Sixth Form Subject Guide 2019-2021 REDRAFTED Sixth Form Choices Guide | Page 5

Subject Choice – Whichever programme you decide upon, choosing the right subject combinations is obviously crucial.
In some ways, selection for the IB Diploma is easier, as you select from six groups:
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A literature course
A foreign language course
A social science
An experimental science
Mathematics
An Arts course (this may be replaced by a second social science, a second experimental science, or another
language)
The subjects you most wish to study should be selected at Higher Level. Students normally choose three Higher Level
subjects – though more than three may be studied.
If Maths is selected as a Higher Level subject, you are advised to start on four Higher Level subjects. About 30% of students
begin on 4 Higher Levels.
For A-level, students have pretty much a free choice as to the programmes studied – though not every combination is
possible to satisfy.
Good reasons for selecting a subject Poor reasons for selecting a subject
 You are likely to do well in it and feel positive about
your prospects  You like the teacher – they may not teach you or leave the
school!
 You have researched what the course involves – this
is essential  Your friends are doing it – there may be several sets!
  You are keen and interested – enthusiastic about
the independent work and discussion that it will
involve You do not wish to continue any of your GCSE subjects and
only want to do ‘new’ Sixth Form subjects.
 ‘I want the easy option…’ – probably time to ask why you
want to undertake Sixth Form study at all if this is the case.
 Your subjects sit well together as a set
 Your subjects keep open doors to your possible
future career pathways and university courses
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