Choosing A’level subjects
Jan 22, 2008
DEAR Jamesa, I am studying in Jinja and in senior four this year. I will be in A’ level soon and will have to choose a subject combination. How do I choose the right subject combination? <br>Henry
CAREER GUIDANCE
DEAR Jamesa, I am studying in Jinja and in senior four this year. I will be in A’ level soon and will have to choose a subject combination. How do I choose the right subject combination?
Henry
DEAR Henry, I must commend you for thinking about your subject combination early enough. This is the foundation of your career and you shouldn’t leave it to chance.
Indeed, by making subject choice at A’ level, you are already sowing the first seeds that will sprout into a life-long career. You need to choose your A’ level subjects with serious thought and planning.
Although the subject combination is essential in opening doors for university admission, it is not the main deciding factor in career choice. Your interests, abilities and talents are the most critical determining factors in choosing a subject combination at A’ level.
Since subject combinations are determined by individuals’ interests, abilities and talents, there is no bad or good combination. Any combination can help you chart a successful career path depending on the passion you have for that career. This is because career success does not entirely depend on the subjects studied but on the student behind the subjects.
Not all high schools offer all subjects at A’ level. The subjects offered in a particular school are often determined by the facilities available (especially practical subjects) and the availability of teachers. The absence of certain subject combinations in certain schools shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that there is something wrong with those subjects. The following are some of the factors you should consider as you choose your subjects at A’ level:
Ability:
Your performance in those subjects is significant. Different schools have different standards but most schools prefer a minimum of D2 in a subject you want to do at A’ level. Endeavour, therefore, to excel in the subjects you intend to pursue at A’ level.
Interests:
Do you have interest in the subject? Scoring a high grade in a subject doesn’t necessarily mean you have an interest in it. Interests here broadly include your talents. If you are talented at handling people then you would probably excel at a people-based career. If you have a passion for machines then consider science subjects. Since subject choice lays a foundation for your career, career goals should be put into clear perspective when choosing subjects.
Respect your individuality:
You are different from your friends and siblings. You shouldn’t therefore try to be like somebody else or choose certain subjects just because your friends have chosen them. Nobody else will study these subjects apart from you and any wrong decision will impact negatively on your future. In case of any challenges, seek help from a professional counsellor.
Compiled by Jamesa Wagwau
jwagwau@newvision.co.ug
DEAR Jamesa, I am studying in Jinja and in senior four this year. I will be in A’ level soon and will have to choose a subject combination. How do I choose the right subject combination?
Henry
DEAR Henry, I must commend you for thinking about your subject combination early enough. This is the foundation of your career and you shouldn’t leave it to chance.
Indeed, by making subject choice at A’ level, you are already sowing the first seeds that will sprout into a life-long career. You need to choose your A’ level subjects with serious thought and planning.
Although the subject combination is essential in opening doors for university admission, it is not the main deciding factor in career choice. Your interests, abilities and talents are the most critical determining factors in choosing a subject combination at A’ level.
Since subject combinations are determined by individuals’ interests, abilities and talents, there is no bad or good combination. Any combination can help you chart a successful career path depending on the passion you have for that career. This is because career success does not entirely depend on the subjects studied but on the student behind the subjects.
Not all high schools offer all subjects at A’ level. The subjects offered in a particular school are often determined by the facilities available (especially practical subjects) and the availability of teachers. The absence of certain subject combinations in certain schools shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that there is something wrong with those subjects. The following are some of the factors you should consider as you choose your subjects at A’ level:
Ability:
Your performance in those subjects is significant. Different schools have different standards but most schools prefer a minimum of D2 in a subject you want to do at A’ level. Endeavour, therefore, to excel in the subjects you intend to pursue at A’ level.
Interests:
Do you have interest in the subject? Scoring a high grade in a subject doesn’t necessarily mean you have an interest in it. Interests here broadly include your talents. If you are talented at handling people then you would probably excel at a people-based career. If you have a passion for machines then consider science subjects. Since subject choice lays a foundation for your career, career goals should be put into clear perspective when choosing subjects.
Respect your individuality:
You are different from your friends and siblings. You shouldn’t therefore try to be like somebody else or choose certain subjects just because your friends have chosen them. Nobody else will study these subjects apart from you and any wrong decision will impact negatively on your future. In case of any challenges, seek help from a professional counsellor.
Compiled by Jamesa Wagwau
jwagwau@newvision.co.ug