Trinity Guide to A Level subjects 2026

Guide to A Level Subjects 2026

A Level Choices.

“Really impressed with the level of involvement and support shown by every single teacher, for my child's individual personality and career development.”

Sixth Form parent 2024

In this guide Welcome

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Sixth Form admissions

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Key dates

4

Sixth Form life

5

Choosing your A Level subjects

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The Trinity Diploma

9

Trinity Diploma course overview

12

Trinity and beyond

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University course requirements

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A Level subjects

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Telephone Email Web

020 8656 9541 sixthformadmissions@trinity.croydon.sch.uk trinity-school.org

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Trinity School Guide to A Level Subjects 2026

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Welcome Your Sixth Form experience should be your most enjoyable time at school: the blend of increased freedom, responsibility and choice is rewarding, whilst studying the subjects which most interest you provides the challenge of greater depth and ambition. You stand at a unique and privileged point: the most senior students in school, able to lead with experience, yet about to take the most exciting of next steps, wherever these may lead you.

It is our confident belief that you will leave Trinity after two enjoyable and challenging years, well prepared for Higher Education and life beyond, having made enduring friendships here. Our Sixth Form is an inspiring and diverse community: a vibrant, purposeful and nurturing environment with many and broad co-curricular options, as well as our enriching Diploma programme, which we believe is central to a rounded and balanced education.

I hope that you will find this guide informative. We strongly encourage you to come to one of our Open Events to have a good look around and to meet our staff and our students. I look forward to meeting you and to answering any questions you might have.

Mr J Pietersen Head of Sixth Form

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Sixth Form admissions There is a lot of information in this guide to help you make your A Level subject choices but, if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can also register for our A Level Subject Choices Evening in October via the school website.

Our website contains further information on our admissions process and scholarship and bursary schemes. This also provides guidance on our application process. Please telephone our Admissions Office on 020 8656 9541 or email sixthformadmissions@trinity.croydon.sch.uk for any other queries.

GCSE / IGCSE Requirements The offer of a Sixth Form place is conditional for all students, both internal and external, on achieving at least six GCSEs at grade 7 or above and meeting the minimum requirements in each A Level subject for further study.

See the individual GCSE grade requirements for each A Level under each subject later in this guide.

Key dates for your diary Event

Date

School tours

February - May 2025

Sixth Form Open Evening

Wednesday 18 June 2025

Opening date for Sixth Form applications

Monday 23 June 2025

Opening date for Bursary Registrations via The John Whitgift Foundation

TBC

Sixth Form Open Evening

Wednesday 24 September 2025

Whole School Open Day

Saturday 4 October 2025

Sixth Form Subject Course Evening - Prospective parents and students only

Monday 6 October 2025

Closing date for external applications

Monday 13 October 2025

Entrance examination

Saturday 8 November 2025

Sports Scholarship afternoon

Wednesday 19 November 2025

Music Scholarship interviews

Friday 21 and Monday 24 November 2025

Design & Technology, Drama & Art scholarship assessments

Saturday 22 November 2025

Entrance interviews

Saturday 22 November 2025

Offers received

Friday 5 December 2025

Offer holder / Scholarship day

Wednesday 10 December 2025

Offers Acceptance deadline

Friday 9 January 2026

Sixth Form

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I wanted to move to Trinity for Sixth Form because of the excellent sports department and outstanding academic results. I wanted to be challenged and pushed to my fullest potential, and I believed that Trinity could help me become the best version of myself.

Sixth Form

Joining Trinity in the Sixth Form Each year we welcome around 60 new students to our dynamic, coeducational Sixth Form.

Students join us from a range of different schools – all-girls', co-ed and state-maintained – seeking a diverse community and fresh perspectives that mirror real life. For many, it’s the start of a journey – an adventure into new experiences, friendships, and challenges.

Our Sixth Form offers the freedom, responsibility, and choice that students crave, while the academic

challenges and diverse community equip them for the next chapter of life. It’s an exciting leap, where every day presents new opportunities to grow and explore.

To help our new joiners navigate this transition smoothly, we have a comprehensive induction programme designed to guide them along the way. After accepting their offers, students are invited to a series of pre-term events to help them build friendships and feel at home before term starts.

Maddy These include: • March: New joiners’ dinner at a local restaurant • April: A quiz night hosted by Upper Sixth, open to current Fifth Years, Lower Sixth, and new joiners • August: Pre-season training for rugby, netball, and hockey • September: Lower Sixth induction and team-building day, ongoing mixers during form time.

It was daunting as a new girl and to be outnumbered by boys, which was unusual for me as I came from an allgirls' school. However, the number of fun activities and team-bonding exercises before the start of term helped me get to know everyone in my year.

What helped me settle in the most was throwing myself into cocurricular activities as soon as the school year started. Sport helped me bond with the girls in my year and the year above, as being part of a team forces you to make friends quickly. Many of my highlights from Lower Sixth are sport-related, like the Festival of Rugby or the girls’ cricket team getting through the first round of the National Cup! For anyone considering joining the Sixth Form, I would say: don’t be afraid to get involved, as it will only have positive outcomes and allow you to make the most of your experience here. I am so glad I made the decision to come, and going into Upper Sixth, I know I am in safe hands with a great support system within my year group and the Sixth Form team.

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Sixth Form life Independent learning with outstanding pastoral care We know that nurturing outstanding individuals requires an emphasis on both curiosity and care. In our Sixth Form, an exciting and stimulating learning environment and a flexible curriculum which emphasises individual choice and expression rests on the foundations of caring and supportive relationships.

We believe in a balanced education: our academic programme will prepare you for top universities and careers, focusing on providing depth as well as breadth.

You will take full advantage of the many opportunities here to enhance both your intellectual and social development. We have an impressive range of activities and societies, as well as sport, music and drama, which will enable you to be fully involved in our community, as well as providing the possibility to develop your leadership qualities and initiative.

You will meet daily with your tutor, who will monitor your progress and give advice and guidance, alongside a strong and experienced pastoral support network made up of your Head of Year, the Deputy Head of Sixth Form and the Head of Sixth Form. Further support is provided by nurses with mental health training, the school counsellor, the school’s Mental Health Lead, the academic mentor and our collaboration with a clinical psychologist who regularly visits the school, with oversight provided by our Pastoral Deputy Head.

A culture of kindness and community We want our students to grow to be the best versions of themselves, and to have fun doing so. We provide a safe and stable community, which values respect, as well as compassion and understanding. Many of our Sixth Formers hold mentoring roles for younger students in the school and take leading roles in our community as School Prefects or members of our Sixth Form Council and Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Sixth Form should feel distinct. Our facilities enable an open, warm and welcoming culture: we have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre offering a light and spacious common room area where you can relax and socialise and which benefits from its own café, serving drinks and snacks. This is in addition to our Mitre Café, which serves hot meals to the Sixth Form, making it a friendly, buzzing environment. Our three study suites are filled with natural light and are wellequipped with Wi-Fi access, charging stations and both quiet and collaborative working areas.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Trinity! ”

Sixth Form parent 2024

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Lily

When I first visited Trinity, I was impressed by the positive atmosphere and how confident and welcoming the students leading my tour were. I felt the need to move out of my previous school bubble and try something new.

I was nervous, especially coming from an all-girls' school, but by the end of the first week, I felt completely settled. Making new friends and the many activities and mixers organised by the Sixth Form team helped me adapt quickly.

The most challenging part of moving to Trinity was the increase in both volume and difficulty of A-Level work, alongside doing more cocurricular activities, including sport and academic societies. However, I received a lot of support from the Sixth Form team, especially Mr Hodge, the Head of Year, who regularly checked in to ensure I could handle my new commitments.

They really helped me settle in, and I enjoyed the challenge.

Over the last year, I’ve enjoyed learning beyond the curriculum in lunchtime and after school societies, which also boosted my confidence, especially when presenting in Politics Society. One of the best experiences was the Politics and History trip to Brussels, where I made new friends and learned interesting new things.

I know Upper Sixth will be another huge leap in terms of workload, but I’m excited to lead the school as a prefect and make the most of my final year.

Moving to Trinity was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To get the most out of a new environment, especially a new school, you need to put yourself out there, try new things, and be confident meeting new people.

Louis

I previously attended a small school and, because I take rugby seriously, I was looking for a Sixth Form with more opportunities to play. My school competed against Trinity in a rugby tournament, and afterwards, I got in touch with Mr Roberts [Head of Rugby] to learn more about Trinity.

My biggest worry was moving from a small school, where I knew everyone, to a much larger one. However, the small class sizes here made it less intimidating.

I attended the new joiners’ dinner and quiz night before summer, and stayed in touch with a few boys I’d met, so we became friends before term started.

I wasn’t in the same form as the other new boys, which I think helped me as it pushed me to chat with others I’m now very close with.

Rugby is my passion, so I attended pre-season training and met some Upper Sixth students there. Once training began in September, I got to know more players on and off the pitch. One of my highlights was the rugby tour to St Joseph’s Festival - three days of playing rugby and team-bonding, and we did better than expected in the tournament, so it was a win-win!

Other highlights include the Psychology trip to London Zoo, where I got to know my classmates while observing animal behaviour, and the PE trip to Bath University, my first choice, which felt like a mini open day.

Joining a new school can be challenging, but I’d recommend getting involved in as many clubs as possible – sport, music, or art – as it’s a great way to make friends.

Don't be afraid to speak to anyone; some of my closest friends aren’t doing the same subjects and aren’t into the same things, but we’ve still connected.

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Choosing your A Level subjects

A stimulating Sixth Form curriculum

You are asked to select four subjects that you would like to study for A Level in your application for Sixth Form entry. You will sit three entrance examinations in Numerical Reasoning, Written Communication and Lateral Thinking. Many applicants will be called back for interviews as part of our competitive admissions process.

Our students select four A Level subjects to study in the Lower Sixth leading to three or four A Levels in the Upper Sixth. Starting with four A Levels enables you to maintain breadth and ensures that you make the right choices for you. The majority of our Sixth Formers elect to drop one of their A Levels during or by the end of their first year, although some students will continue with four subjects throughout. Students are able to drop down to three A Levels as early as December in the first term but most continue for longer to enable greater enrichment and stretch. There is always plenty of support and guidance available to help you make an informed choice about your future.

If you are offered a place at Trinity, you will confirm your A Level choices early in the Spring term before the start of your Lower Sixth year. You are able to change your choices; however, please understand that the school does need to plan ahead and timetable lessons.

Therefore, whilst we try very hard to accommodate changes in A Level choices, we are not always able to guarantee late changes.

Consider the following top tips before you decide on your A Level courses: – – – – –

Alongside A Levels, you will follow our Trinity Diploma programme, which includes undertaking either an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or our own, similar, Sixth Form Project, as well as an extensive personal development programme.

You can read more about the EPQ in the A Level Subjects section of this guide.

There is a rich culture of extension and enrichment outside of the syllabus, delivered through our departmental societies and clubs, visiting speakers, and through the Diploma electives. Many of our Sixth Form students take a lead in giving talks for societies and for our academic symposia.

We aim to build resilience and alleviate stress, as well as to prepare our young people for life beyond school. Our Diploma includes personal development sessions on sex and relationships, online reputation management, maintaining good mental health as well as on employability and preparing for university, for example.

We recognise the importance of helping you develop your study skills and revision techniques, so we deliver focused sessions to support this and run Sixth Form academic mentoring support.

“The school team is exceptional, providing an environment where students learn about inclusion and are included.”

Sixth Form parent 2024

Choose subjects that you are genuinely interested in and are motivated to study Know where your skills lie and pick subjects in which you will be successful If you have a career in mind, then choose your subjects accordingly, but always bear in mind your skills and interests Discuss your subject choices with your teachers, your parents, and the Sixth Form staff Do plenty of research: read the subject pages of this prospectus; look at relevant university courses and the subjects which support them, and look at our advice on thinking ahead to university and careers.

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14 Wellbeing and Personal Development

The Trinity Diploma

Our Personal Development programme underpins school life. The emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health of our students is of primary importance. Supporting the topics covered in form time and assemblies the Diploma programme aims to build resilience and offer methods to alleviate stress, as well as to prepare all for the world beyond. Throughout the year, there are dedicated Personal Development sessions during Diploma afternoons, including visiting speakers.

Beyond your A Level subjects: Whilst A Levels provide the pathway to the next steps our students will take, we know that employers value the skills that applicants have as much as their qualifications. We also know that further education institutions don't tend to develop these skills.

Our Diploma programme gives students the opportunity to develop these skills, and to shape their thinking beyond the curriculum and engage with the world around them and their individual interests.

You will be encouraged to be self-motivated and independent in your thinking, taking responsibility for your wider development.

which are key to A level success and beyond. Our Diploma teaching focuses on source analysis and evaluation as well as writing a thesis and structuring and drafting an essay.

Further details on the EPQ can be read in the subject specific section of this guide.

Academic Project

Electives and Enrichment

All of our students undertake an academic project, either the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ – equivalent to an AS Level) or a Sixth Form Project (SFP – an internally assessed project), which both involve independent academic investigation. All students are allocated a Diploma teacher, and for those on an EPQ, an EPQ supervisor to support them in their academic endeavours.

We offer a programme of super-curricular options, which includes enrichment courses and academic electives, enabling students to extend their subject interests further. As part of this enrichment programme, students will choose two elective courses in the Upper Sixth. There is a great deal of variety with options including: Astrophysics, Criminal Defence, Debating, Global Politics, Mindful Gardening, and Smart Investing. Additionally, Lower Sixth students follow an academically focussed short course exploring approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion. At the end of the Lower Sixth, students also have the opportunity spend three weeks specifically exploring super-curricular content relevant to their future pathway, which is guided by recommended resources but completed independently.

All students receive key sessions on skills such as referencing,academic research, structuring a report, delivering a presentation, and time management.

These projects help to develop critical thinking and formation of cogent lines of argument,

Leadership and Community We have a long history of developing partnerships with the community. All students volunteer to work with local charities and organisations, thereby learning important life skills and the value of service.

We foster confident individuals, prepared for the world, with leadership and teamwork skills as well as a strong sense of citizenship and social enterprise.

Current opportunities include helping in residential and nursing homes, working at ecology centres or charity shops, gardening for older people, assisting in primary schools, planning art, sports, music and IT sessions.

The Diploma programme is supported by Field Days in the Lower Sixth, which offer training on Leadership and Public Speaking.

Embracing Sixth Form The Diploma programme ties together everything outside of academic lessons. While there are two-periods per week formally on each student’s timetable, there is also an expectation of reflection and recording of skills and activities, which takes place via Unifrog. This serves as a collection of all the skills students learn across their time at Trinity, prompting them to reflect on what they have learned throughout the Diploma, sports, music, drama, form time, assemblies, and any other aspect of their school life.

This helps each student to capture their development and journey through the Sixth Form, and also provides a bank of examples and evidence for them to put into personal statements, cover letters, or interview preparation.

"The Trinity Diploma provides a framework from which pupils gain highly beneficial skills and experiences."

ISI Inspection Report 2024

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Trinity Diploma course overview Lower Sixth

Upper Sixth

Personal development Alcohol & drugs awareness Approaching equality Employability & skills analysis Leadership workshop Mental health awareness Online reputation management Party culture Public speaking workshop Relationships & sex education Revision skills Sexual harassment & boundaries

Personal development Gambling & Addiction Networking Preparing for next steps Safe travel Self-reflection & aspiration Student finance Study skills: revision and reflection Wellbeing & Mental Health

Enrichment & extension electives Examples: Basics of Programming God, Sex, and Money Mindful Gardening Molecules of Life & Death Playwrighting Stuff you wish you knew about Climate Change but were too embarrassed to ask The Art of Criminal Defence The Weird Physics Behind the Infinitesimal to the Infinitely Vast Space Academic projects Exploring ideas & critical thinking Project planning & time management Evaluating sources & research Reference & note-taking Plagiarism & originality Planning & structuring a draft Reflection & redrafting a report Presentation planning & delivery Playwriting/ Creative Writing Community Lower Sixth Induction (joint with Upper Sixth) Mentoring School Leadership opportunities Volunteering Careers Futures & Higher Education (Lower and Upper Sixth) Apprenticeship & Degree Apprenticeship guidance Art colleges & conservatoires (portfolios) Higher Education Week National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week One-to-one support for all future pathways Overseas university guidance Oxbridge, Law, and MDV preparation programmes UCAS application guidance

Enrichment & extension electives Examples: A Study of Words, Linguistics, and Semantics Chemistry of Dyes and Colourants: Make a Dye in the Lab Crises Facing Latin and Central America: Is There an Answer?

Gender, Power, and Identity Psychology for All Smart Investing for Future The History of Illustration and Science Community Lower Sixth Induction (joint with Lower Sixth) Mentoring School Leadership opportunities Volunteering

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Trinity and beyond We are very proud of what our students achieve in their summer exams, and their results will give them access to the world’s best universities and colleges, as well as competitive apprenticeships. You will find our most recent exam results on our website.

Most students apply to university or specialist further education courses (such as Music or Art) at the beginning of their Upper Sixth year. We can offer a comprehensive range of advice to help guide you through this process.

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“Pupils are encouraged to think critically and reflect on their work. As a result, pupils display a positive attitude to learning, are highly motivated, and take responsibility for their own learning."

ISI Inspection Report 2024

An experienced Sixth Form team will support you with your personal statement and UCAS application.

Students applying to universities such as Oxbridge, which require admissions tests and interviews, receive specialist training and support, both from the Sixth Form team and from our academic departments. Some students select to apply to international universities, for which further guidance and support is also offered.

Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are also increasing in popularity. Our students have success in applying for a wide range of institutions: our priority is to help you along the journey of finding out what is right for you, and then to provide all of the support you need in ensuring that you can get there.

The Sixth Form team offer information, advice and assistance, not only with the selection of universities and potential courses, but also on apprenticeships and school leaver schemes.

Our staff work with students, one-to-one, to identify their skillset, build a robust CV, complete job or internship applications and plan work experience. Sessions are delivered on student finance, scholarships and bursaries, along with information on studying abroad and gap year opportunities. We arrange mock interviews for those facing a selection process, which includes either online or in person interviews and assessment centres, and provide help with careers profiling. We also work closely with our Alumni Department to provide specific advice and guidance, and recently hosted our first whole school futures’ fair, which attracted over 30 universities and employers, to help connect students directly, and at an early stage, with further education providers and employers.

My form tutor would support me no matter what and my successes meant just as much to her as they did to me.”

Sixth Form student 2024

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University course requirements If you are interested in a particular university course, you should research the university admission pages and their entry requirements for that course. This will vary from university to university and from year to year. If you have any particular questions, do contact us for advice.

The information below gives, in a very condensed form, current guidance for some A Level course requirements and preferences for many of the single subjects commonly studied at university. Do not assume that this will apply in every case.

Accountancy, Finance

Mathematics may be required

Architecture

Most leading schools of Architecture require a strong portfolio of drawings, therefore Art is highly beneficial (DT can be an alternative). Mathematics A Level and/or Physics are occasionally required

Art and Design

Art or DT usually required. Often a foundation course also required

Biochemistry, Chemistry

Chemistry required. Biology or Mathematics often preferred

Business Studies, Management

Mathematics sometimes required

Classics, Oriental Studies

A modern foreign language is usually required for Oriental, African and Near Eastern Studies.

For language-based Classics courses, Latin or Greek is desirable

Chemical Engineering

Chemistry and Mathematics required

Computer Science

Mathematics A Level required for top universities, Further Mathematics is desired. For some courses Physics is required

Drama and Theatre

Drama, Theatre Studies or English sometimes required

Economics

Top courses are particularly competitive, and require very high grades. Mathematics essential for most courses. Further Mathematics is desirable at the very top courses. A Level Economics is described as ‘desirable’ by some universities (and an essay-based subject)

Engineering (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Marine, Mechanical, Production)

Mathematics and Physics are required. Further Mathematics is strongly recommended for the top Engineering courses. Very high grades are needed for top courses

English

English Literature usually required

Geography

Geography almost always required

Geology / Earth Sciences

One or two subjects required from Sciences, Geography and Mathematics

History

History usually required

Human Sciences

Mathematics and Biology are useful for Human Sciences but not essential. One science subject is usually required but otherwise there is good flexibility of A Level subject

Humanities

Biology, Economics, Geography and History and Religious Studies are useful for Social and Human Science courses, as well as for Archaeology and Anthropology. English Language proficiency is also important

Law

Generally, no preferred subjects, but students often offer at least one essay-based subject

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Mathematics

Mathematics A Level is required and Further Mathematics is essential for highly competitive courses

Medicine, Dentistry

Requirements vary between medical schools. Either Chemistry or Biology is required together with a second science (which includes Mathematics and, in most cases, Psychology). Some medical schools and all dental schools require both Chemistry and Biology

Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish courses)

The relevant A Level languages are required for all single honours. Other Modern Languages can be taken up but most language courses would expect at least one and preferably two languages

Music

Music usually required. A portfolio and audition is required

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Most universities suggest that Mathematics is an advantage for PPE. A Levels which reflect analytical and writing ability are desirable for these subjects at university – at least two academic subjects. History is often useful for a Politics degree and Mathematics and Religious Studies for a Philosophy degree

Psychology

At least one Mathematics/Science subject is desirable for Science faculties; no specific requirements by Arts faculties (of which there are fewer)

Physics

Physics and Mathematics are usually required. Further Mathematics useful and desired at top institutions.

Sports Studies / Science / Physical Education

Biology often required

Theology and Philosophy

Religious Studies, History, English are useful

Veterinary Science

Chemistry and Biology required and often another Science or Mathematics preferred

Applying to American Universities

An increasing number of Trinity students apply to American universities. Many courses do not require specific A Levels (though STEM courses may). Most applicants sit an entrance test (either SAT or ACT). SAT has both basic papers and subject-related papers (a student may have to sit two or three of these) while ACT includes science questions and an essay. We select one that suits the student best. Applicants to US universities need a very strong portfolio of extra and co-curricular activities

Applying to Art and Design Schools and Drama Schools

The Director of Art and Director of Drama will be able to advise

Applying for an Apprenticeship

The range of apprenticeships, both Higher and Degree level, are expanding. They are attractive to Trinity students who know which industry they want to join and are enthusiastic and well prepared to join the working world direct from school. Some apprenticeships require particular subjects at A-level, but others are not prescriptive, looking instead at the ability of candidates to shine at assessment centre and at interview

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A Level Subjects Art and Design 25 Biology 27 Business 29 Chemistry 31 Chinese 33 Classical Civilisation 35 Computer Science 35 Design & Technology

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Drama and Theatre

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Economics 41 English 43 Geography 45 Government and Politics 47 History 49 Latin and Greek 51 Mathematics 53 Further Mathematics 55 Modern Languages 57 French, German and Spanish

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Music 59 Physical Education

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Physics 63 Psychology 65 Religious Studies 67 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

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Entry requirements 71

“Teachers’ dedication to their students was commendable and greatly appreciated” Parent

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Art and Design During this course you will develop an understanding of the nature of visual thinking and its appropriate language, a capacity for creative thought and action, as well as cultivating your skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and other media. We are proud to have outstanding facilities and we enjoy our own professional exhibition space The Shaw Gallery.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 or above in any Art and Design related subject.

Course outline The course is a continuation and extension of a GCSE in Art and Design, comprising of externally set assignments and coursework.

The core elements allow you to explore drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed and digital media. The first half term is usually spent establishing an essential work ethic and building foundations for the understanding and realisation of a visual language, the subsequent terms are spent on your personal development and the investigation of materials and ideas.

Our Art Department has extensive facilities including a 3D workshop, pottery studio, photographic dark rooms, library, Apple iMac suite, painting studios and a gallery. You will be encouraged to use the facilities on offer, and all A Level work is exhibited in our Shaw Gallery, to which parents, pupils and guests are invited.

‘Outside the Classroom’ activities include visits to exhibitions at the main London galleries, as well as an option to go on study visits abroad to exciting places such as Berlin, Nice and Rome, during which you can relate your work to that of other artists and designers, both from the present and past.

Higher education and career opportunities Following the completion of this course you can expect to have developed a portfolio that enables you to apply for a degree in a creative subject (including Architecture) or a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

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Biology A Level Biology is equally suitable for those who intend to pursue it in some form beyond school, and for those who simply enjoy the subject.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of human biology, as well as how other organisms function and how they interact with each other and with the environment. Biology is a rapidly developing subject at the forefront of current affairs, in areas such as biotechnology, genetics, medicine, pharmacology and the environment.

It is fundamental to understanding the world how it will be in 30 years, or indeed, even further into the future.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 8 in GCSE Triple Award Biology and Grade 7 in Triple Award Chemistry and Grade 7 Mathematics.

Course outline We follow the OCR-A A Level syllabus.

It extends the study of organisms, their structure, physiology and inter-relationships.

Practical work is a regular feature of the course – you will work individually and carry out an array of dissections and investigative tasks involving both plants and animals, using the latest sensors and datalogging technology, and even genetically modifying bacteria.

Higher education and career opportunities Biology as an A Level subject can provide a useful background for many industrial and commercial careers.

It can be used as a qualification for biologically based courses, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary surgery, agriculture and forestry. There are also many ‘pure’ biology courses including biochemistry, genetics and biological sciences. The rapidly expanding field of biotechnology offers many opportunities in applied biology, including industrial microbiology, bacteriology and genetic engineering.

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Business G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in English Language or English Literature or Grade 8 in a Humanity.

Course outline The AQA Business A Level course begins with a look at what a company actually consists of and the roles of those who run it, including their leadership and decision-making skills.

Lower Sixth year takes each function of the business in turn, analysing the decisions that managers may make to improve its marketing, financial and operational performance, as well as how best to select, train and manage their staff.

Upper Sixth builds on this material, taking a more strategic approach to running a business. You will first learn how to analyse the current position of a company in terms of its strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. You will then use this information to choose a strategic direction and plan and execute strategies that lead to the achievement of long-term goals, including technological innovation for the digital age and managing expansion on both a national and an international scale.

Assessment is 100% by examination and takes a variety of forms including multiple choice questions, data analysis and essay writing.

Course delivery Traditional class teaching is supplemented by problem simulation and case studies using the theories covered in the course to analyse real-world businesses, from local sole traders right up to international conglomerates. We are a technologically progressive department with numerous resources available on SharePoint, our electronic platform, as well as a rich library of video and interactive materials which can be accessed either in school or from home.

It is very important to us that you get to see the application of the theories you’re learning in action and, to this end, you can expect to go on both international and local trips. In the past we have visited New York, Germany and Belgium and – more locally – breweries, the City Business Library, an Amazon Fulfilment Centre and Chelsea Football Club.

Higher education and career opportunities There are a large number of Business courses available at universities which stand alone or can be paired with Accountancy, Computing, Product Design, Languages, Mathematics, Sports Facility management, tourism and psychology, to name but a few. A similar range can be found linked to management studies and marketing degrees.

In terms of career options, Business is a multifaceted and flexible course and the applied mathematical, linguistic and analytical skills learnt are true life skills with relevance to anyone participating in the modern marketbased environment. The course has been useful to past students who want to start up their own business, enter private practice in dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, engineering and architecture, as well as the more obvious careers in finance, marketing and management.

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Chemistry Chemistry covers the fundamental principles that underpin many other aspects of science.

In learning and understanding the chemical content, studying the subject develops many important skills, such as understanding abstract concepts, analysing data, problem solving, manipulating mathematical figures and expressing answers in a logical manner.

Chemistry in the Lower Sixth could be taken with any combination of subjects but links particularly well with Mathematics, Physics and Biology.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 8 in GCSE Chemistry Triple Award Science and Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics.

Course outline We follow the OCR-A syllabus. The course contains a high proportion of exciting practical work and a wide range of calculations. We use a wide variety of teaching methods to help you develop your conceptual understanding of the subject. The subject is taught as four disciplines: physical, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry. Each provides a conceptual understanding of different aspects of the chemical world around us, and the skills to analyse and explain their behaviour through experiment and the application of theories and models. Practical work forms a fundamental part of the subject with experiments being used in virtually all topics covered during the course.

Higher education and career opportunities You will need A Level Chemistry for a number of higher education courses. Amongst the most noteworthy are Medicine, Veterinary Science and the Biological Sciences. It is an essential qualification for natural science and for some engineering courses.

It is highly desirable for biological courses.

There are also many joint degrees that pair with Chemistry.

Graduates with a Chemistry degree are held in very high esteem due to the wide range of skills acquired and many graduates go into areas such as business finance and patent law in addition to the chemical industries and research.

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Classical Civilisation

Chinese Studying Chinese is an excellent option if you have enjoyed your GCSE course and want to go on to work in a global context. Chinese is regarded as a very valuable language skill in many careers, including business, politics, finance, law and education. Trinity School is one of the few schools to have been awarded Confucius Classroom status for the quality of our teaching and training in Mandarin Chinese.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in GCSE Chinese.

Course outline Our Chinese course is very highly regarded with a rigorous pace. It builds on GCSE Chinese to develop your skills in all areas of the language. There is a major emphasis on speaking. You will deepen your grammatical competence and broaden the range of your vocabulary to an advanced level. This will enable you to converse about and debate real-world issues. You will also study modern Chinese literary works and films, analysing them in context and using them as the basis for an essay in the examination.

Higher education and career opportunities Many of our alumni have gone on to study Chinese at university in recent years, either as a main subject or as a combined course. This course will help you prepare for such courses very effectively.

We have established links with exchange schools in China and Taiwan, and the internship opportunities we offer after your first year of study compliments the development of your use of Chinese in a social environment.

Classical Civilisation helps you develop a knowledge and understanding of the classical world, which is very much at the root of so many areas of Western culture. You will explore history, literature, philosophy and art, all within the manageable context of the Greek and Roman worlds; though distant to our own, inextricably linked. The course uncovers the origins of our own society, and helps you to develop a better knowledge of it. You will develop skills including: the selection and analysis of source material, presentation of argument, and flexibility in dealing with topics of different disciplines. You will also gain insight into how individuals operate and how a society works and identifies itself.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in English or Grade 8 in a Humanity. Please note you do not need Latin or Greek.

Course outline The course involves the study of set texts in translation, and other source materials for three modules. For the first module, ‘The World of the Hero’, we read two major cornerstones of Western literature, the epic poems, The Iliad by the Greek poet Homer, and its Roman successor, The Aeneid by Virgil. These dramatic tales of the war at Troy, and subsequent wanderings by its survivors to found a new city, provide an insight into concepts including honour, revenge, family ties and belief in the gods within the two societies.

The second module, ‘The Invention of the Barbarian’, looks to a range of sources, from tragedy to vase paintings, in an attempt to understand Greek ‘ethnocentricism’; the phenomenon whereby the Ancient Greeks developed negative stereotypes of foreigners, especially their arch-enemies the Persians, labelling them ‘barbarians’. Examining such concepts helps us to trace the roots of the xenophobia so widespread in today’s world.

The third module, ‘Love and Relationships’, explores the portrayal in classical poetry of the delights and frustrations of love, as well as the ethical questions raised by the philosophers, Plato and Seneca, about sexuality, the nature of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to love and be loved, and such institutions as marriage.

We have a thriving, student-led Classics Society, with talks on subjects related to the course and also on topics of particular interest to individual speakers. We also go to classical lectures, plays and exhibitions.

Higher education and career opportunities Students of Classical Civilisation may go to university to study arts, humanities or social sciences courses. Graduates in classical subjects bring a diverse range of skills to most non-subject specific careers. Popular careers for graduates in classical subjects include publishing, accountancy, law, education, marketing, management, media, as well as specialist areas such as research.

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Computer Science Computer programs have infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Computer scientists theorise, design, develop, and apply the software and hardware for a wide range of applications, from medical research to engineering. Studying Computer Science will teach you the fundamental principles of computer science and how computer programs work in a range of contexts.

Course outline G C S E R EQ U I R EM ENTS Grade 7 in GCSE Computer Science and Grade 7 in Mathematics.

Computer Science is the study of the founding principles and practices of computation and computational thinking, and their application in the design and development of computer systems. You will study information representation, internet technologies, Python, object orientated programming, and hardware and software development. As you progress, you will develop your computational thinking, problem-solving to develop computer-based solutions using algorithms and programming languages. Studying A Level Computer Science will help you develop a range of other skills, including thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically. You will also be able to appreciate the ethical issues that arise with current and emerging computing technologies.

Aims of the course: – –

–

–

–

To develop computational thinking To develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers To develop an understanding that every computer system is made up of subsystems, which in turn consist of further subsystems To develop an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people To acquire the skills necessary to apply this understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems

Higher education and career opportunities Computer scientists are in demand, and their salaries reflect this. Every industry uses computers so naturally computer scientists can work in any. Problems in science, engineering, healthcare, and so many other areas can be aided by computers or a firm grasp of computational thinking. Computer Science graduates stand an excellent chance of being professionally employed or go on to further study.

Universities tend to expect students wishing to read Computer Science to have A Level qualifications in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics.

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Design & Technology All manufactured objects around you – from furniture to cars, stationery to clothes – have been designed. Good design, allied to successful technology, creates commercially successful products that life in our modern world revolves around.

You will develop your thinking and design skills through iterative design processes.

Allowing you to explore, create and evaluate, you will learn from following practices and strategies used by the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Drawing on authentic design practice and contemporary technologies, you will explore design possibilities that excite and engage you, providing a strong foundation for further study and developing your thinking and design skills to support you in your future direction.

This A Level involves coursework assessment, as well as written examinations. The work is practical in nature, although it may be computer or graphically orientated, and gives considerable opportunity for you to use your own creative initiative.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM ENTS Grade 7 in Design & Technology.

Course outline Design & Technology A Level follows the AQA Design and Technology: Product Design course. You will be encouraged to work independently in developing, planning and making products that satisfy real needs. Over the period of the course, you will be expected to complete design and manufacturing tasks and will be provided with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of materials, processes and product design. An extensive range of resources will be available to you in our Design & Technology Department.

You will be required to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge, understanding and skills. The course content reflects the importance of Design & Technology as a pivotal STEM subject.

Higher education and career opportunities Design & Technology complements other subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Art & Design and Computer Science. Typical higher education courses for those who have followed a Design & Technology course include Engineering, Product Design, Graphic Design and Architecture. Your portfolio of examined work will also be invaluable for interviews with universities and sponsors.

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Drama and Theatre Studying Drama and Theatre at A Level involves approaching a range of texts from the point of view of an actor, director and designer, building on skills you have already learnt at GCSE. Drama and Theatre will also encourage you to develop leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as communication and empathy; what more could enhance your understanding of another person’s perspective than speaking their words and analysing their thoughts and interactions?

By practically exploring a breadth of plays from different cultures and time periods, from Sophocles’ ‘Antigone’ in 441BC, to the contemporary theatre at the latest Edinburgh Fringe Festival, you will explore humanity at its most depraved, enamoured and exciting and stay up to date with developments in the industry through workshops and lectures from experts in the field and frequent theatre trips.

Trips to the theatre are vital for informing your own practical work at A Level, as well as the live theatre evaluation in the written exam. In addition to our workshop programme, we run Sixth Form trips to the theatre every half term.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in GCSE Drama.

Course outline This Edexcel course suits students who enjoy active learning and independent research, and who would appreciate the prospect of assessment spread over the two-year course. In the first year 40% is assessed through practical and written coursework, which involves you working as an ensemble to devise your own original piece of theatre.

You will create this play in response to an extract from an existing text and by studying the work of an esteemed theatre practitioner.

The assessment is based on your individual contribution and final performance, and on the structured record you create documenting your involvement in the process and reflecting on the performance outcomes.

A further 20% of the course is entirely practical; you will be directed by your teacher in a monologue and a group performance of an existing play. During the rehearsal process, you will participate in workshops and seminars that will help you to develop your performance or design skills. The final 40% of the course is assessed in a written exam at the end of the two-year course. For this, you will study live theatre evaluation as well as two full and substantial performance texts in detail, first approaching them practically from the perspective of director and performer, as well as lighting, set and sound designers.

You will also have the opportunity to learn about the original performance conditions and to create your own directorial concept for a contemporary audience.

Higher education and career opportunities Drama and Theatre provides students with a wealth of skills and training appropriate to an extensive range of educational opportunities and careers. Most Drama and Theatre A Level students progress to studying courses at top universities; it is considered a desirable subject for most Arts, Humanities and Modern Languages university courses. Some Trinity Drama students choose to audition for drama schools such as GSA to train to be actors.

Drama and Theatre pro-actively develops those transferable skills all employers are looking for: communication skills; teamwork, negotiation and persuasiveness; time management and organisational skills, and analytical, critical and research skills.

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Economics You can’t always get what you want. This is a fact that we have all learned to accept, but the more inquisitive among you may still ask: “Why not?”

Studying Economics will help you to understand, not only the reasons behind our need to give up some opportunities in order to be able to take advantage of others, but also how we make those decisions. You will find out that the same fundamental processes that govern whether you choose to buy an iPad or put the money toward driving lessons also help the government to decide whether to build a new school or a hospital, or to give some money to a foreign country in the form of aid.

Along the way you will learn many transferable skills including advanced analysis and evaluation of current affairs, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, as well as the

abstract thinking that is required for many degree courses. Economics complements many other subject choices well and will form a strong part of any balanced A Level programme.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in Mathematics and either Grade 7 in English or Grade 8 in a Humanity.

At A Level, the subject is not particularly mathematical but this does change at university and we strongly recommend that anyone contemplating taking Economics at university should study Mathematics to A Level. It is strongly recommended that those hoping to study pure Economics at Cambridge, LSE or other leading universities also take Further Mathematics.

Course outline

Resources

The Edexcel A Level course combines some technical theory with practical application of current issues and case studies. The course is broadly split into two sections: microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Besides a large range of reference books in our Library, we are a technologically progressive department with numerous resources available on SharePoint, our electronic platform.

Microeconomics in the Lower Sixth year concentrates on resources, markets and market failure, as well as how the Government can correct the problems caused when firms and consumers fail to take into account (or simply don’t know) the full consequences of their actions. In the Upper Sixth, the focus is more on firms and workers with topics studied including costs, revenues, profits, competition and the labour market. Again, this will be completed with a look at how the Government can intervene when large companies abuse their positions of power to the detriment of the rest of society.

Higher education and career opportunities

Macroeconomics looks at the bigger issues that one is more likely to see in the news. In the Lower Sixth there is a domestic focus, concentrating on the analysis of the UK’s economic performance in terms of growth, unemployment, inflation and balance of payments. The Upper Sixth macroeconomics course takes a more international approach with a look at trade, international competitiveness, developing economies and international financial markets, the poor functioning of which caused the recent global recession.

Assessment is 100% by examination and takes a variety of forms, including multiple choice questions, data analysis and essay writing.

Economics is a long-established degree subject at all universities. Career opportunities for students with an Economics qualification are many and varied within business, the civil service, journalism, education and other areas. Economists hold high-profile jobs in the City and in major corporations, where their planning and analytical skills are highly regarded. A recent review of graduate salaries indicated very high earnings potential for graduates with an Economics degree.

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English The study of literature is an exploration of the trials and rewards of human experience through text. This can take many diverse forms, a fact reflected in the range of writers studied at A Level: whether experiencing the loves and lusts of The Duchess of Malfi, driving through the wastes of America with Cormac McCarthy, or exploring the horrifying vision of dystopian fiction, we are mining what it is to be human.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in English.

Course outline As a department we try to make literature exciting and relevant. The course begins with an introduction to poetry and prose, when you will read excerpts from stimulating and challenging texts, before developing the critical skills to dissect them. The Department specialises in contemporary literature and you will study writers such as Chuck Palahniuk, Cormac McCarthy and Margaret Atwood.

You will also study classic writers such as

Shakespeare, Webster and Orwell, and complete two coursework essays.

Whilst studying English you will develop both analytical and presentational skills. You will cultivate sensitivity to the subtleties of language and the range of human emotion, and an aptitude for drawing out the multiple meanings in texts. You will grow in your capacity to express coherent arguments.

Lessons are in small seminar-style groups and you will learn to articulate and defend your ideas in discussion with fellow students.

Outside the classroom PUES (Pre-University English Seminars) offers the chance to talk about cultural and literary topics over coffee and biscuits, while Book Club offers an early morning opportunity for students to exchange views on current reading. Our weekly Literary Society explores topics as diverse as Tupac or not Tupac - Rap as Literature, King Lear, How 9/11 Changed American Literature, and Can Memes be Literature. You will be invited to broaden your cultural awareness on the frequent theatre trips to London and to extend understanding of the context of American writing on a visit to New York.

Higher education and career opportunities English Literature is a very popular A Level and degree subject, largely because it is stimulating and widely respected by universities and employers alike.

As a qualification, an English A Level is eminently adaptable, preparing you for courses in the arts, humanities, business and social sciences. It provides an excellent basis for a wide range of professions and careers: apart from the specifically ‘cultural’ or ‘expressive’ ones, law, advertising, and management prove popular. For the committed English specialist interested

in culture and the arts the subject is perhaps best studied with history, modern languages, religious studies, music or art.

It also complements work in economics and business studies and students mainly interested in the sciences and mathematics find English of value as a contrasting academic discipline.

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Geography Geography will challenge your perceptions, broaden your mind and sharpen your key skills. It’s a dynamic subject, in tune and in step with what is happening around the world, capable of helping you to ask and answer the difficult questions we face as global citizens.

Unsurprisingly it is therefore a subject that attracts some of the most inquisitive minds. In a world of unprecedented rates of change to both society and the environment, Geography is an increasingly relevant subject.

Its fluid nature is reflected in the wide variety of topics covered at A Level which allow you to enhance your understanding of the complexities of the surrounding environment and our increasingly delicate place within it.

The study of the subject is conducted using a wide variety of skills that will broaden your existing knowledge and enable you to work with a greater degree of independence. All of this will help you to analyse and evaluate ideas and concepts at a level which will prepare you for the challenges of university and beyond.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in Geography.

Course outline Our A Level Geography course (Edexcel) takes a contemporary approach looking in detail at areas of current and international interest. There is an even distribution of human and physical geography but with the emphasis being on the relationship between humans and their environment and how this relationship may develop in the future. Key areas of focus include the water and carbon cycles and their role in climate change, hazardous environments and the fragility of the earth, coastal environments and the impact of humans on them, global systems, geopolitics and trade, and finally issues concerning migration, identity and sovereignty.

The work in class is supported by a range of fieldwork skills and students enjoy a minimum of four days undertaking fieldwork at the school’s purpose built lodgings in South Wales. Our Senior Geography Society also organises a detailed and diverse lecture series enabling you to benefit from the latest geographical research.

Higher education and career opportunities Geography, as a degree subject, allows you to build on the principles studied at A Level, and provides the opportunity to specialise in areas of interest making it both an exciting and fulfilling subject to study. The skills developed as a geographer also mean that it is a subject that combines well with many others for those interested in a joint honours degree. With such an excellent grounding in investigative and enquiry based skills, and the fact it contains elements of arts, humanities

and sciences, Geography is a highly regarded academic A Level when applying for a wide range of courses and universities. Regardless of whether you take Geography onto university or not, geographers remain some of the most employable students with a wide range of career opportunities to choose from.

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Government and Politics At its heart Politics is the study of power.

Throughout history and all across the world people have had lives and livelihoods shaped by politics and its core concepts such as democracy, rights, equality and freedom.

Our course engages with two fundamental questions of Western intellectual history and their myriad consequences; first, who should govern, and second, how should they do so?

Recent events, from Coronavirus and the Environmental Crisis through to the Trump Presidency and Brexit, have shown that politics remains ubiquitous in the most important events shaping our lives. The study of Government and Politics enables students to develop their understanding of the post-war world, analyse the present and contemplate the future. Additionally, it will develop students ‘soft skills’ – like

debating, constructing coherent arguments, and drawing parallels between everyday experience and political theory.

The course should appeal to both those interested in the challenges of the twentyfirst century world and those who enjoy philosophy, history, forming their own ideas and, of course, debate and discussion. Our active Politics Society provides students with real leadership opportunities and a genuinely stimulating academic environment.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in GCSE English or Grade 8 in another Humanity.

Course outline One side of the course develops an understanding of contemporary Government and Politics in the UK. It involves critically examining the ‘mother of parliaments’ and our democratic system. Students will take an institutional approach looking at the legislative, executive and judiciary as well as thinking about how people and politics interact through political parties, elections and pressure groups. Students will be encouraged to keep up to date with developments and the news and the course provides excellent opportunities for students to bring their own interests into the classroom, whether it is austerity, immigration, healthcare or industry!

Meanwhile the other side will look at Political Philosophy, focusing on the ‘core’ Ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism as well as a ‘non-core’ ideology of their choice which in recent years have included Nationalism and Feminism. You will then proceed to study global politics in theory and practice, exploring global governance, Globalisation, the NationState, the EU, Human Rights, and environmental issues. This is a fantastic course and students benefit from both breadth and depth. They should leave with a good understanding of the Global Balance of power and its change over time as well as excellent knowledge on a range of regional issues from Latin America and Africa through to South-East Asia.

Higher education and career opportunities The broad nature of skills developed in studying Government and Politics complements a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. As an essaybased subject, it is an ideal companion for those interested in Arts degrees and, in particular, those with an interest in history, philosophy or politics. Of course, there are also many specific career paths available for those who take Government and Politics: the Civil Service, law and politics are the obvious examples, but many considering careers in journalism, law or commerce would also do well to consider taking the subject.

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History History is an intellectually stimulating subject that will teach you a wide variety of skills.

You will be encouraged to explore your own ideas, critique those of others and construct clear and rational arguments on the basis of your findings. History complements other arts subjects, such as English, but also makes an excellent companion to the Sciences and Mathematics. It is an important subject for a wide range of careers, and is a highly regarded discipline by universities.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in History or Grade 8 in English or another Humanity.

Course outline The course benefits from considerable flexibility. We aim to offer students a balance of Medieval, Early Modern and Modern History throughout their Sixth Form experience. This is an important component of the A Level at Trinity, as we believe pupils should leave the School with a firm appreciation for a broad spectrum of history and historical debate.

History is one of the subjects at Trinity to adopt a wholly linear approach. This allows us to fully explore the issues at hand, and prepare students in greater depth for their A Level.

In the Lower Sixth students study two units, one from each of the following: British History 90 minute examination – – –

Angevin England The English Civil War Britain 1930-1997

European & World History 60 minute examination – – – –

The Cold War in Asia Charlemagne The Crusades Charles V and the German Reformation

In the Upper Sixth students complete a free standing essay on a topic of their choice.

They also complete a third module based on change within a framework of taught lessons on the following:

2 hours 30 minute examination – – – –

Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964 Tudor Rebellions The Renaissance The Vikings

Coursework

Outside the classroom

This comprises a 3-4,000 word essay which can be on any area or topic of individual interest, subject to approval by the examination board. Recent pieces have included the French Revolution; Violence in the Crusades; the Vietnam War, and the reputation of Richard I.

History thrives outside of the classroom. You will attend conferences and lectures at the LSE, UCL and the Royal Historical Society.

If you are planning on studying History at degree level, the Black Lamp Society stages evening meetings for you to attend to broaden your horizons and we run a study visit to Oxford or Cambridge. We also run a weekly History Society, which covers the history of the world 476- 1989, and run numerous foreign excursions. In recent times we have travelled to Vietnam, Washington, Russia, Spain, France and Italy.

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Latin and Greek Latin

Course outline

Studying Latin will develop your skills of meticulous and effective analysis. It demands linguistic ability and interpretative sensitivity in the study of both the language and literature. You will develop ideas about human psychology, rhetoric, law, social issues and ethics, along with a powerful linguistic training that encourages a high degree of sophistication in the use of English.

It will also give you the opportunity to study cornerstone texts of Western literature in their original language.

The course tests knowledge of the language through both unseen translations, commentary and essay questions on prose and verse authors.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in GCSE the chosen language.

In the Lower Sixth, two literature modules are studied. For the prose module, we read the Pro Caelio, a speech by famed Roman orator Cicero in defence of Marcus Caelius Rufus, who had been charged with ‘vis’ or political violence, one of the most serious crimes in Rome. For the verse literature, we study the satirical poet Juvenal, whose sixth satire offers us an important window into ideas of gender and sexuality in the ancient Roman world.

In the Upper Sixth, the prose set text is Book XIV of Tacitus’ Annals which contains the historian’s disapproving account of the shenanigans of the scandalous Emperor Nero, one of which includes murdering his own mother. The verse set text is Virgil’s Aeneid Book II, an action-packed account of the fall of Troy told by Trojan survivor and ancestor to the Roman race, Aeneas.

We have a thriving, student-led Classics Society, delivering talks on subjects related to the course, as well as topics of particular interest to individual speakers. We also go to classical lectures, plays and exhibitions.

Higher education and career opportunities Students of Latin can go on to study Classics at university, as well as other arts, humanities or social science courses. Latin graduates bring a diverse range of skills to most nonsubject specific careers. Popular careers for graduates in Classics include publishing, accountancy, law, education, marketing, management and media, as well as specialist areas, such as research.

A qualification in Latin demonstrates strong communication skills and linguistic understanding, and the ability to analyse closely, be logical and rigorous in your thinking, and the ability to appreciate and effectively evaluate different levels within a literary text.

Greek The format of the OCR Greek A Level is the same as that of the OCR Latin A Level, with two language papers and two literature papers.

For the Prose Literature paper, the first set text is one of the most important texts in the history of Western philosophy, the Republic, in which Plato sets forth his vision for an ideal state. We also read the very entertaining socalled ‘father of history’, Herodotus’s account of the Athenian law-giver Solon’s visit to King Croesus of Lydia, and their philosophical discussion about who was the happiest person in the world.

For the Verse Literature paper, we study the great tragic playwright Euripides, who retells the story of how Theseus’ wife Phaedra fell in love with her stepson Hippolytus as a result of the cruel scheming of the gods. We also study the famous epic telling the story of the Trojan War, the Iliad by Homer. Achilles mourns the death of his beloved companion Patroclus, and the gods ensure that he stops mistreating the corpse of his arch-rival, the Trojan Hector, and instead returns his dead body to the crestfallen king Priam of Troy.

Although we cannot guarantee to run Greek at A Level every year, we welcome enquiries from students who would like to consider it in the Sixth Form, and if there is sufficient demand from suitable students, then we will try to provide it if possible.

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Mathematics Mathematics is a fascinating subject that will help you unlock the mysteries of science, technology and statistics. Even though studying mathematics offers higher earning potential, exciting career opportunities and a grounding in important life skills, you should choose Mathematics first and foremost because you enjoy it and are good at it. It is well regarded by higher education institutions and is usually a requisite for STEM study at university. The good news is that, even if you do not know what you wish to do at the moment, Mathematics fits well with both arts and science subjects.

You should take account of the fact that A Level Mathematics makes significantly greater demands than GCSE and IGCSE on, for example, algebraic manipulation, logical thinking and presentation. Diligence and good organisation during the entire Sixth Form course is essential. The jump is a significant one and the pace of the course is demanding.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics (Grade 9 is advised).

Course outline A Level Mathematics (OCR) emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and how mathematics can be applied to model situations using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business. It will prepare you for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines involving the use of mathematics, as well as supporting your mathematical needs across a broad range of other subjects at this level.

The A Level Mathematics course has three major over-arching themes: mathematical argument/language proof; mathematical problem-solving, and mathematical modelling. The course is divided into three branches: 1. Pure Mathematics: Proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, calculus, numerical methods for solving equations and vectors.

2. Statistics: Statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing.

3. Mechanics: Quantities and units, kinematics, forces, Newton’s laws and moments.

Higher education and career opportunities

A Level Mathematics is now a two-year course, with three final examinations in Upper Sixth.

A Mathematics or Mathematics-related degree is well regarded by employers who recognise the advantages of this training.

Graduates are in demand for a wide range of professions as there is a growing need for high levels of mathematical ability across the whole spectrum of business and management. Many of the most exciting new careers require a foundation in mathematics such as game design and app development.

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Further Mathematics Further Mathematics is a subject for those who enjoy Mathematics and the challenge it provides, and who wish to explore new and more sophisticated mathematical concepts. It is a demanding yet rewarding qualification, which both extends and deepens knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A-level Mathematics.

This subject is particularly suitable for those wishing to study a Mathematics or a joint honours with Mathematics degree and would be an advantage for those wanting to study a mathematically rich degree course, such as Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computing and Economics.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 9 in GCSE Mathematics and Grade 6 in Further/Additional Mathematics.

You should take account of the fact that A Level Further Mathematics makes significantly greater demands than GCSE. It is conceptually more challenging and builds on a comprehensive understanding of the whole GCSE syllabus and requires excellent algebraic skill.

Course outline A Level Further Mathematics (OCR-MEI) is studied alongside the A Level in Mathematics.

This means that students will cover topics in more depth earlier, and will need to master the A Level Mathematics content as they meet it.

Students have the option in Upper Sixth to cover Mechanics or Statistics in more depth, or to study Modelling with Algorithms.

However, all Further Mathematics students will study: 1. Pure Mathematics: Proof by induction; complex numbers; matrices and transformations; vectors and 3D space; roots and coefficients of polynomials; summation of series and power series; further integration; polar coordinates; hyperbolic functions and further differential equations.

2. Statistics: Discrete random variables; bivariate data; c2 tests.

3. Mechanics: Dimensional analysis; further force and vectors; work, energy and power, momentum and impulse and centre of mass.

Those who opt to study Statistics in more detail will study: Bayes’ Theorem; continuous random variables, and inference and simulation.

Those who opt to study Mechanics in more detail will study: Circular motion; Hooke’s Law; centres of mass of more complex bodies, and vectors and variable force.

Some students may wish to study Modelling with Algorithms in the Upper Sixth which covers algorithms, networks and linear programming.

A Level Further Mathematics is a two-year course with three final examinations at the end of the Upper Sixth, alongside the A Level Mathematics exams.

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Modern Languages Languages at A Level are lively and highly rewarding courses that are open to all.

At Trinity, there is a tradition of students choosing to combine Languages with Economics, History, Politics, Mathematics or the Sciences, as well as other Arts subjects.

The ability to speak and understand a modern language is not only handy for holidays and a pleasurable skill in its own right. Jobs in almost any field now list the ability to use modern languages as highly desirable, if not essential, and studies repeatedly show that competent linguists attract higher salaries and have better promotion prospects than their monoglottal colleagues.

The A Level course builds on and extends the skills and topics covered at GCSE but looks at them from a more adult perspective.

‘Where I live’ becomes a study of social issues

such as homelessness, cohabitation or why many twenty-somethings are still living at home with their parents. ‘Jobs’ includes how the workplace has adapted to IT, issues of equal pay for men and women and positive discrimination. ‘My favourite TV programme’ becomes an investigation of the effects of advertising and branding on young people.

Many of the topics covered have broad cross-curricular links, e.g. abortion, genetic engineering, nuclear energy, poverty, pacifism or social justice.

In addition to these topics, the course aims to give students knowledge and understanding of the history and contemporary life in French-, German- or Spanish-speaking countries. The syllabus includes in depth study of both a film and a work of literature (currently Breitman’s No et moi and Cantet’s Entre les murs for French, Donnersmarck’s Das Leben der Anderen and Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s Der Besuch der alten Dame for German and Almodóvar’s Volver and Lorca’s La casa de Bernarda Alba for Spanish). In addition the A Level includes a number of modules which study prevailing social trends in the target-language country and look at the most interesting historical periods.

Grammar remains important throughout the course, as is the ability to listen attentively to an opponent’s argument and to respond concisely and convincingly.

We also offer a programme of preparation and further study for students who wish to read Modern Languages or a joint honours course at Oxford, Cambridge or other top universities.

French, German and Spanish G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 GCSE in the chosen language.

Course outline Students have a weekly lesson, individually or in pairs, with a native speaker assistant, debating issues covered in lessons and reading newspaper and magazine articles.

The department is superbly resourced in terms of books, journals, newspapers and internet links and subscriptions. Our Language Lab and iPads play an important role in language teaching at this level, and allow students to record presentations and videos and progress at their own pace. General independent reading of both twentieth century texts and of newspapers and journals is also encouraged.

Outside of lessons, we organise visits to plays and films in central London, lectures and visiting speakers in school (e.g. Vice Consuls, Harrods Buying Manager, university experts), reading groups and trips abroad to Bordeaux, Dresden and Granada. We also support students with their own plans to travel abroad, whether for work experience, language courses at European universities or stays with foreign families.

Higher education and career opportunities Some students go on to study Modern Languages at university, but it is also common to study joint honours (e.g. Engineering with German, Law with French Law) which would include one year spent at a foreign university.

Career opportunities are many and varied.

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Music Studying Music at A Level allows you to immerse yourself in the vast world of musical composition, history, and performance.

This course is designed to deepen your understanding of different musical genres, traditions, and cultures, from classical symphonies to contemporary music scenes.

You will enhance your skills in performance, composition, and listening, building on the foundation laid at GCSE level.

The A Level Music course encourages you to develop not only as a musician but also as a critical thinker and creative individual.

You will analyse and reflect on music from a wide range of historical periods, styles, and contexts, thereby broadening your musical horizons and appreciation. Engaging with music theoretically and practically, you will compose and perform music, honing your technical abilities and expressive qualities.

We are equipped with outstanding facilities, including practice rooms, recording studios, and an unparalleled range of practical opportunities to support your learning and creativity. Regular workshops, masterclasses, and visits from professional musicians will inspire you and provide insight into the music industry.

Course outline In addition to classroom learning, we offer opportunities to attend concerts and recitals, enabling you to experience live music in various settings. These are essential for enhancing your understanding and appreciation of music, influencing your own performance and composition.

The A Level Music course is structured to foster an in-depth understanding and appreciation of music across a variety of contexts and genres. It is divided into three main components: Performing, Composing, and Appraising, each designed to challenge and expand your musical expertise and creativity.

By studying Music at A Level, you will not only advance your musical skills but also develop attributes such as discipline, teamwork, and time management, which are invaluable in any future career path. Join us to embark on a harmonious journey of musical exploration and discovery.

Component 1: Performing This component requires you to develop your skills as a soloist and/or ensemble performer.

You will prepare a recital of a minimum of eight minutes. This performance showcases your technical ability and interpretative skills in a range of musical pieces of your choosing, reflecting different styles and contexts.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS

Component 2: Composing In this section, you will engage with the craft of composition, creating two pieces with a combined duration of at least six minutes.

One composition is a free choice or based on a set brief (4+ mins), while the other is technical composition exercise (2 mins).

This component allows you to explore your creative voice and understand the intricacies of musical construction.

Grade 7 in GCSE Music. At least Grade 6 on an instrument or voice.

Component 3: Appraising The written examination tests your listening skills and your understanding of music theory and history. Covering six areas of study, and set works ranging from Bach to the Beatles, you will analyse and evaluate music, demonstrating your knowledge of different musical elements and contexts. The exam includes aural perception and familiar and unfamiliar works, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Throughout the course, you will engage with a wide range of music, developing a critical and analytical approach. You will explore the links between the different areas of study and how they contribute to the diversity of musical styles and practices. The course is designed not only to enhance your musical skills but also to enrich your understanding of the cultural and historical significance of music.

Supporting your journey, we provide access to a variety of resources, including a wellstocked music library, professional recording equipment, and practice facilities. Workshops, masterclasses, and concert visits complement

your learning, offering insights into the music industry and live performances.

By the end of the A Level Music course, you will have a deepened appreciation of music's power and complexity, equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue further musical endeavours or studies.

Higher education and career opportunities Students of Music can progress to study Music or related subjects such as Music Technology, Music Production, or Ethnomusicology at university, as well as other arts and humanities courses. Music graduates are known for their broad skill set, applicable to a variety of non-subject specific careers. Popular career paths for Music graduates include broadcasting, music production, law, performance, composition, music therapy, teaching and arts administration, as well as roles in the wider creative industries.

A qualification in Music demonstrates not only technical skill and creativity but also strong analytical abilities, discipline, and teamwork. These skills are highly valued in many professional settings. Music students are often adept at time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making them well-suited for roles that require attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.

The study of Music also fosters emotional intelligence and empathy, qualities that are beneficial in any career, particularly those involving communication and collaboration.

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Physical Education This practical and engaging course covers the elements that contribute to enhanced sports performance – both physical and psychological – and will help you to critically analyse and evaluate your own physical performance, whilst applying your experience of practical activity to the subject. Personal sporting expertise is a desired, but not an essential, requirement. You will explore an activity in detail as a performer or coach, chosen from a wide variety of sporting activities, and will also analyse and evaluate performance in a chosen activity as part of your non-examined assessment.

This course will prepare you for the further study of Physical Education or Sports Science courses, as well as other related subject areas, including psychology, sociology and biology. It can also be just as testing and rewarding for those who have no desire to take it any further. You will develop the transferable skills that are demanded by further education, higher education and employers in all sectors of industry.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in GCSE Physical Education.

Course outline This specification creates confident, independent thinkers and effective decision makers who can operate effectively as individuals and as part of a team.

Much of the academic rigour of the course is achieved by the breadth of academic skills required. You will study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sociology within sport, the organisation of sport, skill acquisition, theories of learning and sports psychology.

During the course you will complete coursework assessments, where you will demonstrate proficiency in one activity as either performer or coach. At the heart of the course is the application of all academic and theoretical aspects are studied with direct reference to actual sporting situations. You will be expected to spend time analysing and improving your own performance, as well as coaching younger pupils to improve their understanding.

Higher education and career opportunities University courses in Sports Science, Sports Medicine, Sports Coaching, Sports Studies, Leisure Management, and Physiotherapy provide the most direct link, but there are many other options open to students studying Physical Education at A Level. Possible career pathways can include medicine, therapies, teaching, coaching and the leisure industry.

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Physics The study of Physics encompasses the entire universe – past, present, and future; from subatomic particles of zero volume that make up matter, to the grand structures of the universe itself. The technological advances made by some of the greatest minds of past generations – from Newton, to Einstein to Hawking – have revolutionised the lives of almost every person on the planet. Given such lofty ambitions and great successes

Course outline it is no surprise that one of its most famous and colourful characters, Ernest Rutherford, said: “There is only Physics; all the rest is stamp collecting”.

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 8 GCSE in Triple Award Physics and Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics.

We follow the OCR-A course which, in the Lower Sixth, includes basic mechanics, materials, electricity, waves and an introduction to quantum physics. The course builds on Physics and Mathematics met at GCSE and, although an A Level standard of Mathematics is not required, competence in it is essential.

In the Upper Sixth, the course involves the study of more demanding and exciting topics, such as circular motion, oscillations, thermal physics and fields, plus exponential decay in the context of capacitor behaviour. Nuclear physics, medical imaging and astrophysics also feature as core content.

Throughout the course, time is also devoted to the development of practical skills, reflecting the experimental nature of the subject. You will need to demonstrate practical competence, plus the ability to analyse and evaluate experimental techniques and the quality of data.

We have a thriving Sixth Form Physics Society at which students, teachers and guests speak on a variety of topics. Students also enjoy a weekly Further Physics Club which prepares them for the challenges of the Physics Olympiad and the Oxbridge Entrance Exams.

We also run an annual trip to Geneva, where our Upper Sixth students learn, first-hand, about the research currently being conducted at CERN, the Swiss Plasma Centre and the World Meteorological Organisation

Higher education and career opportunities Physics is usually studied with Mathematics A Level and both are a requirement for almost all university Physics and Engineering courses.

Physics at A Level is also useful for those planning to read Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography or Medicine, as well as certain degrees in Life and Environmental Sciences.

There are a multitude of careers that can be followed based on a background in Physics.

These include those in other sciences, engineering, the scientific Civil Service, Geophysics, Medical Physics, Meteorology, Material Science and Environmental Physics, as well as many in communications, computing, and industry.

Physics is not, however, only a vocational subject. Graduates find that subject skills, innate in their mind-set and enhanced through their training, are transferable and highly valued in a range of other careers, including city jobs in the financial sector, such as banking, accountancy and investment.

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Psychology Why do people forget things? Do people become criminals because of their genes or their life experiences? Why do people obey authority figures? Is eyewitness testimony accurate enough to be relied upon in court?

Psychology A Level looks for answers to all of these questions, and many more, providing a crossover between humanities and science subjects. It involves essay writing and the discussion of ideas and opinions, as well as the application of scientific principles; it should be noted that the course is largely theoretical rather than experimental. If you are good at expressing your views in writing and have a good understanding of scientific ideas, Psychology may suit you!

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in Biology and either Grade 7 in English or Grade 8 in a Humanity.

Course outline The Lower Sixth course covers the following topics: –

–

–

–

– – –

Approaches in Psychology: different theoretical perspectives in explaining human behaviour Social Influence: why people conform to group pressure and why they usually do what they are told Memory: theories and research studies about how memory works and why we forget things Attachment: the importance of close relationships with parents to children’s development Psychopathology: explanations, symptoms and treatments for mental disorders Biopsychology: the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems Research Methods: how psychologists gather information about people’s attitudes and behaviour (e.g. experiments, interviews), how this data can be analysed and the ethics associated with studying behaviour. This topic includes some mathematics.

In the Upper Sixth, we look at relationships (why and how people form relationships, and why these sometimes break down), forensic psychology (how psychologists explain and manage criminal behaviour), and schizophrenia (difficulties in psychiatric diagnosis, explanations and treatments for schizophrenia).

We will also take a more in-depth look at all the topics that were introduced in the Lower Sixth year. A major theme throughout the course looks at psychological research and scientific method; you will explore this area partly by designing and carrying out small scale psychological investigations during the course. This topic also involves understanding the use of statistical tests in analysing data, including some calculations. In the Issues and Debates topic, we look at philosophical and ethical controversies and concerns in Psychology, such as gender bias, determinism and the nature-nurture debate.

Higher education and career opportunities Psychology provides you with transferable skills that are useful for all academic subjects at A Level and beyond, such as the ability to select information to support an argument and techniques for analysing and evaluating evidence. It is useful if you intend to read Psychology at university and is also a good foundation for science, social science, humanities and arts degrees. An understanding of mental health issues is also helpful for prospective medics.

A Psychology degree can lead to careers in a wide variety of professions including advertising, marketing, HR and recruitment, education and health services, as well as specialisations in clinical psychology, educational psychology or neuroscience, amongst many others.

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Religious Studies If you want to challenge the ideas that are shaping the modern world, then Religious Studies (RS) is the obvious choice.

Studying RS helps develop the core skill of meta-cognitive thinking – the ability to scrutinise the assumptions that lie behind all aspects of intellectual life – and is therefore of particular interest to leading universities and employers for the versatility of mind it encourages.

At the heart of RS is its philosophical method, taking a liberal, academically objective look at all forms of thought and belief in religion, atheism, science, ethics and the arts. If you like thinking, questioning and debate then Religious Studies is the perfect A Level to practise and develop these skills.

Course outline OCR’s A Level RS course consists of three strands: The Study of Ethics, of Philosophy and of Development of Religious Thought.

Since Religious Studies scrutinizes issues which relate to all subjects, it is a useful to link into a multitude of different areas such as medicine, law, politics, psychology or textual studies.

For example, we explore how to criticise: – – – – –

G C S E R EQ U I R EM EN TS Grade 7 in Religious Studies or Grade 8 in English or another Humanity.

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Diverse ideologies shape the course of History, Economic and Politics Medical ethics – such as genetic engineering, abortion, euthanasia Economic theory and business ethics Scientific and religious thinking Ultimate questions about human nature and destiny that link to the study of Psychology The contribution of the arts and the study of key religious texts.

Candidates are encouraged to explore their own ideas in relation to their studies and the course makes plenty of provision for discussion and debates. Recent visiting speakers include Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, Prof. Ray Monk on Wittgenstein and alumni from Oxford and Cambridge studying Philosopy, PPE and PPL. In addition, we offer co-curricular opportunities such as a published magazine edited by Sixth Form students, a thriving Philosophy society and a trip to consider the problem of evil at former Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz in Poland.

The department runs its own bespoke revision day before the A level examinations, often using leading experts, including university lecturers or experienced examiners. We run an annual trip for Sixth Form RS students, alternating between Krakow in Poland, with a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau included where we consider the problem of evil, and a trip to Vienna to consider key contributions to world philosophy from Wittgenstein and Freud.

Other visits to lectures, films and the theatre are organised when appropriate

Higher education and career opportunities RS is recognised as an intellectually dynamic academic discipline by top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge and the Russell Group – not least for the successful application to courses such as PPE, Law, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies. It enriches a wide range of A Level and degree courses such as Science, English, History, Mathematics and Languages. RS students go on each year to careers in medicine, law, business, finance, media, engineering and psychology.

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Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) The Extended Project Qualification offers students the chance to turn their passions, interests and curiosities – no matter what they are - into an academically rigorous researchled 5000-word dissertation or ‘artefact’.

In past years, students have engaged in a fascinating range of projects from constructing Bionic Arms, writing plays, and trying to solve the ‘West-Lothian’ question through to exploring exciting contemporary issues such as the treatment of cataracts in India, the influence of TikTok, and the impact of structural racism on media reporting of the murder of George Floyd. The AQA EPQ gives students a taste of university level independent academic work, as they plan, research and develop a project whilst evaluating their process in their project log.

Students apply to be part of the selective cohort during the Autumn Term in their Lower Sixth Year. In order to be enrolled onto the course, students must submit a detailed project proposal consisting of an abstract detailing what they plan to explore in their project, a literature review and a working bibliography. The EPQ represents a considerable time commitment, and the process is designed to support students and help them carefully consider whether they are able to devote the time required to the project alongside their academic work. Students who do not qualify for the EPQ will still be supported in the development of these skills through the Sixth Form Project.

Course outline Students attend timetabled sessions as part of the Trinity Diploma in the Lower Sixth.

They develop advanced ‘soft skills’ as they investigate project management, research, essay writing and academic presentations.

Important skills, often assumed at university, such as referencing and citations are covered together with details of how to plan and carry out an extended academic project. A member of staff will act as a supervisor for each student leading a series of 1:1s and group supervisions to facilitate the completion of the work.

The majority of the research and information gathering is completed in the Spring Term and Easter holidays of the Lower Sixth when they produce their first drafts. During the Summer Term students refine their EPQ essays and artefacts whilst preparing for their formal presentations in June and their public EPQ presentation evening in September. At the latter, a bustling ‘marketplace’ event allows parents, staff and the school community to engage with their exciting original work. The completed project is submitted at the start of Upper Sixth. Students are rightly proud of their achievements and utilise their newfound skills and research to inform and inspire further contributions to academic school societies or publications throughout the Sixth Form.

Higher education and career opportunities The Extended Project Qualification gives students an opportunity to learn and start to develop the sort of skills they will need for successful independent study at university.

It is therefore not surprising that universities are usually very pleased to see that students are doing an extended project and many Trinity students have found that being able to talk about their project at interview has been very beneficial. In some cases it can lead to a reduced offer, or the EPQ grade might be substituted for one of their other subject grades as part of an offer.

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Sixth Form entry requirements September 2026 To enter the Sixth Form, students must complete all their (I)GCSE courses and achieve a Grade 7 or better in at least six subjects. In addition, to be able to study their chosen A Levels, students must satisfy these minimum grade criteria for each subject

Subject

Minimum GCSE requirements

Art

7 in any Art or Design related subject

Biology

8 in Triple Award Biology and 7 in Triple Award Chemistry and 7 in Mathematics

Business

7 in English or 8 in a Humanity

Chemistry

8 in Triple Award Chemistry and 7 in Mathematics

Chinese

7 in Chinese

Classical Civilisation

7 in English or 8 in a Humanity

Classical Greek

7 in Classical Greek

Computer Science

7 in Computer Science and 7 in Mathematics

Design and Technology

7 in Design and Technology

Drama and Theatre Studies

7 in Drama

Economics

7 in Mathematics and either 7 in English or 8 in a Humanity

English

7 in English

French

7 in French

Geography

7 in Geography

German

7 in German

Government & Politics

7 in English or 8 in another Humanity

History

7 in History or 8 in English or another Humanity

Latin

7 in Latin

Mathematics

8 in Mathematics

Further Mathematics

9 in Mathematics and 6 in Further / Additional Mathematics

Music

7 in Music and Grade 6 instrument

Physical Education

7 in Physical Education

Physics

8 in Triple Award Physics and 7 in Mathematics

Psychology

7 in Biology and either 7 in English or 8 in a Humanity

Religious Studies

7 in Religious Studies or 8 in English or a Humanity

Spanish

7 in Spanish

Notes ‘7 in English’ means a Grade 7 in either English Language or English Literature. Where students have not studied, or not been able to study the relevant subject at GCSE their case will be discussed individually, and in some cases, alternative criteria may be agreed. For Further Mathematics, this will require a set of additional preparatory assignments.