Qualifications to start the course

Minimum entry requirements for all A Level courses are minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above; including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.

In addition, to study this subject you must have a grade 6 or above in GCSE Geography.

Description of the subject

The Geography AS and A2 Level course examines the causes and consequences of some of the headline global issues. Students are given the opportunity to evaluate how successful humans have been in managing the problems that have arisen over recent years. Topics such as global warming, natural disasters, globalisation, superpowers, energy security and poverty are covered.

In addition to this, you will be assessed on your ability to undertake geographical investigations and research. This element of the course includes a field trip and an independent research project.

What you will do

• Investigate a range of local and world issues
• Examine issues in managing the environment and resources
• Assess questions of sustainability, growth, conservation and exploitation
• Learn about forces influencing the environment
• Look at how people, government and economic forces make decisions that impact on the environment
• Field work.

Future prospects

Careers in:
Travel and Tourism, Planning – Housing, Aid Agencies, Local Government, Business, Environmental Agencies, Further Education Sector Organisations.

Qualifications to start the course

Minimum entry requirements for all A Level courses are minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above; including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.

In addition, to study this subject you must have a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language.

Description of the subject

The History course focuses on 20th century political, social and cultural changes. The course develops the students’ oral and literacy skills through the writing of extended essays, oral presentations and discussions.

The course followed is Edexcel Route F. In Year 12, Paper 1 & 2 Searching for rights and freedoms in the 20^th century.These papers follow the development of the USA 1918 -1996 and examine thematic changes during this era. Paper 2 is on the Indian Independence Movement 1914-1948. In Year 13 we study the British gaining and losing an empire and the Coursework option examines the causes of and reasons for the end of the Cold War.

What you will do

• Analyse different types of sources and develop your analytical and evaluative skills
• Understand evidence, explanation and change
• Discuss problems and analyse evidence
• Write clear, well-organised explanations and evaluate conflicting interpretations.

Future prospects

• All of these activities make an A Level in History a very useful and much sought after qualification in employment areas such as; Management, Finance, Law, Civil Service and Teaching.
• An A Level in History will help students to prepare for courses /degrees in higher education which may lead to one of the careers above.

Qualifications to start the course

Minimum entry requirements for all A Level courses are minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above; including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.

In addition, to study this subject you must have a grade 6 or above in English Language.

Description of the subject

Learners must study all three components.

Component 1: A Study of Religion

Written examination: 2 hours (33.3% of qualification)

 This component focuses on the study of Islam (option B). There will be four themes within each option: religious figures and sacred texts;

religious concepts and religious life; significant social and historical developments in religious thought; religious practices and religious identity.

Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component.

Component 2: Philosophy of Religion

Written examination: 2 hours (33.3% of qualification)

 There will be four themes within this component: arguments for the existence of God; challenges to religious belief; religious experience; religious language.

Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component.

Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.

Component 3: Religion and Ethics

Written examination: 2 hours (33.3% of qualification)

 There will be four themes within this component: ethical thought; deontological ethics; teleological ethics; determinism; free will. Learners will be expected to answer one question from Section A out of a choice of two and one question from Section B out of a choice of three in this component. Questions can be taken from any area of the specification.

Future prospects

Religious Studies is held in high esteem by higher education institutions. This course is an excellent foundation for degree courses in Law, Medicine, Journalism, Psychology, Theology and Philosophy. Being able to link, debate, analyse and develop your own ideas are regarded as very useful skills.

This is a good course to link up with Art, 3D Design, Business Studies, Information Technology, Media Studies, IT Practitioners and General Studies.