Navigating the Maze: Your Guide to Choosing the Right A-Levels
That looming question – “What A-Levels should I take?” – feels enormous, doesn’t it? It pops up in Year 11 (or sometimes earlier!), casting a shadow over GCSE celebrations. Suddenly, you’re faced with a list of subjects and the weighty feeling that these choices might shape your next few years, maybe even your future career path. Take a deep breath. While important, choosing your A-Levels isn’t about finding a single “perfect” answer, but about making informed decisions that set you up for success in areas you find genuinely interesting. Let’s break down how to approach this crucial step.
Step 1: Start With Yourself – Interests & Strengths
This really is the foundation. What subjects do you genuinely enjoy? Which lessons fly by because you’re engrossed? Enjoyment is a massive predictor of success. Pushing yourself through two years of a subject you actively dislike is tough and rarely leads to great results.
Alongside interest, be honest about your strengths. Are you a whizz at analysing texts in English? Does solving complex maths problems give you a buzz? Do you thrive in practical science experiments? Look back at your GCSE performance and, more importantly, how you felt tackling those subjects. Choosing subjects you have a natural aptitude for makes the challenging A-Level workload more manageable.
Step 2: Consider Your Horizon – Future Plans (If You Have Them!)
Do you have a specific university course or career path in mind? This can be a powerful guide:
University Courses: Most university courses have specific A-Level requirements or “strongly preferred” subjects. These are non-negotiable. For example:
Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Science: Almost always require Chemistry and Biology; often Maths or Physics too.
Engineering: Typically require Maths and Physics.
Economics: Often require Maths.
English Literature: Usually require English Literature A-Level.
Crucially: Always check the specific entry requirements for courses you’re interested in on university websites (UCAS is a good starting point, but go direct to the uni pages too). Don’t assume!
Careers: While many careers don’t mandate specific A-Levels, certain subjects open doors. For instance, Maths, Physics, and Further Maths are highly valued for technical or finance roles. Sciences are essential for lab-based careers. History, English, and Languages develop critical thinking and communication skills prized in many fields like law, media, or policy.
Keeping Options Open: If you’re genuinely undecided (which is perfectly normal!), focus on choosing a combination of “facilitating subjects” – subjects widely respected by top universities across various disciplines. The Russell Group universities often highlight these:
Maths and Further Maths
English Literature
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Geography
History
Modern Languages (e.g., French, German, Spanish)
Choosing two or three facilitating subjects alongside one you’re passionate about (like Art, Music, Drama, Psychology, or Sociology) is a very solid strategy for keeping future doors wide open.
Step 3: Explore the Practicalities – What’s On Offer & How They Work Together
School/College Offering: You might have your heart set on Computer Science, but does your chosen Sixth Form actually offer it? Check the prospectus carefully. Some smaller institutions might have limited options.
Subject Combinations: Think about how your chosen subjects might complement each other or provide breadth:
Complementary Pairs: Maths & Physics; Biology & Chemistry; History & Politics; English Literature & Drama. These naturally support each other.
Balanced Trios: Combining different skillsets can be very powerful and keep options open. Examples:
Maths, Biology, Psychology (good for life sciences, psychology, some social sciences)
History, English Literature, French (strong for humanities, law, languages)
Chemistry, Maths, Economics (pathway towards sciences, economics, finance)
Physics, Maths, Design & Technology (engineering-focused)
Workload & Assessment: Be realistic about the demands. Some subjects are notoriously content-heavy (e.g., History, Biology) or involve significant coursework alongside exams (e.g., Art, DT). Consider your own working style – do you thrive on exams, or prefer sustained project work? Talk to current Year 12/13 students about their experiences.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
1. Choosing Based Only on Friends: While having friends in class can be nice, it’s not a reason to pick a subject. Your interests and needs might diverge.
2. Choosing a Subject Because You Like the Teacher: Teachers change! Base your choice on the subject itself.
3. Assuming You Must Know Your Career Path: Many people don’t! Focus on subjects you enjoy and are good at, keeping options open where possible.
4. Ignoring University Requirements: If you have even a vague idea of a university path, research its requirements now. Discovering you need Chemistry for Veterinary Science in Year 13 is too late.
5. Underestimating the Step Up: A-Levels are significantly more demanding than GCSEs. Be prepared for deeper analysis, faster pace, and greater independence required.
But What If You’re Really Undecided?
That’s okay! Here’s what you can do:
1. Talk! Speak to your current teachers, careers advisors, and the Head of Sixth Form. They see students go through this every year and have valuable insights.
2. Research: Explore university websites for courses that sound intriguing. Look at job profiles on sites like Prospects.ac.uk. What qualifications do they mention?
3. Focus on Strengths & Facilitating Subjects: Lean into what you’re good at and choose a combination that includes respected subjects like Maths, Sciences, English Lit, History, or Languages. This keeps the most doors open.
4. Consider an EPQ: Some schools offer the Extended Project Qualification alongside A-Levels. It’s a great way to explore a topic you’re passionate about independently and demonstrates research skills valued by universities.
The Bottom Line:
Asking “What A-Levels should I take?” means you’re thinking seriously about your future – that’s brilliant. There’s no universal formula. The best choices stem from a thoughtful blend of what you love, what you’re good at, and what you might want to do next. Do your research, talk to the experts around you, and choose subjects that genuinely excite you and play to your strengths. This combination is your strongest foundation for thriving in Sixth Form and opening exciting doors beyond. Good luck!
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