Choosing Subjects

The choice of academic programme is particularly important in the Sixth Form. Students have a much wider range of subjects to choose from than at GCSE and it really is their choice for the first time. There are lots of options and combinations which should allow them to find the perfect mix.

However they do need to be careful that the subjects fit together effectively. For example, it might be a mistake to select four subjects that place a high premium on essay writing unless this is a particular strength. It might be better to choose a combination of subjects with a variety of assessment patterns. Students also need to think about what they want to do at university or in their career as this may influence the best subjects for them at this stage.

It is very important therefore that students find the right AS and A level courses and we are experts in helping them to do this. At the initial interview and in subsequent meetings with teachers and Directors of Studies, for example, students and parents have the opportunity to discuss options and to discover more about the various possibilities that exist. We don't try and rush people into making a decision (unlike some schools that ask for a very early decision) - we give you plenty of time to think it through (and even change your mind!)

When deciding on subjects there are a number of factors to think about:

  1. The range of potential subjects available. Most A level options are available to d’Overbroeck’s students and these can be studied in many different combinations. It is extremely rare for a student not to be able to study their preferred subjects.
  2. New subjects can often sound especially appealing and the prospect of taking up Psychology, Philosophy or Communication Studies, say, can seem quite appealing. It is important, however to make sure you are fully aware of the content and demands of these subjects - they may not be quite what you think! This is particularly true for those options not available at GCSE such as Sports Studies, Sociology and Politics.
  3. It is also true that subjects can change almost beyond recognition as you move from GCSE to A level. Just because you disliked or adored a subject at GCSE it does not automatically follow that the same will be true at AS or A level!
  4. The talents and approaches demanded by different subjects and whether the student feels comfortable with these is another factor. Most A level subjects now, for example, feature coursework and/or projects; these may well appeal to students who do not like a final exam. Other students, however, enjoy the pressure of the exam room and find it difficult to devote sufficient time and energy to the routine and methodology demanded by a longer piece of personal research.
  5. You also need to think about the standard of essay writing or mathematical ability demanded by individual subjects. You may, for example, opt for Economics rather than Business Studies only to discover that different mathematical challenges lie in wait.

The whole process of choosing A levels can be an exciting one - after all we have nearly 40 to choose from - and we will guide students at every stage.