6th September 2013 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Now that the AS and A’ Level results are out many students are spending the summer contemplating their futures. Some are already going off to do vocational courses, and others are studying academic courses, sure that they will embark on graduate schemes when they finish. But many other students, however they have fared in their exams, are heading into the next stages of their lives uncertain about what choices are open to them. Whilst some comprehensive schools are able to provide students with advice and support, many others fail to give students the information they need in order to make important decisions. As private tutors, we have the opportunity to discuss possibilities and aspirations with our students, but it is difficult to follow this through without support from schools.
One of the most important decisions students make at school is what A’ Level courses to take. At that time of life, it is difficult to imagine that the choices we make can change our entire future. As a tutor it is difficult working with students who have decided that they want to study Law or Medicine, but have not taken the A’ levels that universities are looking for when selecting candidates. This is also a serious issue for students wishing to apply to top universities. Quite reasonably, students often want to devote one of their A’ Level courses to something they are passionate about, such as Photography, or Art. Yet they may find that they are at a disadvantage when applying to top universities who want students to have studied a full set of traditional, academic subjects. Schools should work with students to let them know what their chosen courses will mean for them, and where they don’t, GCSE tutors should ensure that their students are aware of what A’ Levels they choose will mean for their university options.
The lack of information available to many students is part of a wider problem, and one that will see many students in the state sector disadvantaged before they have even thought about what they want to do with their lives. Students from wealthy backgrounds often have ample opportunities to learn the ‘right way’ to go about choosing A’ Levels and career options, information which they receive both from their schools and their families. Yet other students are not encouraged by their schools to think about their options, and some schools do not have access to the right information themselves. For example, it would be reasonable to think that if a student wants to study Law at university, Law A’ Level would be a good option. Yet many universities prefer that students have not studied the subject at this level, and look for students with more traditional A’ Levels. As private tutors, we should check that our students are aware of their options, and advise them as best we can to ensure that they do not fall through the net.