A GUIDE TO AS AND A2 OPTIONS

For Year 11 Pupils and Parents

How important is my choice?

• The A-levels you choose can have a major impact on what you can study at degree level and hence your career path

• It is important to get your A-level choices right

Our Role

• To help our students make an informed choice of A-level subjects

• To offer a suitable range of subjects

A-levels

• A-levels are recognised worldwide as university entrance qualifications

• Staged assessment, AS then A2

• They are academically demanding

AS Studies in the L6th

• Number of subjects. (Universities will expect you to have studied 4 subjects)

• The expected depth of understanding is much greater than at IGCSE level

• A high work ethic is essential

IGCSE Results Required by Universities

• B grade English is often required for Science and Engineering courses

• B grade Maths is often required for Business and Humanities courses

• A*s are important, the more the better! (if you want to study medicine you will need 5 or more A* grades including English, Maths and Science)

A-level Subjects Offered at Peponi

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths

• English Literature, Geography, History, Economics, French, Spanish, German

• Art and Design, Business Studies, Computing, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Religious Education.

IGCSE Results Required By Peponi

• In order to study an AS subject you should have at least a B grade at IGCSE in that or a related subject

• You need at least 5 IGCSEs at C grade or above

• The A level grading system has a range A* to E. If you only have the minimum entry grades this will equate with the lower A level grades

The Option Grid and the Timetable

• The grid is designed to offer sensible subject combinations and meet the needs of our students

• Option blocks: subjects in the same block are taught at the same time.

• Keep us informed, particularly if you want to study Spanish, German, Music, Physical Education or Religious Education

An Example of an Option Choice Grid

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5

Literature in English AS

Music AS Geography AS Mathematics AS History AS

Business Studies AS

French AS

Geography AS

Chemistry AS Psychology AS Computing AS

Economics AS

Art and Design AS

Economics AS Spanish AS Physical Education AS

Biology AS

Physics AS Further Maths Biology AS Geography AS

Making the Right Choice

• Read the booklet

• Review your strengths and weaknesses and decide what type of student you are

• Talk to your subject teachers and 6th form students

• Research careers, courses and entry requirements

• Look for the best combination of subjects

Does it always matter?

Some popular degrees courses do not mind what A-level subjects you have studied as long as you have good grades

A few examples: Accountancy, Business Studies, Law, Management Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology

Facilitating Subjects - Keep Your Options Open

Maths and Further Maths

English Literature

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Geography

History

A Modern Foreign Language

Economics

Hard and Soft Subjects

• All A-level subjects are supposed to be equally rigorous and demanding

• So called “soft” subjects usually have a vocational or practical bias, “hard” subjects are theoretical

• The facilitating subjects are all “hard” subjects

Subject Balance

• You should choose at least two facilitating subjects

• Unless you are certain you know what you want to study at university choose your third and fourth AS subject for breadth and interest

Categories of Students!

Which category do you fall into?

• The Scientist

• The Essay Writer

• The Linguist

• The Artist

The Scientist

Biological/Life Science• Biology• Chemistry• Maths or a humanities subject

Physical Science• Physics• Maths• Chemistry or a humanities subject

The Essay Writer

A combination from:

• English Literature• History• Geography• Psychology• Economics

The Linguist

• French• Spanish• German

• Two other subjects in science or humanities

The Artist

• Art and Design

• Two other subjects in science or the humanities

• A good portfolio

The Five Point Guide

1. If you think you know what to study at university check the entry requirements and choose the subjects required

2. If you are not sure, keep your options open by choosing at least two facilitation subjects

3. Make sure your IGCSE results are good enough for what you want to do

4. Choose subjects that reflect your strengths and interests

5. Be clear in your own mind why you want to study a subject. Check all the facts!

Keep a cool head on A-level choices.

Oxford Mail

• Think of where you want to be and work backwards

• Find subjects that you are genuinely interested in

• Good results come from choosing a subject you’re passionate about as well as good teaching

• Match the subjects you like to your target degree