BIOLOGY

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Biology helps us to understand the complex relationships between humanity and the rest of the world. By understanding the origins of life, from the fundamental building blocks of nature to interactions on a global scale, students gain insight into the rich diversity of life forms on Earth.

TOPICS OF STUDY AT A-LEVEL

Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject. There are opportunities to use practical experiences that link to topics such as biological molecules, cells and microscopy, immunity, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems, the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration, genetics, inheritance, biodiversity and evolution.

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

Royal Society of Biology Olympiads, Dissection Club, Biomedical Society, visiting lectures, genetics workshops, and many other opportunities.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

A minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Biology or Combined Science. A strong pass in GCSE Maths is recommended.

WHAT THIS SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

The numerous branches of biology are ultimately brought together by their common understanding of living things. Biology A-Level is a preferred choice for aspiring medics, dentists and veterinarians. Other options for study include: Anatomy, Astrobiology, Biophysics, Botany, Cell and Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, Forensics, Genetics, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biosciences, Natural Sciences, Neurobiology, Physiology, Zoology and many others you may never have heard of.

Business

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Students are introduced to business through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts. This helps to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed. This requires students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues.

Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.

TOPICS OF STUDY AT A-LEVEL

Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Operations Management, Ethics, Change Management and Strategic Decision Making, HR Management and the Business Environment.

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

‘Open door’ policy offering additional support outside of lessons; opportunities are available throughout the course to engage with businesses, both local and national.

WHAT THIS SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

• Accounting & Finance

• Marketing

• Operations Management

• Ethics

• HR Management

• Business

Suggested Entrance Requirement

Maths and English at grade 6 or above is desirable but not essential.

STUDYING BUSINESS HAS PROVIDED ME WITH CRUCIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS, AND SHOWN ME HOW TO ADAPT THEM TO REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS. IT HAS HAS EQUIPPED ME WITH THE CONFIDENCE I NEED TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL OF RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS.

Mia W Sixth Form Business Student

Chemistry

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Do you enjoy working in the laboratory? Do chemical symbols make sense to you? If you know your H2O from your H2SO4 then you could study Chemistry.

TOPICS OF STUDY AT A-LEVEL

Organic Chemistry - groups covered include alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Inorganic Chemistry - this covers atomic structure, bonding, and trends in the periodic table.

Physical Chemistry - energy changes and rates of reaction.

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

To organise and run Junior Chemistry Club, Science Society, Biomedical Society, National Science & Engineering Week.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

Minimum 6 in GCSE Combined Science or GCSE Chemistry. Grade 6 in Maths is also recommended.

WHAT THIS SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

Chemistry A-Level is a requirement for many university courses. Our past A-Level chemists have gone on to read Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Natural Sciences and Chemical Engineering at the top institutions in the country.

Other recent HCS chemists are now studying Economics, Business, English, Sports Science, Classics, Maths and more.

IT GIVES ME A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY.

CLASSICS WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

The course explores the influence of the Greeks and the Romans on the Western World (its language, literature, art, culture and laws). Skills of analysis, deduction, communication, discussion and essay writing are taught and fostered. Groups are lively and interactive with discussion and play-reading to support study. Classical Civilisation complements all other subjects in a variety of combinations.

TOPICS OF STUDY AT A-LEVEL

The World of the Hero; Greek Religion; Greek Theatre.

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

There is an active extra-curricular programme of trips to lectures and theatres, which pupils attend on a voluntary basis, although attendance at any performances of set texts is strongly advised. There is also the opportunity to become involved in departmental productions, as well as informal workshops in Greek drama.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

A willingness to read and engage with texts.

WHAT THIS SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

A qualification in Classics at A-Level is evidence of clarity of mind. Employers hold classicists in high regard because of their ability to think logically and their well-developed communications skills. Students who study Latin may go on to study Law, Medicine, History, Politics, Modern Languages, Archaeology, Theology, English or Classics at university.