Academic

In the past two years the UK’s roaring creative industries have made record contributions to the UK’s economy, smashing the £100 billion mark. To become a part of this, a wealth of opportunities exist in creative careers. Art students in the past have completed degrees in areas such as Architecture (taking Art A-level combined with Mathematics and/or Physics), Industrial Design (Art and DT), Film Studies, Fashion, Graphic Design, Fashion and Business or History of Art. A popular route is to take an Art Foundation course, leading to a place on a degree course in areas such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Animation, Textiles, Architecture, Interior and Exhibition Design. We offer an ability to develop and explore your personal creative potential under the guidance and support of subject specialists

The insights and achievements of the Classical World have shaped western thought for the last two thousand years. To study this first-hand helps develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour and thought on issues as important today as the intersection of politics and race, the roles of gender and status, and the overall meaning of the human experience. In this fascinating course you will explore the culture and literature of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Sources studied include their material culture, art and architecture, as well as literature set texts, which are read in English in class.

Computer Science is the backbone of our rapidly evolving digital age, shaping the way we interact with technology and solving complex problems that drive innovation. In an era where computers and software are integral to virtually every aspect of our lives, understanding the fundamentals of Computer Science is essential. The OCR A-level Computer Science course offers a gateway into this field, providing you with an opportunity to explore the inner workings of computers, algorithms, and programming languages. Students will gain a deep understanding of the power of Computer Science in solving real-world challenges, from designing efficient algorithms to developing software solutions. Explore a world of logic, code, and problem solving, and unlock the potential of Computer Science to drive change, innovation and progress in our increasingly digital society.

Media plays a central role in our interconnected world, shaping how we perceive and engage with information, culture, and society. In an era where digital technology is the driving force of communication and expression, understanding the significance of media has never been more critical. The Cambridge Technical Digital Media course offers a window into this dynamic landscape, allowing you to explore how media influences our lives, from informing public opinion to shaping artistic expression. Students will gain insight into the power of media as a tool for storytelling, social change, and cultural reflection.

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the Design and Engineering industries. You will investigate the historical social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on Design Technology, whilst enjoying the opportunity to put your learning into practice by manufacturing products of your choice. You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. The course we offer is very respected by all universities and colleges as a qualification that allows you to develop into a designer or engineer.

A-level Drama and Theatre is designed for students who enjoy reading plays, watching and participating in drama - as performers, directors and designers - and who want to develop their skills in these areas. The course develops written, practical, creative and communication skills.

Students will extend their ability to create drama, either in a performing or production role, or both. Students will also be required to write about theatre and to develop their powers of analysis to become an informed critic. Students will take part in drama performances, as well as studying plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners.

This interesting and diverse course prepares students to effectively and objectively analyse how and why the language we consume on a day-to-day basis is used.

The skills you develop through English Language will support many different A-level combinations. In an ever-changing world where you are preparing for jobs which do not yet exist, English Language teaches you skills in critical thinking, analysis and creativity. The course will look at grammar, meanings and representations, child language development, language diversity and sociolinguistics: identity, accent, dialect, sociolect as well as language change across time. English Language is an excellent foundation for linguistics and language degrees at university and for the language components of English degrees.

English Literature A-level is an exciting journey for Sixth Form students as it offers a profound exploration of timeless human themes, emotions, and experiences through the lens of literature. It allows students to delve into the rich tapestry of literary works from various time periods and cultures, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly transferable to a wide range of careers. Moreover, English Literature cultivates empathy and a deeper understanding of the human condition, making it an important subject for personal growth and developing a well-rounded perspective on the world

Studying Business at A-level provides real-world relevance, equips students with essential career skills, fosters entrepreneurial ambitions and enhances analytical thinking. It offers a global perspective, and develops teamwork and communication abilities. Business is a versatile and intellectually stimulating choice that complements various subjects and prepares students for a successful future in an ever-changing business
landscape.

BTEC Business is a life skills course. It will teach students about dealing with and managing people and how to make informed day-to-day and strategic decisions. Students will learn about the economy, how it affects buying behaviours and the variety of ways in which firms respond to this. It will also teach students about employment law in the context of an employer and an employee.

The world is changing at a rapid rate. The study of economics encourages students to think about what makes individuals and societies successful and what the role of individual choices, businesses and governments should be when faced with limited resources and uncertainty. The overall aim of the course is to develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories and then to learn how to apply them and appreciate their value and limitations in explaining, forecasting and influencing real-world phenomena.

There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography; it is a ‘key facilitating subject’ at undergraduate level. Statistics for employability consistently show that Geography graduates are highly employable, working across a wide range of sectors and roles. Geography A-level combines extremely well with arts and science courses, and as a result it is currently the second fastest growing A-level subject.

Universities and employers have a very high regard for Geography because of the analytical, practical and communication skills it teaches, as well as the training it gives in managing and relating to people. Above all, geographers have potential to be well-informed global citizens, using their unique combinations of knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world.

The History A-level offered at Stamford combines an in-depth course on late medieval England (Wars of the Roses) with the study of the modern development of two superpowers (the USA and Russia) to give students a broad understanding of History and to develop an array of historical skills.

Philosophy and Ethics involves the search for, and love of, wisdom and truth. Studying it involves thinking about the big issues in life, such as cloning, life after death, the existence of God, sentience of robots, and a million other absorbing questions that tax the human consciousness. It incorporates the law and how far moral decisions aid our legal system. It is forever changing and utterly powerful. Ultimately, Philosophy and Ethics helps us to navigate and make sense of our ever-changing world and provides us with the confidence to ask the most important and challenging questions relevant to our lives today

The A-level covers Government and Politics of the UK in Year 12 and the US in Year 13. Students also study the political ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism. They have access to multiple resources, including the most recent textbooks, a video platform called ‘Pre-Chewed Politics’, and copies of the national magazine, ‘Politics Review’, which Stamford School’s Politics teachers regularly contribute to.

Psychology is the scientific study of mind, behaviour, and experience. It aims to offer academic explanations and insight into the behaviour and mental processes that are part of our everyday experiences. The course includes the study of different psychological theories, research  findings, case studies and the different methods used to collect data. It offers a balance of exciting theory and contemporary psychology in action.

Studying A-level French is both a stimulating and fundamental pursuit in today’s interconnected world. Firstly, the excitement lies in the exploration of a rich culture and language through French cinema, literature, art, and cuisine. The allure of becoming bilingual is compelling, opening doors to a vast francophone world; French is spoken in over 29 countries across five continents. French is not just a language, but a strategic asset. It is one of the official languages of international organisations like the United Nations and the European Union, opening doors to a plethora of career opportunities in diplomacy, international business, and humanitarian work. 

France is also a global leader in science and technology and France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, where French is one of its official languages. Studying A-level French fosters cognitive skills such as critical thinking, communication, and adaptability, which are invaluable in today’s dynamic world. So, in addition to all the opportunities A-level French can grant, it is also an essential tool for personal growth, cultural appreciation, and global engagement.

At Stamford, we make Russian enjoyable by providing a supportive learning environment with experienced and dedicated teachers. Our approach to teaching Russian is fun, engaging and designed to foster success in language acquisition. We help students to improve their level of Russian by providing access to native speakers, enabling them to practise and perfect their language skills. Additionally, we encourage students to learn about the culture and history of Russia, further enriching their language learning experience. Our aim is to develop  students from beginner level to prepare them for university and beyond.

Studying A-level Spanish is an exhilarating journey into the richness of the Spanish language and culture. It opens the door to a world of captivating literature, vibrant traditions, and diverse perspectives. Exploring the nuances of Spanish grammar and vocabulary empowers students to communicate effectively in one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, fostering connections on a global scale. Moreover, delving into the cultural aspects of Spain and Latin America through literature, film and history provides a profound understanding of the societies that have shaped the Spanish-speaking world. A-level Spanish promises not only linguistic fluency but also a deep appreciation of the beauty and complexity of Spanish-speaking cultures, making it an enticing and intellectually rewarding choice of study.

Mathematics is the window to the world, with a unique position in education, providing skills to underpin many other subjects, and as a subject to be studied in its own right. For this reason it remains universally the most popular choice of A-level.

A-level Further Mathematics is a separate qualification that can be taken alongside A-level Mathematics. It both broadens and deepens the mathematics covered in A-level Mathematics. A-level Further Mathematics is a highly desirable qualification that can help many students achieve their aspirations for further study and their future career.

The Eduqas Music course is designed to allow students to pursue their own musical interests. Students develop skills in the three distinct but related disciplines of performing, composing and appraising, whilst having flexibility to specialise in either performing or composing, and engage with both classical and popular music.

The course is well suited to musicians who have specific strengths and interest in the use of music technology. The subject is broad enough to appeal to a wide range of musicians interested in all kinds of popular music and the development of technology. There is no performance assessment in the exam.

Biology at Stamford looks at how organisms function and how they interact with each other. We use experiential learning activities, practical work and modelling to help explain many different concepts. Students are encouraged to offer opinions and think for themselves in fun and accessible lessons with teachers who care.

Chemistry is the study of matter on a sub-microscopic scale. Particles are almost unimaginably tiny, but the ways that they are arranged and interact with each other govern many day-to-day processes. In A-level Chemistry, we take our GCSE knowledge and advance one step closer to understanding the true nature of our wonderful, chemical, universe.

Physics is a reductive subject in which the grasp of a handful of core concepts leads to a deep understanding of the world around us and the physical universe. The A-level course goes a surprisingly long way in the achievement of this goal, and students will be greatly rewarded as their knowledge and understanding will grow rapidly over a short period of time. This course should be considered essential for potential engineers and physicists, and very desirable for potential physical scientists in general, and the numerical problem solving and modelling is a very good fit for mathematicians, economists, and those with an interest in finance.

Delve into the world of physical fitness, explore the intricacies of sports psychology, and master the art of effective coaching. Whether you’re a budding athlete or a passionate sports enthusiast, our programme offers a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on experience. Challenge yourself to reach your peak performance, discover the science behind sports, and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond the field.

Delve into the world of physical fitness, explore the intricacies of sports psychology, and master the art of effective coaching. Whether you’re a budding athlete or a passionate sports enthusiast, our programme offers a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on experience. Challenge yourself to reach your peak performance, discover the science behind sports, and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond the field.

You will have the opportunity to visit a local university to make use of specialised science laboratories and equipment. As part of the day you will participate in workshops including fitness testing, echocardiogram readings (ECG) and biomechanical investigations.

This course gives students the opportunity to learn new skills, to work with specialist community groups, and is of value to all those who wish to further develop their coaching skills. The qualification aligns with professional standards for sport and physical activity leadership, especially through the focus on leading inclusive sessions to participants.

The Extended Project Qualification is your opportunity to develop, extend and stretch yourself; to choose an area you are really interested in and to spend time exploring it. As well as being an extra qualification that will provide evidence of your commitment to a subject or topic and your ability to work independently, it is an amazing opportunity to take yourself on a journey of enquiry. This is one of the few opportunities you have at school to spend time exploring your interests in depth and to follow them where they lead. At the very least you will learn valuable research skills that will help you at university and beyond. At best, an Extended Project Qualification can be a revealing journey of self-discovery that may be the start of a life-long enquiry journey, and the beginning of a deeper relationship with a particular subject or topic

EXAMPLES OF EPQ TITLES

• ‘Should mercury amalgam fillings continue to be used in British dentistry?’
• ‘Constructing a chair from recycled materials sourced from a working yard'.
• ’Through diversification, are Scottish estates sustainable in the 21st century?’
• ‘Feisty or feeble? The construction and performance of female identity in Shakespeare’s plays.'