Course Guide 1
Courses in OUR sixth FORM
Explore the many courses on offer below. Each subject link will take you to their own dedicated information page with further details, links and criteria.
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BiologyA Level
Biology
Biology encompasses learning about living organisms and life processes from a molecular level to individual organisms and the whole communities of species. There are thousands of careers and higher education options available to students with an A Level in Biology, including medicine, dentistry, biomedical and forensic science, ecology, science journalism, nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, environmental science, food technology, marketing, clinical data management, teaching and finance.
For more information visit our dedicated A Level Biology page
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ChemistryA Level
Chemistry
At Gumley House we follow the AQA specification for Chemistry which is taught over five hours per week.
Within lesson time you will develop your knowledge of theoretical Chemistry as well as participating in a wide range of experimental activities where you will enhance your analytical skills.
For more information, visit our dedicated page:
Chemistry at The Sixth -
Chinese (Mandarin)A Level
Chinese (Mandarin)
Speaking and understanding another language is an invaluable skill which can be useful in many ways throughout life.
In today's global society, with China playing an increasingly important role in the world, speaking Chinese opens doors to a new range of opportunities in life. In the future you will be competing for jobs on a global level and your knowledge of Chinese language and culture will really make you stand out! Students who have studied language at A Level go on to have careers in a variety of sectors including teaching, translating, sales and marketing, travel and tourism, journalism, fashion, work in the foreign office or secret service, interpreting and banking.
Visit our dedicated page for more information about studying
Chinese at Gumley House Sixth Form. -
Drama & Theatre StudiesA Level
Drama & Theatre Studies
This choice of A Level says a lot about you as a person. You are creative, fun-loving, prepared to work hard and up for a challenge. You enjoy exploring relevant social and cultural topics in a practical and academic way. You enjoy taking risks and problem solving.
You are a real team player.Drama and Theatre Studies equips you with skills for life, for further study and for the workplace. What more could you want from an A Level
Visit our A Level Drama and Theatre page for more information on studying this subject.
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EconomicsA Level
Economics
Economics is a traditional subject which is relevant to the world you live in and to your future. It is a fascinating subject because it includes the study of how people behave and interact with each other.
The dynamic relationship between consumers, firms and government makes economics a vibrant subject that can lead to careers in large companies, banking and finance, media, law, marketing, government, journalism and teaching.
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English LiteratureA Level
English Literature
"You develop the insight of an artist, the analytical precision of a scientist and the persuasiveness of a lawyer."
Professor Maureen Moran, Brunel University.Studying English literature helps to sharpen your analytical skills.
If you can take a text and find the themes plus connect it with other texts, theories and historical events, you are showing that you can handle complex ideas, search for patterns and interpret information in a wider context.For more information visit our dedicated page on
English Literature -
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
What is the benefit of completing an EPQ
The Extended Project Qualification teaches you some key high-level skills that individual A Level courses don't have time to include, and many students say it adds considerable interest to their sixth form programme.
However, there are also several major benefits to completing an EPQ when it comes to applying to university. At its simplest, EPQ helps you with UCAS points - EPQ is valued at 50% of a full A Level in the UCAS tariff. But perhaps the greatest advantage of an EPQ is in helping convince top universities to make you an offer.
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Fashion & Textiles DesignA Level
Fashion & Textiles Design
The Textiles course gives you the opportunity to develop a personal and structured approach to project work by exploring ideas and materials, developing your critical faculties in both practical and written work and acquiring a high level of design and making skills.
There are many careers open to you from fashion to industrial design, including knitwear, embroidery, footwear, millinery, fashion buying, retail management, museum work, arts administration, advertising and teaching.
For more information visit our dedicated page on
Fashion & Textiles Design -
Fine ArtA Level
Fine Art
Art is relevant to a range of careers including design, animation, film, production, fashion design, web design, photography and product design.
It will prove a valuable skill in our highly visual, multimedia world. Typically, students go onto Foundation Studies in Art and Design at the highly sought after University for the Arts, London (Wimbledon, Camberwell and Central St. Martins), Kingston University and University for the Creative Arts.
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FrenchA Level
French
Speaking and understanding another language is an invaluable skill, which can be useful in many ways throughout life.
In the future, you will be competing for jobs on a European level and your knowledge of another language and culture will really make you stand out.
Students who have studied language at A Level go on to have careers in a variety of sectors including teaching, translating, sales and marketing, travel and tourism, journalism, fashion, work in the foreign office or secret service, interpreting and banking.
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GeographyA Level
Geography
As a Geographer you will develop many skills which are valued by employers, as well as developing a critical way of thinking about the world. Employers are looking for quality people to invest in, and Geography is a subject which explores the importance of the future.
Uniquely, Geography bridges the gap between arts and science subjects and combines well with all other subjects.
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Health & Social CareCTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate
Health & Social Care
The CTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is the equivalent of studying one A Level subject and students will generally study two other A Level alongside it.
The course is ideal for students who are interested in going onto further study or wish to work in a health and social care related sector such as nursing, midwifery, social work, youth work, counselling, physiotherapy, etc. on leaving school or university.
For more information visit our dedicated page on
Health & Social Care -
HistoryA Level
History
If you study History here at Gumley, you will be respected by many universities and employers as it develops your skills of analysis and evaluation.
We will also teach you to deal with conflicting data as well as strengthen your communication skills through debate.
Our History students have gone on to be TV presenters, lawyers, accountants and work in business and government.
The world is your oyster with History!
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ItalianA Level
Italian
Speaking and understanding another language is an invaluable skill, which can be useful in many ways throughout life. In the future, you will be competing for jobs on a European level and your knowledge of another language and culture will really make you stand out.
Students who have studied language at A level go on to have careers in a variety of sectors including teaching, translating, sales and marketing, travel and tourism, journalism, fashion, work in the foreign office or secret service, interpreting and banking.
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MathematicsA Level
Mathematics
An A Level in Mathematics opens up career choices in actuary, accountancy, finance, industry, consultancy, operational or economic modelling, planning, analysis and post-graduate research.
A study comparing income levels and educational background concluded that having a Maths A Level can increase long-term earning power by 7-10%
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Further MathematicsA Level
Further Mathematics
For a degree in Mathematics, most universities demand at least an AS in Further Mathematics.
You'll enjoy this course if you love algebra (solving equations and sketching graphs) and statistics (averages and charts). You enjoy problem solving and are hard working. You are quick to pick up new ideas and enjoy learning new things. You have found most of the GCSE very accessible and have not struggled with any algebra.
For more information visit our dedicated page on
Further Mathematics -
Media StudiesA Level
Media Studies
We live in a media saturated society, our lives influenced by television, film, radio, advertising, newspapers and magazines and more recently e-media. Media Studies teaches you how to question the power of the media, how institutions construct products to influence, and how you, the audience, are targeted and are now beginning to exercise power.
The practical aspect of the course provides a basis for those interested in a more technical and ICT driven future.
For more information visit our dedicated page on
Media Studies -
MusicA Level
Music
A level Music is exciting and rewarding, unique in its combination of academic study and creative opportunity.
The course is based around developing three key skills; performing, composing and listening and appraising. You build on your knowledge of music theory, gain a solid understanding of advanced principles of performance, refine your practical skills, study and practise composition, and expand your knowledge of music history through listening and critical analysis.
Within these areas of study, A level Music offers you the opportunity to develop your ability to use musical devices and conventions through composition, engage with and increase your awareness and appreciation of the diverse heritage of music and develop your critical thinking, academic essay writing and independent study skills.
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PhotographyA Level
Photography
Students who complete this course may go on to have careers in a range of areas including advertising, film, television, journalism and media.
Students on the course work with Photoshop, the industry standard of our multimedia world.
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Physical Education and SportA Level
Physical Education and Sport
If you wish to take this subject, you should have a keen interest in sport and recreation, an enquiring mind and be participating regularly in sport outside school. As a performer, you should want to know more about the body functions and the effects of exercise and want to evaluate and improve your own and others' performance in a range of sports roles.
The course has links into many sporting subject areas at university level, and many of the skills we learn through sports can be transferred into a variety of working situations. It links well with any PE or Sports Science course.
For more information visit our dedicated page on
Physical Education and Sport -
PhysicsA Level
Physics
Physics is a very versatile qualification and can open up opportunities in a wide range of careers from the more traditional science, engineering and medical careers to financial services and journalism. Studying this course is essential for degrees in physics and engineering.
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PoliticsA Level
Politics
Politics is an excellent choice if you have an interest in current affairs and want to understand and change the world around you.
It is a highly regarded A Level which can lead to many degree courses including Politics, International Relations, History, Economics and Law.
It will not necessarily lead to a career in Politics but would provide a good foundation for students who wish to pursue a career in journalism, the Civil Service or law
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PsychologyA Level
Psychology
This course is designed for people with no previous experience of the subject and is aimed at people with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for Psychology - the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes.
A Level Psychology will give you an understanding of why people think and why people behave in certain ways. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving and many more that will prepare you for higher education. Possible career options include marketing, human resources, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, nursing and teaching.
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Religious StudiesA Level
Religious Studies
This is the most challenging and interesting subject you can study at Gumley. It will make you think and allow you to really investigate some of the biggest issues in life! In our modern world with the threat of religious extremism, it is essential to have this A Level.
Philosophy, Ethics and Theology will help you learn about issues that matter for our world today. Whatever you study at university and in every job, you will need to know about these issues.
This is an exciting and interesting subject, which goes perfectly with every other A Level.
It goes particularly well with Maths, Science, Languages, History, English, Sociology and Psychology. Universities will be pleased to see that you have taken this A Level because it shows both depth and breadth. It is a subject most connected with Philosophy.For more information visit our dedicated page on
Religious Studies -
SociologyA Level
Sociology
Sociology opens doors to a wide variety of careers such as law, criminology and marketing. It teaches you to look at the world and its structures analytically and encourages critical thinking.
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SpanishA Level
Spanish
Speaking and understanding another language is an invaluable skill, which can be useful in many ways throughout life. In the future, you will be competing for jobs on a European level and your knowledge of another language and culture will really make you stand out.
Students who have studied language at A Level go on to have careers in a variety of sectors including teaching, translating, sales and marketing, travel and tourism, journalism, fashion, work in the foreign office or secret service, interpreting and banking.
For more information visit our dedicated page on studying
Spanish