Sixth Form Subjects

Two Sixth Form students studying in the workroom

Prior Park offers a truly individualised curriculum in the Sixth Form. For most students, this is built around their choice of three disciplines from the large menu below.

The vast majority of current Upper 5 students choose to stay at Prior Park for Sixth Form; their place is automatic and not dependent on GCSE performance. We also welcome a good number of external students, who typically need to demonstrate that they are on course to gain a minimum of six ‘Grade 6’ or above GCSEs to qualify for entry. More details of our policy around Sixth Form progression can be found here: Internal Progression to Sixth Form Policy.

We offer predominantly A-Levels, as well as the BTEC in Business, EPQ and IELTS for EAL students.

A-Levels provide excellent depth of knowledge for students to flourish intellectually and are broad, rigorous qualifications that are highly regarded by universities and potential employers.

BTEC provides a valuable and well respected alternative pathway to university or employment. The practical nature of the BTEC Business course allows students to engage in physical activities, manage and run events and lead and work as members of a variety of teams. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for students in the world of work, enterprise, further and higher education.

The EPQ allows students to conduct their own research into a topic largely of their own choice and is, again, highly regarded by universities.

IELTS is an exam required by universities to demonstrate an EAL student's level of English.

Further information on all subjects can be found in the Sixth Form Course Booklet

A Level subjects

Art

Exam board: OCR Fine Art.
Students should have achieved at least a Level 6 in GCSE Art.

During the first year of the course, students are introduced to a broad range of processes and materials, enabling them to develop their own visual language. They also gain insight into issues and concerns of historical and contemporary art forms and they learn to place their own artwork within a wider context. Art students learn critical, evaluation and presentation skills and are required to work with independence. As the course progresses, they produce an extensive body of work on a theme of personal interest.

Biology

Business

Exam board: Edexcel
Level 6 in Maths.

Students learn about how business ideas are generated and how these can be turned into an operational organisation. They study various functions and areas of business including accounting and finance, marketing, operations and people in organisations, as well as the external influences that can impact on how they operate.

Chemistry

Exam board: AQA A Level (7405)
Level 7 in Chemistry or Level7:7 in dual award Science. Level 7 in GCSE Maths.

During lessons the mysteries of GCSE Chemistry are unravelled and students get a chance to use a wider range of chemicals and equipment making practicals more interesting and challenging. The course also delves deeper into areas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with topics on enzymes and proteins, DNA and action of anti-cancer drugs.

Classical Civilisation

Exam board: OCR
GCSE in the subject, although helpful, is not necessary. Students must have at least a Level 6 GCSE in either Classical Civilisation, History or English Literature.

Classical Civilisation is a modern and wide-ranging course. Students will study: The World of the Hero, Greek Theatre, Belief and Ideas. It is recommended for those interested in Classical literature, culture and history.

Computer Science

Exam board: OCR
Students should have Level 6 in Maths and a science at Level 5 or above. GCSE Computer Science is recommended but not essential.

The aim is to give students a thorough understanding of how computers work, the principles of software development and some coding. Students also develop an understanding of algorithms, cybersecurity and network topologies and look at the impact of Computer Science on society.

Design: Three Dimensional Design

Exam board: OCR Three Dimensional Design (H605)
Students should have achieved at least a Level 6 in GCSE Design & Technology. A major pre-requisite of this course is that the student is able to draw and be comfortable using computers.

Students will develop a broad view and understanding of Design, developing their capacity to design, problem solve, and make products from a range of materials. The course also considers broader issues including the complex relationships between design, society, environment, materials, manufacture and marketing

Drama and Theatre

Exam board: Edexel
Level 6 in English Literature and Level 6 in GCSE Drama if taken (previous drama experience is preferred but not essential).

Drama covers the history, theory and practice of Theatre throughout the ages. The course is divided into three distinct categories: original drama, scripted performance and theoretical drama. Students will also develop their own unique work, based upon a historical text, which will be performed publicly.

Economics

Exam board: Edexcel Economics A
GCSE Level 6 in Maths is required.

Economics provides students with the Macro and Microeconomic theory to construct an analytical toolkit. The macroeconomics side of the course consider fiscal, monetary and supply-side policies that are used to achieve major economic goals: low inflation, full employment, steady growth and balanced trade.

English Literature

Exam board: OCR
Level 6 in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.

Students will study radical, innovative texts alongside major canonical works, giving students a sense of the diversity of literature in English.As well as developing analytical skills, students will learn how to write extended essays and to carry out research. Students study three units: Shakespeare and Poetry pre-1900; Comparative and Contextual Study, American Literature, 1880-1940; Coursework component: Literature post-1900.

French

Exam board: AQA
Minimum Level 6 GCSE French is required.

The A Level course focuses on aspects of society in French speaking countries along with political, intellectual and artistic culture. Students will be assessed over three papers: Listening/reading/writing - this requires the student to respond to texts and spoken passages; Writing two essays on either books or film; Speaking - giving a presentation followed by a discussion based on its subject matter.

Geography

Exam board: Edexcel
GCSE Level 6 and above in Geography, English Language, Maths and Sciences.

Geographers will study the complex interactions between people and the environment. In the first year the course provides a coherent grounding in Physical and Human geography with topics including: tectonic hazards, glaciated landscapes, urban regeneration. In the second year students go on to study the carbon cycle and energy security, water cycle and water insecurity, superpowers and global development.

History

Exam board: OCR
GCSE Level 6 History (or English if student did not sit GCSE History) due to the demanding nature of the course.

The three taught units include England 1445-1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII (The Wars of the Roses), The Crusades and Crusader States 1095-1192, and Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964. The fourth element of this course is a non-examined assessment in the form of a topic-based essay, with which students will be mentored in a way that replicates the process university students complete a dissertation.

Latin / Classical Greek

Exam board: OCR
Level 6 in GCSE Latin is required but a Level 7 is recommended.

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of Latin language, reading widely from a range of authors and developing their vocabulary and understanding of the language. For the literature component, students will study sections from the works of suck authors as Cicero, Tacitus, Apuleius, Virgil and Ovid.

There may be an opportunity to study Classical Greek for A Level. The course is the OCR version and involves study of both language and literature. Contact of Head of Dept, Mrs Hearn, for further details.

...

Mandarin

Exam board: Edexcel
Level 6 in Mandarin GCSE is required

The course covers aspects of Chinese culture, society, history and economics within and beyond China, as well as literary and cinematic study of a target language book and film. The assessment across 3 papers covers listening, reading, writing, translation and speaking, including the chance to do an independent research project into any aspect of Chinese culture.

Mathematics

Exam board: Edexcel
Level 7 in GCSE Mathematics is required.

This is a linear course which consists of the study of Pure Mathematics together with an Application. The Application is split exactly in half between Mechanics and Statistics. Pure Mathematics covers Calculus, exponential functions and trigonometry. Mechanics is essentially about motion and the causes of motion. In Statistics, we consider ways in which mathematics deals with uncertainty and ways it is applied to 'real world' situations.

Further Mathematics

Exam board: Edexcel
Level 8 in GCSE Mathematics is required.

In year one, students study the whole A Level course, Pure and Applied Mathematics. In the second year, students study two further pure modules and then two Option modules - Mechanics, Statistics or Decision Mathematics, although the precise modules can be tailored to suit the group.

Music

Exam board: Edexcel
Most A Level students will have passed GCSE Music with a 6 or above. A Level also requires performing ability of AB grade 7 and Music Theory grade 5 is recommended.

The course is split into three elements - Composing, Performing and Appraising. Preparation for the appraisal exam involves the study of twelve 'set works', categorised in six areas of study - 'Vocal Music', 'Instrumental Music', 'Music for Film', 'Popular Music & Jazz', 'Fusions', 'New Directions'. Students complete a portfolio of compositions, record a solo recital.

Music Technology

Photography

Exam board: OCR
Level 6 in GCSE Art or another Art and Design discipline.

Students are introduced to a variety of digital and darkroom processes. They also gain an understanding of the history of photography and its genres. Equally as important is the creative approach taken by students, the way they document their experimentation and how thoughtfully they analyse it. Students will select an area of personal interest and work with independence to produce an extensive body of work.

Physical Education

Exam board: AQA
Level 6 overall in GCSE PE and Level 6 in the theoretical component of GCSE PE course. Level 6 in Science. Students should also be performing in one sporting activity regularly at school (or club), A or B team level or higher.

Students will: focus on a single physical activity in its full version; experience and demonstrate practical abilities in the roles of a performer or coach; build on their understanding of a variety of sporting matters.

Physics

Exam board: OCR A
Level 7 in GCSE Physics/Dual Award Science, Level 7 in GCSE Maths.

Students will study a total of 6 modules: Development of practical skills in physics; Foundations of physics; Forces and motion; Electrons, waves and photons; Newtonian world and astrophysics; Particles and medical physics.

Psychology

Sociology

Exam board: AQA
Level 6 in GCSE English Language and Literature, and Level 6 History or Geography.

‘Students will learn the fundamentals of Sociology including sociological theories; perspectives and the design of sociological research to obtain data while examining its strengths and limitations. They will explore core themes such as socialisation; culture and identity; social differentiation; norms and values; conflict and consensus in society and power.

Compulsory units include Education and Society, Crime and Deviance as well as Sociological Theories and Methods. The optional units studied at Prior Park College are The Media and Culture & Identity.

Spanish

Exam board: AQA
Level 6 in GCSE Spanish is required.

The A Level course focuses on aspects of society in Spanish-speaking countries along with political, intellectual and artistic culture. Students will be assessed over three papers: Listening/reading/writing - this requires the student to respond to texts and spoken passages; Writing two essays on either books or film; Speaking - giving a presentation followed by a discussion based on its subject matter.

Textile Design

Exam board: OCR
Level 6 in GCSE Textiles or other Art and Design discipline.

In the first year students experiment with a range of equipment and processes. Formal skills include drawing, printmaking, stitch, fabric manipulation and construction. In the second year students go on to develop their own project which could be fashion based, product based or have a fie art approach.

Video

Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

Other Languages

BTEC subject

Business

Business

Person National Level 3 Diploma pathway for Business
Students should have achieved at least Level 5 in Maths and English Language, with an interest in the commercial world, enterprise and team working in the business world.

This 2 year modular course carries the same number as UCAS points as two GCE A Levels and is comprised of 8 units:

Exploring business
Developing a marketing campaign
Personal and business finance
Managing an event
International business
Principles of management
The recruitment and selection process
Team building in business

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

EPQ

Exam Board: AQA
Students are expected to have good organisational skills, an ability to meet deadlines and should have good written English skills.

The EPQ is a process driven qualification with approximately two-thirds of the marks awarded for planning, use of resources, time management and self-evaluation.

The EPQ offers opportunities for students to:

Develop and extend from an area of personal interest or activity outside the main programme of study
Improve their own learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners
Apply decision making and problem-solving skills
Extend their planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills.

Final submission of all assessment evidence will be in June of the L6 year.

An EPQ is worth a maximum of 28 UCAS points.

IELTS International Sixth Formers

Exam Board: British Council/IDP/Cambridge Assessment English
Students should be at least at IELTS Level 5.5 or 6.0 before starting Sixth Form.

If English is not your first language and you wish to go to university in an English-speaking country, you need to demonstrate that your academic English skills are strong enough to cope with studying at higher education level. IELTS is normally the exam required by universities, although other exams are sometimes accepted.

There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). You will receive a score for each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), as well as an overall score.

Universities vary in what they ask for, as the following examples show:
Cambridge University: Overall IELTS 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in all components
University of Bath, Pharmacology: IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all components.

Sixth form at Prior Park - explore