A Levels
Biology
Biology is the study of all living things. At A Level, students look at how individual molecules interact with each other, how they form tissues, organs and organisms and how these organisms interact with their environment on a global scale. Studying biology will develop an understanding of the living world and enable the student to explore the applications and implications of this living science.
To succeed in A Level Biology, a sound understanding of the concepts covered in GCSE Combined or Triple Science is needed. It does not matter whether GCSE Combined Science or GCSE separate Sciences has been studied
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However, it is recommended that students have a grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths and a grade 6-6 or above in Combined Science (or grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology).
Topics studied include:
✒ Molecules, Diet, Cardiovascular System and Health
✒ Cells and Development
✒ Biodiversity and Conservation
✒ Energy and the Environment
✒ Microbiology and Immunity
✒ Respiration and Internal Environment
✒ Coordination and Gene Technology
There are also various core practicals that students carry out to develop their scientific working skills in Biology.
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All of these topics will be assessed through a series of six examinations, 3 of which may be taken at the end of Year 12 to attain an AS level in Biology.
Business Studies
Interested in Business? Like to be your own boss? Make your own money? Not be answerable to employers? Starting your own business is one of the many routes you can take if you study this subject. We talk a lot about how individuals and organisations have made their money, how they capitalise on consumers' shopping behaviour and preferences and where some of even the biggest brands have made irreparable mistakes!
The course is made up of two year’s worth of study, consisting of 4 themes.
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Marketing and People, Managing Business Activities, Business Decisions and Strategy, and Global Business.
What makes this course different from other Business Studies subjects is the importance of context, which is seamed into every lesson, and helps the student to understand the theory using real life examples. The text books for the course have many ‘Real Business Cases’ for this reason and makes constant reference (along with the teacher!) to relevant and actual examples of business situations.
There are no assignments or long essays during this course – there are 4 final exams at the end of the two years, after a lot of in-depth preparation and practice. Each exam takes 2 hours and final grades will be given based on the collective result of all four, final exams.
Students get the chance to continually demonstrate their knowledge and show off their skills throughout the course in various ways – such as verbal discussion, classroom mini-tests and written work.
English
During the two year course, students study a wide range of fiction (play, novel and poetry) and non-fiction texts. Students study analyse and explore these within the contexts that they are produced and read.
They prepare to respond to unseen texts, which they compare with texts they have previously studied. For the coursework component, students also produce creative responses to studied texts, accompanied by their own commentary on how they link to the stimulus.
It is a varied and interesting course that combines the key elements of traditional language and literature.
The aims and objectives of the AS and A Level in English Language and Literature are to enable students to:
✒ develop and apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation.
✒ develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language.
✒ use linguistic and literary approaches in their reading and interpretation of texts, showing how the two disciplines can relate to each other.
✒ engage creatively and critically with a wide range of texts.
✒ explore the ways in which texts relate to each other and the contexts in which they are produced and received.
✒ develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language.
✒ undertake independent and sustained studies to develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language.
French
Who never wanted to learn French, a rich, melodious language?
Do you want to travel through a cultural journey into the world of fashion, gastronomy, the arts and music?
Come and learn French with us!
Did you know that French is spoken by more than 300 millions people on 5 continents? Learning French will give you the opportunity to open up to wider cultures.
French is also one of the official languages of international organisations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, Unesco, OECD.
Speaking French will give you access to renowned French universities and business schools, ranked among the highest in Europe and will allow you to work internationally, where a knowledge of French is required.
Speaking French will offer employment opportunities in all francophone countries (70 states including Canada, Switzerland, Seychelles …). French is an easy language to learn.
Enjoy speaking and reading within weeks with the principles of it. French is a good base for learning other languages such as Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.
Media Studies
​Students of A Level Media Studies will develop the practical media skills, techniques and processes relevant to a work-related, client-orientated context.
They will gain an understanding of media products, services and audiences and an insight into the working practices of, and constraints on, media professionals.
l support further study in any subject area.
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In a world where information and communication technology (ICT) is constantly changing, individuals increasingly need technological and information literacy skills, which include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data.​
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. If you are interested in understanding the complexity of human nature, then Psychology will give you an insight into how and why people behave in certain ways.
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During these topics you will develop an understanding of research skills and be required to conduct your own practical studies. As such it is useful for students to have sound numerical and scientific skills.
Students are also recommended to have at least a 5 in Psychology, if taken, or a similar essay-based subject at GCSE.
Topics covered include:
✒ Social Psychology
✒ Cognitive Psychology
✒ Biological Psychology
✒ Learning Theories
✒ Developmental Psychology
✒ Criminal or Health Psychology
✒ Clinical Psychology and Psychological Skills
All of these topics will be assessed through a series of four examinations; two of which may be taken at the end of Year 12 to attain an AS level in Psychology.
Spanish
Spanish is one of the fastest growing languages in the world. This means that learning the language will lead you to brilliant travel experiences and the possibility of overseas job opportunities. This course will help you to get an A Level which improve your CV and widen your personal and professional horizons.
The Modern Foreign Languages Department at Emerald Sixth Form has very committed teachers, who will help you to improve your skills in all aspects of the Spanish language and culture.
In the Spanish classroom, you will feel welcome and you will enjoy the whole learning process experience. A good and relaxed environment is the key that opens the door to Spanish in the school.
You will receive individual and personalised support to help you during your course.
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Teachers at Emerald are committed to a personal, individual learning approach for each student. They will assess your level and will guide you to success in your Spanish AS and A Level examinations.