Making Choices

The first decision to make is whether AS Levels are the appropriate course for you. A Levels are highly academic and significantly more challenging than IGCSEs. For this reason, students who wish to enrol on A Level courses must meet the following entry criteria for IGCSE*:

• A minimum of 5 A*/9 to C/5 grades • Bs/6s in subjects related to chosen A Level courses • A strong commitment to learning

If students meet these criteria, the Rugby LXX and XX curriculum allows students to specialise in their chosen subjects. Therefore, there is no ‘core’ subject that must be taken; students have a free choice of A Level courses.

To follow A Level courses, all students must choose a minimum of three subjects but we expect most to take four A Levels in the LXX. Some students may wish to follow five subjects in order to maintain a wider breadth of study – for example, if they have decided to take Further Mathematics as well as Mathematics. However, this is considered highly unusual with a high workload that is very difficult to maintain. Therefore, it will only be allowed in carefully considered circumstances, and only for exceptional academics.

The decisions made now may have an impact on the courses available at university. Some courses require specific subjects at A Level (e.g. Chemistry A Level is required for Medical degree entry in most cases), although this can differ from country to country and university to university. If a student already has an idea about what degree course and career they hope to follow, then it is important to check entry criteria when selecting A Level subjects.

However, the two most important considerations when choosing A Level courses are an ability and interest in the subject matter. Students will do best in subjects that they are motivated to learn about and choosing subjects they are interested in at A Level will inevitably lead to courses that suit them at university.

Whilst it is important to make a strong start to A Level studies, we understand that the selection of subjects at this stage in a student’s educational career is a difficult decision. Therefore, until the end of term 1 of the LXX, certain subject changes may be permitted.

Some students may also choose to embark on the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ). This is decided in term 1 of the LXX and may only be done in addition to 3 or 4 full A Levels.

In cases where students do not make the entry criteria to progress to A Level courses, they may choose to study for the GED (American high school equivalency diploma). This provides a route to some universities in Thailand, America and a few other countries. Good performance on the GED examinations will also be considered for entry to A Level courses the following academic year.

The electronic version of this booklet contains hyperlinks to the course specifications from the examination boards.