Choosing A-levels

Merchant Taylors’ currently offers the following A Levels: Art & Design, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Design & Technology, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Spanish and Theatre Studies.

At A Level, examinations are split into two parts: AS which is taken at the end of the Lower Sixth and A2, taken at the end of the Upper Sixth. All the evidence suggests that universities are making offers on the basis of three full A Levels (i.e. AS + A2 in the same subject) and the priority is to decide on three main subjects. However, all students are expected to take a fourth subject at AS, in order to broaden their horizons. This fourth subject may possibly be dropped at the end of the Lower Sixth (AS is a qualification in its own right) or continued with, resulting in a fourth full A Level after the two years. In addition, all Sixth Formers currently have the opportunity to enter for the General Studies examination, at AS & A2 in the Upper Sixth.

For students who have already decided their choice of subject at university this may help determine their choice of A Levels. The requirements of various university courses can be acquired by consulting “University Entrance: the Official Guide”, of which Mr Farrell, Mr Simpson and all Upper Sixth tutors have copies. If there is any uncertainty about university choices or if a course selected for which virtually all A Levels are equally acceptable (Law is one obvious example, but there are many others), then boys’ selection of A Levels will be governed by what they expect to enjoy and/or be successful at and by advice given at Parents’ Evenings.

See this section of the Careers Website for further information on choosing A Levels.

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Choosing A-levels

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