A Levels

About A-Levels at SBUA Sixth Form

Year 12s may select three A Levels or a combination of A Levels and Level 3 BTEC qualifications. (Further guidance will be given when you join us for an Open Day or interview.)

Our standard entry qualifications for A-Level are Grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths, plus Grade 5s in at least two other GCSEs relevant to the courses you wish to choose. Grade 6 or 7 may be required for specialist subjects. 

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Our A-Level subjects:  

• Art & Design

  Art and design is about using your creative and analytical skills to explore the world around you, working across a range of media to start developing your practical expertise. Whether you want to pursue a career in the creative industries or complement your other subjects, A-level Art and Design at SBUA has a lot to offer. Alongside the practical expertise you’ll develop in your studies, you’ll also learn transferable skills valued in both higher education and the world of work, such as analytical thinking, creative problem solving, working independently, research methods, understanding how context shapes meaning and how to communicate effectively. The UK is a global leader in the creative industries and studying an Art and Design A-level is a great way into this exciting world. 

• Biology

  Students’ knowledge and understanding of a range of core areas of biology will be developed during this programme enabling to demonstrate practical and theoretical skills in topics including cellular biology and microbiology, cells, viruses and reproduction, physiology, and ecology. Students will learn about advanced biochemistry and genetics as well the art of classification. In addition, they will study biodiversity and the science of ecosystems.

• Chemistry

  Students will hone their practical skills in the laboratory as they develop their knowledge of chemistry. Topics will include the periodic table and energy, core organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Their skills and knowledge will be assessed by means of practical and written examinations.

• Computer Science

  Students who study A level Computer Science tackle the subject from two key angles. They explore how computational thinking can be used to solve a vast range of problems, heuristically, optimally or completely. The second angle is how systems are designed and constructed to provide the framework for solutions to problems. Students sit two papers and complete a comprehensive programming project that showcases their skills and knowledge. Successful completion of this course prepares students for HE, apprenticeships, employment, and entrepreneurial ventures.

• Economics

  Students examine the social science of economics focusing on topics including market types and the division of labour, the principles of supply and demand and consumer behaviour, and how markets, governments and businesses behave. Economic growth, trade and globalisation are also explored providing a broad overview of key principles.

• English Literature

  This subject enables students to learn about the value of storytelling in society, helping them to decipher the way in which choices of language help to shape representations and perspectives on the world. Set texts include the poetry of Robert Browning, Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams and ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini.

• History

  Across several significant international and domestic historical periods, students will learn to appraise world events critically and in context. Students will explore the important milestones within The Cold War in Europe as well as the struggle for and development of Civil Rights in the USA 1862-1995. Classes also examine 20th century British politics with a focus on former Prime Ministers Churchill, Major and Blair. Students also construct their own enquiry into a major historical event.

• Mathematics

  Students will develop their skills and understanding in both statistics and mechanics as part of this study programme. Topics that will be covered include algebraic indices, quadratics, graphs and transformers, and trigonometric ratios, identities, and equations. As part of the mechanics curriculum students will learn to understand forces and motion and develop their ability to evaluate hypotheses.

• Further Mathematics

  This advanced course is designed to challenge and extend students understanding of mathematics beyond the standard curriculum. As we delve into complex and intriguing topics, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the elegance and power of mathematics. Prepare to explore a wide range of mathematical theories and applications, from abstract algebra to advanced calculus, and from differential equations to complex numbers. Our journey will not only enhance students problem-solving skills but also foster critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Whether you aspire to pursue mathematics at a higher level or simply wish to strengthen your mathematical foundation, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel.  The course comprises of Core Maths (compulsory) and two choices from Further Statistics, Decision/Discrete Mathematics, Further Mechanics.

• Physics

  Students in physics will investigate the nature of the universe through mathematics, logical reasoning, and experimentation. The course takes students from the idea of projectile motion through to the incredible world of quantum physics. Through this journey the students will explore key concepts like forces, energy, magnetism, and thermodynamics. Students are assessed throughout the course with mini-experiments before being assessed in their final examinations.

• Product Design

  Students of product design will learn about the use of a range of specific materials and their uses in multiple applications according to their physical and mechanical properties. They will develop design and manufacturing skills and learn how to approach a design challenge through the process of collecting primary and secondary data to generate a proposal and create a prototype.

• Psychology

  Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to multiple psychological disciplines. Topics include cognitive development, social influence, and psychopathology. The programme also encompasses theories of biopsychology and forensic psychology.

• Sociology

  This broad subject is studied expansively and covers topics including theories of family, the role of education in society and social policy. Students examine the impact of class and ethnic differences in societal achievement and explore demographics and gender. The syllabus also covers religious theory as well as the impact of secularisation.

• Spanish

  Spanish A-Level students focus on achieving a high level of fluency and precision in both spoken and written communication. They engage with more advanced topics, such as politics, immigration, multiculturalism, global issues, art, history, and contemporary society in Spanish-speaking countries. Students are introduced to complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive mood, advanced tenses, and idiomatic expressions. Critical analysis is a key component, as students explore Spanish literature, films, and other authentic texts. In-depth cultural understanding is developed, which helps to prepare students for potential use of Spanish in higher education or professional contexts, with the ability to express nuanced opinions and ideas confidently.

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