Subjects We Offer
Subjects available
Follow the links below for detailed information from each department: including departmental handouts available here or from our staff at Open Evenings when they'll be pleased to answer your questions.
We expect to offer the following subjects next year, subject to staffing and demand. Follow the links for detailed information about each subject.
*These subjects can be studied at Advanced Level without any prior qualification in the subject
AS/A-Levels
- There are two parts to each A-level qualification. An AS (Advanced Subsidiary) qualification is taken at the end of the first year and an A2 (full A-level) qualification is taken at the end of the second year.
- Most full A-levels are made up of four modules of which the first two lead to the AS qualification. 50% of the marks for the full A-level are awarded to the AS qualification.
- It is possible to take an AS qualification without going on to complete the full A-level.
- An AS-level pass is awarded a grade from A to E.
- An A-level pass is awarded a grade from A* to E.
- The A* grade will be awarded to candidates who achieve an A at AS level and exceed 90% in the A2 units.
- Subjects available
Applied AS/A Levels
- There is a six module single award equivalent to one A-level.
- A three module course leading to a single AS qualification is also available
- An AS-level pass is awarded a grade from A to E.
- An A-level pass is awarded a grade from A* to E.
- Subjects available
What qualifications do I need to start on A-level courses?
- You will need a minimum of five GCSE passes at grace C, from four different subjects areas. This must include a grade C or higher in English GCSE.
- For A-levels in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics a grade C in GCSE Mathematics is also required.
- For sciences and mathematics A/AS levels you will need to have achieved a grade C at the higher tier of study in the appropriate GCSE subjects.
- Courses 'equivalent to GCSE' will be accepted only at the college's discretion.
How many subjects will I take ?
In the first year your programme of study will consist of:
- four AS-levels (or 3 AS-levels and a GCSE resit)
- Enrichment
- Tutorial support
- Example timetables
In the second year, it will be:
- three or four A-levels
- General Studies A-level
- Enrichment
- Tutorial support
You will be expected to devote about sixteen hours a week to private study. A very small number of students take five A/AS-level subjects.
Choosing your subjects
Try to choose subjects that you enjoy and which make a sensible combination for any career you may have in mind. Our experienced Careers staff can advise you.
AS/A-Level General Studies
All students have the opportunity to take the AS and A-level General Studies examinations, in their second year, which test general knowledge, thinking and communication skills. We provide preparation classes to cover the broad syllabus, which the vast majority of students pass and thus obtain an extra qualification, useful for gaining admission to university or employment.
GCSE re-sit in Mathematics
This is a one-year course to help students achieve at least a C grade.
ICT Skills
A large number of IT courses are available to all students as part of the college’s enrichment programme to complement their Advanced courses of study. We aim to ensure that a high percentage of students are proficient in IT before leaving the college. OCR examinations in Text Production, Word Processing, Mailmerge, Legal Text Processing plus others at Levels I, II and III are held throughout the year.
Extended Project
The Extended Project offers students an opportunity to develop essential skills for higher education and the workplace, in a subject area of their own choice. It is a personal study over which they can exercise control. They can explore further an interest arising from their A-level subjects or a topic, for which they have a personal passion. This level of choice and flexibility means students are engaged and motivated and they gain valuable research, project management and communication skills.
The assessment covers both the process and the end product. The end product is usually a written report, a completed log book and a presentation. Students are assessed on how well they identify and use resources, carry out research, develop their ideas to realise an outcome and then reflect on the outcome and the process.
Greenhead students have been part of the very successful AQA pilot study and we are pleased to be leading the way on this exciting new qualification. Join us!
