A level education

For most girls this stage will pass very quickly! Your daughter should think carefully about where she wants to study for A Level and what she wants to study. She may have a clear idea of a future career or, more likely, still be considering a wide range of alternatives. Encourage her to follow her interests, as she is more likely to do well in subjects she enjoys, but also to choose a sensible “package” of subjects. Currently there is much debate over whether all A Level subjects are equal in the eyes of future employers and universities. If your daughter is aiming to go to university she should research which A Levels are required for the courses she is interested in studying.

The A Level course is divided into two separate but linked stages, AS and A2. In Year 12 most girls take 4 AS subjects. The AS qualification is gained through taking examination and coursework modules – usually three. The marks for each module are then aggregated and a final mark that equates to a grade is achieved. Maximum marks are 300 – 240+ is an A.

At A2 most girls drop one subject and continue the other three. The system is the same as AS but A2 modules are significantly more difficult so it is important to ‘bank’ as many marks as possible at AS. The maximum mark at A2 is 600 – 480+ is an A. From the academic year 2008/9 an A* will be introduced at A2. Candidates will have to have an A in each module at AS and average 90% in the A2 modules to achieve this grade in any one subject.

Most girls will be thinking about what to do after school during Year 12 and certainly by the third term your daughter will be expected to start the process of applying to university or college. The key here is preparation and matching expectation to performance. Universities want the selection process to be fair and make it very clear what their grade expectations are. Of course, it is possible to make dramatic progress in Year 13 but it does not happen often and schools have to make realistic predictions based on AS performance. A candidate with three Ds will not get offers for courses with an entry requirement of three Bs!

Vocational courses such as in art, fashion or drama will require your daughter to have a portfolio which her teachers will help her prepare.

Candidates for Medicine and Law in particular may have to take specific aptitude tests – BMAT, LNAT etc and Oxford and Cambridge have some specific requirements and procedures for some subjects.

Research and preparation are key to a successful application. Encourage your daughter to use the internet and paper prospectuses and if she meets the entrance criteria go for it!

Your daughter will have to write a personal statement as part of the UCAS (University & College Application Scheme) form. This is a very important element but surprisingly difficult to get right – your help will be invaluable at this stage. Again, there is a lot of advice available – use it and start the drafting process early. Schools will have their own deadlines based on the UCAS submission dates to ensure forms are completed and signed on time – you will need to make sure you and your daughter are aware of these. There is also a parent section on the UCAS website www.ucas.com which provides advice and guidance to parents on supporting your daughter through the application process and beyond. The important dates to remember are:

• Mid-October – last date for receipt of applications to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science or Veterinary medicine
• Mid-January – deadline for applications from UK and EU students to be guaranteed equal academic consideration

Different arrangements apply for applications for Art and Design courses (B Route) and details are available on the UCAS website.

A GAP year can be an invaluable experience. Here again, research, thought and care will be the keys to success. Universities do have a high regard for girls who have spent a year wisely, done something that has challenged and developed them and been worthwhile but you have to be prepared for the drain on your wallet and to make sure that the year does not become an extended holiday! Earning the necessary money to fund her trip should be an invaluable learning experience for your daughter and will show future employers that she is able to persevere to attain her goals.

Useful links:

• Gap Year – The directory provides everything you need to know if you are planning a gap year of work, travel or adventure www.gapyeardirectory.co.uk
• Lattitude Global volunteering – one of the charities specializing in volunteering for 17-25 year-olds – www.lattitude.org.uk/