Curriculum FAQs
How do I choose my subjects for the Sixth Form? You will be studying a much narrower range of subjects than in the past and spending more time on each of them, so it certainly makes sense to choose subjects you know you enjoy! Equally, your results in these subjects will be your passport to Higher Education, so they should also be subjects in which you can reasonably expect to achieve good results. A combination of subjects offering a degree of variety of study is often a good idea.
If you have clear future intentions for university and beyond, check if you should take certain subjects at A Level. If you are not sure what you want to do beyond the Sixth Form, it’s best to choose a range of subjects that keep your options open. Take advice as widely as possible and visit the HE and careers centre to talk to our dedicated HE staff.
Should I do 3 or 4 subjects? Our advice is to start the Lower Sixth on four subjects and consider reducing to three mid-way through the year or at the start of the Upper Sixth. Further Mathematics, Mathematics, plus two other subjects is the traditional four-subject combination, but you can take all four of your subjects forward to A Level if you wish, whatever combination you are studying. It is
important not to underestimate the potential demands of any four-subject Upper Sixth course of study, and to take advice as widely as possible. Universities are generally looking for the three best A Level grades, and focusing on three subjects can increase your chances of obtaining the highest grades.
Which subjects are the best preparation for university later on? The School believes that all the subjects offered at A Level have good academic credentials and are suitable for study by Sixth Formers intending to enter Higher Education. Some HE courses have specific subject requirements, very many do not.
Students who are concerned whether their A Level subjects are appropriate preparation for their intended course of study at university should consult the websites of the universities concerned or look at the entry profiles for courses featured on UCAS Course Search. The HE and careers department can also offer guidance and advice.
When do I have to decide which subjects I want to carry on to full A Level? Having chosen four subjects for your Lower Sixth year, you don’t have to decide which three you will carry on with in the Upper Sixth until the spring term of the Lower Sixth year, or after the Lower Sixth exams in the Summer term.
Requests to change your choice of subjects after that will be considered but will be subject to considerations such as staffing, set numbers and timetabling implications. Internal exams held at the start of the summer term in the Lower Sixth will help you with this process.
Deputy Head (Academic): Dr BM Waymark - bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk
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