Subject Options

Course Introduction

Many students choose three creative subjects Art, Graphic Design and Photography and apply directly to universities, bypassing the Foundation Diploma course.

Our students have graduated from reputable universities including Chelsea, Central St Martins, Edinburgh, Glasgow School of Art, Leeds, Newcastle and Norwich.

The course is orientated towards Fine Art, however, within this main area of study candidates will be given the opportunity to pursue different specialisms such as printmaking, painting and drawing, 3-dimensional design, sculpture and photography. You will also digitally manipulate imagery using Adobe Creative Suite.

Course Content and Methodology

The two-year course represents a gradual progression, starting with a highly taught focus in the first year and transitioning to individual and student-centred work in the later part of the course.

In previous years, students have enjoyed international residential study trips in cities such as Florence, Venice and Paris.

Students on the programme can benefit from our purpose-built art studio, housed on the top floor of the Prior building, which provides stunning views across the city to inspire our artists.

Students can also have their work showcased in the Harper Building throughout the year and at end of year exhibitions. Parents are often invited to view our A-Level art exhibitions.

The nature of Art and Design requires you to start with a genuine interest in the subject and a high degree of self-motivation. A large amount of the work for assessment is completed outside the timetable structure. You must be keen, highly motivated and be able to work on extended research assignments. If you have an aptitude for the subject and if you are creative, you have the basic skills to succeed, but hard work and determination are the keys to success. Students who have not done the subject at GCSE can still access the course. Students should have an aptitude and flair for the subject, as well as demonstrate the basic skills to succeed. However, hard work, commitment and determination are the key to success in this dynamic and exciting subject.

Assessment

60% of total A-Level Candidates should produce two elements: A portfolio of practical work showing your personal responses, a brief scenario or stimulus devised and provided by the candidate or centre (96 out of 120 marks). A related study is a written component with a guided minimum of 1,000 words supported with practical evidence. (24 out of 120 marks) This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

40% of the total A-Level

The early release paper is issued on 1 February and will provide you with several themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. From these, you must select one upon which to base a response.

Externally set task (80 marks) 15 hours.

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Course Introduction

Biology is an excellent choice for students who are curious about the natural world and want to understand how scientific discoveries impact health, society, and the environment. It complements subjects such as Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, and Physical Education, providing a strong foundation for further study.

A Level Biology opens the door to a wide range of rewarding careers, including medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, biomedical science, genetics, biotechnology, pharmacology, conservation, environmental science, agriculture, teaching, and scientific research. The analytical, practical, and investigative skills developed throughout the course are highly valued by universities and employers alike, making Biology an excellent preparation for both higher education and future employment

Course Content and Methodology

A Level Biology is an engaging and challenging course that develops students’ understanding of living organisms and the processes that sustain life. The OCR A specification covers a wide range of topics including cell biology, biological molecules, genetics, biodiversity, evolution, disease, transport systems, communication and homeostasis, ecosystems, photosynthesis, respiration, and biotechnology.

Students will also develop practical laboratory skills through a series of required practical activities, learning how to plan investigations, analyse data, and evaluate scientific evidence. The course encourages critical thinking, problem solving, mathematical application, and the ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively.

Course Introduction

Chemistry is often described as the “central science” because it connects the physical sciences with the life sciences. It is an ideal subject for students who enjoy problem-solving, practical work, and developing a deeper understanding of how matter behaves at a molecular level. The course complements subjects such as Biology, Mathematics, Physics, and Geography, while developing analytical, mathematical, and investigative skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

A Level Chemistry provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of degree courses and careers, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, chemical engineering, forensic science, environmental science, biochemistry, toxicology, materials science, and scientific research. It is also highly respected by employers because of the logical thinking, numerical skills, and practical expertise students gain throughout the course. For many competitive university courses, Chemistry is considered one of the most valuable and versatile A Level qualifications.

Course Content and Methodology

A Level Chemistry is a challenging and rewarding course that explores the substances that make up our world and the reactions that drive natural and industrial processes. The OCR A specification covers a broad range of topics including atomic structure, chemical bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, acids and redox reactions, the periodic table, transition metals, organic chemistry, analytical techniques, and modern chemical synthesis.

Students develop practical laboratory skills through a programme of required practical investigations, enabling them to design experiments, analyse data, evaluate evidence, and apply scientific methods to real-world problems.

Course Introduction

Computer Science is a creative subject where you can use your problem-solving skills to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.

The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Students who study A-Level Computer Science may go on to study at degree level, or any related science or engineering discipline. The course also opens up many career possibilities.

In the United Kingdom alone, the application of technology helps drive our entire economy. Careers in the following areas are all becoming increasingly dependent on the application of technology:

• Health
• Education
• Environment
• Security and National Defence
• Research and Development
• Manufacturing
• Tourism and Transport
• Entertainment

The application of IT and Computing is vital for enabling the solutions to issues facing us nationally and internationally. Everyday issues such as:

• Climate change and energy
• Global economic issues
• Investment and research in technologies
• Ever-changing employment demands
• Changing demands of a modern education system
• Health
• Cyber threats
• An ageing population

Course Content and Methodology

A-Level Computer Science helps you understand the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. The A-Level will develop your technical understanding and ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking.

The course is made up of three components:

• Computer Systems. The internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.
• Algorithms and programming. Using computational thinking to solve problems.
• Programming project. You will be expected to analyse a problem, then design, develop, test, evaluate and document a computational solution. The programme itself must be written in a suitable programming language.

Course Requirements

Ideally, you will have studied GCSE Computing, but it’s not essential. Please speak to Mr Brown about the recommended background work if this is the case. Some knowledge of a programming language would be useful, but a full introduction to the Python programming language will be given.

You should have a curiosity about how things work, an enthusiasm for problem-solving and a willingness to be creative in your thinking.

Exam Board: OCR. Course code: H446

Assessment is by examination (80 %) and coursework (20 %).

• Exam 1: Computer Systems, -2h 30 minutes. 40 % marks.
• Exam 2: Algorithms and programming,-2h 30 minutes. 40 % marks.
• Coursework: Programming project, 20 % marks.

Course Introduction

We aim to help students consider the social implications of crime and criminality, including government policies and police initiatives, using empathy and informed judgment. Students will acquire academic skills such as independent research, report writing, analytical and evaluative skills. They will be expected to apply these skills to review the validity of theories and research evidence.

We aim to help students develop an objective and comprehensive vocabulary in order to discuss sensitive issues concisely and precisely in written reports and spoken debates. Practical skills include creativity, planning and organisation.

We help students develop an understanding of how theoretical concepts apply in the real world of the police investigation and courtroom by looking at real-life examples and cases.

We will give students an insight into career options within the criminal justice, social and probation work and within the police force.

This is an Applied General qualification, designed primarily to support learners progressing to university or into higher-level apprenticeships.

Course Content and Methodology

The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is equivalent to one A-level and consists of four mandatory units.

• Changing Awareness of Crime (internally assessed)
• Criminology Theories (externally assessed)
• Crime Scene to Courtroom (internally assessed)
• Crime and Punishment (externally assessed)

Assessment will be through internally marked controlled assessments and external examinations. The weightings for assessment are 50% external, 50% internal. Students can achieve grades A – E on each unit. The final grade is an aggregate of all the unit grades to give an overall grade of A* - E.

Course Introduction

A-Level Drama and Theatre studies will challenge and stretch you, both physically and intellectually, but it will also be hugely fulfilling and rewarding - and fun. You will develop skills in collaboration, writing concisely and in detail, communication, analysis and research, in addition to experiencing the roles of actor, designer, director and theatre critic.

You will become more confident and secure in the creative process, and will be able to explore your own particular areas of interest.

Past Drama students have gone on to a huge variety of degree courses and careers; many find they excel due to the skills they have honed, which give them confidence, and a breadth of experience.

We have a very strong record of Drama students going on to Russell Group Universities, Conservatoires, and Oxbridge. Drama students have gone to RADA and Bristol Old Vic to study a course in Acting and also in Production Arts.

The course consists of three components. One of these will be examined in Year 12; the others in Year 13. All components link, and the skills you explore and develop will complement each other.

As part of the course, students may visit the theatre throughout the year. Recent trips have included The Lovely Bones, Theatre Royal (Nottingham), Antony and Cleopatra, National Theatre (London), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Bridge Theatre (London). We also have access to the Dramaonlinelibrary, offering hundreds of filmed productions from the Globe, National, Young Vic, Donmar and Old Vic Theatres.

Component 1:

Devising 9DR0/01

Coursework:

• 40% of A-Level
• 80 marks

You will devise an original piece of Drama, using one key extract from a text and one practitioner as a stimulus. You may act as performer or designer. Assessment is internal. Marks are awarded for your portfolio (60 marks) and the practical devising (20 marks).

Component 2:

Text In Performance 9DR0 /02

Coursework:

• 20% of A-Level
• 60 marks

You will perform or design for a monologue/duologue and a group piece, of two key extracts from two different performance texts. Assessment is external. Marks are awarded separately for the group piece (36 marks) and for the mono/duo (24 marks).

Component 3:

Theatre Makers in Practice 9DR0/03

Coursework:

• 40% of A-Level
• 80 marks

You will answer questions on:

Section A: One question on a live theatre production. You may bring in 500 words of notes.

Section B: Two questions on a set text, focusing on how this might be realised in performance. The extract is provided.

Section C: One question on a second set text, focusing on your own ideas for a production in the perspective of a practitioner. You may take a copy of the text. The exam is marked externally. Marks are awarded as follows:

Section A: 20 marks Section B: 36 marks Section C: 24 marks.

Course Introduction

You will study different theories and models put forward by economists to explain why and how people and governments should behave within markets. The concepts can be applied to all human actions and so the subject itself can complement any field of study.

As economics students, you will learn to use a variety of numerical, graphical and investigative methods to understand the individual, national and global situations facing us today.

Economics is a very well-respected academic A-Level subject and will provide you with an excellent grounding for further studies, as well as any Business/Management/ International Studies.

Course Content and Methodology

You will be able to apply this knowledge to explain the relationships between demand and supply. You will also explore macroeconomic theories that attempt to explain how the whole economy works. You will study these economic concepts within the context of recent and current economic behaviour.

Students can benefit from the team’s industry links in the form of expert speakers, visits and work placement opportunities.

In particular, our Economics students often visit the University of Lincoln to gain hands-on experience with their Bloomberg Terminal - a key piece of equipment in the business and economics industry.

There are no specific requirements to have studied Economics at GCSE. However, an interest in the economic climate around you is key. An ability to communicate effectively and be numerate is also essential, so a minimum of grade six in English and Mathematics at GCSE is required.

Exam Board: AQA 7136

Assessment is an examination in all units. All three examinations will be taken at the end of the two years. Papers 1 and 2 have a mixture of data response and essay questions. Paper 3 has 30 multiple-choice questions and questions based on a case study. The maximum mark for each paper is 80.

Paper 1: Markets and market failure.

Paper 2: National and international markets.

Paper 3: Economic principles and issues.

Course Introduction

Former English students go on to careers in publishing, marketing and communication, government and public services, law, higher education, financial services, education, and arts and heritage, to name but a few.

Most importantly, studying English will give you the opportunity to engage with seminal works of literature that have had a profound impact on readers through generations. Through engagement with a wide range of poetry, prose and drama, you will think analytically, evaluatively and critically; learn to develop an argument and to express yourself fluently and eloquently, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Many English Literature A-Level students are struck by the breadth of literature they encounter compared to GCSE study, from Shakespeare to post-war American drama and contemporary poetry. At the heart of this syllabus is a consideration of how literature both reflects and influences the age in which it is written.

Classes are exciting and collaborative and led by subject specialists who have an intricate knowledge of the texts they teach. If you walk into an A-Level English lesson, you may see students listening intently to a lecture, or they may be animatedly debating interpretations of a poem. Discussion is a regular part of lessons, and the smaller class sizes are similar to seminar groups at university.

We ensure that students see productions of texts we are studying (or that are interesting and relevant) whenever possible. We are looking to expand the range of trips we offer in the coming years, including a potential international visit.

Students of A-Level English Literature need to enjoy reading. To really engage with the ideas and texts studied, a Grade 6 in English Literature at GCSE level is desirable.


Paper 1: Love through the Ages - 3 hours, 40 % of A-Level

This paper involves the study of one Shakespeare play, one poetry anthology and one prose text. Some of the texts that might be studied include Shakespeare’s Othello, F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and Ian McEwan’s Atonement. Students also prepare for an unseen comparison of two poems.

Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts - 2 Hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-Level

This paper involves the study of three texts: one prose, one poetry and one drama. Examples of texts that might be studied include Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and Owen Sheers’ poetry collection Skirrid Hill. Students also prepare for a question on an unseen prose extract.

Non-Exam Assessment - (coursework) -20% of A-Level

Students produce a scholarly essay comparing two texts, informed by different interpretations and an understanding of contexts.

Course Introduction

This is probably the most challenging qualification, which both extends and deepens your knowledge and understanding beyond the standard A-Level Mathematics. Students who do it often say it is their favourite subject, but you do have to dedicate a lot of extra time to your studies.

Further Mathematics qualifications are highly regarded and are warmly welcomed by universities. Students who take Further Mathematics are really demonstrating a strong commitment to their studies, as well as learning mathematics that is very useful for any mathematically rich degree.

Some prestigious university courses require you to have a Further Mathematics qualification and others may adjust their grade requirements more favourably to students with Further Mathematics. If you are planning to take a degree such as Engineering, Sciences, Computing, Finance/Economics, etc., or perhaps Mathematics itself, you will benefit enormously from taking Further Mathematics, at least to AS-Level.

Further Mathematics introduces new topics such as matrices and complex numbers that are vital in many STEM degrees. Students who have studied Further Mathematics find the transition to STEM degrees much easier because many of the topics studied in the first year of university have already been covered.

Course Content and Methodology

Core Further Pure Mathematics 1 and 2 Proof; Complex numbers; Matrices; Further algebra and functions; Further calculus; Further vectors; Polar coordinates; Hyperbolic functions; Differential equations.

Further Statistics 1 content

Discrete probability distributions; Poisson & binomial distributions; Geometric and negative binomial distributions; Hypothesis Testing and quality of tests; Central Limit Theorem; Chi-Squared Tests; Probability generating functions

Further Pure Mathematics 3 content

Further Trigonometry; Further Calculus; Further differential equations; Coordinate systems; Further Vectors; Further numerical methods; Inequalities.

A plethora of extra resources is available on all of the topics and tutorials are always available whenever they are required.

Exam Board: EDEXCEL A-Level Further Mathematics 9FM0

4 written examinations of 1 hour 30 minutes on Further Core Pure Mathematics 1, 2 and 3 and Statistics 1

New insights are afforded by topics as varied as the hydrological cycle, population change and the ever-changing topics of migration and climate change.

Geographers are both literate and numerate, having the ability to analyse concepts from a scientific, human, physical or environmental viewpoint. Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject and is a highly regarded A-Level by Universities.

Physical Geography tends to be a concrete factual subject, whereas Human Geography gives scope for discussion, argument and even disagreement! The study of both human and physical geography as part of the new A-Level produces rounded, analytical and sought-after students.

External speakers are invited to speak with our A-Level students; speakers in the past have included the Geographical Association and the Environment Agency.

There is no compulsory fieldwork required for this specification; however, we understand the value and enjoyment that fieldwork provides in Geography. Therefore, LMS students are offered the opportunity to participate in an international residential visit during their A-Level to further enhance their understanding of the topics studied in class. Past destinations have included Iceland, The Azores, Naples, and the Lake District.

Course Content and Methodology

1. Core physical
1. Hydrology, river processes and hazards
2. Atmospheric processes and global climate change
3. Earth processes and mass movements
    
2. Core human
1. Population and migration
2. Water resources and management
3. Urban areas and management
    
3. Advanced physical
1. Coastal environments
2. Hazardous environments
    
4. Advanced human
1. Trade, aid and tourism
2. Disease and geography

Lessons are taught in mixed ability groups and include a variety of teacher led, personal investigation and group work tasks.

Individual and student presentations form part of the experience as well as a number of ‘hands on’ modelling activities including fieldwork equipment, modelling clay and creative lessons.

GCSE Geography (at 6 or above) is most preferable. Students should have a passion for knowledge and will need to invest a minimum of 3 hours a week for reading, personal investigation and homework. Students must have good use of the English language (reading, writing and speaking) for the 100% written assessment.

Exam board: CIE. Course code: 9696

The assessment consists of four examinations. Students will need to use both English and Mathematical skills in order to interpret and analyse data, draw judgements, justify, conclude and evaluate. Extended 15 and 20-mark questions are required in essay-style answers.

Paper 1: Core physical - 1 hour 30 mins, 60 marks, 25% of A-Level

Paper 2: Core human - 1 hour 30 mins, 60 marks, 25% of A-Level

Paper 3: Advanced physical - 1 hour 30 mins, 60 marks, 25% of A-Level

Paper 4: Advanced human - 1 hour 30 mins, 60 marks, 25% of A-Level

Course Introduction

The course builds on different practical creative units underpinned with independent research and analysis to develop your design practice and creative critical awareness; this will allow you to embark upon the personal investigation exploring an area of personal interest. You will respond practically to a variety of design briefs using both traditional media and industry standard software package Adobe Creative Suite; mainly Photoshop for text and image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics and After Effects for moving image.

The course covers different set modules, carefully structured around brand design, advertising and visual storytelling, to build an awareness of how graphic design and illustration are used to convey and sell a message, theme or idea, with a purpose. For the critically minded, there is a Graphic Conscience module that encourages a more active engagement in different socio-politico-economic topics of your own choice.

Course Content and Methodology

The A-Level Graphics course explores the design process of question-answer by training students to respond to practical briefs and visual storytelling through still and moving imagery.

Good ICT skills are advantageous but not essential. An inquisitive mind and enthusiasm for the subject are recommended, in conjunction with good organisational skills and a desire to succeed.

The nature of Art and Design requires students with a genuine interest in the subject and a high degree of self-motivation. A large amount of the work for assessment is completed outside the timetable structure.

If you have an aptitude for the subject and if you are creative, you have the basic skills to succeed, but hard work and determination is the key to success.

Students who have not done the subject at GCSE, can still access the course. Students should have an aptitude and flair for the subject, as well as demonstrate the basic skills to succeed. However, hard work, commitment and determination are the key to success in this dynamic and exciting subject.

Exam Board OCR Assessment A-Level Components H602/01

Component 1:

Personal investigation 60% of the total A-Level

Candidates should produce two elements:

1. A portfolio of practical work showing your personal responses, a brief scenario or stimulus devised and provided by the candidate or centre (96 out of 120 marks)

2. A related study is a written component with a guided minimum of 1,000 words supported with practical evidence. (24 out of 120 marks)

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Component 2: Externally set task

40% of the total A-Level

The early release paper is issued on 1 February and will provide you with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. From these, you must select one upon which to base a response.

Externally set task (80 marks) 15 hours

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated

Course Introduction

The course requires you to investigate and make comparisons which, in turn, will help you understand, engage with and respond to events in the world around us today.

History will also help you develop many important skills such as using evidence, analysing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments and making supported judgements. These skills are important in law, accounting, business and management generally where decisions have to be investigated, weighed up and justified.

History works well with a wide range of subject areas including social sciences, business, humanities and English. It is also useful if you are thinking of studying medicine or sciences at university: such students have been some of our most successful candidates. It is, of course, a great A-Level for progression into a variety of university courses (for example History, English, Law and Economics) but is by no means restricted to these courses. Indeed, universities and employers greatly respect students taking History as its analytical and writing skills are invaluable in any field.

Course Content and Methodology

We focus on political and social revolution to build a picture of crucial developments in early modern and modern world history. Topic areas are:

• Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702;
• France in Revolution, 1774–1815;
• A free-choice topic for the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), allowing students to investigate an area of history that particularly interests them.

The department uses a wide variety of helpful resources including textbooks, video resources and some internet sites. We do, however, also delve into original source material such as diaries, letters, pictures, posters to name but a few. With the expertise of our staff, as well as our enthralling academic library, you will be well supported to be as successful as you can be in both the examinations and coursework.

Course Requirements

There are no specific requirements in terms of GCSE qualifications but the course does require extensive reading and extended writing both for notes and essays. Dedicated and determined students have successfully taken History without having studied it at GCSE.

Assessment

Exam Board: AQA. Course code: 7042DH

Assessment is by examination (80%) and coursework (20%). Exam questions include essays using concepts such as significance, causation and change and continuity; other questions focus on historians' interpretations and contemporary sources. In general you are required to analyse and evaluate evidence and make supported judgements.

Exam 1:

Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702 -2h 30 minutes. 40% marks.

Exam 2:

France in Revolution, 1774–1815 -2h 30 minutes. 40% marks.

Coursework:

A free-choice topic for the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), allowing students to investigate an area of history that particularly interests them.

Course Introduction

Mathematics forms the basis of many fields of study in Engineering and the Physical Sciences, and is therefore a prerequisite for further development in these areas. Moreover, recent trends have seen the applicability of Mathematics expand way beyond these traditional fields.

The subject is increasingly used to solve complex problems of Management and Finance, particularly in industry, and also for research in Economics, Geography and the Biological Sciences.

Course Content and Methodology

Written examinations on Pure Mathematics: 2 hours 66.66% of the qualification.

Content of Pure Mathematics Topics (Overview):

• Proof
• Algebra and functions
• Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane
• Sequences and series
• Trigonometry
• Exponentials and logarithms
• Differentiation
• Integration
• Vectors

Written examination on Applied Mathematics: 2 hours 33.33% of the qualification.

Content of Applied Mathematics (Overview)

Section A: Statistics

• Topic 1 – Statistical sampling
• Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation
• Topic 3 – Probability
• Topic 4 – Statistical distributions
• Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing

Section B: Mechanics

• Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics
• Topic 7 – Kinematics
• Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws

A plethora of extra resources are available on all of the topics and tutorials are always available whenever they are required.

Many students find the step from GCSE or IGCSE to A-Level difficult; the experience of most students is that the subject becomes harder but a lot more interesting and rewarding. Hence since, Mathematics in the Sixth Form is such a challenging subject, the minimum requirement is a grade 7 (A) in GCSE or IGCSE Mathematics.

3 written examinations, each 2 hours long and worth 33.33% of the qualification.

Course Introduction

As a very varied discipline, Music A-Level is recognised both as a rigorous academic subject and as an excellent preparation for Higher Education courses, and is highly regarded in Russell Group Universities. Music A-Level fits well with all other Arts and Science subjects and it teaches many transferable skills: confidence in performance and at interview, self-discipline in individual practice, teamwork in ensemble-playing, music technology, essay writing, analysis and many more.

The Eduqas course allows students to study Music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject, covering a wide range of styles of music, including classical, jazz and pop. The course encourages musicians from all backgrounds to develop as performers and composers. The course is split into three components: performing, composing and appraising.

Course Requirements

This two-year course is open to all students. The best foundation for success in A-Level Music is a good grade at GCSE but this is not crucial. The ability to play one or more instruments to at least grade 5 and an interest in performing, creating and understanding music are also important. In order to ensure a strong result at A-Level Music, students will benefit from membership of a range of school co-curricular music activities.

Course Introduction

Photography will enhance students who are creative in mind, providing an opportunity to explore communication of ideas responding at all levels.

Students need to have a genuine interest in the subject and be very self-motivated, working upon initiative and completing work outside the timetable structure in order to reach their full potential in response to the work of others.

Course Content and Methodology

The A-Level Photography course will allow you to explore and create visual responses to a personal brief using lens based media. As part of the development process, you will be given the opportunity to develop your practical work and ideas through digital photography, darkroom techniques and digital editing.

Throughout the two years of the A-Level you will acquire practical, technical and analytical skills to help you understand the process of creating high quality work, culminating in personal and reflective final outcomes.

You will be encouraged to submit work towards international photography competitions, such as the Sony Photography Awards, in which Lincoln Minster School gained success in the Youth Category.

Course Requirements

The A-Level Photography course explores creating visual meaning through photography by an expressive or interpretive response to still and moving imagery through lens based media, experimental photography and digital editing.

Good ICT skills and previous experience in photography are advantageous but not essential. An inquisitive mind and enthusiasm for the subject are recommended.

The nature of Art and Design requires students with a genuine interest in the subject and a high degree of self-motivation. A large amount of the work for assessment is completed outside the timetable structure.

You must be keen, well-motivated and be able to work on extended research assignments. If you have an aptitude for the subject and if you are creative you may have the basic skills to succeed, but hard work and determination is the key to success.

Assessment

Exam Board: OCR Assessment A-Level Components H603/01

Component 1: Personal investigation

60% of total A-Level

Candidates should produce two elements:

1. A portfolio of practical work showing your personal responses, brief scenario or stimulus devised and provided by the candidate or centre (96 out of 120 marks
2.  A related study is a written component with a guided minimum of 1,000 words supported with practical evidence. (24 out of 120 marks)

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Component 2: Externally set task

40% of total A-Level

The early release paper is issued on 1 February and will provide you with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. From these, you must select one, upon which to base a response.

Externally set task (80 marks) 15 hours

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated

Course Introduction

The Sport and Physical Education course aims to encourage you to:

• Explore how the human body responds and adapts to exercise and training.
• Develop an understanding of fitness, performance and sporting success.
• Gain valuable leadership and coaching skills through practical experiences.
• Build confidence in communication, organisation and teamwork.
• Develop the professional skills required for careers within the sports industry.
• Prepare for university, apprenticeships or employment in a rapidly growing sector. 

Subject Content:

• Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
• Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing
• Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry
• Optional Specialist Unit (e.g. Sports Leadership, Practical Sports Performance or Application of Fitness Testing)

• Written Examination (Unit 1)

• Pearson Set Task (Unit 2)

• Internally Assessed Coursework (Units 3 and Optional Unit)

UCAS Tariff Points

• Distinction* = 56 Points

• Distinction = 48 Points

• Merit = 32 Points

• Pass = 16 Points

Course Introduction

Physics is an excellent choice for students who are curious about how the world works and enjoy tackling challenging problems. It complements subjects such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering, while developing highly transferable skills in analytical thinking, data handling, and quantitative reasoning. Physics underpins much of modern technology and helps students understand the scientific advances that shape our everyday lives.

A Level Physics opens the door to a wide range of degree courses and careers, including engineering, astrophysics, computer science, renewable energy, medical physics, architecture, aviation, data science, robotics, geophysics, teaching, and scientific research. It is also highly valued in fields such as finance, technology, and consultancy because of the problem-solving and mathematical skills it develops. As one of the most respected A Level qualifications, Physics provides excellent preparation for both university study and a wide variety of future careers.

Course Content and Methodology

A Level Physics is an exciting and intellectually challenging course that explores the fundamental principles governing the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest structures in space. The OCR A specification covers a wide range of topics including forces and motion, electricity, waves, quantum physics, thermal physics, astrophysics, cosmology, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, and medical imaging.

Students will also develop practical laboratory skills through a programme of required practical activities, learning how to plan investigations, analyse data, evaluate evidence, and apply scientific theories to real-world situations. The course encourages logical thinking, problem-solving, mathematical analysis, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific ideas.

Course Overview

How does the memory work? Is eye-witness testimony reliable? How important are the first attachments a baby forms? What causes stress and how does it actually affect a person physiologically? Is it ‘evil’ people who carry out evil acts, or can there be something about a particular situation that could lead even ‘normal’ people to become perpetrators of evil? How can minority groups bring about change in society?

These are some of the questions posed during the A-Level course, but as a Science, Psychology is not particularly interested in the individual students’ personal opinions or anecdotal evidence. Students who take Psychology need a combination of curiosity and scepticism, and an interest in human nature.

Psychology students often combine this A-Level with a variety of other subjects including Biology, Maths, English and Business but any students, who are considering a career in any of the caring services, or in teaching, marketing or business, will find an understanding of Psychology useful.

In Psychology students will learn how to analyse arguments and evidence, test hypotheses and make informed judgements – all skills valued by Higher Education and employers.

At LMS we study the AQA course

• Introductory topics in Psychology– this includes topics on social influence, memory, and attachment Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
• Psychology in context– this includes topics on approaches in psychology, biopsychology and research methods such as scientific processes, data handling and analysis and data handling and analysis.
• Issues and options in Psychology– this includes topics on gender, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.

Psychology students need to have a good command of English and at least a Grade 4/5 in Maths at GCSE.

The subject has a significant amount of science in its content so a solid foundation in Biology in particular is also very useful. Prospective A-Level students are encouraged to have a browse of relevant academic journals online.

Course Introduction

Sociology is the study of the way people are affected by society, and how society is affected by people. As individuals, we spend almost all our time in groups, and in order to understand our behaviour we have to examine and assess the impact of those groups and institutions on us. By taking this subject, you become a much more informed, questioning and critical citizen.

Sociology is an academic subject yet it equips students with a range of skills. You will learn to think critically, to question common-sense assumptions, to solve problems and be able to work independently.

All of this is excellent preparation for future careers. Sociologists go on to work in the media, law and other institutions of criminal justice, public relations, market research, social work, foreign aid and development and teaching; many of course are inspired to stay in an academic environment researching aspects of sociology for the remainder of their careers.

Course Content and Methodology

Families and Households

The family is one of the most fundamental social institutions in our lives. It is a place where we learn values, roles and identities. We explore the way in which factors such as sexuality, ethnicity, social class and social expectations have all played a major part in changing the way we understand the nature and role of the family in contemporary society.

Education with Research Methods

In this part of the course, we examine the role of the education system in wider society. This section of the course also includes an investigation into research methods. Sociologists have to do research and provide evidence for the claims they make. We look at how sociologists do this and the usefulness of different methods in sociological research. For instance, how would one go about researching gangs in Glasgow?

The Media

This unit examines the relationship between ownership and control of the media. It looks at how people in society are influenced more than ever by the new media, how it is presented and who decides what is selected and portrayed in the media. We look at the media, globalisation and popular culture. This unit also examines media representations of age, social class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability, as well as the relationship between the media, their content, presentation and audiences.

Crime and Deviance with Theories and Methods

A fascinating aspect of the course is the examination of the causes, patterns, and effects of crime and deviance in society. At this point in the course we revisit the way that Sociologists research society and look at the range of Sociological perspectives that have formed Sociological theories. Various resources will be used to facilitate the learning process including TV documentaries, designing display boards, team essay writing, newspaper analysis and visiting speakers.

There are no specific requirements in terms of GCSE qualifications although a degree of competence in English – at least a level 5, preferably a level 6 is desirable as this will allow students to cope with the essay writing content of the course.

Sociology is an excellent complement to other subjects in the social sciences and humanities, such as Psychology, but it also provides a good balance if your other subjects are mainly science-based.

This course is now linear, so is 100% examined at the end of Year 13. There will be three exams each 2 hours long and they are all weighted equally.

Exam 1: Education with Theory and Methods 2 hour written exam / 80 marks / 33.3% of A-Level.

Exam 2: Topics in Sociology – Families and Households and The Media 2 hour written exam / 80 marks / 33.3% of A-Level.

Exam 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods 2 hour written exam / 80 marks 33.3% of A-Level.