'A' level good results: good teaching or academically able pupils?

patchwork_cat

I feel that there are a number of reasons that some schools achieve better at A levels. Culture of the school, teaching and intelligence of the students.


My DD is 16 and applying to sixth form, she is currently at a grammar school, but the sixth form collegiate college in the next town gets between 90.9 - 42.9 % A* - B and her grammar gets slightly lower results and yet is 9 th in the country for GCSE's, so something doesn't follow through to A levels.


Obviously therefore there is nothing wrong with the teaching at her grammar school, so either the best move to the next town or the students don't work as hard.


If your DD is genuinely wanting to study Medicine be advised that this is not just about academic achievement, but it is very hard to even get an interview. My DS started to study Pharmacy and interestingly has changed to Accountancy. She will need a very comprehensive CV - things like Oboe to grade 8, played tennis for county, currently undertaking D of E gold, plenty of work experience, St John Ambulance ( my daughter is a cadet and has been since 11) A*, A*, A, a. I suggest a trip to the Student room and look at those applying for medicine. http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=195


She should not even be looking at health and social care, she will require Chemistry and Maths with 2 other rigorous subjects studied at AS and at least 1 to A2.

hippihaz

Hi, I've (fairly recently) qualified as a doctor, and to cope with 5-6yrs of medical school you need to be pretty motivated (with all the distractions university brings and you're in full time lectures/placements where as friends may have 3 lectures a week!). In general if she is bright and motivated she should be able to achieve the A levels in most environments.
I sat on the interview panels for Cardiff and you look for those who have achieved the A levels and done other things as well, eg sports team, orchestra, duke of edinburgh, charity/voluntary work, work experience, as it is very competitive (as the poster above says).

SmallL

I'm going to suggest your DD look into what doctors do in hospitals (Thats where most doctors start out, whilst she may be more familiar with a GP setting). I was suprised at the pace of a hospital setting compared to a GP's role. I'm a biology graduate currently working as a support worker on a hospital ward and I'm applying for PGdip in nursing.
I would suggest having a look first, its the whole reason I became a support worker, to have a nosey at what doctors/nurses do before I decide on a career!