Official Alevel Courses i have taken for FD

[linnez]

Ive recently changed my Alevels and i have changed them to fit all criterias and im aiming for about 300ucas points , I have taken Btec Science , Geography , Business Economics (numeracy subject) and Media Studies which i plan to drop after AS , Whats your opinions does it sound good to enroll into the FD course and good luck to everyone whos went back to University or College ;D hope it goes well id like to know what your studying and what company too

Sam

[Lewis]

If your already planning on dropping media studies. Why not pick something else you might develop an interest in?I would also consider maths, phisics and English as they are the subjects companies like to see. It also not just about school, pick up some hobbies or even a part time job.

[chris]

Id suggest an AS level in maths instead of media studies if its not too late to change.

[linnez]

I recently dropped maths due to reasons on the way it was based , Didnt enjoy it atall , and media is an english based subject

[Lewis]

I don't think anyone enjoys maths but there is a lot of it in Deck officer course. Theirs a lot more competition for cadetships theses days and like it or not, unfair or not interviewers think of media studies, geography as soft subjects. Individual sciences also have a better reputation then generic science. If maths and English are best option, second best would be physics and history, ideally all four. Otherwise your just making it harder to find a place.

[linnez]

I see where your coming from but alot of companies have unspecified subjects , others say preferably a numeracy/ science based subject which is Btec Science and Business economics its a numeracy based subject , but i thought geography was preferred more than history ?

[Midge]

Sam, not that I'm a cadet or anything, but perhaps asking the training companies what they think is the best thing to do. Thought behind that is they will be the ones doing the selecting. If you can't pass them you don't even get to the college. Who ever you are thinking of applying to really, then when you do apply they may remember you if its one of the smaller ones. Good luck !

[linnez]

I havent spoke to any companies , I might email them , Im currently applying for the HND Course for some companies at the momeent whilst studying my alevels in sixth form , Im hoping to go in january to study the hd course i just see the fd course as a second option but i looked at each requirements and i feel my options are suitable there is only one company which mainly requires maths and physics which is Viking recruitment , Im unsure :/

[Midge]

Speaking is a better option, than emailing, they don't bite. Any other questions you have you can ask, you have the opportunity then to explain your course content if they ask.
Emails are good if you want to have confirmation in writing, you can always send a thanks for speaking to me today, I will be doing .......... A levels as you suggested.
If this is your real name may I suggest you change it, as sponsoring companies do look at the site and do post on here from time to time, better to remain anon!

[linnez]

i get my predicted Alevel Grades on friday i think so im going to email some companies and see what they feel about it and if they'd accept them , I still have a chance to change options but i dont want to :/ and ill change my name to linnez now ahahaha ;D , But ill email this weekend and speak to them this weekend , Thanks for the advice Midge

[Lewis]

I see where your coming from but alot of companies have unspecified subjects , others say preferably a numeracy/ science based subject which is Btec Science and Business economics its a numeracy based subject , but i thought geography was preferred more than history ?

They specify the minimum that is required for them to consider you. Matching their minimum will in no way guarantee you a job. Their are more people applying than places available; so companies can be picky. You'll be up against people applying who have degrees. Essentially you have a choice between easy A levels or making it easier to find a place.

[GuinnessMan]

I recently dropped maths due to reasons on the way it was based , Didnt enjoy it atall , and media is an english based subject

Whilst "Media" may be an English based subject, it's generally considered to be on par with the likes of "basket weaving" (i.e. not taken very seriously). If you want to have an English based subject as an A-Level, study English Language or Literature...

They specify the minimum that is required for them to consider you. Matching their minimum will in no way guarantee you a job. Their are more people applying than places available; so companies can be picky. You'll be up against people applying who have degrees. Essentially you have a choice between easy A levels or making it easier to find a place.

That's the bottom line. If you just meet the requirements then you will be at the bottom of the list when it comes to short-listing. You need to exceed their requirements and actually show that you are someone who is: -

A) Sociable
B) Willing to lead / can work well in a team (cadets or something)
C) Whilst a brain/common sense may not be a requirement to becoming a deck officer, some good academics will help

[linnez]

I know what you mean :/ its sooo confusing , Ive applied for companies for the HND course at the moment hoping to get in without the stress of the alevels and options but the sooner i get onto one of the courses the better! , But i might do my Courses ive chosen and see if theres an extra mathematic course i could take which is like an AS or something

[linnez]

Also im planning on doing the Ocean Youth Trust in October just to help me stand out and what do you mean minimum by 120 ucas points ?

[HarmlessWeasel]

grades at AS and A level are worth so many UCAS points. I think an A at A level is worth 100 or so. If you have a couple of decent grades you should be able to get enough by the end of AS.