A-Levels
Why study A-Levels at Lanchester Sixth Form Centre?
Studying A Levels is an ideal route if you want to progress into higher education or employment. At our Sixth Form Centre in Lanchester, we offer a wide range of A Level subjects, allowing you a great deal of choice. Students usually study a maximum of 4 subjects at A Level.
AS and A Levels
GCE A Levels are based on a six unit qualification, three of these units make up an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level, which is the first year or the first half of an A Level. The other three units are known as A2, making up the second half, which is studied in the second year. Therefore, AS and A2, when combined, make a full A Level qualification, although an AS Level is a stand-alone qualification in its own right.
Entry Requirements
To study an A Level programme you will need at least 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, to include English Language, plus Mathematics or Science. However, certain subjects do have special entry requirements.
Please note that Sport and Science subjects will be taught at the Consett Campus.
We also offer a range of advanced BTEC National Certificate/Diploma courses at the Consett Campus, which houses specialist facilities for vocational courses.
AS/A2 Level - Subject Information
Accounting -
AS -
A2
Finance is an important part of most jobs in most organisations. This
course covers the fundamental aspects of business accounting, for
example, the preparation of accounts and the monitoring of results, for
sole traders, partnerships, clubs and societies and limited companies.
Biology - AS -
A2
This subject will give you an understanding of how Biology influences
our everyday lives in many ways - from applications in industry and
medicine, advances in technology and forensics, to appreciation of the
diversity of our ecosystems. There will be opportunities to develop
practical skills and also discuss ethical and moral issues.
Business Studies -
AS -
A2
Business Studies will give you a broad understanding of business
operations. The course focuses on key areas of business, such as
marketing and finance, as well as operations and people management.
Chemistry -
AS -
A2
This subject will give you a general introduction to chemical
principles, allowing you to develop and enhance practical and
theoretical chemical skills. Modules include atomic structure,
energetics and kinetics.
English Language/Literature -
AS only
This course offers an accessible and lively approach to the study of
English. Developed in consultation with teachers and professional
organisations, the combined AS English Language and Literature
offers new and exciting approaches to the teaching and learning of
English, meeting the differing needs of a range of student
abilities.
Geography -
AS -
A2
Understanding the landscape that we see around us is an informative and
interesting experience. This course covers topics such as the changing
urban landscape, ecosystems, hydrology and weather studies, developing
your knowledge of the world we live in.
History -
AS -
A2
This interesting subject concentrates on historical issues in the last
century, although you can study specific topics of interest to you. You
will study historical events and personalities and discover how they
relate to the modern world.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) -
AS only
Modules on the ICT course cover the role of information in a modern day
society, its management and the way in which it is manipulated.
Practical elements of the course are connected using industry standard
software in order to deliver a task driven approach to problem solving
and decision making.
Mathematics -
AS -
A2
Studying Mathematics will increase your problem solving skills and
enable you to acquire more knowledge about mathematical concepts and
techniques - improving your power of logical thought. Topics include
pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics.
Physical Education and Sport -
AS -
A2
This subject will allow you to develop an understanding of the factors
influencing sports performance and the ability to apply these to a range
of physical activities. You will also develop an appreciation of social,
moral and cultural issues, which affect participation and performance in
the modern day sporting world.
Physics - AS -
A2
Physics is a wide and diverse field of expertise. On this course you
will study physical phenomena, encompassing centuries or research.
Topics range from traditional studies in electricity to developing
fields, such as particle physics, quantum phenomena, satellite and
fibre-optic communication.
Psychology -
AS -
A2
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. You will study
a range of psychological topics, such as gender and social and
cognitive/learning concepts. Studying this subject can lead to
specialist areas, including psychopathology, criminal or child
psychology.
Sociology -
AS -
A2
Sociology is the study of societies and looks at how people live, behave
and work together in groups. Sociology teaches you to question the world
around you - topics include, the family and households, education,
health and religion. You will learn skills, such as evaluation of
theories, essay technique and research methodology.
