GCSEs

[Searle]

I hardly bother to mention 'Core' Maths as people I talk to generally know what FM composes of, but yes, I am taking it, of course! 'Core' Maths in Y12 and Further Maths in Y13. Can't wait...

Good choice, if you enjoyed GCSE maths then you'll definitely enjoy Core and Further Maths. I did, and it was a great two years!

And I'm pretty sure the rule was that if you did a Further Maths A level, then you had to have a Maths A level as well, otherwise both don't count (if you got an A* in FM, but failed Maths, then you would end up with no A levels!). Of course, everyone who does FM does Maths as well!

 

[HST Power]

I would strongly advise prospective A Level students to avoid all other subjects at all costs.

Any subjects in particular? I have seen a few 'blacklists' of no-go subjects, none of which I am taking, but I would be interested to know what you consider bad ones. I know a lot of the vocational courses (such as Photography, General Studies etc) are bad options.

 

[bb21]

Well done all of you.
For me it was Bs and Cs (no A or A*s) but I'm happy with what I got

Success means different things to different people. If you get what you set out to achieve then that should be success.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Any subjects in particular? I have seen a few 'blacklists' of no-go subjects, none of which I am taking, but I would be interested to know what you consider bad ones. I know a lot of the vocational courses (such as Photography, General Studies etc) are bad options.

Choose A-Levels on the basis of what you enjoy and what you want to do, not what other people tell you are good.

Photography is a well respected A-Level if that's what you want to do, as are a lot of the creative A-Levels. I'm guessing ALR isn't a particularly creative person given that he seems to have shunned them all.

General Studies is fine, but be aware it isn't generally eligible for UCAS points for university entry. If you don't want to go to uni, then don't worry about that. If you do, then do GS as an extra, not one of your 'core' subjects.

You don't have to have Economics or History or a science to be considered a success, and you won't be considered a failure if you take one of the non-traditional subjects.

 

[All Line Rover]

Any subjects in particular? I have seen a few 'blacklists' of no-go subjects, none of which I am taking, but I would be interested to know what you consider bad ones. I know a lot of the vocational courses (such as Photography, General Studies etc) are bad options.

• Accounting (very bad)
• Art (very bad)
• Business Studies (not the worst but you should do Economics instead)
• Critical Thinking (only good as a fourth or fifth A Level)
• Design and Technology (very bad)
• Drama (very bad)
• General Studies (only good as a fourth or fifth A Level)
• ICT (very bad)
• Law (not the worst but History or English Literature is a better choice)
• Media Studies (very bad)
• Music Technology (very bad)
• Sports Studies (very bad)
• Travel and Tourism (very bad)
• Most other vocational subjects and/or those containing the word 'studies'
• English Language (bit of an one but a number of universities dislike it, much to my surprise)

I'm not saying the above subjects are pointless. I'm not saying I didn't take any of them. But if you want to apply to Russell Group universities and especially Cambridge/LSE, you'd be best advised to avoid all of them!
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Choose A-Levels on the basis of what you enjoy and what you want to do, not what other people tell you are good.

That is the advice I originally followed and it is the worst piece of advice you could possible give someone. If you want to apply for a good course at a respectable university, do you not think it would be best to follow their advice regarding A Level subject combinations?

Russell Group
Cambridge
LSE

 

[ralphchadkirk]

At least three of those A-Levels are accepted by Oxbridge and Russell Group unis.

As an aside, Oxbridge and Russell Group uni's aren't often the best for every subject they teach. The upgraded polys are usually good for "modern" subjects. Although I'd avoid Bucks New!

Also remember that not everyone who does A-Levels wants to go to uni. An accounting A-Level is desirable for accounting apprenticeships for example. Business Studies gives people a good grounding if they want to leave and set up their own businesses, something which shouldn't be discouraged in these sorts of times.

Law A-Level is only not valued by LSE, which incidentally isn't the best uni for Law. Cambridge have said on record they accept it coupled with other more traditional subjects.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

That is the advice I originally followed and it is the worst piece of advice you could possible give someone. If you want to apply for a good course at a respectable university, do you know think it would be best to follow their advice regarding A Level subject combinations?

Did you actually read my post? If you want to do Chemistry at Cambridge then it stands to reason that you might want to do the A-Levels to get you there like I said ("..and what you want to do.."). If you don't know what you want to do, or horrors of horrors, don't want to go to university then ignore all the posturing about good subjects and bad subjects.

Universities look at your overall academic profile and potential, some of which is demonstrated by your marks, some of which is demonstrated by your subjects and some of which is demonstrated by your personality. Notably, someone in my year was rejected from Oxford even though he was predicted and got straight A*'s, because he just wasn't an interesting and dynamic person.

 

[All Line Rover]

At least three of those A-Levels are accepted by Oxbridge and Russell Group unis.

As an aside, Oxbridge and Russell Group uni's aren't often the best for every subject they teach. The upgraded polys are usually good for "modern" subjects. Although I'd avoid Bucks New!

Also remember that not everyone who does A-Levels wants to go to uni. An accounting A-Level is desirable for accounting apprenticeships for example. Business Studies gives people a good grounding if they want to leave and set up their own businesses, something which shouldn't be discouraged in these sorts of times.

Law A-Level is only not valued by LSE, which incidentally isn't the best uni for Law. Cambridge have said on record they accept it coupled with other more traditional subjects.

You will not get into Oxbridge with a combination of those A Levels, nor with a combination of those A Levels plus a 'preferred' subject such as Maths. You might well get in with taking one of those A Levels as part of four or five A Levels, but if you know in advance you want to apply to Oxbridge and/or other Russell Group universities, why not select A Levels you know they prefer? Why take the risk?

 

[Starmill]

Reading this thread (until the subject of Universities came up, gah, I'm fed up of jamming A Level grades!) made me all nostalgic and gooey feeling inside.

I'm struggling to believe my own was actually two years ago now I remember it vividly because I did Aberystwyth - Manchester on ATW that morning!

Anyway well done to all of you, whatever you got. Except you over there with 9A*s... I only got 8!

Just Kidding, obviously

And anyone who wants an example of a 'soft subject' (not an A level thankfully) well, my school forced me to do a GCSE in 'Business & Communication Studies' - what an utter waste of time!

 

[All Line Rover]

If you don't know what you want to do... then ignore all the posturing about good subjects and bad subjects.

Why? Would it not be best for an undecided student to future-proof their academic profile? Would it not be disappointing if a student gets excellent AS Level results and decides they want to apply to university, only to discover an application to the courses they want would be uncompetitive due to the A Levels they chose?

Universities look at your overall academic profile and potential, some of which is demonstrated by your marks, some of which is demonstrated by your subjects and some of which is demonstrated by your personality. Notably, someone in my year was rejected from Oxford even though he was predicted and got straight A*'s, because he just wasn't an interesting and dynamic person.

I suspect the reason LSE dislike more subjects than Oxford or Cambridge is because they don't interview the majority of students.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

You will not get into Oxbridge with a combination of those A Levels, nor with a combination of those A Levels plus a 'preferred' subject such as Maths.

Depending on the course and the A-Levels you take, yes, you will. For example, music at Cambridge only require A-Level music. They accept virtually all other A-Levels (excepting, maybe, the studies ones) on the basis that they recognise it's breadth as well as other things that make a good undergraduate, not a list of 7 traditional A*'s.

You seem to fail to realise that a long list of traditional subjects does not a good student make. Personality, willingness to learn and enthusiasm are all things that Oxbridge particularly value greatly.
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Why? Would it not be best for an undecided student to future-proof their academic profile? Would it not be disappointing if a student gets excellent AS Level results and decides they want to apply to university, only to discover an application to the courses they want would be uncompetitive due to the A Levels they chose?

Universities accepting mature students often offer their own entrance exams for exactly that reason.

I suspect the reason LSE dislike more subjects than Oxford or Cambridge is because they don't interview the majority of students.

You may be right. And I think LSE is worse off for it. Don't get me wrong, they get very good results, but they may get better if they interviewed.

 

[Class172]

It is possible to do Further Maths without 'Maths' (aka Applied Maths), given they are both standalone A Levels, but I've no idea why anyone would do that. Further Maths relies on a significant amount of Applied Maths knowledge..

At my school you can only do Further Maths if you also do "normal" Maths. They also offer what is known as 1 1/2 maths for those who want to learn a bit more, and end up with Maths A2 + F.Maths AS

It is an excellent decision to study purely science-based A Levels. For those who prefer essay-based subjects, History, English Literature and Languages are recommendable. Economics and Geography are also good preparation for certain degrees

The science subjects are my favourite, and also my best, so naturally for me it was an easy choice. In my case, it was hard to drop some subjects but with other, I couldn't be gladder that I'd finished them.

Good choice, if you enjoyed GCSE maths then you'll definitely enjoy Core and Further Maths. I did, and it was a great two years!

As top set in my year, in January we took the first module (C1) of core maths, to give us a flavour of next years work, regardless of whether you continued with it at A-level or not. I was really pleased with the A I got for it: coming back to GCSe level in May felt really easy!!

To do a combination of A-levels like mine you really do have to love maths: half my time will be devoted to the subject, whilst the rest of the time, it is just applied in different uses!
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Funny that since posting on this thread, I keep getting adverts for the Uni of Limerick at the head of the page…

 

[Starmill]

I got an exceptionally intolerant vibe from LSE while I was researching courses. I think perhaps they just don't like applicants period.

Without wishing to extend confrontation here, I wonder what ALR thinks of my own choice of A levels (which I have just finished): Economics, Chemistry and Spanish... and AS in Critical Thinking. Oh, and General Studies :roll:

 

[All Line Rover]

You seem to fail to realise that a long list of traditional subjects does not a good student make. Personality, willingness to learn and enthusiasm are all things that Oxbridge particularly value greatly.

I appreciate that, but all other things being equal, an admissions tutor will select a student who chose a greater number of academically rigorous A Levels over a student who chose a lesser number. Telling a student, particularly an undecided student, to pick A Levels they prefer or are 'better at' could lead them into a false sense of security, whilst also failing to stretch them to their full potential.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I got an exceptionally intolerant vibe from LSE while I was researching courses. I think perhaps they just don't like applicants period.

I'm not a fan of LSE either. I found this video quite amusing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqkELxNuKHE&noredirect=1. Best bit: http://youtu.be/bqkELxNuKHE?t=1m59s. Typical LSE Economics student?

Without wishing to extend confrontation here, I wonder what ALR thinks of my own choice of A levels (which I have just finished): Economics, Chemistry and Spanish... and AS in Critical Thinking. Oh, and General Studies :roll:

A very good combination.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

I appreciate that, but all other things being equal, an admissions tutor will select a student who chose a greater number of academically rigorous A Levels over a student who chose a lesser number.

Possibly. Then again, I know one person who got into Oxford after not achieving their standard offer on the basis of their interview and personal statement.

Telling a student, particularly an undecided student, to pick A Levels they prefer or are 'better at' could lead them into a false sense of security, whilst also failing to stretch them to their full potential.

If they don't know what they want to do at A-Level, then they're not going to know what to do at university. In that case, pick what you want. Mix and match. Maybe a creative, science, humanity, or creative. Don't do A-Levels you'll know you'll be rubbish at. You'll waste your time and everyone else's. If you don't know what you'll be like at it, do the AS and see how you go. If someone wants to do something at university then it stands to reason they will want to do the A-Levels to get there.

 

[Starmill]

I appreciate that, but all other things being equal, an admissions tutor will select a student who chose a greater number of academically rigorous A Levels over a student who chose a lesser number. Telling a student, particularly an undecided student, to pick A Levels they prefer or are 'better at' could lead them into a false sense of security, whilst also failing to stretch them to their full potential.


A very good combination.

There you are then. I was very, very much 'undecided' (in some ways, I still am!) - so I chose what I thought I would most enjoy.

I don't think you should give out the impression it is so difficult to marry off doing what you love with what will be looked upon favourably by universities.

 

[All Line Rover]

As top set in my year, in January we took the first module (C1) of core maths, to give us a flavour of next years work, regardless of whether you continued with it at A-level or not. I was really pleased with the A I got for it: coming back to GCSe level in May felt really easy!!

How does your school get around the fact that many universities want A Levels to be taken within a 2 year period? Is it something to do with the date when your results certificate is issued?

 

[Mojo]

It is an excellent decision to study purely science-based A Levels. For those who prefer essay-based subjects, History, English Literature and Languages are recommendable. Economics and Geography are also good preparation for certain degrees.

I would strongly advise prospective A Level students to avoid all other subjects at all costs. Unfortunately many state sixth forms and colleges do not. I picked four subjects, one of which was a terrible idea, another of which was acceptable but not ideal. Maths and Further Maths turned out to be my most enjoyable A Levels.

Surely it depends what you want to go in to after? I did Business Studies A Level and found much of it invaluable when it came to doing my degree (BSc in a management-related subject), with much of both the knowledge and skills being extremely useful for a number of modules at University.

Personally, I don't think it matters that much, as long as it's given you a good enough grounding of the basics and enough to get you to the next stage. Had I passed my 11+, gone to a Grammar school, got straight A*s at GCSE, As at A Level (couldn't get A*s when I did them) and gone to the best University in the country, I'd still probably be, or hope to be, where I am now, doing the job of my dreams, and earning a fair wage for doing so. However, it's not all about your academic qualifications [though they are still important], having work experience and a thorough knowledge of the industry in which I work has also helped me.

 

[All Line Rover]

Surely it depends what you want to go in to after?

Of course it does. When I replied to Class172's post, I did so in the context of his GCSE results. Not all students want to go to university. Not all students excel in science-based subjects. All I'm saying is that providing a student is capable, they should be advised to select A Level subjects which will prepare them best for the university admissions process, enabling them to apply for the widest possible variety of degrees, rather than select subjects which, all other things being equal, will put them at a disadvantage compared to other applicants. It is in that context I provided the list of non-preferred A Levels.

 

[Crossover]

Congratulations to all of you on your results

I'm struggling to believe my own was actually two years ago now I remember it vividly because I did Aberystwyth - Manchester on ATW that morning!

And anyone who wants an example of a 'soft subject' (not an A level thankfully) well, my school forced me to do a GCSE in 'Business & Communication Studies' - what an utter waste of time!

Realising mine were 8 years makes me feel a tad old

Would that be "Soft" or just "pointless" :P

I can't remember the course our school ran at A Level - possibly Key Skills or something such - for IT skills. I heard that was somewhat tedious

Alas, I did ICT so didn't have to do it

 

[tractakid]

Choosing the 'good, academic' subjects was the worst thing that I could have done when picking A Levels. My original 4 choices were maths, physics, RE and music. The first two I picked because I got good GCSE results (A and A), and the second two I picked because I enjoyed them. (At GCSE RE was an A and Music a B). I picked them without feeling convinced, but I couldn't think of anything else to do. I also ended up doing a Critical Thinking AS instead of general studies. My weekly cello lesson always conflicted with CT and I of course fell behind.

I absolutely hated my first year of 6th form. I completely failed physics and maths, as I didn't enjoy the subjects and didn't have any motivation to do well. I was sad most of the time and generally hated school.

And of the first year I ended up with CCUUU. I completely expected to fail three of those subjects, but was pleased that despite the horror of physics and maths, (And CT) I came out with 2 decent grades in Music and RE.

2nd year I was rid of the horrors of maths and physics, and planned to pick up an extra AS. I wasn't sure what I wanted to pick, but I picked three possibilities and trialled them, intending to pick my favourite. It was fairly clear that I didn't get on with sociology but I couldn't choose between health and social care and psychology. By this stage I did have a vague idea what I wanted to do after 6th form and felt these subjects would be enjoyable and relevant. I ended up not choosing and doing both!

With subjects I was happier with, (and actually understanding!) I was much happier, and performed better. Bear in mind though, I still struggled with personality traits such as laziness and procrastination which still affect me today. 2nd year ended with A levels in RE and music, graded C and D, and ASs in health and social care and psychology, graded C and B. My music grade was mostly let down by my cello performance, laziness and procrastination lead to not practicing, and therefore performing badly!

I moved onto my third year. Studying A2s in psychology and H&SC, and retaking 2 units in Music (performance and compositional techniques). It was nice to only be studying 2 1/2 subjects and have more free time! The music retake looked in danger- my old bad habits continued and my cello teacher fairly decided to stop teaching me. Although distressing at the time- I thank her for doing this- it gave me a huge kick up the backside and with the generous support and encouragement of another teacher I began to practice. Another hurdle was convincing the music department at school that I should continue the retake, they held the opinion that I wasn't working hard enough, didn't have a cello teacher and would not be able to improve my grade. This had happened after I had started to work at practicing and I was determined that I would retake the units! I did- and I am proud to say that I bought my grades in both units up significantly which earned me a C overall!

In the other two subjects I continued working on in my lazy procrastination influenced manner, and ended up with a C in both. I am not too disappointed dropping from a B to a C in psychology, the essay writing involved I found harder, and the B grade I had at AS was literally dead on a B, the exact mark required for the grade. This would have required a B in both units at A2 and I wasn't expecting that to happen. For H&SC, the course is two thirds coursework which I found challenging. I generally preferred exams, mainly due to having performed well at them form age 4 to 16 without having to put in the hours work of effort required for coursework.

So, 6th form, 3 years, 4 Cs. I was probably capable of better, but I'm fairly happy with the end result. It certainly was an emotional journey getting there.

As for GCSEs, I got 7 As, 5 Bs (one of which was done age 14), and a C. I didn't work hard for those grades. I would consider them good grades, but they certainly didn't help me with 6th form. The step up in difficulty and effort required was a horrible shock to the system! They also misguided my choices, with physics and maths. I almost think being less intelligent and having to work hard for good GCSEs sets you up for better A level results, and you have already gained the mindset required to put some effort in!

The best advice I can give everyone when making choices is to go with your heart! Don't necessarily do what is expected of you by teachers or parents, don't be afraid that your choices may disappoint them! Pick the subjects that you love doing, pick the ones that you have a passion for, as it can go disastrously wrong if you pick something you are disinterested in.

The academic subjects are great, I have massive amounts of respect for those that can achieve well in them, but please please pick them for the right reason, the fact you enjoy them. Love the fact that you can solve complex equations, love working out the tension of ropes that have the mass X at angle Y. Don't just do it because you 'should' and regret it because you don't enjoy a second of it!

Finally, well done to all those that have achieved GCSE results that they are proud of. Seeing as you're all stuck in education for at least another year, go and pick something awesome to do and go and do it the best you can.

 

[Searle]

The best advice I can give everyone when making choices is to go with your heart! Don't necessarily do what is expected of you by teachers or parents, don't be afraid that your choices may disappoint them! Pick the subjects that you love doing, pick the ones that you have a passion for, as it can go disastrously wrong if you pick something you are disinterested in.

I agree that this is the best advice you could give. A/B/C's in subjects such as Music and Art are so much better than U's in Maths and Physics. I'm just fortunate that I enjoyed Maths, and ended up doing Maths/Further Maths/Economics. Glad everything worked out well in the end for you though tractakid

 

[Starmill]

Quite an inspiring piece there tractakid! I thank you

I'll add that despite getting my A Level results last week, (an A* and two Bs) my proudest academic achievement is probably my GCSE in Music. It was the hardest one I did and took the most work out of any of them and I'd never done lots of what was involved before (like write any music!). So... although the A levels were harder, and perhaps count for more, I haven't forgotten it.

Hell, I was trying to explain something to my little brother the other day and a concept from KS3 turned out to be helpful! I never thought any of that gubbins would come in useful!

 

[43021HST]

those that can achieve well in them, but please please pick them for the right reason, the fact you enjoy them. Love the fact that you can solve complex equations, love working out the tension of ropes that have the mass X at angle Y. Don't just do it because you 'should' and regret it because you don't enjoy a second of it!.

Hmm but picking the subjects you love rather than going for the ones you should isn't going to get you a job. As I've learnt. Fortunately I've taken a different 'path' and chosen engineering which I also enjoy, as much as sociology but far more useful.

Got all Cs in my GCSE's a few years ago, could've done better but I didn't due to the amount of procrastination I did. I don't regret not revising because I never would have done it anyway. But I've been studying engineering and got distinctions across the board. Did the same level of revision that I normally do.

 

[tractakid]

Hmm but picking the subjects you love rather than going for the ones you should isn't going to get you a job. As I've learnt.

Care to explain?

 

[richw]

Care to explain?

Certain courses aren't very helpful in getting decent employment. A friend of mine has a high graded degree in Drama or theatre studies or something along those lines. He can't get employment in such a field and has found it to be a waste of time, as a generally useless subject in real life.
Nobody told him this before he took the degree, and effectively has no qualifications for everyday employment

 

[Oswyntail]

.... effectively has no qualifications for everyday employment

Sadly, this is a reflection on the short-sightedness of employers these days. If (and I agree this is a big "if") the degree is genuinely a degree-level qualification, the recipient has shown tenacity, order, a willingness to learn and put learning into practice, etc etc. All these qualities are what employers should be looking for, and the best ones are. It is utter rubbish to say you need a "relevant" qualification. Degree level IT to work in an IT department? You'd spend most of your early years unlearning what you learnt. Same for Maths in Finance, or Art in Advertising. Even Law doesn't require a law degree. Give me an intelligent youngster with enthusiasm who can think, write, and communicate anyday.

 

[Mojo]

Sadly, this is a reflection on the short-sightedness of employers these days. If (and I agree this is a big "if") the degree is genuinely a degree-level qualification, the recipient has shown tenacity, order, a willingness to learn and put learning into practice, etc etc. All these qualities are what employers should be looking for, and the best ones are. It is utter rubbish to say you need a "relevant" qualification. Degree level IT to work in an IT department? You'd spend most of your early years unlearning what you learnt. Same for Maths in Finance, or Art in Advertising. Even Law doesn't require a law degree. Give me an intelligent youngster with enthusiasm who can think, write, and communicate anyday.

I totally agree. What actual knowledge did I gain from my degree which is useful in my day-to-day job? Very little. But what I did gain is improved skills; social, the ability to appraise reports, consider opposing views and come to a rational conclusion, deal with difficult people, and so on.

 

[Crossover]

Degree level IT to work in an IT department? You'd spend most of your early years unlearning what you learnt.

I must say that with IT, I wouldn't say you have to unlearn everything, but there's much more to learn.

I did a degree in Network Engineering, so mainly focusing on "making computers talk to each other", in simple terms :P

I'm currently a Network Administrator, and whilst a lot of the knowledge has helped with some of the projects I'm undertaking (invaluable, as it happens), it hasn't helped with administration of other parts of the job, such as dealing with OS's, applications and so on, a lot of which I have learnt through prior experience working in a large school and getting my hands on various things at various points (indeed, whilst there, I installed Windows XP more times than I care to remember!). Also didn't cover a lot of what are now network service fundamentals such as DNS etc.

I know a former colleague once said that he had some lads on work experience from a local college who knew the theory but had no idea how to apply it to real life.

I definitely agree that completing a degree of any sort shows the ability and willingness to learn, which in any job, is a key to progression. I learn something new virtually daily!

 

[Johnuk123]

Certain courses aren't very helpful in getting decent employment. A friend of mine has a high graded degree in Drama or theatre studies or something along those lines. He can't get employment in such a field and has found it to be a waste of time, as a generally useless subject in real life.
Nobody told him this before he took the degree, and effectively has no qualifications for everyday employment

Nobody told him ? Didn't he know before he started the course that drama is as much use as a chocolate teapot.

 

[richw]

Nobody told him ? Didn't he know before he started the course that drama is as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Appears he didn't know. There appear to be many degrees which give me a similar impression.