Optional Subjects
Remember when making your choices:
Not all subjects need to be studied at GCSE in order to study them at Advanced Level. Subjects which fall into this category, are:
History Business Studies
Health & Social Care Geography
Digital Technology Design & Technology
Religious Studies
also
PE
Music providing you have some proven aptitude
Art and have continued your interest in other ways.
Welsh
The most important subjects for most careers are English, Maths and Science. Maths is essential for careers in Business or Computing, Science is essential for careers in Health, Environment and Medicine etc. English is essential for careers in Journalism, Law, Media, Communications and Drama.
It is not necessary to study Digital Technology, Health & Social Care, and Geography in Key Stage 4 in order to pursue careers in those subjects, but at ‘A’ Level they become advisable.
That is why we allow pupils to pick up these subjects at ‘AS’ Level without having first studied them at GCSE.
You must remember that if you choose two subjects of a similar kind then you will deprive yourself of another area of experience. At this stage breadth and balance are the most important. Do not limit yourself in this respect unless you are very sure already of your strengths and likely career path.
French and Spanish are progressive subjects and are very difficult to pick up at ‘A’ Level without having taken them at GCSE, unless you are a gifted linguist or are able to keep the language alive in some other way.
BTEC courses are more closely related to the practical aspects of the subject that you would come across in the world of work.
Please note that subjects which are under-subscribed may not be in the final offer or they could be combined with another year group in order to enable the class to run. The best option for our pupils will be at the centre of every decision that is made.