Cambridge has come out in the open and said it.
It actually for the first time explains to those who dont know, exactly what subjects are considered “academic”.
Just check these:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,2-2324825,00.html
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,2-2324830,00.html
Re: Students told to ditch "Soft Option" A levels
Wow – this is in stark contrast to the time when I did my A-Levels in 1996 when Business Studies was considered one of the premier subjects that one could take-up in A-Levels. I know for a fact that I learnt more in that course during A-Levels than what is taught in North American Universities in the first two years, and that’s reason enough for A-Levels graduates to be granted transfer credits when they enter Universities.
That being said, there always are these “soft options”… in the context of Pakistan, “Urdu” is one such option where almost everyone gets an A if they’ve read up on the textbook summaries available in the market.
Re: Students told to ditch "Soft Option" A levels
Umar Bhai......now students are forced into subjects for which they have no aptitude or interest, otherwise might not get a place at a "top" university.
A return to academic rigour.
Psychology, sociology, philosophy, religious education etc, are all accepted.
These are not "soft options".
Re: Students told to ditch "Soft Option" A levels
It's about time.
I don't care what people say, General Studies is NOT a 'proper' A level in my book.
Re: Students told to ditch "Soft Option" A levels
InformedConsent
If you take a micky mouse subject then you shouldnt get onto a good course simple...
However it isnt as stringent as you say...they specified two traditional subjects with one other option...
Its not really that narrow...I did Sociology, Business and Politics and Im at LSE one of the top institutions...you dont have to simply do science and maths as traditional subjects...there are a wide variety of subjects they do accept but also many that they think are uselss and having seen the list i have to say i agree...
Re: Students told to ditch "Soft Option" A levels
Its about time someone came out and said it. State schools are not offering pupils proper guidance as to what subjects are and are not acceptable, this is where they fail against private schools, who do not even offer 'soft option' subjects.
For example, someone wanting to study law at University should not study 'A' level law...its no use at all!
Re: Students told to ditch "Soft Option" A levels
My school forced me to take a fourth subject at A-level as an A/S or a full A, rather than just the three I wanted; I took Business Studies as an A/S precisely because I viewed it as a soft option, and having gone through that I fully believe that it is a soft option and low on academic rigour.
I also did an A/S in General studies; that was such a joke that I don't even ever tell people I did it. I tell them I did 3 A-Levels and an A/S rather than 3 A-levels and 2 A/S's.