Science and Mathematical Subjects

Biology

Biology can be used as a route to many different university courses and opens up a wide range of future careers including teaching, veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, pathology, nursing and dentistry. Biology can supplement Chemistry and Physics, but also works well with studying other subjects such as History or English.

Our Biology course involves a high proportion of practical work in the laboratory. Students also enjoy a wide variety of lectures and visits to gain wider experience of developments in the subject.
In Year 13 Biology students have a two day field trip to Epping Forest which has proved to be extremely popular and also useful for university application.

Entry Requirements: A Grade 6 in Maths and at least a Grade 6 in Biology GCSE or a 7 in Combined Science if that course was followed.

Qualities and skills required: Successful scientists have an enquiring mind and a determination to solve problems. Biology is an extremely competitive area of study which demands high levels of focus, concentration and simple hard work. The ability to think logically and organise your thoughts and your work will provide you with a significant advantage.

Chemistry

Chemistry provides a sound basis for science and non-science based degree courses, and is a requirement of many future pathways including medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
Chemistry A Level provides a wide variety of experiences, from developing academic mastery through developing an understanding of scientific theories to improving practical skills by setting up experiments, working as a team and communicating to an audience.

Entry requirements: A Grade 6 in Maths and at least a Grade 6 in Chemistry GCSE or a 7 in Combined Science if that course was followed.

Qualities and skills required: Successful scientists have an enquiring mind and a determination to solve problems. Chemistry is an extremely competitive area of study which demands high levels of focus, concentration and hard work. The ability to think logically and organise your thoughts and your work will provide you with a significant advantage.

Physics

Studying Physics provides an excellent background for many degree courses, including Engineering, and is also excellent preparation for a wide range of careers relating to science. You will build significantly on your Science knowledge from GCSE.

Entry requirements: A Grade 6 in Maths and at least a Grade 6 in Physics GCSE or a Grade 7 in Combined Science if that course was followed.

Qualities and skills required: Successful scientists have an enquiring mind and a determination to solve problems. Physics is an extremely competitive area of study which demands high levels of focus, concentration and hard work. The ability to think logically and organise your thoughts and your work will provide you with a significant advantage.

Applied Science (Level 3 BTEC)

This qualification is equivalent to two A Levels and provides an excellent entry path into a range of scientifically related university courses and employment opportunities .

Entry requirements: A Grade 4-4 in Combined Science with a minimum grafe 4 in maths and English GCSE.

Qualities and skills required: Applied Science requires maturity, hard work, good organisational skills and the ability to think logically and critically.

Computer Science

Computer Science will give you a solid grounding in computing theory and problem solving. The course consists of both theory and practical work. Some of the topics will have been touched upon at GCSE level, but are significantly more advanced for A-Level. In A2, students will be required to create their own project. They will need to investigate, design, prototype, implement and evaluate a computerised solution to a problem. It is an ideal course if you are planning to do mathematics, computer science, engineering or robotics at university. It is also useful if you have ambitions to work in the games, software or programming industries.

Entry requirements: A Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science together with a Grade 6 in Maths. (If you have not completed GCSE Computer Science you may be able to provide alternative evidence of your suitability for the course).

Qualities and skills required: Proficiency in mathematics, the ability to think logically, attention to detail and enjoying problem solving are the qualities that we look for in our Computer Science A Level students. An interest in computers would be useful, but a formal qualification in computing is not essential.

Economics

As well as providing a fascinating insight into the modern world and how things work, Economics is a challenging A Level that requires students to develop and demonstrate proficiency in a whole range of skills. It is thus a highly valued academic qualification.

A Level Economics requires students to have the ability to write essays, analyse information, manipulate numerical data, understand graphs and master basic algebra. Economics combines well with virtually any subject, but especially Mathematics, Government & Politics and History.

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 6 in Maths GCSE with a 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: Together with a good grasp of maths, and an enjoyment of working with numbers, you should want to develop your knowledge around business and economics. You must be prepared to read around the subject. Reading quality newspapers, financial publications and regularly watching news and financial programmes are very beneficial.

Mathematics

Mathematics A level is a highly regarded qualification in demand by both employers and universities. The ability to problem solve and understand logical arguments, as well as being extremely numerate, is a much sought after quality and is useful in almost any career, particularly the sciences, finance and business. Many degree courses do not require specific A-level subjects, but, of those that do mathematics is by far the subject most commonly required.

The course builds on the learning from GCSE mathematics, but also extends and enhances the subject. If you have enthusiasm and aptitude for mathematics this is a course that you are very likely to enjoy.

Entry requirements: A Grade 7 or above in Maths GCSE.

Qualities and skills required: It is advisable to discuss your suitability for mathematics A Level with your maths teacher, but even amongst the most “natural” mathematicians maths proficiency requires hard work and solid attention to detail. The department is happy to support all students when they face difficulties, but demands that they first put their own effort in and make their own attempts at solving mathematical challenges.

Further Mathematics

Further Mathematics is a very demanding but hugely rewarding subject which is highly valued by universities, particularly for mathematics and science courses. It is studied together with A Level mathematics and will broaden and extend your mathematical learning and deepen your understanding of algebra and calculus.

Entry requirements: Grade 8 in GCSE mathematics.

Qualities and skills required: Further Mathematics is an extension course for the most able and enthusiastic mathematicians. It requires a very high level of understanding and aptitude for
mathematical processes. Further Mathematics is suited only to those who have a genuine interest in maths and a real passion for problem solving. You will need to be able to rise to the challenge of complex mathematical theorems and apply them effectively to mathematical problems.