A- level Spanish or A- level economics

I'm currently doing both Spanish and Economic A-level and wrapping them up in the next few weeks. I've really enjoyed both and I think both can be valued by employers, but I suppose it depends on which sector you want to work in in the future. From a personal perspective (not thinking about what employers would prefer) I would say the following...
Spanish: As someone who wanted to learn another language, this was really enjoyable and I think challenges you in a completely different way than any other subject has ever challenged me. I also really enjoyed learning about South America, as well as Spain, and I really enjoyed the research surrounding my presentation. What I would say, is that because progress is so subtle (but consistent), it can sometimes be daunting, but when you get a moment of realisation as to how far you've come, it is very rewarding and satisfying. So, learning a language is lovely, although as you said above you can always take a language course in the future. Although, it's a beautiful opportunity to now have 2 years to dedicate to learning a language, the opportunity might not come again in the future. The culture was also really interesting, some topics were more interesting than others, (for example I preferred learning about pre hispanic civilizations more than models).
If you did Spanish GCSE, how did you find it?
Economics: I really enjoyed this, and you gain a lot of personal benefit from it too. I think it often explains things that you subconsciously have known and have noticed your whole life but didn't know how to put it into words. So I had a lot of 'ah ha' moments, things I'd always wondered about as to how they worked, and here I was finally understanding them. Although many told me that they found it boring, I had this gut-feeling I would really enjoy it, and I was right I did really enjoy it, so just a reminder that you know best where your interests lie. The biggest thing with economics is that you really really need to understand concepts and ideas (and how they relate to each other) and then you need to be able to apply that knowledge. So, take a biology question for example, asking you to explain the cycle of blood flow through the heart. Firstly, you really need to understand how the cycle works, so that you can then apply it to someone with heart disease, for example. (I don't think Economics is difficult to understand compared to biology, but sometimes, because of this, it's difficult to remember).
If you did Economics GCSE, how did you find it?
So, they both have their pros and cons, like all subjects. I would consider where your greater passion lies, what skill set you hold, what GCSEs you picked and what grades you were working at, if you are planning to do an Apprenticeship or Degree in the future and if yes, what you would then major in, and what your two other subjects are.
Let me know if this helped at all, wish you all the best!

Hey, thank you so much! This was very very helpful. I currently take Spanish gcse and my school didn’t offer economics but im guessing there is some cross over with geography like world distribution of resources. In the future i want to do chemistry so i plan to do chemistry a level alongside another stem (probably maths or biology) and then leaving economics or Spanish open. The only thing i would say currently for Spanish gcse, i struggle with the speaking just because its more nerve wrecking and out of my comfort zone, but maybe that will develop over the a-level? Other than that I’m currently sitting on an 8 so really enjoy the subject. I also wondered is it worth taking a subject you really enjoy like biology or something you’re guaranteed you know you’re good at? Thank you so much for your advice

Hey, thank you so much! This was very very helpful. I currently take Spanish gcse and my school didn’t offer economics but im guessing there is some cross over with geography like world distribution of resources. In the future i want to do chemistry so i plan to do chemistry a level alongside another stem (probably maths or biology) and then leaving economics or Spanish open. The only thing i would say currently for Spanish gcse, i struggle with the speaking just because its more nerve wrecking and out of my comfort zone, but maybe that will develop over the a-level? Other than that I’m currently sitting on an 8 so really enjoy the subject. I also wondered is it worth taking a subject you really enjoy like biology or something you’re guaranteed you know you’re good at? Thank you so much for your advice

Hey Caitlin! I didn't do Spanish for A-Level but I did do economics. I got a 9 in GCSE Spanish and absolutely loved the subject but would never have decided to take it at A-Level because the jump is so significant. I know a couple girls who took it at A-Level and definitely regretted it, but of course it is a personal experience. It's also important to note that the speaking aspect is a big jump, as the girls have to do 30 minute sessions 1-on-1 every week. However, considering you are taking stem subjects and want to do chemistry, I would think that economics would be a good fit for you. I personally found it a good, well-rounded subject and it is viewed favourably by many good unis. Of course make whichever decisions suits you best, and good luck!

Take whichever you think that you will enjoy more. If you are currently unsure, try watching some documentaries on each subject to see which peaks your interest.
As a side note, i do both biology and maths a level if you need any help deciding between those two 🙂

Thanks for the advice, is the jump to a-level maths quite big? as im not very good at applying maths but hoping I’ll have a lot of time to focus and ask for more help in sixth form and I’m also currently sitting on a 8, so maths doesn’t come very naturally to me i take a while to understand concepts and find adapted methods if that makes sense.