Course Guide

A Level Biology focuses on the detailed study of living things in the world around us. Biology students consider controversial scientific issues and look at how science contributes to our economy and our society.

Biology combines well with other science subjects, as well as social sciences such as Psychology and Sociology. It is an important qualification for careers in science,
including medicine, veterinary science and physiotherapy. 

As the knowledge base in biological sciences grows exponentially and technology becomes ever more sophisticated, the ability to think broadly about biology and to apply your knowledge across many areas is a powerful asset both in scientific environments and in many other walks of life. Our biology alumni have gone on to have amazing careers linked to their A Level, not just as medics and vets, but in the fields of conservation, bioengineering, applied mathematics and many more. 

Assessment: End of course examinations, and ongoing assessed practicals.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 6/6 in higher tier Combined Science or 6 in two single science GCSEs, including Biology. GCSE Maths grade 5.

The A Level Business course introduces you to all you need to know about the internal and external business environment, providing a solid foundation for further study. With a focus on decision-making, you’ll learn essential leadership skills, alongside techniques to help you become an analytical problem solver capable of reaching clear judgements. These skills are all highly sought after and valued in a wide range of careers.

In year 12 students will explore the key business functions: marketing, operations, finance and human    resource management in the context of real business situations. This includes a specific focus on leadership and decision-making – particularly the interdependent nature of decision-making. In year 13 students will go on to develop their understanding of strategic decision-making processes undertaken by businesses across the globe.  

The course prepares students for university courses such as business, management, accountancy, marketing, economics and law. The skills and knowledge you learn are also transferable across a broad range of subjects and careers. Whatever you choose to do in the future, you’ll find that the things you learn in this course will help.

Assessment: Three two hour synoptic written exams taken at the end of the two year course.

Subject Entry: Minimum of 5 in GCSE Business if taken; 5 or above in GCSE English.

A Level Chemistry studies the material world and helps us explain everything from why a cake rises when placed in the oven to how plastics are made. Chemistry is at the forefront of responding to the needs of society, with chemists central to making advances in designing new materials, developing means for more efficient energy use and discovering drugs, to name but a few.

Some topics within the A Level Chemistry course build on GCSE work, while some are completely new. The A Level Chemistry course includes the following topics.

• Physical Chemistry
   kinetics and thermodynamics
• Inorganic Chemistry
  the elements and how they react
• Organic Chemistry
  carbon and the molecules made from carbon.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘central science’, Chemistry combines well with Maths and other science subjects requiring logical thinking skills and problem solving approaches, such as engineering.

A Level Chemistry is an essential qualification for anyone aiming to study; medical related degrees such as medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmacy, chemical industry-related degrees such as chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science, biotech-related degrees such as biology and biochemistry and related courses such as forensics and geology. A sound chemical education also promotes powers of analytical thinking valuable to those seeking careers in areas such as law, accountancy, banking and journalism.

Assessment: End of course examinations, and ongoing assessed practicals.

Subject Entry:  General Hinckley Sixth Form entry requirements, plus 6/6 in higher tier Combined Science or 6 in two single science GCSEs, including Chemistry.  GCSE Maths grade 6.

Computer Science is a practical subject, where you’ll apply academic principles learned in the classroom to real world computer systems. It is a creative subject that combines invention and excitement.

You’ll focus on programming and extend your computational thinking and develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence.

Computing works well with other logical and mathematical subjects, including sciences, Business and Economics.

It is an invaluable qualification for careers and university courses in the expanding world of IT, providing students with the IT and analytical skills valued by a wide range of employers and universities.

Assessment: is by end of year exams and a coursework task in year 13.

Subject entry: GCSE Maths at 6 or above, GCSE Computer Science at 5 or above if taken.

Criminology is a qualification which combines elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology. It aims to explore all aspects of our contemporary criminal justice system: criminological theories both contemporary and historical, the processual stages from the crime scene to court room, plus wider issues of the way society as a whole approaches crime and punishment, and how this has changed, and indeed is constantly changing.

Students will be encouraged to think critically, to engage in problem solving exercises, and to apply their skills and knowledge to practical criminal scenarios. The course is suited to students with enquiring minds and a willingness to study and think independently.

Assessment: Examination and teacher marked assessments in Year 12 and Year 13.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 5 in GCSE English.

A Level Drama and Theatre is a fantastic opportunity to develop performance, designer and directorial skills as well as developing an understanding of the theatre and the theory which underpins staging a play. You will be working collaboratively and practically putting theory into practice as you work towards performance or stage design projects. This course provides a balance of practical performing and
reading, analysing and acting from recognised texts and an appreciation of live theatre .

A Level Drama and Theatre offers an engaging and challenging route for anyone wanting to study performance at university or college as well as opportunities to develop invaluable skills in communication, collaboration and confidence for any future career or course of study.

Assessment: End of course written examination and school-based practical assessments.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements. A GCSE qualification for Drama is preferable, but not essential.

Engineering is a skills-based course, which will challenge you to design for real-world scenarios and applications and to explore how Engineering impacts on our world today. The course is designed to enhance your understanding of engineering practices, applications and working routines within the industry.

Engineering works well with Science and Maths courses to prepare you for Engineering courses at University or competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Its blend of theory and project-based learning means Engineering also combines well with other courses. Our students benefit from the use of unrivalled facilities, including computer suites, laser cutter, woodwork and metal work machinery.

Our students have gone on to study Engineering across the country and to take up exciting apprenticeship opportunities in vehicle, mechanical and machine engineering, as well as in robotics and design.

Assessment: Exams in Engineering principles and Engineering design; plus six coursework tasks.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 5 in a Science subject. 6 in GCSE Maths is preferred, 5 is essential.

A Level Linguistics takes you on a journey through language, from learning how we learn to communicate in infancy, to exploring how we use language as adults. You’ll discover how factors such as gender and age impact on our language choices, and study how we speak and write in a wide variety of contexts.

Language is constantly evolving, and you will learn how English has developed from the earliest forms of writing, through the Medieval and Early Modern Periods, to the words and phrases we use today. We will explore how language is used in online forms of communication, looking at examples from diverse sources including social media, text messages and email exchanges. You will become confident at analysing all the finer details of written and spoken texts and have a deeper understanding of how writers and editors use language to communicate.

English Language provides skills for any career that involves written communication and a confident grasp of the English language. Successful linguists can enjoy a range of career opportunities in areas including the arts, the education sector, the media industry, law, politics – anything that requires fluent and
confident communicators.

Assessment: End of course examinations and an independent coursework investigation.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 5 in GCSE English Language AND Literature.

If you love reading and analysing a range of literary texts, A Level English Literature is for you. You’ll be taken on an historical literary journey, examining texts from the Middle Ages to the Elizabethan period, from a Victorian novel to texts written in the 21st century.

You’ll explore connections across these literary texts, examine the contexts in which they were written and respond critically and creatively to their themes and ideas.

A ‘facilitating’ subject, favoured by universities for a range of degree courses, English Literature is an important choice for careers in journalism, teaching, public relations, publishing, law and more.

Assessment: End of course examinations and one coursework task.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 5 in GCSE English Language AND
Literature.

A-Level Fine Art at The Hinckley Sixth Form provides you with exciting and stimulating opportunities to explore your interests within Art and Design whilst also providing the potential to question, investigate and understand the world around you. As a post-16 student it is important to express your views, ideas and opinions, whilst also understanding those of the people around you.

Entering the qualification with confident technical drawing and painting ability and an inquiring mind, your tutors will support you in researching a chosen starting point, using critical understanding to analyse a broad range of contextual sources.  Results will inform and justify the application of the visual language of art and design, which will include exploration of alternative materials techniques and processes. Throughout Term 1 you will be introduced to a broad range of materials, processes and techniques that will include Fine Art, Photography and some Textiles, encouraging you to master the application of these skills in the context of your chosen endorsement. The later half of Year 12 and Year 13 will see you start to apply this investigative and exploratory nature to specialising in your chosen endorsement.

Materials and Techniques include (but are not limited to): Image transfer, cyanotype, frozen photography, gelli printing, pyrography, layering, sketchography, destruction and decay of imagery, screen printing, free machine embroidery, printmaking etc.

Assessment: Coursework portfolio and an end of course examination.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus Merit at Art Level 2 or 5 for GCSE. All applicants will need to submit a portfolio of work as evidence of your interest and skills.

A Level French will extend your understanding of French vocabulary and grammar, developing your ability to speak fluently. The course is based around a wide range of topical issues, revolving around culture in French speaking countries, as well as the language.
French combines well with any other sixth form courses and opens the door for studying and working aboard in any industry. Studying a language is always a positive choice, it adds value to your other qualifications and gives you a real advantage in the world of work. You’ll foster a range of transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, valuable to you and future employers. Studying a language not only broadens your career prospects, it also opens doors to new cultures, exploration and adventure.

Assessment: is through listening, speaking and written exams.
Subject Entry: Grade 6 or above in GCSE French.

While studying A Level Geography you will have the opportunity to study three physical units (Carbon and Water Cycle, Hazards and Deserts) and three human units (Changing Places, Globalisation and Global Governance and Population). Not only will each unit allow you to explore the ever changing world, but connections between the different units allow you to develop a holistic understanding of Geography.

The physical units, making up 40% of the overall grade, provide an insight into the natural world. With the current focus on changes to global climates, the study of the Carbon and Water Cycle provides an understanding of why this occurs, with a strong focus on river and rainforest environments. As part of the Hazard unit, we analyse the impacts of natural events, understanding what causes various tectonic and weather hazards and why impacts vary between developing and developed countries. The Desert unit allows students to understand how deserts develop and how they are impacting on life in various countries globally.

The human units, making up 40% of the overall grade, allow students to understand how we are impacting the planet. Urban areas are consistently changing and creating different challenges for different cultures and societies. Changing Places provides students with an insight into what is changing in urban areas and why, using local, national and international examples. Changing environments and political challenges in the developed and developing world mean our world needs to be governed to the best of our ability. Globalisation and Global Governance allows students to understand what caused our world to be interconnected, how our planet is governed and what areas are most at risk. The Population unit focuses on how the world is changing regarding its demographics and what factors are influencing population structures around the world.

Coursework makes up 20% of the overall grade, giving students an opportunity to explore an environment in the UK and create their own investigation, providing an insight into one of the six units in more detail. Geography at The Hinckley Sixth Form provides students with the opportunity to be independent thinkers and inspires those interested in how the world works, to focus on what is required to make our planet sustainable and to discuss issues and
challenge problems facing our planet.

Assessment: End of course examinations, including multiple choice and written answers, and coursework.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 5 in Geography or another Humanities subject preferred.

Health and Social Care is a vocational qualification that relates to all aspects of health and social care in the UK. The programme prepares you to pursue a career in health care, social care or childcare, giving you knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare for employment or further study.

The qualification incorporates topics relevant across the health and social care sector:

 • Human Lifespan Development  

 • Working in Health and Social Care

 • Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs.

Health and Social Care explores similar themes to social science subjects such as Psychology and Sociology, but with a vocational focus. After this qualification, students can progress directly into employment or on to higher study.

Assessment: Course work and examinations in both Year 12 and Year 13

Subject Entry: General entry requirements.

“I am passionate about my Health and Social Care lessons as they are always different and interesting. I have learnt about a range of professionals and organisations and how they support people in our community. I have also gained a range of skills, including research, organisation and time management that will be useful in the future.”
- Shannon, Class of 2020, Degree in Nursing with Registration (Child Nursing)

A Level History is an interesting and challenging subject that analyses change and continuity in human societies, helping students to develop an enquiring and analytical mind. During the course students study two units, complete one coursework assignment and produce a historical investigation into the origins of the French Revolution.

‘Industrialisation and the People: Britain, 1783-1885’ is our breadth study. Through exploring social, economic and political aspects of the age, the study aims to show how modern Britain was forged.

For example, it examines developments in politics and foreign policy at a time when government was changing to become something we would largely recognise today and encompasses protest movements to widen the franchise and covers the development of Irish nationalism. The coursework element centres around analysing historians' differing views of change or action, and deciding which are most convincing. 

‘The American Dream: Reality and Illusion 1945—1980’ is our depth study. It covers the administrations of 7 presidents, from Truman to Carter and considers their impacts both domestically and abroad. This was a period of turmoil and change in the USA, from post-war recovery and boom, through the civil rights protests and a foreign policy that sought to establish American values across the world. Students will look at key events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the quagmire that was the Vietnam War, alongside the growth of feminism and the Black Power movement.

Former Hinckley Sixth Form students have gone  on to further study in areas such as History, Politics and Law, including at Oxbridge Universities. The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing is developed throughout the course and is useful for all further study routes and careers.

Assessment: End of course written examinations and a coursework essay.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 5 in GCSE History, and 5 or above in English.

Mathematics is a challenging and exciting course covering topics in pure mathematics, mechanics  and statistics. You’ll use and apply advanced mathematical techniques, learn to reason, interpret and communicate ideas mathematically, and also develop skills in solving increasingly complex mathematical problems.

To fit a swiftly developing and fast paced world, the course emphasises the use of IT and software to help solve problems. Students will develop analytical skills and logic and add in a bit of creativity, giving them a set of skills which make them desirable for any job or university course.

Assessment: End of course examinations. 

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics is advised, applications are considered with a 6.

Further Mathematics is an extension of the A Level Mathematics course which can only be studied by those already doing A Level Mathematics.

It is a challenging qualification, which extends and deepens your knowledge and understanding in the areas of mechanics, pure and discrete mathematics.

The subject is offered as both a one year AS and a two-year A Level.

Assessment: three exams at the end of Year 13 for A Level or two at the end of Year 12 for AS. 

Subject Entry: Grade 8 or above in GCSE Mathematics.

How are groups of people represented to us in the media? Is it morally right to make a film out of tragic events? Can the media be blamed for violence in society? How far does the media control our thoughts about issues in the world today?

The A Level Media course will explore these and many other questions through contemporary and historical media texts from the UK and other parts of the world, and productions from outside the commercial mainstream. In this two-year course, you will study a wide range of different media industries via the texts they produce.  Through this you will develop an understanding of how and why media texts are created, the theories that explain how they carry meaning, as well as the ways in which they may be interpreted by audiences. You will explore and debate how different groups are represented in society, discuss media coverage of key events, and consider their wider implications.  As part of this study, you will explore a foreign language text, independent/alternative media and historical texts in addition to contemporary examples to develop your research, analytical and evaluative skills.

In Media lessons you will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of texts, developing skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection, as well as developing your creativity and practical skills in desktop publishing, film making and editing.  You will have the opportunity to put your knowledge and understanding into practice via a coursework unit.

You will undertake tasks individually, in groups and sometimes as a whole class with discussion on a range of issues requiring you to think, question and challenge your own ideas, as well as critiquing the theories you have studied.  You will also develop essay writing skills and research skills.

The communication, writing and critical thinking skills you learn on this course will be valuable to employers in any industry. Previous Media Studies students have gone on to work in areas such as: media research, public relations and marketing, journalism, publishing and new media development.

Assessment: A mixture of coursework tasks (30%) and examinations 70%).

Subject Entry:  General entry requirements, including grade 5 or above at GCSE English.

Music is a practical, creative and academic course which allows you the freedom to steer your own direction of learning whilst studying musical conventions, performances and the music industry. This course has breadth and depth, developing your skills as a performer, composer and musician.

Practical tasks include solo and ensemble contexts, developing your skills in rehearsing to prepare for a big performance. Composition tasks can be completed on the iMacs using Sibelius 7 or Logic Pro, integrating technological skills. The academic tasks require you to research, analyse and evaluate your own work and specific musical concepts. These can be assessed as articles, interviews or presentations.

Music is an essential qualification for acceptance to a specialist performance programme at a music school or college or for anyone who wishes to pursue music as a career or a hobby.

Assessment:

Unit 6: Solo performance

Unit 3: Ensemble performance

Unit 1: Notation, theory and harmony

Unit 2: Professional practice in the music industry

Within the two years, there will be a combination of articles, diaries, and written responses in exam conditions as well as recordings of performances, practice sessions, presentations, interviews, tutorials, and compositions. 

Subject Entry: GCSE Music grade 4 pass or above and a keenness to perform on your instrument/vocals. 

A-Level Photography at The Hinckley Sixth Form provides you with exciting and stimulating opportunities to explore your interests within Art and Design whilst also providing the potential to question, investigate and understand the world around you. As a Post-16 student it is important to express your views, ideas and opinions, whilst also understanding those of the people around you.

Entering the qualification with confident technical recording and editing skills and an inquiring mind, your tutors will support you in researching a chosen starting point, using critical understanding to analyse a broad range of contextual sources.  Results will inform and justify the application of the visual language of art and design, which will include exploration of alternative materials techniques and processes. Throughout Term 1 you will be introduced to a broad range of materials, processes and techniques that will include Fine Art, Photography and some Textiles, encouraging you to master the application of these skills in the context of your chosen endorsement. The later half of Year 12 and Year 13 will see you start to apply this investigative and exploratory nature to specialising in your chosen endorsement. Materials and Techniques include (but are not limited to): Image transfer, cyanotype, frozen photography, gelli printing, pyrography, layering, sketchography, destruction and decay of imagery, screen printing, free machine
embroidery, printmaking etc

Assessment: is by coursework portfolio and end of course exam. 

Subject Entry: General Hinckley Sixth Form entry requirements, plus Merit at Art Level 2 or 5 for GCSE. (Please note, all applicants will need to bring a portfolio of work as evidence of your interest and skills to their interview.)

Through the Physical Education course you will develop knowledge of both physiological and psychological theories within sport as well as learning about the impact of sport on current and historical society issues. You will study a range of topics including the causes and treatment of sports injuries, how personality and anxiety affect performance and how modern technology has impacted on 21st century sport.  

The A Level PE course is a progression from GCSE PE, with topics explored in more detail as you progress into Level 3 study. The course features three exams and therefore course content can be defined into three distinct sections :
Exercise Physiology - Including the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, energy systems the body uses and exercise at altitude.
Psychology -Including theories of leaderships, personality and the impact of anxiety on athletes
Social & Cultural –Including the history of sport through to modern day, role of women in sport, media and commercialisation and global events.

This course is an excellent pre-requisite if you are considering studying sport at university or pursuing a future career within the sports industry. Hinckley Sixth Form students have previously progressed on to study Sports and Exercise Science, Sport Business Management, Sports Massage and Remedial Therapy, and Strength and Conditioning.

Assessment: is in one practical area of sport, including a verbal analysis and evaluation of performance, and through a mixture of short answer and essay style exam questions in two end of course examinations.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus grade 5 or above in the GCSE PE theory paper or 5 in a GCSE Science.

A Level Physics enhances your understanding of the universe. It is a challenging, but inspiring course, ranging from the Newtonian concepts that govern the macroscopic world, down to the laws of Einstein that govern the microscopic.

You will further your knowledge in the topics of Kinematics, Electricity, Radioactivity, Simple Harmonic Motion and Cosmology. Physics at A Level will provide you with the opportunity to link your mathematics knowledge directly to physics concepts as evidence for their existence. 

During your physics lessons you will be encouraged to ‘think like a physicist’. This will involve designing and carrying out practicals in a professional manner to gather data. We will then ask you to critically analyse this data and use current theory to formulate conclusions. The many skills that you will develop in your physics lessons - such as problem-solving, critical thinking, numerical and communication—are transferrable to a wide range of careers. Hinckley Sixth Form Alumni students have gone on to further study in fields such as: Astrophysics, Architecture, Aeronautical Engineering, Veterinary Science, and even Town Planning.

You will undertake tasks in lessons individually and in groups where you are encouraged to work with your peers to discuss and challenge ideas. During the course, you have the opportunity to research a specific area of physics you are most interested in, and write a report demonstrating your
understanding of the physics concepts that underpin it.

Assessment: is by end of course examinations and ongoing practical assessments. 

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, plus 6 in GCSE Maths. Minimum of 6/6 in Combined Science or 6 in two single science GCSEs, including Physics. 

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Ever wondered if prison really does change criminal behaviour? Or why some people conform? Or perhaps if the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today? A level Psychology aims to explore these
questions through many different paradigms: biological, social, psychodynamic, evolutionary, cognitive, behavioural and humanistic. You’ll tackle thought-provoking topics such as memory, social influence, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.  You will study a range of interesting research studies and consider the ethical issues involved in these. You will learn how to carry out a scientific research project, interpret statistics and write a report. 

Course Modules :

Attachment, Memory, Social Influence, Psychopathology, Research Methods, Approaches, Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology, Issues and Debates and Gender. 

Studying Psychology at university can give you a whole host of exciting career options, including Marketing, Business development, Accountancy, Human resources, Forensic Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Nursing, Teaching.

Assessment: is all through end of course examinations.

Subject Entry: General entry requirements, including grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths. A higher pass grade in English is an advantage.

An engaging course for those that are interested in working in the uniformed protective services sector such as the police service, the fire & rescue service, armed services and the prison service. It is also highly suitable for those who may also be interested in the ambulance service, social work and the probation/youth offending service. It supports progression to higher education as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC’s or A Levels such as Criminology, Sociology, Psychology and Applied Science.

Learners can also progress directly in to employment as the course will provide learners with the knowledge and understanding required to apply for a range of
entry-level roles within the uniformed protective services sector, or for employment as an apprentice within the sector.

Providing the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, planning and completing tasks to high standards, the course is valued in both the workplace and higher education.

Assessment:  25% External examination, 75% coursework 

Subject Entry: General entry requirements 

A Level Sociology involves studying human social life, groups and societies in a systematic way. Sociologists investigate and attempt to explain the social world and our behaviour in it.

They are particularly interested in understanding the ways in which society influences us and shapes our daily lives. However, be prepared to be challenged: sociologists fundamentally disagree on nearly every issue and the subject is characterised by intensive debate and perspective rivalry.

The course encourages you to develop a strong understanding of contemporary issues and debates. It is a good choice for a wide range of career and university routes, developing widely recognised skills: critical thinking, research skills and a sound understanding of the society we live in.

Assessment: is by end of course examinations. 

Subject Entry: General entry requirements including grade 5 in GCSE English.