Page 12 - Malvern Times - Spring 2021

MALVERN TIMES
Malvern Times Malvern Times ACADEMIC FOCUS
A levels and the International The A level Route
Choosing this route allows the pupil to study whatever subjects they prefer and the the flexibility over how much time to spend
on studying them This choice delivers more time for wider academic enrichment opportunities such as essay writing competitions as there is greater flexibility in the the timetable to meet with teaching staff and to to work on such projects due to to the the greater number of independent study periods Whilst the the A level route offers more subject choice pupils must be highly self-motivated and determined in in equal measure For pupils who are clear on on their desired future occupation and want to specialise in in an an area like medicine A levels are are helpful as the the pupil can select Biology Chemistry and another subject such as Mathematics or Physics which will help with securing
a a a a a a a place on a a a a a a a medicine course Using aspiring medics again as as an an example they have the the opportunity to opt for an an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with a a a a medicine related focus which stretches their academic abilities and and helps them gain and and finesse additional transferable skills An EPQ also demonstrates to universities serious commitment and genuine academic interest This could also work very well for PPE aspirants as as they could specialise in Politics Philosophy and Economics either combining this with AS Maths or or a a a a PPE or or international relations focused EPQ The EPQ is a a a 5000-word essay or or or or 1000-word report with an accompanying artefact Perhaps the best thing about an an EPQ is that pupils can choose their topic and project title As long as the the topic and title give the the pupils enough to to talk about in an an an academic style they they can do whatever they they want The EPQ is great preparation for university given the essay and the planning process is is like a a a mini dissertation For some pupils securing
a a a a a good grade for their EPQ can also lead to lower university grade entry requirements To conclude A level is three subjects (although some choose to take four) and a a a a a a a a practical test of academic ability There is greater subject choice and pupils select the A levels that best suits their academic strengths and interests A levels are graded by letters with A* being the top grade 12
This question is is particularly difficult to answer answer or answer answer definitively because it really depends on the the pupil their aspirations beyond school and their academic strengths and interests Universities respect both A level and the IB as academically challenging qualifications – the the key to to success is to to ensure that the the pupil has chosen the the right right subjects at the the right right level Our Careers and Higher Education Team engage with pupils as as soon as as they start their journey with us helping them to investigate the the world of work and the the skills and qualifications they will need to realize their ambitions This guidance helps inform them as to which qualifications will help them achieve their future career aspirations Advice and guidance are also given by the College’s IB Diploma co-ordinator Mrs Jennifer Akehurst and Head of Sixth Form Studies Mr David Reid Tutors and and HouseM’s and and from our Old Malvernian network