COURSES & QUALIFICATIONS A-Level

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Practical subject:

YES

Entry Requirements

Students are welcome to join the A-level course even if they have not previously studied Art formally. What is most important is that they bring curiosity, interest, ambition, and creativity to their work. While having a GCSE in Art (or equivalent of at least two years’ study and practice) is advantageous, it is not essential. Students may also have developed their skills through private lessons, extracurricular activities, or study in another school system. Above all, enthusiasm, self-motivation, and a willingness to experiment and explore ideas are integral to success in this subject.

Course Aim

Our A-Level Art course invites students to:

1. Explore and investigate diverse sources—developing ideas through sustained, focused study that deepens contextual understanding, while recording observations and reflecting critically throughout their journey.
2. Experiment creatively with materials, media, and techniques—exploring and refining methods throughout the process to achieve effective visual communication.
3. Form and present imaginative responses—transforming ideas into personally meaningful visual outcomes that articulate intentions.
4. Reflect critically on their work—engaging in self-analysis at each stage to refine both process and product, which drives deeper creative thinking.

By integrating hands-on experimentation with analytical reflection and encouraging both creative risk-taking and personal expression, our course ensures alignment with the AQA A-Level Art & Design objectives. Students will develop both the creative independence and critical awareness required for success in their Personal Investigation and externally set assignments.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

In the first year, students work primarily in a single coursework book, developing a strong foundation in a wide range of media, materials, and techniques. The aim is to establish the creative and technical skills that will underpin their success in the full A-Level (Year 2).

Throughout the year, students will sit two internal assessments and a mock exam, each providing the opportunity to take ideas from their bookwork into a practical outcome completed under timed conditions.

All work is assessed in line with the AQA marking criteria, with feedback focusing on developing students’ ability to:

• investigate and develop ideas,
• experiment with and refine media and materials,
• record and analyse observations,
• and present personal, meaningful outcomes.

This structured progression ensures that students are both technically prepared and creatively confident by the time they enter the A-Level exam year.

Year 2

• Component 1: A Personal Investigation, which is an internally guided practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept, or theme. This project must be supported by written material and comprises 60% of the full A-Level.
• Component 2: An externally set assignment. Students select one question from a set of eight, have a preparation period, and then complete a final outcome in 15 hours of supervised but unaided time—accounting for 40% of the full A-Level.

Career and Opportunities

The creative industries are among the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors of the global economy, offering a wide range of well-paid and fulfilling careers. Fields such as architecture, fashion, graphic design, film, advertising, marketing, gaming, product design, animation, and the media all rely on highly skilled and imaginative individuals.

Studying Art at A-level not only develops technical ability and visual literacy but also fosters problem-solving, innovation, and independent thinking—skills that employers and universities consistently rank as highly valuable across all sectors.

At Earlscliffe, we go beyond the classroom by connecting students directly with the creative industries. Throughout the course, visiting professionals share their expertise through talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions, giving students invaluable insight into the realities of building a creative career and the opportunities available in this diverse field.

By combining rigorous academic preparation with real-world exposure, our students are well equipped to progress to top universities, art schools, and design programmes, and to pursue careers that are both financially rewarding and personally meaningful.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Practical subject:

YES

Entry Requirements

We would expect that applicants to this course would have grades 9-4 in British GCSE Biology/Science and Mathematics or equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education.

Course Aim

• enable students to sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in Biology and its applications.
• develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment and skills in the design and execution of experiments.
• develop essential knowledge and understanding in Biology and, where appropriate, the applications of Biology.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Paper 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health. This first topic for this paper involves the study of the functioning of the circulatory system and the importance of lifestyle choices to health. Whilst the second topic explores the exchange and transport of materials, DNA, protein synthesis enzymes and monohybrid inheritance within the context of the genetic disease Cystic Fibrosis.

Paper 2: Development, Plants and the Environment. This first topic for this paper involves the study of the development of multicellular organisms from single cells to complex individuals. The second topic focuses on the biodiversity and wealth of natural resources used by humans.

Year 2

Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival. This paper involves the study of topics studied for AS Biology plus a topic that builds an appreciation for photosynthesis as a process that underpins the majority of ecosystems. The second topic looks at the wide variety of techniques used by forensic pathologists to determine the identity and the time and cause of death in organisms, including humans.

Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination. This paper involves the study of topics studied for AS Biology plus a topic that is centred on the physiological adaptations that enable animals and humans to undertake strenuous exercise. The second topic considers how the working of the nervous system enables us to see.

Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology. This paper involves the interpretation and analysing experimental results/data based upon the topics 1 -8. There is also one section with questions based upon a pre-released scientific article.

Career and Opportunities

By studying Biology at school or college students are opening the door to a wide variety of rewarding careers. As well as learning about how organisms works, students will get a broad training in skills that all employers value – an ability to grasp concepts quickly, a determination to find coherent answers, not to mention problem solving, analytical, evaluation, mathematical and IT skills. “A” grades in Biology are highly valued by leading British universities. Careers in Biology may be very versatile and literally “mind-blowing”, but if you have chosen Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry or Zoology, or even management and finance, the skills developed by studying Biology are still highly regarded.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

We would expect that applicants to this course would have grades 9-4 in British GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education.

Course Aim

• Give the students an understanding of four key elements of business performance: accounts, marketing personnel and logistics.
• Encourage the students to use their knowledge of business models and theory to explain the behaviour and success or failure of real businesses around the world .
• Provide students with the confidence and skills needed to run their own organisations in the future.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

1. What is business?
2. Managers, leadership and decision making
3. Decision making to improve marketing performance
4. Decision making to improve operational performance
5. Decision making to improve financial performance
6. Decision making to improve human resource performance

• Paper 1 – Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 80 marks in total 50%
• Paper 2 – As in Paper 1 but exam consists of one case study 50%

Year 2

1-6 as for AS plus:

1. Analysing the strategic position of a business
2. Choosing strategic direction
3. Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
4. Managing strategic change

• Paper 1 – Written exam: 2 hours • 100 marks in total – 33.3%
• Paper 2 – Data response (as Paper 1) – 33.3%
• Paper 3 – Case study (as Paper 1 & 2) – 33.3%

Career and Opportunities

The individual elements of the Business Studies course give the students the chance to decide whether they would like to pursue a business career in finance, marketing personnel or logistics. The A-level course gives them a sound grounding in each of these key career areas. More holistically the subject should equip students with the skills that they will need in later life to become entrepreneurs themselves or managers of departmental areas within a corporation.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Practical subject:

YES

Entry Requirements

The course doesn’t require previous knowledge of Chemistry, however most of our students had either GCSE or some form of basic Chemistry education before, which is certainly beneficial.

Be prepared to extend your knowledge by reading books and relevant articles in contemporary science magazines, be ready to enter the International Chemistry Olympiad, attend fascinating science lectures at UK universities and you will come with us for an unforgettable two-day visit the University of Cambridge Science Festival every spring.

We use a wide range of internet based activities to prepare our students for a successful examination. Earlscliffe is in Partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the world’s leading chemistry community – and all their tools and resources are to help us bring chemistry to life in the classroom.

Course Aim

• gain an understanding of how the chemical elements interact and the role they play in making up our world and beyond.
• understand the relevance of science beyond the laboratory.
• learn analytical, evaluative and synoptic skills.
• develop practical skills, including the ability to plan and manipulate information and data.
• be able to use scientific logic to assess critically a wide range of ideas presented in newspapers, books and in the electronic media.
• understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Unit 1:

• Physical chemistry, Inorganic chemistry
• Relevant practical skills
• Written examination, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

Unit 2: Depth study, Physical chemistry

• Organic chemistry
• Relevant practical skills
• Written examination, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

Year 2

Unit 1 and Unit 2

• Physical, Inorganic and Organic chemistry
• Relevant practical skills
• Written examination, lasting 3 hours

Unit 3: Any content, any practical skills

• Written examination, lasting 2 hours

Career and Opportunities

Students do chemistry mostly to go on to study Medicine and do research at prestigious universities. Along with Engineering these are the best paid science related jobs all over the world. Chemical engineers develop novel materials that improve our quality of life and new batteries to fuel our various electrical devices. Chemists work for pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs to cure diseases and help fight bugs that would destroy our crops. Molecular biologists want to understand the way living cells operate and study DNA, proteins and their reactions. Analytical chemists can be involved in forensic investigations and help keep sports drug free. Environmental sciences involve a great deal of chemistry including ways to reduce pollution and the ways our waste can be recycled.

Lessons

3 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Chinese should either have at least a grade 7 or 8 in GCSE Chinese or be a native speaker

Course Aim

• develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• to enhance employment prospects.
• to facilitate foreign travel.
• to provide an insight into another culture and society.
• to provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

• Paper 1 Listening, reading and translation into English (40%)
• Paper 2 Written response to works and translation (30%)
• Paper 3 Speaking (30%)

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

It is expected that prior to embarking upon this course students will have achieved grades 9-4 in UK GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Course Aim

• give the students an understanding of the workings of the national and global economy.
• encourage students to apply their economic knowledge to interpret real world events.
• equip students to think logically and critically about economic ideas that are presented to them.

Course & Assessment overview

Paper 1

Markets and Business Behaviour (Micro-economics)

1. Economic methodology and the economic problem.
2. Individual economic decision making.
3. Price determination in a competitive market.
4. Production, costs and revenue. Business objectives & economic efficiency.
5. Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive (including contestable) markets and monopoly.
6. The labour market.
7. The market mechanism, market failure, government intervention in markets to address market failure and government failure.

Assessed: written exam: 2 hours. 100 marks (35% of A-level) Questions:

Section A: multiple choice and short answer questions (25 marks) Section B: data response questions requiring written answers, worth 50 marks;

Section C: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two worth 25 marks.

Paper 2

The National and Global economy (Macroeconomics)

1. The measurement of macroeconomic performance.
2. 9. How the macro-economy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts.
3. Economic performance.
4. Financial markets and monetary policy.
5. Fiscal policy and supply-side policies.
6. The international economy

Assessed: written exam 2 hours. 80 marks (35% of A-level) Questions:

Section A: multiple choice and short-answer questions

Section B: data response questions requiring written answers, worth 50 marks;

Section C: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two worth 25 marks

Paper 3

Microeconomics & Macroeconomics (considering micro and macro-economic issues raised in paper 1 & 2)

Assessed written exam: 2 hours. 100 marks. (30% of A-level) Questions:

Section A: Three data response questions and a choice of one from two essay questions worth 50 marks

Section B: Three data response questions and a choice of one from

two essay questions worth 50 marks

Lessons

3 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level French should either have at least a Grade 7 in GCSE French or be a native speaker.

Course Aim

• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• To enhance employment prospects.
• To facilitate foreign travel.
• To provide an insight into another culture and society.
• To provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation

Paper 3 – Speaking

Year 2

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 – Written response to works

Paper 3 – Speaking

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

5.25 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Grade 7 at GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics. Students studying Further Mathematics must also study A-level Mathematics or have completed a recognised A-level course of study. Further Mathematics is an “extra subject” at A-level and is for the highly able.

Course Aim

Further Mathematics is designed for learners with an enthusiasm for mathematics, many of whom will go on to degrees in mathematics, engineering, the sciences and economics, or any subject where mathematics is developed further than in A Level Mathematics.

As well as building on algebra and calculus introduced in A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics core content introduces complex numbers and matrices, fundamental mathematical ideas with wide applications in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computing. The non-core content includes different options that

can enable learners to specialise in areas of mathematics that are particularly relevant to their interests and future aspirations.

Further Mathematics prepares learners for further study and employment in highly mathematical disciplines that require knowledge and understanding of sophisticated mathematical ideas and techniques.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

This is a linear course comprising of a pure mathematics

compulsory unit and two optional units. The optional units can be selected from mechanics, statistics, working with algorithms, further pure maths with technology and numerical methods.

There are three papers, one for each unit. Each lasts

1 hour 15 minutes and comprises 33.3% of the

qualification

Year 2

This is a linear course comprising of a pure mathematics compulsory unit and either two or three optional units depending on whether the student wishes to specialise in a particular area and sit a major and a minor paper or three minor papers. These optional units can be selected from mechanics, statistics, working with algorithms, further pure maths with technology and numerical

methods.

• The pure maths paper will last 2 hours and 40 minutes

and comprises 50% of the qualification.

• A major paper lasts two hours 15 minutes and comprises 33.3% of the qualification.

• A minor paper lasts one hour 15 minutes and comprises 16.7% of the qualification.

Career and Opportunities

Mathematical experts in demand across all types of industries the world over. Study maths and you have access to career opportunities in sectors you may never have even considered including specialised fields such as law and medicine. That said, a large number of maths careers are still based within business or science and technology related sectors, with maths graduates occupying roles such as accountant, actuary, statistician, technician, Economist or market researcher.

Career opportunities include;

Statisticians, Actuaries, Physicists, Surveyors, Town planners, Engineers, Teaching, Management, Computing, Accountancy

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Students wishing to study A-Level Geography should have at least a grade 5 or 6 in GCSE English and/or Geography.

Students should also have a keen interest in reading books and articles, watching documentaries and films and being able to work independently outside of the classroom, particularly to update case study knowledge.

Course Aim

• Develop and apply understanding of contemporary geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret our challenging world.
• Inspire students about the world around them and gain employment, with skills and knowledge from geographical studies.
• Develop an awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economies, cultures and environments at local and global scales
• Become global citizens who recognise the challenges of sustainability and the implications for our own and each other’s lives.
• Become adept in the use and application of skills and new technologies through geographical studies both in and outside the classroom.

Course & Assessment overview

Component 1

2h15 Min Written Paper 30% of total mark

Component 2

2h15 Min Written Paper 30% of total mark

Component 3

2h15 Min Written Paper 20% of total mark

Component 4

Coursework Moderated 20% of total mark

Written papers are predominantly essay based.

Career and Opportunities

Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects as it is a broad based subject that really fits well for your future progression. It leads to a variety of careers in sustainability, urban regeneration, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change. Careers in law, human rights, politics and welfare benefit from studying aspects of Geography such as “Global Development” and “Migration, Identity and Sovereignty”, for instance.

Lessons

1.5 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level German should either have at least a Grade 6 in GCSE German or be a native speaker.

Course Aim

• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• To enhance employment prospects.
• To facilitate foreign travel.
• To provide an insight into another culture and society.
• To provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation

Paper 3 – Speaking

Year 2

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 – Written response to works

Paper 3 – Speaking

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level History should either have at least a Grade 5 or 6 in GCSE English and History. We study modern History which is aimed at helping you have an understanding of the world in which we live in and the world in which you will be forging your careers in. Be prepared to read articles and books, watch documentaries and films, write essays and be able to work independently outside of the classroom.

Course Aim

• Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance.
• Acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social,cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, as appropriate.
• Build on their understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study.
• Improve as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.
• Develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them.
• Acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study, for example that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements are provisional.
• Develop their use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills.
• Make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past.
• Organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Unit 1: Breadth study with interpretations

Option 1H: Britain transformed, 1918–97

Written examination, lasting 2 hours 15 minutes.

Unit 2: Depth study

Option 2H.1: The USA, c1920–55: boom, bust and

recovery

Written examination, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.

Year 2

Units 1 & 2 plus:

Unit 3: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth

Option 33: The witch craze in Britain, Europe and North

America, c1580–c1750

Written examination, lasting 2 hours 15 minutes.

Unit 4: Coursework

Internally assessed, externally moderated.

Career and Opportunities

A significant number enter the legal profession, where their analytical and critical reasoning skills are highly valued, as well as library, information and archivist careers, where their research expertise and ability to select, manage and organise information comes to the fore.

Politics, publishing, journalism, media and writing in all its forms are similarly suitable, alongside business and commerce, public sector administration and the charity and voluntary sectors.

Lessons

3 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Italian should either have at least a Grade 5 or 6 in GCSE Italian or be a native or nearly-native speaker.

Course Aim

• develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• to enhance employment prospects.
• to facilitate foreign travel.
• to provide an insight into another culture and society.
• to provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Paper 1 –

Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 –

Written response to works and translation

Paper 3 –

Speaking

Year 2

Paper 1 –

Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 –

Written response to works and translation

Paper 3 –

Speaking

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

1.5 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Japanese should either have at least a grade 7 or 8 in GCSE Japanese or be a native speaker

Course Aim

• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• To enhance employment prospects.
• To facilitate foreign travel.
• To provide an insight into another culture and society.
• To provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

A-Level

Paper 1 Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (40%)

Paper 2 Translation into Japanese and written response to works (30%)

Paper 3 Listening, reading and writing (30%)

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

A grade 7 at GCSE or equivalent in mathematics

Course Aim

• understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence, fosters enjoyment and provides a strong foundation for progress to further study.

• extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques.

• understand coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics are connected.

• apply mathematics in other fields of study and be aware of the relevance of mathematics to the world of work and to situations in society in general.

• use their mathematical knowledge to make logical and reasoned decisions in solving problems both within pure mathematics and in a variety of contexts, and communicate the mathematical rationale for these decisions clearly.

• reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning.

• use their mathematical skills and techniques to solve challenging problems that require them to decide on the solution strategy.

• represent situations mathematically and understand the relationship between problems in context and mathematical models that may be applied to solve them.

• draw diagrams and sketch graphs to help explore mathematical situations and interpret solutions .

• make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions by using mathematical reasoning.

• interpret solutions and communicate their interpretation effectively in the context of the problem.

• read and comprehend mathematical arguments, including justifications of methods and formulae, and communicate their understanding.

• read and comprehend articles concerning applications of mathematics and communicate their understanding.

• use technology, such as calculators and computers, effectively and recognise when it may be inappropriate to use them.

• take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

This is a linear course comprising of compulsory

teaching in the fields of pure mathematics, statistics and

mechanics. There are no optional modules.

There are two examination papers:

Paper 1: Pure mathematics lasts 2 hours, has 100 marks

which makes up 62.5% of the qualification

Paper 2: Statistics and Mechanics lasts one hour and

15 minutes, has 60 marks and makes up 37.5% of the

qualification

Year 2

This is a linear course comprising of compulsory

teaching in the fields of pure mathematics, statistics and

mechanics. There are no optional modules.

There are three examination papers:

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics

Each paper is lasts 2 hours, has 100 marks and makes up 33.3% of the qualification

Career and Opportunities

Mathematical experts in demand across all types of industries the world over. Study maths and you have access to career opportunities in sectors you may never have even considered including specialised fields such as law and medicine. That said, a large number of maths careers are still based within business or science and technology-related sectors, with maths graduates occupying roles such as accountant, actuary, statistician, technician, Economist or market researcher.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Practical subject:

YES

Entry Requirements

If you have studied Photography or ART to GCSE it would be advantageous but not essential. The most important requirements are a keen interest in photography combined with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard during the lessons and in your own time.

Course Aim

• Students will learn how to technically use a DSLR camera, and apply relevant techniques to help communicate ideas.
• They will learn how to investigate the work of photographers and artists to help inform and develop their work.
• They will learn how photography can represent ideas, feelings, and meanings and utilise this within their own work.
• During the lessons students will explore a variety of technical photographic practices using the DSLR on outdoor locations, studio workshops, developing their images through Camera Raw and Photoshop workshops.
• Students will be required to document the journey of their photography project online and in an A3 sketchbook, illustrating the development and exploration of their work. The work needs to present a range of techniques, approaches and methods working towards a final outcome.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

In the first year, students work primarily in a single

coursework book

, developing a strong foundation in a wide range of media, materials, and techniques. The aim is to establish the creative and technical skills that will underpin their success in the full A-Level (Year 2). Throughout the year, students will sit

two internal assessments

and a

mock exam

, each providing the opportunity to take ideas from their bookwork into a practical outcome completed under timed conditions. All work is assessed in line with the

AQA marking criteria

, with feedback focusing on developing students’ ability to:

• investigate and develop ideas,
• experiment with and refine media and materials,
• record and analyse observations,
• and present personal, meaningful outcomes.

This structured progression ensures that students are both technically prepared and creatively confident by the time they enter the A-Level exam year.

Year 2 (Full A – level)

• Component 1: A Personal Investigation, which is an internally guided practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept, or theme. This project must be supported by written material and comprises 60% of the full A-Level.
• Component 2: An externally set assignment. Students select one question from a set of eight, have a preparation period, and then complete a final outcome in 15 hours of supervised but unaided time—accounting for 40% of the full A-Level.

Career and Opportunities

Studying Photography at A-Level opens doors to an exciting variety of pathways. Many students go on to study Photography at university or combine it with other creative subjects such as Fine Art, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Web Design, Multi-Media, Advertising, or Video Production. Potential careers range from professional photographic practice, journalism, and fashion photography to advertising, media, and film, industries that thrive on creative vision and technical expertise. The skills gained on this course are also highly transferable, including creative problem-solving, visual communication, and digital proficiency, all of which are sought after across today’s job market. At Earlscliffe, we go beyond the classroom by connecting students directly with the creative industries. Throughout the course, visiting professionals share their expertise through talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions, giving students invaluable insight into the realities of building a creative career and the opportunities available in this diverse field.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Practical subject:

YES

Entry Requirements

We would expect that applicants to this course would have grades 9-4 in British GCSE Physics/Science and Mathematics or equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education. Use of mathematical skills will make up 40% of the assessment.

Course Aim

• Essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
• A deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
• Competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.
• Developing their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
• An understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Students should gain experience of a wide variety of

practical work that gives them opportunities to develop

their practical and investigative skills by planning,

carrying out and evaluating experiments. Content of the

course covers:

Topic 1: Working as a Physicist

Topic 2: Mechanics

Topic 3: Electric Circuits

Topic 4: Materials

Topic 5: Waves and Particle Nature of Light

Year 2

This course includes 5 topics from AS specification. In

addition to them it also contains:

Topic 6: Further Mechanics

Topic 7: Electric and Magnetic Fields

Topic 8: Nuclear and Particle Physics

Topic 9: Thermodynamics

Topic 10: Space

Topic 11: Nuclear Radiation

Topic 12: Gravitational Fields

Topic 13: Oscillations

Career and Opportunities

By studying Physics at school or college students are opening the door to a wide variety of rewarding careers. As well as learning about how the universe works, students will get a broad training in skills that all employers value – an ability grasp concepts quickly, a determination to find coherent answers, not to mention problem-solving, analytical, mathematical and IT skills. “A” grades in Physics are highly valued by leading British universities.

Careers in Physics may be very versatile, but if you have chosen medicine, engineering, IT or architecture, or even management and finance, the skills developed by studying Physics are still highly regarded.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Politics should either have at least a Grade B in GCSE English or be of a Band 6 standard in IELTS writing. More importantly, perhaps, is an interest in current affairs!

Course Aim

• Develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes.
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of power and the related structures within the political system of the United Kingdom.
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual and encourage an engagement with contemporary politics, both in the UK and in the wider world.

Course & Assessment overview

Component 1

UK Politics

• 2 hours/33⅓%

• TWO 30-mark questions (Section A) and ONE 24-

mark question (Section B)

Component 2

UK Government

• 2 hours/33⅓%

• TWO 30-mark questions (Section A) and ONE 24-

mark question (Section B)

Component 3

Comparative Politics (Global Politics)

• 2 hours/33⅓%

• TWO twelve-mark questions and TWO 30-mark

questions

Studying Politics would lead to a wide range of career opportunities including those in public affairs, banking, social work, journalism, law, probation work, sales, public relations and research.

Politics combines well with all humanities and arts subjects. The skills you develop will be transferable to other subjects and will support your studies generally. This course is heavily essay based.

Lessons

6 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

There are no prior learning requirements to take this course. However, the course demands both fluent writing skills and being comfortable with numbers. It is therefore recommended that those wishing to study A-level Psychology should have obtained 5 or 6 grades in GCSE English and Maths, or their international equivalents. A commitment to hard work is essential for this course.

Course Aim

To develop essential knowledge and understanding of various areas of Psychology and how they relate to each other. This involves developing an appreciation of the scientific method and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills. It also involves developing an appreciation of the many applications of Psychological science to social issues.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Topic 1 – Social Psychology

Topic 2 – Cognitive Psychology

Topic 3 – Biological Psychology

Topic 4 – Learning Theories

Topics 1-4 are assessed via a 2-hour external

examination, and comprise 35% of the total A-level.

Year 2

Topics 1-4 (35% of total A-Level) plus:

Topic 5 – Clinical Psychology

Topic 6 – Criminological Psychology

Topics 5 and 6 are assessed via a 2-hour external

examination, and comprise 35% of the total A-level.

Topic 9 – Psychological Skills (review of methodology, Review of studies, Review of issues and debates)

Topic 9 is assessed via a 2-hour external examination,

and comprises 30% of the total A-level.

Career and Opportunities

Studying Psychology gives you a broad range of skills that span both science and the arts and opens up opportunities with a wide variety of employers. Careers directly related to psychology include clinical psychologist, counselling, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, psychology lecturer, and sports psychologist. However, the subject also opens up opportunities in advertising and marketing, human resources, finance, the media, and social services, amongst others.

Lessons

1.5 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Russian should either have at least a Grade 7 in GCSE Russian or be a native speaker.

Course Aim

• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• Enhance employment prospects.
• Facilitate foreign travel.
• Provide an insight into another culture and society.
• Provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Unit 1 – Assessment: 8-10 minute assessment in two sections.

Section A requires students to respond to four Edexcel set questions.

Section B requires the teacher to engage the student in

a discussion

Unit 2 – Assessment: 2 hour 30 minute paper in three sections.

Section A requires students to listen to a range of

authentic recorded Russian language material and to

retrieve and convey information given in the recording.

Section B requires students to read authentic Russian language printed materials and to retrieve and convey

information.

Section C requires students to write 150–165 words in

the form of a letter, report or article in Russian based on

a short printed Russian-language stimulus.

Year 2

Unit 3 – Assessment: 11-13 minute assessment

Students first outline their chosen issue for about one minute, adopting a definite stance towards the issue. They should then defend and justify their opinions for up to four minutes.

Unit 4 – Assessment: 2 hour 30 minute paper in three sections.

Section A: A short written translation exercise to test students’ ability to transfer meaning from English into Russian effectively.

Section B: A Russian-language essay in response to one from a choice of seven questions, linked to the prescribed general topic areas, that invite either discursive or creative writing.

Section C: A research-based essay in Russian (180–200 words) to reward students for Russian-language research skills linked to an area of interest to the student that relates to the culture and/or society of a Russian language country, countries or community.

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

3 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Spanish should either have at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Spanish or be a native speaker.

Course Aim

• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• To enhance employment prospects.
• To facilitate foreign travel.
• To provide an insight into another culture and society.
• To provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation

Paper 3 – Speaking

Year 2

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation

Paper 2 – Written response to works

Paper 3 – Speaking

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

Lessons

1.5 hours total per week.

Entry Requirements

Ideally, students wishing to study A-level Turkish should either have at least a Grade 8 or 9 in GCSE Turkish or be a native speaker.

Course Aim

• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE.
• Enhance employment prospects.
• Develop their ability to understand language in spoken and written form and to interact effectively with users of Turkish in writing.
• Provide an insight into another culture and society.
• Provide students with a sound basis for further study.

Course & Assessment overview

Year 1

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation Paper 3 – Speaking

Year 2

Paper 1 – Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (research question) in TurkishPaper 2 – Translation into Turkish and written response to worksPaper 3 – Listening, reading and writing in Turkish

Career and Opportunities

Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject but where there is the opportunity to use their language skills, for example working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; charity and voluntary work.

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