CRIMINOLOGY
Qualification: Level 3 Diploma
Awarding body: WJEC
Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page
Assessment: 50% internal controlled assessment, 50% external examination
Content
Unit 1: Changing awareness of Crime
This unit will enable students to demonstrate an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported.
This unit is internally assessed and is worth 25% of the Diploma.
Unit 2: Criminological Theories
This unit will allow students to gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what they have learned in Unit 1.
This unit is externally assessed with a 90-minute written exam and is worth 25% of the diploma.
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom
The third unit will provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. Students will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.
This unit is internally assessed and is worth 25% of the Diploma.
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment
In the final unit, students will apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.
This unit is externally assessed with a 90-minute written exam and is worth 25% of the diploma.
Futures
Students who study Criminology may go on to study degrees in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law and Politics. It can assist students in careers in the probation service, forensic psychology, the police force, the civil service and local government.
GEOGRAPHY
Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: Pearson Edexcel
Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page
Content
In Year 12, you will study the following topics:
Globalisation Regenerating Places Tectonic Processes and Hazards Coastal landscapes and Change
In Year 13, you will study the following topics:
Superpowers Migration, Sovereignty and Identity The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
There is also a third paper that you sit which is a synoptic paper based on the themes of players, attitudes and actions, futures and uncertainties. This draws on knowledge from each of the topics.
Coursework is completed in Year 13 and this independent investigation makes up 20% of your final grade.
Futures
Choosing A-level Geography offers a unique opportunity to explore both physical and human aspects of the world. It helps you understand key global challenges, from climate change to migration, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Geography combines theory with practical fieldwork, giving you the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world situations. It’s also highly interdisciplinary, linking science, politics, economics, and society. This broad approach makes Geography versatile, opening doors to diverse careers in environmental science, urban planning, international development, and more. Additionally, you could explore vocational training in areas like land surveying or disaster management. It's an engaging, dynamic subject that equips you with essential skills for the future.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: Pearson Edexcel
Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page
Assessment: 100% Examination
Content
In Year 12, you will explore:
- Why does the UK not have a written constitution?
- How is the UK government run?
- Why do people vote for certain parties and politicians?
- Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote?
- What ideological ideas have influenced British politics?
- Does the UK need to use referendums more often?
In Year 13, you will explore:
- Why does the USA have a written constitution?
- Is the President really the most powerful person in the world?
- In what ways is Congress 'broken'?
- How do ideas of environmentalism link to political ideology?
- In what ways are government and politics similar in the US and UK?
Futures
A Politics A-level qualification is incredibly desirable when moving onto higher education, as you will develop great analytical and evaluative skills. Our focus on current affairs also you means you will be very well-informed about issues both in the UK and US. Whether you are considering studying a Social Sciences or Humanities degree, or any form of undergraduate course, the critical thinking skills and essay-writing experience gained in Politics will be vital. If you are not considering higher education, a Politics A-Level will still provide with skills and knowledge you can apply to real-world problems and will prepare you to be a well-informed and critically-aware British citizen.
HISTORY
Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: AQA
Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page
Assessment: 80% examination (across two exams), 20% coursework
Content
Component 1: The British Empire, c1857–1967
- Y12: The High Water Mark of the British Empire, c1857–1914
- Y13: Imperial retreat, 1914–1967
Component 2: Democracy and Nazism, 1918-1945
- Year 12: The Weimar Republic, 1918–1933
- Year 13: Nazi Germany 1933-1945
Component 3: Civil Rights in the USA, 1865-1965 (Coursework)
- Year 13: 4,000 word non-examined assessment
Futures
Studying History prepares you with skills in evaluation, debate, investigation, source analysis and cross-referencing. History enables a critical study of the present. You will be able to evaluate sources of information in the media. You will be able to contextualise the political decisions of today by assessing the background of the people and the nation that it affects.. As a result the study of History offers you flexibility and provides a solid foundation for further study and career options. A-level History can lead to a range of higher education opportunities such as History, Law, International Studies, Art History, PPE and many more.
We aim to run frequent trips to places such as the British Museum, Tower of London and other historical landmarks.
PSYCHOLOGY
Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: AQA
Prerequisites: This course requires a solid foundation in mathematics. Students who have not secured a Level 5 or above are recommended to select the Core Maths 1 year AS Level as a fourth subject. Please also refer to the Entry Requirements page.
Assessment: 100% Examination
Content
Paper 1: Introductory topics in psychology
This paper explores four topics of interest - social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology.
33.3% of A-Level 96 marks in total 2 hour written exam
Paper 2: Psychology in context
This paper looks at some of the main approaches within psychology including the learning, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic and humanistic approach. Research methods and biopsychology are also explored.
33.3% of A-Level 96 marks in total 2 hour written exam
Paper 3: Issues and options in psychology
For this paper you will need to know about issues and debates in psychology such as the nature vs nurture debate and free will and determinism. Various forms of bias in research will be considered and you will study three option areas in psychology in detail: gender, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.
33.3% of A-Level 96 marks in total 2 hour written exam
Futures
As a university subject, psychology is popular. Graduates enter a wide range of employment sectors from clinical to forensic psychology, advertising, human resources and sports.
SOCIOLOGY
Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: AQA
Prerequisites: This course requires a solid foundation in mathematics. Students who have not secured a Level 5 or above are recommended to select the Core Maths 1 year AS Level as a fourth subject. Please also refer to the Entry Requirements page.
Assessment: 100% Examination
Content
Paper 1
This paper explores two topics of interest – Education with Theory and Methods.
This paper carries 80 marks and is a 2-hour written exam
Paper 2
This paper looks at two topics of interest – Families and Households, and Beliefs in Society.
This paper carries 80 marks and is a 2-hour written exam.
Paper 3
This paper looks at the final two topics of interest – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods. This paper carries 80 marks and is a 2-hour written exam.
Futures
Studying A-level Sociology can lead to a range of higher education opportunities, such as, Law, International Studies, Art History, History and many more. In addition, a degree in Sociology offers you a wealth of career options including; law, journalism, accounting, finance, teaching, advertising, criminology, public administration, think tanks and many more.