Level 3 Options

The decisions made by students in Year 11 can have a significant impact on the options available to them at the end of Year 13. Deciding on the correct mix of subjects, qualifications and learning assessments is crucial to ensuring that a student is not only playing to their own academic strengths but also allowing them to pursue their future ambitions. As those advising on post-16 study options it is important that we encourage students to think carefully and consider key questions, such as, how they like to learn, be assessed and where they see themselves in the future.

Choosing post-16 qualifications

For many students the decision surrounding where and what to study after their GCSEs is their first experience of having to make fundamental choices regarding their education. With several different options available knowing which to select can be an intimidating task.

As a university we would suggest that students may approach this from two different angles.

The first concerns those who have specific career in mind. Beginning their research with this occupation they can then track backwards, matching their choices to the various different stages which they will need to complete in order to successfully enter this profession. For example, those you would like a job in Engineering will need a related degree. Entrance onto a programme at university will often require A Level Maths, and therefore this would need to be selected as one of a student’s post-16 options.

The second approach is for those who are still unsure about their future plans, this is nothing to worry about and incredibly common. Under these circumstances students should be encouraged to select subjects that they most enjoy, in doing so they are likely to secure higher grades for their assessments and in turn will have multiple options open to them post-18.

In both circumstances students should consider their own learning preferences. For example, those who excel through practical, hands on learning and through course work based assessment may find that they are suited to more vocational qualifications.

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