KS5 (ID 1054)

• Art and Design: Fine Art
  Art and Design: Fine Art

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Fine Art A level course students will need to attain a grade 5 at GCSE Art (a grade 5 in any of the specialised areas such as graphics is also acceptable).

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Fine Art can access many creative degree courses; graphics, fashion, surface pattern, animation, film and television, scenic design, architecture and more.

  Some students complete a foundation year before deciding on a specific degree. Apprenticeships are also a good option for some.

  

• Art & Design: Graphics
  Art & Design: Graphics

  Overview

  If you have a range of good GCSE results and are strongly motivated then you can be successful in this subject area. Typically we would expect that you have completed a GCSE in Graphics or Art and Design and attained a grade 4 or better. You should also be able to work independently and should be keen to experiment with a range of different media, ideas and concepts.

  This is an exciting course where you have the opportunity to create a substantial portfolio of work which can be used to support entry into a range of higher/degree level courses in art and design.

  Progression Routes

  Students who complete this course usually go on to higher education to study for a career in graphic design, computer graphics, photography, packaging or illustration.

  

• Art & Design: Photography
  Art & Design: Photography

  Overview

  There is no specific subject requirement. Students who meet the basic entry requirement for A level will be able to study Photography. Commitment to learn and a creative and enterprising personality will aid success.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Photography can access degree courses in photography, animation film and television. Some students have progressed to the Art and Design foundation diploma and moved from there onto other Art and Design degrees. Apprenticeships are also available.

  

• Art & Design: Textiles
  Art & Design: Textiles

  Overview

  You do not require GCSE textiles to take this course but an interest in Art and Textiles is important, as well as the creativity to combine and link textiles techniques and drawing.

  If you have an interest in fashion design, interior design, fashion or interior styling, merchandising, fashion buying or journalism then this is a course to help hone your talents and help create a pathway to further education within the subject. If you would like any further information about this course please see Mrs Kisby

  

• Biology
  Biology

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Biology A level course students will need to attain a grade 6 in Combined Science or the Biology element of a Triple Science course. Ideally students will also have a grade 6 in Maths.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Biology with us have gone on to a range of next steps, including medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry (you will need Chemistry alongside Biology for these subjects). As a facilitating subject the range of degree courses available is very wide indeed.

  

• Chemistry
  Chemistry

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Chemistry A level course students will need to attain a grade 6 in Combined Science or the Chemistry element of a Triple Science course. Ideally students will also have a grade 6 in Maths.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Chemistry with us have gone on to a range next steps within the chemical industry. It is important to note that many higher education courses require Chemistry. For example veterinary science, medicine, pharmacy, chemical engineering, materials sciences and biological sciences.

  

• Computer Science
  Computer Science

  Overview

  Students wishing to study Computer Science at this level must ideally have achieved a grade 5 in Computer Science at GCSE. In order to cope with the level of written work and mathematical skills, students would also need to achieve a minimum of a 5 in English and Mathematics. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to program and complete a computation task.

  Progression Routes

  The concepts that are at the heart of this subject would be the best preparation for students who want to go on to study Computer Science at a higher level and also provide a good grounding for areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills.

  

• Drama & Theatre Studies
  Drama & Theatre Studies

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Theatre Studies A level course students Ideally you need GCSE Drama and English at a grade 5 or above and/or performance experience. Important attributes are enthusiasm and commitment. To do well you must be creative, analytical, inquisitive and explorative. Some students have also successfully used this subject as a way of boosting their confidence and communication skills.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Theatre Studies with us have gone on to a range of next steps, including Performing Arts, English Literature, and teaching courses. There are a wide range of degree courses that many of our former students have gone on to, including those at universities such as Goldsmiths, LIPA, Guildhall School of Music and the University of Birmingham.

  

• Economics
  Economics

  Overview

  Students studying Economics at this level should have 9 to 5 grades in a range of subjects at GCSE. In order to cope with the essay writing needed for the A Level papers, students would normally be expected to have grade 5 in English, and to manage with the use of diagrams, a grade 5 in Mathematics.

  Progression Routes

  A Level Economics is a highly respected qualification and is welcomed by universities and employers alike. Economics at university is very popular, both studied on its own, but also in combination with a large number of other subjects, including: History, Politics, Geography, Mathematics, Business and Accounting. Economics can lead to careers in the private sector in Business Management, Accounting, and Marketing. It can also lead to careers across the public sector, in Education, the NHS and in government.

  

• English Language
  English Language

  Overview

  To gain entry on to the English Language course students will need to attain at least a grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level English Language have gone on to study a variety of English degrees at a range of Russell Group universities as well as law, journalism, teaching and media production degrees.

  

• English Literature
  English Literature

  Overview

  To gain entry on to the course students should preferably attain a grade 5 in English Literature.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level English Literature have gone on to study Literature at a range of Russell group universities. As a facilitating subject the range of institutions and degrees which value Literature is very wide indeed.

  

• French
  French

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the French A level course students will need to attain a grade 6 in GCSE French.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level French with us have gone on to a range of next steps, including teaching and working abroad. As a facilitating subject the range of degree courses available with French is extremely wide. This specification will help to prepare students for higher education and enhance their employability profile.

  

• Geography
  Geography

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Geography A level course students will need to attain a grade 5 in GCSE Geography. Ideally students will also have a grade 5 in English Language GCSE.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Geography with us have gone on to a range of next steps, including working in the renewable energy industry, Geology and Town Planning. A level Geography is regarded as a facilitating subject by the Russell Group of Universities.

  

• History
  History

  Overview

  Students hoping to follow History at A level will need to have a 5 or above at the GCSE.

  Progression Routes

  History is a facilitating subject, and so it is a valuable passport to a number of different next steps.

  

• Mathematics
  Mathematics

  Overview

  To gain entry onto Maths A Level you will need Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Maths, ideally along with an average grade 6 or higher across other GCSE subjects.

  Progression Routes

  Mathematics is a valuable subject for many professional disciplines, such as medicine, aviation, economics and law. Mathematics is the only universal language and hence will open any door to your future career choice.

  

• Further Mathematics
  Further Mathematics

  Overview

  To gain entry on to the course, Grade 7 is essential, Grade 8 is desirable.

  Progression Routes

  Further Mathematics is favourably looked upon by top universities, especially those offering technical and engineering degrees. The course is also highly valuable for those who are preparing to study for a degree in Mathematics.

  

• Media
  Media

  Overview

  Minimum of GCSE Grade 5 in English, and Media Studies (if taken).

  Progression Routes

  Successful completion of this course will widen your future career prospects and employment opportunities within the media industry: work in TV production and presenting, advertising & marketing, journalism, film production, radio production, public relations & multi-media web design. It can also lead to Media & Communication degrees: Warwick, Southampton, Newcastle, Sheffield, East Anglia, Leeds & Leicester are ranked among the top 20 Universities for Media courses.

  

• Music
  Music

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the A level Music course students do not have to have taken GCSE Music, although if they have, a Grade 5 or above is required. Students should be able to play an instrument or sing to approximately Grade 5 or above.

  Progression Routes

  Students will find the subject useful if they are looking for a career in the Performing Arts, Music or Media, or are hoping to pursue any degree or career in the Arts that involves a high level of understanding. Russell Group Universities highly favour A level combinations that include Music. Former students have successfully gone on to study degree courses in Music at institutions such as The Leeds College of Music, Bristol University, Birmingham Conservatoire, Goldsmiths, LIPA, Manchester and Trinity Laban.

  

• Philosophy
  Philosophy

  Overview

  If you are interested in considering the bigger questions at a deep level then Philosophy will be an exciting course for you! Entry requirements for this course are basic Sixth Form entry requirements, including a Grade 5 in English. Philosophy works well alongside other A levels such as Psychology, Sociology, English Literature and History.

  Progression Routes

  The qualification looks great on an application and all Russell Group Universities have stated that it is the top preferred 2nd A level subject next to your chosen field subject. Philosophy is a ‘thinkers’ course and can lead you to careers in the public sector, media, NHS, Universities, politics and teaching.

  

• Physical Education
  Physical Education

  Overview

  You should achieve a minimum of GCSE Science grade 5 with a grade 4 in 4 other subjects. In addition it is essential that you play competitive sport for school, club or a higher representative level for the duration of the course. Video evidence is required at both AS and A level.

  Progression Routes

  Sports science, PE teacher, physiotherapist, professional sportsperson, sports coach consultant, sports policy at local and national level, diet and fitness instructor, personal trainer.

  

• Physics
  Physics

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Physics A level course students will need to attain a grade 6 in Combined Science or the Physics element of a Triple Science course. Students are also required to have achieved a grade 6 in Maths due to the heavy mathematical element of the course. It is recommended that students study A level Maths in conjunction with A level Physics.

  Progression Routes

  Many routes including medicine, engineering, robotics and astrophysics.

  

• Politics
  Politics

  Overview

  Students studying Government and Politics at this level should have grades 9 – 4 in a range of subjects at GCSE, including a 5 in English Language.

  Progression Routes

  Many students who have taken the A level in Government and Politics go on to study Politics at university. From there you might become a researcher, join local or national government or even start on the path to become a future Prime Minister! But there are other job options too. If you fancy a career in journalism or the media, this course is very useful. Students also go on to become teachers or work in the legal profession.

  

• Product Design
  Product Design

  Overview

  This is very much a practical, problem solving course. A level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. The course requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge linking to: technical principles & designing and making principles.

  Progression Routes

  You will develop a broad view of design and technology while you develop your skills in designing and making products. You will also develop knowledge of contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established technologies. You will use your creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and other’s needs, wants and values.

  

• Psychology
  Psychology

  Overview

  In order to gain entry on to this course students will be required to have gained a Grade 6 in either English, Maths or Science and a Grade 5 in the remaining two subjects. Students will be required to challenge and analyse psychological theories and studies, alongside understanding psychological research which will require GCSE mathematical skills.

  Progression Routes

  The study of psychology can take you into a wide range of fields such as a police work, teaching, marketing, advertising, social work and public research. Careers specifically related to psychology include: clinical, child, occupational, educational and forensic psychologists in which you would need to further study at doctorate levels. This course provides an insight into these specifically related psychology careers.

  

• Sociology
  Sociology

  Overview

  It is not necessary to have done Sociology at GCSE to successfully complete an A Level course. We regularly have candidates who have never studied Sociology before the Sixth Form who achieve excellent results. You should have at least a grade 5 in GCSE English. You need to be ready to question and challenge the ideas and theories you hear and be willing to consider attitudes and ideas that may be different to your own.

  Progression Routes

  An A Level in Sociology is a start towards a career in areas such as teaching, nursing, social work, business, the legal profession and the armed forces; in fact any profession where you have to deal with people and consider their backgrounds. Sociology combines well with many subjects such as Psychology, English, Media Studies and History and offers excellent progression to university

  

• Spanish
  Spanish

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the Spanish A level course students will need to attain a grade 6 in GCSE Spanish.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied A level Spanish with us have gone on to a range of next steps, including teaching and working abroad. As a facilitating subject the range of degree courses available with Spanish is extremely wide. This specification will help to prepare students for higher education and enhance their employability profile.

  

• BTEC Diploma in Health & Social Care
  BTEC Diploma in Health & Social Care

  Overview

  Students should meet the standard entry requirements for vocational courses. An A*-C grade in Health and Social Care/Sociology would be advantageous but is not essential.

  Progression Routes

  These qualifications have elements of psychology, social policy and sociology that complement studies in humanities and related subjects. The main purpose of the qualification is to support access to higher education degree courses, such as: BSC (Hons); Health and Social Care, Adult Social Care, Health and Social Care/Social Policy, Social Policy, Social Work, Nursing, Professional Practise, Working with Children, Young People and Families, Psychology and Sociology.

  

• BTEC Extended Certificate in Health & Social Care
  BTEC Extended Certificate in Health & Social Care

  Overview

  Students should meet the standard entry requirements for vocational courses. An A*-C grade in Health and Social Care/Sociology would be advantageous but is not essential.

  Progression Routes

  These qualifications have elements of psychology, social policy and sociology that complement studies in humanities and related subjects. The main purpose of the qualification is to support access to higher education degree courses, such as: BSC (Hons); Health and Social Care, Adult Social Care, Health and Social Care/Social Policy, Social Policy, Social Work, Nursing, Professional Practise, Working with Children, Young People and Families, Psychology and Sociology.

  

• BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport
  BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport

  Overview

  You should meet the standard entry requirements for the vocational courses. Additionally, GCSE Sport Studies or BTEC sport is preferable but not essential.

  Progression Routes

  Sports science, PE teacher, physiotherapist, professional sports person, sports coach consultant, sports policy at local and national level, diet and fitness instructor, personal trainer.

  

• AQA Extended Certificate in Applied Business
  AQA Extended Certificate in Applied Business

  Overview

  General entry requirements for the Sixth Form are suitable for this course, 5 grades of grade 4 or better. There is no requirement to have studied Business before.

  Progression Routes

  A Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Business is good preparation for students considering both Higher Education and entry into work. Students with this qualification will often consider management degrees as well as more general degrees in business studies.

  

• OCR Cambridge TEC Extended Certificate in IT
  OCR Cambridge TEC Extended Certificate in IT

  Overview

  GCSE IT is not required to take this course. General entry requirements for the Sixth Form are sufficient – 5 grades of grade 4 or higher.

  Progression Routes

  Students may progress into either higher education or employment from this course. Higher education degrees include: computer science, Information systems, Multimedia, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, Computer Animation, Business and Information Management.

  

• Applied Science - NEW FOR 2023!
  Applied Science - NEW FOR 2023!

  Overview

  To gain entry onto AQA Applied Science you should have a keen interest in science and have met basic entry requirements for Sixth Form. In addition you should have at least a grade 5-4 in combined science GCSE.

  Progression Routes

  Students who have studied Applied Science go on to a range of next steps, including a range of allied health courses, including nursing, paramedic science and midwifery. Students can also use this qualification to support entry to a wide range of other degree courses and apprenticeships.

  

• Criminology - NEW FOR 2023!
  Criminology - NEW FOR 2023!

  Overview

  To gain entry onto the WJEC Criminology course you will need to have met basic entry requirements for Sixth Form, with an average GCSE grade of at least 4.

  Progression Routes

  Students who study criminology alongside other A level or BTEC level 3 subjects go on to a range of next steps, including degree courses in criminology, sociology, professional policing as well as a wide range of other degree courses and apprenticeships.