone else thinks I want to do a psychology based career but I really don't want to even though I don't have much of a choice now since I'm taking the A-levels for it. I'm desperate for some advice because I don't want the rest of my future to be psychology.

Reply 1

Original post by asterforest
So I'm currently in year 12 and I originally wanted to take art, drama and something else but idk what. However, I couldn't take drama because I was the only one who wanted to take it and to take the subject, there has to be 2 or more people in it. I couldn't take art either because my art teacher didn't like me and gave me a bad grade at GCSE (I barely got a 4 but I needed a 6 for A level). So I decided to take psychology, sociology, business and the EOQ. I've always been interested in the subject psychology and the topic of mental health so I thought I would be good at it. I ended up dropping business within a month as I found it too hard. I'm not going to university so the school didn't see it as a problem if I only have 2 full A-levels. I'm currently 6 months in and I'm regretting these subjects so bad. Since I was so interested in psychology, I decided that's what I wanted my career path to be a few months ago. I've always been one to follow my heart, but it was my head that wanted the psychology career path. The truth is I really don't want my whole future to be psychology based, I mean I love the subject, I just have other careers in mind. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of going into some kind of creative career or something like acting. I have been really interested in working as a party princess or someone who dresses as characters to entertain children. My whole family and everyone else thinks I want to do a psychology based career but I really don't want to even though I don't have much of a choice now since I'm taking the A-levels for it. I'm desperate for some advice because I don't want the rest of my future to be psychology.

you could always look at foundation years as they are more leniant with entry requirements and may even allow you to provide a demonstration of art skills instead of the a level

Reply 2

So many creative/artistic careers don't need solid qualifications to successfully get into - for example if you wanted to get into the art side of things, you would need a strong portfolio and proof that you are strong in the area far more than a degree or A level. It's true that art is subjective (A level art taker here) and does depend on what teacher you have - it shouldn't do, but everyone sees art in slightly different perspectives.
You mentioned that you would want to go into a creative career, acting in particular. Have you thought about taking classes, though it might get a bit expensive? Someone who dresses as a character at parties will also need to know how to use makeup effectively - again, a very 'arty' skill that is only improved by practice (and NOT a qualification). Sociology and psychology would also really complement this because I'm sure you'll have insight into how children think etc to better your potential role as an entertainer.
Hope this changes your perspective, even just a little
Hana x

Reply 3

I’ll be honest, you don’t really need A Levels for that type of career. Children characters is not that difficult to get into, I know a girl doing this alongside her A Level studies as a job. But being a general actor, it’s so difficult to get into. Unis won’t turn you down for this just because of your A Levels, but the interview you’ll have to prove yourself, usually they’ll turn you down or give an unconditional offer.

If you do decide to go down the creative route, i’d suggest doing a PGCE alongside or incorporating education, as then you can go into teaching the subject at a school or college instead of ending up at McDonald’s, if things didn’t work out. I know Bath Spa university offer options like this, but i’m not sure about subject specifics.

I do get that you don’t want university ideally, but without an apprenticeship or other qualifications, jobs you can go into are very scarce and limited.

This course below would only be a year long, and gain you a teaching qualification.

https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pgce-secondary-drama/?gad_source=1
(edited 1 year ago)

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