Sixth Form Options Booklet

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F A Rashid Head of Science frashid@mtsn.org.uk

The principal reason for choosing any A Level subject is that you have genuine passion and curiosity in one or more of the sciences. You will therefore enjoy studying it in the future. This will most probably be based on your experience at GCSE having studied Triple Science. The Science Department offers courses in all three Sciences. Boys wishing to study a science subject in the Sixth Form should expect to obtain an 8 or 9 grade in the appropriate GCSE subject. In exceptional circumstances, for Double Award Science candidates, a double 9 grade will be essential, with a strong UMS in the chosen subject. This would qualify you to study Biology or Physics A Level if you have a top grade in Mathematics; however, the final decision remains with the Head of Department. You may wish to discuss your suitability for a subject with the Head of Department. The combination of subjects that you choose will depend to some extent on any potential career that you have in mind. For example, Engineers must study Maths and Physics, whilst Medics and Dentists will study Chemistry and Biology at A Level. You can certainly consider a ‘contrasting’ subject for Medicine as this can be beneficial. A Levels in Science subjects are obviously important for careers in Applied Science, but they are also appropriate for a wide variety of other degree courses, many of which include elements of Management Studies, Economics and Law as part of their programme. Many University Departments offer a year abroad as part of a Science degree and you may wish to take a Modern Language in concert with the Science subjects or you might consider an Arts or Humanities subject.The Science Department has a good record of entry to excellent universities in a number of varied and exciting courses.