Fewer subjects are chosen at A level than at IGCSE level as much greater depth and breadth of study are needed within each subject area. It is important to understand that A levels are challenging. Attaining a B at A level is far more difficult than attaining an A* at IGCSE level.
It is crucial that a very wise choice is made and students are advised to undertake thorough research on prospective higher education courses and careers. Students must know the entrance requirements for the degree courses they wish to study and to be aware that different institutions (and even schools of study within universities) have different requirements. There are also other aspects to consider such as the matriculation exemption certificate that is needed to gain entry into public South African universities. It is imperative that the correct choice of subjects is made at the very beginning of the course as it is very difficult to change subjects once the A level course is underway.
As only three or four subjects are studied at this level there are periods in each day where there will be no scheduled lessons with a teacher. These periods are intended for personal private study where assignments and further research are done on the subjects in the study room or the library. It is therefore crucial that A level students are self-disciplined and mature.
When choosing subjects there are three factors to consider:
- Excellence: students should choose subjects that they are good at.
- Enjoyment: students should choose subjects that they love.
- The future: students should choose subjects that will be helpful for the careers that they have in mind.
Please see the section on Curriculum for further information on the subjects offered and entrance requirements.