We want all our Sixth Formers to perform to the best of their abilities while they are studying for their A Levels, and so it is vital that you choose subjects that motivate and enthuse you as much as possible. We aim to be as flexible as possible providing each one of you with a bespoke package and firmly believe that choosing subjects from a range of Faculties will support you to make the strongest applications to prestigious universities and move forward into outstanding and high-profile careers.
The A Levels on offer cover a wide range of subjects, as we know that a broad and balanced offering will allow you all to make the right choices for you. This booklet is designed to help you to choose the right A Levels for you; it contains information on each subject’s course structure, exam board and key exam information.
If you need any further advice or information, please do contact me. I’ll be happy to talk to you about your future plans and the subjects that might best support you in achieving your goals and aspirations.
Hayley Stein, Director of Sixth Form
Arts and Performing Arts.
Art & Design (Fine Art)
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Ref No: 7202
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
COMPONENT 1: PERSONAL
INVESTIGATION
This is a practical investigation supported by written material.
Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept, or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.
COMPONENT 2:
EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT
The question paper will consist of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one. Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date.
Following receipt of the paper, students should consider the starting points and select one. Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals, models and maquettes.
Following the preparatory period, students must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time.
Information on Assessment
ASSESSMENT: COMPONENT 1
Personal Investigation – 60% of A Level
ASSESSMENT: COMPONENT 2
Externally Set Assignment – 40% of A Level
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES FOR EACH COMPONENT (AOS)
The assessments will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:
AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding
AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements
Drama and Theatre
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Ref No: 7262
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
COMPONENT 1: DRAMA AND THEATRE
Study of two set plays
Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers
COMPONENT 2: CREATING ORIGINAL DRAMA (PRACTICAL)
Process of creating devised drama
Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director) which must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner
COMPONENT 3: MAKING THEATRE (PRACTICAL)
Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts (Extract 1, 2 and 3) each taken from a different play
Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3
Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director)
Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 1: DRAMA AND THEATRE
Written exam
3 hours
Open book 80 marks
COMPONENT 2: CREATING ORIGINAL DRAMA (PRACTICAL)
Working notebook (40 marks)
Devised performance (20 marks)
60 marks in total
30% of A Level
COMPONENT 3: MAKING THEATRE
Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks)
Reflective report (20 marks)
60 marks in total
30% of A Level
Arts and Performing Arts
Music
Examination Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Ref No: 9MUO
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
THERE ARE SIX AREAS OF STUDY:
Vocal Music
Instrumental Music
Music for Film
Popular Music and Jazz
Fusions
New Directions
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 1: PERFORMING (30%)
Candidates are required to perform a live recital of one or more pieces, with a minimum time requirement of eight minutes. The standard level of difficulty is set at Grade 7 and the more difficult level is set at Grade 8. This recital is externally assessed via audio recording.
COMPONENT 2: COMPOSING (30%)
Candidates are required to submit two compositions. One must be either from the set briefs relating to the Areas of Study or a free composition in any style, of at least five minutes in duration. The other composition will be a technical study, in which students apply the harmonic principals of Bach’s Chorale Harmonisations. Compositions are externally assessed.
COMPONENT 3: LISTENING AND APPRAISING (40%)
Through the investigation and in-depth study of thirteen set works taken from the areas of study given above, students develop their knowledge and understanding of the interrelated elements, language and contexts of music. Students will also develop their aural skills and ability to analyse unfamiliar music. This component is assessed through the means of a two-hour listening paper.
Classics and the Ancient World.
Classical Civilisation
Examination Board: OCR
Syllabus Ref No: H408
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
COMPONENT
1: THE WORLD OF THE HERO
Students will work to gain an in-depth knowledge of classical epic poetry in translation and will study Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. The Odyssey was seen by the Greeks as an essential element of their own culture and is very revealing about Homeric society, which also makes it a useful entry point to understanding the classical world. Virgil’s Aeneid was a great Roman epic, written seven centuries later just as Augustus inaugurated the rule of the emperors. While Virgil was competing with Homer, he shed a great deal of light on the Roman world, its values and on Augustus in particular.
COMPONENT 2: CULTURE AND THE ARTS –GREEK THEATRE
Plays written by the Ancient Greeks, both tragedies and comedies, have had an enduring and influential impact on modern thought. Three plays will be studied in depth, but also the context in which plays developed and the society to which they belonged. A great deal of light will be shed on the beliefs and values of the Ancient Greeks and how they viewed the world. The plays that will be studied are Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, Euripides’ Bacchae and Aristophanes’ Frogs.
COMPONENT
3: BELIEFS AND IDEAS –DEMOCRACY AND THE ATHENIANS
Students will learn about the circumstances in which democracy came about in Athens, how it evolved and responded to the pressures put on it. This study will also make students see recent events in our own history in a new light. Through considering a variety of prescribed literary sources, students will expand and develop their ability to analyse and evaluate source material and to write scholarly essays.
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 1: WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A Level
Section A: shorter question involving literary criticism of an extract and a longer essay question
Section B: shorter question involving literary criticism of an extract and a longer essay question
Section C: one shorter question, a comparison of two passages in the earlier sections, one of Homer and one of Virgil as well as a long essay question
COMPONENT 2: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 45 minutes, 30% of A Level
Section A: shorter questions, two source commentaries and a longer essay question
Section B: one long essay question
COMPONENT 3: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 45 minutes, 30% of A Level
Section A: shorter questions, two source commentaries and a longer essay question
Students will develop their recognition and understanding of Classical Greek structure and grammatical forms, as well as building up their vocabulary over the duration of the course. During this process, and particularly after the grammar has been studied, students will have the opportunity to read and study a range of texts from different authors, although there will be a strong coverage of Xenophon, the set author for the unseen prose text, and of Euripides (iambic trimeter), the author for the unseen verse.
COMPONENT 2: PROSE COMPOSITION OR COMPREHENSION
Preparation for this component includes an emphasis on students’ understanding and being confident in the grammatical terminology that they will encounter. It will also give pupils the opportunity to translate passages of English into Greek. For the Comprehension question, the text will be prose from a passage of oratory.
COMPONENT 3: PROSE LITERATURE
Pupils will study sections of two set prose authors, mostly in Greek but with additional sections in English. For the A Level exam in 2027, two will be chosen from the works of Herodotus, Plato or Lucian. As well as extending pupils’ ability with the language, and in literary criticism, they will also learn a great deal about the political, social and historical contexts of their authors.
COMPONENT 4: VERSE LITERATURE
Pupils will also study sections of two set verse authors, mostly in Greek but with additional sections in English. The two verse texts for the A Level exam in 2027 will be chosen from influential works including Homer’s Odyssey, Sophocles’ Electra and Aristophanes’ Birds. This will extend pupils’ understanding of the structure of Greek, but also the special requirements of verse as well as broadening their understanding of classical Greek society and its values.
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 1: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 45 minutes
33% of A Level
Section A: Unseen Prose translation
Section B: Unseen Verse translation including a question on scansion
COMPONENT 2: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 15 minutes
7% of A Level
A choice of either:
Section A: Comprehension and Grammar; or
Section B: Prose Composition
COMPONENT 3: WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
25% of A Level
Section A: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section B: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section C: an essay question
COMPONENT 4: WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
25% of A Level
Section A: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section B: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Students will develop their recognition and understanding of Latin structure and grammatical forms, as well as building up their vocabulary over the duration of the course. During this process, and particularly after the grammar has been studied, students will have the opportunity to read and study a range of texts from different authors, although there will be a strong coverage of Livy, the set author for the unseen prose text, and of Ovid, the author for the unseen verse.
COMPONENT 2: PROSE COMPOSITION OR COMPREHENSION
Preparation for this component includes an emphasis on students’ understanding and being confident in the grammatical terminology that they will encounter. It will also give pupils the opportunity to translate passages of English into Latin, which is exciting, challenging and rewarding, and which they may not have done much of until Sixth Form. For the Comprehension question, the text will be prose from an author whose work does not feature among the choices for Component 3.
COMPONENT 3: PROSE LITERATURE
Pupils will study sections of two set prose authors, mostly in Latin but with additional sections in English. For the A Level exam in 2027, two will be chosen from Cicero’s Pro Roscio Amerino, Tacitus’ Annals, Apuleius’ Metamorphoses or from Nepos. As well as extending pupils’ ability with the language, and in literary criticism, they will also learn a great deal about the political, social and historical contexts of their authors.
COMPONENT 4: VERSE LITERATURE
Pupils will also study sections of two set verse authors, mostly in Latin but with additional sections in English. The two verse texts for the A Level exam in 2027 will be chosen from works by Virgil, the Aeneid epic, from Lucretius, Tibullus or from the Metamorphoses of Ovid. This will extend pupils’ understanding of the structure of Latin, but also the special requirements of verse, including poetic metre. As with the prose in Component 3, these texts will add to students’ understanding of Roman society.
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 1: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 45 minutes
33% of A Level
Section A: Unseen Prose translation
Section B: Unseen Verse translation including a question on scansion
COMPONENT 2: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 15 minutes
17% of A Level
A choice of either:
Section A: Comprehension and Grammar; or
Section B: Prose Composition
COMPONENT 3: WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
25% of A Level
Section A: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section B: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section C: an essay question
COMPONENT 4: WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
25% of A Level
Section A: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section B: respond to extracts from the set texts with a mixture of short answers and a long one
Section C: an essay question
English and Humanities.
Economics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Ref No: 9EC0
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
THEME 1: INTRODUCTION TO MARKETS AND MARKET FAILURE
In this theme students will consider how markets work, looking at how supply and demand interact to allocate resources in local, national and international markets. They will also look at how consumers act in a rational way to maximise utility and how firms maximise profit, but also why consumers may not behave rationally. Having investigated how markets work, students will look at the nature and causes of market failure.
THEME 2: THE UK ECONOMY –PERFORMANCE AND POLICIES
Students will be introduced to the aggregate demand/ aggregate supply model so that they can use it to analyse changes in real output and the price level. They will examine the use of demand-side policies, supply-side policies and direct controls as measures of improving an economy’s performance; recognise the underlying assumptions; predict the likely impact and effectiveness of such policies; and consider these in a historical context.
THEME 3: BUSINESS BEHAVIOUR AND THE LABOUR MARKET
This theme examines how the number and size of market participants affect pricing and nature of competition among firms. Students will consider the size and growth of firms through exploring organic growth, and mergers and takeovers. Supply and demand analysis is applied to labour market to see how wages are determined in both competitive and non-competitive markets.
THEME 4: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Students will be expected to understand the significance of globalisation, international trade, the balance of payments and exchange rates. They will study public finance, macroeconomic policies and the role of the financial sector in a global context. Students will consider the factors influencing the growth and development of emerging and developing countries.
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: MARKETS
AND BUSINESS BEHAVIOUR
Each question is set in a context, drawing on topics from across Themes 1 and 3
The assessment is 2 hours and carries
100 marks
It is 35% of the overall qualification
PAPER 2: THE NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ECONOMY
Each question is set in a context, drawing on topics from across Themes 2 and 4
The assessment is 2 hours and carries
100 marks
It is 35% of the overall qualification
PAPER 3: MICROECONOMICS AND MACROECONOMICS
Each question is set in a context, drawing on topics from across all 4 themes
The assessment is 2 hours and carries
100 marks
It is 30% of the overall qualification
English Literature
Examination Board: AQA B
Syllabus Ref No: 7717
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
This course ensures students read a wide range of literature texts, from Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’, to Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, to Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. The course requirements also allow students to study two texts chosen by students themselves, according to their own interests. Students then explore these texts from a variety of interesting and illuminating angles.
• The first paper is an exploration as tragedy as a vehicle, adapted by writers to meet their aims (from creative to philosophical).
• The second paper is an exploration of genre and form, from a more historicist lens, which recognises texts as products of their times.
• The coursework offers critical lenses through which to view texts (e.g. political lenses such as Marxism and Feminism) - and offers the opportunity for students to produce recreative responses. Throughout, students also develop well-recognised and well-regarded knowledge and skills, including: high-level critical thinking skills, knowledge of the humanities, and the art of argument in response to complex material.
The course is therefore highly enjoyable and rewarding for students interested in literature. The course is also valuable to students interested in sociology, history, politics, psychology, law, and more.
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: ASPECTS OF TRAGEDY
2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A Level
Closed book
PAPER 2: ELEMENTS OF POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PROTEST WRITING
3 hours
40% of A Level
Open book
COURSE WORK: 20% of A Level
Geography
Examination Board: OCR Syllabus Ref No: H481
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
Through the study of Physical Systems, learners will develop an understanding and appreciation of: Landscape Systems, contextualised through Coastal Landscapes, and Earth’s Life Support Systems, which encompasses the water and carbon cycles vital to our planet. Learners will also explore Human Interactions through the study of Global Connections, with a focus on Migration and Powers and Borders, and Changing Spaces Making Places, which gives learners an insight into the nature of places and the fluidity of their meanings and representations. The Geographical Debates paper allows learners to explore in depth two of the most challenging, dynamic and fascinating issues of the 21st century; Disease Dilemmas and Climate Change. The Investigative Geography component allows learners to undertake an a non-examined, independent investigation linked to any aspect of the specification to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. This component is designed to encourage learners to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their chosen topic whilst developing a number of geographical and study skills relevant to Higher Education or within the world of work.
COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW:
Coastal Landscapes
Earth’s Life Support Systems
Changing Spaces Making Places
Global Connections
Disease Dilemmas
Climate Change
Non-Examined Assessment
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
66 marks
1 hour 30 minutes written paper (22% of A Level)
Earth’s Life Support Systems and Coastal Landscapes
PAPER 2: HUMAN INTERACTIONS
66 marks
1 hour 30 minutes written paper (22% of A Level)
Changing Spaces Making Places, Global Connections (Migration and Powers and Borders)
PAPER 3: GEOGRAPHICAL DEBATES
108 marks
2 hours 30 minutes written paper (36% of A Level)
Climate Change and Disease Dilemmas
INVESTIGATIVE GEOGRAPHY:
Non Examined Assessment
60 marks
Non-examination assessment (NEA) (20% of A Level)
Fieldwork investigation with 5 days of residential study to take place in Somerset to assist with this
Examination Board: OCR
Syllabus Ref No: 7652
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
UNIT 1: BRITISH PERIOD STUDY AND ENQUIRY: ENGLAND, 1485-1558: THE EARLY TUDORS
Unit 1 offers a unique opportunity to learn about a key period in Britain’s history which focuses on Tudor monarchs and the challenges they faced at home and abroad. This as the tumultuous period examines the religious changes introduced by the Tudors which divided families and friends, leading to conflict and bloodshed.
UNIT 2: NON-BRITISH STUDY:
THE COLD WAR IN EUROPE, 1941-1995
Unit 2 is a fascinating study into how ideological differences between the USA and the USSR in the post- war world impacted the people and societies in Europe and the world. The remnants of the Cold War continue to this day, and students will learn about how past confrontations shapes our world today from the Crimea to Syria to Pyongyang.
UNIT 3: THEMATIC STUDY AND HISTORICAL INTERPRETATIONS:
CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE USA, 1865-1992
Unit 3 combines breadth and depth studies because it examines the development of civil rights over a period of hundred years and how it impacted the lives of African Americans, Native Americans, women, and labour and trade unions. Students will have an opportunity to study in-depth key developments including the New Deal and Black Power.
Information on Assessment
Written exam: 80%
Coursework: 20%
UNIT 1: ENGLAND, 1485-1558: THE EARLY TUDORS
1 hour 30 minutes
Total marks: 50
Answer one 30 mark interpretation question, and one 20 mark essay 25%
UNIT 2: NON-BRITISH STUDY: THE COLD WAR IN EUROPE, 1941-1995
1 hour
Total marks: 30
Answer one 10 mark and one 20 mark question 15%
UNIT 3: THEMATIC STUDY AND HISTORICAL INTERPRETATIONS:
CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE USA, 1865-1992
Unit 3 combines breadth and depth studies because it examines the development of civil rights over a period of hundred years and how it impacted the lives of African Americans, Native Americans, women, and labour and trade unions. Students will have an opportunity to study in-depth key developments including the New Deal and Black Power.
2 hours and 30 minutes
Total marks: 80
Answer a 30 mark interpretation question and two essays worth 25 marks each 40%
UNIT 4: COURSEWORK
The coursework is a unit where you can really explore your passion, choosing a history topic of your choice. Throughout year 13 you will set and explore your own question using primary and secondary sources. This is excellent practice for university study.
3,000-4,000 word essay
40 marks
20%
Philosophy
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Ref No: 7172
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
A Level Philosophy comprises four topic areas: Epistemology, Moral Philosophy, the Metaphysics of God and the Metaphysics of Mind.
PAPER 1: EPISTEMOLOGY AND MORAL PHILOSOPHY
In Epistemology we consider the definition of knowledge, the question of where and how we gain knowledge and whether it is ultimately possible to ‘know’ anything at all. We engage with the key writings and ideas of a range of philosophers, including Plato, Locke, Descartes, Hume, and Russell. In Moral Philosophy we examine the central question of what the ‘right’ thing to do is as well as debating what we even mean by the term ‘right’. We look at three main approaches to ethical decision-making (Aristotelian virtue ethics, Kantian deontological ethics and the Utilitarianism of Bentham and Mill) and apply them to stealing, simulated killing, eating animals and telling lies.
Information on Assessment
Written exams:
2 x 3 hour papers (each 50% of the A Level). Each paper has 10 questions (5 on each of the topics in the paper).
PAPER 2: THE METAPHYSICS OF GOD AND THE METAPHYSICS OF MIND
In the Metaphysics of God we examine the very concept of ‘God’ and whether it is logically sustainable (both in and of itself and in relation to the Problem of Evil) as well as evaluating the classic arguments (Ontological, Teleological and Cosmological) for God’s existence. We also explore the philosophy of language and the limits to which human language may meaningfully be used to discuss the divine. We look at the work of a range of philosophers and theologians including Anselm, Aquinas, Leibniz, Ayer and Wittgenstein. In Metaphysics of Mind we engage with the attempts by thinkers such as Chalmers, Ryle, the Churchlands and Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia to understand what the mind is, whether it exists separately from the body and the relationship between consciousness and the brain.
English and Humanities
Religious Studies
Examination Board: OCR
Syllabus Ref No: H573
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
UNIT 1: PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
From Plato and Aristotle to William James and Ludwig Wittgenstein, we study what the great minds have thought about the philosophical questions surrounding our humanity.
These include such questions as:
“Why is there anything at all?”
“Does life have a purpose?”
“What happens at death?”
UNIT 2: RELIGION AND ETHICS
From theory to practice, we compare the world’s most influential ethical approaches, ranging from St Thomas Aquinas to Immanuel Kant and Jeremy Bentham. These ethical approaches are then be applied to issues of importance, namely euthanasia, business, and sexual relationships.
The topics for study include such questions as:
“How ought we to behave?”
“Is good ethics good business?”
“Is euthanasia morally right?”
UNIT 3: DEVELOPMENTS IN RELIGIOUS THOUGHT
We consider this unit from the Christian perspective due to the religion’s impact on Western thought.
The wide-ranging topics include such issues as:
“Do we have a duty to fight injustice?”
“How does religion impact on our morality?”
“What should be the role of religion in modern society?”
Information on Assessment
Written exams:
3 x 2 hour papers, one exam on each unit. In each paper, students are required to write three essays (from a choice of four).
Politics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Ref No: 9PL0
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
THEME 1: DEMOCRACY AND PARTICIPATION
Politics A Level focuses on democratic politics. Although the democracies of the UK and USA are the main focus, you are encouraged to consider how other democracies around the world solve the problems associated with democratic politics: how do we encourage people to participate? How do we represent the views of voters? How is power allocated and limited? We can understand this as the ‘competitive’ side of politics, dealing with parties, pressure groups, elections and voting systems.
THEME 2: INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENT AND THE LAW
Democratic politics isn’t just about voting; there is also the question of how we are governed. Every political system has a constitution that sets out the framework of government and the rules to which those inside government must adhere. We examine the UK and US constitutions and how they shape the key activities of passing, implementing and interpreting the law, which are the basic roles of MPs, ministers and judges. We also contrast the two political systems: the centrality of Parliament in the UK compared to the presidential system of the US, where the framers sought to limit the power of the president – a key issue in the era of Donald Trump.
THEME 3: POLITICAL THOUGHT
Politics doesn’t just exist materially – it also exists ideally, in the form of political thinking, a lineage of thought that goes back to the poleis of ancient Greece. While we don’t go back that far, in studying the three ‘core’ ideologies of conservatism, liberalism and socialism, we examine the ideas of pre-democratic Europe that both inspired and criticised the revolutions in France and America, as well as the 20th century thinkers who created new ways of conceptualising modern politics and society: feminists, environmentalists, anarchists and multiculturalists.
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 1: UK POLITICS
This paper focuses on the issues of democracy and participation in the UK.
Two 30-mark essays (one source-based)
One 24-mark essay on political thought
Represents 33.3% of the overall A Level
COMPONENT 2: UK GOVERNMENT
This paper focuses on the issues of law and governance.
Two 30-mark essays (one source-based)
One 24-mark essay on political thought
Represents 33.3% of the overall A Level
COMPONENT 3: US/COMPARATIVE
This paper focuses on US politics and government.
Two 12-mark short, comparative answers
Two 30-mark essays on US government and politics
Represents 33.3% of the overall A Level
Modern Foreign Languages.
Modern Foreign Languages
French
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Ref No: 7652
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
The A Level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. Students will develop their understanding of themes relating to the society and culture of the country or countries where French is spoken, and their language skills; they will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in French.
TOPIC 1: ASPECTS OF FRENCH-SPEAKING SOCIETY: CURRENT TRENDS
The changing nature of family Cyber-society
The place of voluntary work
TOPIC 2: ARTISTIC CULTURE IN THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD
A culture proud of its heritage
Contemporary francophone music
Cinema: the seventh art form
FILM: La Haine by Mathieu Kassovitz
TOPIC 3: ASPECTS OF FRENCH-SPEAKING SOCIETY: CURRENT ISSUES
Positive features of a diverse society
Life for the marginalised
How criminals are treated
LITERARY TEXT: L’étranger by Albert Camus
TOPIC 4: ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD
Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment
Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power?
Politics and immigration
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: LISTENING, READING AND WRITING
2 hours 30 minutes
50% of A Level
Section A: listening
Section B: reading
Section C: translation from French to English and translation from English to French
PAPER 2: WRITING
2 hours
20% of A Level
The paper draws on the study of a film and a literary text
PAPER 3: SPEAKING
21-23 minutes
30% of A Level
Task 1: discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card
Task 2: presentation and discussion of individual research project
German
Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Ref No: 7662 (AL)
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
TOPIC 1: ASPECTS OF GERMAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY (Y12)
The Changing State of the Family
The Digital World
Youth Culture: fashion and trends, music, television
TOPIC 2: ARTISTIC CULTURE (Y12)
Festivals and Traditions
Art and Architecture
Cultural Life in Berlin, past and present
FILM: Das Leben der Anderen by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Information on Assessment
The A Level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. Students will develop their understanding of themes relating to the society and culture of the country or countries where German is spoken, and their language skills; they will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in German.
PAPER 1: LISTENING, READING AND WRITING
2 hours 30 mins
50% of A Level
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading
Section C: Translation from German to English and translation from English to German
TOPIC 3: MULTICULTURALISM (Y13)
Immigration
Integration
Racism
TOPIC 4: ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE (Y13)
Germany and the European Union
Politics and Youth
German Reunification and its Consequences
LITERARY TEXT: Der Besuch der Alten Dame by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
PAPER 2: WRITING
2 hours
20% of A Level
The paper draws on the study of a film and a literary text
PAPER 3: SPEAKING
21-23 minutes
30% of A Level
Task 1: discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card.
Task 2: presentation and discussion of individual research project
Examination Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Ref No: 7692
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
TOPIC 1: CONTEMPORARY CHINESE SOCIAL CHANGES
1) Family
Family structure and generation gap Family planning and ageing population
2) Education and Work
School life and student issues
Opportunities
Work and life balance
TOPIC 2: CHINESE CULTURE
1) Tradition
Festivals (Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid - Autumn Festival, Ching Ming Festival) and customs
2) Cultural Activities
Movies, television, music and reading (Relating to Chinese culture)
TOPIC 3: THE EVOLVING CHINESE SOCIETY
1) Communications and Technology
Internet and social media
2) Economy and Environment
Economic development
Environmental protection
TOPIC 4: CHINA IN THE WORLD (AFTER 1978)
1) Chinese Society after 1978
Important people
Urban and rural life
2) China in the world
China and Europe and America’s relations, since 1978
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: LISTENING, READING AND TRANSLATION
2 hours
40% of the qualification
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading
Section C: Translation into Chinese
PAPER 2: WRITING
2 hours and 40 minutes
30% of the qualification
Section A: Translation into Chinese
Section B: Written response to works (literary texts) or
Section C: Written response to works (films)
PAPER 3: SPEAKING
21-23 minutes
30% of the qualification
Task 1: Discussion on a Theme
Task 2, Part 1: Independent research presentation 5
Task 2, Part 2: Discussion on independent research
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Ref No: 7692
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
The A Level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. Students will develop their understanding of themes relating to the society and culture of the country or countries where Spanish is spoken, and their language skills; they will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in Spanish.
YEAR 12 TOPIC 1: ASPECTS OF HISPANIC SOCIETY
Modern and traditional values
Cyberspace
Equal rights
TOPIC 2: ARTISTIC CULTURE
Modern day idols
Spanish regional identity
Cultural Heritage
FILM: Volver by Pedro Almodóvar
YEAR 13 TOPIC 3: MULTICULTURALISM
Immigration
Racism
Integration
TOPIC 4: ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE
Young people and politics
Monarchies and dictatorships
Popular movements
LITERARY TEXT: La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca
Information on Assessment
Length of exam and percentage of qualification
PAPER 1: LISTENING, READING AND TRANSLATION
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading
Section C: Translation from Spanish to English and translation from English to Spanish
PAPER 2: WRITING
2 hours
20% of the qualification
The paper draws on the study of a film and a literary text
PAPER 3: SPEAKING
21-23 minutes
30% of the qualification
Task 1: Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card
Task 2: Part 1: Independent research presentation
STEM.
Biology
Examination Board: OCR
Syllabus Ref No: H420
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
MODULE 1:
Development of practical skills in biology, including planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.
MODULE 2:
Foundation in Biology, including cell structure; biological molecules; nucleotides and nucleic acids; enzymes; biological membranes; cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation.
MODULE 3:
Exchange and transport, including exchange surfaces; transport in animals; transport in plants.
MODULE 4:
Biodiversity, evolution and disease, including communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system, biodiversity; classification and evolution.
MODULE 5:
Communications, homoeostasis and energy; excretion as an example of homoeostatic control; neuronal communication; hormonal communication; plant and animal responses; photosynthesis; respiration.
MODULE 6:
Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems, including cellular control; patterns of inheritance; manipulating genomes; cloning and biotechnology; ecosystems; populations and sustainability.
Information on Assessment
There are four assessment components: three written exam papers, and the Practical Endorsement in Biology, which is not assessed by written exam, but is reported separately.
The assessment components are as follows:
COMPONENT 1: BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
This assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 and is a 2 hour 15 minutes written paper out of 100 marks worth 37% of A Level.
COMPONENT 2: BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
This assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 and is a 2 hour 15 minutes written paper out of 100 marks worth 37% of A Level.
COMPONENT 3: UNIFIED BIOLOGY
This assesses content from all modules (1 to 6) and is a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper out of 70 marks and worth 26% of A Level.
COMPONENT 4: PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT IN BIOLOGY
This is a non-exam assessment, reported separately. Learners must complete all components (1, 2, 3 and 4). All components include synoptic assessment.
Chemistry
Examination Board: OCR Syllabus Ref No: H432
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
MODULE 1: DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICAL SKILLS IN CHEMISTRY
A range of practical skills will be developed, including planning and implementing experimental methods and analysing and evaluating empirical data.
MODULE 2: FOUNDATIONS IN CHEMISTRY
Atomic structure and isotopes, Compounds, formulae and equations, Amount of substance, Acids, Redox, Electrons structure, Bonding and structure.
MODULE 3: PERIODIC TABLE AND ENERGY
The periodic table, Periodicity, Group 2, The halogens, Qualitative analysis, Enthalpy changes, Reaction rates, Chemical equilibrium.
MODULE 4: CORE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Basic concepts, Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Haloalkanes, Organic synthesis, Analytical techniques (IR and MS).
MODULE 5: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AND TRANSITION ELEMENTS
How fast? How far? Acids, bases and buffers, Lattice enthalpy, Enthalpy and entropy, Redox and electrode potentials, Transition elements, Qualitative analysis.
MODULE 6: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND ANALYSIS
Aromatic compounds, Carbonyl compounds, Carboxylic acids and esters, Amines, Amino acids, amides and chirality, Polyesters and polyamides, Carbon-carbon bond formation, Organic synthesis, Chromatography and qualitative analysis, Spectroscopy (NMR).
Information on Assessment
There are four assessment components: three written examination papers, and the Practical Endorsement in Chemistry, which is not assessed by written examination, but is reported separately. Learners must complete all components (01, 02, 03 and 04). All components include synoptic assessment.
The assessment components are as follows:
COMPONENT 01: PERIODIC TABLE, ELEMENTS AND PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
This assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 and is a 2 hours 15 minutes written paper out of 100 marks worth 37% of A Level.
COMPONENT 02: SYNTHESIS AND ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
This assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 and is a 2 hours 15 minutes written paper out of 100 marks worth 37% of A Level.
COMPONENT 03: UNIFIED CHEMISTRY
This assesses content from all modules (1 to 6) and is a 1 hour 30 minutes written paper out of 70 marks and worth 26% of A Level.
COMPONENT 04: PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT IN CHEMISTRY
This non-exam assessment component rewards the development of practical competency in Chemistry and is teacher assessed. Learners demonstrate competence in a specified range of skills and techniques by carrying out a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities.
Computer Science
Examination Board: OCR
Syllabus Ref No: H446
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
PAPER 1: COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Students are introduced to the internal workings of the computer processing unit, data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in the Programming Project.
It covers:
The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
Data exchange between different systems
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
PAPER 2: ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING
This builds on Paper 1 to include computational thinking and problem-solving.
It covers:
What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally)
Problem solving and programming –how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems
Standard algorithms (Search and Sort algorithms) algorithm efficiency
PROGRAMMING PROJECT
Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science.
We support a wide and diverse range of programming languages.
Design & Technology
Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Ref No: 7552
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
This qualification is linear. Students will sit two examination papers and submit all their non-examined assessment at the end of the course.
Students must undertake a substantial iterative design and make task (Non-examined Assessment) or NEA and produce a final prototype based on a context and design brief developed by the student.
Students are required to identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice, and create achronological portfolio supported by real-time evidence of their project development. Innovative approaches will be required resulting in a final prototype that can be tested against the user and the market.
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: COMPUTING PRINCIPLES
2 hours 30 minutes
140 marks
40% of A Level
PAPER 2: ALGORITHMS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
2 hours 30 minutes
140 marks
40% of A Level
PROGRAMMING PROJECT
70 marks
20% of A Level
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES
Written exam
2 hours 30 minutes
120 marks
30% of A Level (a mixture of short answers and extended responses)
PAPER 2: DESIGNING AND MAKING PRINCIPLES
Written exam
1 hour 30 minutes
80 marks
20% of A Level (a mixture of short answers and extended responses)
Section A:
Product Analysis: 30 marks
Up to six short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s)
Section B:
Commercial manufacture: 50 marks
Mixture of short and extended response questions
Mathematics/Further Mathematics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Ref No: 9MA0 / 9FM0
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
The A Level Maths course includes the study of Pure Maths together with Statistics and Mechanics. A Level Further Maths also includes further study of Pure Maths, together with two optional elements, selected from Statistics, Mechanics, Further Pure and Decision Maths. Our typical option topics are two of Further Pure 1, Further Statistics 1 and Further Mechanics 1, depending on the teachers and topics most suited to the class. We aim to provide the most suitable programme for our students, but we reserve the right to change the selection of option topics in the future.
We also have the option of students taking AS Further Maths. Students would need to select to take the full Further Maths A Level from the start and will then be able to make the change into Year 13. The AS Further Maths course overlaps with the A Level Further Maths course including half of the Pure Maths course and two optional elements which comprise of part of the full A Level Further Maths options.
Physical Education
Examination Board: OCR Syllabus Ref No: H555
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
It is expected that you will be maintaining the standard of your practical performance independently, as you will not have time to do this in lessons. The EAPI will be covered in your second year of study on both courses. The course is initially broken down into three main areas of study, which are then divided into specific topics within those areas. Please find a brief summary below of each main area of study and the topics covered within each one.
PAPER 1: PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS
AFFECTING PERFORMANCE
Information on Assessment
A LEVEL MATHS PAPER 1: PURE MATHS WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
33.3% of A Level
PAPER 2: PURE MATHS WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
33.3% of A Level
Both of these papers may contain questions on any topics from the Pure Mathematics content
PAPER 3: STATISTICS AND MECHANICS
WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
33.3% of A Level
A LEVEL FURTHER MATHS PAPER 1: CORE PURE MATHS WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 30 minutes
25% of A Level
PAPER 2: CORE PURE MATHS
WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour 30 minutes
25% of A Level
Both of these papers may contain questions on any topics from the Core Pure Mathematics content
PAPER 3 and 4: OPTION TOPICS:
ANY 2 OF:
Further Statistics 1
1 hour 30 minutes
25% of A Level
Further Mechanics 1
1 hour 30 minutes
25% of A Level
These papers will assess each of the two selected option topics
Further Pure 1
1 hour 30 minutes
25% of A Level
Information on Assessment
PAPER 1: WRITTEN EXAM
2 hours
30% of A Level
Short answers and 20 marks synoptic question
PAPER 2: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour
20% of A Level
Short answers and 10 marks synoptic question
Applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics.
PAPER 2: PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE
Skill acquisition and sports psychology.
PAPER 3: SOCIO-CULTURAL ISSUES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT
Sport and society and contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.
NEA PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Practical Performance and Evaluation & Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI).
PAPER 3: WRITTEN EXAM
1 hour
20% of A Level
Short answers and 10 marks synoptic question
NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT (NEA):
30% of A Level
One individual sport or coaching activity Evaluation of Performance for Improvement (EAPI)
Examination Board: CIE
Syllabus Ref No: 9702
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics are:
Models of physical systems
Physics is the science that seeks to understand the behaviour of the Universe. The development of models of physical systems is central to physics. Models simplify, explain and predict how physical systems behave
Testing predictions against evidence
Physical models are usually based on prior observations, and their predictions are tested to check that they are consistent with the behaviour of the real world. This testing requires evidence, often obtained from experiments.
Mathematics as a language, and problem-solving tool
Mathematics is integral to physics, as it is the language that is used to express physical principles and models. It is also a tool to analyse theoretical models, solve quantitative problems and produce predictions.
Matter, energy and waves
Everything in the Universe comprises matter and/or energy. Waves are a key mechanism for the transfer of energy and are essential to many modern applications of physics.
Forces and fields
The way that matter and energy interact is through forces and fields. The behaviour of the Universe is governed by fundamental forces with different magnitudes that interact over different distances. Physics involves study of these interactions across distances ranging from the very small (quantum and particle physics) to the very large (astronomy and cosmology.
Information on Assessment
COMPONENT 01: AS MULTIPLE CHOICE
Written exam, 1 hour 15 minutes
40 marks
This assesses the AS course and is 15.5% of the A Level.
COMPONENT 21: AS STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
Written exam, 1 hours 15 minutes
60 marks
This assesses content from the AS course and is 23% of the A Level.
COMPONENT 31: ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS
Practical Exam, 2 hours
30 marks, 11.5% of A Level
COMPONENT 41: A LEVEL STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
Written Exam, 2 hours
100 marks
This assesses content from the A2 course and is 38.5% of the A Level.
COMPONENT 51: PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
Written Exam, 1 hour 15 minutes
30 marks, 11.5% of the A Level
This component assesses experimental skills.
Psychology
Examination Board: Edexcel Syllabus Ref No: 9PSO
Structure of course (A LEVEL)
PAPER 1
Paper 1 examines Social Psychology, Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and learning theories. There will be questions on theories, research, research methods and questions on issues and debates. It is a 2 hour paper and constitutes 35% of the A Level.
Social Psychology considers Obedience, Prejudice and Group behaviour
Cognitive Psychology explains various models of memory
Biological Psychology investigates brain function as well as the causes of aggression
Learning theories examines different theories of how behaviour develops
PAPER 2
Paper 2 focuses on Clinical and Criminological approaches, there will be questions on theories, research, research methods and one extended essay question. It is a 2 hour paper and constitutes 35% of the A Level.
Clinical Psychology is about explaining and treating mental health issues, including counselling and drug treatments
Criminological Psychology examines the causes of crime and anti-social behaviour, and the identification and treatment of offenders undertaken by forensic investigators
PAPER 3
Paper 3 focuses on the application of knowledge from the previous areas of study. Subject content examined here includes Methods, Synoptic Review of studies and issues and debates. It is a 2 hour paper and constitutes 30% of the A Level.
Entry Requirements
You will need a minimum of seven GCSEs graded 9-6 to be taken in one sitting and which include:
English Language (or appropriate examination for students from overseas)
Mathematics
In addition to this, please note the following guidelines for the specific subjects, which you may wish to study in the Sixth Form.
A Level subject GCSE guidelines
Art & Design (Fine Art)
Biology
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Classical Greek
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Literature
Geography
History
History of Art
Latin
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Modern Foreign Languages
Grade 7 in Art
Grade 7 in Biology
Grade 7 in Chemistry
Grade 6 in a Humanities subject
Grade 7 in Classical Greek
Grade 7 in Computer Science or Grade 7 in Mathematics
Grade 6 in Design & Technology
Grade 6 in Drama. There will be an audition for any girls who wish to study Drama and Theatre Studies who have not previously studied Drama at GCSE
Grade 7 in English Language and Grade 7 in Mathematics
Grade 7 in English Language and Grade 7 in English Literature
Grade 6 in Geography
Grade 6 in History
Grade 6 in English Literature
Grade 7 in Latin
Grade 7 in Mathematics
Grade 9 in Mathematics
Grade 7 in the chosen language: French, German, Mandarin and Spanish
For further information and advice please contact Admissions. 01923 843230 admissions@sthelens.london
We are as flexible as
Music
Philosophy/Religious Studies
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Grade 7 in Music GCSE and at least Grade 6 Associated Board Examination (or equivalent standard) at the start of Year 12 in at least one or more instruments
Grade 6 in a Humanity, and a Grade 7 in English Literature or English Language
Grade 6 in PE. For girls who have not studied PE at GCSE, Grade 6 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or Grade 6/6 in Trilogy Science
Grade 7 in Physics and Grade 7 in Mathematics
Grade 6 in a Humanities subject
Grade 6 in Biology or Grade 6/6 in Trilogy Science
