Higher Education & Careers A Level Subject Choices: Higher Education and your Future Career
Jobs and professions have many different entry requirements and demands. Careful investigation and research along with participation in both Higher Education and Careers related events (through our Futures Programme) as each pupil progresses through school will ensure they are best equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable them to fulfil their potential. Each pupil’s combination of A Level subjects will affect the range of courses open to them in Higher Education and indeed the career areas they may be able to follow. This applies particularly to combinations of Mathematics and Science subjects and advice on the most suitable combination is available from a number of sources. The definitive source of information for most institutions is now the individual University website. There are additional paper publications available in the Sixth Form Study Room along with the Careers and Higher Education intranet pages, which are full of useful information and links. When considering their A Level options, pupils are strongly encouraged to seek appropriate advice from staff or to use the UCAS website to check their choices are suitable for their desired university course. The UCAS website details what courses are available at which university and what A Level or GCSE grades are required or preferred. In addition to this all pupils should be mindful of the following when making their choices: Qualifications •
Some careers demand a very high standard of qualification (e.g. Veterinary Science, Medicine, Law) so pupils should speak with their subject teachers and Head of House about their chances of achieving the necessary A Level grades. It is always advisable to have thought of a Plan B and even a Plan C when thinking about career options.
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Acceptance on some courses may depend upon having completed relevant work experience. It cannot be stressed enough that work experience – be that with a company or through being involved in a club or society at school for example – is essential to build and develop skills and to show commitment. Pupils should see the Careers Advisor at any time for advice and information on what is out there.
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GCSE qualifications can and may be used by some universities as selection criteria for making conditional offers.
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There are an increasing number of additional examinations required for entry into Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law and Maths at many universities (including several courses at Oxford and Cambridge). These are generally sat close to or during the October half term of the Upper Sixth year.
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