Choosing Your A Levels and BTECs: Expert Tips from Anne Coward, Head of Sixth Form

Making decisions about A Level and BTEC subjects can be daunting and stressful. To help make this process clearer and more manageable, our Head of Sixth Form, Anne Coward, offers some practical advice for making the right choices:

1. Reflect on Your GCSE Subjects

Start by considering the subjects you currently enjoy the most. Think carefully about what aspects of those subjects appeal to you. Are you using skills like problem-solving, creative thinking, analytical writing, or mathematical reasoning? Recognising which skills you excel at can guide you towards subjects that align with your strengths.

2. Use Your MyFutureChoice Report

Your MyFutureChoice report provides a useful snapshot of your abilities and potential career pathways. Take a look at the skills where you performed strongly and consider if those strengths correspond to any of the subjects you are thinking about for A Level or BTEC. Also, note any areas where you might need to improve.

3. Carefully Read Subject Descriptions

Sixth Form Curriculums provided by schools are packed with details that can help you make an informed choice. Read each subject description thoroughly and see if the skills required match your abilities. For example, if a subject emphasises essay writing and critical analysis, consider whether those are areas you excel in.

4. Seek Insight from Sixth Form Pupils

Talking to pupils who are already studying the subjects you are considering can be incredibly insightful. Ask them about their experiences: What aspects of the course were harder or easier than they anticipated? What are the assessments like? Understanding what the day-to-day study entails can help you decide if it’s right for you.

5. Consult Subject Leads

Don’t be shy about reaching out to Subject Leads with your questions. They are enthusiastic about their subjects and eager to help you understand what each course involves. Their advice can be invaluable in clarifying your options.

6. Research University Course Requirements

If you have a specific career or university course in mind, research which A Levels or BTECs are required. For example, aspiring doctors should take Biology and Chemistry to stay competitive. However, your third subject can be more flexible, and successful applicants often have a broad mix. Previous pupils from Giggleswick have combined science subjects with History, a Language, Drama, or English Literature to create a well-rounded academic profile.

7. Keep Your Options Open

If you’re unsure about your future career path, choose a mix of subjects that provide a broad range of skills. This approach keeps many avenues open and helps build versatile abilities, such as communication and logical reasoning, which are highly sought after by employers.

8. Remember: It’s Normal to Be Unsure

Few 16-year-olds know precisely what they want to do in the future. Focus on developing transferable skills that can apply to multiple fields. Even if you don’t have a perfect subject combination, you’ll still have many opportunities ahead of you. People often change careers, so employability skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication will always be valuable.

9. Make Your Own Decisions

Lastly, don’t be influenced by what your friends are choosing. It’s easy to feel swayed by peer pressure, but remember that this is your decision. Pick subjects that suit your strengths and interests, not what everyone else is doing. You’re the one who will be putting in the hard work, so make sure your choices reflect what’s best for you.

By following these tips, you’ll be in a strong position to make confident and informed choices about your A Level and BTEC subjects. Good luck!