A Level
Overview and Key Facts
One of the great strengths of the English educational system is that it provides students with the opportunity to specialise in the subjects of their choice at AS and A Level. British universities prefer A Levels as they provide the depth required for UK degree courses. In nearly every other country, students have to go through a prolonged general education, and can only specialise when they go to university. A Levels enable students to receive the intellectual challenge and stimulation of studying fewer subjects in much greater depth before they go to university.
The A Level system works best when students have a wide range of subjects to choose from and when they can study any combination of subjects. Too many schools and colleges still require students to choose from columns of subjects to suit the timetable’s requirements rather than the student’s interests. At David Game College there is an exceptionally interesting selection of subjects which can be taken in any combination.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the subjects to form an A Level portfolio takes time and thought. Like in all decision-making, you will probably need to achieve a balance between a number of different and possibly opposed criteria. What is important is that you have a plan of action to help you make up your mind and the following guidelines should help you to do this.
First and foremost you should consider subjects that interest you and that you know you will enjoy. You might call this ‘gut feeling’, but it is as good a guide as any, because you will be strongly committed to the subjects that you like and therefore more likely to work hard and achieve top grades.
Secondly, the subjects of your choice must suit your own particular strengths. Are you good at essay writing? Are you fond of problem solving? Do you like working with figures? Do you like working with ideas? Back your strengths – avoid your weaknesses!
Thirdly, you must consider your university or career objectives as these may mean that you have to gain passes in certain subjects. For example if you want to read Medicine or Veterinary Science, you will need at least two science subjects, including Chemistry. If you are applying for Economics or certain Business degree courses. then universities may well demand a pass in A Level Mathematics. On the other hand, you may want to keep all your options open, because many degree courses do not have any special subject requirements. It is always worth checking.
AS and A Level subjects offered at David Game College
At David Game College we offer a wide and interesting range of subjects to choose from. This enables students to study courses that match their interests and strengths and also gives them an opportunity to consider others that they might not have thought of before.
| Accounting | History |
| Arabic | History of Art |
| Art & Design | IT |
| Biology | Italian |
| Business Studies | Law |
| Chemistry | Mathematics (Pure) |
| Classical Civilisation | Mechanics |
| Computing | Media Studies |
| Economics | Music |
| English Language | Philosophy |
| English Literature | Photography |
| French | Physics |
| Further Mathematics | Psychology |
| Geography | Religious Education |
| German | Russian |
| Government & Politics | Sociology |
| Graphic Design | Spanish |
| Greek | Statistics |
Students wishing to take subjects not listed above may request private tuition.