Education Envy

A week on from A-Level Results Day Eve it seems only too apt to dedicate a blog post to defending my subjects, something which I have had to do many times over the past two years. I don't regret my choices (bar AS Computing, c'mon Aimee, really?) but I despise the social stigma surrounding certain subjects.

There a clear divide in the education system, there are two types of subject; real ones and easy ones. Don't know which category you fall into? It's simple really, any subject remotely creative (drama, dance, textiles, media etc.) is an 'easy' choice and 'doesn't count' as a real A-Level. However, anything that requires actual brain power is socially acceptable and if you fail it doesn't matter because 'gosh that must be hard'.

As a student who spent two years studying English Literature, Media Studies and Travel and Tourism, I know only too well that, yes A-Levels are hard but a struggle in a 'lesser' subject will not be treated the same as a struggle in Biology, Maths, Physics etc.

I don't want to reverse the social norm and throw subjects typically viewed as more intellectual under the bus but can us creative bunch have some recognition too please? I am fed up with having to defend the creative industry time and time again and I haven't even started my creative degree yet.

The bottom line is A-Levels are hard, bloody hard. The whole experience is an intense and stressful time; you end up crying over lost coloured pens and then resorting to a simple 'oh well' shrug when you screw up an exam.


Some A-Levels are easier than others but easier is all they are. They are not easy.

Slating certain subjects and praising others only creates a harmful divide between the geniuses and those who can't get straight A's in their A-Levels. There is always going to be a need for creativity; whose going to write and record your favourite television shows if you keep telling people that Media isn't a real subject? I'm afraid you can't have it both ways.

Unfortunately major subjects like Maths will always come out on top and there will always be 'lesser' subjects but more credit needs to be given to creative students so they don't feel like they've wasted their years in subjects that just don't count.

Workload needs to be understood. Media isn't simply watching television and English Literature isn't just reading the odd book. They are real subjects which require just as much hard work and studying as the next subject.

Next time you come home from a hard day of work in the computer/maths/science industry feeling superior because of your chosen path don't switch on the television, don't read a book and don't read a newspaper.

Sorry to burst your bubble but you need us creative lot to provide your entertainment, something we will stop doing if you are constantly discouraging our education choices.

--- Aimee ---