Course Options
At HSAEL, our 16-19 study programme is designed to provide students with a strcutured and challenging leardning program that supports their development and progression in line with ambitious career plans. Our study programmes combine:
- Substantial qualifications that stretch students and prepare them for education at the next level
- English and maths, where students have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4
- Work experience to give students the opportunity to develop their career choices and apply their skills in real working conditions
- other non-qualification activity to develop students' character, broader skills, attitudes and confidence and support progression
Our programme of study exceeds the minimum requirements of hours per year. Our A Level students have minimum of 585 hours per year in their regular lessons. We also support their study programme by timetabling an extra 330 hours of Independent Study Periods to ensure students are able to complete further tasks to in order to prepare them best for further education.
A-level Subjects
All students must take A-level mathematics and one of the sciences i.e. either physics, chemistry, biology or computer science A-level. Each student must then choose two other A-levels from the complete list outlined below. So each student will start Year 12 studying a total of four A-levels.
A Level Mathematics
Mathematics is compulsory for all pupils studying at the Sixth Form. The A-level is perhaps the single defining feature of a well educated student at the school. Having A-level mathematics increases the breadth of degree courses to which you can apply. It should be viewed as essential to have A-level Mathematics if you wish to pursue a degree in the sciences or engineering.
Please note: This is a linear course with all the papers being sat in the summer of Year 13.
Subject content
General Themes
OT1: Mathematical argument, language and proof
OT2: Mathematical problem solving
OT3: Mathematical modelling
Pure Mathematics
A: Proof
B: Algebra and functions
C: Coordinate geometry in the ( x , y ) plane
D: Sequences and series
E: Trigonometry
F: Exponentials and logarithms
G: Differentiation
H: Integration
I: Numerical methods
Mechanics
J: Vectors
P: Quantities and units in mechanics
Q: Kinematics
R: Forces and Newton’s laws
S: Moments
Statistics
K: Statistical sampling
L: Data presentation and interpretation
M: Probability
N: Statistical distributions
O: Statistical hypothesis testing
Scheme of Assessment
- Paper 1 Pure Mathematics; 2 hours; 100 marks; 33% of total
- Paper 2 Mechanics; 2 hours; 100 marks; 33% of total
- Paper 3 Statistics; 2 hours; 100 marks; 33% of total
Other Subject Options:
A-level Further Mathematics
Further Mathematics is the perfect compliment to A-level Physics. The specification develops a mathematical treatment of fundamental ideas in Physics and should be seen as a way of preparing for a degree in Physics or Engineering. Obviously, any true mathematician should study Further Mathematics as this course gives the breadth and depth necessary to take the subject seriously at university.
Please note: This is a linear course with all the papers being sat in the summer of Year 13.
A-level Physics
The great thing about the AQA Physics specification is the choice of option papers available to study. This is the last A-level board to keep this optional element in the course. As such, it is for the true physicist and is a brilliant preparation for degree level physics as well as giving the chance for engineers to specialise prior to starting a degree.
Please note: This is a linear course with all the papers being sat in the summer of Year 13.
A-level Chemistry
A-level Biology
A-level Computer Science
A-level Latin
A-level English literature
A-level History
A-level Economics
A-level Geography
A-level Art
A-level Philosophy
