Sixth Form Subjects

We spend a lot of time preparing our students for university, but ultimately we’re preparing them for life; and we hope that when they leave here, our students will continue to dream the biggest dreams, and not settle for second best.

Students select four Advanced Subsidiary level subjects in Year 12 with a view to carrying on with three of these subjects in the final year, Year 13. The four subjects are selected from option groups covering a wide range including all the traditional subjects as well as more contemporary ones. Each group of subjects is carefully considered to reflect the changing views and requirements from Universities and so ensure students have a breadth of study at this level.

 

 

Subjects offered at A level include:

English Literature	Mathematics	Chemistry	Biology
Physics	Economics	Psychology	ICT
Business Studies	History	Media Studies	Global Perspectives &Research
Geography	French.

Many other subject Options shall be considered based on Students interest and our strategic vision

 

• Mathematics

Advanced Level in Mathematics

Why choose Cambridge International AS and A Level Mathematics?
Cambridge International AS and A Level Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of mathematical knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates gain lifelongskills, including:

• a deeper understanding of mathematical principles
• the further development of mathematical skills including the use of applications of mathematics in the context of everyday situations and in other subjects that they may be studying
• the ability to analyse problems logically, recognising when and how a situation may be represented mathematically
• the use of mathematics as a means of communication
• a solid foundation for further study.

The syllabus gives the flexibility to choose from three different routes to:

AS Level in Mathematics:-

• Pure Mathematics only or
• Pure Mathematics and Mechanics or
• Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics.

Students can choose from three different routes to:

A-Level in Mathematics (A2) depending on the choice of:

• Mechanics or
• Probability&Statistics or
• Both, in the broad area of ‘applications’.

Prior learning

We recommend that candidates who are beginning this course should have previously completed a Cambridge O Level or Cambridge IGCSE course in Mathematics or the equivalent.

Progression

Cambridge International A Level Mathematics provides a suitable foundation for the study of Mathematics or related courses in higher education

• Biology

Advanced Level in Biology

Studying AS/A2 Biology

At both levels the students build up a file from their course that is based on practical work in the laboratory and theory that is obtained through research projects, tutorial and lecture style learning. A wide variety of resources are available for the students use from ICT, Standard CIE endorsed A level Biology textbooks, Biological Sciences Review and New Scientist magazines. The former is specifically aimed at students studying the subject at this level.

Studying the subject at this level is extremely useful for students wishing to pursue a wide range of biologically orientated University degrees such as Medicine, Dentistry, Environmental Science, Optometry, Pharmacy, Vetenary Science and Biotechnology. Experience has shown that it provides an advantage in terms of knowledge for the first year of undergraduate study. It is also a good choice of a third or forth AS/A2 for non-science students.

Syllabus Content

At AS level the following topics are covered in the syllabus:

Cell Structure, Biological Molecules, Enzymes, Cell Membranes/Transport, Cell/Nuclear Division, Genetic Control, Transport, Gas Exchange, Infectious Disease, Immunity and Ecology.

At A2 level the following topics are covered:

Energy/respiration, Photosynthesis, Regulation/control, Inherited Change, Selection and Evolution, Biodiversity, Gene Technology, Biotechnology, Crop Plants,  Aspects of Human Reproduction.

 

Assessment

The table below outlines the scheme of assessment

Level	Paper number and Type	Duration	Style
AS	Paper 1 MCQ	1h	40 questions choose from A, B, C, or D
AS	Paper 2	1h 15m	Short structured questions
AS	Paper 3 Practical	2h	Recording and analyzing data
A2	Paper 4	2h	Short structured questions and one free response
A2	Paper 5	1h 15m	Planning, analysis and evaluation of experiments. Two compulsory questions.

 

• Physics

Advanced Level in Physics

Studying the subject to the full A-level is essential for students wishing to pursue piloting or degree courses in Engineering, Architecture or related areas. The AS-level is highly recommended for a wide range of Science based disciplines, including Medicine.

Scheme of Assessment

Most pupils sit three papers at the end of both Year 12 and 13 but gifted pupils are eligible to sit one paper early in January. This arrangement reduces the exam load for the June session and provides opportunity for re-sitting individual papers if students wish to improve.

The table below outlines the scheme of assessment

Level	Unit	Unit Content	Duration	AS / A2 Weighting	GCE Weighting
AS	6PH01	Mechanics and Materials	1hr 30 mins	40%	20%
AS	6PH02	Waves, Electricity and Light	1hr 30 mins	40%	20%
AS	6PH07	Alternative to Practical	1 hr 20 mins	20%	10%
A2	6PH04	Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles	1hr 35 mins	40%	20%
A2	6PH05	Oscillations, Thermal Physics, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology	1 hr 35 mins	40%	20%
A2	6PH08	Alternative to Practical	1 hr 20 mins	20%	10%

The AS and A2 courses are designed to build on knowledge acquired at IGCSE and in earlier modules.

Advanced Level in Mathematics

Why choose Cambridge International AS and A Level Mathematics?

Cambridge International AS and A Level Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of mathematical knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates gain life long skills, including:

• A deeper understanding of mathematical principles
• The further development of mathematical skills including the use of applications of mathematics in the context of everyday situations and in other subjects that they may be studying
• The ability to analyse problems logically, recognising when and how a situation may be represented mathematically
• The use of mathematics as a means of communication
• A solid foundation for further study.

The syllabus gives the flexibility to choose from three different routes to:

AS Level in Mathematics:-

Pure Mathematics only or

Pure Mathematics and Mechanics or

Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics.

Students can choose from three different routes to:

A-Level in Mathematics (A2) depending on the choice of:

Mechanics or

Probability & Statistics or

both, in the broad area of ‘applications’.

Prior learning

We recommend that candidates who are beginning this course should have previously completed a Cambridge IGCSE course in Mathematics or the equivalent.

Progression

Cambridge International A Level in Mathematics provides a suitable foundation for the study of Mathematics or related courses in higher education.

• Chemistry

Advanced Level in Chemistry

Chemistry is a vital subject for those students wishing to pursue a career in the medical industry.  However the aims of this syllabus make Chemistry a versatile and useful subject for a wide range of applications, both everyday and career orientated.

Throughout the Sixth Form programme we try to teach the subject as practically as possible. Chemistry is studied to AS and A2 level with Cambridge examinations at the end of the course.

AS & A2 Chemistry Syllabus

Syllabus Details

Students, TBIS study the Cambridge General Certificate of Education International Advanced (A2) Level and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Syllabus.

In the first year (AS Level) the following areas are studied:

Physical Chemistry	Inorganic Chemistry	Organic Chemistry
Atoms, Molecules and Stoichiometry;	Chemical Periodicity;	Introductory Topics
Atomic Structure;	Group II	Hydrocarbons
Chemical Bonding;	Group VII	Halogen Derivatives
States of Matter;	Nitrogen and Sulphur	Hydroxy Compounds
Chemical Energetics;		Carbonyl Compounds
Electrochemistry;		Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives
Equilibria;		Polymerisation
Reaction Kinetics.

Chemistry Practicals

In the second year (A2 Level) the above areas are studied to greater depth and the following areas are added:
Group IV; Transition Elements; Arenes and Nitrogen Compounds.
In addition, students study three Applications of Chemistry:

• Chemistry of Life
• Applications of Analytical Chemistry
• Design and Materials

AS candidates are required to enter for Papers 1, 2 and 3.
A2 candidates are required to enter for Papers 4 and 5.
A Level candidates are required to enter for Papers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

 

• ICT

Information and Communication Technology

The first five aims apply to a course in Applied Information and Communication Technology for the Advanced Subsidiary Level GCE examination.

The aims are to encourage candidates to:

1. Develop a broad range of ICT skills and be aware of new and emerging technologies
2. Develop an understanding of the parts, uses and applications of ICT systems within a range of organisations, including the use of basic computer networks
3. Develop an understanding of how ICT systems affect society in general
4. Develop an understanding of the main systems life cycle and apply this understanding to workplace situations
5. Develop a broad knowledge of the uses of ICT in workplace situations; candidates can then progress to learn more in ICT-related fi elds, and can progress from Cambridge International AS to A Level.

The additional aims of the Advanced Level GCE curriculum in Applied Information and Communication Technology encourage candidates to:

• Apply their knowledge and understanding of ICT and use these skills in workplace situations
• Develop an understanding of the parts, uses and applications of ICT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a range of computer networks
• Develop an understanding of project management skills and other problem solving skills.

The two assessment objectives in Applied Information and Communication Technology are:

A: Knowledge and understanding

B: Practical skills

A description of each assessment objective follows.

A: Knowledge and understanding

At Cambridge International AS Level, candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The functions and uses of the main hardware and software components of ICT systems, including portable communication systems;
• The ways in which organisations use ICT;
• The impact on society of the use of ICT in the home;
• The stages of the systems life cycle and the methods used within each of these stages;
• ICT and computing terminology.

At Cambridge International A Level, candidates should be able to demonstrate all the knowledge and understanding from Cambridge International AS Level, and extend their knowledge and understanding of:

• The ways in which a wide range of organisations use ICT;
• The impact on society of the use of a wide range of online applications;
• The networking of information-processing systems and the use of online services.

B: Practical Skills

At Cambridge International AS Level, candidates should be able to:

• Select the right software for the task;
• Communicate effectively with other ICT users using email and search for appropriate information using the internet;
• Prepare, create, amend and edit documents and interactive presentations;
• Create both file and relational database structures, add data, check the data entry, perform searches, reorganise data by sorting and present calculated values based on the data;
• Create graphs and charts;
• Integrate data from several sources;
• Output data in different forms;
• Create and test a data model using a spreadsheet, extract and summarise data in a variety of forms.

At Cambridge International A Level, candidates should be able to fulfill all of the practical skills from Cambridge International AS Level and:

• Create a mail merged document using a word processor and data handling package;
• Create an automated procedure which enables a user to select both the required document and the data to merge it with;
• Output data in different forms.
• Business Studies

Advanced Level in Business Studies

Why study Cambridge International AS and A Level in Business?

The study of Cambridge International AS and A Level Business allows learners to take the first step towards a career in private or public organisations or progress with confidence to a degree in business and management related subjects.

About the syllabus

Cambridge learners will develop:

• The capacity to analyse characteristics and activities of business organisations and how they respond to the changing demands of their environments
• An understanding of how effective managers and leaders develop successful organisations in terms of customer focus and the products/services they offer
• The opportunity to reflect on how successful business organisations engage in financial and accounting practices to maximise value for stakeholders value
• Development of knowledge that relates to strategic planning and decision-making to ensure business survival, change, and sustainable success
• A solid foundation for further study.

Key concepts

The key concepts on which this syllabus is built are set out below. These key concepts can help students think about how to approach each syllabus topic in order to encourage learners to make links between topics and develop a deep overall understanding of the subject.

As a student, you will refer again and again to these concepts, which can serve as guiding principles when considering both familiar and unfamiliar business issues and contexts.

• Change is the only constant. Exciting new enterprises are often created in response to economic, cultural or technological changes. Existing businesses must adapt to change if they are to survive and grow.
• Management is relevant to every person in a business. Good leadership, strong motivation in workers, effective systems and clear communication are hallmarks of successful businesses.
• Customer focus means a business will design and produce goods and services that people want to buy. Customers provide the revenue which sustains a business. Successful businesses really understand their customers and strive to provide products that their customers love.
• Innovation enables a business to re-invent itself and stay ahead of the competition. The business world is dynamic and companies must seek to innovate through product development, more efficient processes and finding better ways ‘to do business’.
• Creating value is the core reason why any organisation exists. Effective organisations aim to maximize stakeholder value. For most businesses this will be about maximising shareholder value, but social enterprises will also have other, non-financial, aims. Stakeholders also need to measure the value that is created.
• Strategy is about knowing where you are, where you want to get to and how you are going to get there. Managers need to think about, decide on and put into action major long term plans – such as buying another business, entering a new market or developing a new technology.

Topics

Business and its environment,

People in organisations

Marketing

Operations and project management

Finance and accounting

Strategic management

Assesment

For Cambridge International AS and A Level Business, candidates:

• Take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) or
• Follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one series, then Paper 3 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series or
• Take Papers 1, 2 and 3 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.

• Economics

Advanced Level in Economics

Economics is the study of how people make choices as individuals and in groups. Economic models are used to examine choice in all forms of social interactions-including but not limited to business, politics, international relations, workplace, family, schools, and criminal activities. In Economics you’ll look at the fundamental forces which affect our lives, such as employment, prices, international trade and poverty. Economists are often in healthy debate with each other over these issues. It is this controversy which makes Economics lively and interesting and which allows you the opportunity to make your own judgements and form your own opinions.

Course content

International Advanced Level in Economics. (IAL)

Key features

AS Economics has two compulsory units:

Unit 1: Markets in Action

This unit provides an introduction to the nature of economics and examines how the price mechanism allocates resources in local, national and global markets. Students should be able to apply supply and demand analysis to real-world situations, and be able to suggest reasons for consumer behaviour. They should analyse the nature and causes of market failure and also understand the strengths and weaknesses of possible policy remedies.

Unit 2: Macroeconomic Performance and Policy

This unit introduces the key measures of economic performance and the main objectives and instruments of economic policy in an international context. Students should be able to use a basic AD/AS model to analyse changes in real output and the price level. Students will understand when demand and/or supply side policies may be appropriate ways of improving an economy’s performance; consider these policies in an historical context; predict the possible impact of such policies and recognise the assumptions involved. Students should understand different approaches which may be used by policy makers to address macroeconomic problems and to identify criteria for success.

A2 Economics has two compulsory units

Unit 3: Business Behaviour

This unit develops the content of Unit 1 and examines how pricing and the nature of competition between firms is affected by the number and size of market participants. At the end of this unit, students should be able to analyse and evaluate the pricing and output decisions of firms in different contexts and understand the role of competition in business decision making. They should also be capable of making an appraisal of government intervention aimed at promoting competitive markets.

Unit 4: Developments in the Global Economy

This unit develops the knowledge and skills gained in Unit 2. The application, analysis and evaluation of economic models is required as well as an ability to assess policies which might be used to deal with economic problems. An awareness of trends and developments in the global economy over the last 40 years, including contemporary issues, is required. Wider reading and research will enable students to use up to date and relevant examples in their analysis and evaluation of issues and developments in the global economy.

 

• Art
• French
• Global Perspectives & Research
• Geography

Advanced Level in Geography

AS Geography Course – Year 12

The AS Course is split into two parts – Physical and Human Geography. Usually the course is taught by two teachers, one teaching the Physical and the other the Human Geography, with an equal amount of teaching time assigned to each.
What are the Main Elements of the Course?

AS Level Physical Core

• Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology
• Rocks and weathering
• Atmosphere and Weather

AS Level Human Core

• Population Change
• Settlement Dynamics

The assessment at AS Level is one 3 Hour Exam, with 1hr 30mins for Physical questions and 1hr 30mins for Human question. This includes some essay style questions.

A2 Level in Geography Course – Year 13

The A2 Level Course again is made up of an equal split of Physical and Human Geography, however Units studied are more specific and in depth. As a Geography Department we choose the following selection of units to study from a range provided by the exam board.

A2 Level in Advanced Physical Geography Units

Coastal Environments

• Wave and marine processes
• Coastal landforms of cliffed and constructive coasts
• Coral reefs
• Sustainable management of coasts

Hazardous Environments

• Hazardous environments resulting from crustal movement
• Hazardous environments resulting from mass movements
• Hazard resulting from atmospheric disturbances
• Sustainable management in hazardous environments

A2 Level in Advanced Human Geography Units

Global Interdependence

• Trade flows and trading patterns
• Causes of Debt crisis
• The development of international tourism
• The management of tourist destination

Environmental Management

• Sustainable energy supplies
• The management of energy supply
• Environmental degradation
• The management of a degraded environment

How is A2 Level in Geography assessed?
The assessment at A2 Level is two 1 Hour 30 min Exams. One exam on the Physical Geography Units and the other on the Human Geography Units. Essay Style Questions are prefferd.

• History

Advanced Level in History

At the A/AS Level, History is a challenging subject that encourages intellectual development.  It involves the interpretation and evaluation of events of the past, with an aim to understand our future.  The topics studied offer a particular thrill to the investigative mind and stimulate the development of knowledge and understanding of our political and socio-economic world.

Syllabus Content

Study leads to Cambridge International Examinations in May /June.

At AS Level students will study European History from 1789 to 1945    

Specific topics are as follows:  

• Origins of World War I -Evaluation of Documents (this is a compulsory topic.)
• The French Revolution
• Industrial Revolution
• Rise of Nationalism
• New Imperialism
• Russian Revolution
• Totalitarianism

At A2 Level the student will study International History from 1945 to 1991. 

Specific topics are as follows:

• The Work and Design of the United Nations – Evaluation of documents -this is a compulsory topic.
• The Origins of the Cold War
• The Globalisation of the Cold War – Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, Afghanistan, Iran, the Arab-Israeli Conflict and Cold War effects and influences;
• Crisis of Communism:  USSR and China Nuclear Arms Race;
• Development of the International Economy

Examinations

Students will sit one paper each year.
The questions test their ability to assess reasons for cause and consequence; change and effects on
the world that lead to new political, economic and social development.  The students also develop an understanding of the factors that have formed the nations of the world today and which have molded present day politics.

What can a student gain from History?

This is a subject that develops analytical skills and confidence in expression and fluency of ideas.  History also encourages the mind to appreciate world views and attitudes and prepares students for citizenship and future careers in many fields.  Among these are Communication, Law, Journalism, Archaeology, Development Studies, Politics and Government, International Relations and even Military Science, to name a few.

Universities encourage the study of History for certain courses as it enables aspiring academicians
to gain a foundation in analytical and evaluative studies that require interested minds and motivated researchers.