Making the Right Choice
Choosing the subjects to form an A Level portfolio takes time and thought. Just like all decision-making, you will need to achieve a balance between a number of different and possibly opposed criteria. What is important is that you have a plan of action to help you make up your mind and the following guidelines should help you to do this!
First and foremost you should consider subjects that interest you and that you enjoy, you might call this ‘gut feeling', but it is as good a guide as any. You will be strongly committed to the subjects that you have taken and therefore if you enjoy it you are more likely to work hard and achieve your true potential.
Secondly, the subjects of your choice must suit your own particular strengths. Are you good at essay writing? Are you fond of problem solving? Do you like working with figures? Do you like working with ideas? Back your strengths – avoid your weaknesses!
Thirdly, you must consider your university or career objectives as these may mean that you have to gain passes in certain subjects. For example if you want to read Medicine or Veterinary Science, you will need at least two science subjects, including Chemistry. If you are applying for Economics or certain Business degree courses, then universities may well demand a pass in A Level Mathematics. On the other hand, you may want to keep all your options open, as many degree courses do not have any special subject requirements. It is always worth checking! Key Facts
Note - AS Level stands for Advanced Subsidiary that is effectively the exam taken at the half way stage to a full A Level.
- The approach at the Cardiff Sixth Form College is to allow as much flexibility as possible in course structure. The normal approach is for students to take a two year programme i.e. AS in year 1 (3 – 5 subjects) and then take 3 subjects at A2 Level in the second year.
- It is also possible to start in January, take AS Levels in June with intensive courses, and then study 3 A2 subjects in the following academic year.
- To be successful, you must make the correct choice of subjects and programmes. The Director of Admissions at the Cardiff Sixth Form College is there to help students to follow the course which will enable him/her to achieve the best possible A Level results.
- For students wishing to retake an AS or A Level there are intensive courses from September to January/June each year.
- Entry requirements are 5 GCSEs or a High School Certificate plus an appropriate level of English.
Duration of Course
Students who have just completed GCSE, IGCSE or overseas equivalent would normally enroll for the 2 year A Level course. In the first term, students are taught the language and basic terminologies of the subjects studied and are given much help in bridging the considerable gap which still exists between GCSE and AS Level. The remainder of the first year is spent on covering the three units of the AS Level, which are taken in May/June. The A2 units are studied during the second year, where students are also given the opportunity to improve the marks obtained in their AS units where appropriate.
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