A level options

So, I'm making my final decisions for my a level courses and would appreciate any insights.
So at my school, you take 4 A levels and then in February you can choose to drop one, I am planning on Psychology,Sociology, English Language and Biology.
Is this realistic? as they're all pretty heavy courses or do you think it would be a difficult load ?
Any advice would help x

Reply 1

_Shannon.k.s_

Original post by emz_408

Hi,

I also did Psychology, Sociology and English Language for my A-levels and then as my 4th i had maths which i dropped in my 2nd year. I think ours are pretty similar and honestly i think this is definitely realistic and workload is completely fine as long as you are committed to putting in the revision time for it. Psychology and Sociology are mainly just memorising studies and people so as long as you can do that you will be fine. English Language is kinda similar but more about applying knowledge to written pieces so it's more lenient with memory i'd say (but is still a core focus). I think the main thing is whether you are good with memorising information as that's what the 4 you have picked predominantly focus on. Overall though, I think the workload is completely fine if you're a hardworking student and are willing to put in the effort.

Also, is there a reason for having a 4th subject or is it just a safety net for when you have to drop one? Only reason is in our school we were told to not do this as you can't get an AS easily anymore (without doing it externally) - not sure if this is the same across the country though. I advise against taking 4 if you don't need to or already know which 3 you want to do.

Not sure if you have done this either but make sure you look at what subjects universities want (if this is the path you want to go down) as I didn't originally do this and it would've made my life a lot easier.

Let me know if you need anymore advice about picking or the subject workload in general.

Reply 2

McGinger

What are you thinking of doing after you leave school - any ideas?
And if Uni, what sort of degree subject?

Reply 3

_Shannon.k.s_

Original post by McGinger

What are you thinking of doing after you leave school - any ideas?
And if Uni, what sort of degree subject?

I'm actually in my 3rd year on university now 😅 but I'm doing Psychology at Uni of Nottingham. I knew I wanted to do this when I started my A-Levels though so I picked my subjects that would help my degree. There are still many other options though with those subjects and biology will open even more 'stem' doors.

Reply 4

AnonymousShark07

Original post by emz_408

Ive heard psychology was quite easy and i think i might take it too. If your good at essay based subjects and enjoy essay based subjects then i think it will be fine. If your gcse grade is most likely 8 or above then it should be fine.

Reply 5

emz_408

Original post by McGinger

What are you thinking of doing after you leave school - any ideas?
And if Uni, what sort of degree subject?

I am planning to do a Psychology degree at Uni, i'm pretty set but not 100%.

Reply 6

emz_408

Original post by _Shannon.k.s_

Hi,
I also did Psychology, Sociology and English Language for my A-levels and then as my 4th i had maths which i dropped in my 2nd year. I think ours are pretty similar and honestly i think this is definitely realistic and workload is completely fine as long as you are committed to putting in the revision time for it. Psychology and Sociology are mainly just memorising studies and people so as long as you can do that you will be fine. English Language is kinda similar but more about applying knowledge to written pieces so it's more lenient with memory i'd say (but is still a core focus). I think the main thing is whether you are good with memorising information as that's what the 4 you have picked predominantly focus on. Overall though, I think the workload is completely fine if you're a hardworking student and are willing to put in the effort.
Also, is there a reason for having a 4th subject or is it just a safety net for when you have to drop one? Only reason is in our school we were told to not do this as you can't get an AS easily anymore (without doing it externally) - not sure if this is the same across the country though. I advise against taking 4 if you don't need to or already know which 3 you want to do.
Not sure if you have done this either but make sure you look at what subjects universities want (if this is the path you want to go down) as I didn't originally do this and it would've made my life a lot easier.
Let me know if you need anymore advice about picking or the subject workload in general.

Thank you so much that was actually really helpful !

Yeah the 4th A- level is just to give us the basis if we decide we don't like one of them, so when we drop it in February we aren't having to pick up a whole new thing quickly.
Yes i have looked at Uni requirements, 😁

Do you have any suggestions for extra things i can be doing in this long summer, e.g any books or articles that you found useful when doing your A-levels?