The Economics AS/A2 Course aims to help students develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of the subject.  They should appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment.  Students should use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and have an ability to think as an economist.  This course requires students to develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and instructions that affect everyday life.  They should also analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of government within it.  A critical approach to economic models and methods of enquiry should be developed.

Sociology is about you. It is to help you have a wider knowledge and understanding of the society in which you live.  As members of society all students should come to the course equipped with some knowledge of the social world, but through the study of sociology they will develop a deeper understanding of this social world and examine issues that directly affect the way of life in Britain. During the AS course the students examine the topics of families and households, education and sociological methods, and in the A2 beliefs in society, crime and deviance, theory and methods. The course enables students to consolidate their knowledge of contemporary social processes.

Entry qualifications

Students would be expected to have a good level of achievement in a range of GCSE courses including Science and Humanities subjects.

The overall aims of this course are to provide an understanding of some key issues in the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics and thereby develop students’ capacity for creating coherent and carefully balanced argument. Students will have the chance to develop transferable skills that will be invaluable for whatever university course or career they may choose in the future. They will be able to think more clearly and logically, spot flaws in arguments and express themselves fairly but firmly in group discussions. They will find themselves having impassioned discussions inside and outside the classroom as they follow in the footsteps of some of the great thinkers.

Entry qualifications

Students would be expected to have a good level of achievement in a range of GCSE courses including Science and Humanities subjects.

This subject could be described as the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes.  Students will study behaviour from a variety of different theoretical perspectives.  Psychologists use scientific methods, but their subject matter is human beings, so Psychology is a subject that links the Humanities and Sciences.  Students will examine key theories and research studies which exemplify biological, cognitive and learning perspectives in Psychology.  They will design, conduct and report on their own experimental research investigation.  Students following this course need to be open-minded and tolerant of ambiguity and to enjoy debating complex and sensitive issues.

Entry qualifications

Students would be expected to have a good level of achievement in a range of GCSE courses including Science and Humanities subjects.

The AS and A-Level physics course offered provides a very good basis for students to progress into Further Education, to follow courses in Physics , Engineering or to enter employment where a knowledge of physics would be useful. Amongst other things the course includes the study of electricity, magnetism, forces, fields, motion and the frontiers of physics. Students are given the opportunity to develop their interest and enthusiasm as they progress through the course where the emphasis is on understanding rather than purely memory work, with time spent doing both practical and theory work.

Entry qualifications

Students wishing to study AS/A Level Physics should have at least a grade B at either GCSE Physics or Additional Science and a grade B for GCSE Mathematics.