Choosing Your A-level Subjects
Subject choices merit careful attention. Genuine interest, career considerations and ability are the three essentials. Pupils are advised to consult as widely as necessary before settling on their options.
A pupil’s timetable framework is drawn up based on his or her own choices; while there can be no guarantees, it is usually possible for our students to study the combination of subjects that they wish.
University entry requirements
There are particular subjects that are required for entry to certain degree courses. For example, medicine requires Chemistry and usually Biology (and GCSE Physics). Engineering usually requires Mathematics and Physics. However, some degrees have no specific subject requirements.
Details of subjects required can be researched using information available from our careers department, university websites/prospectuses and the UCAS website.
Subjects for more selective universities
The Russell Group of universities publishes a list of what they call facilitating subjects. These are:
- Maths
- Further Maths
- English Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Geography
- History
- Languages
The Russell Group’s informed choices guide
Competition for places at top universities is fierce. Information on typical A-level grades needed to gain places on university courses can be researched via the UCAS website and university websites and prospectuses.
Preparing pupils for life
All A-level subjects offered at Stockport Grammar School provide excellent preparation for employment and higher education, but the purpose of Sixth Form at Stockport Grammar School is also to prepare pupils for life in the broadest possible way.
Whatever they study, it is vital that pupils continue to develop good organisational and time management skills and that they learn to work independently. Employers and higher education alike value such assets enormously.