Year 11 pupils receiving their results this week may wish to review their
A level or IB choices before the start of term.
It’s very tempting to be swayed by strong results in some subjects, but
you need to think very carefully about the combination you are choosing, so
that you don’t close off any future pathways. Equally, don’t be persuaded to
take subjects you really don’t enjoy because you have been advised that they
are necessary.
It’s certainly true that some professions require particular subjects. If
you want to become a doctor you really do need to study chemistry. Similarly
for many biomedical courses. For a degree in maths, further maths is critical
and if your school doesn’t offer it you might want to think about switching
institutions even at this stage. For engineering and computer science, maths
and physics are the core choices. Many university courses have no required
subjects, however. Law, for example, is completely open, though I’m always
surprised by how much admissions tutors favour maths even here.
Many universities now publish lists of ‘facilitating’ subjects, indicating
the A level or IB higher level subjects they regard as being more rigorous.
They also publish essential and desirable subjects for specific courses, so if
you have an idea of what course you wish to study at university, it is
certainly worth browsing through these.
There is a lot of publicity around the science and technology (STEM)
subjects, and the worldwide shortage of students with these skills. Students
and parents might well be swayed by this, with good reason. But if you are a
more creative or literary person, there is no point in trying to force yourself
into a programme you will simply not enjoy or succeed at. It’s the most
important choice you are likely to have made so far and it’s very important
that you follow your own ambitions and interests. The UK is still a world
leader in the creative industries and there are many opportunities for those
with flair, talent and determination.
Many able students study a language alongside other subjects such as
sciences. This is clearly an advantage in the international world of work and
is often looked on favourably by university admissions
officers. Universities find it increasingly difficult to recruit students
to languages courses, which seems so short-sighted in this global age.
Overall, a combination which suits your interests, grade profile and
aspirations will work out best in the long run.
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