By José María Dalmau, former student at Caxton College in Valencia

When I was in Year 11 and had to choose my A Levels, it felt like one of the biggest decisions I had ever made. The school gave us guidance through meetings, advice from teachers and career talks, which definitely helped. However, at that age, I think I would also have really appreciated hearing directly from someone a few years older who had already gone through the process and could explain how their choices affected their future. That’s exactly why I’m writing this article now.

Many of my friends chose what were considered more “practical” subjects, especially those thinking about business or engineering. It sometimes felt like there was a “correct” path to follow. In my case, since I later studied Business Administration, choosing Business at A Level might have seemed more logical. However, I decided to follow the subjects that genuinely interested and challenged me, and I chose German, Philosophy and Maths.

Maths was probably the most “practical” subject in my combination, and it turned out to be extremely useful at university. I fully recommend Maths at A Level as it can be useful in most sectors, from engineering to business. It gave me a strong foundation for statistics, finance and analytical thinking. Many of the quantitative subjects in my Business Administration degree were much easier thanks to the skills I had developed in Maths.

Philosophy, taught by Mr Andrews, might seem less “useful” for a business or scientific career, but it was one of the most valuable subjects I ever studied. It taught me how to think critically, structure arguments and communicate ideas clearly. These are skills I now use every day. Whether I’m speaking to clients or writing reports, the training I received in Philosophy still makes a difference. And beyond the practical side, it was simply one of the most enjoyable subjects I ever took. The debates about society, ethics and human behaviour in Mr Andrews’ class were genuinely exciting, and I still remember them very fondly. I went with such a good energy to this classes. It was always something new.

German has probably had the most direct impact on my career. Ms Parmenter and Ms Weers completely transformed how I expressed myself in the language. Their teaching was so comprehensive that I finished my A Levels with a B2 level. Over the years, I kept improving my German, and today I have a C1 level and I’m working in Munich. This opportunity would simply not exist if I hadn’t chosen this subject.

Looking back, I’m very glad I didn’t choose my A Levels based only on what seemed practical or obvious at the time. The combination of Maths, Philosophy and German gave me analytical skills, communication abilities and an international perspective. All three have played an important role in my studies and in my professional life.

If I had to give one piece of advice to Year 11 students, it would be this: choose your A Levels with both your head and your heart. Think about what could be useful, but also about what genuinely interests and motivates you. Those two years can be some of the most rewarding of your school life, especially if you choose subjects that challenge and inspire you.