Selecting the right A-level combination key to academic success

Lazarus Sauti

Picking a handful of subjects to take at A-level is not a decision you should trifle with.

The A-level subjects you pick now can affect what you do later, to be specific the degree programme you can apply to at university and which universities will consider you.

These are articulations of Andy Gardner, an independent careers and higher education adviser.

All things considered, if you do not know what you want to do in the future, you can still make smart choices now that will leave you in the best position in two years’ time.

Gardner, also a published author, experienced speaker, lecturer and commentator in his field, added that to settle on brilliant choices, it is important to take certain A-level subjects that will open up more university programme options.

One sure way of doing this is picking up facilitating subjects – a bunch of A-level subjects normally requested in universities’ entry requirements, regardless of the course you are applying to.

Great Zimbabwe University media lecturer, Simbarashe Namusi, also says the reason to pick a particular A-level subject should be motivated by a need to pursue a particular career.

He added that certain undergraduate programmes will look for specific A-level subjects and “this is really important if you have a particular degree in mind.”

“Essentially,” Namusi added, “what must happen is that a subject combination should not be vague. If it is an Arts combination, for instance, let it be clearly defined as such.”

The media scholar added that some schools just piece together combinations for students, but these combinations are neither fair nor proper.

“Combinations like Biology, Geography and Chemistry; Mathematics, Geography and Chemistry; and Accounts, Divinity and Shona are ambiguous. They make it difficult to define a clear career path for the student,” said Namusi, also advising students never to pick A-level subjects for prestige.

“Students should be aware of their intellectual abilities at all times,” he said. “Combinations are not for showing off, but are life changing decisions.”

History PhD candidate at the Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Bryan Kauma, says the chief motivation when choosing an academic or career path should be passion.

“Do you enjoy the subjects? While many enjoy the success of that comes with certain subjects, the world is ever changing and money should not be a motivation,” he said.

Kauma added that one should always choose subjects they enjoy and effortlessly can read about and quickly relate with.

“That way, even when they get stuck, their natural passion will be an incentive that will help them pull through,” he said.

Kauma also said when you pick wrong subjects, school becomes a drag even when it is not.

“You will never be excited about going to school and will always give half baked products which will make you look mediocre even when you are not,” he said.

Kauma believes that young people should take their time and explore the growing global trends and see the wider career options that are opening up as well as think outside the box away from the traditional lawyer or doctor career paths.

“Most importantly,” he counselled, “do not let peer pressure confine you to a certain path; be your own person and define your own goals. Do not be afraid to fall, that’s how you learn.”

Kauma also said there is an age old African proverb, indlele ibuzwa kwabaphambili meaning the road is asked by those who have passed it.

“Although the world is ever changing, the elderly folk remain a pivotal instrument in decision making simply because when all is said and done, they truly have your best interests at heart,” he said.

However, Namusi argues that families must not try to live their dreams through their children by imposing subject combinations or career paths.

Lazarus Sauti is a multi-award winning journalist, National Arts and Merit Awards nominee, published scholar, author and information officer in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. He writes here in his own capacity.