Oaklands Catholic Sixth Form College 2016 Post 16 Options
The Top Seven Tips for choosing your A Levels – October 2015
Tip No 1 - Understand what is going on with A Levels
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A move to linear A Level courses 2015-2017
At present they are modular (of modules AS and A2)
Assessment will be mainly by exam, with other types of assessment used only where
they are needed to test essential skills.
BOTH AS and A levels will be assessed at the end of the course.
AS and A levels will be decoupled – this means that AS results will no longer count
towards an A level, in the way they do now.
Most of you are choosing three subjects - The choice is more important than ever
You will study them for two years with no results half way through – only at the end
Tip No 2 - Understand why are A Levels so important – a global gold standard
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They help you get into university – e.g. Russell Group (A*-Bs at GCSE and A*-B at A
Level) are the UK’s best universities:
In addition universities can be either selecting or recruiting universities, depending on their
subject or course expertise. Check in
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings if you wish to
explore further.
Oaklands Catholic Sixth Form College 2016 Post 16 Options
Tip No 3 - Making a good choice at A Level – Types of A Level
Subjects below are called Facilitating Subjects by top UK universities (the Russell Group) Try to choose one or two of these types of subject - at least
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English Literature
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History
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Modern languages – eg French, German, Spanish etc…
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Classical languages – eg Latin, Ancient Greek
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Maths and Further Maths
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Physics, Biology, Chemistry
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Geography
Tip No 4 - Does this mean I shouldn’t study non-facilitating subjects?
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No, there are many other subjects, which are all excellent at preparing you for
university
If you already know what you would like to study at university or you’re passionate
about a particular subject, then you should make your choices based on this:
Economics
Physical Education
Drama &Theatre
Studies
Psychology
Sociology
English Language
Music
Fine Art
Business Studies
Joint English
Religious Studies
Law
Politics
Product Design
Health and Social
ICT
Film Studies
Media Studies
Photography
Care
If you’re worried or in doubt about your choices, always discuss with us before you
commit to them.
Note: If you would like to study music or art at university you should definitely study
these subjects at A-level
Oaklands Catholic Sixth Form College 2016 Post 16 Options
Tip No 5 – REMEMBER A Levels are hard and employers and universities like A grades
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Take subjects you CAN DO, not subjects you think your parents think you SHOULD do
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Take advice, do not make decisions alone or just with friends
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Choose slowly and carefully
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Oaklands A Level Open Evening 19th November 2015 will really help you decide
Tip No 6 - A good place to start: This is a great website: Best Course 4 me.com
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Explore by your chosen career
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Especially helpful if you don't know the career you want
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Explore by subject areas
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Explore by university
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Compare specific courses
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See more at: http://www.bestcourse4me.com/ #sthash.s0r2qVvD.dpuf
Tip No 7 - Still unsure what to choose to do? – where do you fit in this list?
GCSE predictions
Number of A Levels to study
ALL A - A*grades
choose four 2 year courses - at least two facilitating subjects
Mostly A*- Bs
choose three/four 2 year courses
All A - C
choose three 2 year courses
Oaklands Catholic Sixth Form College 2016 Post 16 Options
Mostly B - C
choose three 2 year courses
C-G grades
A Levels may not be the best choice this September, not yet
Final
summary advice – you are not alone – talk to us!
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Careers advice in school – ask for an appt. from Mrs Payne
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SLT interviews - one to one discussion about your choices
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College open evenings - where you can ask questions
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College prospectuses
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Oaklands A Level options programme: day time visits with A Level students and
evening presentations to parents
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Application deadline - end of this term