Curriculum

MAKING THE CHOICE

We understand that choosing your subjects is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, because it feeds into your university choices, and ultimately, your career path.  As such, it is extremely important that you make careful, considered decisions regarding the subjects you choose, and this booklet aims to give you some of the key information you need to make your decisions.  You are of course always welcome to discuss your options with our subject specialist staff.

SELECTING YOUR OPTIONS

• Read the information in the booklet to understand what you will learn as part of each course at A-level.
• Check what the entry requirements for each subject are, as well as which skills are required.
• Consider what you could be doing to prepare now for success at GCSE.
• Work out whether you are prepared to take on at least five hours’ independent study per subject, per week.  Is a strongly academic path right for you?
• Think about what subjects you enjoy.
• Speak to your teachers and see if they think you are suited to that subject.
• Keep an open mind: there are several subjects you will not have studied before, but which you might be really good at.
• Try to think about what you might like to do at University or even as a career.  If you know this, look up their subject entry requirements so that you have an idea of which subjects you will need.
• If you are unsure of this, choose subjects you enjoy and that you are good at.
• Choose subjects that complement each other and give you flexibility if you change your mind about your career choices later.
• Make sure that the options you choose include units that are of interest to you and that you will be happy studying for two years.
• Do not pick options based on your friends’ choices or your current teacher; the subjects you choose have to be right for you.
• Apply using the Internal or External Application form!