Advice

• Studential: How to choose your A-Levels

• Career Pilot: Choosing A-Levels and what you need to consider

• UCAS: Website with a list of university courses in UK and their entry requirements

• UCAS: Tips on Choosing A-Level Subjects

In deciding which optional subjects to follow A-Level, there are a number of factors to consider.

Questions that you should be asking yourself include:

Which subjects do I enjoy? 

It is often the case that the subjects at which students do best are those which they most enjoy. Your time in Years 12 and 13 will be more enjoyable if you are studying subjects which you find interesting and stimulating. It is important to remember, however, that the material that you cover in a particular subject in Years 12 and 13 may well be quite different from that which you covered in Years 10 and 11. For this reason, it is very important that you do some research into exactly what each A-Level entails. This website should give you some key information in this respect.

Which subjects am I best at? 

It is important that you opt for subjects at which you have a strong chance of doing well.

Do I need to study particular subjects if I wish to follow a particular career? 

For entry to some professions, it is important to have the right academic qualifications.  However, for entry to many degree courses and professions, it is not a requirement to have studied any particular subjects. The best advice is probably to ensure that you make a sensible choice that does not rule out particular careers that you may be considering, but which leaves enough flexibility to allow you to change your mind later. Above all, you should ensure that you play to your strengths by selecting subjects which you enjoy and at which you are good.

Who can help me make my choice? 

Many people are on hand to help you decide which is the best combination of subjects for you. Your form tutor, subject teachers and parents will all be happy to lend advice. You may also wish to talk to pupils in Years 12 and 13 who have followed these courses for advice on what the study of a particular subject is like from a pupil’s perspective.

Do I understand the workload that particular subjects demand. 

Different subjects have different workload requirements. Some may only had a a final exam as an assessment. Other subjects require constant assessments and/or coursework. These require a great deal of commitment and organisation throughout the year.