Tips on choosing A level subjects –
a guide for the unsure 

By Elizabeth Aherne, Head of Sixth form 

Some students know exactly what they want to study for A level and have a route-map all planned out, but if you are unsure or can’t choose, these tips might help you come to a decision. 

Love, like or endure? 
It’s demoralising to struggle through two years of an A Level in a subject you find boring but choose because you feel it’s a “better” A level. This can really affect your willingness to do the extra work and reading that achieving a good grade demands. Engagement, interest, and enjoyment in your subject give you the best motivation to study and are more likely to end in a positive result. If you have to grit your teeth to get through the A Level, is the degree you are aiming for really the right fit for you? At Mayfield a key part of our advice on choosing A Level subjects is to consider the joy and fulfilment that taking a subject will bring. Ask yourself: do you want to get up in the morning and learn more about that subject?   

Finding the right combination 
It’s true – some “traditional” subject combinations naturally go well together, like cheese and onion – safe and time tested. But what if you are someone who likes three subjects but the combination seems a bit more random? Are people saying, “What are you going to do with that?” The answer right now is probably “I’m not sure”, but as long as you are not aiming for a specific course (see below), gaining a wide variety of skills, showing breadth of interest and application by combining arts, sciences, or social sciences can work to your advantage. If you enjoy the variety, you are doing the right thing - enjoyment is a key factor in achieving a good result. 

Be informed 
Make sure you are totally up to speed on specific A Level requirements for certain university courses. This can be tricky as you may be trying to plan your future and juggle your GCSEs at the same time. You may feel you don’t have the time but it’s crucial to do your research thoroughly now. Engineering, Veterinary Science, Medicine and medically related degrees, dentistry and many science, geography and computer science degrees all require specific A Levels at specific grades. You don’t want to shut a potential door if you are unsure at this stage. 

Workload management 
Be aware of the style of work required for different A levels. It varies hugely, from portfolios to required practicals, independent research projects, essays and performances. Will you be able to cope with the reading and essay load of three “word-heavy” subjects such as English, History and RS? You will be using similar skills in all three subjects, which may be helpful, but others may see this as rather narrow. Make sure you know what percentage of your course is assessed through coursework or an NEA (non-exam assessment). These can be heavily time-consuming, so be prepared to be working over the summer holidays. 

Greener Grass 
You may well start a subject at A-level that you haven’t studied at GCSE – subjects like Psychology, Politics, Economics, Media, Photography and Sociology are often new to students. Understandably, students are drawn to these subjects as a change from GCSEs, but make sure that you really know what the course involves – often the reality is quite different after the first few weeks of teaching. Try and attend “taster” sessions or watch online lessons. If an A Level course is not right for you, change your options as soon as you can.

Choosing your A Level subjects is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on what excites and engages you, ensure your choices align with any future ambitions, and be realistic about workload and expectations. Whether you follow a well-trodden path or mix subjects in a way that suits your unique interests, the key is to select options that will keep you motivated and open doors rather than close them. Trust yourself, do your research, and remember—there’s no single "right" combination, only the one that’s right for you.