A Level Courses

What you'll study

Portfolio 1: Personal investigation (unit one), which is worth 60% of the final grade, is tailored to your strengths and passions. There is a strong focus on your final project reflecting your future pathway.  You will product a design and make project based on one of the following disciplines.

• Architecture
• Set Design
• Furniture Design
• Graphic design
• Product design
• CAD/CAM design and many more.

Portfolio 2: Practical examination (unit two), which is worth 40% of the course. The examination is a 15 hour practical exam in the design studios. You will produce a unique 3D product as a response to a context which the exam board set.

All work is presented as a design portfolio.

What you'll love

Throughout the two years, students will focus on well-regarded designers and cultural movements. They will appreciate the influences these have had on modern and contemporary materials, manufacture and design. Students will use these inspirations through the two units of the A-level.

There are so many future destinations and careers that our students have available to them from completing a 3D Design A-level. Students tend to pursue a career in a variety of design / engineering based fields; this can be achieved through a degree at University or acquiring their own apprenticeship.

3D Design Specification

What you'll study

Your A level grade will comprise of a personal investigation which is worth 60% of your final grade and an externally assessed task worth 40%.  During your A level course you will work independently with guidance and support from your teachers to complete a series of workshops, a mini project and a main, personal investigation unit; responding in an informed and creative manner, you will produce a portfolio of practical work that demonstrates skill, technique and creativity.

During your personal investigation we will guide you through a design process where you will complete a thoughtful and detailed investigation, recording, exploring and experimenting with a diverse range of 2D and 3D media, whilst making informed choices and decisions, developing specific design ideas and presenting a personal and meaningful final outcome based upon your personal investigation findings.

In addition to the portfolio of practical work you will need to produce a written investigation of between 1000 and 3000 words, this will relate to your personal investigation.

For your externally set task you will be given a selection of different themes, briefs or visual starting points to choose from, you will choose one option and spend approximately 7 weeks following a structured design process and developing your own personal response. You will complete your final outcome during your 15 hour exam.

What you'll love

A level Art and Design allows you to explore a wide range of materials, develop a range of exciting technical and creative skills, it gives you the opportunity to develop critical, contextual and analytical understanding and explores methods to produce innovative, stylish and professional artwork.

Why take it?

• It will develop skills that will be essential for many jobs such as nurturing all-round problem solving skills, visual analysis, the ability to find creative solutions, make critical judgements, and the capacity to work outside your comfort zone.
• The leading people in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively. These are skills that employers value alongside qualifications.
• An A level art qualification will give you opportunities to enter further or higher education or the workplace.  Previous students have gone on to study courses such as architecture, graphic design, art textiles, furniture design, animation, interior design, photography, body art and gaming design and have chosen to follow a career within the creative industries.  

Click the link below for the exam specification

Art Specification

What you'll study

Examination: Students will sit 3 A level exam papers at the end of year 13

Students will be taught by two A level Biology specialists across year 12 and 13. In year 12 students will learn Biological Molecules; Cells; Exchanging substances and Genetics. Students will build on this in year 13 and learn Energy transfer between organisms; Responding to changes in the Environment; Populations and Ecosystems and Genetic Technologies.

Alongside the lesson material students will also complete 12 required practicals to obtain their ‘Practical Skills Mastery Certificate’. This will be assessed and certified by the class teacher and practical theory questions will be examined in the final exams.

It is expected that students will complete a minimum of 1.5 hours of Uplearn a week alongside their studying in school. Students should also expect regular key word checks and end of topic tests.

What you'll love

 Biology A-level is a popular and exciting course with many interesting modules. There are many opportunities for practical work to help put the theory into life. You will learn new skills in microbiology, dissections and microscope techniques that are very applicable to many science courses at university. Students will have lots of opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills and curiosity which are essential skills for university. Lots of our students feel inspired by A level Biology and go into medicine; dentistry and careers in marine biology.

 Biology Specification

What you'll study

Students will be taught by two A level Chemistry specialists across year 12 and 13. In year 12 students will learn about the Foundations in Chemistry, Periodic table and energy, Core organic Chemistry as well as the development of practical skills. In Year 13, students will continue this programme, studying Periodic table, elements and Physical Chemistry. They will also study synthesis and analytical techniques alongside the Practical Endorsement in chemistry.

Chemistry has plenty of opportunity to complete practical work which inspires students, and helps make sense of the world around them.

It is expected that students will complete a minimum of 1.5 hours of Uplearn a week alongside their studying in school. Students should also expect regular key word checks and end of topic tests.

What you'll love:

Chemistry is a popular course at St Peter’s Sixth Form. It is a practical based subject where students will have a chance to learn about the world around them. Chemistry is a course that is applicable to many University courses which include Medicine, Veterinary courses and Chemical Engineering. You will be able to develop a range of skills, such a problem-solving and practical skills. Students will have opportunity to develop their mathematical skills to solve problems and be introduced to modern techniques which are used across Chemistry.

Chemistry Specification

What you'll study

This A level course builds on your GCSE knowledge of computer science with an emphasis on computational thinking as a discipline.  Computational thinking is at the core of Computer Science, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence.  This course has a strong focus on programming and a considerable amount of mathematical content.  Experience of any dialect of Visual Basic will give you a distinct advantage. 

 What you'll love

This course will allow you to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems in an exciting and engaging manner.  Indeed, this course will above all else be relevant to the modern and changing world of computing.

Paper 1 - Computer systems

The internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. Written exam.  2 hours and 30 minutes.  This course component counts for 40% of the A level.

Paper 2 - Algorithms and programming

Using computational thinking and programming skills to solve problems.  Written exam.  2 hours and 30 minutes.  This course component counts for 40% of the A level.

Programming Project - You will analyse, design, develop, test and evaluate an application written in a high level programming language such as VB.NET.  This course component counts for 20% of the A Level.

Why take it?

This course will give you a clear progression into an apprenticeship or higher education, as it was designed after consultation with members of BCS, CAS and top universities. 

It will develop skills that are essential for many jobs in the IT industry such as software development and technical support.

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with the fast changing pace of developments in technology, and to do their own wider reading in order to fully understand the concepts taught.

Click on the links below to see the full specification and examples of all 3 papers (we study paper 3A at St. Peter’s).

Computer Science Specification

Sample Assessment Materials

What you'll study

This is a relatively new course, which helps to develop students' mathematical skills and thinking. It covers the Maths that supports courses such as A-level Psychology, Sciences and Geography as well as technical and vocational qualifications. It is half an A-level, studied over two years with two exam papers at the end of year 13. Mathematical studies carries 20 UCAS points and is graded A to E.

Core Maths enables students to develop further mathematical understanding and skills in the application of mathematics to authentic problems, whilst providing a sound basis for the general mathematical demands that students will face at university and within employment across a broad range of academic, professional, and technical fields.

Paper One – Mathematical Studies

Paper Two – Statistical Techniques

What you'll love

The course is valuable for all students progressing to university but particularly those progressing to higher education courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element such as sciences, psychology, geography, business and management.

Core Maths is looked upon favourably by many universities when they are considering applications for degree study. They recognise the transferable skills and knowledge that students gain through studying Core Maths. It offers valuable preparation for the quantitative skills students will need for subjects for which AS/A Mathematics is not required such as psychology, geography, business-related courses, sports and social sciences, and the life sciences.

Why take it?

Some universities have shown their recognition for Core Maths by making alternative offers for students who have taken Core Maths, alongside other qualifications, reducing the grades required for entry to some of their degree courses.

A number of university courses, such as medicine and teaching, require applicants to take an additional admissions test with some mathematical content. Studying Core Maths will help students maintain their mathematical skills and help them with these tests.

Click on the documents below to see the full specification and examples of both papers (At St Peter’s we study option 2A).

pdf AQA 13502A SQP(171 KB)

pdf AQA 1350 SP 2014(1.06 MB)

pdf AQA 13501 SQP CR(166 KB)

What you'll study

You will explore 5 different plays over the two year course; 2 as set texts for your written exam at the end of year 13 and 3 as performance texts for your practical exam, also completed in year 13. You will complete 2 practical assessments – in year 12 you will devise your own piece of theatre, applying the theories and practice of a prescribed practitioner. You will choose your practitioner after taking part in a number of workshops where you will explore a range of different styles including: realism, epic theatre, total theatre and physical theatre. The components are designed to develop your physical and vocal skills alongside your understanding of style, as well as developing your understanding of how theatre is performed. The written element of the course will build on your analytical and evaluative skills, where there is a focus on how effects are achieved, honing in on precise details and skills used by theatre makers.

What you'll love

You will love going to see live theatre and discussing your response after. You will enjoy exploring a range of styles and practitioners, learning more about the styles you enjoy and using your creativity to devise your own piece of Drama. As a Drama student, you will develop excellent interpersonal skills that you will be able to use in any career. You will have access to one of the fastest growing industries in the UK: the creative industries are growing at more than twice the rate of the rest of the UK economy and employ nearly 2 million people in this country. The UK are world leaders in this industry. 

Why take it?

Whilst a number of our A Level students do go on to study Drama or Acting at degree level and now work in the creative arts industry; many of our students have applied the skills they have developed through their work in Drama in the following areas: Hair and Beauty, Law, Construction Management, Teaching, Policing and the Intelligence Service amongst others. As well as developing your knowledge of Drama, you will develop an empathy and understanding of the world that is valued by all professions.

Click on the links below to see the full specification and examples of the written paper, we currently study Jerusalem for Section A of the paper and Our Country’s Good for Section B

Drama Specifications

Drama and Theatre question papers

What you'll study

This course introduces students to economics through building knowledge of core microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, and by investigating economic theory through real-world businesses and the environments in which they operate. The concepts of scarcity, markets, the global economy and government policies are key topics. This course is suitable for students who prefer exams to coursework and are prepared to take an interest in current business news and international business.  You will learn how to analyse information effectively and be able to suggest solutions to real business problems.  The course will be assessed through three examinations at the end of the two year course.

What you'll love

You will develop a critical and analytical mind. Accepting that there are choices and interventions to be made in the world of Economics, politics and Business. Developing the ability to debate, justify your opinions and understanding that every choice has a consequence are the keys to enjoying this course.

Year 12- Theme 1: markets, consumers and firms.  In this theme you will explore the way in which consumers make choices and entrepreneurs create desirable products.  You will consider why certain markets fail; ;how government decision making affects the economy and markets in which companies operate, and the income and welfare of private individuals. Theme 2: the wider economic environment.  This theme helps you to explore how firms can become more competitive.  It introduces you to the wider international and economics environment in which firms operate.  You will look at global issues, and how different countries manage their economy in different ways.

Year 13- Theme 3: the global economy.  In this theme you will develop your understanding of the meaning of globalisation.  You will then explore ways in which firms expand into new markets and move to new locations for production, alongside looking at the issues relating to global trade and growth, and the trade policies that shape the global economy.  Multinational corporations figure significantly in this theme, along with the study of global labour markets, poverty, inequality and income distribution. Theme 4: making markets work.  You will learn about competition and market power in this unit, including the different ways in which companies can compete without exploiting consumers and how the government reacts when exploitation occurs.

Why take it?

• A better understanding of world politics, trade and globalisation
• Relates to any career you may be considering
• Develops key skills for your future career, such as, communication, problem solving and decision making
• Clear pathways to University, the world of work or apprenticeships.

Students are encouraged to read widely around the subject and keep up with the business and economic environments by watching and reading the news.

Click on the documents below to see the full specification and examples of all three exam papers for this course.

Economics Specification

Economics Past Paper

What you'll study

AQA English Language and Literature focusses on the study of a range of literary texts (The Handmaid’s Tale, The Great Gatsby, Carol Ann Duffy’s Poetry and A Streetcar Named Desire) and a non-literary anthology of texts linked to the theme of Paris.

Students study for two years, with two exam papers at the end of Year 13.

• Paper One – Telling Stories
• Paper Two – Dramatic Conflicts

Paper One is taught in Year 12 and Paper Two is taught in Year 13.

NEA – This replaces, what was originally, coursework. It is an independent, comparative study of a theme or element within non-fiction and fiction texts.  You will study a play in class as a starting point; however, you will be able to choose your own articles and extracts to further develop your independent work. This will need to be discussed with your class teacher, along with the point of comparison, to ensure the title is highly appropriate to the unit. 

What you'll love

You will experience the enjoyment of studying great works of fiction and non-fiction and will deepen your appreciation of a variety of texts, authors and genres. Alongside this, you will also have the opportunity to engage in creative writing tasks in order to deepen and challenge your understanding of classic modern texts. There are many opportunities for debate, group work as well as independent work.

Why take it?

• A better understanding of humanity and the world
• It will develop skills that will be essential for many jobs such as debating and matching theory to practice.
• Key jobs that are reliant on English include: Journalism, barristers, lawyers, teachers, marketing and advertising, sales
• Theatre trips, festival visits and competition are all part of the study experience.

Click the link below for exam specification and past exam papers.

Exam specification and past papers

What you'll study

AQA English Literature Specification B focusses on a study of two literary genres: tragedy and crime. In addition to the examinations, there is also a non-examined assessment worth 20% where pupils are required to write two essays: one on a novel and one on a poetry collection. These two texts are then linked to areas of critical theory.

Students study for two years, with two exam papers at the end of Year 13.

• Paper One - Tragedy
• Paper Two - Crime

Paper One is taught in Year 12 and Paper Two is taught in Year 13.

NEA – This replaces, what was originally, coursework. You will apply a critical theory from the AQA Anthology to different texts – a novel of your choice and a collection of poetry studied by your class.  It is worth 20% of the final A-Level.

What you'll love

English Literature will immerse you in stories linked to the genres of tragedy and crime. You will experience the human condition in all its glory: the mistakes we make, the price we pay; the love we win an lose and the consequences of our actions.  This will give you a unique understanding of people and the world we live in. The expertise in analysis, critical thinking and creativity are essential for a range of careers and highly sought after by universities.

Why take it?

• A better understanding of humanity and the world
• It will develop skills that will be essential for many jobs such as debating and matching theory to practice.
• Key jobs that are reliant on English include: Journalism, barristers, lawyers, teachers, marketing and advertising, sales
• Theatre trips, festival visits and competition are all part of the study experience.

Click the link below for exam specification and past papers.

Exam specification and past papers

What you'll study

Alongside all of the themes that are studied on the AQA syllabus, grammar and vocabulary is studied in order to give students the tools to be able to communicate fluently with native speakers. Students also study a film and a work of literature in the target language.  In addition, they undertake an Individual Research Project at the end of year 12.

Themes studied:

• Aspects of either Francophone or Hispanic Society
• Artistic culture in the Francophone or Hispanic World
• Literature & film studied
• Multiculturalism in Francophone or Hispanic Society
• Aspects of political life in Francophone or Hispanic Society

Students study for two years, with three exam papers at the end of Year 13.

Paper One – Listening Reading and Writing (including translation)

Paper Two – Writing (essays on the novel and film studied)

Paper 3 – Speaking (including verbal presentation of the Individual Research Project)

What you'll love

Exploring and developing your skills in Modern Foreign Languages will give you a better understanding of the Hispanic/Francophone cultures in the world. They are fascinating courses that will not only allow you to follow your passion for languages but also to develop key communication and presentation skills that employers are actively seeking.

Why take it?

• A deeper and broader understanding of the Hispanic/Francophone world.
• Developing fluent communication skills in your chosen target language.
• Employers/employment sectors that seek Modern Foreign Languages include: Journalism, the Forces, GCHQ, Aviation (air traffic control, aviation operations managers, cabin crew, international freight), Port authorities, Marine pilots, teachers, Tourism (travel consultants, transport planners, any job based in or working with businesses in a Spanish/ French-speaking country) and many, many more.

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with current affairs in the target language country, and to do their own wider reading in order to fully develop their research skills.

Click the links below for further information on exam specifications

French specification

Spanish specification

What you’ll study

Taken in addition to A level Maths, A level Further Maths looks in more depth at both pure and applied mathematics.

As well as pure mathematics, you’ll have the chance to study two applied areas from statistics, mechanics, and discrete mathematics.

Students sit the AS level at the end of year 12.

What you’ll love?

Do any of the following questions interest you?

• What does it mean for a quadratic equation to have no real roots?
• Does that mean it has roots that aren’t real?
• Can looking at a cubic equation’s coefficients tell me anything about the roots of the equation?
• Is there an optimal solution to a problem, and how can it be found?
• What mathematics describes motion in a circle?

If these questions are interesting then further maths will be an excellent choice.

Further maths also looks excellent on a university application for a range of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, and may be essential for some courses at some universities. In recent years St Peter’s further maths students have gone on to excellent universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, to study highly mathematical courses.

Click on the documents below to see the full specification and examples of all 4 papers.

pdf AQA Specification A Level Further Maths (749 KB)

pdf Specimen QP Discrete (129 KB)

pdf Specimen QP Pure 1 (132 KB)

pdf Specimen QP Pure 2 (125 KB)

pdf Specimen QP Stats (119 KB)

What you'll study

A-Level Geography is known as a facilitating subject, because the wide range of transferable skills you will develop are looked at favourably by employers and universities. You will study both physical and human geography, and learn about hazards, globalisation, glaciation and changing places amongst many other themes.

What you'll love

You get the chance to get outside of the classroom on 4 field trips (both day and residential).  We travel to Snowdonia in North Wales, as well as days out in the local area. 20% of the A-Level is coursework, which is a project entirely of your choosing - so you can develop those research, presentation and analysis skills in preparation for your future career.

Why take it?

Varied skills; Geography develops the vast majority of skills; more than any other option choice

Relevance; Geography is topical and in the news daily, Geography brings in the past, Geography looks at the present, Geography considers and theorises about the future

General knowledge; Geography develops your ‘savviness’ as a person

Geography is both an Art (BA) and a Science (BSc) – no other subject provides this!

What you'll study

Through the power of gripping story-telling, the History A-level will look across a broad spectrum of modules including the Anglo-Saxon and Norman Conquest (1035-1107),  Russia and its Rulers (1894-1941) and finally Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992.

Year 12

Paper one Y102 Anglo Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035-1107  (25% of total A-level)

Paper two Y219 Russia 1894-1941 (15% of total A-level)

Year 13

Paper three Y319 Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992 (40% of total A-level)

Topic based essay Y100- Independent Coursework (20% of total A-level)

What you'll love

People who study History are fearless explorers of the past. You will love the powerful characters across the course and the wonderful story-telling which weaves through these modules, and ultimately, how History gives us a more balanced outlook on the world today.

Why take it?

• According to the Informed Choice University guide, A-level History is a subject that keeps your career path and degree options really open.
• History sharpens your critical thinking abilities, alongside other skills of analysis, argumentation and communication
• Key jobs that are reliant on historical skills include: Journalism, barristers, lawyers, local government, teaching, researcher.
• Being involved in the wider History community- guest speakers, university outings, participating in the Great Debate, and other extra-curricula opportunities to supercharge your CV/UCAS application.

Students are encouraged to read widely around the topic, and to be involved in projects mentoring younger students within the history department.

What you'll study

The EPQ is a stand-alone qualification equal to 50% of an A-level and worth up to a maximum of 28 UCAS points. It involves completing a project on a topic of your choice, recording the project process, delivering a presentation and evaluating your experience. 

You will plan and develop an independent research project on a topic that you have chosen (that is not covered by your other qualifications). You will be taught the skills you need to project manage and research your topic, given an understanding of how to write up your research and present your findings.

The course starts with taught skills in September of year 12 with hand in project completion deadline of Christmas of year 13.

What you'll love

The EPQ is a unique opportunity at sixth form for you to choose what you study, it can be an academic topic or a personal interest. You are in control of what the project is, where it leads and how you do it. You will develop independent study skills that are valued and useful at University level, and shown to boost academic achievement in A-levels too. For employers it demonstrates your self-motivation, time management skills, independent initiative, and your ability to work on your own. You will be knowledgeable in a unique topic useful for application forms, personal statements and interviews.

Why take it?

• become a more critical, reflective and independent learner
• develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
• increase your planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
• learn to apply technologies confidently
• demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise
• get extra UCAS points and maybe a reduced offer from some universities

Exam information

What you'll study

• You will build on your GCSE knowledge in topics like algebra and trigonometry as well as exploring new topics such as proof, calculus, exponentials, logarithms, vectors and co-ordinate geometry, the Pure Maths topics.
• You will learn about how Maths is applied in different situations in Mechanics (how and why objects move or not) and Statistics (the analysis of data and applications to modelling).

Students study for two years, with three exam papers at the end of Year 13. It is graded A* - E

Paper One - Pure

Paper Two – Pure and Mechanics

Paper Three – Pure and Statistics

What you'll love

• Those with Maths A Level earn on average around 11% more by the time they are 30 than those without. No other A-level subject attracted a wage premium in the same way.
• The average graduate starting salary is about £22000. However, the average starting salary for a Maths graduate is almost £26,000.

Why take it?

A Level maths can help you develop valuable problem-solving skills, understand the world around us, get into university, stay ahead in the job market, and be a fun and rewarding experience

Click on the documents below to see the full specification and examples of all 3 papers.

pdf AQA 7357 SP 2017(1011 KB)

pdf A Level Maths Paper 1(186 KB)

pdf A Level Maths Paper 2(178 KB)

pdf A Level Maths Paper 3(356 KB)

What you'll study

You will perform regularly on your chosen instrument or voice.  You will compose pieces of music using Cubase & Musescore software. You will study a range of musical genres: Musical Theatre; Music for Media; Baroque Concerto; Mozart Opera; Romantic Piano music.

What you'll love

60% of the course is practical, so you will have numerous opportunities in lessons to perform and compose, both individually and as part of a group. You will enjoy the course if: you are open to being introduced to a wide variety of musical styles; you are willing to learn fundamental harmony & theory concepts; you are willing to take an active role in music- making both in and out of school.

Why take it?

A Level Music is a rigorous academic and creative qualification which is highly regarded by top universities and future employers. It is recommended for professions such as arts administration, music therapy, sound & acoustic engineering, music teaching, music production & recording, professional composing and performing. It is also respected in a broad range of other careers as it demonstrates the desired transferable skills of commitment, teamwork, analytical ability, organisation & time management, confidence, listening and presentation skills.

Click the link below to see the exam specification for Music.

Music Specification

What you'll study

We study Edexcel Religious Studies at A Level, which is a linear course that includes studies in Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and Study of Religion - Christianity. Students will study for two years, with three exam papers at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion

Nature and influence of religious experience

Problems of evil and suffering

Philosophical language

Work of scholars

Paper 2: Religion and Ethics

Study of ethical theory

Application of theory in contemporary issues and debates

Ethical language

Work of scholars

Paper 3: The study of Religion - Christianity

A focused and in-depth study of Christianity

The key beliefs and values of Christianity

Exploration of the diversity in expression of belief

How has Christianity developed and changed over time?

What you'll love

The word ‘Philosophy’ translates to the love of knowledge. Philosophers embark on an exciting journey in search of truth in an ever changing world. Philosophy asks the most fundamental and deepest questions, for example: Who am I? How am I connected to the world? How do I know what is true? Was the world created with design? What makes something right or wrong?

In asking these questions we explore and critique the arguments of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, and seek to create our own arguments based upon sound logic and evidence. Philosophy is one of the oldest disciplines and has engaged some of the greatest thinkers and leaders since the beginning of time. It is less of a subject but more of a way of thinking - a way of questioning. It is an excellent subject to study alongside humanities, arts and sciences.

Why take it?

Philosophy is an excellent choice for ambitious students seeking careers with international organisations, the Civil Service, law firms and accountancy/consulting firms, and leading businesses especially in information technology and environmental sectors. The key skills of understanding ideas and arguments, clear and critical thinking and writing, and making rational decisions, are highly valued at senior management levels.

Over-subscribed universities also value Philosophy qualifications: a demonstrated capacity for independent thought and research is especially attractive to admissions tutors. As well as single honours Philosophy degree courses, Philosophy is directly relevant for degrees offering combined qualifications, such as Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and a range of dual honours degrees which combine Philosophy with, for example, Theology, Physics, Linguistics, Languages, Mathematics, Music. Students also often take Philosophy as a modular component of a degree course. The A Level course provides an excellent introduction for all these possibilities.

Click on the link below to see the full specification

Philosophy and Ethics Specification

What you'll study

You will begin Skills Sessions at the start of Year 12 to ensure you gain the same level of confidence using Digital SLR cameras, our Photography Studio and the Affinity editing software. The Skills sessions also allow your teachers to guide you into projects that best suit your interests and style; whilst allowing you to fully understand the skills and efforts needed to complete your coursework and exam.

• Coursework, (60% of overall grade)

A Personal Investigation into an aspect of Photography that is individual to each student and aims to explore a concept or theme. Through analysis of a variety of photographers, artists and movements, both contemporary and traditional, you will begin to critically understand and produce work in response. You will learn the skills of developing a sustained project and refining your ideas into finalised pieces. Topics chosen in the past - Fashion photography, Digital manipulation, Emotion and portraiture, Night photography and many more. In addition to this Personal Investigation you are asked to submit an essay of between 1000 – 3000 words related to your theme.

• Exam (40% of their overall grade)

You will need to choose one question or theme that is set by the exam board. You then have approximately 6/8 weeks to explore this new theme and produce work. The exam itself is a self-directed time of finalising your response to the theme.

You do not need a DSLR camera for this course but it does help to have your own equipment if you can. All students will be taught how to use these cameras and have the opportunity to borrow equipment.

What you'll love

Students who take on the A Level in Photography develop their analytical skills, problem solving and confidence. We ask that students work to the best of their ability as we aim to create a culture of independence and experimentation.

You will develop as a photographer with teachers and specialist equipment that fosters your talents and personal interests. No one on the course does the same work as everyone is celebrated as a unique, creative individual!

Why take it?

A Level in Photography gives students opportunity to explore elements such as composition, lighting and viewpoints using a variety of technical photographic equipment whilst identifying their own photographic style. In 2020, over 75% of our students went onto Further Education degrees or apprenticeships with the Creative Industries. A Level Photography can lead to a wide range of careers, such as photo-journalism, fashion photography, freelance photography and more.

Photography pushes you to observe the world around us and how we interact as human beings. Skills in creativity and critical understanding are top priorities for universities and future employers.

Click the link below for the Photograpy specification

Photography Specification

What you'll study

Physics makes the world go round! Study physics and find out how the world works. From the smallest building blocks of the universe to the biggest systems in the cosmos. You’ll study the story of the universe from the very beginning to the very end. You’ll study how Newtonian mechanics governs every force you have ever experienced. You’ll learn about the dualism which is integral to the behaviour of light. You’ll study why the room lights up when you flick a switch and why your deodorant can gets cold when you spray yourself. You will learn to apply your current knowledge to areas such as space, dynamics and the world of particle physics, along with a whole world of other content.

What you'll love

You’ll love teacher-lead class discussions. You’ll love asking and answering the question ‘why?’ at multiple levels. You’ll love seeing physical situations from new perspectives. You’ll love working collaboratively to probe and investigate the nature of physical phenomena. If you love problem solving, you'll love physics. When you are not given all the answers, you will use your problem-solving skills to find the answers. You’ll love building your repertoire of transferable skills, learning to apply scientific methodology in new and unknown scenarios. If you love drilling down into the underlying principles of our world, you will love physics at St Peter’s.

Why take it?

The teachers and students of physics at St Peter’s love working collaboratively to explore and investigate the physical world that surrounds us. When you take A-Level physics at St Peter’s, you be provided with the impetus to reach high goals and the support to make it happen. Throughout the course, you will be provided with the following:

• Enhancement of transferrable skills such as data analysis and problem solving
• Exposure to specialist scientific equipment which is used to probe the principles governing specific physical phenomena
• Access to and advice on key resources to facilitate a deep understanding of the content covered

Click the link below for Physics exam specification

Physics Specification

What you'll study

Politics is the study of how countries make laws, how they arrived at the ideas and values that hold their peoples together and how decisions are enforced. It is one of the oldest subjects in history with great thinkers such as Socrates and Plato spending many hours debating over what system is the best to organise human beings.

What you'll love

Politics will give you a better understanding of the world, and there hasnever been a more exciting time to study it. It will develop skills that are essential for many jobs.

Exam board: Edexcel (see the website for greater detail and past exam papers)

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/politics-2017.html

Students study for two years, with three exam papers at the end of Year 13.

Paper One - UK Politics and core ideologies

Paper Two - UK Government and Nationalism

Paper one and two are taught in Year 12

Paper 3 - Comparative Politics which explores the politics of the USA, and is taught in year 13.

Why take it?

• A better understanding of the world
• It will develop skills that will be essential for many jobs such as debating and matching theory to practice.
• Key jobs that are reliant on politics include: Journalism, barristers, lawyers, local government, the Forces, the Civil Service, GCHQ and those hoping to work in the Unites States of America.
• Trip to Parliament in the Summer Term of Year 12

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with foreign affairs, and to do their own wider reading in order to fully understand the political concepts taught.

Click on the documents below to see the full specification and examples of all 3 papers (we study paper 3A at St. Peter’s).

A Level Politics Specification

A-Level Politics - Sample Assessment Materials

What you'll study

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience. Medicine applicants often have Psychology in addition to Biology and Chemistry. Biology applicants often study Psychology as a second science, as required by top universities. Physiotherapy courses prefer candidates to have studied A Level Psychology and Biology. Psychology students in sixth form often apply for Law, History, Social Sciences and a range of other degrees.

What you'll love:

You will love applying your understanding of human biology to explain behaviour. You wil love learning how problem behaviours like violence can be explained, predicted and controlled. You will love debating whether the study of behaviour and experience is compatible with the need for science to be objective and empirical.

What you'll study

You will explore the ways in which we learn the rules of human behaviour and examine the differences between the way of life in the contemporary UK and life in other cultures.  You will understand how class, gender, ethnicity, age, nationality, sexuality and disability influence our identities and opportunities in society.  You will uncover the extent and effects of social inequality in the UK which means the gap in power, wealth and opportunities between social groups, such as the gender pay gap. You will study the ways in which education, the media and the economy affect young people.

What you'll love

You will investigate UK youth subcultures such as skinheads, goths, Rastafarians, mods and punks. You will research incredible case studies of children abandoned by their parents and forced to live amongst animals. You will discover and debate a range of explanations for why young people join gangs and turn to crime, such as grime music, poverty and a lack of positive role models. You will find out why some people argue that in society today they can ‘identify’ as black regardless of their biological race. You will take part in discussions concerning new social movements against racism and sexism such as #MeToo, #BlackLives Matter and decide whether eco-warriors, like Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion are right to declare a ‘climate emergency’.

Why take it?

Sociology is an increasingly popular A level subject. A popular destination for Sociology students is the study of law, followed by social work. There are a broad range of professional sectors in which the skills of Sociology students are in demand such as: the NHS, teaching, local government, the civil service, journalism and broadcasting, marketing, business and human resources. Several of our A level students have gone on to join the police force which is particularly pleasing. 

We will follow the new, ‘refreshed’ OCR A level Sociology specification for 2025. It consists of three external exam papers which you will take at the end of Year 13.

Sociology Specification