Careers Guidance in the Sixth Form
This is the traditional academic route of A level subjects. Most of our students following this route will go to university.
The A levels are two year courses, with examinations that will be completed at the end of Year 13.
In the application form, students must select their choice of 3 subjects and also a reserve subject. This free choice will hopefully enable more students to study the subjects of their choice. However subjects will only be able to run if there are sufficient numbers.
Computer Science will be a new offering this academic year, but it is dependent on staff recruitment.
There may be an option to study 4 A Levels however this is a challenging academic route and is usually only taken by students who have attained grade 8 and 9 in their GCSEs.
Please note, students wishing to study Further Mathematics must also select Mathematics.
For further indepth information about subject curricula, please click here
You will need to attain at least 5 passes at a minimum of Grade 5, including/as well as at least Grade 4 in English and Mathematics. You will also need to meet the specific entrance requirements for each subject as detailed in the prospectus.
It can be bewildering trying to choose A Levels when you are not sure what you want to do after you finish Sixth Form. The best advice comes from The Russell Group (representing leading UK universities).
Russell Group
We understand that you have differing career aspirations, interests and strengths, and we aim to ensure that you have an individualised programme which allows you to achieve your full potential.
It is important to realise that your GCSE results will indicate the most appropriate pathway for you, and your A level choices need to be considered carefully. A few subjects can be taken without previous study at GCSE, and some will be brand new to you. You should check the specific requirements as detailed in the prospectus.
Choosing courses is a really important decision, as your future career could depend on it. You should aim to thoroughly research your subject choices when choosing your courses. Choose subjects that you feel enthusiastic about and inspire you. Think carefully about the guidance from your teachers, tutors and family.
You should choose subjects that complement each other effectively, in order to showcase your talents accordingly. For example, students should usually take more than one Science subject if they wish to continue this at university. Students who wish to pursue English should choose a complementary essay subject to highlight their skills, such as History, Religious Studies or a Language. Economics and Physics complement Mathematics very well too. Some useful advice on this can be found here
Updated: November 2024
