Choosing A Levels

Choosing AS subjects

You will need to consult many people as you make your decisions about the future. Your House Tutor is a key source of guidance, but you must talk with your individual teachers and Heads of Faculty to discuss the course in more detail and whether you would be suited to it. Your parents will also want to do their research so that they can discuss the options with you and help you make the right choice. The Careers Coach is available to provide specialist information and advice, especially on subject combinations for certain degrees and careers.

Consider the following:

  • Enjoyment of the subject and your aptitude for it are your first considerations. You will be studying the subject for six lessons a week for up to two years. A Grade B in a subject at GCSE is the minimum requirement to continue with it at A Level.
  • A Level provides an opportunity to specialise, but that does not mean that it is necessarily good for you to do so. Sciences can be mixed with Humanities, the Arts and Languages, and you will perhaps become a more rounded individual as a result. No scientific / medical course requires that you study four scientific / mathematical A Levels.
  • Some degree courses specify certain subjects at A Level. You will need Chemistry and at least one other science for Medicine; you will need Maths and/or Physics for Engineering. For most degree courses, however, there is considerable flexibility. Check typical course requirements in discussion with teachers or through the UCAS website http://www.ucas.com/

    Download "Informed Choices", a guide produced by the Russell Group universities. Gives very useful advice on the A level subjects likely to be required for particular degree courses. To download please click here

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