For some this will be straightforward. For the majority it is
not quite so simple. As the list of available subjects shows, there is a great
deal of choice, ranging from subjects you already have experience of to subjects
which sound interesting but which you know next to nothing about! Although you
will need to think carefully, there are three key principles which should
guide your choice:
| 1) |
Choose subjects you will enjoy |
| |
If you do not enjoy studying a subject (most of the time at least),
it is demoralising and difficult to do well. In thinking about whether
you will enjoy a subject it is helpful to consider two things about it:
the content of the subject and the skills which it requires.
You should have a real interest in the content, the things that you learn
about. You should also be confident that you have or can develop the skills
that the subject requires. Another aspect which may be important to you is
the way a subject is assessed, particularly whether the subject involves
project work.
The subject descriptions explain what each discipline involves.
Finding out more about a possible subject is clearly essential if you haven’t
studied it before, but it is also important to check out subjects you are
familiar with - they are likely to change significantly as you move from GCSE
to A-level.
|
| 2) |
Bear in mind any future career plans |
| |
If you have clear ideas about what you want to study at university, you
should check whether your plans require specific subjects.
Your school’s careers room should contain a copy of the ‘UCAS Big Guide’,
which contains tables explaining which subjects are required for admission to
specific degrees. You will find that there are many degree subjects which you
can apply for with any A-level combination.
The subject descriptions in this guide will help, and we can advise you further
if you decide to visit us. Your school should be able to provide careers advice
and testing if you need to clarify your long-term plans before choosing A-level
subjects.
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| 3) |
Take time to find out all you need to know |
| |
You will need the time to think carefully about all your interests and skills,
and about possible directions after A levels. You then need to match up these
ideas against the A-level subjects on offer, which will involve finding out more
about them.
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With these points in mind, the following will be useful sources
of information and advice:
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This Guide |
| |
The individual subject descriptions should give you a good idea of what each subject involves.
|
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Your current teachers |
| |
Your teachers should know your intellectual strengths and weaknesses. It is
certainly worth asking their opinion on the subjects you are thinking about.
|
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Teachers at CCSS |
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CCSS Staff will be able to give a detailed account of their subjects and can
answer questions on what the subject is like. You can usually meet subject
teachers at interview if you let us know which subjects you are interested in.
|
|
Syllabuses |
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The examination syllabus describes the topics to be covered, often in
considerable detail. However, be warned that syllabuses tend to list what must
be done, rather than explain the interest of the subject.
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Other students |
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Talk to sixth-formers who are currently studying the subjects you are
considering. Ask them what they like best about their subjects (and what
they do not like).
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Texts and reference books |
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Skimming through a book in the subject area can give a good idea of the
type of work you would be involved in. This is particularly useful when you
are contemplating something you have not studied before. Ask us for suggestions.
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