I can't see the point in overspecialisation. In fact I have a reputation in somce circles for ranting against it.
As a mathematician and computer scientist I found my French A level far more useful in my career than my Physics A level. Knowledge of modern French drama and song and speaking a decent standard of French which I couldn't have picked up without the A level lessons was very valuable in collaborative R&D with French and Belgian companies and academic instititutions. Knowing a bit of German (O+ standard) was useful too, as there were German companies and academics involved as well.
So naturally I believe that doing some of both arts and sciences is useful. I also believe that it should start as young as possible and never stop - so I agree strongly with Anand Mehta's comment too.
Of course it was much more the way that teachers introduced me to enjoyable French culture than the A level curriculum itelf which set me on the right path - it's very clear that getting the best out of A level needs the right teachers.
Paul - 9 years ago
A fair comment, Anand. Many Thanks.
Anand Mehta - 9 years ago
Why only at A-level? I did my Maths degree at Sussex University (1973-76) and all science students were required to study an art subject. I studied economics, many did languages. Conversely, all arts students had to do a science. A popular option was "history and philosophy of science" - or something similar.
Many thanks Tom. Very interesting.
I can't see the point in overspecialisation. In fact I have a reputation in somce circles for ranting against it.
As a mathematician and computer scientist I found my French A level far more useful in my career than my Physics A level. Knowledge of modern French drama and song and speaking a decent standard of French which I couldn't have picked up without the A level lessons was very valuable in collaborative R&D with French and Belgian companies and academic instititutions. Knowing a bit of German (O+ standard) was useful too, as there were German companies and academics involved as well.
So naturally I believe that doing some of both arts and sciences is useful. I also believe that it should start as young as possible and never stop - so I agree strongly with Anand Mehta's comment too.
Of course it was much more the way that teachers introduced me to enjoyable French culture than the A level curriculum itelf which set me on the right path - it's very clear that getting the best out of A level needs the right teachers.
A fair comment, Anand. Many Thanks.
Why only at A-level? I did my Maths degree at Sussex University (1973-76) and all science students were required to study an art subject. I studied economics, many did languages. Conversely, all arts students had to do a science. A popular option was "history and philosophy of science" - or something similar.