A Level Courses
Applied Information and Communication Technology
Students following this syllabus will develop, and learn to apply, a broad range of ICT skills, while also gaining an understanding of the way ICT is used in the world of work. The syllabus introduces students to the structure and use of ICT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, students learn about ICT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also gain an understanding of the wider impact of ICT on society in general.
Arabic - Language (AS Level only)
The AS Level Arabic syllabus enables students to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the written language, thereby also improving their communication skills. Students will learn how to improve their use of Arabic in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, and how to extract information, and respond to questions in writing.
Art and Design
The Art and Design syllabus considers expression and communication. Students learn about visual perception and aesthetic experience, and the ways in which art and design creates a language of its own. Most of the work for this syllabus is practical or studio based, so that students can develop their abilities of observation and analysis of the visual world, sensitivity, skill, personal expression and imagination. They also learn how to relate their skills to an enhanced knowledge of their own cultures, past and present, as well as an appreciation of practical design problems.
Biology
Includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course will foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path, and A and AS Level Biology is ideal for students who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science. Please note that the Scheme of Assessment has changed since 2005.
Business Studies
The Business Studies syllabus enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. The syllabus covers economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. Students examine the management of organisations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external environment.
Chemistry
A and AS Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course will foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path, and A and AS Level Chemistry is ideal for students who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science. Please note that the Scheme of Assessment has changed since 2005.
Design & Technology
This syllabus encourages students to be innovative and creative and to develop their ability to design high quality products. Through their studies, students will develop an awareness of the significance of design and technology on society, whilst also learning more about production processes and industrial practices. Students will be encouraged the use ICT to build their design and technological abilities, and develop critical evaluation skills which they can employ in a variety of technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts. As a result, students will also become discerning consumers of design and technology, able to make informed choices.
English - Language
AS Level English is designed for students who can already communicate effectively in English as it may be their mother tongue or second language. The AS Level English syllabus enables students to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the language as it is spoken and written, thereby also improving their communication skills. Students will learn how to improve their use of English in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, and how to extract information, initiate conversations and respond to questions both orally and in writing.
English - Literature
Students following the A and AS Level English syllabus will study a range of texts in the three main forms: prose, poetry and drama. Set texts are offered from a wide range of different periods and cultures. Students will develop skills of reading and analysis of texts, and are encouraged to undertake wider reading to aid understanding of the texts studied. They will learn skills of effective and appropriate communication including the ability to discuss the critical context of texts.
Geography
The Geography syllabus builds upon skills gained at IGCSE (or equivalent) level study. Students widen their knowledge and understanding of the subject, while developing their investigative abilities and their evaluation and decision-making skills. The syllabus is wide-ranging and comprises a variety of options. For example, students can learn more about topics such as hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, atmosphere and weather, rocks and weathering, population change and settlement dynamics. The syllabus considers a range of environments, from tropical to arid, and students can also study subjects such as environmental management, global interdependence and economic transition.
Global Perspectives and Research
Universities tell us that Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) is an excellent preparation for undergraduate study as it gives real evidence of independent, critical thinking. GPR is taught as two successive one-year courses, with the Research Report growing seamlessly out of the skills introduced and developed as part of the Global Perspectives course. GPR is an excellent alternative to Critical Thinking, General Studies and the Extended Project, and provides excellent curriculum enrichment. It enthuses students by offering the opportunity for open debate and research on their own topic.
History
The A and AS Level History syllabus builds upon skills gained at IGCSE (or equivalent) level study. The emphasis is again on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Students learn about cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies. The flexible and wide-ranging syllabus covers six periods, ranging from the history of the Caribbean from 1794 to 1900, to international history from 1945 to 1991. Students can also study periods from European, Asian, African and American history. Centres choose which periods to focus on, allowing them to build a course that reflects student interest and staff specialisms, or which is relevant to the local or regional context.
Islamic Studies
The Islamic Studies syllabus enables students to gain a better understanding of the religious writings, history and current affairs of Islam. As a result, they are able to think and argue intelligently about the subject. The syllabus is broad, and ranges from the beginnings of Islam and the evolution, content and role of the Holy Qur'an, to the beliefs and practices of Islam and the bases of Islamic Law. Students also learn more about the dynasties and religious thought of early Islam, the variety in Islamic beliefs and the role played by Islam in the world today.
Language and Literature in English
The Language and Literature syllabus has two aims: to encourage an appreciation of literature in English - prose, poetry and drama - of different types and from different cultures; and to develop the key skills required to read, analyse and communicate effectively in English. By studying a range of texts, students learn more about writers' choices of structure and language, and develop their ability to form independent opinions about what they read. Students also improve their understanding of the English language and how it is used, extending their skills across a range of writing styles, including imaginative, discursive and argumentative.
Mathematics
A and AS Level Mathematics builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus allows Centres flexibility to choose from three different routes to AS Level Mathematics - Pure Mathematics only or Pure Mathematics and Mechanics or Pure Mathematics and Probability and Statistics. Centres can choose from three different routes to A Level Mathematics depending on the choice of Mechanics, or Probability and Statistics, or both, in the broad area of 'applications'.
Mathematics - Further
This syllabus is intended for high ability candidates who have achieved, or are likely to achieve, a high grade in the A Level Mathematics examination. The A Level Further Mathematics syllabus enables students to extend the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the A Level Mathematics course. The content of the syllabus covers the areas of Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. Knowledge of the whole content of the A Level Mathematics syllabus is assumed. (Please note: no AS Level in Further Mathematics is available.)
Music
A and AS Level Music students develop an appreciation of, and an informed critical response to, music of the Western tradition from at least two genres and periods. Students learn how to listen attentively and responsively in order to better understand the musical processes at work; they also learn how to communicate this understanding, supporting their judgements by evidence-based argument. As part of the course, students are encouraged to develop their own creative and interpretative skills through the disciplines of composing and performing in Western and/or non-Western traditions. This leads, in turn, to a deeper understanding of music in its wider cultural context.
Physical Education
The Physical Education syllabus is both practical and theoretical. Students learn about anatomy and physiology, movement skills and contemporary studies in sport. They are also encouraged to try out a range of physical activities, including team and individual sports, games, and outdoor activities; students then use the theoretical knowledge they have gained to analyse the different factors influencing performance. The course also encourages students to understand and explain global trends in Physical Education and Sport. AS Physical Education (8666) will be examined for the last time in November 2009. Physical Education (9396) will be available at AS and A level in November 2010.
Physical Science
The AS Level Physical Science syllabus builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, current applications of physical science, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of physical science ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course will foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. AS Level Physical Science is ideal for students who want to study physical science or a wide variety of related subjects at university, or to follow a career in science.
Physics
A and AS Level Physics builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of physics ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course will foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path, and A and AS Level Physics is ideal for students who want to study physics or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science. Please note that the Scheme of Assessment has changed since 2005.