A-Levels Unlocked: How to Choose Subjects that Lead to Career Success
Choosing the right A-level subjects is a crucial decision for students, and as parents, your guidance can make a significant difference. The A-levels your child selects can influence their university options and career paths, making this choice one of the most important steps in their educational journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process and support your child in making informed decisions that align with their career goals.
What are A-Levels?
A-Levels (Advanced Levels) and AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary) are courses that students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take after completing their GCSEs. They are the most common qualifications for university admission. Other alternatives include Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and various vocational qualifications.
A-Levels are two-year qualifications that allow students to study an existing GCSE subject in greater depth or try completely new subjects like Law, Drama, or Economics.
What to Expect from A-Levels
- Increased Difficulty: A-Levels are more challenging than GCSEs, with a greater emphasis on independent study and deeper subject knowledge.
- Teaching Style Differences: A-Level courses often involve more self-directed learning and critical thinking.
- Focused Study: Students usually take three to five subjects, allowing more time to delve deeply into each one.
How Many A-Levels Should Your Child Take?
Students can take up to five A-Levels, but most choose three for their two-year course. Some may opt to work towards AS qualifications or combine both. Discuss options with your school or college to determine what they offer and what might be the best route for your child.
Entry Requirements for A-Levels
Most schools and colleges expect students to have at least five 9–4 (A*–C) grades in their GCSEs. Requirements can vary, so it’s essential to check with your specific institution. Often, a grade 5–6 (B) or above in a subject is needed to continue it at A-Level.
Steps to Choosing the Right A-Levels
1. Understand Your Child’s Interests and Strengths
The first step is understanding your child’s interests and strengths. Encourage open conversations about their favourite subjects and hobbies. List subjects they are passionate about and compare this with their academic strengths to narrow down options to subjects they are likely to enjoy and excel in.
2. Research Career Goals and University Requirements
Explore potential career paths that align with your child’s interests. Many careers have specific A-level requirements. For example, aspiring doctors need Biology and Chemistry, while engineers might need Mathematics and Physics. Check university entry requirements for courses related to your child’s career interests.
3. Consider Subject Combinations
Some subjects complement each other well and can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a field. For instance, combining Mathematics with Physics benefits engineering students, while pairing History with English Literature is advantageous for careers in law or journalism.
4. Balance the Workload
A-Levels are demanding, so consider the workload involved in different subjects. Some subjects require more coursework, while others are exam focused. Balancing these can help manage stress and improve performance. Encourage a mix of subjects your child is confident in and passionate about.
5. Seek Advice from Teachers and Career Advisors
Teachers and career advisors can provide valuable insights into the suitability of certain subjects for your child’s career goals. They can also share information about the content and difficulty level of different A-Level subjects.
6. Think Long-Term but Stay Flexible
While it’s important to think about long-term career goals, remain flexible. Interests and goals can change, and the skills gained from various A-Level subjects can be transferable to different fields. Encourage your child to choose subjects that keep their options open.
7. Evaluate the Availability of Resources and Support
Consider the resources and support available for each subject. Ensure that your child has access to necessary resources and support for their chosen subjects, whether through their school or external help.
8. Balance Passion with Pragmatism
While passion for a subject is important, consider the pragmatic aspects of subject choices. Balancing passion with a realistic assessment of your child’s abilities and the demands of the subjects can lead to better outcomes.
9. Review and Reflect
Once your child has made their A-Level choices, review and reflect on the decision. Consider if the choices align with their career goals and if they are manageable in terms of workload and stress. Regularly review your child’s progress and well-being throughout their A-Level studies.
10. Support and Encouragement
Your support and encouragement play a vital role in your child’s success. Be there to provide guidance, help manage stress, and celebrate their achievements. Remind your child that it’s okay to seek help and that you are there to support them.
Which Subjects Should You Choose?
If You Already Know What You Want to Study at University: Knowing what to study at university puts you in a good position. Check entry requirements on university websites for your chosen course. For example, Medicine, Veterinary Science, and certain Engineering courses may need three specific subjects. Some universities also publish a list of preferred A-Level subjects for general admission.
If You Don’t Know What You Want to Study at University: It’s normal not to know what you want to do for a career or study at university. Choose subjects you enjoy and excel in. Russell Group universities list eight ‘facilitating’ subjects that keep options open: Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths and Further Maths, Modern and Classical Languages, and Physics. Taking two facilitating subjects keeps a wide range of degrees open.
Other Factors to Consider
- What You’re Good At: Your career or degree plans may change, so choose subjects you can do well in.
- What You Enjoy: If you don’t enjoy a subject, reconsider your degree preference if it’s required for a specific university course.
- Subject Combination: For example, taking a science A-Level might require considering another science or maths subject.
- The Syllabus: Understanding the course content can help determine if a particular A-Level is right for you.
- Workload: Be realistic about how much work you can handle.
How can Educate Excellence help?
Here at Educate Excellence we provide support for both parents and children who are choosing their A-levels. If you need any help or support, please contact either Fayas, the head of education, or our PLOs who will be happy to provide advice where they can.
Choosing the right A-levels is a pivotal step towards achieving career goals. By understanding your child’s interests and strengths, researching career paths, and seeking advice from educators, you can guide them towards making informed decisions. Balancing passion with pragmatism, considering workload, and providing ongoing support will help ensure your child’s success and well-being throughout their A-level journey.
Remember, this is a collaborative process, and your involvement can make a significant difference in helping your child reach their full potential.