Tuesday, 16 July 2013

HERE TO HELP 01: - Choosing A level options


When I started to think about 6th form and after my GCSE’s I wanted to take the International Baccalaureate (IB) – a worldwide recognised qualification that’s equivalent to A levels. I always knew that I wanted to go to University and I understood that the IB wasn’t as widely recognised in the UK or as fairly looked upon as A levels but still there was something about all the hard work and long hours that appealed to me. Unfortunately – or fortunately depending on how you look at it, my school could no longer offer the qualification as there wasn’t enough people that were willing (or stupid) enough to take on the challenge. Looking back, I can see I made the correct decision and I’m glad I was no longer able to do the IB, I wouldn’t have coped with the unnecessary pressure and stress that it provided. Therefore, I had to make another decision (I know! Difficult for a non decision maker) what A levels would I take? Luckily I got on with the head of 6th form and he helped me in so many ways, from my confidence to my decision making.

I finally decided that I would start four A levels; Biology, Maths, French and Religious Studies, these choices were nothing to do with possible career choices they were simply subjects that I enjoyed, I was interested in and good at. I was only 16 and I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life (I still don’t) and unless you have a set career path in mind, it’s important to do subjects because you enjoy them and that will hopefully lead to a wonderful life and career.

 After two weeks of studying French, realising I had to be in school for 7am for an early lesson and my teacher giving me a French essay to write, I quickly decided that an A level in the French language was not for me. I had to change my mind and fast, the only thing that sparked my imagination (and that would fit into my timetable) was Sociology. I had always been rather sceptic of social sciences and I suppose I had subject snobbery (is that even a thing?) but I had no other option really and threw myself head first into the subject. It turns out I got the best grade in it and I really enjoyed the subject.

I well and truly threw myself into the sixth form experience and I believe it set me up well for life – as well as making my CV look amazing! I made many friends and held many responsibilities and I look back on those two years with fond memories. If I could give anyone advice it would be to do the things you enjoy, step out of your comfort zone every once in a while and make the most of your time being young!



It makes student sense!


Love, Miss Indecisive xx

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