Academic Life

The Cambridge A Level Art course encourages pupils to explore their creativity and develop technical skills through a variety of media and techniques. The curriculum covers drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art, with a focus on personal expression and conceptual development. The course culminates in an independent project, allowing pupils to showcase their unique artistic vision. Through this course, pupils gain both practical and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for further studies or careers in the arts.

A-level Biology covers all aspects of life, from the cellular processes driven by organelles to the crucial role of plants and animals in global carbon and nitrogen cycles. It explores the complexities of human health and physiology, as well as the importance of biodiversity conservation for both humanity and the planet. Our goal is to foster an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of biology, inspiring pupils to go beyond the syllabus and become independent, curious biologists. They will gain an understanding of the challenges and innovations shaping the field in the 21st century.

The Cambridge A Level Business Studies course provides pupils with a comprehensive understanding of business operations and management. It covers key areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and the economic environment. Pupils learn to apply business theory to real-world situations, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course encourages an analytical approach to decision-making and prepares pupils for future business challenges. By studying business concepts, pupils gain a solid foundation for pursuing higher education or careers in business, entrepreneurship, and related fields.

The A-level Chemistry course focuses on understanding the atomic structure of the 92 elements, allowing chemists to predict molecular reactions and properties. The chemistry department employs a teaching approach that emphasizes problem-solving and practical work, supported by our state-of-the-art science laboratories. The course builds a strong foundation in chemical concepts, encouraging pupils to use experimental observations to shape their scientific thinking. It covers both organic and inorganic chemistry, providing pupils with a comprehensive mastery of key areas and preparing them for further study or careers in the sciences.

Mandarin is the most spoken language globally, making it an exciting addition to our Sixth Form language offerings. The A-level is perfect for pupils interested in Chinese language, literature, film, culture, current events, and social issues. It covers four key themes: changes in contemporary Chinese society, Chinese culture, the evolving Chinese society, and the impact of the 1978 reforms. Pupils explore these topics through Chinese literature, films, and language practice, with lessons taught by native-speaking teachers, offering an immersive and comprehensive learning experience.

The A-level Computer Science course encourages pupils to develop problem-solving skills using computational methods. It provides a strong theoretical foundation in areas such as computer architecture, network technologies, databases, and digital ethics. Alongside this, the course offers a practical focus, leveraging local industry connections to enhance pupils' understanding of software development principles. Pupils will also explore key techniques and algorithms for creating functional and effective computer programs, preparing them for further study or careers in technology and computing.

A-level Design and Technology provides a dynamic learning experience based on academic and practical training. The course encourages pupils to develop and sustain their creativity, working on building innovative practice while recognising and overcoming challenges and constraints when producing high-quality products. A mixture of practical, workshop-based work and theoretical learning, the A-level allows pupils to develop an understanding of contemporary design and technology practices, using digital technologies and information handling skills to enhance their design capabilities.

The A-level English Literature course enhances pupils’ knowledge and appreciation of literature from various periods and contexts. Pupils study up to eight texts, including poetry, prose, and plays, with key focuses on American literature, a Shakespeare play, and a comparison of pre-1900 poetry and drama. Lessons center around close textual analysis, evaluating alternative interpretations, and understanding literary texts within their cultural and socio-historical contexts. This approach fosters a deep understanding of the texts and encourages critical thinking and discussion.

Geography as a discipline combines political, economic, and scientific perspectives to explore space and place in the modern world. The A-level course equips pupils with the knowledge and skills of a well-rounded geographer, addressing major issues like climate change mitigation, the concept of an optimal global population, and sustainable management of global commons such as oceans. The course covers both human and physical geography, with studies at local, regional, national, and global scales. Pupils apply theoretical models to real-world scenarios and conduct their own practical fieldwork, developing a deep understanding of the subject.

The A-level History course helps pupils understand the past by studying key themes like dictatorship, democracy, and the development of modern BritainIn Year 12 of A-Level History, pupils study the League of Nations, the rise of extremism, and the causes of World War II. They also focus on China and Japan from 1912-1945, examining Mao's Communist Party and Japan's rise. Year 13 focuses on dictatorships, studying Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Benito Mussolini's regimes and domestic policies. Pupils also explore varying interpretations of The Holocaust, including Intentionalist and Functionalist theories, analyzing anti-Semitism and Nazi policies toward Jews during WWII.

Both Maths and Further Maths are offered as A-levels, with Maths being a prerequisite for Further Maths. The courses focus primarily on core areas such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and series, alongside applied modules in statistics and mechanics. While many mathematicians enjoy solving mathematical puzzles for the challenge, our department also helps pupils recognize the practical applications of mathematics in daily life. We aim to develop the skills needed for pupils to engage with and contribute to these applications in the future.

Music is a subject that blends creativity with academics, demanding active involvement in performance, composition (both original and in the style of established composers), and listening. Pupils also engage in the historical and analytical study of composers and their works. The course is structured into three modules: developing performance skills on a chosen instrument, completing a technical study and composition based on a specific brief or style, and exploring diverse musical genres such as vocal and instrumental music, film scores, popular music, jazz, and fusion.

A-level Physics enables pupils to explore the complexities of nature and its fascinating beauty. In the Lower Sixth, pupils study core topics like current electricity, waves, mechanics, and materials, while also delving into modern physics, including quantum phenomena and particle physics. In the Upper Sixth, more abstract concepts of classical physics are explored, such as gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, advanced mechanics, electrical circuits, and thermodynamics. A key focus of the course is experimental work in our university-standard laboratories, where pupils learn new techniques to analyze mathematically complex physical relationships.

A-level Psychology offers an exciting and broad exploration of human behavior, from the activity of a single nerve cell to our interactions in a complex sociocultural environment. The course is intellectually stimulating and personally enriching, encouraging pupils to expand their perspectives, challenge assumptions, and think critically about contemporary issues. Topics include social influence, memory, and psychopathology, with pupils studying the five main psychological approaches and gaining a deep understanding of research methods. This journey not only enhances academic knowledge but also encourages personal growth and critical thinking.

The Cambridge A Level Physical Education (PE) course focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of sport and physical activity. Pupils explore key areas such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, and the socio-cultural influences on sport. The course also covers the principles of training, nutrition, and performance analysis. Through practical assessments, pupils develop skills in applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of physical education, preparing pupils for careers in sports, health, and fitness or further study in related fields.