14 Years Old..Thinking about University..Too Early?

My head is spinning thinking about Universities for my 14 Year old son.

Its far too early in my opinion to be thinking that far ahead.  We are now currently having to choose his GCSE options, but he does have a very clear career path and knows that he wants to be a Sports Therapist. Some Universities do require a Modern Language at GCSE Level, which my son is not keen to do.

However, my concern is that my son will not be attending University for 5 years, what if he changes his mind with what he wants to do something different. Or maybe the universities change their entry requirements.

This week we have had a meeting with his Tutor to discuss which career path he is on, which then determines which subject he takes, along side his core subjects. Jack had decided that from talking to his tutor he would take G.C.S.E PE, Business studies, Geography and Outdoor Education. Following on from this meeting, we had an open evening to discuss the courses with the respective teachers. We were told that he could not take G.C.S.E PE and Outdoor Education as they are so similar, although the G.C.S.E PE teaches you a lot about the anatomy, nutrition and muscles and the Outdoor Education is about field trips, hiking in Snowdonia, Mountain Biking, Surfing etc.

After much thinking and talking, Jack has decided instead on taking Outdoor Education, he will take Art, as I feel he needs to take at least one subject that he is going to get some release out of and much enjoyment to switch off. The last thing I want as a parent is that he is under so much pressure of exams, he needs to focus on his core subjects to maximise his grades for A Levels and going to University.

I can not believe at this age we are having to decide his future and consider universities for his future, but I have to get this right.

Has anyone else felt this pressure for their children? Would love to hear from you….