Courses

In this course you will study animals, plants and their adaptations to the environment. You will explore a vast array of topics including evolution, variation, ecology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and reproduction. The wide range of units covered will give you the subject knowledge needed to pursue Higher Education courses in marine biology, immunology, genetics, radiography, environmental health, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, natural history and wildlife studies. A Level Biology is a must for students who would like to study Medicine at University.

Assessment

Year 1
2 written exams
Year 2
3 written exams
Completion of 12 formal practicals during the course.

Career path

This course will allow you to pursue Higher Education courses and possible careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Biochemistry, Veterinary Science and Teaching.

Entry Requirements

Grade ‘B’ or above GCSE Core Science
Grade ‘A’ in GCSE Additional Science.

Chemistry is seen as an important science. It is a key requirement for a scientific career. It is s a stimulating subject that involves the study of matter, what substances are made of and how they interact with each other. The course involves a study of practical skills, foundations in chemistry, periodic table and energy, core organic chemistry, physical chemistry & transition elements and organic chemistry and analysis.

Assessment

Year 1
2 written exams
Year 2
3 written exams
12 formal practicals during the course

Career path

This course will allow you to pursue Higher Education courses and possible careers in Pharmacy, Forensic Science, other Chemistry-related qualifications and Teaching.

Entry Requirements

Grade ‘B’ or above in Core Science
Grade ‘A’ in Additional Science

This course is for you if you are passionate about reading and studying how language works in a variety of forms and modes, including spoken English. You will study a wide range of spoken and written texts from transcripts, blogs and forums to classical novels, Shakespearean texts and heritage poetry and learn how to analyse them in a systematic way. In addition, you will study the key themes, ideas and representations of the texts. In Year 2 you will use your learning and knowledge to choose your own texts and topic of investigation.

The course will also give you the opportunity to improve your creative writing and analytical skills through recast tasks where you will be required to write with flair and sophistication, and then critique the choices made in your own writing.

Year 1 texts

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
AQA Poetry Anthology
AQA Anthology: Paris

Year 2 texts

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
AQA Poetry Anthology
AQA Anthology: Paris
Othello by Shakespeare
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Non-Exam Assessment: Project of Personal Choice

Assessment 

Year 1
2 written exams

Year 2
2 written exams
non-exam assessment – 20% of the final A-level grade

Career Paths

This qualification is highly regarded by employers and universities because of the communication skills you will gain.  You will be well placed to pursue careers in Teaching, Journalism, Charities, Retail and Marketing.

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language/Literature

This course will help you gain a deeper understanding of world religions as well as the opportunity to engage with the philosophy of religion and religion and ethics. You will explore topical issues and acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of the pressing issues concerning religion and contemporary society. Learners will study topics covering ethics, philosophy, religion and art, religion and contemporary society, aspects of Christianity and the world’s religions. In the final year learners will study aspects of one or more religions in greater detail from a textual, theological, ethical, phenomenological and philosophical perspectives.

Assessment

Year 1
Paper 1: World Religions (1 hour 15 minutes)
Paper 2: Islam (1hour 15 minutes)

Year 2
Unit 3 Paper: World Religions (1 hour 30 minutes)
Unit 4 Paper: Religion and Contemporary Society (1 hour 30 minutes)

Career path

Not only will a Religious Studies A Level prepare you for University level education, it will also prove useful for careers in Teaching, Youth and Community Work, Journalism, the Civil Service and much more.

Entry requirements

Grade ‘B’ or above in any of the following:

  • GCSE Religious Studies
  • GCSE History
  • GCSE Geography
  • GCSE Citizenship

The content of this qualification has been designed to ensure it supports progression towards higher study. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the sector.

Learners taking this qualification will study six mandatory units:

  • Human lifespan development
  • Working in Health and Social Care
  • Meeting individual care and support needs
  • Principles of safe practice in Health and Social Care
  • Enquiries into current research in Health and Social Care
  • Promoting public health

Optional units allow learners to develop their interests in different parts of the sector and include:

  • Sociological perspectives
  • Psychological perspectives
  • Caring for individuals with additional needs
  • Physiological disorders and their care
  • Nutritional health

Assessment

Year 1
2 external exam assessments
2 internal coursework assessments

Year 2
1 external exam assessment
3 internal coursework assessments

BTEC National diploma is equivalent to 2 A levels.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). The grade of Near Pass is used for externally-assessed units only.

Career paths

This qualification is highly regarded by employers and universities because of the communication skills you will gain. You will be well placed to pursue careers in Teaching, Nursing, midwifery, Social work.

Entry Requirements

Grade ‘B’ or above in GCSE English Language/GCSE English Literature

The Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project allows learners to study a topic area which extends their learning in their area of study.

Learners select one of the four units, which may be completed over one year. They should select a project topic which expands their learning in their field of study, in a related area, or that is relevant to their own personal interests.

Each of the four units offer a different type of project: a dissertation, an investigation/field study, a performance or an artefact.

Entry Requirements

Grade ‘B’ or above in GCSE English Language/GCSE English Literature

Assessment

Year 1

Project

Learners will be assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.  It is assessed by a tutor-assessor from within the centre and externally moderated by Edexcel.

In order to pass the qualification, the learner is required to present evidence for assessment that demonstrates what they are able to do. Evidence will be graded A*-E. Evidence that is insufficient to lead to the award of a certificate is recorded as Unclassified.

Career paths

This qualification is highly regarded by employers and universities because of the skills you will gain.

This qualification supports progression into further education, training or employment by developing skills in key areas such as planning, research, project management and self-reflection.

Entry Requirements

Grade ‘B’ or above in GCSE English Language/GCSE English Literature