1. A GUIDE TO AS AND A2 OPTIONS For Year 11 Pupils and Parents

2. How important is my choice? The A-levels you choose can have a major impact on what you can study at degree level and hence your career path It is important to get your A-level choices right

3. Our Role To help our students make an informed choice of A-level subjects To offer a suitable range of subjects

4. A-levels A-levels are recognised worldwide as university entrance qualifications Staged assessment, AS then A2 They are academically demanding

5. AS Studies in the L6th Number of subjects. (Universities will expect you to have studied 4 subjects) The expected depth of understanding is much greater than at IGCSE level A high work ethic is essential

6. IGCSE Results Required by Universities B grade English is often required for Science and Engineering courses B grade Maths is often required for Business and Humanities courses A*s are important, the more the better! (if you want to study medicine you will need 5 or more A* grades including English, Maths and Science)

7. A-level Subjects Offered at Peponi Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths English Literature, Geography, History, Economics, French, Spanish, German Art and Design, Business Studies, Computing, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Religious Education.

8. IGCSE Results Required By Peponi In order to study an AS subject you should have at least a B grade at IGCSE in that or a related subject You need at least 5 IGCSEs at C grade or above The A level grading system has a range A* to E. If you only have the minimum entry grades this will equate with the lower A level grades

9. The Option Grid and the Timetable The grid is designed to offer sensible subject combinations and meet the needs of our students Option blocks: subjects in the same block are taught at the same time. Keep us informed, particularly if you want to study Spanish, German, Music, Physical Education or Religious Education

10. An Example of an Option Choice Grid Block 1Block 2Block 3Block 4Block 5 Literature in English AS Music ASGeography ASMathematics ASHistory AS Business Studies AS French AS Geography AS Chemistry ASPsychology ASComputing AS Economics AS Art and Design AS Economics ASSpanish ASPhysical Education AS Biology AS Physics ASFurther MathsBiology ASGeography AS

11. Making the Right Choice Read the booklet Review your strengths and weaknesses and decide what type of student you are Talk to your subject teachers and 6 th form students Research careers, courses and entry requirements Look for the best combination of subjects

12. Does it always matter? Some popular degrees courses do not mind what A-level subjects you have studied as long as you have good grades A few examples: Accountancy, Business Studies, Law, Management Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology

13. Facilitating Subjects - Keep Your Options Open Maths and Further Maths English Literature Physics Biology Chemistry Geography History A Modern Foreign Language Economics

14. Hard and Soft Subjects All A-level subjects are supposed to be equally rigorous and demanding So called “soft” subjects usually have a vocational or practical bias, “hard” subjects are theoretical The facilitating subjects are all “hard” subjects

15. Subject Balance You should choose at least two facilitating subjects Unless you are certain you know what you want to study at university choose your third and fourth AS subject for breadth and interest

16. Categories of Students! Which category do you fall into? The Scientist The Essay Writer The Linguist The Artist

17. The Scientist Biological/Life Science Biology Chemistry Maths or a humanities subject Physical Science Physics Maths Chemistry or a humanities subject

18. The Essay Writer A combination from: English Literature History Geography Psychology Economics

19. The Linguist French Spanish German Two other subjects in science or humanities

20. The Artist Art and Design Two other subjects in science or the humanities A good portfolio

21. The Five Point Guide 1.If you think you know what to study at university check the entry requirements and choose the subjects required 2.If you are not sure, keep your options open by choosing at least two facilitation subjects 3.Make sure your IGCSE results are good enough for what you want to do 4.Choose subjects that reflect your strengths and interests 5.Be clear in your own mind why you want to study a subject. Check all the facts!

22. Keep a cool head on A-level choices. Oxford Mail Think of where you want to be and work backwards Find subjects that you are genuinely interested in Good results come from choosing a subject you’re passionate about as well as good teaching Match the subjects you like to your target degree