A level art and design allows students to further develop a broad and innovative range of creative and technical skills.  In addition, they gain an appreciation of historical and contemporary art and design through making site visits to galleries, in-depth research and their own personal investigations. Throughout the two year course students create their own unique body of work, supported by their teachers. The final displays are exhibited in school and celebrate students’ work and achievements in a public setting. A level art also provides a platform for students to enter a creative industry. Many students continue to study art and design at degree level and past students have qualified in areas as diverse as fashion and business, fashion marketing, textile design, film, Art History, photography and fine art.

Our Applied Science course is designed engage and inspire by showing you how many contemporary issues require a grasp of fundamental scientific ideas. Studying applied science will broaden your understanding of the world around you and will equip you with the skills needed to approach most matters in a reasoned and analytical manner.

The course consists of 2 coursework units and 2 examined units and classes are taught in a personal way that caters for individual needs. We incorporate plenty of practical opportunities which will help you see how the science applies to real life. You will be fully supported in developing your advanced practical skills and you will be allowed the autonomy to plan and carry out your work following the official assignment briefs.

Our Applied Science course is a perfect stepping stone to university, to study anything from natural and environmental sciences, health sciences, medical sciences and physical sciences. They lead into many next steps, including possible options for progression to employment such as:

Nurse

Midwife

Chemist

Science Technician

Forensic Scientist

Vetinary Nurse 

Paramedic

Biomedical Scientist

Pharmacist

Chemical Engineer

Marine Biologist

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in A-level biology is a stepping-stone to future study, with a specification that allows students to develop the skills that they will need whatever their future aspirations. The subject content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to teach and learn. The specification has been designed to inspire students, nurture a passion for biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine. There is a heavy emphasis on practical work and developing scientific methodology, and students will develop the skills they learned at GCSE to a higher level.

This course aims to challenge and develop your business knowledge whether you are new to the subject or have studied this at GCSE the next two years will challenge and stretch your understanding.  ‘Change is the only constant factor in the business world’ will be the key focus over the next two years looking at how businesses not only start up but how they adapt and change in an ever changing climate.  Whether you see yourself as the next great entrepreneur, want a career in marketing, or finance this course will provide a firm basis for a range of next step courses and careers.

In key stage 5 chemistry students gain a deeper understanding of previously introduced core concepts which are built into several main topics.  The first is physical chemistry where students gain a detailed understanding of, thermodynamics, rates of reaction, electrode potentials and acids, bases and pH.  Next is inorganic chemistry, often referred to as the colourful section, in which students understand the science behind many applications and reactions of transition metals and their complex ions.  Finally, students gain a better understanding of both aliphatic and aromatic synthesis pathways in the organic section of the course.  In this section of the course, they also complete instrumental analysis of synthesis products using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.  The students also have twelve required practical activities, which are AQA endorsed and relate directly to the AQA specification.

The A Level course gives students a knowledge of all aspects of computing, and an ability to apply the techniques and concepts to create applications which solve problems using technology. Students will also gain an insight into the concepts beneath the workings of computers, networks, the internet, data transfer, cyber security. The theory of computer science aims to teach about the internal workings of a computer, right down the basics of how all data is stored using binary, whether that be numbers, text, pictures or even music. It goes on from there to cover aspects of computer architecture, showing the specifics of exactly how data is accessed from main memory using assembly language instructions and the fetch-execute cycle. As well as covering programming the course aims to promote good programming practices such as avoiding global variables, sensible variable naming, structured programming, good re-use of code through procedures and functions, and proper commenting of code. It also covers higher level concepts such as the social and legal impact of computers, and how to go about breaking down a big problem into individual programmable steps. In the NEA, each student will choose a problem which interests her, she will analyse the problem, design a solution and produce an application which solves that problem.

A-level Dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their creative and intellectual capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education and employers and will help them stand out in the workplace whatever their choice of career. This specification reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it more relevant, and inspires a lifelong passion and appreciation for dance. We recognise the role of dance in young people’s lives and your students will be able to study a range of dance styles. We’ve set relevant and exciting sources for all choreography and broadened our areas of study. Students can perform and choreograph in a style of their choice for the group work, providing it meets the assessment criteria.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in design and technology is creative and thought-provoking, providing students with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a vast array of potential careers. Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in drama gives students the opportunity expand their knowledge and passion for the subject further, along with like-minded people. The curriculum aims to prepare students for university and the theatre industry, by deepening their knowledge in practitioners, the study of plays, as well as analysing, and evaluating live theatre. Students will have the opportunity to explore theatre as a performer, designer, director and a member of the audience. Students will perform two practical exams, create a portfolio discussing and reflecting on the devising journey, as well as studying two plays, thus giving students a thorough insight into the world of theatre.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in English aims to strengthen and diversify the skills mastered in GCSE English Language and Literature and offers students a chance to become an expert in a specific field of communication. Our curriculum includes: literature, language, language & literature and media. All these qualifications develop skills universally desirable at degree level study and those with communication courses are often more fully prepared for the academic assessment faced at this level. These courses also offer direct and varied access to more vocational pathways.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in French aims to strengthen and diversify the skills mastered at GCSE and offers students a chance to develop their knowledge of the culture and literature of France and the French-speaking countries.  The qualification develops skills which are universally desirable at degree-level study, and those with MFL and communication courses are often more fully prepared for the academic assessment faced at this level. Opportunities to experience another culture first-hand are made ever more accessible with close study of this nature.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in geography follows the Edexcel A-Level exam board and builds upon the core knowledge and skills developed during pupils GCSE course. In preparation for component one pupils develop their understanding of physical geographic processes on a range of scales from local to global. Throughout this component pupils will reflect upon human interaction with coastal, tectonic, hydrologic and carbon systems. Through completion of component two pupils will reflect upon their role in an increasingly globalised world as well as the future challenges presented through the world’s changing superpowers, and well as the health and human rights challenges that will be faced during this century. Through their third examination pupils will complete a synoptic assessment that draws across the content learnt throughout the course with a focus upon the themes of players, attitudes and actions as well as futures and uncertainties. In addition to the eclectic knowledge of the human and physical geography developed as a result of the course pupils develop a wide skills set, including extended writing, analysis of graphic and cartographic data sets and evidence based decision making. Finally, through the completion of the non-examined assessment pupils build their independent study skills, designing and collecting data to investigate a geographic issue of their choosing. As part of their A-level course pupils complete a minimum of four days of out of classroom learning.

Health and Social Care:

Health and social care is a vocational based subject which allows students to study alongside completing work experience. With the majority of assessment being coursework based it allows students to dedicate time to learning at their own pace. The study of health and social care includes an understanding of job roles and practices as well as specific treatments for health disorders.

Psychology:

Psychology is a fascinating subject which develops the understanding of the mind. Psychology aims to enhance students understand of others and the behaviours that individuals display. Psychology also develops skills of analysis and evaluation.

If you are hungry to find out about the past, History is the subject for you. Studying History provides students with skills that are transferable and applicable to the future. Skills of analysis are invaluable in many jobs and the ability to analyse and then prioritise information in vital for decision making. History is also really relevant, in order to understand current affairs we must understand the past as everything that is happening around us has been influenced by History. A History A level can help students better understand the way people act the way they do. This subject will show employers and universities that a student is culturally aware, academic and analytical.

BTEC in Applied Law. This qualification is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the legal sector. It covers areas of Criminal Law and Civil Law including the system and procedures as well as covering a range of Criminal offences and Civil torts and the associated defences.

Mathematics is a versatile qualification, well-respected by employers and is a “facilitating” subject for entry to higher education. People who have studied mathematics are in the fortunate position of having an excellent choice of career. Whilst the number of young people studying A level mathematics and Further mathematics is increasing there is still a huge demand from science, engineering and manufacturing employers. The reason why so many employers highly value mathematics qualifications is mathematics students become better at thinking logically and analytically. Through solving problems you develop resilience and are able to think creatively and strategically. The writing of structured solutions, proof and justification of results help you to formulate reasoned arguments. For progression to many courses at university it is important to have strong mathematics skills. For most STEM degree courses A level mathematics is a requirement. A level mathematics is an interesting and challenging course which extends the methods you learned at GCSE and includes applications of mathematics, such as statistics and mechanics.

Further Mathematics builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for mathematics and the subject content for the A Level Mathematics qualifications. External examinations are designed to reward students for demonstrating the ability to provide responses that draw together different areas of their knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study. Problem solving, proof and mathematical modelling will be assessed in further mathematics in the context of the wider knowledge which students taking A level further mathematics will have studied. The A Level in further mathematics consists of four externally-examined papers. Students complete all assessments in May/June in Year 13.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in music will give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in music and express themselves as a performer, composer, arranger and event organiser. BTEC music at Level 3 provides opportunities for students to engage with real-life, careers-based activities and scenarios. BTEC music is more vocational and has an increased practical element compared to A Level music. It is designed to prepare students for taking part in the world of work in the music industry, whereas A Level music is more theory based. BTEC music is a solid foundation for further and higher education and is a pathway to university degrees, as well as apprenticeships and jobs in the music industry.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in physical education is made up of A-Level PE. To support their studies a range of competitive opportunities are offered locally and against other GDST schools nationally. The provision of a fitness suite within the 6^th form house enables students to keep physically active. Swimming is also available to pupils to enhance their physical well-being.

The key stage 5 curriculum in A-level physics leads to the completion of a facilitating subject that opens the door to many degree courses at the very best universities. It is a specific stepping-stone to future study in courses such as engineering, natural sciences and medicine. The AQA specification allows students to develop the skills that they will need if they pursue a science based future career. The subject content develops on the skills built during GCSE and further nurtures the links between the different key areas of physics. We explore particles in more detail and look at wave-particle duality. We explore motion in a circle and compare this to linear motion studied at GCSE. The option modules allow us to tailor the course to the needs to the students studying it and allows them to have a greater say in what they learn.

Production Arts is designed for those who are interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ of the theatre and film world. For those who want to go on to work in the creative industries this course offers an exciting chance to learn the tricks of the trade. Offering practical hands-on experience students learn specialist techniques including theatrical hair and make-up design, prosthetics and special effects. The course currently covers 6 units, 3 per year. Units offered include costume design, make-up application skills, stage design, assistant stage management, technical stage operations, and arts administration.

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts is the equivalent of 1 A Level.

It consists of two mandatory units and 4 optional units that provide for a combined total of 60 credits, for the completed qualification.

The current units we study are:

The A-level government and politics specification is designed to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics. Students acquire knowledge of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the United Kingdom and are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how other political systems may differ. Students develop the following vital skills;

• the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret political information
• analyse and evaluate political knowledge 
• identify connections, assess similarities and differences between the areas studied 
• select relevant material and construct and communicate arguments clearly and coherently using appropriate political vocabulary.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in PSHE is focused on helping students as they mature into adulthood. Our course is focused on a variety of ethical issues in society such as organ donation and consent. We also examine political and global issues as part of our discussion based programme. We offer students an opportunity to reflect on cultural and religious differences and what they can offer us; such as meditation in Buddhism. There is also a focus on planning for the future with financial planning, revision technique and how to succeed at interviews.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in religious studies is focused on the key skills necessary for university. Students study 3 components of philosophy, ethics and the development of Christian thought. The focus of the examination is on how students develop a thesis; how they can create a line of argument and use a variety of scholars or schools of thought to strengthen their argument. Students must reflect upon criticisms of these key ideas and judge their success, they must then defend their line of argument against these criticisms. The focus of the A level course is for students to adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion.

The AQA course offers an engaging introduction to Sociology. Students will gain an understanding of human behaviour and the workings of society, in addition to considering how sociological theories and research can change and develop social policies. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. Students are encouraged to apply knowledge of current affairs when studying the different topics and to engage in class debates and small research projects.

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in Spanish aims to strengthen and diversify the skills mastered at GCSE and offers students a chance to develop their knowledge of the culture and literature of the hispanic world.  The qualification develops skills which are universally desirable at degree-level study, and those with MFL and communication courses are often more fully prepared for the academic assessment faced at this level. Opportunities to experience another culture first-hand are made ever more accessible with close study of this nature.