A level subject help

Hi, I’m in Year 12 and currently taking Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, and Physics for A-level.

I don’t know exactly what career I’d like to go into yet (dream job would be astronaut 🚀 but realistically I just know I enjoy maths and physics).

I’m considering dropping a subject because I have loads of homework and content to cover, and only 2 frees a week, and I’m really busy with extracurriculars (swim squad, space diploma, enterprise project, community connex etc). I’d like to drop Chemistry since I enjoy it the least. However, my teachers have suggested keeping 4 subjects if I’m doing Further Maths, in case it gets too hard. I did well in GCSE maths (grade 9 with practically no revision), so I feel confident I could manage Further Maths if I focus. One teacher said to do economics as a 4th as its less demanding and adds some variety, but I'm terrible at essays (got a grade 6 in lit with a lot of revision and I'm dyslexic too so overall don't like essays)

My question is: should I drop Chemistry, stick with all 4, or even drop Further Maths? I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who’s been in a similar position.

Thanks for reading!

Reply 1

McGinger

You are only a few weeks into Year 12 - so its probably worth waiting until at least half-term or Christmas before you make any definite decision about this.

Check the 'entry requirements' for relevant degrees to make sure you still have doors open to you if you do later decide to drop a subject :
Mathematical Physics BSc Hons | University of Nottingham
Physics and Astrophysics BSc - University of Birmingham
Physics with Space Science | MPhys | University of Southampton
Aerospace Spacecraft Engineering | University of Southampton
Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics - MPhys - Undergraduate courses - University of Kent
etc

Reply 2

Emma:-)

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Original post

by mountainous-tril

Hi, I’m in Year 12 and currently taking Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, and Physics for A-level.
I don’t know exactly what career I’d like to go into yet (dream job would be astronaut 🚀 but realistically I just know I enjoy maths and physics).
I’m considering dropping a subject because I have loads of homework and content to cover, and only 2 frees a week, and I’m really busy with extracurriculars (swim squad, space diploma, enterprise project, community connex etc). I’d like to drop Chemistry since I enjoy it the least. However, my teachers have suggested keeping 4 subjects if I’m doing Further Maths, in case it gets too hard. I did well in GCSE maths (grade 9 with practically no revision), so I feel confident I could manage Further Maths if I focus. One teacher said to do economics as a 4th as its less demanding and adds some variety, but I'm terrible at essays (got a grade 6 in lit with a lot of revision and I'm dyslexic too so overall don't like essays)
My question is: should I drop Chemistry, stick with all 4, or even drop Further Maths? I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who’s been in a similar position.
Thanks for reading!

Would it be worth sticking it out a bit longer (maybe until half term or xmas) and seeing how you go before making any decisions.
If you are wanting to do something maths/physics related after, then keeping further maths is probably advisable. So that leaves chemistry as the obvious choice if you do drop one.
Does your 6th form allow you to do AS levels? If so could you keep chemistry until the end of year 12 and just do an AS in it?

Reply 3

mountainous-tril

Original post

by Emma:-)

Yes I think your right and I should wait until half term to decide, the only issue is the 25+ hours of hw we are given a week and the slightly insane workload but I think I'll try it for 3 more weeks. I'm only allowed to do an AS in further maths at my school but not in any other subject.

Reply 4

mountainous-tril

Thank you for replying 😊. I agree it’s probably best to wait a few more weeks before deciding. From looking at degree requirements, most physics and finance courses seem open, and aeronautical engineering also looks really interesting.

My main worry is that if I drop Chemistry, I’d just have Maths, Further Maths, and Physics. Is that too much depth and not enough variety? Everyone I know in Year 12/13 who does FM seems to take it as a 4th subject.