School Pupils

From Year 10 to Year 14 here is a run down of what to look out for as you prepare for your journey to university.

WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY

  • Year 10 – Choose GCSE subjects
  • Year 11 – Coursework and GCSE study
  • Year 12 – sit GCSE exams / Choose your A level subjects
  • Year 13 – AS level exams and start to research the courses you can study at university
  • Year 14 – A levels and apply to study at university

YEAR 10 – Choose GCSE Subjects

In Year 10 you choose the subjects you are going to study for GCSE. Some subjects like English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory. You school will also offer you a range of subjects you can choose to study at GCSE level.

The path you begin to take at this stage will have an impact on your future. So, think carefully before you make your choices, and talk to your parents and your school’s Careers Teacher.

  • Think about:
    • What subjects are you good at?
    • What subjects do you enjoy?
    • What do you think you might like to work at in the future?

YEAR 12 – GCSE Examinations and choosing your A Level Subjects

Your GCSE examinations are important. You will need to attain at least Grade C or above in English in order to study a university course. Some courses also will require Maths or other subjects at grade C or above.

In Year 12 you will also choose the A level subjects you want to study. You will normally choose to study either 3 or 4 subjects at A level. So think carefully about what subjects you are good at, and what subjects you need to study if you want to follow a particular career path.

It is a good idea if you start to look at university prospectuses for courses that you might be interested in studying to find out if the entry requirements include specific A level subjects.

YEAR 13 – Study for and sit your AS examinations.

Start to research the possibility of studying at university.

This year you will study for the first year of your A level subjects. These are called AS examinations. A level examinations are taken in 2 stages over a 2-year period. The AS(Advanced Subsidiary) level in Year 13, and the A (Advanced) level in Year 14. The AS level is a qualification in its own right, but you need to complete both AS and A level, to make up a full A level grade for entry to University.

You will also be thinking of your next step after you complete your A levels in Year 14. During this year you will receive talks from University staff about courses you can study, you will attend careers fairs and receive our undergraduate prospectus so that you can start to research your choices for university study.

YEAR 14 – Attend university open days and research your choices

This year you will complete your A levels. You will be thinking of the next step in your educational journey – will you apply to study at university? You will research the courses on offer, and attend university Open Days.

You will apply to study at university during your first term in Year 14, and then sit your A level examinations the following May.

Your Questions Answered!

Here are answers to some of the questions you have asked us.