MAKING A CHOICE

Choosing Sixth Form subjects is a tricky business, particularly for those pupils whose interests are broad. In order to frame discussions on which subjects to pick, pupils should start by asking themselves three simple questions:

1

WHICH SUBJECTS INTEREST ME THE MOST?

2

WHICH SUBJECTS AM I GOOD AT?

The first two considerations are arguably the most important here. If a pupil is interested in a subject, it is more likely that he or she will excel. Similarly, if a pupil has performed well in a particular subject at GCSE, success at A level is far more likely. These two factors do not always guarantee future success, however. While the rigour of our GCSE courses makes the transition from GCSE to A level study relatively smooth, in many subjects there is an acute jump in the conceptual demands placed on pupils in the Sixth Form. There are cases every year where pupils find a chosen A level course particularly challenging, and, by extension, unenjoyable, despite having enjoyed that subject, and experienced considerable success in it at GCSE. This being said, a desire to learn more about a particular subject, combined with an innate talent for that subject, is a potent blend that more often than not leads to successful outcomes in the Sixth Form. Added to this, where A level subjects support each other in terms of the skills developed. this can help pupils to flourished in each of them.

3 DO MY PROPOSED SUBJECT CHOICES WORK TOGETHER?

4

WHICH SUBJECTS ARE REQUIRED TO ACCESS MY DESIRED OPTIONS BEYOND OUNDLE?

The final question, although important, is the one on which the least emphasis should be placed. While for some degree courses there are certain prerequisite A level courses, successful applications to leading universities are rarely determined by subject choice alone. Successful university applications ultimately depend on a pupil’s passion for a certain discipline, as evidenced through their engagement with the subject beyond the constraints of particular syllabuses. There is no substitute for this. The following website, created by the Russel Group, provides a good introduction to A level subject selection and university courses: https://www. informedchoices.ac.uk/

Help and support is always on hand, and talking to a wide range of people about your particular abilities and interests is essential. Pupils should consult their subject teachers, Heads of Department, tutors, Housemaster or Housemistress, the Careers Department and, if necessary, the Deputy Head Academic when considering options. Parents should also be consulted at every stage of the process. The advice from subject teachers is key in this equation; they are the ones who will be able to give honest and practical advice as to how you as an individual may find the jump in challenge in their subject, and your likelihood of long term success.

Commitment

We expect pupils to research their choices fully before they make them and to make a full commitment to their studies. In the first few weeks of the Lower Sixth we do allow some pupils to change subject in exceptional circumstances.

Pupils who start with four principal subjects are expected to continue their study in all four subjects until the publication of draft predicted grades in the Lent Term of their Lower Sixth Year. Pupils are strongly discouraged from approaching any subject considering it to be their “fourth” option, as a negative mindset is often self-reinforcing.

It should be noted, while subjects can be dropped in the Lent Term, there is a strong case for pupils not to give up a particular subject as soon as is possible in case opinions change before September of the Upper Sixth.

THREE OR FOUR PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS?

The great majority of pupils start with four principal subjects and an extension option. Indeed, pupils are strongly advised to start with a broader range of subjects, which can then be narrowed later in the Sixth Form.

Pupils who start with four principal subjects are expected to continue their study in all four subjects until the publication of draft predicted grades at the end of the Lent Term of their Lower Sixth Year.

Some pupils may wish to begin the Lower Sixth Form with only three principal subjects and two one-year courses. Recommendation for this must come from a pupil’s Tutor and/or Hsm, and permission must be sought from the Deputy Head Academic.

Pupils are strongly discouraged from approaching any subject considering it to be their “fourth” option, as a negative mindset is often self-reinforcing, and experience shows that a rank order of preference often changes throughout the year.

Expectations

CAREERS & HIGHER EDUCATION

Subject combinations should be made based on aptitude and enjoyment but also with potential ambitions for the future in mind. It is important that choices are not made that will weaken or prevent a university application later on. It is the responsibility of the pupil to research choices carefully. The Careers Department —situated in Cloisters—provides advice to pupils in Fifth Form via the LfL programme and can offer individual advice about Sixth Form choices by appointment. All pupils have access to the Unifrog website a comprehensive careers information platform, which allows them to explore degree course content and entry requirements.

For further information or advice please visit the department or e-mail Mrs Aubury:ema@ oundleschool.org.uk.

In the Sixth Form, a much stronger emphasis is placed on academic learning beyond the classroom and the prescribed specifications. Sixth Formers are expected to work more independently and to take full advantage of the resources that the Library and academic departments provide. All departments offer an exciting programme of society meetings, lectures, trips and academic surgeries, and Sixth Formers are encouraged to participate actively in all the opportunities on offer.

Equally, the co-curricular life of the School continues to offer a vast array of opportunities, from theatre productions and art exhibitions to concerts and sports fixtures, along with numerous leadership roles for Sixth Formers. As for all Oundelians, the expectation is that Sixth Formers continue to play a full and committed part in the co-curricular life of the School. Juggling this with the various academic demands will, at times, present challenges, but it is through overcoming these challenges and balancing these conflicting demands that ultimately makes life in the Sixth Form so rewarding.

New Subjects

Some subjects are offered in the Sixth Form that pupils will not have met previously: Classical Civilisation, Economics, Government and Politics, History of Art and Psychology. It is our strong advice that pupils avoid choosing combinations of three or more of these subjects and to think carefully about choosing two, as at least one will have to be taken through to the end of the Upper Sixth Form.