History or a Language A Level

I'm currently considering a level options and I have decided on physics and maths (and possibly further maths). However, I would like an extra non-STEM a level. I'm between history and French/German - I'm worried about the coursework and topics for history but I think a language a level could be too time-consuming I'm very worried about the speaking component. Could anyone advise or give me more info on these options?

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Look through the specs for the subjects- this is especially important for history as you can see what topics are covered
Watch some YouTube videos made by students who’ve taken these courses to hear their experiences
Look at past papers and the scheme of assessment for the subjects as you’re worried about what this entails
How are you doing in these subjects at the moment? Are you enjoying them?

Reply 2

AR0407

Im in year 13 and take history and french, and do find they are both very time consuming. Theyre both super interesting, especially french in my opinion, but neither is an easy subject. Since theyre very different i think it is a decision only you can make, but given how much work youll have to put into whichever you choose id probably go for the one you think you'll enjoy most.

French is likely to go best with physics and maths since its still seen as a logic based subject, but i hear you on the speaking. Its really really different to gcse but the general conversation is something anyone can do - its stuff most people have an opinion on, but the vocab and fact learning is the most difficult part. For the researched speaking but we havent started it yet but i think its probably something you can really enjoy if you choose something youre genuinely interested in, and which you can talk about in your personal statement. Vocab learning is the most challenging bit for me but its one of those things nobody enjoys but weve all got to do.

If youre worried about how interesting youll find the topics in history you probably shouldnt take it - theres a risk you wouldnt feel motivated so might not put in the effort you would otherwise and get a lower grade. With the coursework, it is a lot of work but its only over a short-ish period of time and can be really interesting since you can choose a question youre actually interested in. I wouldnt worry about the coursework too much, but its something to consider if youre really not sure what to do.

It really is a choice only you can make. Personally between them i would go for a language, since its so varied and therell always be something you can enjoy even if not everything is. Its also super engaging as a subject since you get so involved with the other people in your class. But its your decision at the end of the day - pick whichever you think youd do best at and enjoy most.

Reply 3

hmn123

Hey, my advice may not be the best since I have only started Year 12 but I am currently doing A-Level Chemistry, Biology and French (which is also a STEM and humanities mix). So far, I would say French is my most time consuming subject, I think it's totally different to GCSE as you are having to actually immerse yourself into the culture more, but I am still enjoying it! Obviously, I'm only just a month into year 12 now, so I haven't felt the actual intensity of all three subjects yet, but I say as long as you are passionate in your subject choices and you keep up with you work from day one, you will be fine. Make sure to ask questions in open evenings so you can really see what the subject is about because people don't lie when they say it's a step up from GCSE, and also see if the topics in history and the topics in French actually interest you as I have noticed you truly need to be dedicated to the subject if you want to do well. So, just do your research on each subject and whichever one you feel more passionate about, pick that.