Which course?

60%

of qualification

Component 1 - Personal Investigation

Self-directed project

Students develop a sustained personal investigation driven by their own creative interests - exploring themes across sculpture, model-making, set design, product design or other 3D disciplines. Documented through sketchbooks and experimental outcomes.

Portfolio - internally assessed, externally moderated

40%

of qualification

Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment

Set brief from AQA

Students respond to an externally set starting point with a period of preparation followed by a 15-hour supervised examination in which they realise a final piece.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

60%

of qualification

Component 1 - Personal Investigation (A Level)

Self-directed coursework

Students undertake visual research from primary and secondary sources, develop intentions through realisation of ideas and outcomes, and work with a range of materials, equipment and processes documented in an A3 sketchbook.

Portfolio - internally assessed, externally moderated

40%

of qualification

Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment (A Level)

Set brief from AQA

A period of preparation responding to an externally set starting point, culminating in a 15-hour supervised examination in which the final piece is realised.

15-hour supervised exam

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

37%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Biological Processes

Modules 1-4

Covers the development of practical skills in Biology, foundations in biology, exchange and transport, and biodiversity, evolution and disease.

Written exam - 2 hrs 15 mins

37%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Biological Diversity

Modules 1-6

Covers communication, homeostasis and energy, and genetics, evolution and ecosystems, alongside the practical skills and foundational biology from the first two papers.

Written exam - 2 hrs 15 mins

26%

of qualification

Paper 3 - Unified Biology

All modules

A synoptic paper drawing on all six modules. Students apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and analyse and evaluate experimental data.

★ Includes a Practical Endorsement recognised by universities

A stand-alone AS Level is available at the end of Year 12, covering Modules 1–4.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

External

of qualification

Unit 1 - Media Representations

Students study a range of media from different sectors - music videos, animation, news programmes, websites, digital games and print adverts - exploring how meaning, messages and values are constructed through formal and stylistic elements.

Externally assessed

Internal

of qualification

Unit 4 - Pre-production Portfolio

Students study the requirements of planning and delivering a 3D digital game, carrying out essential pre-production tasks and creating a pre-production portfolio.

Internally assessed

External

of qualification

Unit 8 - Responding to a Commission

Students consider the commissioning process and how media producers respond to a client brief, generating ideas using a range of professional skills.

Internal

of qualification

Unit 13 - Digital Games Production

Students learn about game genres and the principles of game design, then design and make a 3D digital game.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

40%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Computer Systems

Year 12 content

Advanced procedural programming, validation and error handling, data representation, binary mathematics and logic, Boolean algebra, application generation, and CPU architecture and assembly language programming.

Written exam

40%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Algorithms and Programming

Year 13 content

Data structures, advanced algorithms, legal and ethical implications, networks and communication methods, big data and functional programming, databases and SQL, and pre-release code exploration.

Written exam

20%

of qualification

Non-Exam Assessment - Programming Project

Both years

In Year 12, students analyse and research a problem and begin designing a solution. Over the summer and into Year 13, they implement, test and evaluate their solution. The project is a substantial piece of independent programming work.

NEA - assessed by OCR

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

50%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning

Questions set in a variety of real-world contexts. Some questions reference pre-release material provided in advance. Covers mathematical modelling, estimation, costing, risk and financial problem solving.

Written exam - pre-release material used

50%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Critical Maths and Statistical Problem Solving

Covers statistical problem solving and critical mathematical reasoning. Students are expected to select appropriate methods and develop fluency in applying GCSE mathematics to unfamiliar problems.

Written exam - pre-release material used

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

Internal

of qualification

Unit 1 - Changing Awareness of Crime

How crime is reported, perceived and measured. Students examine types of crime, unreported offending, media representations of crime and whether official data can be trusted. Students plan a campaign for change.

2-day controlled assessment

External

of qualification

Unit 2 - Criminological Theories

Theoretical sociologists of crime - how we define criminal behaviour, the difference between crime and deviance, and how theories are used by policy makers to reduce offending.

90-minute examination - 75 marks

Internal

of qualification

Unit 3 - Crime Scene to Courtroom

The roles of forensic experts, pathologists and crime scene investigators; techniques for identifying culprits; and the process from charge to Crown Prosecution Service.

External

of qualification

Unit 4 - Crime and Punishment

The effectiveness of social control in practice - why people obey the law, why and how we punish, and how effective criminal justice organisations are in tackling criminality.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

40%

of qualification

Component 1 - Devising

Original devised performance

Students devise an original performance piece inspired by a play extract and the work of a chosen theatre practitioner. The performance is supported by a written portfolio and performed to teachers before external moderation.

Practical performance + written portfolio

20%

of qualification

Component 2 - Text in Performance

Two scripted extracts

Students create two scripted performances - a group performance or design of one extract, and a monologue or duologue from a different text. Performed to an external examiner.

Practical performance - external examiner

40%

of qualification

Component 3 - Making Theatre

Two set plays

Students study and explore two set plays in depth, learning to analyse and evaluate live theatre. They demonstrate how they would realise the texts in performance - from both performer and designer perspectives - and show how a chosen theatre practitioner has influenced their production concept.

Written exam - 40% of qualification

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

35%

of qualification

Component 1 - Language Variation

Early Modern English to present day

The study of varieties of contemporary language and how language use varies in context - from Early Modern English to the present day. Students explore how language choices reflect the identity of the user.

Written exam

20%

of qualification

Component 2 - Child Language

Spoken language acquisition

The study of spoken language acquisition, theories of how children develop language, and how children learn to read and write.

Written exam

25%

of qualification

Component 3 - Investigating Language

Research investigation

Research into a particular field of language - Regional Variation in English, Global English, or Language and Gender/Journalism/Power. The subtopic is set by the exam board. Students investigate origins, features and changing attitudes.

Written exam

20%

of qualification

Component 4 - Crafting Language (Coursework)

Two writing assignments

Research into a selected genre followed by two writing assignments totalling 3,000 words, demonstrating skill as a writer in that genre, accompanied by a commentary reflecting on the work produced.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

30%

of qualification

Component 1 - Drama

A Streetcar Named Desire & Othello

Study of two plays alongside critical essays relating to tragedy. Students analyse dramatic language, structure and theatrical context, and engage with critical perspectives on both texts.

Written exam - 2 hrs 15 mins

20%

of qualification

Component 2 - Prose

Frankenstein & The Handmaid's Tale

Two prose texts studied together under the theme of Science and Society. Students write a comparative essay exploring how both authors construct meaning across the texts.

Written exam - 1 hr 15 mins (comparative essay)

30%

of qualification

Component 3 - Poetry

The Romantics + unseen contemporary poem

An in-depth study of Romantic poetry alongside the skills to respond to an unseen contemporary poem — comparing across time, form and voice.

Written exam - 2 hrs

20%

of qualification

Component 4 - Coursework

In Cold Blood + a text of your choice

An extended comparative essay of 2,500–3,000 words, independently researched and written. Students choose a second text to place in dialogue with Capote's non-fiction novel.

Internally assessed, externally moderated

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

40%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Listening, Reading and Translation

All topics

A 2-hour 30-minute examination testing listening comprehension, reading comprehension and translation into English.

Written exam - 2 hrs 30 mins

30%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Written Response to Works and Translation

Set book or film

A 2-hour written examination assessing the study of a set book or film. Students write analytically and translate a passage from English into French.

Written exam - 2 hrs

30%

of qualification

Paper 3 - Speaking

Topics + independent research project

An oral examination assessing discussion of contemporary topics and an independent research project chosen by the student.

Oral examination

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

25%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Further Pure Mathematics 1

Core further pure content including complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and proof.

1 hr 30 mins - 75 marks

25%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Further Pure Mathematics 2

Extension of further pure mathematics including differential equations, polar coordinates and further calculus.

1 hr 30 mins - 75 marks

25%

of qualification

Paper 3 - Further Maths Option 1

One from: Further Pure Mathematics, Further Statistics, Further Mechanics, or Decision Mathematics.

1 hr 30 mins - 75 marks

25%

of qualification

Paper 4 - Further Maths Option 2

One from: Further Pure Mathematics, Further Statistics, Further Mechanics, or Decision Mathematics.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

30%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Dynamic Landscapes

Areas of Study 1 & 3

Tectonic processes and hazards; coastal landscapes; the water cycle and water insecurity; the carbon cycle and energy insecurity.

Written exam - 2 hrs 15 mins (June)

30%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Dynamic Places

Areas of Study 2 & 4

Globalisation; regenerating places; superpowers; migration, identity and sovereignty.

Written exam - 2 hrs 15 mins (June)

20%

of qualification

Paper 3 - Synoptic Investigation

All areas of study

A synoptic investigation of a geographical issue drawing on knowledge across the whole course.

Written exam - 2 hrs 15 mins (June)

20%

of qualification

Independent Investigation (Non-Examined)

Student-chosen topic

Students plan and carry out an independent geographical investigation, collecting their own primary data and producing a written report.

Non-examined assessment (NEA)

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

40%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Listening, Reading and Translation

All topics

A 2-hour 30-minute examination testing listening comprehension, reading comprehension and translation into English.

Written exam - 2 hrs 30 mins

30%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Written Response to Works and Translation

Set book or film

A 2-hour written examination assessing the study of a set book or film, including analysis and translation from English into German.

Written exam - 2 hrs

30%

of qualification

Paper 3 - Speaking

Topics + independent research project

An oral examination assessing discussion of contemporary topics and an independent research project chosen by the student.

Oral examination

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

33%

of qualification

Component 1 - Government and Politics of the UK

The Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Judiciary, Devolution, Democracy and Participation, Elections and Referendums, Political Parties, Pressure Groups and the European Union.

Written exam - 2 hrs (77 marks)

33%

of qualification

Component 2 - Government of the USA and Comparative Politics

The US Constitution, Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, Electoral Process and Direct Democracy, Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Civil Rights — studied comparatively with the UK.

Written exam - 2 hrs (77 marks)

33%

of qualification

Component 3 - Political Ideas

Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism in depth, plus one optional ideology from Nationalism, Feminism, Multiculturalism, Anarchism or Ecologism.

Written exam - 2 hrs (77 marks)

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

25%

of qualification

Unit 1 - British Period Study and Enquiry

England 1485-1558: The Early Tudors

In-depth study of the Early Tudor period, including an enquiry topic focused on the Mid-Tudor crisis 1547–1558.

Written exam - 1 hr 30 mins

15%

of qualification

Unit 2 - Non-British Period Study

The Unification of Italy 1789-1896

A study of Italian unification - the political, military and ideological forces that shaped the making of the Italian state.

Written exam - 1 hr

40%

of qualification

Unit 3 - Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations

Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992

A thematic study examining the long struggle for civil rights across more than a century, alongside engagement with historiographical debate and interpretations.

Written exam - 2 hrs 30 mins

20%

of qualification

Unit 4 - Coursework

Student-chosen topic

An independently researched and written essay of 3,000-4,000 words on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with their teacher.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

External

of qualification

Unit 7 - Health Science (Year 12)

Students develop knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning health and social care practice.

Externally assessed

Internal

of qualification

Unit 1 - Human Lifespan and Development (Year 12)

How individuals grow and develop across all life stages - physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, and the factors that influence it.

Internally assessed

External

of qualification

Unit 3 - Principles of Health and Social Care Practice (Year 13)

The values and principles that underpin effective practice in health and social care settings.

Externally assessed

Internal

of qualification

Unit 5 - Promoting Health Education (Year 13)

How health education campaigns are designed and evaluated to improve public health outcomes.

Internally assessed

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

External

of qualification

Unit 1 - Human Lifespan Development (Year 12)

Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across all life stages, and the factors that influence it. Externally assessed.

Written exam

Internal

of qualification

Unit 5 - Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs (Year 12)

How care professionals identify and meet the needs of individuals across different settings.

Internally assessed

Internal

of qualification

Unit 7 - Principles of Safe Practice (Year 12)

Safeguarding, health and safety, risk management and the principles of safe professional practice in health and social care.

Internally assessed

Internal

of qualification

Unit 8 - Promoting Public Health (Year 12)

Public health strategies, health promotion campaigns and the factors affecting health and wellbeing at a population level.

Internally assessed

External

of qualification

Unit 2 - Working in Health and Social Care (Year 13)

The roles and responsibilities of professionals working in health and social care settings. Externally assessed.

External

of qualification

Unit 4 - Enquiries into Current Research (Year 13)

How to critically evaluate and apply current research to health and social care practice. Externally assessed.

Internal

of qualification

Unit 12 - Supporting People with Additional Needs (Year 13)

How health and social care services support people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities.

Internal

of qualification

Unit 14 - Physiological Disorders and their Care (Year 13)

Common physiological disorders, their causes, symptoms and the care provided in health settings.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

External

of qualification

Unit 1 - Information Technology Systems (Year 12)

Core IT concepts - hardware, software, networks, data, emerging technologies, and the ethical and legal issues shaping IT use today.

Written exam

Internal

of qualification

Unit 3 - Website Development (Year 12)

Students design, build and test an interactive website that meets client requirements - developing technical and project management skills.

Coursework project

External

of qualification

Unit 2 - Cyber Security and Incident Management (Year 13)

Security threats, encryption methods, incident response procedures, and the impact of legislation and regulation on cybersecurity practice.

Written exam

Internal

of qualification

Unit 4 - Relational Database Development (Year 13)

Students design, build and manage a relational database to meet a real-world business need - developing advanced problem-solving and data management skills.

Coursework project

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

33%

of qualification

Component 1 - Year 1 Content

Legal system, tort and criminal law

The nature of law and the English Legal System - how law is made. Law of Tort: duty of care and damage. Criminal Law: elements of liability and offences against the person.

Written exam - 2 hrs (June)

33%

of qualification

Component 2 - Year 2 Content (Tort and Criminal)

Theory and advanced application

Nature of Law: how law plays a part in society, moral views and achieving justice. Law of Tort: nuisance and defences. Criminal Law: theory, fatal offences and property offences.

Written exam - 2 hrs (June)

33%

of qualification

Component 3 - Year 2 Content (Human Rights)

Human rights law

Rules and theory in Human Rights law, including the history and operation of the European Court of Human Rights.

Written exam - 2 hrs (June)

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

33%

of qualification

Paper 1 - Pure Mathematics 1

A Level pure content including algebra, functions, coordinate geometry, sequences, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration and vectors.

Written exam - 2 hrs (100 marks)

33%

of qualification

Paper 2 - Pure Mathematics 2

Further pure content building on Paper 1, including proof, further calculus, further trigonometry and differential equations.

Written exam - 2 hrs (100 marks)

33%

of qualification

Paper 3 - Statistics and Mechanics

A compulsory applied component covering statistics (data analysis, probability, hypothesis testing) and mechanics (kinematics, forces, Newton's laws, moments).

Written exam - 2 hrs (50 marks stats + 50 marks mechanics)

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

35%

of qualification

Component 1 - Media Products, Industries and Audiences

Set products across media forms

Students study a range of contemporary and pre-1970 media products across television, film, radio, magazines, advertising, music video and video games. Theories studied include structuralism, postmodernism, and postcolonialism.

Written exam - 35% of final grade

35%

of qualification

Component 2 - Media Forms and Products in Depth

Set products including non-English language

In-depth study of selected media products, including at least one produced for a non-English speaking audience and at least one from outside the commercial mainstream. Cultural, social and historical significance is examined.

Written exam - 35% of final grade

30%

of qualification

Non-Exam Assessment - Media Production

Original media product

Students produce an original media product in response to a set brief, demonstrating understanding of media language, representation and audience targeting.

NEA coursework - 30% of final grade

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

30%

of qualification

Component 1 - Physiological Factors Affecting Performance

Anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics - how the body works under the demands of sport and physical activity.

Written exam - 2 hrs

20%

of qualification

Component 2 - Psychological Factors Affecting Performance

Skill acquisition and sport psychology - how athletes learn, develop and optimise performance through mental strategies and coaching.

Written exam - 1 hr

20%

of qualification

Component 3 - Socio-Cultural and Contemporary Issues in Sport

Sport, society and technological influences - how sport reflects and shapes culture, and the contemporary issues facing sport today.

Written exam - 1 hr

30%

of qualification

Component 4 - Performance in Physical Education

Chosen sport or activity

Part 1: Performance or coaching in a chosen sport or physical activity. Part 2: Analysis and evaluation of performance with recommendations for improvement.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

Internal

of qualification

Investigating Practitioners' Work

Both qualifications

Students investigate and analyse the work of key performing arts practitioners, building knowledge of performance styles, techniques and traditions.

Internally assessed

Internal/external

of qualification

Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

Both qualifications

Developing acting, dance and singing skills in the context of musical theatre performance - assessed through practical performance work.

Performance assessment

External

of qualification

Group Performance Workshop

Both qualifications

Students devise and perform a group workshop piece, demonstrating collaborative creative skills and performance technique.

External assessment

Internal (diploma only)

of qualification

Additional Diploma Units

Diploma only

Performing arts in the community, individual performance commission and a final live performance to an audience - for students studying the full Diploma.

Internally assessed

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

60%

of qualification

Component 1 - Personal Investigation (A Level)

Self-directed coursework

Students undertake visual research from primary and secondary sources, develop intentions through exploration and experimentation, and work with a range of photographic and mixed media techniques.

Portfolio - internally assessed, externally moderated

40%

of qualification

Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment (A Level)

Set brief from AQA

A period of preparation responding to an externally set starting point, culminating in a 15-hour supervised examination.

15-hour supervised exam

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

34%

of qualification

Paper 1

Sections 1–5 of core content

Measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, and electricity.

Written exam - 2 hrs

34%

of qualification

Paper 2

Sections 6–8 plus earlier content

Further mechanics and thermal physics, fields and their consequences, and nuclear physics - alongside earlier content.

Written exam - 2 hrs

32%

of qualification

Paper 3

All content including option topic

Practical skills and data analysis, plus the optional topic studied - Astrophysics. Questions draw on knowledge from across the whole course.

★ Includes a Practical Endorsement recognised by universities

A stand-alone AS Level is available at the end of Year 12, covering sections 1–5.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

30%

of qualification

Component 1 - Research Methods

How psychological research is planned, conducted, analysed and reported - covering experimental and non-experimental methodologies. Students develop skills in interpreting and critically assessing scientific data.

Written exam - 2 hrs

35%

of qualification

Component 2 - Psychological Themes Through Core Studies

Central areas of psychological investigation, each explored through a classic and a contemporary study. Students examine key themes in cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology.

Written exam - 2 hrs

35%

of qualification

Component 3 - Applied Psychology

Mental health + Child and Criminal Psychology

A compulsory section on issues in mental health, plus optional units in Child Psychology and Criminal Psychology. Methodological issues and debates run throughout - including nature/nurture, free will/determinism and ethics.

Written exam - 2 hrs

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

33%

of qualification

Study 1 - Philosophy of Religion

Arguments about the existence of God, the nature and impact of religious experience, and the challenges for religious belief posed by the problem of evil.

Written exam - 2 hrs

33%

of qualification

Study 2 - Religion and Ethics

A range of ethical theories including natural law, situation ethics and utilitarianism - applied to contemporary issues such as abortion, sexuality and nuclear war.

Written exam - 2 hrs

33%

of qualification

Study 3 - Christianity

Key beliefs, values and teachings of Christianity, alongside questions about the gender of God, the relationship between science and religion, and the challenges of Christian migration to the UK.

Written exam - 2 hrs

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

External (exam)

of qualification

Unit 1 - Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport (Year 12)

The anatomical and physiological principles underpinning sport and physical activity - bones, muscles, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and their role in performance.

Written exam

External (written task)

of qualification

Unit 2 - Fitness Training (Year 12)

Principles of fitness training, components of fitness, training methods and programme design.

Examined written task

Internal 

of qualification

Unit 3 - Professional Development (Year 12)

Personal development, career pathways and professional behaviour in sport and the leisure industry.

Internally assessed

Internal 

of qualification

Unit 4 - Sports Leadership (Year 12)

The skills, qualities and responsibilities of effective sports leaders - planning and delivering sports sessions.

External 

of qualification

Unit 22 - Investigating Business in Sport (Year 13)

How sport businesses operate - marketing, finance, management and the commercial context of the sport and leisure industry.

Internal 

of qualification

Unit 23 - Skill Acquisition in Sport (Year 13)

How sports skills are learned, developed and refined - motor learning, feedback and practice methods.

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements

External

of qualification

Unit 1 - The World of Travel and Tourism (Year 12)

An introduction to the travel and tourism industry - its structure, key organisations, trends and the factors shaping it. Externally assessed.

Written exam

Internal

of qualification

Unit 3 - Principles of Marketing in Travel and Tourism (Year 12)

How marketing principles are applied in the travel and tourism industry - targeting customers, promotional methods and marketing campaigns.

Internally assessed

External 

of qualification

Unit 2 - Global Destinations (Year 13)

An in-depth study of global tourist destinations - their appeal, facilities and the factors affecting visitor numbers. Externally assessed.

Written exam

External 

of qualification

Unit 9 - Visitor Attractions (Year 13)

The role and management of visitor attractions in the tourism industry, including natural, heritage and purpose-built attractions. Externally assessed.

Written exam

Where can it take you?

Entry requirements