Steps in Choosing Your Options

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.

We strongly recommend a maximum of 3 A-Levels. Choosing a fourth A-Level will in no way, shape or form help you when applying for University; in fact it may disadvantage you. 

It is much better to get two A*s and an A, than three As.

University offers will never be more than three subjects.

It is important that you choose you courses carefully as swapping courses later on will mean catching up on any work missed. If you have any questions on what a course entails, ask the subject leader. However, we know that sometimes it may be necessary to consider a course swap. 

Year 12:

• There will be a period of time within which it will be possible to swap courses. This is dependent on if the swap can be made as there are restrictions on class sizes in some subjects.

• You can drop a subject but will not be allowed to take up a new subject.

Year 13:

• You may choose to leave a subject after you have completed Year 12.

• You can drop a subject but will not be allowed to take up a new subject.

• Level 3 courses are equivalent to an A-Level

• Certificate is equivalent to an AS.

• Extended Certificate is equivalent to an A-Level.