Subjects

At King’s, we have small study groups that allow for individual attention, and tutorials and workshops that enable you to pursue personal interests and disciplines within your own work. Wardle House has facilities for Fine Art (Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture), Three-Dimensional Design, Ceramics and with ever-increasing digital facilities, the opportunity to develop Photography and Graphics skills are constantly increasing. First-class teaching facilitates students to excel within their chosen area with specialist staff covering all aspects of the specification. Our location allows us to take advantage of spectacular local environments and, with the addition of trips and enrichment activities, the potential to explore more diverse locations and subject matter is boundless. Staff teaching this specialism have worked within the creative industries and had years of experience assisting students generate highly personal and professional-quality portfolios that have led to diverse careers within varied visual arenas.

What will I study during the course?

You will learn the language of visual imagery through the analysis and evaluative critique of both your own and other work. You will develop technical skills in the use of painting, printmaking and sculpture as the three main disciplines allowing for huge diversity and range within these. Exploration of varied media is encouraged and one-to-one tutorials allow you to pursue personal interests and disciplines as appropriate. Work is enhanced through the use of critical and contextual studies with visits to museums and galleries in the UK and abroad.

The examination board and course information is as follows: AQA Advanced GCE in Fine Art ( 72024. Further information including a course breakdown and full specification can be found here

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students will have ideally completed a GCSE in Art, Craft and Design or Textiles attaining a grade 6 / B or higher. A love of the subject is essential with the ability to produce visual images from observation, imagination and personal experience.

Why study Biology at King’s?

A typical class size of eight students offers a healthy balance of peer-based reflection and teamwork combined with teacher-led tasks and activities. We successfully cultivate and foster good independent thinking and learning skills alongside close and attentive individual support in lessons. Practical work is also very much embedded into the course and pupils can complete almost all practical tasks individually. This allows for greater development of their practical skills, as well as helping consolidate their understanding of the biology behind the task.

Our knowledgeable and experienced staff are enthusiastic and passionate about Biology and care very much about our pupils and helping them to reach their potential.

There is a wide range of enrichment that accompanies the course, including visiting speakers, workshops, external lectures as well as school-based activities.

What will I study during the course?

At King’s, we study the AQA Biology course. The specification in the first year of A Level includes:

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

The specification for A Level in the Upper Sixth (Y13) includes:

• 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

Further details on the AQA course can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

The minimum grade for entry to the course at King’s is a 6 / B grade in Biology at GCSE level and a 6 / B grade also in GCSE Chemistry. Students studying Science and Additional Science are welcomed with a minimum of 66 / BB grades. Students should also be confident in their use of Mathematics

Why study Business at King’s?

At King’s, the class sizes are small, allowing for individual attention and support for all of our Business students. The department has three experienced and passionate teachers who instill great enthusiasm in their students. The department achieves strong results consistently. We have engineered many links with the local community and take part in several national competitions in order to bring greater realism into the lessons. The department organises a variety of trips to industry lectures and successful businesses, along with residential trips to New York.

What will I study during the course?

The course followed at King’s is Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCSE in Business (9BS0). Four themes are covered:

Theme 1 – Marketing and People: introducing the students to the market, exploring the marketing and people functions, and investigating entrepreneurs and business start-ups.

Theme 2 – Managing Business Activities: students will explore the finance and operations functions and investigate external influences on businesses.

Theme 3 – Business Decisions and Strategy: students will develop their understanding of the concepts introduced in Theme 2 and explore business strategy and decision-making.

Theme 4 – Global Business: students will develop their understanding of the concepts introduced in Theme 1 and explore business activity in a global context.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students are expected to have attained five A*-C / 9-5 grades at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics: to grade 6 / B or higher, as you will need to analyse and interpret a variety of forms of data and be able to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

You do not need to have any prior learning or knowledge of business in order to study the subject at A Level. To take this subject to Sixth Form, you should have a natural interest in how modern life and the world acts, and you need to think like a business leader. You need to be an independent learner, a critical thinker and a strong decision-maker.

Why study Chemistry at King’s?

At King’s we benefit from small Chemistry classes. In addition to the individual attention and support this can provide, it also means students can do almost all practical tasks individually. This allows for development of practical skills and understanding.

Trips to leading universities are an enjoyable and important part of the course; for example, our students were recently sponsored by the Bristol Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis at Bristol University to undertake practical work, as well as hear about cutting-edge research and explore possible career options for post-18.

Students all have the opportunity to enter into the Cambridge Lower Sixth Chemistry Challenge and, in the Upper Sixth, the RSC Chemistry Olympiad. We regularly have excellent results from each of these national competitions.

What will I study during the course?

At King’s, we study the AQA Chemistry course 7405 (A Level). The course is split into the three main areas of Chemistry, namely Physical, Inorganic and Organic. The understanding at GCSE is built upon and developed further, such as work on bonding and energetics. New topics are also introduced, such as halogenoalkanes and Group 2 of the periodic table. Further information is available on the course from here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

The minimum grade for entry to the course at King’s is a grade 6 (or B) in Chemistry at GCSE. Students studying Double Award are welcomed with a minimum of 6-6 grades and will be supported in the areas that they did not cover at GCSE. Students should be confident in their use of Maths, with a minimum of a grade 6 (or B) at GCSE.  If you found GCSE Chemistry interesting and wanted to know more, this is the course for you.

Why study Classical Civilisation at King’s?

The department has three full-time members of the department whose passions range from the epic poetry of Homer and Virgil to the status and role of different groups of people in society, to the strange and marvellous world of ancient religions. Students are expected to aim high, work hard and reap the rewards. We have a generously stocked department library and would love to see you borrow books and come and discuss them with us. The Classics department regularly runs visits to Italy, Sicily and Greece.  The students are encouraged to attend relevant lectures held by the Gloucestershire Classical Association and to attend relevant talks at the Cheltenham Literature and Gloucester History Festivals.

What will I study during the course?

During the course, you will study the World of the Hero (Odyssey and Aeneid), Invention of the Barbarian and Democracy and the Athenians. Further information about the OCR A Level can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Ideally, you will have at least a 6 / B grade in GCSE Classical Civilisation. We have, however, had many A Level students in the past who have not studied the subject before. If that were the case, then we would expect you to have at least a 6 / B grade at GCSE in either English Literature or History.

Why study Computer Science at King’s?

With the ever evolving nature of technology, never has computer science been more important for students to prepare them for working with real-world systems. Computer Science is a subject that provides students with the opportunity to develop their analytical and problem solving skills through the use of computational thinking. With Computer Science being such an intensely creative subject, students are able to combine their imaginations with invention and excitement to look at the natural world through a digital prism. Students will often apply principles from mathematics and their creativity in the process of breaking a complex problem into a number of smaller, more straightforward tasks. These skills are useful in a number of academic disciplines at university, but, in this case, will allow the development and implementation of an efficient software solution to a problem through fundamental principles such as abstraction, decomposition, logic and algorithms, ensuring tasks become more manageable, either by an individual or small team.

What will I study during the course?

• you will study Computer Systems

• the characteristics of contemporary processors, input and storage devices

• software and software development

• Edata exchange between different systems

• data types structures

• legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

• computational thinking

• problem solving. You will complete a programming project for which you wlll have to analyse a problem

• design, develop and evaluate a solution

Further details on the OCR Computer Science A Level H446 course can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Grade 7 in Maths GCSE or IGCSE and Grade 6 in Computer Science are expected.

Why study design and Technology: Product design at King’s?

The D&T department at King’s Gloucester has a long standing and verifiable history of success at A Level. Dedicated facilities and highly skilled teachers with a deep- rooted passion for the subject ensure our students are taught in a productive, pleasant, and well-equipped learning environment. The success and popularity of the subject has led to improved and extended facilities and resources, and students benefit from extensive CAD/ CAM facilities to help them realise their final designs and ideas. Pupils also benefit from emerging links to external design companies. As a department, we set and maintain high standards, supporting pupils in aiming for the very best grades, and consequently our results at A Level have been outstanding.

What will I study during the course?

AQA Design and Technology: Product Design engages students in both practical and theoretical study. The specification requires students to cover Design and Technology skills as set out below.

• Core technical principles

• Core designing and making principles

• Additional specialist knowledge.

• Students must also demonstrate Maths and Science skills applied in the context of design and technology.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students are expected to have attained five A*-C / 9-5 grades at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics.  Ideally, you will have studied and been successful on a relevant Design and Technology course (Resistant Materials / Product Design) at GCSE. Students who have not previously studied or who have not achieved at least a grade 6 / B on a relevant Design and Technology course, wishing to pursue A Level study will be considered on an individual basis.

Why study Economics at King’s?

At King’s, the class sizes are small, allowing for individual attention and support for all of our Economists. The department is well resourced and has two experienced and passionate teachers who instil great enthusiasm towards their students about their subject. The department achieves strong results consistently. We have engineered many links with the local community and take part in several national competitions in order to bring greater realism into the lessons. The department organises many trips such as to New York, the financial district of London and to universities to hear speakers. We arrange for speakers to come into school to speak to our Economics students on a range of topics.

What will I study during the course?

The course followed at King’s is OCR A Level Economics H460. You will study three main components: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Themes in Economics.

Within Microeconomics, you will focus on the economic agents, the workings of the free market, imperfections and market failures, government intervention, scarcity and choice, how competitive markets work, competition and market power, and the labour market.

Within Macroeconomics, you will learn how the macroeconomic functions on both a domestic and global level by looking at economic policy objectives, indicators of macroeconomic performance, aggregate demand and aggregate supply, policy instruments, the global context, and the financial sector.

Themes in Economics is a fully synoptic component and draws on both the Microeconomic and Macroeconomic themes.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students are expected to have attained five A*-C / 9-5 grades at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics, to grade 6 / B or higher, as you will need to analyse and interpret a variety of forms of data and be able to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

You do not need to have any prior learning or knowledge of Economics in order to study the subject at A Level. To take this subject to Sixth Form, you should have a natural interest in how modern life and the world acts, and you need to think like an economist. You need to be an independent learner, a critical thinker and a strong decision-maker.

Why study English Literature at King’s?

Inspirational teaching, small classes and excellent results. We offer outstanding support resources for the texts we study – some written and published by our own staff, all of whom are passionate about literature and see the subject as a vocation, not a job. However, our department embraces English and Drama and offers access to an amazing variety of theatre trips, practical workshops, visits to the Cheltenham and Edinburgh Festivals, as well as creative writing opportunities, enrichment opportunities, outside lectures and workshops on set texts. Regular trips to Stratford and participation in epic productions such as West Side Story, Mother Courage, Grease and The Crucible are all part of an amazing departmental menu. We particularly pride ourselves on our inclusiveness at A level, and the phenomenal level of individual support with essay writing and coursework, for example.

What will I study during the course?

Students will be reading, studying, discussing, arguing about, watching and acting 8 set texts including: Shakespeare’s Hamlet ( one of the best plays ever written), Milton’s Paradise Lost (a poet’s attempt to explain the mind of God no less), Nineteen Eighty-Four (a ‘must read’ extraordinary insight into the relationship of the individual and society, modern politics and history), alongside some more contemporary texts such as Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, the iconic A Streetcar Named Desire (Tennessee Williams) and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.

Students will be comparing lots of books and ideas and looking at some modern texts and films on the theme of dystopian visions of the future. Students will learn how to write better, be an independent critic, read widely, and express themselves in ways that prepare them brilliantly for the challenge of academic and work life. Students will also go on trips to see plays, take part in workshops, and lead academic discussions and presentations themselves.

Full course information can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students will need imagination, curiosity, a willingness to try different kinds of reading and respond to different ideas, a readiness to write, to try out books, and begin to think more independently. Students will need 6 / B grade at GCSE in both English Language and Literature in order to take this course. To get a top grade in English Literature you need flair, precision and good judgement.

Why study Languages at King’s?

The Modern Languages department is well established and regarded within the School. It benefits from a team of committed, enthusiastic and experienced teachers, including native speakers. Small classes allow for individual attention and support for all our linguists and the department is proud to have had consistently strong A Level results. You will benefit from conversation classes with a French/Spanish assistant.

What will I study during the course?

You will learn about different aspects of Spanish/French culture and film. You will develop an understanding of the language, the countries where it is spoken and the people who speak it.
French & Spanish students will study:
•    changing family structures, The world of work and education;
•    music media, festivals and traditions; a film.
•    the Occupation and Resistance (French); the Franco dictatorship and transition to democracy (Spanish); a book.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

You need a minimum of a 6 / B grade at GCSE French or Spanish. To take this subject in the Sixth Form, you should have a lively and enquiring mind, a genuine interest in the language and the culture/society of France and/ or Spain. A willingness to explore new ideas and discuss issues is important, as is the ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

Why study Geography at King’s?

Small study groups allow for individual attention and support for all of our geographers and the department is proud to have consistently strong A level results. First-class teaching means our geographers develop a real passion for their subject. Our location in Gloucester allows us to take advantage of the local area as well as travelling further afield to explore human, physical, urban and rural environments.

What will I study during the course?

You will look at how physical and human systems interrelate and influence each other. A Level topics include: hazards (including the study of volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and wild fires), coastal systems and landscapes, water and carbon cycles, population and the environment, changing places, and global systems and global governance. We follow the AQA specification (7037) and further details can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

At least five GCSE grades at 9-5 / A*-C, with a 6 / B in Geography. If a student wishes to study this A level without taking Geography at GCSE, their case will be given careful consideration. Having strong literacy and numeracy skills is essential and, ideally, pupils taking Geography will have grade 6 or above in GCSE English and Maths. To take this subject in the Sixth Form you should have a lively and enquiring mind, a genuine interest in the physical world, society and environmental issues. A willingness to explore new ideas and discuss contentious issues at length is important, as is the ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

Why study Greek at King’s?

A typical Greek A Level set is between one and two students and you will receive a huge amount of individual attention during the course. We have two full-time teachers of Greek A Level whose passions range from the epic poetry of Homer to the philosophical and legal works of Plato to the great historians and story-tellers, Herodotus and Thucydides. Students are expected to aim high, work hard and reap the rewards. We have a generously stocked department library and would love to see you borrow books and come and discuss them with us. You will also attend Monmouth Group Set Text days and may well be offered the opportunity to visit Italy, Sicily or Greece during your time in the Sixth Form.

What will I study during the course?

We follow the OCR A Level and students will study unseen translation, unseen comprehension or prose composition and literature. The literature specifications are available here.  Students are welcome to discuss the course specifications with any member of the Classics department.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Ideally, candidates will have achieved a grade 7 / A in their GCSE or IGCSE. Individuals achieving the minimum entry grade (6 / B) should discuss their choice with the Head of the Classics Department after results day. Students will need to be hardworking and open to learning about the striking differences between our world and that of the Ancient Greeks. Greek is only suitable for those who have studied it previously.

Why study History at King’s?

Small seminar-style study groups offer students individual attention and tailored support in all aspects of the course. Students are challenged with extension reading in all their studies and have the opportunity to develop their own interests through free choice of coursework topic. We meet with students on a one- to-one basis to check their progress and offer help with particular skills or topics where needed, and to prepare them for university applications including Oxbridge. All students are encouraged to attend Historical Association lectures, which are free to them through the School’s membership. We are fortunate to have exam markers in the department who can offer students guidance on improving their answers, and History is delivered by excellent subject specialists around whose expertise the A Level course has been built. We run an exciting range of trips and visits including the popular Berlin Tour to help enrich and develop students’ understanding of the subject.

What will I study during the course?

You will study Germany and West Germany, 1918-1989; Spain, 1930-1978: republicanism, Francoism and the uk establishment of democracy OR The rise and fall of fascism in Italy c1911-1946; Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603, and independently research a piece of coursework on a topic of your own choice from outside your A Level course of study.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students are expected to have attained five A*-C / 9-5 grades at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics, with a 6 / B grade in History. If a student wishes to study this A Level without taking History at GCSE, their case will be given careful consideration, and they must have at least a 6 / B grade in English Language.

To take this subject in the Sixth Form, you should have a lively and questioning mind and a real interest in the world, society and cause and consequence of events. A willingness to read widely independently, to explore new ideas and form theories about and analyses of events is important, as is the ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

Why study Latin at King’s?

A typical Latin A Level set is around five students or less; you will receive a lot of individual attention during the course. The department has three full time members off staff, whose passions range from the epic poetry of Virgil to the legal and political machinations of Cicero to the downright rude love poetry of Ovid and Catullus. Students are expected to aim high, work hard and reap the rewards. We have a generously stocked department library and love to see students borrow books and discuss them with us. Students will attend Monmouth Group Set Text days and have the opportunity to visit destinations such as Italy, Sicily or Greece.

What will I study during the course?

We follow the OCR A Level and students will study unseen translation, unseen comprehension or prose composition and literature. The literature specifications are available here. Students are welcome to discuss the course specification with any member of the Classics department.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

A minimum entry requirement of a 6 / B, although ideally a 7 / A grade in Latin at GCSE, with excellent GCSE results across the board. Students will need to be hardworking and open to learning about the striking differences between our world and that of the Ancient Romans. Latin is only suitable for those who have studied it previously.

Why study Mathematics at King’s?

The small class sizes enable students to learn in a supportive environment in which lessons can be tailored to the individual, allowing teachers to address any problems as they arise and to extend and challenge the more able pupils. The course is delivered by a team of highly experienced teachers, all of whom have both a STEM subject degree and a teaching qualification. All are enthusiastic mathematicians and educators, willing to run extra sessions to help pupils, whether it be with their A Level studies, or their preparation for additional examinations, such as STEP or MAT or PAT, which are required by Oxbridge and other top- ranking universities. In the past few years, the Mathematics department has run a number of highly successful trips; for example, we visited Florence to study the mathematical ideas of the Renaissance.

What will I study during the course?

In A Level Mathematics you develop the algebraic and numerical methods begun at GCSE and extend your understanding in the fields of trigonometry, coordinate geometry, vectors, sequences and series. You are introduced to the wonders of calculus and the many applications of exponentials and logarithms and develop your ability to prove mathematical statements. You will build on your statistical skills to appreciate different forms of sampling and how best to represent and interpret distributions. You will learn how to test hypotheses and develop your understanding of probability. In Mechanics, you will explore the field of kinematics and learn how to work with forces, moments and Newton’s Laws of Motion. You will apply skills within a context, requiring you to analyse the problem, translate it into a mathematical form, apply mathematical techniques to reach a solution, and interpret this in a manner appropriate to the situation. You will need to be able to evaluate your methods.

In A Level Further Mathematics you explore further skills in algebra, calculus and vectors, and you are introduced to the fascinating world of complex numbers, matrices and their attendant applications. You develop your abilities to solve differential equations and learn to work with hyperbolic functions and polar coordinates. You then choose whether you would like to explore the concepts and techniques involved in Decision Mathematics or to extend your understanding of Pure Mathematics or Mechanics or Statistics, or a combination of two of these four options Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Mathematics (9MA0) Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (9FM0) Further information can be viewed here. 

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Ideally, candidates will have achieved a grade 7 / A in their GCSE or IGCSE. Individuals achieving the minimum entry grade (6 / B) should discuss their choice with the Head of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department after results day. Those applying to study Further Mathematics A Level need to be really dedicated to the subject in order to cope with the demands of the course and should be predicted a grade 9 (or a high 8) in their GCSE or IGCSE. All potential candidates must speak to the Head of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department before choosing to do this subject.

Why study Music at King’s?

Small class sizes ensure that each individual is catered for and our expert music staff will be able to focus on developing your strengths and support you in achieving your individual aspirations. There is an extensive programme of extra-curricular music activities (both choral and instrumental) offering many opportunities to develop performance skills. Instrumental tuition is available on most instruments with a team of specialist visiting music teachers. A particularly unique aspect of music at King’s is the Cathedral, which provides pupils with an inspiring and uplifting performance venue.

What will I study during the course?

You will focus on three main areas: Performing, Composing and Listening & Appraising. There are various options within the performing and composing units which will allow you to work to your strengths. The Listening & Appraising unit contains the study of set works and set topics from a wide range of genres. You will be assessed on your skill of aural awareness, analysis and essay writing.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

You need to be able to play an instrument and/or sing to at least Associated Board grade (5) standard and have a good musical ear. It is useful to have some knowledge of keyboard playing and have a 6 / B at GCSE Music. If you have a talent and real passion for music, this course would help get the best out of you – whether you intend to follow music as part of your career path or wish to develop this into a life-long interest.

Why study Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at King’s?

The teachers are very experienced and passionate about the subject. Sets are of an ideal size (usually between 4- 6 students), so there is plenty of opportunity for discussion and individual support. We run trips each year to enable students to learn outside the classroom. Recent trips have been to Oxford and Cheltenham, where we have attended talks by leading academics. We subscribe to the excellent Sixth Form magazine, Dialogue, a Journal of Religion and Philosophy; this is a valuable resource for our students. You will learn how to write an excellent essay in an individual style which is transferable to most other essay-based subjects.

What will I study during the course?

There are three Units that make up the course.

1. Philosophy of Religion
This includes the following topics: arguments for and against the existence of God; the nature and influence of religious experience; soul, mind and body and life after death; the problem of evil and suffering. We will also explore philosophical language and thought, with reference to the works of key thinkers. Scientists, atheists, theists, agnostics and deep thinkers alike will all enjoy this aspect of the course, which complements English, History, Geography, Psychology, and Mathematics, amongst many other subjects.

2. Religion and Ethics
This includes: ethical theories such as Virtue Ethics, Natural Law, Deontology, Situation Ethics. We will examine the concepts of free will and conscience and the relationship
between religion and morality. We explore the ideas of thinkers such as Aquinas, Hobbes, Kant and Singer, and study topics under the heading of applied ethics including: Sex and Sexuality in the 21st Century, Euthanasia and Business Ethics. Those studying Geography, Psychology or Business/ Economics will thoroughly enjoy this aspect of the course.

3. Developments in Christian Thought
This includes: ideas about human nature and purpose; changing views of the Bible; scholarly debates about the historical Jesus; the challenge to Christianity from secularism and humanism; attitudes to different religions; changing views of gender and gender roles. Students also studying English, History or Politics will particularly enjoy this part of the course.

The course that we follow is OCR Religious Studies H573. For further details about the course, click here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

You will require 5 GCSE grades at 9-5 or A*-C. B / 6 grade in English language. B / 6 grade in Religious Studies. Students who have not studied RS GCSE will be considered on an individual basis. The most important qualities are: a real interest in ideas; the ability to present arguments both orally and in writing; and an open mind.

Why study Photography at King’s?

Small study groups that allow for individual attention and access to professional standard equipment within Wardle House, along with first-class teaching facilitates students to excel within this area.

Our location allows us to take advantage of spectacular local environments and with the addition of trips and enrichment activities, the potential to explore more diverse locations and subject matter is boundless. Staff teaching this specialism have worked within the creative industries and had years of experience assisting students to generate highly personal and professional-quality portfolios that have led to diverse careers within varied visual arenas.

What will I study during the course?

You will learn the language of visual imagery through the analysis and evaluative critique of both your own and others’ work. You will develop technical skills in the use of both SLR and DSLR cameras using traditional darkroom processing techniques and digital manipulation and printing. Studio work, location shoots and set briefs encourage students to become diverse practitioners in both major and minor genres covering areas such as portraiture, still life, and conceptual imaging. Editing through the use of both two-dimensional processes and Photoshop is highly utilised in order to generate personal themes and contemporary responses presented using professional techniques.

The examination board and course information is as follows: AQA Advanced GCE in Art and Design (Photography) 7206. Further information including a course breakdown and full specification can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students will have ideally completed a GCSE in Art, Textiles or Design and Technology, attaining a grade 6 / B or higher. If candidates have not completed an Art-based GCSE and desire to take this A-Level then a photographic portfolio and interview must be submitted and undertaken, at which point their case will be given careful consideration.

This course requires an inquisitive, enquiring mind and relies heavily on being resourceful, creative and independent. Photographic shoots and presentational work have to be undertaken in personal time and can be extremely time-consuming. Time management and prioritisation are essential skills that must be inherent in order to sustain the workload required by this A Level.

Why study Physical Education at King’s?

An A Level in Physical Education at King’s equips students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. Students will develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance and understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance. Small classes and excellent teaching ensure that our Physical Education students receive support and guidance throughout the course. The PE department is committed to getting the best out of our students and achieves consistently strong results.

What will I study during the course?

You will study anatomical, physiological and psychological theories and apply them to sporting activity. The course will look at what contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle, and develop an insight into movement, behaviour and performance in relation to sport and play. You will develop ways to optimise your own practical performance.

Students will develop a range of transferable skills: leadership, communication and organisational skills from practical work, your ability to research and analyse topic areas through theory.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

It is not necessary to have studied PE at GCSE; however, it is desirable. If you have studied PE previously, you will need to have gained at least a grade 6 / B at GCSE. If you have not taken PE at GCSE, you be required to have achieved at least a 6 / B grade in at least two science subjects or 66/BB in Double Award. Students must be accomplished sports people i.e. a regular school team performer or an accomplished performer in a sport that takes place outside of school e.g. skiing. It is important that students have a genuine passion for studying PE and sport.

Why study Physics at King’s?

If you study Physics at King’s, you will be part of a small group of like-minded students exploring a fascinating area of study with the help and guidance of enthusiastic teachers who always strive to make themselves available for extra support sessions for those students who feel they want them. The exam board’s specification is only a starting point and in many cases keen students are supported to develop their own personal study further, which can be extremely beneficial in making a strong university application.

The department at King’s benefits greatly from teachers whose mix of specialist subject knowledge covers the full breadth of the curriculum. In the Upper Sixth (Y13), students can choose one of five option topics to complete their studies. In many schools, this choice is made by the department based on the teachers’ proficiencies, but at King’s we are very lucky to be able to offer all five and allow students to choose for themselves, working in small groups in a tutorial format which is very similar to university study.

Another key feature of Physics at King’s is that a significant amount of class time is devoted to practical work; as well as learning key skills required for the qualification, by studying Physics at King’s you will gain a much deeper understanding of how to design investigations for yourself and report on experimental work.

In addition, all teaching staff have recent assessment experience, meaning that you will receive detailed and up-to-date advice on maximising your marks via good exam technique. We also support students with university entrance requirements such as the Oxford Physics Aptitude Test, STEM-related EPQ projects, and pursuing their own interests in related fields such as electronics and programming.

Furthermore, the Physics department regularly participates in the school’s academic enrichment programme and organises trips, including visits to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

What will I study during the course?

We follow the AQA A Level Physics specification (course code 7408). The board’s official website for the course can be found here and provides much greater detail, but in outline the course includes a much deeper study of key areas already covered in GCSE such as Forces and Motion, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, and Nuclear Physics, as well as providing an introduction to other areas of Physics such as Quantum Mechanics and Relativity.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

We expect pupils commencing the A level Physics course to have gained at least a grade 6 / B in Physics at GCSE and a GCSE Maths grade of 6 / B or above. Students studying Double Award are welcomed with a minimum of 6-6 grades instead of the Physics grade and will be supported in the areas that they did not cover at GCSE. Equivalent grades will be accepted, for example from IGCSE qualifications.

Why study Politics at King’s?

With an average set size of eight, our students get excellent individual support and attention in the department, and we are proud of our good results record. We run an annual trip to Parliament for the Lower Sixth (Y12) and a study day in Bristol for the Upper Sixth (Y13) as well as taking advantage of visiting speakers and events such as Question Time in the local area. Our students run a Politics Society for younger pupils and lead school events like mock elections, and a model UN conference. Politics is a vibrant and active department and many of our pupils go on to study Politics or International Relations at a higher level, and to work in Politics.

What will I study during the course?

You will look at UK Politics, and UK government in the first year of the course, as well as Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism and your individual choice of non-core ideology from Anarchism, Ecologism, Feminism, Multiculturalism and Nationalism. In the second year of the course you will study Global Politics with a comparative international focus. We study democracy and participation; political parties; voting systems and behaviour; core political ideologies; government institutions and their operation and relationships; and global politics.

We will study the Edexcel Politics 9PL0 course and more information can be found here.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students are expected to have attained five A*-C / 9-5 grades at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics with a 6 / B grade in a relevant subject such as History, Geography or English.
To take Politics, you must have a lively and enquiring mind with an interest in current affairs. You will need to read the news and watch Question Time on a regular basis as well as discussing contentious issues at length both orally in writing.

Why study Psychology at King’s?

Study groups are small, which gives all students the chance to voice their opinions and exchange ideas while in lessons. Students receive constant guidance and feedback, as well as individual targets. The Psychology department staff’s experience of examining, as well as teaching, means that pupils have the opportunity to develop excellent exam skills in order to reach their full potential.

What will I study during the course?

Psychology is the study of human thoughts and behaviours. Students will follow the AQA A Level Psychology course (7182) which is available here. Topics include social psychology, child development, psychological disorders, memory, aggression and key theories and debates within the field of Psychology. Students will develop a wide range of skills including essay writing, how to design psychological research, data and statistical analysis, how to apply their knowledge and presentation skills.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Psychology A Level often appeals to those who already have an interest in how humans behave and interact. Students should have an enquiring mind, be sceptical of new information and interested in how to conduct psychological investigations that adhere to scientific principles. Students must be able to recognise different ways to explain phenomena in psychology rather than one ‘right answer’.

Psychology GCSE is not a prerequisite to do the A Level, but students must be comfortable and competent using mathematical analysis, conducting scientific investigations and writing essays. 6 / B grades are therefore necessary in English, Mathematics and at least one Science subject.

Why study Theatre Studies at King’s?

Inspirational teaching, small classes and learning is enriched by an amazing variety of theatre trips, live screenings, practical workshops, visits to the Cheltenham and Edinburgh Festivals, as well as epic productions such as West Side Story, Mother Courage, Grease and The Crucible. Lessons take place in the newly-refurbished Ivor Gurney Hall which is fully equipped with lighting and sound. Specialist teaching means that students develop a real passion for the subject which is reflected in the practical work that they take ownership of. Students will also be able to participate in events such as House Drama where they will have the chance to write and direct as well as perform recitals in the renowned Gloucester Cathedral.

What will I study during the course?

One of the most enjoyable parts of the course is the opportunity to devise a piece of theatre that is completely your own and inspired by theatre that you have seen. You will also have the chance to perform a number of extracts from different plays to develop your understanding of diverse theatre making. You will be performing, studying and analysing two inspiring set texts that represent significant drama through the years and contemporary drama, discovering your own creative interpretation. You will also be evaluating and analysing a range of new and exciting theatre that communicate meaning in a number of different genres and styles.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

What qualities do you need? A passion for the subject whether that is acting, directing or design; you need to enjoy being involved in a performance. An imagination, curiosity, a willingness to think of and respond to different ideas; a readiness to act, see lots of theatre, and have your own views are all important. You do not need to have taken the subject at GCSE, but an enthusiasm for theatre is essential and a 6 / B in GCSE English Literature is essential.

Why study a BTEC in Sport at King’s?

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport embodies a unit- based structure with knowledge applied to project-based assessments. The qualification is designed to provide pupils with the specialist knowledge, understanding and skills that are required for a career in sport or higher education advancements.

The qualification offers an exciting and engaging academic programme for those who are keen to advance their expertise in Sports Coaching and Development. Teaching both in and out of the classroom, combined with vocational-related project work and practicals, help to develop students’ skills, including teamwork, creative thinking and delivering presentations.

King’s has been running this highly successful course, with outstanding results, for over 10 years. During their studies, students can fully engage in all the opportunities available at King's which would allow them to apply for roles like Senior Prefect and House Captain.

What will I study during the course?

The BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport is a two-year course and is equivalent to three A Levels. The course consists of core units covering areas of sport such as:

• Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
• Application of Fitness Testing
• Fitness training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
• Skill Acquisition in Sport
• Development and Provision of Sport and Physical activity
• Sports Psychology
• Coaching for Performance
• Investigating Business in Sport and the Leisure Industry
• Sports Leadership
• Rules, Regulations & Officiating in Sport
• Practical Sports Performance
• Sports Injury Management

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

Students are expected to have attained five A*-C / 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Mathematics.  You will need to have gained at least a C / 5 in PE at GCSE. BTEC students must have a commitment to, and significant involvement in, King’s School sport throughout their time in the Sixth Form.

Core Maths is a Level 3 qualification. It is equal to an AS level qualification, with the same number of UCAS tariff points, and is graded A to E.

Core Maths is intended for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at Grade 4 or higher, but who have not chosen to study A Level Mathematics. It is studied in the Lower Sixth, over a one-year period.

Why take Core Maths?

Studying Core Maths helps students develop their quantitative and problem-solving skills. This gives them confidence to understand the mathematical content in other courses they are taking. It helps them to become better informed citizens, and able to make sense of the information they will be presented with, in employment, further study or later life.

The course focusses on using and applying maths to solve real life problems and is designed to:

• Consolidate and build mathematical understanding;
• Foster the ability to think mathematically and apply maths in unfamiliar situations;
• Support pupils’ learning in other subjects requiring quantitative skills;
• Prepare pupils for the real-life mathematical demands of further study and employment.

Where will this course lead?

Studying Core Maths helps students develop skills that support the quantitative aspects of many A Level courses, which all expect a high level of mathematical competency.  These include:

• Business and Economics
• DT
• Geography
• PE
• Psychology
• Science

Many leading Universities support Core Maths and this qualification will broaden students’ opportunities for the future.

What will I study during the course?

• Interpreting solutions in the context of the problem
• Understanding sources of error and bias when problem-solving
• Working with data
• Understanding risk and probability
• Understanding variation in statistics
• Using exponential functions to model growth and decay
• Percentage change
• Interpretation of graphs
• Financial maths
• Using standard units
• Fermi estimation
• The Normal distribution
• Making and evaluating assumptions when modelling or problem solving

How will I be assessed during the course? 

Pupils will study Core Maths for a year in the Lower Sixth culminating with two external examination papers in May/June.  

What are the entry requirements and will the course suit me? 

To study Core Maths, pupils must have passed GCSE Mathematics at Grade 4 or higher. It is suitable for pupils who may have found GCSE Mathematics a challenge as well as those who are capable of A Level Mathematics but not chosen it as one of their options.

Why take EPQ at King’s

The Extended Project is equivalent to 50% of an A Level, more than an AS Level which comes in at 40%. It is a single piece of work and can be undertaken on a topic of your own choosing, which may or may not be linked to your other A Level subjects. The Extended Project offers opportunities for students to:

• have significant input into the choice and design of an extended piece of work;
• develop and apply decision-making skills, problem- solving skills, initiative and enterprise;
• extend their planning, research, critical thinking, analytical, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills;
• use their learning experiences to support their personal aspirations for higher education and career development.

The Extended Project is designed to complement and extend your qualifications in Sixth Form. It is looked upon favourably by universities and enables you to develop a topic of interest in further detail.

What will I study during the course?

The Extended Project will help prepare you for degree- level studies and employment, by developing your planning, research, critical thinking, presentation and independent learning skills. It will also help you to use your initiative in solving problems and making decisions. You can choose any topic and you will be required to write a report of 5,000 words. Alternatively, you could create an artefact, and write a 1,000 word report on the artefact and its creation. The artefact could be almost anything. The final part of the assessment involves presenting your ideas to a panel of invited guests. You will be required to accompany your product (either written or artefact-based) with a production log which will detail your progression through your EPQ with any problems you might have encountered.

What are the entry requirements, and will the course suit me?

There are no specific entry requirements for the EPQ. Anyone can apply to take it, but you will need to be on top of all your studies to be considered. It needs to be worked on consistently throughout the year to ensure that it is beneficial to you.

Conditional offers have been given from several Russell Group universities based on the successful completion of the EPQ to a high standard.

Why take HSLA at King’s?

Students will learn and demonstrate important life skills such as effective communication and organisation whilst learning to lead basic physical activities with younger people, their peers, older generations and within the community.

The course involves both guided and peer-to-peer learning and supervised leadership to ensure students have all the skills they need to lead basic physical activities to other people.

The course, which includes an organised volunteering placement, will equip students with skills that are highly prized by employers as well as skills that are useful in life, improving motivation, self-esteem, communication, team work and confidence.

Students will benefit from working with qualified and motivated teachers who are committed to their development, and alongside a cohort of young leaders who are role models for others. The HSLA is designed to extend your qualifications in Sixth Form.

What will I study during the course?

The course contains modules which will develop leadership skills; develop your ability to plan, lead and evaluate practical sessions; develop understanding and awareness about working with children, the disabled and older people. These modules are taught through both theoretical and practical lessons.

Learners must complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteering throughout this qualification. This will be undertaken in a mandatory unit and two from three optional units.

What are the entry requirements and will the course suit me?

There are no specific entry requirements for HSLA. Anyone can apply to take it, but you will need to be on top of all your studies to be considered. It needs to be worked on consistently throughout the year to ensure that it is beneficial to you and that you complete the compulsory 30 hours of volunteering.