Curriculum

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. This course offers a gateway into this field, providing an opportunity to explore the inner workings of computers, algorithms, and programming languages. 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 dominates the 21st century and is continually shaping all of our lives. For those of you interested in beginning to understand and analyse the secrets of media, and in beginning to produce media products which exploit people’s fascination and curiosity, Creative Media is for you.

A level Drama and Theatre is designed for students who enjoy reading plays and watching or participating in drama - as performers, directors or designers - and who want to develop their skills in these areas. Students will develop their powers of analysis to become an informed critic and will also take part in drama productions, as well as studying plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners.

Economics is concerned with all of society and the activities of various groups and institutions within it. At the centre of the subject is the question of how we divide up our scarce resources, and how decisions resulting from this affect us all – in other words, who gets what and why?

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.

Thinking both analytically and creatively, using a range of assessment skills from data collection, investigation, creative writing and presentation, to more formal responses, students will delve into the differing ways in which we communicate across our country, and how we learn to communicate from birth, and will write opinion articles about the way the world functions today.

The aim is to foster a lasting love of literature, to develop critical and evaluation skills and to develop empathy and understanding of a wide range of issues presented within the texts.

Studying of a variety of texts, students will complement their analysis of the methods with which a writer has crafted their text, and the subsequent effect this has on the reader, with more in-depth knowledge of the context in which the piece was written. They will also explore the wider historical, social, political and cultural situation within which the text is written and set.

On this course, using creative and thought-provoking processes, students will investigate the historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design technology, whilst enjoying the opportunity to put their learning into practice by manufacturing products of their choice.

Art encourages students to investigate, experience and enjoy its many aspects through stimulating and exciting coursework. Students are required to work in many areas of fine art including drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, photography and moving image, sculpture and printmaking.

Geography is the study of the earth’s landscapes, people, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live. Our subject is unique in bridging social science (human geography) with a natural science (physical geography). This allows understanding of social and physical processes within the context of places and regions - recognising the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world, and the links between them. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underpins many of the newer developments in human geography.

The History A Level course has been designed to help students understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. This course will help them gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. Outside class, our students are regularly invited to attend local evening lectures given by respected historians.

The course offers an equal balance of language work and reading original Latin literature. We study the famous speeches of Cicero or Tacitus’ histories on the reign of Nero, and in verse we read the powerful and moving poetry of Virgil’s Aeneid and the intriguing works of Ovid’s poetry.

The focus of the course is participation and performance in physical activity as part of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. The aims of the course are to enable students to increase their physical competence, develop their involvement and effectiveness in physical activity and enable them to become informed and discerning decision-makers.

Three key factors (physiological, psychological and socio-cultural) are studied throughout the course, enabling students to gain an understanding and appreciation of how each factor impacts upon participation and performance in physical activity.

Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school. Physics is a basic element in our understanding of the world and the foundation of our technology. It has influenced the whole of our culture, contributing important ideas to many non-scientific academic disciplines.

The major themes of the course involve the central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation, examined through the study of political parties, pressure groups and elections.

A diverse and challenging course, students will complete a wide range of projects which will allow you to develop your knowledge of materials and manufacturing techniques including CAD, CAM, and CAE.

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 offers a balance of exciting theory and contemporary psychology in action.

The course has been developed in order to provide a solid foundation within sports science and coaching, enabling the development of essential study skills.

Students will have the opportunity to acquire the Community Sports Leaders Award, Higher Sports Leaders Award (which receives UCAS points), a First Aid qualification, and coaching/ officiating qualifications. They will also gain valuable teaching experience