Need help decicing A-levels

8

I feel like I can handle four a-levels so I’ve applied for Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Product Design as the courses I want to take in the sixth forms I want to go to. I’m just not sure on what to pick if I’m unable to access DT (currently compiling a portfolio, but obviously they don’t always accept those). I do like design, but I feel like picking fine art itself will burn me out, I’m not really into that. I also really like maths but I feel like I need something to “even it out” as I’m worried that doing only math-based subjects will get to me somehow and tire me. I’m a creative person, so it’d definitely be optimal for me to be able to represent that with an A-level in DT, and the client experience that comes with the course will definitely help me as an anxious person. I want to become a software engineer, so I’m not sure on what other options could cater to this. I despise essay-writing, so English and RS are definitely a no for me. I’ve been considering psychology as it interests me, and history because I enjoy the analysis at GCSE but I’m unsure about the workload and unsure with how essay-based the both of them are. I’ve dropped the idea of taking physics too as I feel like it does not truly interest me, especially with how rigorous I’ve heard it is. Should I just stick with the three, and continue with designing as a hobby? I don’t know if picking three would potentially jeopardise my chance of seeking for an apprenticeship as well.

Reply 1

BraveEagle

15

Original post

by shymonkees

I feel like I can handle four a-levels so I’ve applied for Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Product Design as the courses I want to take in the sixth forms I want to go to. I’m just not sure on what to pick if I’m unable to access DT (currently compiling a portfolio, but obviously they don’t always accept those). I do like design, but I feel like picking fine art itself will burn me out, I’m not really into that. I also really like maths but I feel like I need something to “even it out” as I’m worried that doing only math-based subjects will get to me somehow and tire me. I’m a creative person, so it’d definitely be optimal for me to be able to represent that with an A-level in DT, and the client experience that comes with the course will definitely help me as an anxious person. I want to become a software engineer, so I’m not sure on what other options could cater to this. I despise essay-writing, so English and RS are definitely a no for me. I’ve been considering psychology as it interests me, and history because I enjoy the analysis at GCSE but I’m unsure about the workload and unsure with how essay-based the both of them are. I’ve dropped the idea of taking physics too as I feel like it does not truly interest me, especially with how rigorous I’ve heard it is. Should I just stick with the three, and continue with designing as a hobby? I don’t know if picking three would potentially jeopardise my chance of seeking for an apprenticeship as well.

Heyy there, I would say you stick to 3 subjects. 3 subjects is already a lot of work so 4 would require really high amounts of dedication. Most unis will accept 3 subjects for A level, so I don't think you should take a fourth one. However, if you end up picking Maths and Further Maths, that will usually count as overlap, which means they count it as one subject rather than 2. I will suggest you take a look at the requirements of the uni you want to go into, and see if they require Further Maths. From my knowledge (which is not that much, so take this with a grain of salt) you're usually not required Further Maths for degrees like Software Engineer and Computer Science. If you do want to take 4, my advice would be to drop one of them after AS. Also, for psychology (since I don't take history), at least for my board which is CIE, you need to do a lot of essays for the paper. It's not exactly essay based, but there is definately quite a bit of essay in there. Hope that helps Xxx

Reply 2

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by shymonkees

I feel like I can handle four a-levels so I’ve applied for Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Product Design as the courses I want to take in the sixth forms I want to go to. I’m just not sure on what to pick if I’m unable to access DT (currently compiling a portfolio, but obviously they don’t always accept those). I do like design, but I feel like picking fine art itself will burn me out, I’m not really into that. I also really like maths but I feel like I need something to “even it out” as I’m worried that doing only math-based subjects will get to me somehow and tire me. I’m a creative person, so it’d definitely be optimal for me to be able to represent that with an A-level in DT, and the client experience that comes with the course will definitely help me as an anxious person. I want to become a software engineer, so I’m not sure on what other options could cater to this. I despise essay-writing, so English and RS are definitely a no for me. I’ve been considering psychology as it interests me, and history because I enjoy the analysis at GCSE but I’m unsure about the workload and unsure with how essay-based the both of them are. I’ve dropped the idea of taking physics too as I feel like it does not truly interest me, especially with how rigorous I’ve heard it is. Should I just stick with the three, and continue with designing as a hobby? I don’t know if picking three would potentially jeopardise my chance of seeking for an apprenticeship as well.

Considering your career aims and the potential degrees/apprenticeships you’ll want to apply to, maths and further maths for sure are the best subjects for entering the field. Computer science is a good choice, although not required usually, because you’ll gain a lot of relevant skills for what you want to pursue. If you get into the DT course then that’s awesome and would solve the issue youre talking about. If 4 a levels got too much then you could always drop DT and carry creative stuff on as a hobby. Have you considering doing an epq and making an artefact? This would allow you to do something in your interest in product design and being creative but more tailored to your strengths and interests 🙂

(edited 12 months ago)

Need help decicing A-levels

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