Sixth Form Subjects

Both the Art & Design and Photography A Level courses encourage an adventurous and enquiring approach to learning which embraces a range of personal ideas and paths of enquiry. In both subjects, students begin the course with a project that is designed to stretch their abilities and broaden their range of skills. As these progress further, students develop a more personal project, investigating their own ideas and interests.

In both subjects, students profit from one to one tutorials and participate in half termly reviews to support their progress in coursework. Students have access to a dedicated Sixth Form studio to support their independent study and we run visits to galleries to further enhance their experience.

Students will develop an understanding of past and contemporary Art and produce artwork which grows in independence through opportunities to generate practical work, ideas and research from primary, secondary and contextual sources. They will experiment with different media and processes, and develop and refine their ideas as they work towards presenting exciting and original final outcomes.

Assessment

(for both Art & Design and Photography)

• Coursework: (60%): Personal Investigation comprised of two parts; Practical work & Personal study. Students submit a personal study related to their practicalwork in the form of a piece of continuous prose of approximately 1000 or 3000 words.
• Exam: (40%): Set by the exam board on a broad-based theme, this requires a 15 hour controlled assessment in which students create final responses to the theme.

Future Pathways

Students usually progress onto foundation courses and then to a variety of art degrees. Former Art students have exhibited their work in The National Portrait Gallery, The Photographers Gallery and Tate Modern. Photography students have used their skills in animation, game design and graphic design courses before moving onto careers in those industries.

Both the Art & Design and Photography A Level courses encourage an adventurous and enquiring approach to learning which embraces a range of personal ideas and paths of enquiry. In both subjects, students begin the course with a project that is designed to stretch their abilities and broaden their range of skills. As these progress further, students develop a more personal project, investigating their own ideas and interests.

In both subjects, students profit from one to one tutorials and participate in half termly reviews to support their progress in coursework. Students have access to a dedicated Sixth Form studio to support their independent study and we run visits to galleries to further enhance their experience.

A Level Photography is rarely offered by other local Sixth Forms, yet allows students through learning advanced digital editing skills in photoshop, to develop the practical skills to support their successful transition to higher education and the workplace. Students learn the fundamentals of photography and use digital portfolios to create and document their work with ease as well as using digital editing to develop advanced photoshop techniques to create a range of work.

Assessment

(for both Art & Design and Photography)

• Coursework: (60%): Personal Investigation comprised of two parts; Practical work & Personal study. Students submit a personal study related to their practicalwork in the form of a piece of continuous prose of approximately 1000 or 3000 words.
• Exam: (40%): Set by the exam board on a broad-based theme, this requires a 15 hour controlled assessment in which students create final responses to the theme.

Future Pathways

Students usually progress onto foundation courses and then to a variety of art degrees. Former Art students have exhibited their work in The National Portrait Gallery, The Photographers Gallery and Tate Modern. Photography students have used their skills in animation, game design and graphic design courses before moving onto careers in those industries.

This course teaches students to understand how the media industry creates messages, forms opinions and positions audiences as well as how specific media industries work within a production/business framework. Students will enjoy learning about a broad range of media industries through the study of key focus texts. For example, we look at music videos and how they can create powerful social messages whilst also being slick and targeted pieces of entertainment through the study of Beyonce’s video for “Formation” and the video for Vance Joy’s “Riptide”. Students will study the crime drama television genre in detail by focusing on two very different examples; “Peaky Blinders” and the Scandinavian Nordic-Noir, “The Bridge”. We also look at political bias in newspapers, gender representation in magazines, how online media allows audiences to interact with media producers and how consumers can become producers themselves.

Assessment

• Component 1: (35%): Media Products, Industries and Audiences (2hrs15)
• Component 2: (35%): Media Forms and Products in Depth (2hrs30)
• Component 3: (30%): NEA Coursework (A creative piece of work in a number of different media forms including magazines, websites and an audio-visual production).

Future Pathways

Media Studies is a rigorous, challenging and academic subject which is well- respected in universities. The Media industry is huge and ever-expanding (employing over a quarter of a million people across the country) with countless different areas of employment in any number of disciplines from journalism to television production to radio presenting or film certification.

This qualification provides students with the knowledge and experience needed to read and understand film texts from a range of eras, purposes and nationalities as well as providing them with the tools needed to write, shoot and edit their own film products. The film and media industries are a core area of study including ownership, economic context, commercial media vs public service broadcasting and regulation. The use of cameras, framing images and setting focal lengths are all central parts of the coursework production and students develop fluency with IT systems as well as focused use of media and film production software such as the Adobe creative suite and screenwriting software, Celtx. We have a fully resourced department with three dedicated teaching rooms, a suite of hi-spec computers running industry-standard video production software and a new production studio.

Assessment

• Component 1: (35%): Varieties of Film and Filmmaking (2hrs30)
• Component 2: (35%): Global Filmmaking Perspectives (2hrs30)
• Component 3: (30%) NEA Coursework (A creative piece of work involving the creation of a full short film or a detailed, written screenplay with accompanying photographic storyboard).

Future Pathways

Film Studies is huge advantage to students intending to go on to study media or film related subjects at university and employment in the screen industries has grown by over 20% in the last decade. It could of course also lead to a career in the film industry (such as film-making, directing, producing and editing) – a goal which is ever more attainable particularly with the brand-new major Hollywood filmmaking facility – Sunset Studios opening just a few miles away. Oxford and Cambridge are now offering Masters and PHD courses in film studies and screen arts, whilst Russell Group universities accept film studies as an appropriate A Level qualification when prospective students apply to study a humanities or arts related discipline.

Drama challenges our perceptions about the world we live in and ourselves and this A Level emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays from different time-periods. They devise their own original theatre and stage the work of others. Students learn about a range of theatre roles: actor, designer (lighting, sound, set and costume), director and playwright. Students will gain many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, such as cultural capital and confidence to expand their horizons and compete in a competitive world.

“There is no world without theatre, our society is absolutely saturated with drama.” Edward Bond

Assessment

• Written Exam: (40%): Drama and Theatre (One question from the play Antigone, by Sophocles, three questions from the play Our Country’s Good, by Timberlake Wertenbaker and one question about a Live Theatre Production seen).
• Non-Exam Assessment: (30%): Creating Original Drama (Devised performance influenced by the theatre practitioner Steven Berkoff and a working notebook about the process of making and performing the piece of theatre created).
• Non-Exam Assessment: (30%): Making Theatre (Practical exploration of three extracts (scenes) from contrasting plays in terms of style and time period. One of the extracts must be rehearsed and performed in the style of a theatre practitioner and is assessed by a visiting examiner. Students also produce a written reflective report about the process).

Future Pathways

A-level Drama & Theatre Studies is suited to students considering higher education in any arts or humanities subject including English language and literature, journalism, dance, music, art and design, media and film studies. Career opportunities for students include: arts/theatre administration, arts journalism, director, actor, designer, playwright, stage management, theatre management, theatrical agent, technician, broadcasting, media presenting, television and film production, education, drama therapy and scriptwriting.

We are one of a few schools in the local area who offer Music as an A Level qualification and we recognise the importance of the subject in building transferable skills such as self-confidence, discipline and creativity, all skills highly valued in the business world. Students enjoy the opportunity to develop their practical skills whether through an instrument or voice and as an individual or as part of an ensemble. They will develop composition skills and learn how to compare aural extracts throughout the course.

Assessment

• Performing: (30%): A 10-15 min recital using an instrument or voice, performing in at least three contrasting pieces.
• Composing: (30%): Two compositions from a brief. Both pieces must total a minimum of 4 ½ minutes.
• Listening and appraising: (40%): A variety of questions on unfamiliar work, answering questions comparing aural extracts and testing understanding of musical background and the context of the set works as well as

Future Pathways

There are a range of opportunities in many different careers in which musicians will thrive, such as performer, composer, music therapist, teacher, administrator, recording engineer, radio manager, promoter, music publishing and journalism. Music graduates are also highly valued in professions where people have to take initiative and solve problems, like finance and banking, law and consultancy.

An inspiring, rigorous and practical subject, Product Design allows students to use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems whilst working through the processes of design & manufacture including drawing techniques, model making skills, computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/ CAM). Students will explore ways in which aesthetics, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions interact in order to produce work of a high standard and will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge on cross curricular disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

Assessment

• Written Exam: (30%): Technical principles (2½ hours)
• Written Exam: (20%): Designing and making principles – (Product analysis of up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s)) and commercial manufacture (a mixture of short and extended response questions) (1½ hours)
• Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): (50%): A substantial design and make project involving practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.

Future Pathways

Potential careers through the study of A Level Product Design are broad and varied, including: product designer, advertising art director, furniture conservator/restorer, graphic designer, materials engineer, procurement manager, product manager, production designer, theatre/television/film, art, design and architecture, stylist, CAD technician, colour technologist, exhibition designer, furniture designer, interior and spatial designer, product designer, industrial design, digital design.

English Language & Literature

English as a field of study is about thinking divergently and in an open-minded way, a vital skill and something that surpasses examinations. In this course, students explore different genres, different ways of reading and different ways of writing, with students enjoying the emphasis on different interpretations, that they can have their own opinion, and their own way of expressing it. The English Language & Literature course brings together literary and non-literary discourses and students use stylistics including close linguistic analysis, to draw out meaning from texts. This course blends literature and language study together and students become confident at noticing patterns. Students will also study Spoken Language, focusing on how people use speech to communicate, persuade and even manipulate. They will also learn how English is always in a state of flux, and always changing. The English department works closely with our Learning Resource Centre and Librarian and students are well supported in selecting texts for their Non-Exam Assessments.

Assessment

• Paper 1 – Telling Stories: (40%): One compulsory closed book question on the AQA Anthology of texts about Paris, one question from a choice of two prose set texts such as The Lovely Bones and an open book section with one question from a choice of two on Browning. (3 hours)
• Paper 2 – Exploring Conflict: (40%): One piece of re-creative writing using set text – The Great Gatsby, and one question from a choice of two on drama set text – A Streetcar Named Desire.
• Non-Exam Assessment: (20%): A personal investigation that explores a specific technique or theme in both literary and non- literary discourse (2,500-3,000 words)

English Literature

At Trinity we aim to engage students in what is really interesting about literature: the skills, themes, genres and styles. We want students to consider how different meanings arise which entails thinking and debating different interpretations of texts, having views and expressing opinions. Students will explore texts through different lenses, such as a Feminist lens, or an Eco-Critical lens and we encourage multiple interpretations to support students in conceptualising and constructing an argument. The course covers: creative readings; a close study of the genre of comedy; studying Twelfth Night, Small Island and She Stoops to Conquer; a close study of the genre of crime fiction; studying Atonement; Poems containing crime elements from: Crabbe, Wilde and Browning and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

Assessment

• Paper 1 – Aspects of Comedy: (40%): One passage-based question and an essay question on a Shakespeare text – Twelfth Night and one essay question linking two texts: Small Island and She Stoops to Conquer (2hrs 30)
• Paper 2 – Elements of Crime: (40%): Focus on more modern genres such as crime with a study of 3 texts with a compulsory question on an unseen passage, an essay question on a set text and an essay question which connects two texts. (3hours)
• Non-Exam Assessment: (20%): Study of two texts: one poetry and one prose text, informed by study of the Critical Anthology and the production of two essays of 1250 – 1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the Critical Anthology.

Future Pathways

Many of our students study English at degree level which can lead to a wide range of careers, including those in the following fields: research, journalism, broadcasting, education, human resources, public relations, publishing, writing, law, information science, event management, marketing, retail, recruitment, insurance, film, civil service, charity, banking, art and culture and the performing arts.

Students will develop an understanding of the impact of influential historical events and how these can be applied to contemporary society along with the implications for future generations. We hope they will become life-long learners and lovers of history, an endlessly compelling subject. Students will study three units covering British, European and world history involving study of The Tudors: England, 1485-1603 (change, continuity, cause and consequence), Revolution and Dictatorship, 1917 (Marxism, communism, Leninism, and Stalinism, ideological control and dictatorship) and the Civil Rights Movement in America. Students will develop their ability to analyse historical sources and interpretations, to research historical events and develop extended written responses.

Assessment

• 1C The Tudors: England, 1485-1603: (40%): Three questions (One compulsory) 2.5hrs
• 2N Revolution and Dictatorship, 1917: (40%): Three questions (One compulsory) 2.5hrs
• Non-Exam Assessment: (20%): Civil Rights Movement in America (3500-4500 words)

Future Pathways

History is one of the Russell Group universities’ ‘facilitating’ subjects, allowing a wide range of options for degree study. One of the most flexible of qualifications, History provides an excellent pathway to degrees such as history, law, english and philosophy, and beyond that to a range of interesting careers. This intellectually rigorous course is an excellent way for students to develop highly sought after and transferable skills such as effective communication of complex ideas, the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information, and the capacity to make substantiated judgements, all whilst developing independent work skills.

Geography opens the door to our dynamic world and prepares students for the role of global citizens in the 21st century, recognising the differences in culture, political systems, economics, landscapes and environments across the world and explaining the links between them. We welcome students who have an enthusiasm and interest in the world around them and are curious about why natural phenomenon occur and how humankind has influenced and shaped our planet. Students will enjoy learning about the “human approach”, investigating global systems and governance, changing places and population and environment and the “physical approach” which investigates water and carbon cycles, coastal systems and hazards. They will learn map skills, graphicacy skills, quantitative and qualitative evidence and how to enquire and form an argument and fieldwork.

Assessment

• Paper 1: (40%): Physical Geography – Involves short answer and extended prose questions (1.5hrs exam)
• Paper 2: (40%): Human Geography – Involves short answer and extended prose questions (1.5hrs exam)
• Paper 3: (20%): Geographical investigation (Fieldwork – involving a week-long residential trip to a field study centre in Devon (4000 words).

Future Pathways

Geography is a useful A-level which links with arts and science subjects and is defined as a key facilitating subject by Russell Group universities. A large number of our students go on to study Geography or geography related degrees at university. Some careers which involve Geography include: surveying, town and country planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, transport and tourism, estate management, cartography, resource exploration and environmental management.

Learning a language helps to equip pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Our aim is to develop competent, confident and enthusiastic language learners who are culturally sensitive and aware and have a curiosity for the wider world. Students acquire a lifelong skill which opens doors and opportunities in their future for work, study, travel and culture beyond their own. The A-level specifications build on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE and constitute an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. Both qualifications foster a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research techniques, resilience and creativity, which are extremely valuable to students and their appreciation of wider society. “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela The courses will explore how the French or Spanish-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how they continue to change. Students will study technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of French or Spanish society. They will study highlights of French or Spanish artistic culture, including a focus on cultural heritage and will learn about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the French / Spanish world. Students will deepen their understanding of the language within the context of France, Francophone countries / Spain and Latin America through the issues and influences which have shaped them. They will study literature and film and will also have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their own choice. Students will profit from individual timetabled sessions with the foreign language assistants every week to support their oral fluency and educational visits to the French Institute or BFI.

Assessment (for both French and Spanish)

• Paper 1 Listening, reading and writing: (50%): o Listening and responding to spoken passages from a range of contexts and sources. o Reading and responding to a variety of texts written for different purposes drawn from a range of authentic sources. o Translation into English (min 100 words). o Translation into French or Spanish (min 100 words)
• Paper 2 Writing: (20%): o Either one question (from a choice of two) in French or Spanish on a set text and one question (from a choice of two) on a set film or two questions (from a choice of two on each text).
• Paper 3 Speaking: (30%): o Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5-6 minutes). o Presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9-10 minutes) of Individual Research Project.

Future Pathways

A wide range of career options are open to Language students, including: interpreting, translating, travel and tourism, sales and marketing, journalism, media, teaching, catering and leisure management, fashion, commerce, finance, civil service, bilingual secretarial, international law.

This A Level will develop a deep understanding of beliefs, teachings and philosophy, covering three components of Philosophy of religion, Religion and ethics and Developments in Christian thought. Students will learn about philosophical issues including arguments regarding the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and the problems of evil and suffering as well as exploring ancient Greek philosophy and the development of religious language. Ethical theories of Utilitarianism, Natural law, Kantian ethics and Situation ethics will be applied to issues of Euthanasia, Business ethics and Sexual ethics. An exploration of what is meant by good follows ethical theory analysis. Students will study the concept of original sin, Jesus as liberator, gender in religion, Christian moral action, secularism and eschatological beliefs.

Assessment

• Philosophy of religion: (33.3%): (2hrs)
• Religion and ethics: (33.3%): (2hrs)
• Developments in Christian thought: (33.3%): (2hrs) Each paper will contain four essay questions, with the learner choosing three out of the four to answer.

Future Pathways

Students can go onto study humanity subjects at university, particularly Theology and Philosophy. The analytical and research skills acquired from the course enable students to go into careers such as: law, politics, public policy, strategy and consulting, banking and finance, journalism, advertising and communications, psychology and counselling, charity work, church ministry, faith organisation, teaching, creative and cultural arts.

Our science subjects have a strong record of academic success as well as offering a range of co-curricular opportunities such as student-led societies in Biology, Physics and Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry, participation in national and international Olympiad competitions and attendance at university lectures and courses. Students have many opportunities to plan, observe, analyse and evaluate scientific data in our very well-equipped, modern and attractive labs. At Trinity, we nurture outstanding scientists who are able to complete an investigative experiment themselves from beginning to end, planning valid methods and making adjustments where necessary. Students will be skilled with a wide range of apparatus, selecting the correct resources for the relevant task and results obtained will be recorded within scientific conventions and analysed and evaluated using mathematical tools and reasoned written justifications.

Biology is the study of Life and living systems and the science of the future, in a world where personalised medical techniques, biomechanics, genetic treatments and multiple other biologically based career paths are ever more relevant. Students will study a range of topics such as biological molecules, cells, exchange, energy transfers in and between organisms, genetics, populations and ecosystems, the responses of organisms to changes in environment and gene expression.

Assessment

• Practical assessments: 12 required (in a range of topics) across the two year course. Students complete a variety of Common Practical Assessment Criteria in these practicals (CPACs) and upon successful completion will receive a practical endorsement.
• Paper 1: (35%): Covers syllabus topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills. (2 hours)
• Paper 2: (35%): Covers syllabus topics 5 to 8, including relevant practical skills. (2 hours)
• Paper 3: (30%): Covers syllabus topics 1 to 8, including relevant practical skills. (2 hours)

Papers include short, long and extended responses, critical analysis of experimental data questions and an essay question from a choice of two titles.

Future Pathways

Students who study A-level Biology go onto study the following courses at university: biology, psychology, sport and exercise science, medicine, anatomy, physiology and pathology, pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy chemistry, genetics, microbiology, dentistry, veterinary science. A-level Biology can lead to many exciting career options, including: clinical molecular geneticist, nature conservation officer, pharmacologist, research scientist, higher education lecturer, secondary school teacher, soil scientist, dentist, doctor, vet, nurse.

Our science subjects have a strong record of academic success as well as offering a range of co-curricular opportunities such as student-led societies in Biology, Physics and Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry, participation in national and international Olympiad competitions and attendance at university lectures and courses. Students have many opportunities to plan, observe, analyse and evaluate scientific data in our very well-equipped, modern and attractive labs. At Trinity, we nurture outstanding scientists who are able to complete an investigative experiment themselves from beginning to end, planning valid methods and making adjustments where necessary. Students will be skilled with a wide range of apparatus, selecting the correct resources for the relevant task and results obtained will be recorded within scientific conventions and analysed and evaluated using mathematical tools and reasoned written justifications.

A-level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of’ and the search for this answer fascinates students. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that Chemistry provides are endless. Students will learn about Chemistry within one of three traditional categories: Physical, Inorganic and Organic.

Assessment

Practical Assessments in range of topics such as: measuring energy changes in chemical reactions, studying electrochemical cells and the preparation of organic solids and liquids. 3 Exams covering a range of questions including extended responses. (2hrs per exam)

Future Pathways

There are multiple higher education options for students of Chemistry and these include: chemistry, biology, pre-clinical medicine, mathematics and pharmacology. Career options are varied and include: analytical chemist, chemical engineer, clinical biochemist, pharmacologist, doctor, research scientist, toxicologist.

Our science subjects have a strong record of academic success as well as offering a range of co-curricular opportunities such as student-led societies in Biology, Physics and Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry, participation in national and international Olympiad competitions and attendance at university lectures and courses. Students have many opportunities to plan, observe, analyse and evaluate scientific data in our very well-equipped, modern and attractive labs. At Trinity, we nurture outstanding scientists who are able to complete an investigative experiment themselves from beginning to end, planning valid methods and making adjustments where necessary. Students will be skilled with a wide range of apparatus, selecting the correct resources for the relevant task and results obtained will be recorded within scientific conventions and analysed and evaluated using mathematical tools and reasoned written justifications.

Physics allows students to understand the world around us and involves the study of the Universe, from huge galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It leads to great discoveries and technologies which change our lives, from treating cancer to developing sustainable electricity generation and students develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about physical phenomena and question the world around them. We revisit fundamental concepts and expect prior reading on topics given, to understand historical scientific discoveries as well as learning to use diagrams, photographs, video clips, calculations, explanations, demonstrations and practical work.

Assessment

• Practical assessments: Students complete twelve required practicals.
• Paper 1: (34%): Covers particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, electricity and periodic motion, through short, long answer and multiple-choice questions. (2hrs)
• Paper 2: (34%): Covers thermal physics, fields and their consequences and nuclear physics, through short, long answer and multiple-choice questions. (2hrs)
• Paper 3: (32%): Divided into practical skills, short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis and an optional topic (Astrophysics). (2hrs)

All papers can include questions on measurements and errors.

Future Pathways

Physics is a very demanding but rewarding subject, suitable for students who have an interest in, and enjoy Physics, want to find out how things work in the physical world and enjoy applying their minds to solving problems. It is an essential element in other sciences such as engineering and technology and future careers include: research and development, design and production, medical physics, astronomy, teaching physics, geophysics, meteorology, computing (hardware and software), administration and management, accountancy, banking, financial analysis and science journalism. Students go on to study a wide variety of subjects, which include, natural sciences, physics, engineering, electronics, mechatronics, maths, chemistry, and computer science.

Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. Any students considering studying subjects like maths, physics, computer science or economics at degree level are strongly encouraged to consider studying A Level Further Mathematics in addition to A Level Mathematics as it will mean that a wider choice of degrees/institutions will be available.

Students will profit from learning about pure maths which covers topics including algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, vectors and numerical methods; statistics where they study statistical sampling, data representation and interpretation and probability; and mechanics which includes quantities and units, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws.

Assessment

Mathematics: Edexcel The final examination will consist of three 2-hour papers.

• Paper 1: (33.3%): Pure
• Paper 2: (33.3%): Pure
• Paper 3: (33.3%): Applied (Statistics & Mechanics)

Future Pathways

Universities value Maths and Further Maths and they are a pre-requisite subject for a huge number of Mathematics based degrees. Maths and Further Maths are both Russell Group universities ‘facilitating’ subjects – so called because choosing them at A-level allows a wide range of options for degree study. Mathematics is the key to opportunity and allows for some of the most interesting and well-paid careers. Careers in finance, medicine, engineering and business are all open to people who have a background in Mathematics.

Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. Any students considering studying subjects like maths, physics, computer science or economics at degree level are strongly encouraged to consider studying A Level Further Mathematics in addition to A Level Mathematics as it will mean that a wider choice of degrees/institutions will be available.

Pure maths forms a large part of this course and students will be guided in topics ranging from complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, to polar coordinates and advanced differential equations. In addition, students will study mechanics to a deeper level looking at topics such as momentum and impulse, collisions, work and energy and be introduced to decision maths which covers topics such as algorithms, graph theory, transportation problems and critical path analysis.

Assessment

Further Mathematics: Edexcel The final exam will consist of four 90-minute papers.

• Paper 1: (25%): Pure Core 1
• Paper 2: (25%): Pure Core 2
• Paper 3: (25%): Decision 1
• Paper 4: (25%): Further Mechanics

Future Pathways

Universities value Maths and Further Maths and they are a pre-requisite subject for a huge number of Mathematics based degrees. Maths and Further Maths are both Russell Group universities ‘facilitating’ subjects – so called because choosing them at A-level allows a wide range of options for degree study. Mathematics is the key to opportunity and allows for some of the most interesting and well-paid careers. Careers in finance, medicine, engineering and business are all open to people who have a background in Mathematics.

Computer Science involves questions that have the potential to change how we view the world and designing new algorithms to solve new and potential future problems. For example, we may be computing with DNA at some stage in the future with computer circuits made of genes! The course emphasises computational thinking, a life skill and a kind of reasoning used both by humans and machines. Many great challenges lie in the future for computer scientists to solve. This course, with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for students to understand and prepare for these future challenges.

Assessment

• Paper 1: (40%): A practical on-screen exam on programming, data structures and algorithms, as well as the principles of computation.
• Paper 2: (40%): Data representation (e.g. how computers represent numbers, text, images, etc.), computer systems, computer organisation and architecture, consequences of the uses of computing, communication and networking, databases, big data and functional programming
• Non-Exam Assessment: (20%): Students complete an extensive project where they create a computer program for any problem/area of their interest.

Future Pathways

Studying Computer Science and the problem-solving skills gained from this, opens many doors in the computing field and beyond. The A Level supports effective university applications and can lead to a career in medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science as well as jobs such as network managers, systems analysts and programmers.

Business A-level allows students to engage with business developments and real business situations, learning how marketing & financial management, leadership and decision-making can improve performance in marketing, operational, financial and human resources. Students will develop critical analysis, decision-making and problem-solving skills and will assess how ethical, environmental and technological factors influence decision making and how decisions made affect stakeholders and how they will respond. Students will enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding, using a range of quantitative and non-quantitative data to evaluate a range of businesses, both large and small, UK or internationally focussed and in different sectors such as service or manufacturing.

Assessment

The A-level assessment consists of three x 2 hour written exams taken at the end of the two-year course. Each exam will be worth a third of the A-level (33.3%). Each exam will consist of two case studies. Each case study will be followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks in total.

• Paper 1 Unit 3.1 What is Business? Managing marketing and finance , written exam 2 hours – 33.3% of A-Level . Questions: Two case studies. Each case study will be followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks in total.
• Paper 2 Unit 3.2 (with links to 3.1) Managing people and operations written exam 2 hours – 33.3% of A-Level . Questions: Two case studies. Each case study will be followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks in total.
• Paper 3 Economic Principal and Issues: written exam 2 hours – 33.3% of A-Level . Questions: Two case studies. Each case study will be followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks in total.

Future Pathways

A-level Business, with a range of transferrable skills such as data analysis, effective communication, and teamwork provides an excellent foundation for a multitude of future pathways including finance, marketing and management. Whatever students choose to do in the future, they will find that this course will help. For example, when working with lots of different people, knowledge of motivational theory will help them to work well with others and enable them to achieve their potential. Students might have ambitious plans to start their own business. If that’s the case, they will find the marketing and finance topics particularly useful.

Economics is a fascinating and ever-topical subject which allows students to use both macro and micro economic analysis to explain the concept of a market, how they work, why they fail and how governments can augment and correct their operation. Students will be able to analyse recent developments in both the UK and the global economy, and engage in on-going debates in some of the most controversial issues faced by society such as poverty, taxation and unemployment. They will study a wide range of topics including government intervention in markets and financial markets and monetary policy.

Assessment

• Paper 1 Markets and Market Failure: (33.3%): Data response and optional essay questions (2hrs)
• Paper 2 National and International Economy: (33.3%): Data response and optional essay questions (2hrs)
• Paper 3 Economic Principal and Issues: (33.3%): Multiple choice and case study questions (2hrs)

Future Pathways

Economics gives students a valuable insight into the understanding of the economic forces that impact day-to-day activities and as such, supports careers in fields including banking and finance. Transferable skills support a wide variety of pathways.

Politics exists because people disagree; about how they should live (moral questions), about who should get what (resource questions) and about who should make decisions (power questions). It is designed for students who have an interest in the world around them, who want to know more about the society they live in, how it works and how it could work. We welcome students who enjoy debate, discussion and argument and are comfortable with the fact that in politics there are no simple ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs’; students who like to think for themselves and want to develop their own views, rather than accept the views of others.

Assessment

• Paper 1 UK Politics: (33.3%): Political Participation and Core Political Ideas o essay questions (2hrs)
• Paper 2 UK Government: (33.3%): Source essay questions including political ideas (2hrs)
• Paper 3 Comparative politics USA: (33.3%): Including a range of questions with one compulsory 12-mark question focused on comparative theories.

Future Pathways

Directly related post degree careers include teaching, working for local political parties and working for government agencies. Politics is a useful background for other careers including management, administration, journalism and law. Employers tend to value politics as a serious degree.

Psychology encourages students to understand the world around them, human behaviour and interaction, and the consequences of these. Through investigating conscious and unconscious phenomena, students will build an appreciation of the essential role of psychological research (in fields such as cognition, human biology, clinical psychology, and mental health ). Students will become expert, analytical thinkers, able to evaluate ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions as well as becoming opinionated and confident individuals with a passion for spoken and written debates; skills which will support them in Higher Education, future employment and throughout their lives.

Assessment

• Paper 1: (33.3%): Introductory Topics in Psychology, covers compulsory content: Social influence, Memory, Attachment and Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing skills. (2 hours)
• Paper 2: (33.3%): Psychology in Context, covers compulsory content: Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods, including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing skills. (2 hours)
• Paper 3: (33.3%): Issues and Options in Psychology, covers compulsory content: Issues and debates and optional content Relationships, Eating Behaviour and Forensic Psychology, including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing skills. (2 hours)

Future Pathways

Psychology can open up many careers such as working within the mental health sector as a clinical psychologist or therapist or working within business in advertising or marketing through designing products that stand out and knowing how consumers shopping habits work to advertising products to potential customers. Psychology can help in the field of crime and working within the criminal justice system when understanding, treating and punishing criminal offenders.

Students will understand historical changes which have influenced the structure and running of our modern world and appreciate the importance of keeping abreast of contemporary societal issues and their influence on the public’s life choices and opportunities. They will learn about what makes society function and stable, such as the different institutions family, the education system and the law.

Assessment

• Paper 1: (33.3%): Education with Theory and Methods, covers compulsory content: Education, Methods in Context and Theory and Methods. Including short answer and extended writing 50 marks, Methods in context extended writing 20 marks and theory and methods extended writing 10 marks. (2 hours)
• Paper 2: (33.3%): Topics in Sociology, covers optional topics of Families and Households and Beliefs in Society. Including extended writing in section A and B, 40 marks. (2 hours)
• Paper 3: (33.3%): Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods, covers compulsory content: Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods. Including short answers and extended writing 50 marks in Crime and Deviance and extended writing 30 marks for Theory and Methods. (2 hours)

Future Pathways

Sociology gives our students great opportunities to a wide range of career options for example working within the: police and probation services, local and central government, social and market research, charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations, public relations, journalism and communications, media and marketing, law firms and the criminal justice system, teaching and education.

PE A Level equips students with a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, psychological, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. Students will learn about the key systems of the human body involved in physical activity and be able to interpret data and graphs. They will learn to understand the sociological and contemporary factors that influence physical activity, how sport affects society and evolves over time as well as reflecting on technology and its influence on performance. Students will develop their physical literacy, enhance their resilience, mental strength and physical fitness and develop their analytical skills in evaluating a practical sports performance before devising a viable action plan using theoretical principles to underpin responses. We aim for all students to feel confident and successful in PE and develop a lifelong habit of leading a balanced and active healthy lifestyle.

A Level PE offers many co-curricular opportunities such as educational visits to the UEL Sports Science Lab and the chance to take part in school sports clubs such as Basketball and Netball. Students are encouraged to participate in the Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and are well supported in these.

Assessment

• Paper 1: (30%): Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics. (2hrs)
• Paper 2: (20%): Sports Psychology. (1hrs)
• Paper 3: (20%): Socio-cultural issues in Sport
• Practical performance: (15%): 10 minute video
• Observation and Evaluation spoken exam: (15%): 20 minutes

Future Pathways

PE is an engaging A Level subject which links well with any of the sciences and opens opportunities to a wide range of careers such as physiotherapy, sports scientist, sports data analyst, sports coach, sports journalist or even a physical education teacher.

Level 3 CTEC Business is the ideal qualification for students who are curious about how organisations operate and who enjoy learning through applied, practical activities. This course brings business theory to life through real examples, case studies and project-based work. You will explore how companies market themselves, manage finances, make decisions and respond to changing economic conditions, developing a strong understanding of how modern businesses succeed. Alongside this, you will build essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity and problem-solving – qualities that are highly valued by universities and employers. If you are motivated, interested in real-world enterprise and want a course that develops both knowledge and professional skills, CTEC Business is a highly rewarding choice.

Assessment

Assessment within CTEC Business is designed to reflect the varied and practical nature of the subject. You will be assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework and externally evaluated examinations or set tasks. Coursework may involve written reports, business proposals, research projects, marketing plans, financial analysis and presentations. These tasks allow you to apply business theory to real or simulated organisations, helping you understand how knowledge translates into professional practice. External assessments test your ability to analyse and evaluate business concepts under timed conditions, ensuring that your understanding is secure and transferable. Across the qualification you will study both mandatory and optional units covering topics such as business environments, marketing, finance, customers and communication. This balanced structure supports different learning styles and helps you develop strong independent study and time-management skills.

Future Pathways

Students who complete Level 3 CTEC Business progress into a wide range of exciting futures. Many go on to university to study subjects such as Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources or International Business. Others use the skills gained to access apprenticeships with major employers or enter roles in areas including retail management, digital marketing, administration, customer services or sales. The course also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurial students who want to develop business ideas or pursue self-employment. With its practical focus and academic challenge, CTEC Business equips you with confidence, transferable skills and a strong understanding of the world of work – preparing you for success wherever your future leads.

This course provides students with the knowledge of how the media creates meaning and affects response in their audiences and supports them across the two year course with a mixture of internal and external assessments which cover a wide range of media industries and requires them to develop creative media-making skills in both print media and moving image production. The course uses Adobe creative suite as well as a number of other useful media software packages such as Wix, Canva, Celtx and Hit Film.

Assessment

As a vocational qualification, assessment is more frequent and focuses on the following topics: Unit 1: Media products and audiences, Unit 2: Pre-production and planning, Unit 3: Create a media product (coursework), Unit 20: Advertising media (coursework), Unit 21: Plan and deliver a pitch for a media product (coursework), Unit 24: Cross media industry awareness (coursework)

Future Pathways

A Levels in Media, Film, English and future pathways in the media field which are ever expanding.

Student will complete 3 mandatory units: Body Systems, Sports Coaching, Sports Development and Organisation. Optional units from: Sports Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Sports Injuries, Biomechanics of Sport.

Assessment

Body Systems and Sports Development externally assessed examinations, all other units internally assessed coursework.

Future Pathways

Sport & Exercise Sciences, Coaching & Sports Performance, Health, Fitness & Rehabilitation, Sports Business & Management, Teaching & Education.

The curriculum is creative, enjoyable and encourages students to try new ways of looking at things by combining materials, techniques and ingredients. Evaluation, experimentation, investigation and questioning is encouraged and students will work both independently and as part of a team to develop technical and practical competencies. Students will develop the life skills and knowledge associated with healthy living, food nutrition and cooking with a focus on sustainability, economising and embedding scientific knowledge.

Assessment

• Year 12: Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition. Unit 1 – Meeting Nutritional Needs of Individuals, includes a 3hr practical assessment where learners showcase a range of practical skills to create 3 dishes and complete a portfolio of written evidence and photographic evidence to meet the criteria from a brief.
• Year 12 Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition Unit 2 – Exam (1hr30) Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Individuals – including a range of short and extended answer questions and a case study requiring extensive nutritional knowledge.
• Year 13: Extended certificate in Food Science and Nutrition. Unit 3 -Ensuring Food is safe to eat, requiring students to complete a portfolio of evidence answering a set task. Written exam 1 hour 30 mins. To include a range of short and long answer questions. ·
• Unit 5 : Experimenting to solve food production problems. Students are given a brief outlining issues in manufacturing and have to solve these problems through experimental work, process data and justify findings (12hrs)

Future Pathways

Dietician, nutritionist, food scientist, health worker, teacher, chef, health advisor, marketing, food production, food product design, sensory testing, product development, dietetics, public health.

Course Summary

The Pearson AAQ in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) is a practical, career-focused qualification designed to give students a strong foundation in digital technologies and their application in real-world contexts. It combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills, preparing learners for both higher education and employment in the fast-growing tech sector.

What Will You Study?

• Information Technology Systems – Explore IT systems, the relationship between software and hardware, and key issues affecting modern technology.
• Cyber Security and Incident Management – Learn about types of cyber-attacks, vulnerabilities in networked systems, and how to plan and respond effectively. ·
• Website Development – Understand tools, techniques, and processes for creating websites, and test usability, functionality, and fitness for purpose.
• Relational Database Development – Study data structures, data design, and database management systems (DBMS) to build and manage efficient databases.

Why Choose This Course?

• Industry-Relevant Skills
• Flexible Pathways
• Future-Proof Knowledge
• Hands-On Learning

What Can You Do After?

Completing this course opens doors to higher education or a career in roles like IT technician, web developer, data analyst and cybersecurity specialist.

Course Summary

Our Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) in Medical Science (Extended Certificate) is a two-year course designed for 16–19 year-olds who want a strong foundation in how the body works, how diseases develop, and how we diagnose and treat medical conditions. It is equivalent to one A Level and can be taken alongside two other A Levels.

What you’ll study

You will complete six units across the two years, covering: human health and disease; physiological measurement techniques; medical research methods; medicines and treatment of disease; clinical laboratory techniques; and medical case studies. This means you’ll learn about human anatomy and physiology, how to carry out laboratory tests, how medicines affect the body, and how clinical and research work supports health care.

Why choose this course?

• It offers a real-world, applied approach to science, not just theory, but practical lab and research skills used in medical settings.
• The qualification is widely accepted for progression to higher education and offers a credible pathway into life sciences and healthcare-related degrees.
• It helps you develop valuable skills in data analysis, lab techniques, research, and scientific reasoning — that are useful both in university and in the workplace.

What you could go on to do?

After this course, many students go on to degree programmes in fields such as biomedical science, pharmacology, physiology, or life sciences. It can also support careers or further training in clinical laboratories, healthcare science, paramedic science, or other allied health professions. If you’re passionate about biology, enjoy hands-on science and want a pathway into healthcare or scientific research, this course gives you an excellent start.

A Level 3 qualification, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is designed to extend students’ skills and abilities required for university or a future career. We know that universities value this qualification highly and our students have often seen reduced university entry offers as a result. The EPQ allows students to lead their own projects, planning and conducting research on a topic of their choice which isn’t covered by their other qualifications. They can take inspiration from something touched on in class or something personal and unrelated to their studies. They then use this research to produce a written report and, in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production.

Assessment

A written report of 5,000 words or an artefact and a report of 1,00 words. A presentation to an audience.

You may not have heard of Core Maths – that is because it is a fairly new type of qualification. Core Maths is designed to meet the needs of post-16 students who are not taking A Level Mathematics, but will use maths in their other subjects, everyday life and in the workplace. It has been designed to build confidence with using Maths and focuses on really useful everyday Maths skills. The topics studied in Core Maths will support study in many A Level subjects including Biology, Psychology, Business, Economics and Technology.

Core Maths is equivalent to an AS Level. It is taken in addition to your A Level Options. Core Maths is studied over two years alongside your A Levels or vocational qualifications. It takes about half as much time as an A Level. It is graded A-E and has the same UCAS points as an AS Level. At Trinity, Core Maths is only taught by experienced subject specialist.

Assessment

Exam Board: OCR Qualification: OCR Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) The final examination will consist of two 2-hour papers.

• Paper 1: (50%): Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning
• Paper 2: (50%): Statistical Problem Solving