Struggling with what to choose

Hi Im doing my gcses this year and I’m thinking of doing English, German and Law. But I’m stuggling with this idea. This is because I dont have a passion for these, I’m more passionate about the sciences and maths. Unfortunately, I’m bad at maths and science so I’m worried I wont get into the a-level. Im predicted 5’s in all 3 sciences and maths. My best is chemistry which I got a few marks off a grade 5 (on foundation paper but I will be sitting a higher in the reals). So I got like 64/100. Then I’m decent at Biology (i got 52/100 but I was not prepared for how the questions were so it threw me off) and im just bad at physics. In english and German im predicted a 8 and a 6.

Should I stick with my first choice or change to science? Or do a mix?

Reply 1

BeingBoring

You really need to sit back and have a good hard think what it is you want to do when you leave school. If you really have a passion for the sciences then that would be a good place to start, it is much easier to apply yourself to something that you enjoy doing than something you dislike. Plus, you may be doing whatever career you choose for a very long time so it may as well be something you like! Firstly, A levels are not compulsory, you could apply for an apprenticeship - and the sciences are very welcome for most of those, in fact a lot of the apprenticeship schemes lack candidates with Maths and Science so you may find that your GCSE's (even Grade 5's) are very suitable for that option. If you do want to do A-levels then the only thing that may get in the way is some schools and colleges set a minimum grade you need to achieve in your GCSE's in order to study that subject at A-level, I know maths in particular is one of those subjects. However, if you really want to do it then you still have time to try either try and get your grade up (very few people are 'good' at math, it is a learned subject, the more you study and practice it, the better you get at it). The alternative is to find another choice of college who would accept you with a lower grade. It is pointless doing something for the sake of it, and you do need to make sure you are being realistic with yourself about what you can achieve vs. what you want to go on and do - which the fact you are questioning your choices sounds like you are doing. Do look at your choices, there are organisations that host regular career talks, one to check out is:
https://pathwayctm.com/

My son found their events and online talks very useful when deciding on his choices from GCSE. If you think about it I am sure that there are ways you can stick with something you will enjoy and make a career out of it. Good luck!

Reply 2

lopsyloo

Original post by BeingBoring

You really need to sit back and have a good hard think what it is you want to do when you leave school. If you really have a passion for the sciences then that would be a good place to start, it is much easier to apply yourself to something that you enjoy doing than something you dislike. Plus, you may be doing whatever career you choose for a very long time so it may as well be something you like! Firstly, A levels are not compulsory, you could apply for an apprenticeship - and the sciences are very welcome for most of those, in fact a lot of the apprenticeship schemes lack candidates with Maths and Science so you may find that your GCSE's (even Grade 5's) are very suitable for that option. If you do want to do A-levels then the only thing that may get in the way is some schools and colleges set a minimum grade you need to achieve in your GCSE's in order to study that subject at A-level, I know maths in particular is one of those subjects. However, if you really want to do it then you still have time to try either try and get your grade up (very few people are 'good' at math, it is a learned subject, the more you study and practice it, the better you get at it). The alternative is to find another choice of college who would accept you with a lower grade. It is pointless doing something for the sake of it, and you do need to make sure you are being realistic with yourself about what you can achieve vs. what you want to go on and do - which the fact you are questioning your choices sounds like you are doing. Do look at your choices, there are organisations that host regular career talks, one to check out is:
https://pathwayctm.com/
My son found their events and online talks very useful when deciding on his choices from GCSE. If you think about it I am sure that there are ways you can stick with something you will enjoy and make a career out of it. Good luck!