Curriculum Overview

A Levels are two-year linear courses, assessed mainly by examination at the end of Year 13, with other types of assessment such as coursework used only where necessary to test essential skills.

Students following the A Level pathway will use a ‘3 plus 1’ model to put together their programmes of study. This means undertaking at least three full A Level or IB Certificate courses, plus one further course which may be:

• A fourth full A Level or IB Certificate

• The AQA Mathematical Studies course

• The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

• Our Study Support programme

• Retake GCSE Maths

IB Certificates

The following subjects are available to A Level students as IB Higher Level subject certificates: Psychology, History, Film, Digital Society, Spanish and German.  These are stand-alone IB qualifications, equivalent to an A Level and accepted alongside A Levels by universities and employers. Students must ensure that no more than half of their programme comprises IB Certificates; otherwise they should opt for the IB Diploma Programme. 

AQA Mathematical Studies

Many A Levels now have a considerable mathematical requirement. The Mathematical Studies course supports the continued development of numeracy skills for students who would not typically study A Level Mathematics. This 1 year course, equivalent to 0.4 of  an A Level, particularly supports studies in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Geography, Business Studies, Economics and Psychology.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

This is a research project completed on a topic of a student’s choice.  It is a valuable qualification highly regarded by universities, and is equivalent to half  an A Level.  Students can opt to take this in Year 12 or Year 13.

Complementary programme

In additional to their main subjects all Sixth Form students undertake our complementary programme of Personal Development and Enrichment courses, which results in students achieving the Level 3 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness. The examples below illustrate possible programmes of study for A Level students.