A-Level English Literature will encourage you to develop your interest in, and enjoyment of, literary study through reading widely and critically. You will consider poetry, drama and fiction texts based on the subject of ‘Love through the Ages’ in year one and ‘Modern Literature from 1945 to Present Day’ in year two. You will, by the end, be able to appraise different views of the texts and appreciate the significance of historical and cultural influences upon readers and writers.
For any English A-Level, a love of writing and a commitment to undertake extensive, independent, challenging reading is imperative.
What Could I Do Next?
Potential career options you could explore with an English Literature qualification include: Administration, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Publishing or Teaching.
Students have gone on to study degree subjects at university including: English, Journalism, Drama, Creative Writing plus many other academic subjects. It is also an ideal subject for those who wish to go into more vocational careers, such as Teaching or Social Work
You will learn the skills of mathematical analysis, primarily through coordinate geometry and calculus. The art of independent problem solving is developed along with principles of logic and proof.
You will also be introduced to new functions used in mathematical modelling. One third of the course consists of applied modules.
You have the option of either mechanics or statistics. Mechanics is strongly recommended for anyone who is also studying A-Level Physics.
What Could I Do Next?
Maths A-Level is a highly regarded subject that is useful if you are interested in studying a degree in Maths, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or Economics. A wide range of A-Level employer training schemes in the Financial Services and Engineering sectors also welcome this subject. Many Maths A-Level students go on to study Mathematics and Science degrees at university.
A-Level Biology is an ideal subject choice if you plan to study other science-based subjects or progress on to higher level science courses at university.
You will learn about a wide range of biological concepts and techniques, including: health and diseases, theory of DNA replication, biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration. You will also discover how you have developed from a simple single cell into a complex, multi-cellular, organism and how the genetic code has allowed such complexity to thrive on Earth. You will also explore how society makes decisions about biology-related issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society. Topics covered alongside the core subject criteria include: developmental biology, the musculoskeletal system, and learning and habituation.
What Could I Do Next?
This qualification enables progression to Higher Education courses, such as: Biomedicine, Zoology, Marine Biology, Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry when studied alongside other science based courses. A-Level Biology students are currently studying these subjects at universities across the country, in additional to specialist subjects such as Equine Sports Therapy.
Are you intrigued by the fundamental questions about how, and why, the world around us works the way it does?
A-Level Physics will see you will build on what you learnt at IGCSE level, but with a more mathematical approach. During the two year course you will study well established theories and phenomena, learning how they apply in modern science. You will also investigate some of the mysteries and problems that still intrigue Scientists today.
What Could I Do Next?
Physics is a traditional A-Level subject and is identified as a key qualification by Russell Group Universities. Physics is a solid choice if you are considering a career in: Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Computing, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Environmental Science.
Physics will also prepare you for industry careers, such as those in Engineering or Electronics sectors. It’s also welcomed in other degree areas and a range of employer training schemes in areas Financial Services or Business. Every year the majority of Physics students often go on to study degree courses including: Physics, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Financial Studies
A-Level Chemistry opens up a huge range of opportunities in careers such as: Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Research and Medicine.
Preferably taken alongside another Science subject, this course is ideal if you enjoy and excel at Mathematics and Sciences. The course will broaden your horizons and see you gain a broader understanding of the world around you from a molecular perspective such as: materials and physical phenomena, and chemistry of living things. The course covers the full range of organic, inorganic, and physical aspects of Chemistry. You will have opportunities to develop a combination of independent and cooperative strategies in your learning and practical tasks, as well as your enquiry and problem solving skills.
What Could I Do Next?
Chemistry is an excellent basis for progression to a Science degree program. It provides a wide range of career opportunities, including: Medical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacology and Research.
The top five degree courses taken by students who have an A-Level in Chemistry are: Chemistry, Biology Medicine, Mathematics and Pharmacology. There are also an increasing number of high-level Apprenticeship opportunities in sectors such as Chemical Engineering and Industry.
Are you interested in the human and natural world? A-Level Geography is a hugely diverse and dynamic subject.
You will explore a wide range of current environmental and political issues occurring around the world, including: natural hazards, climate change, migration, development and globalisation.
In your second year you will study the management and threats to vital resources such as energy, water and biodiversity. You will also have the chance to undertake fieldwork to supplement your theoretical knowledge in one of your Geography units.
What Could I Do Next?
The wide range of transferable skills you will gain are becoming increasingly attractive to employers from both Business and Finance sectors. As we live in a more globalised world, it pays to know about what is going on within it.
A range of possible careers are open to qualified Geographers including: Meteorology Town Planning GIS officer Insurance Risk Analyst Surveying Environmental Management/Conservation Plus many more…
A wide number of former students have gone on to study Geography degrees at a range of top universities.
A-Level Business will see you develop the knowledge and skills needed to take part in the world of business.
The content is designed to engage you through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society. You will study key contemporary developments, such as digital technology and business ethics – with globalisation being covered throughout all topics. Over this two-year programme every aspect of business behaviour is covered, including: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations Management, Business Decision Making and Business Strategy. The course will also cover the use of business techniques and concepts in the solving of specific business problems.
What Could I Do Next?
After successfully completing the courses you will have a range of options including:
Employment in areas such as: Banking, Finance, Business Management or setting up your own company. University to study subjects as diverse as: Business, Management, Marketing, Finance, Law or Economics. When coupled with a Finance or Accounting qualification, students could qualify as Financial Advisors and Accountants.
This course would be beneficial to anyone who wishes to work in the innovative, exciting and fast-paced worlds of ICT.
You will use a variety of communication skills, providing you with an understanding of the skills an employer want and how to adapt the message to you audience and learn about the types of information helped in the workplace.
This academic course includes a reasonable amount of employer engagement, manifested in live briefs and project work as well as work experience.
This qualification has been written in collaboration with both HE institutions and industry to ensure that it is fully relevant to the ICT Industry and will give clear progressions routes.
What Could I Do Next?
You can progress to a higher level of study in a range of ICT subjects, continue onto an ICT apprenticeship, as well as progress to a range of possible careers.
History is an ideal choice if you have an inquiring, critical or analytical mind-set.
History combines very well with other humanities and is an ideal contrasting subject for scientists and mathematicians. You will come to see the study of the past as a dynamic and exciting process, in which traditional interpretations are constantly being challenged and revised.
What Could I Do Next?
If you are thinking of a career in Teaching, Law, Publishing or Journalism—or any role that requires the ability to communicate effectively and to evaluate/ analyse complex data, then A level history can help.