We offer a range of A-Level qualifications which allow students to progress from GCSE Science and follow an academic pathway in their post-16 education. We have a strong tradition of supporting students into competitive degree courses in the sciences. Many of our former students are now working in high status scientific careers.
The information below gives an overview of the courses we offer. Students are encouraged to discuss their choice of post-16 courses in more detail with teaching staff.
A-Level Biology
Biology is the scientific study of life: it encompasses the investigation of living organisms and life processes from the molecular, through cells and individual organisms to populations and whole communities of animals and plants. Our A-Level Biology course builds on the topics students will have studied at GCSE and will cover the following:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- How organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and the relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
Our course is designed to equip students with a solid understanding of key biological knowledge, using examples from contemporary research to apply this in a range of contexts. The use of practical work is a key element of our course and students will be given regular opportunities to undertake their own biological investigations.
A-Level Chemistry
Chemistry follows is a content-led approach. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they’re assessed both through written papers and, for A’Level only, a teacher-assessed Practical Endorsement. The course provides:
- Essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- A deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- Competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of chemistry:
- Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Foundations in chemistry
- Periodic table and energy
- Core organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Organic chemistry and analysis
A-Level Physics
Physics explores the fundamental nature of almost everything we know of, from the smallest pieces of matter to the furthest reaches of the observable universe. It explains the underlying concepts behind every day phenomena and is pushing the advancement of human knowledge. Many apparently complicated things in nature can be understood in terms of relatively simple mathematical relationships. Physicists try to uncover these relationships through observing, creating mathematical models, and testing them by doing experiments. In short, it tries to answer the biggest question of all ‘What is the universe, how did it begin and how does it all work?’
During the A-level Physics course, you will study:
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and energy
- Electricity
- Thermal physics
- Electromagnetic and gravitational fields
- Nuclear physics
A-Level Psychology
Psychology is the study of human behaviour. We use a scientific approach in A-Level Psychology and encourage students to consider a wide range of factors that can influence and dictate human behaviours. The questions we explore include:
- How do we learn from our experiences?
- Are our mind and body separate?
- Do genetics determine our behaviour?
- Can brain damage excuse negative behaviours?
- What causes psychological disorders?
- What is the best treatment for mental health issues?
- Once addicted, always addicted?
- Can psychological treatment influence physical behaviour?
- What has the strongest impact – nature or nurture?
- Who should determine how we behave?
- How do we form relationships?
- What makes effective research?
- Is Psychology a Science?