Sixth Form Subjects

This course consists of units of study which are adapted to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in a variety of sectors including biomedical sciences, nursing, sports science, forensics, lab technical work or research. Learners on the course will study five units. These will include in-depth study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading to exams, as well as coursework-based units focusing on experimental and scientific investigative skills and looking at how scientists develop and communicate ideas in modern society.

The minimum requirement to take BTEC AAQ Applied Science will be grade 5 at GCSE.

An interest in science and associated professions, as well as a commitment to hard work are required. Pupils will also need to be enthusiastic, able to organise their time effectively and work as part of a team.

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This course encourages students to develop:

• Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers
• Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and judgement
• An understanding of the relationships between art and artists and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate
• Knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in contemporary societies, and in other times and cultures.

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Biology A level is a challenging and stimulating course, building and extending the topics covered at IGCSE. Many topics are studied in great detail including ecology, cell biology, genetics, respiration, conservation and diseases.

The course includes practical work throughout the 2 year course and students attend a field trip during Year 12 allowing pupils to gain experience of studying the ecology of different habitats.

If a deeper understanding of how living things work, interact and survive interests you then A level Biology is for you. At Royal Russell we follow the OCR A level course which is a two-year linear course.

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Business A level is an exciting and challenging subject that offers real-world application insights combined with problem solving and decision-making skills. It can open doors to a wide range of careers and degrees in business, finance, marketing and management.

Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves and develop their learning by extra reading as well as listening to podcasts, watching relevant TV shows and carrying out their own research.

This qualification offers pupils an excellent insight into the fast-paced business environment and what it takes to succeed.

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Level 3 BTEC National in Business

We also offer the BTEC National in Business. This can be taken as an Extended Certificate (equivalent in value to 1 A level), or as a Diploma (equivalent in value to 2 A levels). These qualifications are graded from Pass, Merit to Distinction and there are a range of internal (coursework) and external (exam) units to complete. Students must achieve the minimum Pass grade for all units and are encouraged to achieve the highest unit grade, which is Distinction. The final grade for the BTEC National is an aggregation of performance across all units.

The BTEC National in Business qualification gives students an invaluable opportunity to develop excellent research, time management and report-writing skills, while learning an academic subject.

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Chemistry is the study of all materials and is vital to every aspect of life. From the moment of birth and throughout the whole of life, Chemistry surrounds us – in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the clothes we wear.

Many people not called ‘Chemists’ also practice Chemistry because it is the central science. Chemists extend nature to such an extent that 90% of all known substances have been created by Chemistry and would not have been known without the efforts of Chemists.

The A level course builds directly on the IGCSE. The aim of the course is twofold. Firstly, to inspire and generate future Chemists to carry on developing all those materials that make our lives comfortable. As a by-product, students will develop skills in problem solving, analysis, initiative, accuracy, numeracy and decision-making, which will make them highly sought-after in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

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Computer Science at A Level is a rigorous and rewarding subject that combines problem-solving with creativity and technical skills. Pupils follow the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) board, syllabus 9618. The course builds both theoretical understanding and practical skills in programming, systems architecture, networking and cybersecurity.

Pupils explore how digital technologies work, how they are developed, and how they impact our lives. Through hands-on programming in Python and the structured study of core computing principles, they develop the ability to design, implement, and evaluate solutions to complex real-world problems. This course is ideal for those interested in the future of technology, artificial intelligence, ethical computing, and digital innovation.

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Core Mathematics Level 3 Certificate is a practical qualification designed to help you apply maths in real-life situations you’ll encounter in further study, work and everyday life. Whether you’re analysing data or managing personal finances, the course focuses on useful, applied maths rather than abstract theory.

Unlike GCSE Maths, the Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths introduces new ideas that reflect the demands of modern study and employment, including data interpretation, financial modelling and logical estimation. It’s an ideal option if you want to keep developing your mathematical confidence without committing to a full A-Level.

The minimum requirement to take Core Maths will be grade 5 at GCSE.

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Design and Technology Product Design A level is a logical transition for students who have already found GCSE Design and Technology a success. The subject complements the Sciences or can offer a rewarding contrast to the Humanities with a broad range of futher educational possibilities.

The course aims to enhance student awareness of both function and aesthetics in design and to enable them to differentiate between well conceived and poorly conceived ideas. It offers a broad range of practical opportunities and allows students to develop their own design brief, in response to a context task set by the examination board for their coursework project.

A level Design and Technology carries on from GCSE, but because students have a broader understanding and knowledge base, it allows greater emphasis on commercial awareness and industrial design. Students will learn how industrial designers operate and will come to appreciate how an understanding of industrial manufacture leads to more effective and innovative design.

During the course, students will complete a coursework task, which is a non-exam assessment. The design context for the tasks will be set by the exam board each year and students will develop their own design brief in response to a real client need and input throughout their projects. Each project will be treated as a business proposition, requiring feasibility studies and informed decisions at every stage of development. Budget constraints, production scale, ergonomics and environmental factors will all exist as hurdles to be overcome in this exciting and creative path to a new product.

The portfolio work is supported by theory sessions, in many cases delivered through practical experiences, which relate directly to the written examination papers, sat at the end of the course.

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Studying Drama and Theatre Studies at A level allows pupils to develop themselves into competent theatrical artists and practitioners with an appreciation of theatre as a masterful art form that is integral to society and civilisation. Not only are pupils’ artistic, creative and technical skills developed, but they also gain key life skills such as confidence in presenting, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, and proficiency in problem solving and teamwork.

Drama allows pupils to become empathetic, emotionally intelligent and culturally accomplished, with an awareness of the world around them. They learn to understand and appreciate different cultural and societal contexts, which helps them become global citizens.

The syllabus aims to encourage candidates to:

• Develop their interest and enjoyment in Drama and Theatre both as participants, and as informed members of the audience
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of the significance of social, cultural and historical influences on the development of Drama and Theatre throughout history
• Experience a range of opportunities to develop a variety of practical skills, through workshops and live theatre visits whilst
• Integrate theory and practice through their understanding of critical concepts and the use of specialist terminology

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Economics is at its core a human science, concerned with human behaviour at the level of the individual to the level of society. Many economists call the subject “the study of choice” or “the study of decisions”.

Economics tries to answer many everyday questions: Why do you have to pay tuition fees for university? To what extent do consumers benefit from globalisation? Why did Apple launch their own music streaming service? Why do footballers earn more than firefighters? Why are some countries poorer than others? Why has the UK government introduced VAT on private school fees?

It’s a great subject for those with questioning minds, curious about what goes on around them.

Economics is the right subject for you if you enjoy:

• debating economic issues such as inequality, immigration and how we should pay for healthcare
• using and interpreting data to analyse economic problems
• discussing alternative courses of action
• keeping up to date with national and international trends.

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University of Cambridge IELTS Academic Module

The aim of the English as an Additional Language Department is to teach students English and to help them reach a level with which they can:

• Successfully follow their courses in other subjects
• Integrate fully into the life of the School
• Prepare for A levels and EAL examinations.

All students receiving English as an Additional Language (EAL) tuition study the grammatical and lexical systems of English and practise the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

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English Literature is a fascinating and exciting subject which teaches exceptional written as well as verbal communication skills and prepares students for an enormous range of exciting careers, such as: Marketing, Publishing, Advertising, Law, Teaching, TV and the Media and many, many more!

The course aims to teach students:

• To enjoy reading widely, independently and critically
• To explore how texts are constructed and appreciate authorial craft
• To evaluate the social, cultural and historical conditions of the time in which the text was produced
• To assess textual evidence and make confident judgements about characters, themes and wider ideas
• To express opinions and construct arguments in clear and dynamic English.
• To think outside the box, to debate ideas in lessons and to work with others in a fun, intellectually stimulating environment

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Geography A level is an exciting and dynamic course relevant to the world we live in today. It is a popular A level subject as it combines successfully with both the Humanities and Sciences. It encourages pupils to think holistically about the physical and human aspects of Geography and will develop one’s ability to collect and analyse data in scientific enquiry, to develop a range of core skills and to improve your critical thinking and decision making about current issues.

Key skills are learnt, such as:

• Environmental understanding, population pressures and climate change
• Appreciation of nature and physical landscape
• Development of team building skills when undertaking field work
• The varied roles of decision makers and how they impact on lives across the globe.

We follow the AQA exam board which covers core topics of physical and human geography and includes an individual study on a geographical investigation on the student’s choice.

The Department offers a wide range of additional opportunities including Royal Geographical Society membership, lectures, competitions and a variety of trips.

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Do you like to argue your point effectively? Do you like to solve problems? Are you inquisitive? Are you interested in why the world is how it is today? If so, then History is the subject for you.

Why is History Useful?

• History helps to develop good written and oral communication skills
• It encourages you to question everything – to analyse, evaluate and argue concisely and effectively, and to be discerning
• You will develop an understanding of motivation – what makes people think and act as they do; and of causation – the reasons why things happen
• Looking at the values of those in the past will help you to develop your own set of values.

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Mathematics is a popular choice at A level, with around 90 students studying the subject. For many students it plays a complementary role, supporting their studies in Physics, Business or other subjects. Others study Mathematics because they find it interesting, enjoyable and because they happen to be good at it.

Students will find the course challenging but stimulating. It does require consistent hard work, but opens up many future opportunities for students.

The minimum requirement to take A level Mathematics will be grade 7 at GCSE but algebraic skills need to be strong.

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A Level Media Studies is an exciting and dynamic subject which reflects on the roles that newspapers, films, television, online media, advertising and the music industry play in society.

Students can expect to learn how to analyse a wide range of media products and to create their own. The subject will appeal to creative and practical students, as well as those with an interest in the society in which they live.

The Department offers students a range of co-curricular activities. MUN TV broadcasts daily news bulletins, as well as entertainment programmes throughout the Royal Russell MUN Conference. Our students are responsible for the live production of Royal Russell Day and the marketing videos for the School, providing them with invaluable experience.

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Media BTEC at Royal Russell provides a practical and dynamic approach to learning, preparing students for work in the media industry.

Our Media BTEC course is designed to inspire and enthuse learners who are passionate about storytelling through film and other forms of digital media. We develop research and analytical skills, whilst providing hands-on experience in production, and post-production. Pupils will have access to our state-of-the-art studio which is equipped with DSLR cameras, a full lighting rig and green screen, as well as our two editing suites.

A distinctive feature of our course is the opportunity to join 1853 Productions, our in-house production company. Through this initiative, students work on real-life briefs set by local charities and businesses, gaining valuable industry experience. They will also work on internal projects, for example creating content for the School’s marketing team, and can take on media roles supporting events like Model United Nations and Royal Russell Day.

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If you are interested in languages and communication, and you enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life, these courses are suitable for you. Similarly, if you are interested in the business world, travel and tourism, literature, journalism or media, then studying a Modern Language will be of great benefit.

There are a number of opportunities within the course where you can choose topics to suit your interests. Whether you want to use language for work, for further study or for leisure, this course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Pupils will be encouraged to:

• Take part in the school exchange programme or A level trip and to organise work experience in the country of interest.
• Develop their knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE and therefore use French, German or Spanish in a wide range of contexts.
• Take advantage of the compulsory 1-to-1 sessions with the Assistants where fluency, accuracy and idiomatic expressions will be developed through personalised practice, helping you build confidence and refine your language skills.
• Broaden their understanding of another culture and explore different aspects of the French, German or Spanish society.

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Music A level provides opportunities for students to develop a range of skills, knowledge and understanding in music, embracing creative, interpretative, historical and analytical aspects of the subject. Music is also a context for personal growth through the diversity of serious study in music, and thereby promotes academic independence and self-discipline, broadens intellectual and emotional responses, stimulates critical discrimination and heightens social and cultural awareness.

It is expected that students will be continuing one-to-one music tuition throughout the A level course, and that they will have a knowledge of Music Theory up to Grade 5 standard.

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The Music Technology course has a distinctly different focus from the Music A level course. Topics covered include music recording and production techniques, sound and audio technology and how the development of technology changed with and influenced popular music. If you’re more Pharrell Williams than John Williams, this could be the course for you!

During the course, students learn to how produce their own recordings and compositions using advanced features of Logic Pro® in both the computer suite and the recording studio. Students will also build an understanding of the technical processes and principles that underpin effective use of music technology and learn about the development of popular music from the early 20th century through to the present day.

This course will be particularly well-suited to students who are already performing, writing or producing their own music.

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Photography is offered as an Art and Design A level endorsement.

Through themes such as portraiture, landscape, still life and documentary, students will have the opportunity to develop personal responses creating work using a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. Students are taught both traditional and new technologies building up a portfolio of artwork.

We have skilled, highly trained staff and good facilities for delivering the subject successfully. The course is very exciting, allowing students the opportunities to:

• Explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of Photography
• Respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea
• Discover appreciation of viewpoint, composition, depth of field and other photographic techniques
• Be able to discern appropriate use of camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting.

During the course, students are exposed to how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed using photography, the historical and contemporary development and different styles and genres.

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The aim of Physics is to understand the basic principles which govern how the universe works, right from the sub-atomic particle through to distant galaxies. Physics is the foundation of all modern science and technology. It is for people who like to ask searching questions such as:

• What are we made of?
• What is light?
• How does gravity work?

It is for the curious and for people with imagination. You will develop your Mathematical and practical skills as well as learning problem solving strategies. Physics goes particularly well with Mathematics, but it also links well with other Sciences, Geography and Computer Science.

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In a world that is increasingly unstable and a global order that is subject to radical change, understanding politics can help us to make sense of the chaos that currently surrounds us and explore different ideas on how we can build a better future.

If you enjoy lively debates and are prepared to defend your ideas whilst challenging the ideas of others, then Politics is for you. In Year 12, students study UK Politics and UK Government, alongside Political Ideas. In Year 13, our focus shifts to the Government and Politics of the USA.

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Empowering minds for today and tomorrow!

Benefits of doing RS A Level:

Prepare for university:

• Gain an edge in humanities and social science subjects.
• Build textual analysis and critical thinking skills.
• Develop academic essay writing skills.

Unlock diverse career paths:

• Open doors to teaching, charity, and equality, diversity and inclusion jobs.
• Find opportunities in a variety of other careers from law to business.
• Understand people from diverse backgrounds and handle respectful disagreements.

Empower your journey

• Develop essential life skills for the workplace and beyond.
• Deepen empathy and adaptability for personal growth.
• Justify your views and challenge assumptions effectively.

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At Royal Russell School you can opt to do the following sports courses:

• Level 3 BTEC National Sport Extended Diploma – Equivalent to 1 A Level
• Level 3 BTEC National Sport Diploma – Equivalent to 2 A Levels

These courses can be combined with a choice of A Levels to fullfill your 6th form learning requirements of 3 subjects.  If choosing to the do Extended Certificate you will complete 2 additional A Level, where as if completing the Diploma you will complete 1 additional A Level.

The BTEC Sport course is a modular and students complete a number of units which are a combination of External assessed exams and internal assessed coursework’s throughout the course.  During this time students present their work in a number of formats including practical demonstrations, presentations and role play as well as scientific reports and video recordings.

The course provides individuals with a hands-on approach to their learning of sport which provides direct transferable skills to university and the working environment. It also allows for a practical, real-world approach to the subject without sacrificing any of the essential subject theory. This is a fantastic opportunity to study sport and explore the in-depth aspects of how we can improve performance from an elite level perspective.

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Psychology is an increasingly popular subject, which provides a link between the social and natural sciences by studying aspects of the human mind and behaviour.

Students follow the AQA Psychology A level course, which is taken over two years. The first year of the A level course provides a broad-based introduction to many of the fascinating topics in Psychology. In the second year, the course builds on prior learning and covers a range of new topics in depth for those wishing to further develop their interest and enjoyment in this exciting area of study.

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