Contents Page
Part 1 – Information for Students 2
- Information for students considering University 3
- Advising students on A-level subject choice 3
Part 2 – Subject Information 9
- Post 16 Subjects List 10
- GCE AS/A2 Level Subjects (Level 3 Courses) 11
- BTEC Level 3 Courses 37
- Level 2 Courses 42
- Enrichment Courses 48
Part 1
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING
HIGHER EDUCATION / UNIVERSITY
Please take the opportunities the school offers you and speak with the following people to help you make the best decisions for your progression into Post-16 studies at PontelandHigh School. This advice will be impartial, independent and well-founded.
- Dr Allen and Mr Hicklenton (Directors of Key Stage 5)
- Your Form Tutor
- Mrs S Herbert (Assistant Headteacher, responsible for Post-16 studies)
Your parents, older relations and friends, as well as the Post-16 students in school can also help you with your choices.
Advising students on A level subject choice
Ponteland High School operates what is termed as “the pick and mix model” of choosing A levels.
The advantage you have at Ponteland High School is that there is a very wide range of courses on offer maximising your chances of getting the best grades and enabling you to follow a range of courses that really interests you.
Another advantage is that Ponteland High School is a state comprehensive school, a very successful one, and if you wish to go onto further study at a selective university, as opposed to a recruiting university, (for a list of selective universities see below) you can have an advantage over private and independent school students when offers of grades required are made by the universities.
What are the selective universities?
Selective universities (Russell Group universities and others) arose from an attempt by certain research-led UK universities to form a grouping similar to the Ivy League in the U.S. For further information see Informed Choices on
The current members are the universities of:
Birmingham; Bristol; Cambridge; Cardiff; Durham; Edinburgh; Exeter; Glasgow; Imperial College London; King’s College London; Leeds; Liverpool; London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE); Manchester; Newcastle; Nottingham; Oxford; Queen Mary London; Queens, Belfast; Sheffield; Southampton; University College London; Warwick and York.
If you think that you may intend applying to one of these universities, please do refer to the Informed Choices section on the Russell group website as mentioned above for advice on which A level courses would suit you best.
A-level requirements for degrees
Some popular degrees are open to the student with a wide range of A levels such as:
accountancy, anthropology, archaeology, business studies, history of art, law, management studies, media studies, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies, sociology, surveying and teacher training.
The information below is a general guideline. You should always check university prospectuses to be completely sure.
Accountancy (banking/financial management)
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: possibly maths and economics.
Actuarial science/studies
Essential A-levels: maths.
Useful A-levels: further maths, economics/business studies.
Aeronautical engineering
Essential A-levels: maths, physics.
Useful A-levels: design technology, further maths, ICT.
American studies
Essential A-levels: requirements vary but often English and history.
Useful A-levels: politics.
Anthropology
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: a small number of courses prefer a science such as biology or sociology.
Archaeology
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: archaeology, history.
Architecture
Essential A-levels: for a small number of degree courses maths and/or physics and art (some say an arts/science mix).
Useful A-levels: art, maths and physics.
Art and design
Essential A-levels: art or design. Most universities prefer students to have followed an art foundation course after their A level art.
Biochemistry
Essential A-levels: always chemistry, and some degrees say the student must have biology as well, while some say chemistry plus one from maths/physics/biology. Doing chemistry, biology and maths or physics will keep all biochemistry courses open to the student.
Biology
Essential A-levels: biology and chemistry.
Useful A-levels: maths or physics.
Building (building services engineering, building surveying, construction management)
Essential A-levels: for quite a few courses in this field maths and/or physics.
Business studies
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: possibly maths,economics/business studies BTEC or A-level can confirm your interest.
Note: many business studies courses can be very pedantic about applicants having GCSE maths and English language at a required grade.
Chemical engineering
Essential A-levels: chemistry and maths and sometimes physics as well.
Chemistry
Essential A-levels: chemistry and usually maths or physics. Some courses like chemistry, maths and physics or biology.
Classical studies
Essential A-levels: for classics courses Latin or classical Greek, while classical studies and classical civilisations consider most subjects.
Useful A-levels: modern foreign language, English literature, history.
Computing
Essential A-levels: for some courses maths and for a very small number of courses further maths is preferred.
Useful A-levels: maths, physics, philosophy, lCT.
Dentistry
Essential A-levels: chemistry and biology would be acceptable for most courses, but a few still like chemistry, biology and maths or physics.
Dietetics
Essential A-levels: chemistry, biology.
Drama
Essential A-levels: some courses require English literature and for a few courses English and theatre studies.
Useful A-levels: English literature, English language, theatre studies.
Note: check the website for more information
Economics
Essential A-levels: some courses require maths.
Useful A-levels: maths, economics.
Education (see teacher training)
Electrical/electronic engineering
Essential A-levels: maths, physics.
Useful A-levels: further maths, lCT, DT.
Engineering(general)
Essential A-levels: maths, physics.
Useful A-levels: further maths, design technology, chemistry.
English
Essential A-levels: English literature or English language and literature.
Useful A-levels: history, modern foreign language, philosophy.
Environmental science/studies
Essential A-levels: many courses will ask for two from biology, chemistry, maths, physics and geography.
European studies
Essential A-levels: a modern foreign language.
French
Essential A-levels: French.
Useful A-levels: another modern foreign language.
Geography
Essential A-levels: most degrees require geography.
Useful A-levels: some BSc degrees prefer one from biology, chemistry, maths or physics.
Geology/earth sciences
Essential A-levels: usually two from maths, physics, chemistry and biology.
Useful A-levels: geography, geology.
German
Essential A-levels: German.
Useful A-levels: another modern foreign language.
History
Essential A-levels: most degrees require history.
Useful A-levels: economics, English literature, philosophy, sociology, politics, economics.
History of art
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: art, English literature, history, French, German, Spanish, Italian.
Italian
Essential A-levels: Italian or another language such as French, German or Spanish.
Useful A-levels: another modern foreign language.
Law
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: critical thinking (this will help with the law national admissions test).
Note: there really are no essential A-levels for law. Most courses will treat law A-level neutrally. Maybe one choice should involve essay or report writing. Really choose subjects that offer you the best chance of getting high grades.
Management studies
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: possibly maths and economics/business studies.
Materials science (including biomedical materials science)
Essential A-levels: normally two from chemistry, maths, physics and biology.
Mathematics
Essential A-levels: maths and often further maths.
Useful A-levels: physics.
Mechanical engineering
Essential A-levels: maths, physics.
Useful A-levels: design technology, further maths, lCT.
Media studies (including communication studies)
Essential A-levels: a few courses ask for English or media studies.
Useful A-levels: English, media studies, sociology, psychology.
Note: a large proportion of people who work in the media industries have degrees in a wide range of other subjects.
Medicine
Essential A-levels: if a student chooses chemistry, biology and one from maths or physics they will keep all the medical schools open to them. If you do chemistry and biology, you will keep open the vast majority. If you choose chemistry and one from biology, maths and physics, you will limit your range of choices much more.
Useful A-levels: critical thinking (will help with Section 3 of the bio-medical admissions test). Students do not have to do maths.
Music
Essential A-levels: for most traditional courses, music and grade VII or VIII.
Nursing and midwifery
Essential A-levels: some courses ask for biology or another science.
Occupational therapy
Essential A-levels: some courses ask for biology, some will also consider psychology, physical education, sociology or another science.
Optometry (ophthalmic optics)
Essential A-levels: two from biology, chemistry, maths or physics (some courses prefer biology as one of the choices).
Pharmacy
Essential A-levels: chemistry and one from biology, maths and physics keep the vast majority of courses open to students. Some courses prefer chemistry, biology and maths. Doing chemistry and biology keeps most courses open.
Philosophy
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: maths, classical civilization, philosophy and religious education/theology.
Physics
Essential A-levels: maths, physics.
Useful A-levels: further maths, chemistry.
Physiotherapy
Essential A-levels: most courses will consider a student with just biology, however some ask for a second science from chemistry, maths or physics.
Politics
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: politics, history, philosophy, law.
Psychology
Essential A-levels: a few courses ask for one from biology, chemistry, maths or physics.
Useful A-levels: biology, maths, psychology, sociology.
Religious studies/theology
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: religious studies/theology, philosophy, English literature, history.
Sociology
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: sociology, psychology, geography and media studies.
Spanish
Essential A-levels: Spanish (some degrees will also consider French, German or Italian).
Speech therapy
Essential A-levels: some degrees want a science such as biology, chemistry or physics. Some specify biology, but some degrees will consider you with none of these.
Useful A-levels: a modern foreign language (i.e. French, German, Spanish, Italian), English language (and literature), psychology.
Sports
Essential A-levels: quite a few courses want to see one from biology, chemistry, maths or physics.
Useful A-levels: physical education, psychology.
Surveying
Essential A-levels: none.
Useful A-levels: for some types of surveying, such as building surveying, maths and physics could be helpful. For estate management (general practice surveying) most A-level combinations will be considered.
Teacher training (primary and/or secondary)
Essential A-levels: at least one from art, biology, chemistry, design and technology, drama (theatre studies) English, French, geography, German, history, lCT, Italian, maths, music, physics, physical education, religious studies (theology), Spanish.
Note: do not forget you need to have certain GCSE requirements.
Veterinary science
Essential A-levels: students should do chemistry and biology and one from maths/physics so that you can apply to all seven courses.
References:
Gardner A (2011) ‘The Higher-Education Advisers’ Handbook: Practical Steps for One-to-One Guidance’. Park Parade Publishing, London.
ISBN: 978-0-9568463-0-3.
Available from: Any good bookshop
There is a copy available for perusal in the Post-16 office
Part 2
SUBJECT INFORMATION
POST-16
SUBJECTS
Students choose:
Either:4 Level 3 courses
Or Level 2 courses
Or A combination of both Level 3 and Level 2 Courses
Entry criteria for Level 3 and Level 2 courses vary. Please see individual subject information for details.
All students will sit the General Studies AS level exam and will follow an enrichment course of their choice.
A LEVEL SUBJECTS (Level 3) / LEVEL 2 COURSES3D Product Design / Certificate and Diploma in Child Care & Education
Art & Design / GCSE ICT (Single Award)
Biology / GCSE ICT (Double Award)
Business Studies
Chemistry
Electronics
English Language
English Literature / ENRICHMENT
French
Geography
German / General Studies AS Level (for all students)
Health & Social Care (Single)
History / plus students choose one enrichment course e.g:
Law / - Extended Project Qualification
Mathematics / - Latin
Mathematics - Further / - Karate
Media Studies / - German beginners’ course
Music / - Spanish beginners’ course
Performing Arts / - Medical ethics
Physical Education / - Childcare & Education
Physics / - CSLA
Psychology / (please note, this list is subject to change)
Science (Applied)
Sociology
Spanish
BTEC SUBJECTS (Level 3) / GCSE RE-SIT SUBJECTS (Level 2)
Business (BTEC Subsidiary Diploma – Single) / English Language
Business (BTEC Diploma - Double) / Mathematics
Engineering (BTEC)
IT (BTEC Subsidiary Diploma – Single)
Travel & Tourism (BTEC Subsidiary Diploma – Single)
GCE AS/A2 Level Subjects
(Level 3 Courses)
ART & DESIGNLEVEL: AS/A2
EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA
SYLLABUS: Fine Art AS-5030 A2-6030
TEACHER IN CHARGE: Mrs K Murphy
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 5 GCSE grades A*-Cwith a minimum of grade C in Art & Design.
Where students come to the ‘A’ Level course after taking a break from the academic pathway they must demonstrate a continuing involvement and commitment to the subject by submitting a portfolio of work.
WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
People who enjoy:
- Exploring, experimenting with, and developing ideas
- Learning new techniques and exploring a wide range of materials
- Using their imagination and following a personal journey of investigation
- Researching the work of artists and craftspeople, making connections, and using thisknowledge to enhance their own work.
- Architecture, fashion, and many of the design fields such as – Fine Art, graphic, product, landscape, theatre, computer games, costume, textile and jewellery, museum and gallery curation, education [both subject specific and primary], photography, advertising, animation.
[There is a misconception that the top universities will be less happy with Art Design (Fine) Art as one of the ‘A’ Levels offered and you should know that our students have been offered places on academic courses at Durham, York, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge.] / DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU? ()
WHICH LEARNING STYLES WILL BE USED?
- Students will work towards thematic-led projects, with a strong emphasis on personal and creative investigations.
- Gallery visits / Practical workshops / Individual and group critiques are also an important part of this course.
COURSE DETAILS
2 AS Units:
- Unit 1 is a coursework portfolio
- Unit 2 is a controlled assignment
- Unit 3 is a personal investigation: candidates produce practical work and link it to a written investigation.
- Unit 4 is a controlled assignment
THESE UNITS
- Continual verbal and written feedback for portfolio work.
- Each unit is marked and returned to students to offer them the chance of modification before final assessment.
- There is continuity between ‘A’ Level and GCSE briefs. Coursework briefs are similar to controlled tests and allow students to develop the technical and management techniques needed to achieve success.
- GCSE students will be familiar with the A01-A04 Assessment criteria which is very similar to AS/A2 Assessment.
METHODS OF FINAL ASSESSMENT
- Units 1 and 3 are completed by January and Units 2 and 4 are completed between February and May.
- All work is internally assessed and externally moderated by a visiting examiner/moderator.
BIOLOGY
LEVEL: AS/A2
EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA
SYLLABUS: Biology
TEACHER IN CHARGE: Dr S Yates
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Double Award Students: B in Year 10 GCSE Core Science AND B in
Year 11 GCSE Additional Science. Separate Science Students: B in Biology
WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
- Do you want to explore Biology in more depth than GCSE?
- Do you want to learn about up-to-date, contemporary issues and research in biological science?
- Are you interested in how Biology affects our society?
- Do you enjoy practical work?
- Are you interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, or any other biology-related area?
WHICH LEARNING STYLES WILL BE USED?
- Individual work
- Group work
- Independent research
- Practical work
- Educational Visits (including Fieldwork and laboratory experiences)
- ICT interactive tutorials
- Formal whole class teaching
- Student-led presentations
COURSE DETAILS
The First Year (AS):- Biol 1 – Biology and diseases
- Biol 2 – The variety of living organisms
- Biol 3T – Investigative and practical skills
- Biol 4 – Populations and environment
- Biol 5 – Control in cells and in organisms
- Biol 6T – Investigative and practical skills
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR THESE UNITS
- Self and peer assessment
- End-of-topic tests
- Practical experiments
- Oral questioning and class discussion
- Homework
- Examination practice
- Informal lesson-based assessment (various approaches)
METHODS OF FINAL ASSESSMENT
Year 12:
- Two written examinations (one of 1hr 15 mins and one of 1hr 45 mins – which contribute 80% of the AS mark)
- One piece of individual practical controlled assessment (20% of AS marks)