A level decisions

I recently got my gcse grades and they are all 6s and above but I was 1 mark away from a 7 in physics and computer science. Despite this I got a place at a 6th form to do A level physics, maths (7) and computer science with an EPQ. I was wondering if this is the right decision, I keep on hearing how hard and challenging those subjects are and the difficulty to get A*s and I don't want to take a subject especially when my gcse grades are not that great. I also have no intentions of going to university but I will try a scholarship and see what happens.

Alternatively, the 6th form I'm going to gives a trial week and if I don't enjoy those subjects I can switch. the only subject I would probably do is T level digital with A level math and Epq but I heard that the pathways after it are very limited in the computing sector and employers and apprenticeships favour A levels.
Any help will be appreciated.

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

If you’ve met the entry requirements for the courses you’ll be taking then you should be fine but as you said if you dont enjoy the courses at the start of term you can switch. Maybe have a look at the spec for your chosen subjects and watch some YouTube videos from students who’ve taken them to get a feel of whether they suit you. 7s are really strong grades so I wouldn’t be worrying too much :smile:

Maybe take some time to think about what you would like to do in the future and look at some requirements for how to do whatever it is that interests you.
Also if you wanted to get a head a little you could buy the headstart books from CGP to work through, even if it was just for the first topic before you start in a few weeks to get a feel for some of the basics of the new content. I bought the one for physics and have been enjoying learning some new stuff and consolidating some triple knowledge! Also one of my friends has been doing a similar thing with the transition to a level courses on Seneca which he prefers (Im not a Seneca fan personally but they look good if you are) as those will allow you to review triple and maybe some high grade knowledge and look at a few few terms and stuff very similarly to the CGP books :smile:

Best of luck for next year!

Reply 2

BeingBoring

Original post by Deerfox

I recently got my gcse grades and they are all 6s and above but I was 1 mark away from a 7 in physics and computer science. Despite this I got a place at a 6th form to do A level physics, maths (7) and computer science with an EPQ. I was wondering if this is the right decision, I keep on hearing how hard and challenging those subjects are and the difficulty to get A*s and I don't want to take a subject especially when my gcse grades are not that great. I also have no intentions of going to university but I will try a scholarship and see what happens.
Alternatively, the 6th form I'm going to gives a trial week and if I don't enjoy those subjects I can switch. the only subject I would probably do is T level digital with A level math and Epq but I heard that the pathways after it are very limited in the computing sector and employers and apprenticeships favour A levels.
Any help will be appreciated.

If you were genuinely only 1 mark away from a better grade you should seriously consider getting those papers remarked. There is every chance of getting a few extra marks which would give you a better grade and would be helpful not only in your A level course choices, but universities and employers also look at GCSE performance when shortlisting students.