christopher2405

I originally posted this in the certifications area, but on reflection this is maybe a better posting place.

I have just received my place at Sixth Form, and need some help relating to final decisions on subjects to take.

As a preliminary decision, I have chosen maths, chemistry, physics and computing. I know for certain that I want to do maths, chemistry and physics, but the fourth option is unclear at the moment.

The choices are computing, further maths, French or biology, and I would be quite happy to do any, however I don't know what career I would like to go into.

My cousin, who is currently applying for university, said that some of the (prestigous) universities don't like "vocational" subjects like computing, but from what I've heard, ICT is the vocational course, where computing is the more academic subject. Is this true?

Any help on choosing subjects is more than welcome, thanks.

DonaldG

Hi Christopher

I did ICT (Internet Communications and Technology) at a university college. I would say it was a vocational course - aimed at folk who want to enter Internet Communications as a profession - the course was at City & Guilds level...

I think that it is important that you try and decide on what you want to do after you leave university.

Reading a subject and getting a degree in the subject that you go on to enter as a profession, will stand you in far better stead than an academic degree that is never to be used in reality.

Only you can make the can make the final decision. All sound good.

Whatever your ultimate choice, I wish you well with your scholastic and future endeavours.

christopher2405

OK, thanks very much.

gistek

Based on your first three selections, it looks like you're interested in rocket science. I'd take computer to augment that. The logic and programming will help with the other classes.

With the new computer based training applications, languages have become very easy to learn. Culture is still more difficult, but better learned by immersion than classroom. (In other words, if you want to learn about France, go there for a few weeks in a college related immersion class.)

christopher2405

Well, I'm certainly interested in science, but I'm not sure where I want it to lead just yet. I think I would really enjoy computing, and based on the Sixth Form prospectus and specification, it is the sort of thing I want to learn about computers, but someone told me that it isn't really a subject valued by universities.

Still, at the minute its a tough choice between computing and further maths, I've ruled out the rest (more or less).

Thanks very much.

beefers1

Congratulations for taking the challenge! btw, is this like IB?

christopher2405

Similar sort of thing to an International Baccalaureate, I think, yes.

beefers1

Hmm... well I'm doing IB currently, but the regional equivalent here in North America is AP (Advanced Placement), I believe. I'm midway through my first year, and am still alive, so that's good. Anyway, good luck! When are you starting?