Which A-level subjects do you think I should take (more info below)

I'm currently choosing my a-level subjects and still have some flexibility and can change it until March 2026. I was originally set on English Language, English Literature, History, and Spanish (I know 4 is a lot but I can't decide between them and I figured worst case scenario I'd just drop one). But recently I heard from someone I know in sixth form about something their teacher had told them that 'If you don't take STEM subjects, you lose the connection to that forever and pretty much all you'll learn about those subjects in the future will be from documentaries. If you're happy with that, then go with the other options. Things like English can be done through book clubs etc' and it made me rethink a lot of things. I also really like Physics and, until recently, was set on taking it and I don't know if I'd be happy without taking it. But again, I adore the subjects I planned on taking. English Literature I'd be willing to drop I think but with Physics added in to the subjects I have I fear it may be a little much. I will make the decision myself eventually but this is just to get some other input or perspectives.
So I guess really, should I take English Literature or Physics?

Reply 1

McGinger

20

their teacher had told them that 'If you don't take STEM subjects, you lose the connection to that forever and pretty much all you'll learn about those subjects in the future will be from documentaries

I wonder if that teacher even has a degree - or even understands what any degree teaches you in terms of 'higher thinking skills' that all employers value.

Take the A level subjects you will enjoy studying - that is where you are most likely to get high grades. And then pick the degree / career that you really want to do. Do not rely on third-hand 'my teacher says' nonsense to determine what you will do with the rest of your life.

Reply 2

evans007

1

since you really like Physics, why don't you take it and drop one of the English. Try those 4 subjects and then you can drop another one once you have more information after a few weeks

Reply 3

username7651025

11

do english language AND literature as one alevel, physics and history, then take spanish as an as level.

Reply 4

cremebrülee

5

Original post

by Gayfrogswithhats

I'm currently choosing my a-level subjects and still have some flexibility and can change it until March 2026. I was originally set on English Language, English Literature, History, and Spanish (I know 4 is a lot but I can't decide between them and I figured worst case scenario I'd just drop one). But recently I heard from someone I know in sixth form about something their teacher had told them that 'If you don't take STEM subjects, you lose the connection to that forever and pretty much all you'll learn about those subjects in the future will be from documentaries. If you're happy with that, then go with the other options. Things like English can be done through book clubs etc' and it made me rethink a lot of things. I also really like Physics and, until recently, was set on taking it and I don't know if I'd be happy without taking it. But again, I adore the subjects I planned on taking. English Literature I'd be willing to drop I think but with Physics added in to the subjects I have I fear it may be a little much. I will make the decision myself eventually but this is just to get some other input or perspectives.
So I guess really, should I take English Literature or Physics?

from someone doing all STEM+ 1 essay subject/s: i think this depends on how set you are with wanting to do your humanities/essay subjects. your initial 4 options seem to indicate that you are good at these subjects, and that you like them. when you pick your A-Levels, those are the most important things.

the teacher is also a little in the wrong here- physics on its own is sort of useless without maths. i'm doing it right now, and while it only uses GCSE level maths, studying A-Level maths alongside it makes it a lot more smoother. Her saying it'd be hard to enter stem without it is also a little right- in the sense that if you want to do it at degree level, i doubt they'd let you in if you JUST took physics (again, physics and maths really complement each other). Your other subject choices indicate that you are probably more interested in the humanities post 16. Plus, as a stem person, I really respect and admire that you're taking them- they are incredibly hard subjects so you are actually probably really good at them :smile:

IF you plan on doing things related to academia in the humanities when you're older, I doubt they'll care that you didn't take a STEM A-Level. Go for your 4 initial options

Then again, if you really love physics, and you're good at it, take it instead of Language/Lit or Spanish, and if you hate it, you can drop it.

Conclusion: My personal opinion is that you stay with your choices. I obviously don't know how much you love physics, so if you do then ignore everything I said. It is a really interesting subject :smile:

Reply 5

offline.tal

9

All the teachers care about is the amount of people they can sign up to their subject. That teacher probably teaches STEM. My GCSE French teacher told me that doing English Literature and Language as two separate A-levels were too similar to one another. I would argue the complete opposite and that Language is more like Sociology (my third A-level) than Literature, but she wouldn’t know because she doesn’t teach it. When picking Language keep in mind that it is very different from GCSE. That was my biggest surprise when starting A-levels. Make sure to look at past papers and the curriculum. Lit is very similar to GCSE and you just need to develop your answers more. I wouldn’t recommend four A-levels. Even the individuals I know who have applied to Oxbridge are doing three A-levels and an EPQ at most. If you are set on all of these subjects then do Combined English as I didn’t because I thought it would feel like taking four A-levels. I also agree with the comments that most people who take a science do Maths alongside it and it may not be as beneficial on its own, but that depends on what you want to go into.

Which A-level subjects do you think I should take (more info below)

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