Sixth Form Curriculum Overview

Cambridge International A Level Art & Design stimulates interest, enjoyment and personal enrichment as well as introducing artistic exploration and design thinking. Students gain lifelong skills, including: communication skills, especially the ability to communicate concepts and feelings; the ability and confidence to experiment, be innovative, intuitive and imaginative and an appreciation of practical design problems and how to solve these.

The Art and Design syllabus covers a broad range of related activities, areas and approaches to study including painting and Related Media, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, graphic Design, ceramics, fashion Design and photography, Digital and Lens Media.

Candidates take four components. Component 1 is a Controlled Test. This is an externally-set assignment that is marked by Cambridge. The examination paper allows candidates to respond in various ways – for example: interpretative, design, abstract, photography, etc. Students choose one question from the examination paper from which to make studies in any suitable colour/tone, medium, process or technique. The questions set will be broad and flexible; Assessment is by a 15 hour Controlled Test that is externally marked by Cambridge. Component 2 is Coursework. Students submit: one coursework project and up to four sheets of supporting work (maximum A1 size). This will be internally assessed and will then be externally moderated by Cambridge. Component 3 is Coursework. Students submit one coursework project plus a folder of supporting work (maximum size A1, no more than ten sheets – twenty sides at most) and a sketchbook. This will be internally assessed and will then be externally moderated by Cambridge. Component 4 is a Personal Study. This is an internally set Component that will be assessed by Cambridge. Students will produce a detailed study of any aspect of the visual arts that may, but need not, relate to their work for Component 2 or Component 3: Coursework. The Study may be presented in any appropriate format in a balance of visual and written analysis and should not exceed 3500 words.

Students will be assessed on the following objectives; A. Personal Qualities - Candidates are expected to show an individual, sensitive and creative response to a stimulus; ability to develop an idea, theme or subject and independence in concept and execution. B. Manipulative, Artistic and Analytical Skills - Candidates are expected to select and control materials, processes and techniques in an informed and disciplined way to meet an objective; select and record analytically from direct observation and personal experience. C. Aesthetic Qualities - Candidates are expected to use and compose formal elements (contour, shape, colour/tone, texture, structure and the relationships between form and space) as appropriate. D. Knowledge and Critical Understanding - Candidates are expected to select and communicate information relevant to an idea, subject or theme and evaluate this in a systematic way; make critical judgments and use personal ideas and images to show they are developing appreciation and cultural awareness. Students will receive a grade outcome from between grade A*- E.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. 

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science. 

Cambridge International AS and A Level Business allows students to take the first step towards a career in private or public organisations or progress with confidence to a degree in business and management related subjects. The course enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. Students will develop the capacity to analyse characteristics and activities of business organisations and how they respond to the changing demands of their environments, how effective managers and leaders develop successful organisations in terms of customer focus and have the opportunity to reflect on how successful business organisations engage in financial and accounting practices to maximise value and develop their knowledge relating to strategic planning and decision-making to ensure business survival, change, and sustainable success.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. 

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Chemistry is ideal for learners who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

Computer Science is the study of the foundational principles and practices of computational thinking and their application in the design and development of computer systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines innovation and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science will value computational thinking, helping students to develop their skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. Students will develop their ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving problems including writing programs. The key features of this specification encourage skills and knowledge of problem solving using computer programming and algorithms and emphasis on the mathematical skills used to express computational laws and processes for example Boolean algebra, logic and algorithm comparison.  

Cambridge International AS and A Level Economics allows students to explore concepts and theories which can be applied to the way that modern economies work. Students will develop the ability to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments and evaluate economic information and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly gaining lifelong skills and a solid foundation for further study. The syllabus covers a range of basic economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Students will also study the price system, the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development. 

Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied economics previously.

Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language gives learners the opportunity to study English language and its use in contemporary communication. It aims to encourage a critical response to texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis. Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues, and writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences. Successful English Language learners develop an understanding and enjoyment of a wide variety of different texts, both written and spoken. They gain pleasure and awareness of how language works in different ways, for different purposes and for different audiences. In addition, they gain skills for life, including:

• The ability to appreciate how different texts are shaped by their language and style
• Skills in creating their own imaginative and persuasive writing for different purposes and audiences.
• Skills in researching, selecting and shaping information from different sources
• The ability to analyse and compare written and spoken texts in close detail.

An A Level Geography student will develop the following:

• An understanding of the principal processes operating within physical geography and human geography
• An understanding of the causes and effects of change on natural and human environments
• An awareness of the usefulness of geographical analysis to understand and solve contemporary human and environmental problems
• The ability to handle and evaluate different types and sources of information
• The skills to think logically, and to present an ordered and coherent argument in a variety of ways

Over the two year course we will cover the following topics: Physical Geography such as, hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, atmosphere and weather as well as rocks and weathering. Human geography such as, population, migration and settlement. Students are assessed over the two years with two exams at the end of year 12 and two exams at the end of year 13.

Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research provides students with the opportunity to further develop their research skills through the in-depth study of an academic topic of their own choice. Students should be supported in identifying a suitable research topic, devising and developing an appropriate research question and engaging fully in the research process. As such this syllabus builds on the higher-order thinking skills of analysis, evaluation and synthesis but focuses primarily on developing students’ research and communication skills. The AS Level is assessed over one year in the following ways:

Written Examination: consisting of compulsory, structured questions based on sources provided with the examination paper.

Essay: Students explore different perspectives on issues of global significance arising from their studies during the course and write an essay based on their research. The essay title is devised by students themselves.

Team Project: Students work in teams to identify a local problem which has global relevance. Individual team members research the issue and suggest solutions to the problem based on their research findings. Teams work together to agree a set of proposed team solutions to the problem.

Cambridge Research Report: Students devise and develop a research question. This is answered in a report based on independent personal research.

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabuses provide opportunities for contextualised learning and the content has been created to avoid cultural bias and develop essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving.

Year 12 topics (AS level)

• The Search for International Peace and Security, 1919–1945
• International Relations, 1871–1945

Year 13 topics (A level)

• The Origins and Development of the Cold War, 1941–1950
• Southeast Asian History, 1945–1990s

The impact of IT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who understand these new technologies. This syllabus encourages students to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Students study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general and simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of IT. 

Candidates beginning this course should have previously completed a Cambridge IGCSE course or equivalent in, Information and Communication Technology or Computer Science.

The aim is to enable students to

• Develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment.

• Develop an understanding of mathematical principles

• Acquire a range of mathematical skills

• Develop the ability to analyse problems logically

• Use mathematics as means of communication

• Acquire the mathematical background necessary for further study in mathematics or related subjects.

Our students have a choice of taking either the AS or A Level exam. The AS program of study is for one year (Year 12) and our students will take Pure Mathematics 1 (P1) and Mechanics 1 (M1). The A Level program of study is for two years (Years 12 and 13 combined) and our students will take four papers, which are Pure Mathematics 1(p1), Mechanics 1(M1), Pure Mathematics 3 (P3) and Probability and Statics 1 (S1).

Assessment overview:

P1 and P3 are for 1 hour and 50 mins and will be marked out or 75.

M1 and S1 are for 1 hour and 15 mins and will be marked out of 50.

At AS level grades A, B, C, D, E will indicate the standard the candidate achieved. Grades A*, A, B, C, D, E will indicate the standard the candidate achieved at A Level.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. 

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of physics ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics is ideal for learners who want to study Physics or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Music encourages learners to develop their musical skills in a variety of music styles and traditions and build on their musical interests. Learners are encouraged to listen, compose and perform with understanding, analysis and confident communication. They learn to become independent and critical thinkers. The syllabus encourages independent expression and the development of a critical, reflective practice.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Music provides a foundation for the study of music or related courses in higher education.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physical Education builds on the skills acquired in IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus is comprised of both theory and practical elements. The course develops student’s analytical skills; appreciation of performance; problem solving; communication and fosters an understanding of the benefits of life long physical activity. The course sets students up for further study in the field of Physical Education teaching; sport & recreation; sports science; sports policy; physiotherapy and sports coaching.

The theory components cover anatomy and physiology; skill acquisition; psychology of sports performance and contemporary studies in sport. The practical elements encourage students to try a range of physical activities including team and individual sports. They select two of these to be assessed at AS and A Level. Within the AS coursework they use their knowledge gained to assess their strengths and weaknesses of performance and plan a ten week training programme on one of their assessed sports. They are able to evaluate and analyse the effects of the training programme on their performance. This is recorded and submitted as part of their coursework. In A Level, they are required to use the knowledge from all theory components to verbally assess a live performance from one of their chosen assessed sports. They critically analyse and evaluate the performance based on their understanding of anatomy and physiology, movement skills and contemporary studies in Physical Education.