Sixth Form Entry Requirements Intake 2025 

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Click below to read our Sixth Form Entry Requirements 2025 

Sixth Form Entry Requirements 2025

BIOLOGY

Biology 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Biology	OCR	Grade 6 GCSE in Biology or 6/6 in GCSE combined Science (breakdown of individual topics reviewed for High biology attainment)

What is the subject about? 

Biology is a popular subject to study in the Sixth Form, giving students the opportunity to develop critical understanding of the natural world. The major scientific issues for this century are mostly biological in origin, and an understanding of the principles involved are essential if you are to be able to make informed choices and decisions about topics such as enhanced reproductive physiology, sustainability, nutrition, health and genetic engineering.

What do employers say about this subject?

Biology allows students to develop a number of valuable soft skills, on top of the subject knowledge acquired. These include: A critical approach to evidence and good language skills; Numeric skills - including drawing and interpreting graphical data and re-arranging equations; Good manipulative and observational skills; Determination and stamina.

Key Stage 5

Year 12

 The course will be following the OCR(A) specification which is divided into biological topics, each containing different key concepts in biology. Once the key features of a biological topic have been developed, applications are considered. For assessment purposes, knowledge and understanding of key concepts are treated separately in some examination papers, while a separate paper will cover unified concepts within Biology as a whole. The teaching of practical skills will be integrated with the theory topics and are assessed within each of the written papers.

The teaching units at A-level are:

• Foundations in Biology
• Exchange and Transport
• Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

Year 13

• Communications
• Homeostasis Energy Genetics
• Evolution and Ecosystems

Further information: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/biology-a-h020-h420-from-2015/

BUSINESS STUDIES

Business Studies 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Business Studies	Cam. Technical		Grade 4 GCSE* in Business Studies

What is the subject about?

Business Studies is a subject for pupils interested in furthering their knowledge of financial planning in both the medium and long-term. It will examine money and it’s impact on life choices and the need to budget to be a responsible saver and financial planner.

What do employers say about this subject?

The combination of the academic challenge and practical focus makes business studies a key subject for many roles such as accounting, finance and marketing.

Key Stage 5

Year 12

Our students will be studying the London Institute of Banking and Finance Level 3 qualifications.

Certificate in Business Studies:

• Financial Capability for the immediate and short term
• Financial Capability for the medium and long term

Each Unit has 2 external examinations - one on-line multiple choice examination and one written paper.  Students are allowed one re-sit opportunity for each part.  Examinations are January and May. 

Further information: www.libf.ac.uk 

Year 13

Our students completed Component 1 in Year 12 and will complete Components 2 and 3 in Year 13.

• Component 1 - Business Opportunities and Functions
• Component 2 - Business Analysis and Strategy
• Component 3 - Business in a Changing World

Each of the components will be tested via a 2 hr 15 minutes written paper.

Further information: www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/business/as-a-level

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Chemistry	OCR	Grade 6 GCSE in Chemistry or 6/6 in GCSE combined Science (breakdown of individual topics reviewed for High Chemistry attainment) Grade 5 GCSE in Maths	Grade 6 in GCSE Maths

What is the subject about?

A-Level Chemistry provides students with an opportunity to explore different concepts across Organic, Physical and Inorganic disciplines of Chemistry. Through the Organic pathway students learn why drug trials need to be carried out, they understand the reactivities of different functional groups and can thus apply this to synthesising larger and more complex organic molecules such as Aspirin, Paracetamol and polymers. This is a great foundation for any students choosing a medical, pharmacology or biochemistry route at University level.  

Students apply their mathematical skills in Physical chemistry to understand the energetics of reactions, explaining the rate of chemical reactions and how this can be applied to industrial settings such as manufacturing ammonia. The Inorganic pathway takes students on an in depth look at the transition metals, building on their GCSE knowledge, students look at complex ions and reactions. This can be linked to cancer treatments such as Cis-platin, showing the power of all aspects of Chemistry in medicine. 

What do employers say about this subject?

Chemistry is an essential subject to study if you are considering a career in medicine. It also gives you an extremely valuable set of skills such as analytical and numeracy skills that employers look for. Chemistry opens up opportunities across a range of careers and degree choices.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Child Development 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Child Development	BTEC		Grade 4 GCSE* in Child development or Health & Social Care

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Children’s Play Learning and Development

Year 12 /13

At the start of Year 12, students can enroll on the Level 3 BTEC National/National extended diploma in children’s play learning and development. The content of the qualification meets the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the role of the early year’s educator. All the content is mandatory, and will cover the following topics:

• children’s development
• keeping children safe
• observation, assessment and planning
• play and learning
• reflective practice
• supporting children’s early learning

 

All students taking this qualification will be required to engage with sector employers as part of their course. This includes 50 hours of mandatory work experience, and production of a Practical Evidence Portfolio (PEP), to record evidence of engagement in continuing professional development and reflective practice in different early year settings.

Students will follow a detailed assessment plan throughout the delivery of their two-year course where they will be held to account over coursework deadlines. 

Year 1

Unit 1 Children’s Development

Unit 3 Play and Learning

Year 2

Unit 2 Development of Children’s Communication Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Unit 5 Keeping Children Safe

 

Assessment

Units are assessed using a grading scale of graded using a scale of P to D*, or PP to D*D*, or PPP to D*D*D*. Distinction Star(D*), Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P). 

 

CRIMINOLOGY 

Criminology 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Criminology	WJEC	Grade 5 GCSE in English	Grade 6 GCSE* in History, Religious Studies or Citizenship

The curriculum intent for Criminology encourages learners to become independent, creative problem solvers,  thinkers as individuals and part of a team. It enables them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond to them through the evaluation of past and present crime and policing of it. Criminology's meaning involves analysing illegal human behaviours and crime prevention methods. The field of criminology blends social science and psychology with criminal justice. As a criminologist, you'll explore the many causes of criminal activity among different groups of people. The course enables students to weave together these branches of humanities and consider the criminal justice system which impacts on their own behaviour, conduct in UK society, other individuals, employers, society and the environment.  

 

This is an Applied General qualification. This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. Studying Criminology, you will develop critical thinking, analytical and communications skills, attractive to employers both inside and outside the criminal justice sector. It has been designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning for 16-19 year-old learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system.  

 ENGLISH LITERATURE 

English Literature 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	English Literature	Edexcel	Grade 6 GCSE in English	Grade 6 GCSE in English Literature

What is the subject about?

English Literature builds upon the skills developed at GCSE. Students will learn to critically explore and analyse a range of texts using theoretical approaches and will learn to consider the impact of contextual factors on potential meanings in each text. 

A Level English Literature is a popular subject and is best suited to students who are avid readers of novels, poetry and plays. Those students who enjoy reading extensively at home should achieve well in this subject, as will students who enjoy the process of constructing a reading of text that draw upon a range of different sources and interpretations. It will also appeal to students who enjoy debate and exploring topics such as history, politics, psychology and gender. 

A Level English Literature offers an insight into the way writers use language, structure and form to shape meaning and explore the issues and ideas that reflect upon our lives. It affords the opportunity for discussion of themes and characters and further allows for the exploration of dramatic technique. It builds on the work you are familiar with from GCSE English Literature but develops your skills of analysis and your ability to approach texts from many critical perspectives such as feminism, Marxism, psychoanalysis and reader response. You will look at a range of different texts from different genres and narrative forms, from Shakespeare to contemporary texts, and consider how historical, political and socio-cultural context impact on the meanings that are both implicit and explicit within the text. 

Literature has a strong analytical element which complements Government & Politics, History, Sociology and Philosophy. Students of other subjects too will benefit from the different cultural perspectives offered. 

What do the employers say about this subject?

English Literature is a long-established and well-respected subject, both at HACA and by employers and universities. As such, it has become one of the most popular choices at degree level for those progressing to university and has strong links with professions such as Law and Journalism. For those wishing to pursue a work-based career path, this A-Level is well-regarded by employers as it demonstrates students’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and spoken English. It also encourages students to consider texts from a range of critical and contextual perspectives and to consider the validity of these readings.

Key Stage 5

Year 12

A Level Course Structure

• Component 1 - Drama (30%, 2 hours 15 mins - exam): Hamlet by William Shakespeare and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams   
• Component 2 - Prose (20%, 1 hour 15 minutes - exam): The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Year 13

• Component 3 - Poetry (30%, 2 hours 15 mins - exam): Unseen Poetry, Post-2000 Poetry (Poetry of the Decade)  and The Poetry of Christina Rossetti
• Component 4 - Coursework (20%, 2500 - 3000 word essay on two literary texts of your choice )

 

FINANCE

Finance

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Finance	Agored Cymru	Grade 4 GCSE in English Grade 4 in Maths	Grade 4 in GCSE Business (advisable)

What is the subject about? 

TBC

What do employers say about this subject?

TBC

FINE ART

Fine Art 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Fine Art	Edexcel	Grade 5 in GCSE Art

What is the subject about?

Fine Art is an essential subject for anyone interested in a career in the creative industries which are currently the UK's largest employers. While studying art, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to express yourself creatively through drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and/or performance art.

What do Employers say about this subject?

Fine Art equips students with the tools to communicate effectively, understand visual information and think outside the box to problem solve. The internet has created an explosion of opportunities for aspiring artists.

GEOGRAPHY

Geography 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Geography	Edexcel	Grade 5 GCSE in Geography	Grade 5 GCSE in English, Religious Studies or Citizenship

What is the subject about?

Geography is a traditional subject for students interested in topical issues such as coastal and river managment, sustainable energy or the regeneration of inner city areas. Students will study topics including human, physical and environment geography, and develop a range of valuable transferable skills.

What do employers say about this subject?

Geography is one of the eight facilitating subjects. Students gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems, as well as enhancing skills of writing and essays and extended reports.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 

Government & Politics 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Government & Politics	Edexcel	Grade 5 GCSE in English	Grade 6 GCSE* in History, Religious Studies or Citizenship

Why study Politics?

By studying Politics you get to understand the inner workings of our country and democracy. By doing this you are able to engage with current affairs and have well informed debates about what is going on in the UK and internationally.

If you are passionate about a particular topic such as the environment, gender equality, workers rights and so on, studying Politics is a great way to understand how the political system works and how you can advance and campaign for your beliefs.

Likewise, if you are unhappy about what is happening in the country or your local area, by studying politics you will find out the different ways to have your voice heard and how you can have an impact/ make a change!

Finally, studying Politics gives you an insight into other subjects such as History, Law, Criminology and Sociology.

What will I study in Politics?

You will study the Edexcel 2017 Linear A Level specification over two years.  At the end of Y13 you will sit three papers that make up the entire A Level qualification.

 

In Year 12 you will study two units: UK Politics and UK Government .

 

In Year 13 you will study a third unit called US Government and Politics and then revisit UK Politics and UK Government with some additional content in preparation for your final A Level examination.

How do employers feel about Politics?

Politics is a desirable subject sought after by universities and employers.  All employers and recruiters expect their candidates to understand contemporary issues and debates and appreciate the potential impact.  An A level in this subjects demonstrates an in depth understanding of politics. 

You will gain many skills studying politics which will benefit you throughout your life; such as communication, the ability to present an argument or debate, research and independent learning, the ability to analyse and evaluate information, and the ability to construct academic essays.

 

What careers can I go into with  Politics?

Politics compliments those considering a career in:

• Law
• Journalism
• The media
• Research.

In addition, all public sector employers; like medicine, teaching and social services, require their employees to follow government policy because it affects these areas directly.

How will I be examined?

At A Level you will sit three papers (UK Politics, UK Government and Global Politics). Each paper is 2 hours

 

What resources are available?

Books

• Edexcel AS/A Level Politics (new for 2017): Pearson
• Edexcel AS/A Level Politics Revision Guide (new for 2017): Pearson
• A. Heywood, Political Ideologies

Journals

• Politics Review
• The Spectator
• The Economist

Websites

• https://www.parliament.uk/
• https://www.thetimes.co.uk/
• https://www.theguardian.com/uk
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

 

Course Content

Politics is the study of power and participation, and the institutions that exercise power.  Over a two year period, you will study three components:

Component 1- UK Politics and Political Ideas: Here you will learn about your role as a citizen in the democratic process; the role and value of elections and referendums; how political parties operate; the role of pressure groups in a democracy; the core ideologies which shape our beliefs.

Component 2- UK Government:

Here you will learn about the British Constitution; (the rules we are governed by),  the functions of the Government (how the government runs the country and how laws are made), Parliament; the judiciary (our legal system) and human rights.

Component 3- US Government and Politics: The Constitution (the rules America is governed by), Federalism (Central and state powers), Congress, The Presidency, The Supreme Court, Democracy and Participation

       

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Health & Social Care 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Health & Social Care	BTEC		Grade 4 GCSE* in Child development or Health & Social Care

What is the subject about?

Health and Social Care Level 3 BTEC is an essential qualification for students who are interested in working in a health-related sector or in social care. Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills on the course which are valued by employers.

Topics studied include Human Lifespan Development and Working in Health and Social Care. The BTEC course relates directly to the workplace and students will spend time covering a variety of settings, gaining an insight into a range of roles within the sector. This course enables them to study how theory and legislation are put into practice.

What do employers say about this subject?

Developments in frontline health and social care mean there is a demand for well trained and multi-skilled people across a range of rewarding employment opportunities.

Health and Social Care is one of the biggest and fastest growing sectors in the UK. Employers recognise the skills that BTEC demonstrates such as the ability to work independently, to meet deadlines and to apply theory to real life situations. This qualification is designed primarily to support progression to employment via higher education. It also supports students choosing to progress directly to employment as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give successful students an advantage in applying for a range of entry level roles, industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships.

Key Stage 5

Edexcel BTEC Nationals Health and Social Care Extended Certificate (2016) – equivalent to one A Level.

Year 12

Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development (External assessment)

Unit 12: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs (Internal assessment)

Year 13

Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care (External assessment)

Unit 5 - Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs. (Internal Assessment)

HISTORY

History

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	History	Edexcel	Grade 6 GCSE in History Grade 5 GCSE in English	Grade 5 GCSE* Religious Studies or Citizenship

Students who study KS5 History at Haberdashers Askes Crayford Academy will gain a breadth and depth of historical knowledge as well as gaining key skills along the way. The KS5 history curriculum is designed to develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of key events, periods and societies in British, and wider world history. Students will develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them.

What do employers say about this subject?

Key Stage 5 History prepares students for the next stage of their education and employment by developing their interest in and enthusiasm for history and developing their understanding of its intrinsic value and significance, thus allowing them to go on and study it at university. However, it also means that students will acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity which will be important and useful in all stages of their life whether in further study or in the workplace. In addition to this History improves students independent learning and as critical and reflective thinking skills which are highly desirable to employers. 

History can be a pathway into many careers including:

• Law
• Politics
• Journalism
• Civil Service
• Business
• Marketing
• Economics
• Teaching 
• Insurance 
• Archaeology

Key Stage 5

Students who study History will follow the AQA A-Level History Specification and gain a full A-Level at the end of the course.

The students will study the following units: 

Year 12 & 13

Unit 1: The Tudors 1485-1603

Unit 2: The American Dream: Reality and Illusion

Unit 3: Non-Examined Assessment (NEA/Coursework) 4500 word independent essay

 

For further information please go to: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/as-and-a-level/history-7041-7042/specification-at-a-glance

HUMAN BIOLOGY

Human Biology 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Human Biology	BTEC	Grade 4/4 in combined Science

Qualification:

BTEC Applied Human Biology Level 3 Extended Certificate.

 

What will I learn?

Students will undertake 4 units of study on this course covering principles of Human Biology, Health Issues and Human Biology, Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and Biomedical Science. The Biomedical Science module is further broken down into 3 key sections: haematology, histology and clinical chemistry.

Students will learn how to carry out their own investigations using a variety of techniques essential to laboratory practice.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

Unit 1 - Examination. 90 minutes, 80 marks

Unit 2 - Coursework, 4 items.

Unit 3 - Examination. 3 hour window, 60 marks.

Unit 7 - Coursework, 3 items.

 

What transferable skills valued by employers and universities will I develop?

• Self-reflection
• Critical thinking
• Collaborative work
• Presentation skills
• Analytical skills

What pathways can I take with this qualification?

 

Pathways include, but are not limited to:

• Health and Social care
• Sport Science
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Occupational Health

 

ICT

ICT 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	I.C.T	Cam. Technical		Grade 4 GCSE* in ICT

What is the subject about?

ICT is a subject which provides opportunities to develop numerous skills demonstrated by employers and further education providers. It is a good qualification for students who wish to seek employment in the ICT industries. Some of the topics that students will study include Information, Systems and Communication and employability skills for IT.

MATHEMATICS

Maths 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Maths	Edexcel	Grade 7 GCSE in Maths

What is the subject about?

If you enjoy solving mathematical problems and want to improve your analytical skills then studying Maths in Sixth Form could be perfect for you. Some of the topics that students study include algebra, trigonometry, co-ordinate geometry and calculus. Students also have the opportunity to study mechanics and statistics.

What do employers say about this subject?

The career possibilities can be endless with an A-level in Maths. If is a facilitating subject that is highly valued by universities and employers and can lead on to a number of rewarding careers such as accountancy, banking, consultancy and many science related jobs.

MUSIC

Music 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Music	AQA	Grade 6 GCSE* in Music

What is the subject about?

The A Level Music curriculum is broken into three strands of performing (35%), composing (25%) and listening and appraising (40%). Students must be confident enough to perform on a solo instrument to grade 6 or 7 standard and must commit to take peripatetic lessons. Students will study the AQA A level Music Specification over Year 12 and 13. 

What do employers say about this subject?

The course provides evidence of commitment, self-discipline, communication, interpretative and ICT skills. It is a required subject for specialist music conservatoires

Key Stage 5

Year 12

• 1 performance recital lasting at least 10 minutes 
• 1 free composition in any genre
• Composition in the style of Bach
• Area of Study 1 Strand A – Baroque: the solo concerto 
• Area of Study 1 Strand C – Romantic: the piano music of Chopin, Brahms and Grieg  
• Music for media or Music for theatre (student choice)

Year 13

• Performance of recital lasting at least 10 minutes 
• 1 composition in response to a set brief  
• Area of Study 1 Strand B  - Classical: the operas of Mozart :   
• Pop music
• Music for media or Music for theatre (student choice)

PERFORMING ARTS 

Performing Arts 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Performing Arts	BTEC	Grade 5 GCSE* in a Performing Arts (Drama, Music or Theatre Studies)

L3 performing arts

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is designed for post-16 learners with an interest in performing arts who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education. 

 

This qualification gives a broad introduction to the performing arts sector with an emphasis on core knowledge and fundamental skills which are transferable across other sectors (including communication, presentation, physical and creative skills). 

 

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for students who may choose to enter employment. 

 

The three mandatory units focus on: 

 

• research, critical analysis and extended writing skills that aim to support learners’ progression to higher education. Learners will gain a good understanding of the work of influential practitioners to inform their own work and practice 

 

• an introduction to the performing arts where learners will develop the appropriate skills and techniques in various performance disciplines such as acting, dance, musical theatre and physical theatre 

 

• group performance, where learners will develop the essential psychomotor and affective skills essential for the performing arts. They will develop physical techniques as well as wider transferable skills, such as being able to work collaboratively, personal management and organisation (rehearsals, time-management), being able to give and take direction, confidence in front of an audience, problem solving (refining the process) and teamwork (essential when dancing as a group). Learners will understand different audiences in different environments and will learn to adapt a performance to engage the target audience. 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Photography	AQA	Grade 5 GCSE in Art or submission of a photography portfolio (assessed and approved to grade 5 standard)

What is the subject about?

Photography is ideal for students who have an eye for composition, creative flair and are good conceptual thinkers. Studying photography involves learning about the composition of photographs, manipulating images and developing a variety of creative and technical skills.

What do employers say about this subject?

Studying photography will enhance your creative, social and cultural understandings as well as develop your specialist technical knowledge. Jobs directly related to the qualification include Graphic Designer, Press Photographer and Television Camera Operator.

PHYSICS

Physics 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Physics	AQA	Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or 6/6 in GCSE combined Science (breakdown of individual topics reviewed for High Physics attainment) Grade 5 GCSE in Maths

What is the subject about?

Physics is the basis for everything. A level physics is a facilitating subject that can get you into a broad range of careers. AQA physics takes you on a journey learning about the smallest particles onto how we can explore space. Explaining how we’ve come to understand what is beyond our everyday perception. A level physics is an introduction to important ideas that will develop critical thinking, reasoning, logic and maths.

What do employers say about this subject?

Employers see A level Physics as a prestigious qualification. Candidates that have this A level are thought to be highly capable individuals who are good at understanding and applying complex theories, which can be applied to workplace situations. Given the nature of the subject, a high level of numeracy is also guaranteed. As such an A level Physics background often leads to careers in finance, in addition to science, engineering and technology. On comparing similar candidates for prospective employment, those with A level Physics receive a higher level of approval in the selection criteria.

Key Stage 5

Physics is a linear course meaning all of the A level exams are sat after two years of study. There are optional exams after one year if student wish to gain an AS qualification. However, most pupils will want the full A level so will use the AS exams for practice and will then continue on to the full 2 year course.

During the two year course, there are 12 standard practical assessments to complete to gain the practical endorsement. Other practical learning opportunities and demonstrations are also given to aid learning. This should give students the necessary practical skills to pursue science at university

PSYCHOLOGY 

Psychology 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Psychology	AQA	Grade 5 GCSE in English and Maths	Grade 5 GCSE in Psychology

What is Psychology?

Psychology is a broad and diverse field that encompasses the study of human thought, behaviour, development, personality, emotion, motivation, and more. Psychology is fundamentally interested in questions on cognition (thought) and behaviour.

Psychology is considered a science and whilst it draws much inspiration from philosophy, it aims to use scientific methodology in order t assess assumptions and look for reliable evidence.

 

The Course

Exam Board – AQA A Level Psychology

 

Why study Psychology?

If you are interested in question regarding human nature. How do humans learn? Is the brain simply a sophisticated machine or is there more to it? Does how you are raised make a difference to what kind of adult you become? Where the Nazi officers’ psychopaths or where they conditioned to obey? What makes a killer?

 

These are just some of the questions you will be exploring in the Psychology A Level. This will be investigated in a scientific and systematic way in keeping with the scientific method however there are plenty of opportunities to discuss and debate.

 

Where can Psychology take me?

 

There are a myriad of fields that are linked to psychology as ultimately it is about human nature. Psychology is used in business, sport science, healthcare education, entertainment, art to name just a few fields.

Possible career options include; Being a psychologist (specialising in many areas from children to forensics), Administration, Business, Health and Welfare services, Journalism, Public Relations, Police, Research, Education, Civil Service and Government. 

 

RELIGIOUS STUDIES & PHILOSOPHY

Religious Studies & Philosophy 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Religious Studies & Philosophy	OCR	Grade 5 GCSE in English	Grade 5 GCSE in R.S or Citizenship

What is the subject about?

Religious Studies & Philosophy is a highly-respected subject that develops a number of valuable transferable skills. It is the study of great thinkers. Some of the topics studied in Sixth Form include the works of Socrates and Plato, arguments for the existence of God, the Problem of Evil and a variety of ethical theories.

What do employers say about this subject?

Religious Studies & Philosophy is an academic subject that is valued by many universities. You gain many skills such as the ability to spot flaws in arguments. Many people who study it go on to careers in law, government & politics, journalism, teaching and banking.

Key Stage 5

At KS5, we currently offer the OCR Religious Studies A-Level, choosing to study Philosophy of Religion, Developments in Christian though and Religious ethics. Philosophy of religion caters for those who are interested in examining and participating in arguments for and against the existence of God. Topics included are Ancient Greek Philosophy, Judaeo-Christian influences on the Philosophy of Religion, Classic Arguments for the existence of God, The problem of Evil and Religion and Science. Religious Ethics concentrates on ethical theories and how they respond to a variety of ethical issues. Topics included are absolutism and relativism, the link between religion and morality, natural law and Kant’s categorical imperative. Developments in Christian thought include topics such as ‘who was Jesus’ and Christian moral principles.

More can be found about this course on the OCR website or by following this link: ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-religious-studies

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
A	Sociology	AQA	Grade 5 GCSE in English	Grade 6 GCSE in Sociology or Grade 6 GCSE in Humanities, R.S or Citizenship

What is the subject about?

Sociology is the study of how people behave in society. It involves engaging with research to uncover the forces that drive human behaviour. Topics studied include crime and deviance, the family and education.

What do employers say about this subject?

Students will gain valuable skills such as the understanding of research methods and the ability to develop opinions and new ideas on societal issues. These skills gained can be useful in a variety of careers such as social work and human resources. Typical employers include the local and central government, NHS and third sector.

SPORT STUDIES

Sport Studies 

Academic / Professional	Subject	Exam Board	Entry Requirements Essential	Entry Requirements Desired
P	Sports Studies	BTEC	Grade 4 GCSE* in PE

What is the subject about?

Sport and Exercise Science is a fantastic subject to study for students interested in learning more about the science of sport. We extensively cover functional anatomy, applied sport and exercise psychology and the interventions necessary to improve performance, biomechanics and coaching for performance and fitness. 

What do employers say about this subject?

The sports industry currently supports 450,000+ jobs in the UK yet is extremely competitive. A Sport Studies qualification will set you up with key skills and foundational knowledge to help you to succeed in many careers. Careers that include sports development/analytics are physiotherapy and a secondary school teacher.

Key Stage 5

Year 12

Our students will be studying BTEC National Level 3 extended certificate in Sport and Exercise Science. In their first year they will study: 

• Unit 2 - Functional Anatomy 
• Unit 3 - Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology 

Both of these units are Mandatory External exam units, sat in April 

Year 13

In Year 13. our students complete the coursework elements of the course. 

• Unit 6 - Coaching for performance and fitness

This unit is mandatory and will externally assessed 

• Unit 7 - Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science

This unit is optional and will be internally assessed

For further information please visit the Pearsons BTEC Sport and Exercise Science webpage. 

  * Denotes GCSE or Equivalent