Academic

“Art is not what you make, but what you make others see”
Edgar Degas

This course specialises primarily in fine art; which is painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, 3D modelling, computer-aided design and much more. You will be encouraged to experiment with ideas and the materials you use and your existing skills will be extended whilst you develop your creativity. You will be encouraged to develop your own individual style by analysing the work of other artists through independent research and visits to galleries and artist workshops.

Coursework requires pupils to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes and refine ideas towards producing personal and resolved outcome(s).

What careers could it lead to?

There are numerous careers an art qualification can lead to. Typical careers in this field include: photographer, interior designer, fine artist, illustrator, architect, animator, teacher, fashion designer, set designer, graphic designer and many more. The art and design industries are an integral part of the modern world, and the term covers a huge range of areas, which make up a lot of what we see every day. From magazine covers to furniture, almost everything you own has been designed in some form or fashion. During your art education it is important to build up a portfolio of work that can help you to showcase your abilities. The portfolio can be used to secure university placements and apprenticeships and would help during an interview for a job or work experience placement.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Art and Design.
• A solid understanding of the formal elements of art and design and must have a portfolio of work to evidence practical, technical, creative, and contextual work.
• In the second year the focus shifts to developing a personal practical portfolio of work along with a written related study. Candidates must be able to write a minimum of 1000 words as a continuous piece of analytical writing.

How will I be assessed?

Pupils will be assessed formatively through one-to-one discussions, written feedback and regular assessment using the four main objectives of Develop, Explore, Record and Present.

The A Level includes a personal investigation unit that is worth 60% of the overall qualification and requires pupils to compile an extensive piece of analytical writing, which must be between 1000-3000 words. Following this, pupils will be set an externally set examination in the spring term which will be examined by a fifteen-hour examination in the summer term.

Course – A Level Art & Design
Exam board – AQA

“Our world is built on biology and once we begin to understand it, it then becomes a technology.”
Ryan Bethencourt

Biology is a versatile A Level, suitable for diligent pupils with an interest in how living organisms interact and function. All of the A Level topics that are included in the course provide both a sound grounding in and exposure to the main areas of biology, allowing pupils to make informed decisions about which area might be of interest for post-18 study.

Year 12:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchanging substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 13:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

What careers could it lead to?

Biology at A Level is essential for any pupil looking to study medicine, dentistry, biosciences, pharmacy, veterinary science or physiotherapy. It is also a subject that develops the practical and organisational skills required of any pupil.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Biology
• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language/ Literature
• A prior learning of cell structure, organ systems, homeostasis and ecology

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Any content from topics 1 – 4, including relevant practical skills (35% of A Level)

Paper 2: Any content from topics 5 – 8, including relevant practical skills (35% of A Level)

Paper 3: Any content from topics 1 – 8, including relevant practical skills (30% of A Level)

Practical-based questions will form about 15% of the total assessment. 10% of examination questions are Level 2 Mathematics.

Pupils will complete at least twelve practical activities across the two-year A-Level course. Pupils will be asked to apply the knowledge and understanding they learn from these activities in their written examinations. Written examinations will combine both short answer questions and extended written responses.

Course – A Level Biology
Exam board – AQA

“The secret of business is to know something that nobody else knows.”
Aristotle Onassis

The aim of the course is to provide pupils with the ability to apply sophisticated business concepts and techniques to a wide range of contexts, to analyse, interpret and evaluate complex business information and take a more strategic view of business opportunities, problems and issues. It will develop skills such as data analysis, problem solving and essay writing.

Year 12:

• Business objectives and strategic decisions
• External influences facing businesses
• Marketing and marketing strategies
• Operational strategy
• Human resources
• Accounting and financial considerations

Year 13 as for Year 12 plus:

• The global environment of business

Sixth Form visits – Visits to a range of businesses both national and international including car manufacturers (Jaguar Land Rover), motorcycle manufacturers (BMW), breweries and many others.

What careers could it lead to?

Business underpins any number of possible careers in both the private and public sectors. The content of the subject is appropriate and useful for any career pathway you might choose in the future.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language/ Literature
• An ability to comprehend extended case studies and produce extended written responses is desirable within Business.
• No prior knowledge of business is required

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 – 33.3% of A-Level – Operating in a Local Business Environment

Paper 2 – 33.3% of A-Level – Operating in the UK Business Environment

Paper 3 – 33.3% of A-Level – Operating in a Global Business Environment

All 3 papers are synoptic and draw from all aspects of the specification.

Course – A Level Business
Exam board – OCR

“Because it is so fundamental to our world, chemistry plays a role in everyone’s lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way.”
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

The study of chemistry at A Level provides pupils with an understanding of important scientific concepts and equips them with a range of valuable skills. Chemists can follow a wide range of degree courses and careers. Degrees in chemistry are highly valued in both the scientific and commercial worlds.

• Year 12: Inorganic chemistry, Organic chemistry, physical chemistry, practical skills.
• Year 13: Further inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, further organic chemistry, practical skills.

What careers could it lead to?

Chemistry is an excellent choice of subject for people seeking 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 industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries. Many chemistry graduates apply their skills to other areas and find jobs analysing financial markets or in accountancy.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Chemistry
• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language/ Literature
• A prior knowledge of Atomic Structure, Structure and Bonding, and Moles is required.
• Due to the complex technical language involved in the course, a good grasp of the English language is necessary, and an ability to describe and explain key concepts both verbally and through extended written responses is vital.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 – 35% of A Level

• Inorganic chemistry, with relevant physical chemistry
• Relevant practical skills

Paper 2 – 35% of A Level

• Organic chemistry, with relevant physical chemistry
• Relevant practical skills

Paper 3 – 30% of A Level

• All practical skills
• All content

Course – A Level Chemistry
Exam board – AQA

“Everybody should learn to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think.”
Steve Jobs

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:

• An understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so.
• The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
• The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.
• Mathematical skills.

Topics covered include:

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem solving and programming
• Algorithms

What careers could it lead to?

Computer programmer, software developer, database designer and engineer, computer hardware engineer, computer systems analyst, web developer, information security analyst, forensic computing, project management, IT manager, IT Engineer, cyber security or app development.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or above in Mathematics and Computer Science

If you have not studied Computer Science before, you must be a strong Mathematician due to the level of mathematics and problem solving, and you need to have experience coding in any programming language.

Please note, Computer Science is different to IT/ICT and tests a different skillset, so you will be at a disadvantage if you have only studied ICT.

How will I be assessed?

Examination (01) Computer Systems – 40%

Examination (02) Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming – 40%

NEA (03) Programming Project – 20%

Course – A Level Computer Science
Exam board – OCR

“Economics has many substantive areas of knowledge where there is agreement but also contains areas of controversy. That’s inescapable.”
Ben Bernanke

The aim of this course is to inspire, enthuse and motivate pupils so that they have a comprehensive understanding of key economic issues. From a base of microeconomic theory, pupils will discuss and evaluate how well microeconomic theories explain our observations of economic agents in the real world. In macroeconomics, pupils will learn the technical and analytical tools required to understand how the macro economy functions on a domestic and global scale.

Year 12

• Microeconomic theory
• Competitive markets and how they work
• Market failures and government interventions
• Macroeconomic functions on a domestic and global scale
• Policy approaches
• Macroeconomic equilibrium

Year 13

• Microeconomic theory
• Theoretical workings of the free market
• Imperfections and market failures
• Macro economy functions on a domestic and global scale
• Policy approaches
• Changes in microeconomics over time

Sixth Form visits – Visits to a range of firms both national and international, including car manufacturers (Jaguar Land Rover), motorcycle manufacturers (BMW), breweries and many others. Student revision days and conference events are arranged. The department offers a biannual trip to New York City.

Previous pupils have furthered their education by studying at the London School of Economics, Cass Business School and Queen Mary’s London. Many have qualified as economists (public and private sector), investment bankers, stockbrokers and accountants.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language/ Literature
• An ability to comprehend extended case studies & produce extended written responses is desirable
• The ability to deal with large-data sets and be confident in the manipulation and production of mathematical concepts.
• No prior knowledge of economics is required

How will I be assessed?

Three two hour written examinations at the end of the A Level course.

Microeconomics Paper 1 – 33.3% of A-Level

Macroeconomics Paper 2 – 33.3% of A-Level

Themes in Economics Paper 3 – 33.3% of A-Level

Course – A Level Economics
Exam board – OCR

“Literature always anticipates life. It does not copy it but moulds it to its purpose.”
Oscar Wilde

The course offers you the chance to study a rich variety of literature from many different periods. The texts are stimulating and interesting and there are several opportunities for you to choose your own texts, develop your own interests and even try your hand at some creative writing of your own.

In studying English Literature, you will explore the psychology of characters, the motives of writers and the political, social and historical contexts in which texts were written and read. You will discover how writers succeed in shaping the responses and opinions of others. You will examine how writers from other countries and cultures write differently. The study of English Literature trains the brain and frees the imagination; it is about life and living and just where you fit into the world around you. Over the two years you will complete three components and study, at least, eight set texts.

Component 01: Drama and poetry pre-1900.

• In Section 1: pupils study one Shakespeare play
• In Section 2: pupils study one pre-1900 drama text and one pre-1900 poetry text.

Component 02: Comparative and contextual study

Pupils will focus on one of the five topic areas. They will study at least two whole texts, one of which must be from the core set text list for their chosen topic area.

Component 03: Literature post-1900

This component encourages individual study, interest and enjoyment of modern literature. Students study three literary texts, which must include one prose text, one poetry text, and one drama text. All texts must have been first published or performed after 1900, and at least one must have been first published or performed after 2000.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Literature
• A strong grasp of written and spoken English is needed as pupils are required to critically explore literature texts both in discussion and in extended, analytical written responses

How will I be assessed?

01 Drama and poetry pre-1900 – written examination – 60 marks (Closed text)
2 hours 30 minutes 40% of total A Level

02 Comparative and contextual study – written examination – 60 marks (Closed text)
2 hours 30 minutes 40% of total A Level

03 Literature post-1900 – non examined assessment
40 marks 20% of total A Level

Course – A Level English Literature
Exam board – OCR

“Languages, just like people, are worlds within themselves. They have the incredible ability to provide us with a clearer, more profound and detailed perspective of a culture…”
Orge Castellano

The aim of the course is to enhance French linguistic skills and promote and develop the pupils’ capacity for critical thinking. Pupils will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the French language and of the culture and society of French-speaking countries.

• Social issues and trends
• Political and artistic culture
• Grammar
• Literary texts and films

Pupils will study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the French-speaking world.

Pupils will also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of French-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Pupils will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 5 or equivalent in English language
• Grade 6 in French

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing

Paper 2: Writing

Paper 3: Speaking

Course – A Level French
Exam board – AQA

“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.”
Michael Palin

A Level geography offers a natural progression from GCSE. This engaging and flexible course will give you the opportunity to:

• Engage with the relationship of human populations to each other over space and time.
• Study the relationship between human populations and their physical environment at a variety of scales from the local to the global.
• Consider your own role in relation to themes and issues being studied and the roles, values and attitudes of others including decision makers.

The course is divided equally into physical geography, human geography and fieldwork.

In Year 12 you will study:

• Coastal Systems and Landscapes
• Water and Carbon Cycles
• Geography Fieldwork and Geographical Skills
• Hazards

In Year 13 you will study:

• Changing Places
• Population and the Environment
• Global Systems and Global Governance
• Geographical Investigation

Career paths available with A Level geography are great and varied but often involve sustainability and green issues, real estate and surveying, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change management.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Geography (If the pupil did not do geography at GCSE, they must show some understanding of the basic principles of geography such as the water cycle, coastal processes, and development).
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English. This is paramount as most of the A-level questions are extended answers, therefore the pupils must have the ability to form coherent arguments and evaluations.
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics as we look at various statistical methods when looking at datasets.

How will I be assessed?

A Level Geography: two equally weighted examinations will provide 80% of the marks divided equally between physical and human topics.

Coursework is 20% of the total A Level mark.

Course – A Level Geography
Exam board – AQA

“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
Winston Churchill

The history course allows us to study a range of different countries and periods and will, therefore, offer a wider perspective on the nature of history than suggested by studying a single period alone. It is the breadth of the course which is the real strength of what we offer and best prepares our pupils for further study at university in history or other fields.

Year 12

• Britain 1930 to 1997
• Depth study Churchill 1930 – 1951
• Non-British period:
• French Revolution and Napoleon 1776 – 1815

Year 13

• Thematic study and historical interpretations:
• The Middle East 1908 – 2011

A Level History provides the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills which are useful not just at school but in higher education and the employment market. With thorough training in these skills, it is understandable why professions such as law, business, the civil service, politics, and the media recruit heavily from those who have studied history at A Level and university.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE History
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language
• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE English Literature
• A good grasp of written and spoken English is needed to enable pupils to critically explore a range of written sources, read widely around the topics and create essays.
• If history was not studied for GCSE then an interest in the past is important

How will I be assessed?

By examination plus a topic-based essay arising from independent study and research, on a topic of the learner’s choice.

Course – A Level History
Exam board – OCR

Mathematics is the most beautiful and most powerful creation of the human spirit.”
Albert Einstein

This Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in mathematics builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for mathematics. You will understand mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that will promote confidence, foster enjoyment and provide a strong foundation for progress to further study. You will extend your range of mathematical skills and use them to solve challenging problems that require carefully thought-out strategies to obtain the solution. You will use technology such as calculators and graphing software and take increasing responsibility for your own learning and the evaluation of your own mathematical development.

The course will be split into three distinct areas of mathematics: pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics. Topics in pure mathematics include; proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.

Topics in statistics include statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing.

Topics in mechanics include quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws and moments.

Previous pupils have furthered their education by studying at Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College, London School of Economics, UCL, and Bath University in recent years. Those who study mathematics are in the fortunate position of having a wide range of career choices. Previous pupils have qualified as mathematicians, scientists, medics, engineers, accountants, statisticians, accountants and software developers.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE Physics
• An ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and an understanding of how to interpret large data sets in real life contexts.
• Due to the statistics section of the course, a good grasp of the English language is necessary, and an ability to explain and interpret results as both numerical and worded responses.

How will I be assessed?

Mathematics consists of three externally examined papers. Pupils must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year.

Paper 1 Pure Mathematics 1 – two hours
1/3 of the qualification

Paper 1 Pure Mathematics 2 – two hours
1/3 of the qualification

Paper 3 Statistics and Mechanics – two hours
1/3 of the qualification

Course – A Level Mathematics
Exam board – Edexcel – Pearson

“Mathematics compares the most diverse phenomena and discovers the secret analogies that unite them.”
Joseph Fourier

It is compulsory to study mathematics as well as further mathematics as this Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for mathematics and the subject content for the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE Mathematics qualifications.

The course will be split into three distinct areas of mathematics; core pure mathematics, further statistics and decision mathematics.

Topics covered in core pure mathematics include; proof, complex number, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations.

Topics covered in further statistics include; discrete probability distributions, Poisson, geometric and negative binomial distributions, hypothesis testing, central limit theorem, Chi squared tests, probability generating functions and quality of tests.

Topics covered in decision mathematics include; algorithms and graph theory, algorithms on graphs, critical path analysis and linear programming.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 7 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• A solid understanding of all prior mathematics including algebraic manipulation and interpreting data sets.
• A very good grasp of the English language is needed to understand the different algorithms in decision mathematics, and the different distributions in statistics. You must be able to interpret worded questions and give written explanations for your answers and conclusions.

How will I be assessed?

Mathematics consists of four externally examined papers. Pupils must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year.

Paper 1 Core Pure Mathematics 1 – One hour and thirty minutes
25% of the qualification

Paper 2 Core Pure Mathematics 2 – One hour and thirty minutes
25% of the qualification

Paper 3 Further Statistics – One hour and thirty minutes
25% of the qualification

Paper 4 Decision Mathematics – One hour and thirty minutes
25% of the qualification

Course – A Level Further Mathematics
Exam board – Edexcel – Pearson

“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”
Plato

The A Level music course offered at Tettenhall College is designed to provide pupils with a wide range of skills and experiences. Practically, pupils will improve their performance ability up to Grade 7 standard or higher, which could allow more able pupils entry to music college or university courses. All pupils will study composition styles ranging from traditional harmony (Bach Chorale and Baroque Counterpoint) through to the more modern styles of popular music. The final examination brings together the pupils’ understanding of set works from a very wide range of musical genres, and assesses their ability to appraise and contrast these works with other wider listening undertaken throughout the course.

The set works cover an exciting and varied range of musical styles – Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Music for Film and TV, Popular Music and Jazz, Fusions and New Directions in Music. Pupils will study music composed by Bach, Mozart, Clara Schumann, Claude Debussy, Kate Bush, The Beatles, Danny Elfman and Courtney Pine amongst others.

The music industry is vast and needs talented performers, composers and technicians to support it. Job opportunities exist in all spheres of music from classical to contemporary popular music and as a result a wide variety of university courses are on offer depending on individuals’ strengths.

Composer/Arranger (film, video games, orchestral etc), Performer/Musical Director (classical, theatre, rock/pop etc), Music Writer/Journalist, Music Teacher, Arts Administration, Music Administration, Sound Engineering and Recording.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Music
• Performance experience on an instrument/ voice with capability to perform repertoire of a minimum practical grade 5 standard from any published music examining board
• A solid grounding in musical terminology and music theory typically associated with appraising / listening tasks in the GCSE Music course.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1 – Performing (Coursework externally moderated – worth 30% of final grade)

All pupils are required to submit an 8-10 minute recording which may comprise solos and/or ensemble performances. It is recommended that pupils perform at Grade 6 or 7 standard for this component.

Component 2 – Composition and Technical Study (Examination externally assessed – worth 30% of final grade). Pupils are to complete two compositions resulting in a submission totalling 6 minutes. One of these compositions must be in response to a brief set by the examination board and the other will assess technique in musical composition.

Component 3 – Appraising (Examination externally assessed – worth 40% of final grade). Assessment is through a 2-hour examination paper comprising three sections. Pupils will be assessed on their aural analysis (listening) skills and their understanding of set works, analysing works from a written score.

Course – A Level Music
Exam board – Edexcel – Pearson

“Music and the arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.”
Julie Andrews

The OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and to employment in the performing arts sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level, and it has been designed as a full two-year programme when studied alongside other Level 3 qualifications. The qualification gives an engaging and stimulating introduction to study of the sector. The Cambridge Technical qualifications attract UCAS points.

In addition to the performing arts sector-specific content, this qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop all-round performance skills and transferable skills such as self-confidence, self-presentation, personal discipline, time management and organisational skills which are highly regarded by higher education and employers.

Pupils who follow training in Performing Arts often continue to pursue careers in the following areas:

• Actor, Dancer, Musician, Musical Theatre Performer
• Choreographer or Director
• Screenwriter
• Arts administrator
• Theatre Stage Management
• Other theatre work – costume, make-up etc.
• Music Therapist
• Youth music/dance/drama worker
• Broadcasting
• Teacher or Lecturer in the Arts

How will I be assessed?

• Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work (Mandatory, Externally Assessed)
• Unit 2: Developing Skills and Technique for Live Performance (Mandatory, Internally Assessed)
• Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop (Mandatory, Externally Assessed)
• Unit 4: Performance Arts in the Community (Mandatory, Internally Assessed

In addition to these four mandatory units, you will study a combination of a minimum of two of these optional units (depending on your strengths and skills).

Unit 8, 9 or 10 – Classical Ballet, Tap or Jazz Dance Technique
Unit 12 – Contemporary Dance Technique
Unit 14 – Choreography for Live Performance
Unit 15 – Theatre Directing
Unit 19 – Acting Styles
Unit 21 – Improvisation
Unit 22 – Movement in Performance
Unit 23 – Singing Techniques for Performers
Unit 27 – Musical Theatre Techniques
Unit 31 – Stand-Up Comedy Technique

Course – CTEC Performing Arts
Exam board – OCR Cambridge Technical

“Physics is puzzle solving, to, but of puzzles created by nature, not by the mind of man.”
Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut

Physics looks to explain the universe around us, from the very smallest quantum phenomena to astronomical interactions. The A Level course expands upon the classical areas of physics whilst introducing exciting new areas of study.

Year 12:

• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Mechanics and energy
• Waves
• Electricity

Year 13:

• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields
• Nuclear physics

And one of the following:

• Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics, Electronics.

Pupils will complete a minimum of twelve practical activities across the two-year A-Level. They will be asked to apply the knowledge and understanding they learn from these practicals to their written examinations. Practical-based questions will form about 15% of the total assessment.

Physics is an excellent choice of subject for people who want a career in engineering. It will also equip them for a career in industry where practical and mathematical skills are essential. Many physics graduates apply their talent to other areas and find the skills that they have learnt are always in demand.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Physics
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• Grade 6 or equivalent in GCSE English Language/ Literature

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Any content from topics 1 – 5, including relevant practical skills.
34% of A Level

Paper 2: Any content from topics 6 – 8, including relevant practical skills
34% of A Level

Paper 3: Topic 9 plus practical skills and data analysis.
32% of A Level

Course – A Level Physics
Exam board – AQA

“Studying psychology is fun because you’re always looking for the same things I think a writer should be looking for, which is the story behind the story.”
Chris Cleave

Psychology is one of the fastest growing subjects at A Level, and a popular choice for undergraduate study. Put simply, it is the science of brain and behaviour. During the course, pupils will learn about the different ways that psychologists explain human behaviour, and the ways in which they carry out research. Pupils in Year 13 will also be given the opportunity to carry out their own research.

Psychology develops skills in evaluation and critical thinking, and pupils also gain a deep insight into scientific methodology. There is an emphasis on using psychology to explain real world issues.

A Level Programme:

Past to present: Five psychological approaches, classic pieces of research and a given contemporary debate

Investigating behaviour: Questions on the principles of research – how psychological investigations are carried out, including a personal investigative activity. Application of research methods to a novel scenario

Implications in the real world: Applications: Three structured questions on the application of psychology to the real world. The three topics are: schizophrenia, crime and addiction.

Controversies: One question from a choice of two requiring synoptic exploration of psychological controversies.

Possible careers in Psychology include:

• Clinical psychology: helping people with mental illnesses in a health care setting
• Educational Psychology: using psychology to improve educational outcomes for school age children
• Occupational Psychology: applying psychological knowledge, theory and practice to the world of work
• Sports Psychology: using psychology to improve sporting performance
• Psychological Researcher: working to research new theories of behaviour

A qualification in psychology would aid any career that involves interaction with people.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE English Literature/Language
• Grade 5 or equivalent in a GCSE science subject
• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics
• There is no requirement to have studied GCSE Psychology
• A solid grasp of spoken and written English is essential.

How will I be assessed?

A Level – 3 exams taken at the end of Year 13. Each is 2 hours 15 minutes long and worth 33% at A Level.

Course – A Level Psychology
Exam board – Eduqas

“Religion brings to man an inner strength, spiritual light, and ineffable peace.”
Alexis Carrel

Religious Studies is a challenging but worthwhile subject. Religion is central to world history, society and human life, and regardless of your own religious beliefs (or lack thereof) the subject remains relevant and accessible. Religious Studies A-Level lets you study the various philosophies and beliefs that underpin the perspectives and motivations of believers. Everything that you will study will be examined and critiqued. We don’t blindly accept any idea on faith alone!

The study of religion and philosophy can also give you a broader outlook on life and increase your skills in abstract thinking. You will gain transferable skills in extended writing, evaluation, and analysis. It will also help you challenge and reflect on your own opinions and values.

A Level Programme

C1: A Study of a Religion: Christianity: an in-depth investigation into the religion, including the life and teachings of Jesus, the role of the Bible as a source of authority, the Christian concept of God, developments in Christian thought, religious identity, and challenges from secularisation.

C2: Philosophy of Religion: a philosophical investigation of issues surrounding religious belief, including arguments for and against the existence of God, challenges to religious belief such as the problem of suffering, the nature of religious experience and miracles and religious language.

C3: Religion and Ethics: an investigation into the various philosophical arguments for how humans can best live a moral life, including divine command theory, virtue theory, natural law, situation ethics and utilitarianism. These arguments will be applied to real world issues such as homosexuality, abortion, the use of nuclear weapons etc.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 5 or equivalent in GCSE English Literature/Language
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Religious Studies (note: it is possible to study A-Level RS without the GCSE, but students will need to be willing to out in extra work to improve their knowledge of religion and associated terminology).
• A solid grasp of spoken and written English is essential. The subject is primarily essay based, and the examination answers require extended writing. There is also a lot of new terminology to learn which can be challenging for students with a weak grasp of English.

How will I be assessed?

A Level – 3 exams taken at the end of Year 13 each is 2 hours long and worth 33% of the A Level.

Course – A Level Religious Studies
Exam board – Eduqas

“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.”
Flora Lewis

The course aims to develop pupils’ linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of the countries where Spanish is spoken. Pupils will study technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. They will study highlights of Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations.

They will learn about:

• Aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Hispanic world
• Social issues and trends
• Political and artistic culture
• Grammar
• Literary texts and films

Pupils will explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities. Throughout their studies, they learn the language in the context of Hispanic countries and issues and influences which have shaped them. They will study texts and film and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.

Possible career options include: interpreter, translator, teacher of languages, tourism, international banking, working abroad or for companies with international links, publishing, public relations and the civil service.

Recommended entry criteria:

• Grade 5 or equivalent in English language
• Grade 6 in Spanish

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing

Pupils will listen to spoken passages and read a range of stimulus texts from a range of contexts and sources, covering different registers and types. Pupils will translate a passage of at least 100 words from Spanish into English.

Paper 2: Writing

Pupils will answer an essay question in Spanish for each of the two works they have studied.

Paper 3:Speaking

Task 1: Discussion based on stimulus cards.

Task 2: Pupils present the findings of their individual research projects for up to two minutes.

Course – A Level Spanish
Exam board – Eduqas

“Intelligence and skills can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.”
John F Kennedy

The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level, and it has been designed as a full two-year programme when studied alongside other Level 3 qualifications. The Cambridge Technical qualifications attract UCAS points.

Students undertaking the Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Extended Certificate will be required to understand all aspects of sport from the perspectives of both the participant and wider society.

Throughout the course, students will develop theoretical knowledge and an understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport, hence using this knowledge to improve performance. This course encourages students to think critically as well as become effective and independent learners. By developing intrapersonal skills, students will be encouraged to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether that’s higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.

All students will develop their understanding of;

• The body systems and the subsequent effects of physical activity
• Sports coaching and leadership
• Sports organisation and the development of sporting events

These units will give students an understanding of sport in the wider contexts of coaching and leadership, anatomy and physiology, the body’s short- and long-term responses to physical activity and the framework of sport in the UK and the organisations involved. Students will also develop transferable skills such as planning, communication, adaptability and leadership.

In addition, students may also get the opportunity to enhance their knowledge on;

• Analysing sports performance
• Understanding the organisation of sports events
• Biomechanics and movement analysis
• Physical activity for specific groups
• Nutrition and diet for sport and exercise
• Sports injuries and rehabilitation
• Practical skills in sport and physical activity

How will I be assessed?

Students will undertake both internal and external assessments, hence holistically assessing students on their own sporting performance as well as their ability to identify and act upon factors that can affect performance.

Students will sit two mandatory examinations, plus other non-examined assessments (NEA’s) in the form of coursework.

Course – CTEC Sport & Physical Activity
Exam board – OCR Cambridge Technicals

The Sixth Form Pathways Programme are made up of seven pathways:

Medical Sciences Pathway

Social Sciences & Humanities Pathway

Moden Languages Pathway

Creative & Performing Arts Pathway

Sports Pathway

Business, Finance & Enterprise Pathway

STEM Pathway

Learn more about the individual pathways by visiting the Sixth Form Pathways Programme page.

Write your future, one chapter at a time

Learn more about Tettenhall College Sixth Form – a vibrant, friendly and ambitious community where we develop the whole student in preparation for life beyond school.

Discover the exciting opportunities that await you by watching our brand-new Sixth Form video or downloading the latest prospectus today.