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A-Level Year 12: Choosing Your Subjects Wisely

A-Level Year 12 guide – subject choices, facilitating subjects and study tips

Starting A-Levels

Most students begin A-Levels at Year 12 (Lower Sixth), typically studying 3–4 subjects. The choices you make now influence university options and career paths, so approach them thoughtfully.

Key Considerations

  • University requirements: Check entry requirements for your target degree. Medicine requires Chemistry and Biology; Engineering often requires Maths and Physics

  • Your strengths: Choose subjects you genuinely enjoy and can excel in

  • Facilitating subjects: Russell Group universities value Maths, Further Maths, Sciences, History, English, Languages, Geography and Computer Science

AS-Level vs A-Level

Since 2017, AS-Levels are standalone qualifications and do not contribute to full A-Level grades in England. However, some schools still use AS exams as internal checkpoints at the end of Year 12.

Managing the Transition

A-Levels demand far more independent study than GCSEs. Aim for 1 hour of independent study per lesson, and build a revision habit from Day 1 of Year 12.

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