Subject choices
How many subjects will I study?
The great majority of Formers begin with four subjects in the Lower Sixth, and continue with either three or four of these subjects in the Upper Sixth. A minority of students (mainly Double Mathematicians) take five subjects to AS, but this involves a considerable workload and will leave no free periods. It is sometimes possible to study a new subject at AS Level in the Upper Sixth.
How do I choose my subjects?
Depending on the number of subjects you wish to study, you should choose either four or five subjects from those listed overleaf. A wide range of subject combinations is available, because we run more than one set in most subjects. We make every effort to comply with the choices of each individual student where possible. It may occasionally prove impossible to timetable an unusual subject combination but Dr Chris Pyle, Deputy Head (Curriculum), will speak to individuals in such cases.
When do I choose my subjects?
To help us start to assemble the timetable and staff needed for the next academic year, we ask that both internal and external candidates make their provisional subject choices by Friday 16th November 2012. A provisional subject choices form is available for this purpose. External candidates should return their subject choices form with their registration form.
Subject choices
In selecting your subjects please remember that you should choose subjects that you:
are good at.
We normally expect an A* or A grade at GCSE in any subject which you intend to study in the Sixth Form (this is not a requirement for a subject such as Politics that is not offered at GCSE – but we would expect to see an A* or A grade in a similar subject such as History).
enjoy.
Subject enjoyment, interest, involvement and examination success go hand in hand. It is difficult to motivate yourself to do well if you do not enjoy the subjects you are studying.
may need for a particular university course or career.
The school’s university advice team is led by Jonathan Green (Director of Qualifications and Progression), who will be able to give advice on subject combinations for admission for specific courses. However, although certain subjects may be very ‘useful’, anything less than a B or C grade in even the most useful subject loses its value very rapidly.
At the provisional choices stage you are not making any final decisions, and we will almost always be able to accommodate subject changes made before the end of the Lent Term. You may choose any four subjects, or in exceptional cases, five subjects from the subjects listed in the Sixth Form section.
Note that Further Mathematics counts as two A level subjects. AS Further Mathematics is counted as one and a half A level subjects (these are both two year courses – students do not gain an AS qualification in the Lower Sixth). Students considering any form of Further Mathematics at Advanced Level should speak with the Head of Mathematics.
Please note that Music and Psychology are both two year Pre-U qualifications.
Subject combinations
Our curriculum allows for flexibility in subject choice, and whilst many students will select complementary subjects (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology), others may wish to include contrasting disciplines (e.g. Physics, Mathematics, French and History). Selecting a contrasting subject such as an A level language may widen your range of skills and abilities. However, it is absolutely crucial that you select your A level subjects with a view to what you might want to study at university. Make sure that your subject combination will enable you to meet the requirements of the courses in which you are interested. Some competitive subjects at university do have very specific subject requirements – Medicine and Engineering are two examples.
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