Disliking my A-Level options late into year 12

I’m a year 12 student studying maths, further maths and history, wanting to study maths at university. I was also studying Spanish but I dropped it. I had a delayed start to college (2 weeks after everyone else) since I was stuck on the waiting list. To actually get off the waiting list I took classics instead of history and then ended up swapping, so I was even more delayed upon entry to that class.

I thought that taking history would’ve been best for me, because I quite like learning about it and I thought having a nice blend of different subjects was a good thing. Because of my delayed start it took a while for me to I guess digest the subject, and I’ve basically come to hate it. I like STEM subjects and I would so much rather be doing Physics instead, but it’s March now, so I’m pretty sure it’s too late to change. Even if it was possible, I have no idea if the change would be best for me.

I’m predicted an A in history, but I just feel really stupid when writing essays and I don’t even know how I’m going to cope with the NEA. Do I just have to lock in?

July Update: Thought I should update this in case anyone in a similar situation stumbles across this. Basically, I asked my school, they said no, I begged and offered to take the mock exam to prove myself, locked in over the spring and now I’m predicted an A*, applying for physics at uni. I am so happy I’m not doing history anymore, so thanks for all the good advice from here!

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 1

gada147

Original post

by lt53

I’m a year 12 student studying maths, further maths and history, wanting to study maths at university. I was also studying Spanish but I dropped it. I had a delayed start to college (2 weeks after everyone else) since I was stuck on the waiting list. To actually get off the waiting list I took classics instead of history and then ended up swapping, so I was even more delayed upon entry to that class.
I thought that taking history would’ve been best for me, because I quite like learning about it and I thought having a nice blend of different subjects was a good thing. Because of my delayed start it took a while for me to I guess digest the subject, and I’ve basically come to hate it. I like STEM subjects and I would so much rather be doing Physics instead, but it’s March now, so I’m pretty sure it’s too late to change. Even if it was possible, I have no idea if the change would be best for me.
I’m predicted an A in history, but I just feel really stupid when writing essays and I don’t even know how I’m going to cope with the NEA. Do I just have to lock in?

If you don’t enjoy it right now, you definitely won’t enjoy it any more in year 13, trust me. Everything gets so much more stressful especially around January when applying to Uni, and I think you’d rather at least have subjects you enjoy and that kind take your mind off all the stress and pressure.

Definitely have a talk with teachers and leaders at your school, but a possible solution could be to resit year 12 and do subjects you’d prefer to do? You most likely wouldn’t be the only person doing it, lots of people retake year 12 and ultimately it means you can get A levels in more enjoyable subjects!

Reply 2

Wired_1800

Original post

by lt53

I’m a year 12 student studying maths, further maths and history, wanting to study maths at university. I was also studying Spanish but I dropped it. I had a delayed start to college (2 weeks after everyone else) since I was stuck on the waiting list. To actually get off the waiting list I took classics instead of history and then ended up swapping, so I was even more delayed upon entry to that class.
I thought that taking history would’ve been best for me, because I quite like learning about it and I thought having a nice blend of different subjects was a good thing. Because of my delayed start it took a while for me to I guess digest the subject, and I’ve basically come to hate it. I like STEM subjects and I would so much rather be doing Physics instead, but it’s March now, so I’m pretty sure it’s too late to change. Even if it was possible, I have no idea if the change would be best for me.
I’m predicted an A in history, but I just feel really stupid when writing essays and I don’t even know how I’m going to cope with the NEA. Do I just have to lock in?

I suggest that you lock in. If it is possible to pick up a STEM subject on the side, you can do that to keep you informed.

Reply 3

elliehayes1

Original post

by lt53

I’m a year 12 student studying maths, further maths and history, wanting to study maths at university. I was also studying Spanish but I dropped it. I had a delayed start to college (2 weeks after everyone else) since I was stuck on the waiting list. To actually get off the waiting list I took classics instead of history and then ended up swapping, so I was even more delayed upon entry to that class.
I thought that taking history would’ve been best for me, because I quite like learning about it and I thought having a nice blend of different subjects was a good thing. Because of my delayed start it took a while for me to I guess digest the subject, and I’ve basically come to hate it. I like STEM subjects and I would so much rather be doing Physics instead, but it’s March now, so I’m pretty sure it’s too late to change. Even if it was possible, I have no idea if the change would be best for me.
I’m predicted an A in history, but I just feel really stupid when writing essays and I don’t even know how I’m going to cope with the NEA. Do I just have to lock in?

One of my friends hated history too and dropped at the end of year 12, locked in and self taught RPE instead over the summer, she went to year 12 and year 13 RPE classes for a few terms but now she’s predicted an A in RPE. You can definitely do it but you need to be dedicated.