Choosing your A-levels

When choosing your A-level subjects, we suggest you take into account the following factors:

• Certain subjects are needed for certain vocations – e.g. Chemistry to be a doctor. Use the internet and the careers library to help you make an informed choice about the subjects you might need at A2 level.

For some university applications, there is an A Level points score, or tariff, which gives points values for A Levels. For example, an A grade at A Level is worth 120 points, a B grade at A level is worth 100 points and so on (an AS grade is worth half the equivalent A Level grade). Therefore students taking 4 subjects to A2 level are at an advantage when applying to some universities.

• We all want you to achieve the highest grades you are capable of. Enjoyment of the your chosen subjects is paramount. You are then more likely to stay motivated through the increased workload you will experience.

• Which subjects are you good at? It obviously makes sense to choose subjects that you already have shown some ability in. Remember - you will be studying each subject for at least twice as much as at GCSE, so you need to be reasonably good at it.

• Several subjects on offer in the Sixth Form at RGS are not available at GCSE. These include Business Studies, Economics, Music Technology, Politics and Electronics. Make sure you have researched these subjects thoroughly before choosing them. Current RGS Fifth Formers will have assemblies on some of these subjects during the Autumn Term, or you can ask Heads of Departments about them at the 16+ Information evening in October.

If you decide to take the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), make sure that you have read the advice on the relevant page on this website.

People you can ask for advice (for current RGS students):
» Your subject teachers
» Your Form Tutor
» Your Head of Year (Mr Stephens)
» The Head of Sixth Form (Mrs Richards)
» The Careers Department (Mr Buzzacott/Miss Thomas)
» The Deputy Head Academic (Mrs Collins)

Click here for the timetable for making your decisions, or follow the links on the right to find out more about each subject.

Mrs M A Collins
Senior Deputy Head (Academic)

In this section:

» The Sixth Form Curriculum

» What are Linear A-levels?

» Courses & subjects

» Choosing your A-levels

» Extended Project (EPQ)

» Timetable for decisions

» Frequently asked questions

Subjects on offer

A Level Subjects:
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Subjects
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
German
History
Mathematics/Further Maths
Music
Music Technology
Philosophy & Ethics
Physics
Politics
Product Design
Spanish
Sport Studies
Theatre Studies

AS Level Subjects:
Electronics
ICT
Italian (GCSE/AS)