Choosing your Subjects

At Harris Westminster, students study four subjects: three A levels alongside one additional programme: Further Mathematics, Core Maths or the Extended Project Qualification.

Your choices should give you an academic programme that is both challenging and enjoyable.

 

Choosing Subjects You Enjoy and Excel In

The best starting point is to think about the subjects you most enjoy and those in which you are most likely to succeed. A-level study requires sustained interest, independent reading and a willingness to grapple with difficult ideas. You are therefore more likely to do well in subjects that genuinely interest you than in subjects chosen simply because they seem prestigious, useful or impressive.

 

Keeping Your Future Options Open

You do not need to know at this stage what career you want to pursue or what degree you might eventually study. Many students change their interests during the sixth form, particularly as they encounter new subjects and ideas. It is good to avoid identity foreclosure (see here for this)

Choose a combination that allows you to explore your current interests and develop a broad range of knowledge and skills, rather than trying to decide your entire future in Year 11.

 

Exploring Different Subject Combinations

Subjects do not have to belong to the same traditional group. A student might combine sciences with humanities, Mathematics with Geography, or languages with Philosophy or Economics. Unusual combinations can be intellectually rewarding and may allow you to approach questions from different perspectives.

There is no single correct combination, although some choices are subject to the rules explained below.

 

Understanding Different Types of Work

Think carefully about the type of work involved in each subject. Some courses involve substantial reading and extended writing, while others place greater emphasis on mathematical reasoning, practical work or learning a language. All A levels involve problem-solving and creativity within an academic discipline.

A balanced programme does not necessarily mean choosing four very different subjects, but you should consider whether you will enjoy the overall pattern of work your choices will create.

 

Considering New Subjects

You may also wish to consider subjects that you have not studied at GCSE, such as Politics, Philosophy, Economics or Art History. You do not need previous knowledge of these subjects.

Read the course descriptions carefully (see here) and think about whether the questions they examine and the methods they use appeal to you.

 

Checking University Requirements

Some university courses require particular A levels. You do not need to make early decisions about university or degree level apprenticeships, but applicants who are already seriously considering courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics or some language degrees should check current university entry requirements. This is a practical safeguard, not a reason to decide now on a fixed career or academic path. It is often at A level that students realise they really enjoy an unexpected subject.

It is also worth remembering that as AI becomes more widespread, working effectively with AI and AI agents draws on judgement, creativity, communication, and critical thinking - skills often nurtured through subjects like History, Politics, Philosophy, Art History, Geograohy, and English Literature.

 

Subject-choice rules

• If you choose two or more sciences from Biology, Chemistry and Physics, you must also study Mathematics or Core Maths.
• If you choose Further Mathematics, you must also choose Mathematics.
• You cannot study both Mathematics and Core Maths.
• You may choose no more than one subject taught at Westminster School.
• Native speakers of Russian cannot be considered for the Russian course.

Students who already speak a language at or close to native-speaker level should discuss their choice us at enrolment. In most cases, we recommend choosing a course that will provide significant new academic and linguistic challenge.

 

Subjects taught at Westminster School

The following subjects are taught at Westminster School:

• Drama and Theatre Studies
• German
• Ancient Greek
• Latin
• Music
• Russian

Applicants for these subjects must complete an additional examination or interview. This process is separate from the offer of a place at Harris Westminster. If you are not offered a place on the Westminster School course, you will be asked to choose another option taught at Harris Westminster.