Academic Subjects
This OCR Biology course delivers the essential content of most Biology courses with the freedom to explore different contextual examples, including HIV and cystic fibrosis. This course holds practical work at the heart of its specification and this is reflected in the numerous investigative opportunities embedded alongside the 12 assessed practicals.
A Level Biology can offer entry onto university courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Sciences and Earth Sciences. Biology is also highly regarded as an additional A Level if you are applying for science, maths or arts subjects.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Triple Science or Combined Science, Grade 5 or higher in Maths
This AQA Chemistry course allows students to explore three main topics; organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. AQA Chemistry has been developed to integrate real-world experiences into its specification, in order to engage and interest new students. The course centres around core practicals and has been developed with assistance from top universities in order to provide a stepping stone into higher education.
A Level Chemistry can offer entry into university courses in Biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science and environmental science. Chemistry is also highly regarded as an additional A Level if you are applying for other science, maths or arts subjects.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Triple Science or Combined Science, Grade 5 or higher in Maths
You will engage critically and creatively with a range of written and spoken texts and evaluate how language is used by writers. You will also create your own texts and reflect on your own processes of production. The English language is explored as a topic in its own right and you will be working independently to research aspects of language.
Future pathways following this course include any degree or career that involves written or spoken communication and a comprehensive grasp of the English language.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Grade 5 or higher in GCSE English Language
You will be introduced to a variety of text forms from a range of authors and times under the theme of ‘Love through the Ages’. Alongside Shakespeare’s Othello, Carol Ann Duffy’s Feminine Gospels poetry anthology and two pieces of prose, you will study a selection of texts of your own choice to produce a piece of independent, extended coursework.
By developing your skills of critical reading, analytical investigation and appreciation of various socio-historical contexts, this A Level will help prepare you for a wide variety of university courses.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Grade 6 or higher in GCSE English Literature
Fine Art A Level is a challenging and widely respected course which provides a platform to many careers and further education opportunities. The course has a strong emphasis on drawing to generate ideas as well as an end in itself and students are expected to be confident practitioners. Students are expected to have a real interest in Fine Art and to develop their personal practice. The course will support and develop your work, starting with workshops from our specialist team using a wide variety of materials and approaches. Contextual links are built over time and reinforced by out of school learning opportunities as well as European and UK trips. Our students' work has been exhibited and sold in several major London Galleries and we have an excellent reputation and links with Higher Education institutions.
Welling’s excellent reputation for Fine Art has meant our graduates have gone on to a wide range of universities and careers including Oxford University. The growing Creative sector looks for Art as an A Level and this qualification allows you entry to many pathways including: Architecture, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Animation, Interior Design, Illustration, Web Design and many others.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum grade 5 in an art based GCSE course and a portfolio of work
A Level Geography covers a range of topics. The physical geography includes tectonic hazards, coastal landscapes and the carbon cycle. The human geography includes urban redevelopment, globalisation and superpowers. There is also a synoptic paper about a specific place-based geographical issue, plus a personal investigation on any topic that a student is interested in.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum grade 6 or higher in a humanities based subject
Graphic Communication conveys information and ideas through visual means. The critical element for a graphic designer is the effective communication of a message or idea through the organisation of images and words. The scope of graphic communication has been extended through the growth of design applications in the home and in public and through the development of the internet. Graphic designers need to understand user and audience needs and how these groups respond to various forms of visual communication; as well as how changes to working practices lead to new forms of communication and presentation.
- Entry requirements: a minimum of four grade 4s, including English - no art based GCSE required, but preferred.
A Level History in Year 12 looks at how two of the world’s biggest democracies have evolved over the last century. We study how Britain and the USA have reached their current position in areas such as politics, economics, culture, society, quality of life, and race. We also study historical controversies such as the impact of Mrs Thatcher on the UK. In Year 13 we will study the British Empire by looking at a number of aspects in depth and breadth. The coursework will be on the growth of the British Empire.
A-Level History can lead to a wide range of career paths. A qualification in History shows potential employers and Universities that you have developed useful research and analytical skills.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum grade 6 or higher in a humanities based subject
Media is an academic and creative course which combines the study of media texts, industries and platforms such as television, advertising and the internet with practical production work. You will develop an understanding of how the media communicates with audiences and influences society through studying a variety of media. You will develop skills of photography, video and photo editing using industry-specific equipment.
Media industries are ever-expanding with a wide variety of jobs in areas such as journalism, broadcasting, film-making and design. Media students also often follow Arts-based career paths.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum of 5 grade 4s or higher at GCSE
Course Description: Most of the course is the study of pure Mathematics. This is the foundation of all areas of Mathematics comprising algebra, graphs, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, numerical methods, vectors and calculus.
The remainder is the application of mathematical knowledge and skills to the study of Statistics (range of statistical and probability models) and Mechanics (practical application of mechanics).
Mathematics is an essential requirement for degree level study of Mathematics, Engineering and many Sciences. Mathematics supports the higher level study of a variety of subjects including Science, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Computing and Economics.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Maths
This course is for anyone who wants to create meaning through photography, as well as learning about the technical aspects of the medium, you will also study photography in a historical and social context. Students are expected to have a real interest in Photography. There is a strong emphasis on students developing and extending their photographic practice and understanding of the possibilities inherent in the medium. The course will support and develop your work, starting with workshops from our specialist team using a wide variety of materials and approaches. Contextual links are built over time and reinforced by out of school learning opportunities as well as European and UK trips.
As well as a number of arts based and creative fields including photography, photojournalism, picture editing, fashion design or graphics, photography is a well-respected qualification that is useful for any University application and many careers.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum grade 5 in an art based GCSE course and a portfolio of work
You will gain an understanding of concepts, theories and studies in relation to Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology. Alongside this you will study research methods and investigation skills. Finally you will develop a knowledge and understanding of ethical issues associated with these areas of Psychology. You will be required to complete your own studies and complete data analysis.
You could go on to work as a psychologist or in the health sector. Many students of Psychology also pursue careers in teaching, social work and the law.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum of 5 grade 4s in GCSEs including English Language and Maths
A Level Sociology offers students the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of how society works. Topics studied include Families and Households, Education, Crime and Deviance, Sociological Theory, Research Methods and Global Development. Different sociological views and perspectives on these topics will be explored and compared.
You could go on to work in journalism, politics, finance, the civil service, the legal system, teaching, social work, the police, community development, charities, market research and many other areas.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum of 5 grade 4s in GCSEs including English Language and Maths
The A Level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society. The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or to further study, including a modern languages degree.
Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world with over 400 million speakers. It is also one of the most spoken languages in Europe and is widely spoken in the USA. Being able to speak Spanish can provide you with numerous academic and career opportunities. Spanish, the third most spoken language on an international level, has gained countless fans and followers during the last decade and is now being as considered one of the most useful languages for the workplace.
Specific GCSE Requirements: Minimum Grade 6 or higher in Spanish GCSE