- All students study English during Key Stage Three. English Language and English Literature are both compulsory subjects at GCSE level.
A Level Studies If you love all types of literature and enjoy exploring the ways in which it is interpreted and shaped by individuals and society, then you will enjoy this course. It will develop both your written and oral communication skills, powers of analysis and close reading skills, providing an excellent foundation for many courses and careers as well as being a popular and highly regarded degree subject in its own right. .......................................................................................... 
Geography
- All students study Geography during Key Stage Three. At GCSE level, all students are required to study either History or Geography.
A Level Studies If you have an interest in the world around you and would like a fuller understanding of how it works, you will enjoy Geography at AS/A2 level. The course covers a wide range of physical, human and environmental themes. At any one time you could be studying concepts as diverse as multiple hazards in Los Angeles and Basque Separatists in Spain. In addition, you will develop a range of skills including research, statistical analysis, decision making and practical fieldwork techniques. The study of Geography gives you the foundation for diverse degree and career options including geology, environment and planning, environmental engineering, urban planning and social research. Government & Political Studies
- Government & Political Studies is only offered at A level.
A Level Studies This subject will appeal if you have a genuine interest in the framework that governs our constitution and in current affairs. You will develop a critical awareness of political events and issues and gain an understanding of the main political viewpoints. The topics covered include political institutions and concepts especially the main features of British government and issues in British politics from the role of the state to the European union, race relations, women’s rights, welfare provision. Government and Political Studies is useful in a wide variety of careers and is accepted by all universities for entry to a range of degree courses. History
- All students study History during Key Stage Three. At GCSE level, all students have the choice of studying either History or Geography.
A Level Studies If you enjoy studying people and events, then this subject will appeal to you. The course focuses on 19th and 20th Century European and British History, examining issues such as Votes for Women, German and Italian Unification and the problem of poverty. AS and A2 History will allow you to develop skills of analysis and interpretation to evaluate different opinions and to present a logical argument. An A level in History is extremely useful for a wide range of degree courses and professions, particularly Law and Journalism. Psychology
- Psychology is only offered at A Level
A Level Studies Psychology is the study of the human mind. Psychology is challenging common sense views of the world. It explores the way in which memory works, individual differences, how relationships are formed, why people conform, and the nature of human development. Different approaches in Psychology offer competing accounts of psychological problems like bulimia, schizophrenia and abnormality. The study of psychology is useful for careers in criminal and educational psychology, human resources and counselling. Sociology
- Students have the opportunity to take Sociology as one of their two options at GCSE level.
A Level Studies If you like thinking about and exploring important questions, participating in interesting and challenging discussions – Sociology is for you. Sociology explores the various issues raised in such topics as the family, education, work and leisure, youth culture, the position of women in society, the mass media, crime and deviance, the political system and social stratification. Visits to factories, law courts and educational institutions will give you first hand experience of some of the key areas you are debating. The study of Sociology is relevant for a very wide range of careers including social work, teaching, the probation service, the law, banking personnel – any career which involves contact with people from different areas of society. Religious Education
- All students study Religious Education during Key Stage Three. At GCSE level they have the opportunity to take Religious studies as one of their two options.
Religious Education is not currently offered at A Level. .......................................................................................... 
French, German and Spanish
- All students are introduced to Modern Foreign Languages during Key Stage Three. Most student study three languages. Every student must take at lease one Modern Foreign Language at GCSE level.
A Level Studies The emergence of the European market has meant that knowledge of a foreign language is an enormous asset. We offer courses in French, German and Spanish and give you the opportunity not only to improve your fluency but to study a different people and culture. The course involves speaking, listening, reading and writing and you will be expected to visit the country whose language you are studying during your two year/s You will learn to thinks and express your thoughts in the foreign language, study aspects of civilisation and literature and listen to cassettes as well as keeping abreast of current affairs in the country concerned. .......................................................................................... 
- All students study Mathematics throughout Key Stage Three. Mathematics is a compulsory subject at GCSE level.
A Level Studies Mathematics is a challenging and rewarding subject. The course covers a wide range of topics from Pure Mathematics and either Statistics or Mechanics. The subjects studied include trigonometry, calculus, co-ordinate geometry, motion of a particle, centres of mass, forces, probability, representation and interpretation of data. You will have the opportunity to improve your algebraic skills, develop analytical skills and apply theories and methods to solve many interesting problems. If you have a sound background of mathematical skills, a logical mind and the ability to work independently then this course is for you. Mathematics is a good foundation for a course or career in Mathematics, Finance, Accounting, Banking, Engineering, Actuarial Science, Optometry, Economics, Management and many more .......................................................................................... 
- All students study Science throughout Key Stage Three. All students are then required to take either Single or Dual Science at GCSE level.
A Level Studies Biology If you are interested in living organisms (including microbes), their biochemistry and physiology, their evolution and how they react with their environment you will enjoy this course; it provides detailed answers to questions remaining from your GCSE Science Studies. Practical work includes microscopy, laboratory investigations as well as field work undertaken at a residential Field Studies Centre in South Wales. Biology is a self-contained course but links well with other A level Sciences especially Chemistry. Biology A Level is an essential prerequisite for the study of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Applied Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. Chemistry Chemistry is a dynamic and stimulating subject to study. The course consists of six units which combine and closely integrate theory and practice. You will investigate some applications of chemistry – their technological, industrial, economic, environmental and social implications. Chemistry is essential if you hope to study Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medicine or Food Science at university. Physics 'How did the Universe begin?' 'What makes a star shine? ' 'Why is the sky blue?' 'What is matter composed of?' A Level Physics may not answer all these or similar questions, but it will give you a deeper understanding of the world in which you live. Of all the sciences, Physics if the most fundamental and its laws apply to both the microscopic and macroscopic worlds. You will study the subject in depth through examining theory and experiment, and in liaison with local industries, will be able to apply your skill to real problem solving and research. .......................................................................................... 
- All students are introduced to ICT, Design Technology and Food during Key Stage Three. Both ICT and Food are compulsory subjects at GCSE level. Students have the facility to take Business Studies and/or Design Technology as one of their two options at GCSE level.
A Level Studies Business Studies Business Studies will enable you to form a critical understanding of the influence of businesses in the modern world. This course will involve analysing business behaviour from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders and will increase your awareness of the economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues associated with business activity. You will be able to acquire a range of skills, including decision-making and problem-solving, used in the dynamic environment of business and enterprise. This course provides an excellent foundation for further study of Business Studies or related subjects and careers. Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (Advanced VCE) Business Advanced VCE provides a pro-active approach to the business environment. You will be able to undertake work experience, form links with local and national employers and increase your awareness of this stimulating environment through case studies and research. You will gain an insight into related sectors such as retailing, advertising, management, marketing, finance and human resources. As a result, this course will enable you to further develop your problem-solving, decision-making and other key skills. Advanced VCE Business provides an excellent pathway to progress to further or higher education, training or employment in a variety of career options. Design & Technology This course is exciting, challenging and enjoyable. You will have the freedom to express your own individuality and to gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to assist you in your future career. The course has both practical and theoretical elements you will need to keep up to date with current design and technology topics and during the latter part of the course, will work on a major project which will develop your awareness and understanding of technological changes and their effects upon society. Design & Technology is a good subject to study if you want a career in computer programming, electrical engineering and many other fields. Economics Economics is a stimulating and interesting subject. It provides an understanding of the workings of the economic system and activity and analyses problems facing Britain and other countries today. Topics covered in the course include inflation, unemployment and the way in which wages and prices are determined in the modern world as well as the theoretical arguments that underlie government policy. To study Economics, you must be able to think rationally and support your views through logical argument. Economics is an excellent foundation if you are contemplating a career in banking, insurance, accountancy or business management. Information Technology If you have enjoyed earlier work in this area and would welcome more theoretical knowledge and developing your software skills to an advanced level, this would be a good subject for you. You would learn about Information Systems and their use in organisations, and also about the management and manipulation of information in business and society. Coursework requires you to use information technology to solve problems which are of interest to you. An A level in Information Technology could give you entry to a degree in Computing or in industry as a trainee systems analyst. ......................................................................................... 
- All students are introduced to Visual and Performing Arts during Key Stage Three. They then have the opportunity to continue with one or two of these subjects as part of their GCSE programme.
A Level Studies Art and Design The syllabus is designed to allow freedom to express your ideas and creativity in a variety of media. You will work from observation as well as from secondary source material, the emphasis is on drawing and painting, but you will have the opportunity to work in textile and three-dimensional design. You will be expected to visit galleries, museums and exhibitions and to incorporate your knowledge and understanding of the subject into your practical work. Dance This is an interesting and exciting course that combines both the practical and theoretical aspects of dance. You will experience choreography, performance and appreciation as well as acquiring the knowledge and understanding of two genres and of the cultures from which they derive. You will need to demonstrate the practical skills of dance through performance and composition. Develop the skills for understanding notation the documentation of dance. Learn to interpret and evaluate dances and relate them to their historical and cultural contexts. Dance A level is an excellent foundation if you want to study the subject further or are studying a Combined Arts or Performing Arts course. It is also for those who enjoy dance but do not want to pursue it as a career. Drama and Theatre Studies If you are genuinely interested in the theatre, you will enjoy this course. Drama and Theatre Studies is an academic and demanding course which will extend your knowledge, understanding of theatre whilst also developing analytical skills. It will help you develop your acting, directing and design skills as you learn about a range of theatre styles, study a range of plays from a performance perspective and analyse live productions. An AS/A2 in this subject is not only for those who wish a career in the performing arts but for anyone who wants to impress a future university or employer of their communication skills both in practical and written form. ......................................................................................... 
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