1. A Level Choices December 2017

2. 27 options are available Art , Art Textiles, History of Art
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology
Business, Economics
Design & Technology
English Literature
French, German, Spanish
Geography
History, Politics
Computer Science
Latin, Classical Civilisation
Media Studies
Music
Mathematics, Further Mathematics PE
Religious Studies (Theology, Philosophy of Religion, and Ethics)
Theatre Studies

3. ‘New’ subjects
Art Textiles – you must be prepared to put in the hours
History of Art – an interest in art and history is an advantage
Business – grade 6 in Maths and English is a minimum requirement
Economics – grade 6 in Maths and English is a minimum requirement
Government & Politics – an existing interest in politics and current affairs is a real advantage
Media Studies – note that there is a considerable emphasis on practical IT work in this course
Psychology - note that this has a considerable scientific and mathematical content
Theology, Philosophy of Religion & Ethics – the essays can be demanding. If you find abstract questions irritating, don’t do this subject
It is particularly important with these subjects that you do your research

4. How many subjects do I choose?
We advise that you choose 3 subjects. For some students it may be appropriate to choose 4 subjects but this must be discussed with Ms Lane
University offers will, as always, tend to be based on 3 A Level grades, although some will be points based.
There will be several alternatives to a 4th A Level - EPQ, Core Maths, Certificate in Financial Studies, MOOCs or a Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership or AS Maths

5. Be informed about the A level courses you choose
Whether a subject is Sixth Form only or one you have studied since Year 7, do not assume that you know what the contents and requirements of the A Level course are.
Always read the course booklet carefully before making any choices. You can also chat to staff about it.

6. If you already have a particular type of degree course in mind, do your research!
Degree courses often have quite specific A Level subject requirements which
might not be obvious unless you have researched them:
For example…
Economics requires A Level Maths.
Medicine requires A Level Chemistry.
Good Psychology courses require a Science subject (usually Chemistry or Biology) at A Level.
Architecture courses usually - but not always – require a combination of Art with a science (often Physics/Maths)
If you already have a future degree course in mind, make sure you have
researched course requirements by using the “informed choices” booklet,
researching in the Careers Library and talking to the relevant staff. .

7. What if you have no idea of what you intend to study at university
This will apply to most of you, and there is nothing bad or unusual about it.
The main thing is to keep some sort of breadth in your A Level choices.
It would be advisable to consult with Ms Weatherston, Ms Lane, Mr Peachey or Mrs Whitton on your overall balance of choices.

8. If you are looking at universities outside the UK
If you are seriously considering higher education in another country then we are still able to offer you advice and guidance.
More and more students are looking at higher education in the USA. Mr Underwood can offer advice in this area. So do book an appointment with him.

9. If you are interested in exploring options other than going to university
We have lots of experience in helping students who are not using the normal UCAS route, but applying for Art Foundation courses or to certain Drama and Music Schools.
If you are thinking of a taking a non-university route after Sixth Form, talk to Ms Lane or Mr Peachey.

10. What you should base your choices on
Careful consultation with parents and appropriate staff.
Your own motivations and character (even if your parents have other ideas).
A realistic assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses.
A sound knowledge of the requirements for any relevant university courses or careers. .

11. What you should not base your choices on
What your friends are choosing.
What teacher(s) you like best.
Your parents’ ambitions rather than your own.
A false image of yourself.

12. The Options Process
I will you this power point and the course booklet
Your parents will be ed the A Level options form. Copies of this power point and the course booklet will be available via links in the form. The Y11 parent-teacher meeting will be on Friday 12 January. This will give you and your parents a final chance to chat with any of us before you reach your decisions.
To submit our options you simply press “submit” on the electronic form
The deadline for submitting options is Monday 22 January 2017

13. Who should I get advice from?
For advice on your overall spread of choices please see Ms Lane, Mr Peachey, Mrs Whitton or Ms Weatherston
If you want to know a bit more about a particular subject at A Level, the best person to speak to is the head of the relevant department.

14. What if I change my mind after 22 January?
If we can accommodate your changed decision we always will BUT remember that we can only accommodate a change of options if:
It fits the option blocks we have drawn up in February.
It does not push the size of a class above 14 students (12 students in sciences).

15. Will the School accept whatever choices I submit?
Usually, we will accept and support you in whatever choices you make.
However, if we feel that you are making unwise choices (i.e. Choosing courses which you will end up having to drop out of, or where you will get very low grades) we will make this very clear to you and your parents. If this happens we expect you and your parents to listen carefully to our professional judgement and to enter into a productive discussion with us.

16. What if I am going somewhere else for Sixth Form?
Our A Level choices advice is a service for all our Year 11 students.
If you are going somewhere else after GCSEs, we are still here to offer you any support and advice that you require to help you make the choices that are best for your future.

17. Withdrawal of options
The School reserves the right to withdraw an A Level option if fewer than three students choose it in any given year.
If we make the decision to withdraw a subject due to low numbers we will contact the relevant students, and their parents in early February to notify them and give support in finding a replacement option.

18. The Additional Curriculum
EPQ Core Maths (dependent on numbers) Certificate in Financial Studies Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership MOOCs AS Maths

19. EPQ The EPQ is the Extended Project Qualification.
It is a personal research project (usually resulting in a 5000 word essay, but you can also produce a media piece or an artefact) in which you explore a topic beyond the normal A Level syllabus in your favourite subject.
Universities like it because it is real evidence of independence.
Some universities are now offering slightly lower grades in A Levels if you also have an EPQ (and we have an excellent track record here).
Students complete it between September and May of Lower Sixth.

20. Core Maths
A useful additional qualification for students studying subjects such as Geography, Psychology, Economics or Business, for whom A Level Maths would not be a good idea.
Covers areas such as critical analysis of data, estimation, probability, correlation and regression, risk analysis, cost benefit analysis, graphical methods and rates of change
The same points as an AS. Probably offered over 2-3 lessons per week.

21. Thank you for listening
We are always looking to improve the information and guidance we provide for students and parents.
If there is anything that you feel is missing from, or unclear in, this presentation, please send your feedback to Ms Weatherston at