Choosing the right A level subjects during enrolment.
Knowing which A levels to take can be a difficult decision especially if you do not know which career path you want to take. Your GCSE grades will dictate to some degree what your options will be and the subject pathways you may have to take in order to gain your level 3 qualifications.
Before you head off to enrol onto your Level 3 courses here are some factors to consider which will help you decide on the best pathway for you.
Your GCSE Grades: Most courses will require you to meet a certain grade in order to study the A level or BTEC course you are interested in. In the case of most sciences for example you will usually require at least a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE.
Your preferred style of learning: Do you thrive in exams? Do you hate coursework? Although most BTEC and Applied courses now have examination elements the coursework element is more heavily weighted than the exam. If you enjoy sitting exams then A levels are the better option, with many subjects having little or no coursework at all.
Your chosen career pathway (if you have one): If you have a career in mind which requires a degree, take a look at the UCAS website to see what the entry requirements are. For example to study medicine A level Chemistry is usually a must.
Which subjects you enjoy: If you have a genuine interest in a subject even if you find it challenging you are more likely to put in the hard work and achieve well. It is often tempting to choose subjects you find easy, this is an obvious tactic but just because you found a subject easy at GCSE doesn’t mean it will be easy at A level.
If you need to resit a subject: If you didn’t achieve a grade 4 or above in your English and/or Maths at GCSE you will have to resit these exams, This will often dictate your learning programme and you may be asked to study on a Level 2 programme before embarking on a Level 3 course the following year.
Try to have a plan in mind and be willing to back up your choices during enrolment. Ensure you are well informed and have read the full course programme for the subject, especially if it is a new subject you have not studied at GCSE.
The teachers and tutors enrolling you will have certain parameters to work within and should do their best to provide you with the best programme possible which suits your needs.
If you are not happy with what you have been offered at one provider don’t be afraid to shop around.
Then the rest is up to you!
Enjoy your time at college and good luck!
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