Subjects Overview

Biology (Academic)    

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 practical.

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.

Business (Applied)     

This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity through applied learning to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the business sector. Learners must achieve a total of 5 units consisting of 3 mandatory units and 2 optional units. 2 units are externally assessed by exams while the rest are internally assessed. This qualification allows you to gain a Level 3 qualification to support further study in Further Education (FE) or Higher Education (HE) in business-related programmes and in any other sector or subject area.

Chemistry (Academic)   

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 practical’s 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.

Child Development (Applied)     

You will develop a detailed understanding of the development of children with practical experience in supporting children in different settings. You will learn the fundamental principles for supporting a child. Childcare allows you to be creative, use initiative and analyse the impact of procedures, legislation and protocols that are followed within settings. This is a useful course for those interested in progressing to higher education or working in early year’s practitioners working with young children such as nursing or becoming a teacher.

Criminology (Applied)     

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology that complements studies in humanities related subjects. The qualification would support learners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law or Psychology. The course will go beyond the traditional academic study with guest speakers from agencies involved in services/practice that the Criminology course material covers.

Design Technology - Product Design (Academic)      

This creative and thought-provoking qualification will give you the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the engineering sector. You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning into practice by producing prototypes of your choice. You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Digital Media (Technical) 

The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Digital Media is an engaging, vocational qualification equivalent to one A-Level. It is designed for students who are passionate about the creative media industry and want to develop the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for success in this dynamic sector. This course offers a fantastic mix of theoretical understanding and hands-on practical experience, using industry-standard software and equipment. You will explore a wide range of media formats, including film, television, radio, social media, video games, and print design.

What does the course involve? You will learn to plan, produce, market, and distribute media products while focusing on maximising audience engagement and adapting to changing technology.

Key areas of study and production include:

Understanding Media Products and Audiences: Exploring how media institutions operate, how products are aimed at specific audiences, and the processes of distribution and marketing.

Pre-production and Planning: Developing an understanding of the entire pre-production process, including research, scriptwriting, budgeting, health and safety, and legal/regulatory requirements.

Creative Production Skills: Gaining hands-on experience in planning, animation, editing, and post-production across various media forms. This includes using professional software (such as Adobe Creative Suite) for manipulating still images, animations, video, and audio.

Course Structure and Assessment The qualification is a two-year course and is assessed through a combination of mandatory and optional units. The assessment is a split between externally assessed exams and internally assessed coursework (portfolio-based assignments). A break down is as follows :

• 3 mandatory units - Units 1 and 2 (each unit is 90 GLH) and Unit 3 (60 GLH)
• Plus a minimum of 120 GLH chosen from the optional units (30 GLH and 60 GLH)"

Drama (Academic)     

This qualification has a straightforward structure with three components, one that focuses on devising, one that focuses on performing or designing skills and one that focuses on practical exploration of texts to interpret them for performance. There is a focus on the practical exploration of performance texts, including exploring them in light of the work of theatre practitioners. The performance texts that will be studied for the exam will require students to articulate how they would perform in certain roles, design for certain scenes and interpret a text for performance, putting practical work at the heart of the specification. 

Economics (Academic) 

Economics is to apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues, and encourage students to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions. They will also build upon their quantitative skills and appreciate that, when evaluating arguments, both qualitative and quantitative evidence are important. Students will be assessed through three examination papers.

English Language (Academic)     

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. The course is relevant for any degree or career that involves written or spoken communication and a comprehensive grasp of the English language. 

English Literature  (Academic)   

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. 

Fine Art (Academic)     

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. 

Further Maths (Academic) 

A Level Further Mathematics explores a wide range of advanced mathematical concepts that build upon and extend the content covered in A Level Mathematics. It offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of both pure and applied mathematics, including topics such as complex numbers, matrices, and advanced calculus.

Studying Further Mathematics provides excellent preparation for university-level study in mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, and other related disciplines. Many universities highly value and encourage students to take Further Mathematics, as it develops strong problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking.

Students who study Further Mathematics often find the transition to degree-level mathematics much smoother, as the course fosters both confidence and fluency in tackling challenging mathematical ideas.

Geography (Academic)     

At Key Stage 5, A-Level Geography is offered via the Edexcel specification. The course is mostly exam-based although there is an individual student project which allows students to show off their fieldwork and data analysis skills. As a “facilitating subject”, A Level Geography is highly regarded by universities, as it develops a wide range of skills, including essay-writing, data analysis, numeracy, graphically and synoptically. The course is both rigorous and stimulating.

Graphics (Academic) 

TBC    

Health and Social Care (Applied) 

This qualification will enable learners to progress to a degree programme chosen from a range of programmes in the health and social care sector. The course is delivered through a range of methods and is often led by students following research in particular areas, however students will need to develop their independent learning skills. You could progress directly into health, social care, early years work or move into higher education. This is for those interested in health care, early years or practitioners such as nursing or becoming a teacher. 

History (Academic)     

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.  Furthermore we study in depth and breadth the witchcraze that swept across Europe, Britain and North America from 1580-1750. The coursework will be on interpretations of the causes of the Holocaust. Students examine the historical debate surrounding whether it was a ‘crooked path’ or a ‘straight road’ to extermination. Success in A-Level History leads to a wide range of career paths that include Law, banking, journalism, archaeology, research and a myriad of public services. A qualification in History shows potential employers and Universities that you have developed powerful research and analytical skills. 

Mathematics (Academic) 

A Level Mathematics provides a strong foundation in core mathematical principles, developing essential problem-solving and analytical skills. The course primarily focuses on Pure Mathematics, covering key topics such as algebra, trigonometry, graphs, exponentials, logarithms, vectors, calculus, and numerical methods.

Students also explore how mathematics is applied in the real world through Statistics (data analysis, probability models, and interpretation) and Mechanics (the mathematical study of motion and forces).

Mathematics is a highly regarded subject that supports a wide range of university courses and careers. It is an essential requirement for degrees in Mathematics, Engineering, and the Sciences, while also complementing subjects such as Economics, Computing, Psychology, Geography, and Sociology.

Photography (Academic) 

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. 

Politics (Academic) 

Lively, relevant and controversial…there are many ways to describe A-level Politics. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose.Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills. It also helps grow your confidence.It’s ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

Psychology (Academic) 

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. 

Sociology (Academic)     

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 about 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. 

Sport (Applied)     

OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Sport & Physical Activity is designed for students passionate about physical activity, performance, and the wider sports industry. We deliver the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity, with two pathways to suit individual ambitions:

• Extended Certificate (Single Award) – equivalent to one A Level
• Diploma (Double Award) – equivalent to two A Levels

Students develop a strong understanding of anatomy, coaching, sports leadership, and the sports industry, while gaining valuable practical experience and leadership opportunities. This course provides an excellent foundation for further study or careers in sports coaching, physical education, fitness training, sports science, and more. Whether you’re aiming for university, apprenticeships, or a career in sport, this programme supports your journey every step of the way.

APD (Applied) 

TBC