A Level - Art and Design
Studying A-Level Art and Design helps students to develop their creative, imaginative, intellectual and analytical skills. Students will have the opportunity to investigate, experiment, extend and refine practical skills as well as develop aesthetic understanding and critical judgement. The course encourages independent thought and intuitively, exploring ideas, problem-solving, refining skills and producing personal outcomes. Students will learn how to collate a portfolio of work and will also be encouraged to create blogs or visual diaries of work. Non-Art university courses also recognise a variety of transferable skills that are developed through A-Level Art and it is an excellent way to add diversity to a students’ skill set.
Exam board: AQA
Option: Fine Art
Specification Code: 7202
Assessment: 60% portfolio and 40% externally set assignment
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Contact for further information: Mrs Hampson l.hampson@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Biology
Biology involves the study of life and by studying it at A-Level you will gain a better understanding of the world around you and the interdependent nature of life. A-Level Biology is an excellent preparation for entry to degrees leading to careers in medicine, osteopathy, homeopathy, nursing, social work, physiotherapy and many more.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7402
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Cross g.cross@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level Chemistry
A level Chemistry suits individuals who are focussed, resilient and have good mathematical ability. By studying Chemistry at A level you will develop your research, problem-solving and analytical skills whilst acquiring an in depth understanding of the fundamental Chemistry concepts. There is a strong practical element to the course which will enhance your understanding of the theory and develop your teamwork and communication skills. Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, nursing, biochemistry, dentistry or forensic science. It will also equip you for a career in the chemical industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7405
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Russell s.russell@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level Computer Science
The qualification will be focused on programming and emphasise the importance of computational thinking as a discipline. There’ll be an expanded mathematics focus, much of which will be embedded within the course. The course has three elements: The first looks at how a computer system works, both standing alone and as part of a network, how computer systems are used within an organisation and how data is transmitted and received across networks, both small and large. The second element focusses predominantly on advanced programming techniques. This will involve learning to program in low level and high level languages and require the student to develop their problem solving skills. The final element of the course is the creation of a ‘complex’ computer system where students are required to analyse, design, develop and test a full functioning program.
Exam board: OCR
Specification Code: H446
Assessment: 20% coursework and 80% examination
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Contact for further information: Mr Bridges j.bridges@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Design and Technology: Product Design (3D Design)
A-Level Product Design is a highly regarded course by universities as a foundation for further study in any design field. It is particularly useful for students considering architecture, engineering, furniture, interior design, theatre design and of course industrial and product design. This course also combines very well with the Arts (Art and Design, Textiles and Photography) and the Sciences (Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics). The emphasis is on learning how and why products are designed. Students will be fine tuning their hand sketching skills alongside CAD/CAM skills to produce creative and innovative products. There will be the opportunity to make and model products in a variety of materials building on the skills learnt at GCSE. Topics covered will include; designers and design movements, environmental design, jewellery/body adornment and architectural design.
Exam board: AQA
Option: Three-dimensional Design
Specification Code: 7405
Assessment: 60% portfolio and 40% externally set assignment
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Contact for further information: Mr Marshall b.marshall@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Drama and Theatre Studies
This course would suit those who are keen to pursue their interests and develop their skills in a range of practical drama elements including acting and directing. The requirements of the specification, with 70% of the course focused on written elements, also enables students to gain an entry qualification for courses in higher education, whether in the area of drama and theatre or in a host of other subjects.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7262
Assessment: 60% practical assignments and 40% examination
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Contact for further information: Mr Reynolds m.reynolds@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Economics
Economics A-Level will appeal to students who want to develop an understanding of the wider economic and social environment and they will develop the ability to adopt an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to their studies. Many of the skills, qualities and attitudes which are developed by studying economics will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. Studying Economics will help you understand many of these real world events and enable you to discuss important economic issues. It will help you develop a critical, analytical approach, which will challenge any preconceived notions held about how the economy works.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7136
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mr Chris James-Roll c.james-roll@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - English Literature
English Literature is the study of literature from across the centuries, be that prose, poetry or drama. Through choosing English Literature, you become more adept in your ability to evaluate and critique as you analyse texts from the literary canon of both Britain and America. Alongside this, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of Literary Theory, using historical and social contexts to better understand the texts they are studying. There is also the opportunity, during the second year, for students to undertake an independent study focusing on selected texts
of their choice, granting students the chance to foster and enhance their personal understanding of the written word according to individual interests and tastes.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7712
Assessment: 20% coursework and 80% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Younger-Murray m.younger-murray@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Extended Project Qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offers students the opportunity to create a single piece of work, requiring a high degree of planning, preparation and autonomous working. The projects that students complete will differ by subject, but all will require persistence over time and research skills to explore a subject independently in real depth.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7993
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A Level - French
French A-Level is a stimulating and informative subject if you are interested in politics, people, culture, history, current affairs, sociology and geography. It can help develop an interest in language learning and promote an understanding of the language in a variety of contexts. It facilitates foreign travel by enabling students to communicate confidently and to display an awareness of contemporary society and culture. Students will also be able to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and employment.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7652
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Ranchin-Meakin r.ranchin-meakin@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Further Mathematics
The Further Mathematics specification is taught to able Mathematicians, in parallel with studying Advanced Level Mathematics, over two years and consists of the three papers for A Level plus papers in Core Pure Mathematics 1, Core Pure Mathematics 2, Further Pure Mathematics 1 and Decision Mathematics 1.
Exam board: Pearson Edexcel
Specification Code: 9FMO
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Brown t.brown@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Geography
The A-level course provides students with the ability to apply themselves to many different sectors of employment such as advertising, finance, business, environmental management and law due to the social-science nature of the content and focus on people. The Cambridge International qualification divides the units into the fundamental elements of Physical and Human Geography and, most importantly, develops links and understanding between the two. The physical side of the course explores geographical processes and their impact on the landscapes around us. The human element considers how people live in, move on, and interact with, the world around them. Suitable candidates for the course must show an interest and awareness of current geographical issues as it is vital to show understanding of these and how they influence our world.
Exam board: Cambridge
Specification Code: 9696
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Taylor r.taylor@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Government and Politics
Politics suits students who have an interest in the world around them and want to know more about how society works and how it could be changed; enjoy debate and discussion and are comfortable with the fact that there are no simple ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs’ in politics; like to think independently and want to develop their own views; enjoy weighing up and evaluating evidence. The course involves student-centred learning, using presentations, debates, case studies, discussions, video and audio-based exercises, note- taking and individual research. Students are expected to read a newspaper regularly and carry out internet research.
Exam board: Pearson Edexcel
Specification Code: 9PLO
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mr West n.west@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - History
The course provides opportunities for student-centred learning, using a variety of methods including presentations, debates, case studies, discussions, video and audio based exercises, note-taking and individual research. The course explores the development of three very different countries, considering the distinct character of each of their political systems, economies and societies. History A-Level is likely to appeal to those students who have an interest in the world around them, the society they live in and how it has developed; enjoy discussion, debate and argument; enjoy research and analysing material to check for bias and propaganda.
Exam board: OCR
Specification Code: H505
Assessment: 20% coursework and 80% examination
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Contact for further information: Mr West n.west@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Mathematics
The A-Level Mathematics course is designed to encourage students to develop their understanding of Mathematics in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment; reason logically and construct mathematical proofs; extend their range of mathematical skills; develop an understanding of coherence and progression in Mathematics; understand mathematical modelling; develop an awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study, the world of work and society.
Exam board: Edexcel
Specification Code: 9MAO
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Brown t.brown@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Music
This course focuses on the separate disciplines of performance, composition and aural appraisal but with a holistic approach to developing all three areas together. A-Level Music students will perform a solo recital lasting eight minutes in length. Responding to an exam board brief, students will also compose a piece in a style of their choice and complete a technical composition study. Students will study set works of vocal, instrumental, film, world, pop and jazz music in preparation for a 2 hour listening and analysis exam at the end of the year. A-Level Music is often essential for entry to degree level courses in Music.
Exam board: Pearson Edexcel
Specification Code: 7408
Assessment: 60% practical assignments and 40% examination
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Contact for further information: Mr Rampton d.rampton@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Photography
Studying A-Level Photography provides students with the opportunity to combine their creative and technical skills and is designed to encourage the development of creativity and self-expression. During the course students explore the world
of visual images through a variety of exciting and stimulating photography projects based on using lens based equipment in a creative manner.
The A-Level Photography course requires students to think about visual communication and how imagery is used to communicate an idea or viewpoint of an individual. Investigations into contemporary artists’ work and practical experiments are needed to help to develop understanding of the creative process used in photography.
Exam board: AQA
Option: Photography
Specification Code: 7206
Assessment: 60% portfolio and 40% externally set assignment
Course content: Click here
Contact for further information: Mrs Hampson l.hampson@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Physical Education
A-Level PE covers an incredibly diverse and interesting range of topics. On this course, students
will learn about how the body works: anatomy, physiology and biomechanics; how performance can be enhanced, analysed and monitored and about the multiple health benefits of physical activity. Students will also study psychology to analyse the role of the mind in performance; nutrition to understand how to fuel performance effectively; sports injury prevention and management; and sport business to understand the financial side of the sport industry. This course also develops student’s understanding of the role that sport has played in the past and what role will it will play in the future.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7582
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A Level - Physics
Physics enables you to understand the world we live in. In the two year course you will learn the laws that rule our universe as well as the applications of technology that improve our everyday lives. All the topics that you have studied during the GCSE programme will be investigated to a deeper level: this will show the beauty that you have probably glimpsed during the previous years and now, finally, you will have the chance to understand what is happening behind the scenes.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7408
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Mrs Russell s.russell@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Psychology
Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour, bridging the social sciences and natural sciences. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of psychological research; the ability to apply this knowledge to real life situations; critically analyse and evaluate the value of psychological research and its credibility as an explanation of human behaviour.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7182
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Ms Seamark r.seamark@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Sociology
The A-Level Sociology course considers academic sociological theories as well as the research skills which sociologists use to carry out their investigations. The course looks domestically at the reasons behind inequality in areas such as education and family, as well as looking at more global issues such as crime and beliefs in society in the second year of study.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7192
Assessment: 100% examination
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Contact for further information: Ms Seamark r.seamark@sherfieldschool.co.uk
A Level - Spanish
Spanish A-Level is a stimulating and informative subject, if you are interested in politics, people, culture, history, current affairs, sociology and geography. It can help develop an interest in language learning and promote an understanding of the language in a variety of contexts. It facilitates foreign travel by enabling students to communicate confidently and to display an awareness of contemporary society and culture. Students will also be able to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and employment.
Exam board: AQA
Specification Code: 7692
Assessment: 100% examination
Course content: Click here
Contact for further information: Mrs Ranchin-Meakin r.ranchin-meakin@sherfieldschool.co.uk
BTEC - Business
In these turbulent financial times, there are even more opportunities for entrepreneurs and employees who have a sound understanding of finance, marketing, sales and management. Studying this course helps to develop self- management, business and customer awareness, team-working and problem-solving, which are all key attributes that employers look for in potential employees. The Pearson BTEC Level 3 course in Business provides a highly respected route for those who wish to move into employment in the sector, either directly or following further study on a relevant Higher Education (HE) course. There are three different BTEC qualifications that can be studied in Business, over a 2-year period: The Extended Certificate, The Diploma and The Extended Diploma.
Extended Diploma Assessment: Coursework 58% and examination 42%
Diploma Assessment: Coursework 55% and examination 45%
Extended Certificate Assessment: Coursework 42% and examination 58%
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Contact for further information: Ms Seamark r.seamark@sherfieldschool.co.uk
BTEC - Music Technology
The BTEC Music Technology course introduces students to some of the key skills and techniques required by the studio musician, whether as a composer, producer or sound engineer. The course centres on the use of recording equipment and music software and is extremely practical. Students are encouraged to listen to a range of contemporary music, recognising and assessing how musicians use music technology in today’s world. The course is also supported by visiting performers, workshops and external visits. Units will cover areas such as setting up and capturing live recordings, live sound engineering, composing in different styles including the use of software instruments and audio files, listening to and analysing music, and creating sound effects and music for the moving image.
Extended Diploma Assessment: Coursework 67% and examination 33%
Diploma Assessment: Coursework 67% and examination 33%
Extended Certificate Assessment: Coursework 67% and examination 33%
Course content: Click here
Contact for further information: Ms Rampton d.rampton@sherfieldschool.co.uk
BTEC - Performing Arts
There are three different BTEC qualifications that can be studied in Performing Arts, over a two-year period: The Extended Certificate, The Diploma and The Extended Diploma. Although the course differs slightly depending on which route you take, all students will engage in exploring the work of performing arts practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. Students will also explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two performance styles.
Extended Diploma Assessment: Coursework 58% and examination 42%
Diploma Assessment: Coursework 54% and examination 46%
Extended Certificate Assessment: Coursework 42% and examination 58%
Course content: Click here
Contact for further information: Mr Reynolds m.reynolds@sherfieldschool.co.uk
BTEC - Sport
BTEC National Level 3 in Sport covers an incredibly diverse and interesting range of topics including anatomy, physiology and biomechanics; how performance can be enhanced, analysed and monitored and about the multiple health benefits of physical activity. Students can also study psychology to analyse the role of the mind in performance and sports injury prevention and management; and sport business to understand the financial side of the sport industry. There are three different BTEC qualifications that can be studied in Sport, over a two-year period: The Extended Certificate, The Diploma and The Extended Diploma.
Extended Diploma Assessment: Coursework 58% and examination 42%
Diploma Assessment: Coursework 55% and examination 45%
Extended Certificate Assessment: Coursework 33% and examination 67%
Course content: Click here
Contact for further information: Mrs Moore r.moore@sherfieldschool.co.uk