Choosing your subjects for Sixth Form is one of the first major decisions you'll make on your academic journey. It can feel like a lot of pressure, especially when you're trying to balance what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what might lead to a great career. But don't worry—this guide is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

We'll break down how to think about your choices, explore some of the exciting subjects on offer, and connect them to potential university courses and career paths. Think of this as your roadmap to making informed decisions that set you up for success.

How to Choose Your Subjects

Before diving into the list of subjects, it's helpful to have a framework for making your decision. Here are a few key things to consider:

What do you enjoy? You're going to spend two years studying these subjects in depth. Choosing topics you're passionate about will make learning more engaging and help you stay motivated.
What are your strengths? Think about the subjects where you've performed well at GCSE. Playing to your strengths can build confidence and lead to better grades.
What are your career goals? If you have a specific career in mind, like medicine or engineering, some subjects are essential. If you're not sure yet, that's completely fine! Opting for a broad mix of subjects can keep your options open.
What are the entry requirements? Many A-Level and IB courses have specific GCSE grade requirements. Make sure you check these to ensure you're eligible for the subjects you're interested in.

A Look at Your Subject Options

Let's explore the subjects available and see where they could take you. We've grouped them into broad categories to help you see the connections between different fields of study.

The Creative Arts & Design

If you're imaginative, expressive, and love bringing ideas to life, the creative arts might be your calling. These subjects are about more than just talent; they teach you to think critically, communicate visually, and solve problems in innovative ways.

Art: This isn't just about painting. You'll explore everything from textiles and photography to sculpture and digital media. It's a fantastic foundation for any creative industry, including marketing, advertising, and architecture.
Design Technology (Product Design): Perfect for the creative problem-solver, this subject lets you work with different concepts and materials. You'll develop skills in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and prototyping, which are invaluable for careers in engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing.
Drama and Theatre Studies: More than just acting, this subject explores how meaning is conveyed in performance. It builds confidence and communication skills, which are highly valued in fields like law, psychology, and, of course, the arts.

The Sciences

For the curious and analytical mind, the sciences offer a chance to understand the world around us, from the smallest particles to the vastness of the universe. These subjects are fundamental for many high-demand careers.

Biology: A gateway to understanding life itself. You'll study everything from cells to ecosystems. This is an essential subject for aspiring medics, vets, physiotherapists, and anyone interested in environmental science.
Chemistry: Often called the "central science," Chemistry connects physics and biology. Through experiments and problem-solving, you'll gain skills crucial for careers in medicine, pharmacy, and the energy and materials industries.
Physics: This subject tackles the big questions about how the universe works. It develops a methodical and abstract way of thinking, making it a strong choice for those considering engineering, computer science, or even finance. Combining Physics with Maths is a powerful duo for many university applications.

The Humanities & Social Sciences

Do you enjoy debating ideas, analysing texts, and understanding human behaviour? The humanities and social sciences help you make sense of society, culture, and politics. They develop critical thinking, argumentation, and writing skills respected by all universities and employers.

Classical Civilisation: Explore the literature, art, and history of ancient Greece and Rome to better understand our modern world. It pairs well with English, History, and Politics and builds strong analytical skills.
English Literature: If you love reading and analysing texts, this is the subject for you. You'll develop sophisticated writing and argumentation skills that are valuable in many professions, including law, journalism, and publishing.
Politics: This subject is about understanding how governments and organisations work. It’s ideal for anyone interested in current affairs. You'll learn about political ideologies, voting behaviour, and international relations, preparing you for careers in civil service, law, and international development.
Religious Education (RE): This isn't just about religion; it's a deep dive into philosophy, ethics, and how people think. It will challenge you to think critically and reflectively, skills that are highly prised in any field that requires sharp analysis.

The Business & Analytical Subjects

If you have a logical mind and an interest in how organisations operate, these subjects provide a practical understanding of the world of business, finance, and technology.

Business: Learn how firms operate and develop strategies for improvement. This subject gives you a real-world understanding of accountancy, marketing, human resources, and sales. It's a practical choice for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Economics: A more abstract subject than Business, Economics explores how to deal with problems of scarcity and choice on a larger scale. It requires a clear, logical mind and pairs well with Mathematics for those aiming for careers as economists or accountants.
Computer Science: This subject is all about problem-solving and understanding the power of technology. You'll learn computational thinking and systems design. Note that many university Computer Science courses also require A-Level Mathematics.

Your Path Forward

Let us help you make choosing your Sixth Form subjects an exciting step toward your future. We will guide you to pick a balanced combination that reflects your interests, plays to your strengths, and keeps your long-term goals in sight.

Get in touch to discuss the best subject combination for you.