The subjects that you choose at sixth form play a large part in the remainder of your academic career. Not only are you stuck with them for two years while you complete school, but they also determine the type of courses you’re eligible for when you finally get to university. Sixth-form subjects are, therefore, an important decision.
It’s worth pointing out, however, that they are not the be-all-and-end-all. You can choose a subject, decide that you don’t like it, and switch to a new one. You can continue to acquire sixth-form qualifications throughout your life if you so wish, so if you want to turn back and start again, that option remains open to you.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the factors that will go into your decision.
Choose Subjects That Give Your Future Self Options
Your future self is you in ten or twenty years. What kind of subjects do you think that person would take, were they to make a decision? Thinking about your future self is a challenge because people change considerably throughout their lives. But choosing subjects that give you options is a good idea. You want to provide yourself with a broad educational base in the areas which interest you, and you want to form the basis of your professional life.
If you don’t have a plan right now, it’s worth thinking about one. Adult life, responsibilities, and money all arrive much sooner than you might expect. If you go to university, you’ve got a three-year hiatus. If you hop straight into work, you’ll have to think about the kind of lifestyle you want straight away.
Choose Subjects That Your School Prioritises
You might want to do an A-level in art, but if your school doesn’t prioritise that subject, you’re in trouble. If you’re planning on joining Leicester High School for Girls, for instance, you might want to consider subject areas in which that particular school has excellence at the sixth form level. Likewise, if you’re planning on going to a sixth form technical college, check which subject areas it does well in, and which it doesn’t do so well.
Choose Top-Tier Qualifications
Not all advanced qualifications are created equal. If your goal is to get straight into the world of work when you leave school, then you’ll want to steer clear of some of the more academic-focused qualifications and get a firm foundation in technical education, gettings NVQs. IBs and A-levels, on the other hand, are essential if you want to get a place at a university. Top-tier universities will insist on these qualifications.
Choose Something That Gives You Money-Making Opportunities In The Future
Once you become an adult, making money becomes an all-consuming task. You’ll spend the majority of your time at work, trying to get money to support yourself and your family. Certain A-level subjects, like maths, economics and the sciences, can make it more likely that you’ll be valuable to employers and can earn a higher wage.
How did you choose your subjects? Let us know what you chose and why in the comments below.
Leave a Reply