A levels

My son has just started year 12 and is currently trialing out his A levels. He was studying four but decided to drop Economics at the end of his first lesson. He then continued to study the remaining three subjects which he seemed to be enjoying. This was until he received his results for an hurdle test for Psychology where he has scored around 25%. He messaged me whilst I was at work and seemed distressed and when I managed to speak to him, he told me that he has decided to drop Psychology. He has made the decision to study Media studies instead. He’s happy with his other two A levels so will be studying 3 in total. I am feeling really confused and am not sure if he’s making a mistake.. Have any parents come across similar situations? Or have any students or previous students found themselves in a similar predicament?

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

In general, doing three A levels is better than doing four. Taking four A levels may impose too great a burden on a student, with the result that his or her grades are below what they could have been. Students who seek to study Maths, Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science at universities with competitive entrance standards may benefit from taking Further Maths as a fourth A level. Most other students would usually be better off sticking to three subjects.

Having said this, your son may be giving up too soon. Dropping Economics after just one lesson seems a hasty decision. Dropping Psychology after an initial bad result may also be unduly hasty. Not every educational obstacle can be overcome, but many can be overcome by careful study and persistence. At the risk of stating the obvious, life isn't a series of drop-down menus, or a video game which allows re-starts. Sometimes toughing it out and staying a course is what's needed.

Media Studies is a soft A level which won't assist your son in obtaining a place at a competitive university, if that is something which he would like to do.

A discussion with your son and one or more of his teachers might assist.

(edited 7 months ago)

Reply 2

ageshallnot

^ This.

Has your son got a track record of giving up "too easily" in any other educational or social spheres?

Reply 3

mvp2w21

Original post by Stiffy Byng

In general, doing three A levels is better than doing four. Taking four A levels may impose too great a burden on a student, with the result that his or her grades are below what they could have been. Students who seek to study Maths, Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science at universities with competitive entrance standards may benefit from taking Further Maths as a fourth A level. Most other students would usually be better off sticking to three subjects.
Having said this, your son may be giving up too soon. Dropping Economics after just one lesson seems a hasty decision. Dropping Psychology after an initial bad result may also be unduly hasty. Not every educational obstacle can be overcome, but many can be overcome by careful study and persistence. At the risk of stating the obvious, life isn't a series of drop-down menus, or a video game which allows re-starts. Sometimes toughing it out and staying a course is what's needed.
Media Studies is a soft A level which won't assist your son in obtaining a place at a competitive university, if that is something which he would like to do.
A discussion with your son and one or more of his teachers might assist.

Thanks, I’ve had a chat with my son’s teacher and understand a bit more about where he’s coming from. We’re going to sit down and have a chat. Thanks for taking the time to respond, appreciate it.

Reply 4

mvp2w21

Original post by ageshallnot

^ This.
Has your son got a track record of giving up "too easily" in any other educational or social spheres?

No I wouldn’t say that, he is very resilient. I think he can be indecisive and wasn’t sure about what a levels he wanted to do other than Business, which he loves.