At Collingham Kensington, our A level courses offer a powerful combination of academic rigour, personalised teaching, and a supportive environment that prepares students not only for exam success, but for life at university and beyond.
Whether students join us for a full two-year programme, an intensive one-year course, or to retake selected subjects, our A level provision is flexible, responsive, and tailored to individual goals.
Creativity is at the heart of every area of our lives – it is an essential skill that enables us to be effective in all that we do. The Collingham Art Department provides an environment where students can develop and nurture this life affirming skill. Students will learn to develop their own unique approach to the world of the visual arts, refining and improving their ability to experiment with materials and respond to the visual world using the key skills of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital media.
The Collingham Art Department is a flourishing centre for the development of the visual arts, enabling students to produce artwork that is both original and technically accomplished. Our staff are committed, inspirational, demanding and fun: given appropriate guidance and sufficient individual attention, all students are capable of producing works of a very high calibre. We achieve a high success rate at both GCSE and A Level and we have a high success rate with entries to foundation and diploma courses at colleges such as Central St. Martins, Chelsea, Camberwell, Wimbledon, Brighton, City and Guilds and the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford.
Feedback from ex-students has time and again showed that, unlike many art departments, our individual and creative approach prepares students to work independently, think for themselves, and develop a mature working method that is invaluable when faced with the demands of Foundation and Degree level Courses.
The purpose-built Art Studio has facilities for drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and various digital media. Research trips are organised to galleries, exhibitions, museums and places of special interest.
This subject provides the student with an insight into the Ancient World, through the study of a variety of sources now available in translation. Not only can one read great historians, such as Herodotus, Thucydides, Livy and Tacitus, but also biographies of Plutarch and the works of Aristotle and Xenophon.
This is a subject which allows students to make up their own minds about past events. Sources have to be evaluated and scrutinised for plausibility and truth. Often one has to come to the uncomfortable conclusion that not everything on a printed page is true! As an A level, it is almost unique in encouraging pupils to question the truth and “spirit” of public pronouncements. There is no better way to understand contemporary politics than to study the uncomfortable world of the ancient Athenian democracy and the Roman Republic and Empire.
No prior knowledge of the ancient world or of classical languages is required to take this course, but students are normally expected to have a good track record in History. Taking Ancient History at A Level makes for an excellent pairing with most subjects, given the breadth of the material studied. In particular, studying the roots of western civilisation and culture will greatly change how you understand later history, literature and politics.
An Ancient History A-level is excellent preparation for a number of degree courses including Law, English, History, Philosophy, and of course, Classics.
Beyond university Classicists have found careers in all walks of life, including banking, teaching, business, journalism and politics. Notable figures who studied classical subjects at university include Charlotte Higgins, Boris Johnson, C. S. Lewis and J. K. Rowling.
During the course, students explore fifth century Greece and the first dynasty of Roman emperors. We trace the rise and fall of Athens’ empire following the Persians’ unsuccessful invasion of Greece in 480BC, which led towards the great Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta in the last three decades of the century. Alongside this period, we will explore the creation of the ‘principate’ in Rome in the wake of the collapse of its Republic, and chart the course of the first dynasty of emperors from the famed Augustus to the despised Nero.
Students then carry on to consider the broader culture and societies of these two ancient civilisations. One module considers the culture and society of classical Athens, including its political structure and festivals. For the Roman half of Year 13, students have the choice of either exploring the collapse of the Republic, or moving on to the politics and exploits of the Flavian dynasty, who came to power in the wake of the civil war following Nero’s assassination.
This qualification is examined by OCR.
Taught over 2 years and as an integrated 1-year programme.
Content is in four modules:
| Marks | Duration | Weighting | ||
| Breadth in biology (01) | 70 | 1 hour 30 mins | 50% | Assesses content from all four modules |
| Depth in biology (02) | 70 | 1 hour 30 mins | 50% | Assesses content from all four modules |
Both components include synoptic assessment.
Students must complete both components to be awarded the OCR AS Level in Biology A.
Content is in four modules, each divided into key topics:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology
Module 2: Foundations in biology
Module 3: Exchange and transport
Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations.
A level Content is in six modules:
| Marks | Duration | Weighting | ||
| Biological processes (01) | 100 | 2 hours 15 mins | 37% | Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 |
| Biological diversity (02) | 100 | 2 hours 15 mins | 37% | Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 |
| Unified biology (03) | 70 | 1 hour 30 mins | 26% | Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6) |
| Practical endorsement in biology (04) | – | – | – | Non-exam assessment |
All components include synoptic assessment.
Students must complete all components (01, 02, 03, and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Biology A.
Content is in six modules, each divided into key topics:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology
Module 2: Foundations in biology
Module 3: Exchange and transport
Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement (component 04). Activities that could count towards the practical endorsement are indicated in the specification.
Edexcel Business A level is structured into four themes and consists of three externally examined papers. Students are introduced to business in Themes 1 and 2 through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed in Themes 3 and 4, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues. Lesson time is often spent examining real companies such as Innocent, Marks and Spencer and Virgin giving students a deeper insight into the real world.
Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.
Theme 1: Marketing and people
Students will develop an understanding of:
Theme 2: Managing business activities
Students will develop an understanding of:
Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy
This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 2.
Students will develop an understanding of:
Theme 4: Global business
This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 1.
Students will develop an understanding of:
Chemistry at Collingham is a rewarding academic experience, developing both theoretical understanding and practical experimental skills in a successful, vibrant department.
Chemistry is the study of matter. It looks at the structures of molecules that comprise all matter, and the fundamental principles which define the appearance, behaviour and changes that molecules undergo. Molecules may be large or small, simple or complex, short-lived or inert, life-saving or fatal…. Some are even beautiful. As the Royal Society of Chemistry asserts, “Chemistry is everything”, from the microscopic world of atoms and molecules to the macroscopic world of stars and galaxies.
Chemistry is pivotal to Science. It links with Physics to understand the fundamental chemical and physical processes in our universe and with Biological Sciences to understand the processes of life itself. The study of Chemistry can lead to a wide range of careers, from Medicine and Pharmaceuticals to the manufacturing industries, to the protection and destruction of our environment and even to the Arts, for instance art restoration or science fiction and crime novels. Chemistry also gives access to Engineering, Forensic Science, Agricultural Studies, Accountancy and even Journalism.
The A Level on the Edexcel board has four components:
All papers may include multiple Choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Papers 3 and 4 will include questions which assess conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods as well as particular laboratory skill. The questions will draw on students’ experiences of a set of sixteen core practicals identified in the specification by Edexcel and a minimum of twelve must be carried out by students during the course. The students’ practical competency will be reported by Edexcel on Paper 4.
Chemistry provides students with a range of skills, at the centre of which is the logical and critical analysis of any problem. Learning and problem-solving take place within a stimulating academic environment. The course makes available to the student the factual knowledge required for the subject and discusses its underlying principles and theories in a form which always encourages the students to think for themselves.
All lessons are carefully planned and delivered in a format that is the one most appropriate for meeting the scientific needs of the particular group and its individual members. Laboratory work is judiciously chosen to extend the students’ understanding of theory as well as developing their practical skills; this is in conjunction with the minimum of twelve of the sixteen core practicals specified by Edexcel. The Chemistry laboratory is extensively equipped and fully supported by trained technicians. It has its own extensive library of books, ranging from GCSE to university level, as well as access to online tools.
Preferred Board: Edexcel
At A Level, Classical Studies provides students with the opportunity to explore the literature and culture of the ancient Greek and Roman world in great depth. We read some of the greatest literature from Greece and Rome in translation, and explore the depiction of drama and history in art and archaeology.
No prior knowledge of the ancient world or of classical languages is required to take this course, but students are normally expected to have a good track record in English and/or History. Taking Classical Studies at A Level makes for an excellent pairing with most subjects, given the breadth of the material studied. In particular, studying the roots of western civilisation and culture will greatly change how you understand later history, literature and politics.
A Classical Studies A-level is excellent preparation for a number of degree courses including Law, English, Drama, History, Medicine, Philosophy, Modern Languages, and of course, Classics.
Beyond university Classicists have found careers in all walks of life, including banking, teaching, business, journalism and politics. Notable figures who studied classical subjects at university include Charlotte Higgins, Boris Johnson, C. S. Lewis and J. K. Rowling.
The A Level course is specifically designed to offer a broad overview of the ancient world, and incorporates features of Archaeology, English, History and Politics.
The first module – Greek Theatre – examines the tragedies and comedies of Athens from the 5th century BC in their cultural context. Alongside reading Aristophanes, Euripides, and Sophocles, students will learn how plays were performed and staged. Students also examine the depiction of the theatre in Greek art, and consider how much we can reconstruct of the performance of ancient Greek drama given what has survived the ravages of time.
The second module – The World of the Hero – offers students the chance to read western civilisation’s most famous epic poetry. In Year 12, students read Homer’s Odyssey and consider what kind of hero Odysseus is, and what his interactions with savages like the Cyclops can tell us about Homeric Greece. In Year 13 we move onto Virgil’s Aeneid – the national epic of a Rome whose political system was beginning to return to a state of calm after the bloodiest period of civil war in Roman history.
The third module (which is studied at A Level) explores the Politics of the Late Republic. We chart the careers of famous Romans of the Late Republic, a period of great political upheaval and civil war, and consider how far political ambition interfered with ideology. Alongside excerpts from Cicero’s letters and public speeches, students will examine the life and times of Julius Caesar, Cato Uticensis, and Cicero himself.
This qualification is examined by OCR.
Economics at Collingham is a rewarding intellectual experience, offering highly marketable skills in a way that is both stimulating and analytically rigorous.
Have you ever wondered:
These are some of the many questions dealt with in an Economics course. Students are encouraged to take a lively interest in current affairs as discussed in the main stream and social media, or podcasts. By the end of the course, students will be in a position to understand and discuss current economic issues, such as: potential ramifications of increased national debt, the importance of controlling inflation, the effect of commodity price rises on businesses, consumers and the economy.
This is an excellent subject for numerate, literate and able students. It combines well with most subjects. GCSE Maths is needed, as an indication of analytical ability, which is respected by university admissions tutors. It can be a complement to other A Levels in the Sciences, Social Sciences or Humanities, and may lead to degree courses in any discipline.
Students starting the linear two-year course in September will take an internal examination in micro and macroeconomics at the end of the first year. During the second year candidates develop the micro and macroeconomics already learnt during year one, considering economic concepts and theories in greater depth and recognising the values, assumptions and limitations of economic models.
The A level subject content is presented in three papers;
Paper one provides an introduction to the nature of economics and examines the operation of markets for goods and services, why and how markets fail and how the government attempts to provide remedies. This requires analysis of production, costs and revenues in both competitive and concentrated markets as well as the labour market and the impact on the distribution of poverty and inequality.
Paper two focuses on the national economy in a global context, measuring macroeconomic performance, utilising AD/AS analysis, and assessing macroeconomic monetary, fiscal and supply-side policy in specific markets such as the financial sector.
Paper three combines micro and macroeconomic theory, incorporating multiple choice questions and a data response question addressing a particular current affairs question.
A one-year course is possible for determined and able students with a mature attitude and a real interest in current affairs.
Preferred Board: AQA
We studied a varied and interesting range of fiction and non-fiction texts in the Edexcel English Language and Literature course. This course enables students to study a range of non-fiction extracts ranging from newspaper articles to radio screen plays and more traditional literature novels and drama texts.
There are three components, two of which are examination based whilst the third comprises a coursework component.
Component 1: (Non Fiction and 20th Century drama) which is worth 40% of the overall examination. Section 1 is based on the Voices in Speech and Writing Anthology. The students answer one comparative essay question on one unseen extract selected from 20th- or 21st-century sources and one text from the anthology.
Section 2 examines the students’ understanding of Tennessee Willams’ A Street Car Named Desire. The students will answer one extract-based essay question. The students will be given an extract from the play that they must use to write an essay analysing a theme, character or dramatic device and how this has developed through out the play.
Component 2: Varieties in Language and Literature which is worth 40% of the overall examination. Section 1 is one essay on an unseen extract based on a chosen theme. To prepare for this the student will have studied a wide range of non-fiction texts based on this chosen theme. The examination requires students to evaluate how the text presents the chosen themes and what literary devices are used. This essay is worth 20 marks.
Section 2 examines the students’ understanding of Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights and Angela Carter’s collection of short stories The Bloody Chamber. The examination requires the students to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used by the writers to present the theme. The students will write a comparative essay on these texts based on the theme chosen for section 1. The comparative essay is worth 30 marks.
Component 3: (Coursework) is worth 20% overall. The deadline is always 15th May each year. For assignment 1 the students complete two pieces of original writing: one piece of fiction writing and one piece of creative non-fiction writing. For both pieces of original writing the students must select a topic and study two texts from that topic from different genres. The study of those texts must be used as starting point for both pieces of writing. For assignment 2 the students complete one analytical commentary reflecting on their studied texts and the pieces of writing they have produced. The total word count is 2500–3250: 1500–2000 words for the original writing pieces and 1000–1250 for the commentaries. The total of 60 marks are available 36 marks for the original writing and 24 marks for the commentaries.
We study an exciting and varied range of texts in a linear way which is commensurate with the OCR A Level English Literature course. We encourage students to fully participate in the lessons. We also do our utmost to maximise our location by attending relevant workshops, theatre productions and erudite courses that complement our teaching programme.
There are three components, two of which are examination based whilst the third comprises a coursework component.
Component 1 (Shakespeare and Poetry pre-1900) is worth 40% of the overall examination. Section 1 is based on Hamlet; students answer two questions, the first is centred on an extract from Hamlet and the second is an essay on a theme such as madness, parental control, revenge and or any other theme that may be inextricably linked with the play.
Section 2 examines students’ understanding of John Webster’s tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi or Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale. Once again, students will be set questions on themes that link the two texts such as misogyny; deception; forbidden love across the classes and or any other related theme.
Component 2 (Drama and Prose post-1900) is also worth 40% of the overall examination. Section 1 will examine students’ understanding of American Literature including F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath or Nella Larsen’s Passing in addition to other key American texts dating between 1880 and 1940. The examination requires students to evaluate an excerpt from an American novel from the above era in addition to an essay based on Fitzgerald’s, Steinbeck’s and Larsen’s novels respectively. The two essays (one based on the unseen and the other on the novels) are worth 30 marks each.
Component 3 (Coursework) is worth 20% overall. The deadline is always 15th May of each year. Students study poems from Philip Larkin’s The Whitsun Weddings together with Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Alan Bennett’s play, The History Boys. Students write an essay based on Larkin’s poems; this is a close analysis consisting of 1000 words excluding the bibliography. Students also write a comparative essay based on the play and novel, as cited above, which have connected themes; this essay is 2000 words excluding the bibliography.
Film is the most important art form of the last 150 years. Not only does it entertain and captivate but it can also stimulate debate and change minds. As an art form, it functions at the intersection with commerce and industry, generating hundreds of millions, in some cases billions of dollars whilst simultaneously providing audiences with unforgettable experiences. Simply put the movies are magic.
In Film Studies, we look at some of the mechanics that drive the cinematic experience whilst also enhancing its pleasure. By the end of the course, you will be fully cine-literate, able to analyse and think about films as groups and movements but also as cultural artefacts representative of the time and place in which they were made. You will have engaged with filmmaking as a practical pursuit as well, through writing screenplays and directing short films yourselves.
Films Studies is now taught in all the best universities in the world, including St Andrews and Cambridge in the UK, and is often taken as a joint degree alongside English Literature with which it shares many characteristics.
As an A-Level, The subject combines particularly well with Art, English, History, Classics, Modern Languages, Psychology and Business Studies, though since it is multidisciplinary, Film Studies can complement any combination of subjects.
The course is assessed through two written exam papers worth 35% of the overall A-Level grade each, and a coursework component worth 30%.
For the exams we will study the following films in relation specific key concepts.
Hollywood 1930-1990
American Film Since 2005
British Film Since 1995
Global Film
Documentary Film
Film Movements – Silent Cinema
Film Movements – Experimental Cinema
For the coursework unit, each student will write and direct their own 5-minute short using their colleagues from the class as crew.
At Collingham French is taught by an exceptionally erudite and enthusiastic department, who will nurture both your linguistic skills and cultural expertise. They also have a record of consistently high grades at A level.
The most popular choice of Modern Language, French, is, of course, the coolest and most sophisticated language of all. It has a rigour and clarity foreign to English, a charm and suavity that is the stuff of legends, a plasticity that makes it a pleasure to speak. It is also very useful: France still has an economy than vies with that of the UK and the language competes with English as the lingua franca of much of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Its culture still leads the way in the worlds of fashion and art, the high seriousness of intellectual debate and the shabby grandeur of café bohemia. An A level in French can be combined with any other A level subject. Scientists who can communicate in a foreign language are particularly in demand by employers, but French also sits happily with the Arts and Humanities. It can form the basis of a university course in modern languages or lead to degrees in science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities.
The A level exams must now be all sat together at the end of the course with the AS as a stand-alone course. As before, all skills of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking are tested with, if anything, a stronger emphasis on the cultural components. In recent years we have studied Voltaire, Sartre, Camus, Maupassant and Moliere and Zola in literature, as well as the films of Truffaut and the French New Wave.
The French department acquires a regular supply of newspapers and magazines (Le Monde, L’Express, Cahieers du Cinema, Premiere, Elle) and has a good stock of books, audio and DVD resources. Our proximity to the French Institute is a great bonus. In recent years we have worked in tandem with the French lycee on numerous projects and have a good working relationship with the staff there.
Preferred Board: AQA. But we are happy to also do Edexcel and OCR
Further A-level mathematics is studied by students who have completed A-level mathematics. It consists of foundation material for university courses in the mathematical sciences, and is essential for anyone wishing to study physics, engineering, computing or mathematics.
| Paper 1. Core Pure Mathematics 1 9FMO/01 | Paper 2. Core Pure Mathematics 2 9FMO/02 |
| 1.Proof 2.Complex numbers 3.Matrices 4.Further algebra & functions 5.Further calculus 6.Further vectors 7.Polar coordinates 8.Hyperbolic functions 9.Differential equations. |
1.Proof 2.Complex numbers 3.Matrices 4.Further algebra & functions 5.Further calculus 6.Further vectors 7.Polar coordinates 8.Hyperbolic functions 9.Differential equations. |
| Paper 3. Further Mathematics Option 1 9FMO/3A – 3D The student takes one option from the following four. |
Paper 4. Further Mathematics Option 2 9FMO/4A – 4G The student takes one option from the following seven. |
| A. Further Pure Mathematics 1 B. Further Statistics 1 C. Further Mechanics 1 D. Decision Mathematics 1 |
A. Further Pure Mathematics 2 B. Further Statistics 1 C. Further Mechanics 2 D. Decision Mathematics 1 E. Further Statistics 2 F. Further Mechanics 2 G. Decision mathematics 2 |
Paper 1: Paper 1 may contain questions on any part of the pure mathematics syllabus. All questions should be attempted. The examination is 1.5 hours long and the maximum obtainable mark is 75.
Paper 2: Paper 2 may contain questions on any part of the pure mathematics syllabus. All questions should be attempted. The examination is 1.5 hours long and the maximum obtainable mark is 75.
Papers 3 & 4: Each examination is 1.5 hours long. All questions should be attempted and the maximum mark obtainable for either is 75.
Analysis, problem-solving, dealing with abstraction.
Course Text Book
Series: Edexcel AS/A-level further mathematics
Title: Core Pure Mathematics 1
ISBN: 9781292183336
Title: Core Pure Mathematics 2
ISBN: 9781292183343
Title: Decision Mathematics 1
ISBN: 9781292183299
Title: Decision Mathematics 2
ISBN: 9781292183305
Title: Further Statistics 1
ISBN: 9781292183374
Title: Further Statistics 2
ISBN: 97811292183381
Title: Further Mechanics 1
ISBN: 9781292183312
Title: Further Mechanics 2
ISBN: 9781292183329
Title: Further Pure Mathematics 1
ISBN: 9781292183350
Title: Further Pure Mathematics 2
ISBN: 9781292183367
Recommended Reading
How To Think Like A Mathematician by K. Houston, C. U. P.
Recommended Websites/Blogs
Edexcel’s website contains a copy of the syllabus, past papers etc.
Progression
The mathematics A-level contains very much less than it once did, for which reason many more university admissions tutors are keen to see further mathematics on a candidate’s list of qualifications. Students interested in mathematics, the sciences or economics should check the entry requirements for their courses early, and then seek advice.
Globalization, superpowers, migration, climate change, and natural disasters—these are just some of the topics covered in what many people see as one of the most useful and diverse A levels: Geography.
Geography at A level is about understanding the two-way relationship between people and the environment. How does the environment pose challenges and opportunities for people, and how do people shape and manage the environment? We explore the disconnect between the two, how we are damaging the Earth’s life support systems, the impact of these actions, and how we can address the most fundamental threats to life on Earth.
The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in people or the environment and complements many other subjects across the arts and sciences, such as Economics, Business Studies, Biology, or History. A level Geography is well respected by university admissions tutors in a range of disciplines.
Edexcel Geography
The specification balances traditional geography with contemporary and engaging subject content. Key themes include the management of change and sustainability. It encourages students to reflect on why they think the way they do about an issue, as well as how others think—skills that are vital for citizens in the 21st century.
The specification allows students to extend and exercise their geographical skills while making choices. Fieldwork is central to this, but there are also opportunities to develop further skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The qualification consists of four components:
A Level Paper 1
Students will study:
This is assessed in a 2-hour 15-minute exam worth 30% of the overall grade.
A Level Paper 2
Students will study:
This is assessed in a 2-hour 15-minute exam worth 30% of the overall grade.
A Level Paper 3
Students will study three synoptic themes within the compulsory content areas:
The synoptic investigation will be based on a geographical issue within a place-based context that links to the three synoptic themes and is rooted in two or more of the compulsory content areas.
This unit is assessed in a 2-hour 15-minute exam worth 20% of the qualification.
Coursework (Independent Investigation)
Students define a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography within the specification.
The investigation will incorporate:
The fieldwork, which forms the focus of the investigation, may be human, physical, or a combination of both. The investigation report must show independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation of findings, and extended writing. Students must use both quantitative and qualitative data appropriate to their chosen environment and/or location.
The coursework accounts for 20% of the qualification.
Additionally, the college offers retake courses in the CIE, AQA, and OCR specifications.
Learning German at Collingham is certainly a very vivid, diverse, enjoyable and stimulating experience. German A level will enable you to read Kafka, Süsskind, Tucholsky or Grass in the original language, listen to German radio, watch German TV, understand lecturers at any German, Austrian or Swiss university, write a job application and hold conversations and discussions with native speakers.
They compete with our position at the financial centre of Europe, have the second largest economy in the world and their working day starts as early as 7 a.m… Humour – very obvious at times. Irony – merely a word in the dictionary. Their directness and time management only occasionally allow for little words like “please” and “thank you” and “sorry”. And their bright, colourful towels seem to decorate deckchairs wherever in the world one goes on holiday.
Apart from that, the Germans live in a wonderful country. From Berlin, the capital, through to Munich, in the lee of the Alps, to Hamburg on the North Sea coast, no two German cities are the same. Germany is at the heart of Europe and the EU.
Studying German, which is widely spoken in Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland, allows an insight into European culture. German language skills are prized by employers, and working in Germany is becoming more and more prevalent for people from the UK, including, for example, IT experts and British finance personnel working in Frankfurt.
An A level course in German will also prepare you for a degree in Modern Languages, Linguistics or in any other numerate or literate discipline. The fact that fewer students now study German means that the A level is highly prized by university admissions tutors.
Learning German at A level means mastering the language. Students are provided with lexical, grammatical and syntactical knowledge in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The topic areas set by the examination board range from health issues to technological achievements, from culture and arts to current affairs. Discussion of German politics, business and society challenges the student to think and compare as well as argue and formulate opinions. The A level offers many opportunities for the students to follow their own interests in preparing for the exams.
The recommended reading list for the literature component at A Level includes: Franz Kafka’s Die Verwandlung, Bernhard Schlink’s Der Vorleser and Bertolt Brecht’s Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder. For the film component, we will be studying Wolfgang Becker’s Goodbye, Lenin!
Preferred Board: AQA
At Collingham, the study of Politics revolves around vibrant discussion and critical analysis, offering excellent preparation for university humanities courses. It also provides valuable insights into current affairs and the workings of political systems.
A-Level Government and Politics goes beyond understanding how the British political system functions. It engages with vital debates about institutions, issues, and ideas influencing Parliament and the media.
As a Politics student, you will explore the ideologies, policies, and organisation of political parties, the role of pressure groups and elections in democracy, and the relationship between key state institutions—such as the Monarchy, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Parliament, Local Government, and the Judiciary. You will also examine the significant impact of Brexit. For those taking the full A-Level, the course extends to cover the political system of the United States.
Politics pairs well with subjects like Economics, Law, History, and Sociology, and no prior GCSE knowledge is required. What is essential is a keen interest in political ideas and an awareness of current events.
We follow the Edexcel syllabus, which offers the benefit of no coursework. Assessment is essay-based, evaluating not only your knowledge but also your ability to analyse and evaluate political theories, government institutions, and fundamental principles.
The entire A-Level syllabus can be completed in one year if you have strong background knowledge and are ready to work hard. Otherwise, in the first year, students focus on British politics, progressing to political ideologies and American politics in the second year.
A-Level Politics is an excellent foundation for a degree in Politics or related disciplines. It is also a great option if you want to keep your future career choices open, as it leads to a wide range of opportunities and combines well with other social science and humanities subjects.
Preferred Board: Edexcel
Most people follow a two-year course, focussing on key themes in modern history. The first year covers the transition from democracy to dictatorship and then back to democracy again in twentieth century Germany and Italy. The second year involves a study of the impact of warfare on Britain in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and coursework based on historians interpretations of Nazi Germany. The Department can also cover other topics and periods as required.
The History Department’s approach is designed to combine a clear explanation of events with class discussion and detailed work on how to answer questions. We put a lot of stress on planning answers, working in timed conditions and, in general, preparing you to give the examiners exactly what they want, so that they will give you exactly what you want – the right grade.
Some people choose to study History at A level because they want to go on and do a History degree. Most of our students, however, use their History qualification to help them to get into a good university to study another subject such as English, Law or Business Studies. University admissions tutors know that someone with a high grade in History will be able to understand a problem quickly, and deal with it using a thorough argument backed by the right evidence. The analytical and communication skills you will develop in History are vital to the study of any subject at university, and indeed for most jobs in business or the professions as well. Previous students have won the annual CIFE awards, you can find out more here.
Students who are fluent with words and arguments will obviously find History attractive, but if you are not, the subject is an ideal way to build up your confidence and expertise. You do not need to have done History GCSE, or have any prior knowledge of the topics we study, although it may help a little at first if you do. History is often studied alongside subjects like English, Classics, Languages, Politics or Economics, but almost any combination is possible.
Preferred Board: Edexcel
Our Italian Department combines a refreshingly modern approach to language teaching – using Italian as the language of instruction in class – with a stimulating, scholarly attitude to the study of Italian literature and culture.
Italian is an excellent choice for the student who loves Italy and would like to be able to share in the Italians’ way of life. It is also a natural companion to subjects such as Art, History of Art or Music, where so much of the content is based on Italian life and culture. Students who do Business Studies or Economics should remember that Milan is the fashion capital of Europe, that Italy leads the way in industrial design and occupies an important place in international business. A good grade in Italian GCSE (or equivalent) is a prerequisite to the A level course.
You will study topics on the society, history and culture of contemporary Italy and will develop relevant exam skills.
The course covers the following themes:
First year:
The changes of Italian society
Political and artistic culture in Italian speaking countries
Second year:
Italy in an evolving society: migrations.
From Fascism to our day
The syllabus aims to further develop all 4 language skills and to equip you to use the language for practical communication at an advanced level.
A wide range of themes and contemporary issues in Italy will be used as a basis for language work. Several topics will be dealt with in some depth, and we will study one book and one film. The examination consists of listening, reading, oral, translation and written responses to Italian literary and film works. For the speaking exam students are also expected to carry out a research project using Italian resources.
By the end of this course you should be able to…
Paper 1 (Listening, Reading and Translation into English) will test your listening comprehension skills, your ability to read and respond to a variety of texts. It is worth 40% of the A level.
Paper 2 (Written response to works and Translation into Italian) will test your ability of developing a detailed understanding and appreciation of the works studied by writing critical and analytical responses in Italian. It is worth 30% of the A level.
Paper 3 (Speaking) is assessed via two distinct tasks conducted entirely in Italian. Task 1 is based on any of the sub-themes studied during the two-year course. Task 2 is based on a presentation and discussion of a student’s independent research project. It is worth 30% of the A level.
Preferred Board: Edexcel
LAMDA is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected awarding organisations. They have been offering practical examinations in communication and performance subjects for over 130 years. In this time, their qualifications have helped hundreds of thousands of candidates of all ages and abilities to develop lifelong skills.
LAMDA exams are about achievement – recognising and rewarding the endeavours of each individual – but they are also about empowerment. Their ultimate aim is to provide all people with the opportunity to develop the life skills they need to be a success: attributes such as self-confidence and the ability to communicate clearly and present ideas.
At the heart of LAMDA examinations is the recognition that our qualifications are for everyone. Across the globe, our examinations unite learners of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and cultures in enthusiasm for the English language and a desire to develop skills for life.
LAMDA’s Level 3 are recognised qualifications and are included in the current UCAS Tariff.
Lessons are half hour individual tuition per week (ten lessons per term). Students prepare either for an Acting examination or Verse & Prose examination. Usually, students take the Bronze, Silver or Gold medal all of which earn UCAS points.
Contact us: london@collingham.co.uk
A Level Latin offers students the opportunity to read a selection of literature by some of the greatest Roman authors – in the original language. A GCSE in Latin is normally required but the grammar and syntax taught at GCSE is reviewed and extended during the course. The texts studied include Virgil’s epic poem, the Aeneid, and Cicero’s legal speeches. Latin is an excellent subject to combine with Classical Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, English, other modern languages, Mathematics and History. Studying Classics equips students with logical and analytical skills that are highly prized in the world of Finance, Business and Law.
A Level students sit four exam papers. As well as an unseen language exam there is also an unseen comprehension paper. A Level students will also read two prose and two verse authors, who change every other year. Previous authors have included Cicero and Tacitus for prose, Virgil and Ovid for verse.
This qualification is examined by OCR.
The problem-solving approach of this A level will provide an introduction to the rigours of undergraduate study in all disciplines, as well as being absolutely invaluable to anyone contemplating legal studies or a legal career.
Law is not a subject that students drift into merely because they have done it at GCSE. Few people have ever studied law before they start the course, and universities therefore know that a law A or AS level is the result of a deliberate decision to tackle a new challenge. Most students who apply for law courses at university have not taken law A level simply because many schools do not offer it.
Recent research by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) shows that 98% of law departments were happy to consider candidates with A level law, but did not demand it. The prestigious law department at King’s College in the University of London, responded in the survey: “A level law provides an excellent introduction to the study of law”. Law is also particularly relevant to students planning to study Business, but admissions tutors in all subjects will know that a student with a good grade in law has had a rigorous training in analysing arguments, focusing quickly on what is relevant and reporting conclusions clearly and concisely.
These problem-solving and communication skills are essential to any degree course and to a wide variety of careers in the law, business and elsewhere. If you are good at handling words and arguments, law would be a natural choice; if these vital skills are not your strength, a law course will help you to improve them. Law is often studied alongside subjects such as Politics, Economics or Business Studies, but virtually any combination can work.
We follow a two year course. In the first year, students study the Legal System, and in particular the running of the courts, the roles of the people who work in them and the origins of the laws which they apply. They also do the basic elements of Criminal Law and Tort, both of which are covered in more detail in the second year, when students also study Legal Theory and Contract.
The course is examined through three equally weighted papers, containing a combination of case studies and essay questions. There is no coursework.
Preferred Board: OCR
First, because mathematics is useful: one cannot find the price of a financial derivative, understand quantum mechanics, or plot the position of a star without it. Secondly, argument is at the heart of intellectual enquiry, and mathematics is a good way of introducing students to premises, conclusions, rules of inference, and the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning. Thirdly, because it has intrinsic value: solving puzzles and problems is satisfying, and mathematics is full of them. Whatever you want to do, from linguistics to philosophy to physics, there’s something in mathematics for you, and you’d do well to add it to your list of A-levels.
| Paper 1. Pure Mathematics [9MAO/01] | Paper 2. Pure Mathematics [9MAO/02] |
| 1. Proof. 2. Algebra & functions. 3. Coordinate geometry in the x-y plane. 4. Sequences & series. 5. Trigonometry. 6. Exponentials & logarithms. 7. Differentiation. 8. Integration. 9. Numerical methods. 10. Vectors. |
1. Proof. 2. Algebra & functions. 3. Coordinate geometry in the x-y plane. 4. Sequences & series. 5. Trigonometry. 6. Exponentials & logarithms. 7. Differentiation. 8. Integration. 9. Numerical methods. 10. Vectors. |
| Paper 3, section A. Statistics [9MAO/03] | Paper 3, section B. Mechanics [9MAO/03] |
| 1. Statistical sampling. 2. Data presentation and interpretation. 3. Probability. 4. Statistical distributions. 5. Statistical hypothesis testing. |
6. Quantities and units in mechanics. 7. Kinematics. 8. Forces and Newton’s laws. 9. Moments. |
Paper 1: Questions may be set on any of the ten topics listed previously. The maximum mark obtainable is 100 and the duration of the examination is 2 hours.
Paper 2: Just as for paper 1, questions may be set on any of the ten listed topics. The maximum mark obtainable is 100, and the examination is again in the form of a 2 hour written paper.
Paper 3: The third paper is divided into two sections A and B. The former consists of questions on statistics and the latter questions on mechanics. All questions should be attempted. The maximum mark obtainable is 100 and the duration of the examination is 2 hours.
Academic Skills
Problem-solving, reasoning, dealing with abstraction.
Course Text Book
Series: Edexcel AS/A-level mathematics
Title: Pure Mathematics Year 1
ISBN: 9781292183398
Title: Pure Mathematics Year 2
ISBN: 9781292183404
Title: Statistics & Mechanics Year 1
ISBN: 9781292232539
Title: Statistics & Mechanics Year 2
ISBN: 9781446944073
Recommended Reading
How To Think Like A Mathematician by K. Houston, C. U. P.
Collingham Media Studies courses are lively and stimulating, combining rigorous analysis with practical experience that will be extremely useful for anyone contemplating a career in the media.
This is an enjoyable but demanding subject, which provides students with a conceptual understanding of media products, institutions and audiences and the practices which lead to media production. Students explore the important debates of contemporary media and gain critical understanding of the processes involved by creating their own media artefacts.
They must have a lively interest in news-papers, radio, music, advertising, television and film, as the demands of the course and level of professionalism required mean that students must accept the discipline of deadlines. However, no prior qualification in the subject is required.
Two modules are taken each year. One is a coursework unit, involving the production of two linked media texts from a specific medium.Examples of Media texts created at Collingham include magazines, adverts, trailers, short films and music videos. The other module is a written exam, involving the assessment of both analytical technique and theoretical knowledge. The specification content for the subject is arranged around four key conceptual areas:.
Preferred Board: OCR
A Level Music offers students an opportunity to learn and develop an understanding of music history, composition and performance. The new A- level aims to equip pupils with the necessary tools to study music at university level or potentially gain a job in the music industry.
Music combines creativity, imagination and academic study in a way that no other subject does. It is a course which is highly regarded by universities for the breadth of skills which students develop. Although it is not strictly necessary to have taken a GCSE in Music, students embarking on the A level course should have a sound basis in music theory, ideally having taken the Grade 5 Associated Board examination, and be proficient in performing instrumental or vocal music.
The Course
We follow the OCR specification. This course is designed around three key skills:
Performance
Composition
Music history and listening.
In both years the student will be expected to submit a video recording of their own playing. The inception of both courses requires a grade 5 on the ABRSM or Trinity scale.
In both years students have the opportunity to compose their own original work alongside a portfolio of stylistic composition projects set by OCR. Students are encouraged to develop proficiency with music notation software such as Sibelius or Finale.
History and Analysis focuses on listening to music and understanding how it works. This is achieved through study of prescribed set works and also by further listening. All students are also encouraged to enhance their listening skills by further listening outside of class. Music is generally taught in classes of no more than three and frequently on a one-to one basis. This allows for each student to receive tuition focusing on their individual requirements.
Preferred Board: OCR
“An unexamined life is not worth living,” said Socrates, the pioneer of philosophy.
John Stuart Mill agreed with him: even if examining your life makes you discontented in some ways, it is still worth doing, because it is better to be a discontented Socrates than a contented pig. Even though the pig doesn’t know what it’s missing, it still is missing out on what makes us distinctively human.
Philosophy is critical reflection on our fundamental beliefs. It is an ‘ideas’ subject, and all you need to begin Philosophy is a fascination with ideas, or with ‘the big questions’ (as the title of one introductory book puts it), such as:
How do we tell when someone is thinking logically?
What is consciousness and how is it related to the brain?
Could computers have minds?
Is it possible to be sure of anything?
Can belief in God be rational? Can atheism?
Is morality more than subjective opinion?
Why should I obey the law, and is civil disobedience ever justified?
Philosophy teaches you to think about such questions in a rigorous, logical, analytical manner. It trains you to think clearly and express yourself accurately, to break down and build up arguments, so it should help your work in other subjects too. It will not be easy, but will be
Philosophy is half-way between the Sciences and the Humanities, and combines well with almost any other subject, both at A level and at university. Though not itself a vocational subject, it is a useful background for entry into a wide range of careers (e.g. management, law, information technology, public administration), indeed for any job where one needs to be able to think logically and present ideas clearly.
Philosophy is examined entirely by exam; there is no coursework. There are two three-hour papers. The first is on the first year themes of Epistemology and Moral Philosophy, the second on the second year themes of Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind. Each paper has the same format, with five structured questions on each theme.
The course considers philosophical questions one at a time, discussing what issues it raises and what we might initially think, then considering and evaluating some classic arguments, and finally creating and defending our own positions. This means that there is some reading and some learning, some debating (and learning how to argue), and a lot of thinking.
Pure philosophy A Level is only offered by AQA.
Photography is increasingly popular as an A level choice. It provides the perfect opportunity to learn to produce work at a professional standard, at the same time as encouraging the exploration of photography as an artistic medium. It combines well with more traditional subjects, providing an outlet for creativity. Photography can be a useful addition to a student’s portfolio of qualifications and can also help to secure admission to art college or university.
Although there is no formal requirement to have studied Photography before embarking on an A level course, it helps to have an informed interest in the subject.
A DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera is required to undertake the course. Lessons take place in a purpose-built photo lab, which includes a fully-equipped darkroom, computers running the latest photography and graphics software, with inkjet and laser printing. Upstairs we have a fully functioning studio with complete lighting and backdrop support.
A-level qualification: Two year course* comprising an Initial Portfolio followed by two assessed components:
Personal Investigation with written Personal Study (1000 word minimum) – 60% of qualification total,
Externally Set Assignment – 40% of qualification total.
We aim to teach all students the knowledge and techniques, including darkroom practice, relevant specialist vocabulary, and some photographic and visual theory, to produce work to a professional standard. Digital photography forms a foundation in terms of getting to know the camera, but we regard traditional wet-chemistry photographic techniques and their application in the course as key to a deeper understanding of image making, as well as good preparation for degree-level courses where the use of analogue film and printing techniques are still prevalent. 35mm film-based cameras are freely available for use on college premises.
For both courses the first component, or “Personal Investigation” allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcomes. The second component, or “Externally Set Assignment” builds on the investigative techniques honed during the first component while responding to an externally set theme. All coursework comes to a close with a period of sustained focus (10 hours AS, 15 hours A-level) where work is produced under exam conditions at college over a weekend towards the end of the summer term. Tutors then mark all coursework before submission to the scrutiny of a visiting external moderator nominated by Edexcel.
As part of their course, and for the bulk of their homework, students are expected to take photographs in a variety of settings, including open-air locations. Visits to Photographic exhibitions, galleries and museums are arranged on a regular basis by tutors for the benefit of students. Their experience of other peoples’ work allows students to explore the historical, social and technical aspects of photography, forming an important research basis from which students develop their own photographic practice.
Preferred Board: Edexcel
*The A-level may be undertaken in one year, however due to the rigour of the course it is strongly recommended that those applying are already familiar and confident with the use of a camera, digital editing techniques, and written photo-analysis and research methods. These areas are covered in depth during production of the Initial Portfolio on the two year course.
A Level physical education encourages students to immerse themselves in the world of sports and PE with the chance to perform or coach a sport. Students will be equipped with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. This requires them to:
The preferred choice of board is OCR.
The A Level qualification consists of four modules.
Component 01 – Physiological factors affecting performance
2 hour written examination (30% contribution)
Focuses on developing the learner’s knowledge of the science behind physical activity. This includes the structure and function of key systems in the human body, the forces that act upon us and the adaptations we make to our bodies through diet and training regimes.
Component 02 – Psychological factors affecting performance
1-hour examination (20% contribution)
Focuses on developing the learners’ knowledge and understanding knowledge of the psychological factors that can affect performers in physical activity and sport.
Component 03 – Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
1-hour examination (20% contribution)
This component focuses on the sociological and contemporary issues that influence and affect physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society.
Component 04 – Performance in physical education
Non-exam assessment (30% contribution)
Learners are internally assessed through the NEA (in one practical activity (either performing or coaching one chosen activity from the approved lists) and the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI).
Spoken by about 230 million people, Portuguese is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world.
It is one of the official languages of the European Union as well as other international organisations such as: African Union, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, Mercosul, the Organisation of American States, the Organisation of Ibero-American States, and the Union of South American Nations.
It will be really useful when looking for an international career.
Learning Portuguese will help you to gain access to a whole new range of countries spread over 4 continents. It has remarkable literature (Jose Saramago, Fernando Pessoa, Jorge Amado, Paulo Coelho, Jose Eduardo Agualusa, Mia Couto) music (Fado, Brasilian music) gastronomy, places to visit and relax, and warm and welcoming people. Across Europe there is a large community of Portuguese and Brazilian immigrants in countries such as Luxemburg, Switzerland, France and England. In Africa: Angola (one of the faster growing economies in the world), Moçambique, Guiné-Bissau, São Tomé e Príncipe. In Asia: East Timor, Macau, Goa. In the Americas: Brazil is one of the largest economies in the world. There is a large community of Portuguese and Brazilian immigrants in the United States. In many areas of the US Portuguese is commonly spoken.
The Portuguese GCE (A Level) will be perfect for those who aim to master the Portuguese language.
After the course you should be able to:
Discuss, write and understand the Portuguese language at a high level
Assimilate, identify and discuss Portuguese culture and habits through literature, history, music, sports, and many other areas
Communicate in a fluent and structured manner, be able to identify when a more subjective or objective approach needs to be used on a conversation or written document
Be able to articulate experiences and express thoughts, feelings and opinions for discussion
Master a wide range of vocabulary and express ideas in many different ways according to the context and environment.
Portugese is taught by a native speaker who will be able to pass on all their experience and knowledge of this rich and living language.
Boards: CIE and EDEXCEL
Psychology gives you an understanding into how others behave, which in turn gives you knowledge of yourself. Through key studies in different branches of psychology, the students gain insight into diverse areas such as attachment behaviour and the accuracy of eye-witness testimony. The topics guide students through relevant and motivating material whilst building a growing awareness of research studies and analysing data from experiments. A benefit of this is students can start to see connections between what we study and the world around them. This gives them new perception and opens minds.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (first year material)
Students begin by examining different areas of psychology, learning key studies and criticising theories. Key studies in the first topic include Milgram’s experiments with electric shocks and Zimbardo’s prison experiment. These are very accessible as they are usually familiar to the students. The topics are: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.
Paper 2: Psychology in Context (first year and second year)
Students move on to focus on how to apply theory in this paper. They examine different perspectives on how to consider a behaviour. Research Methods, which includes mathematical analysis, is a vital component of the A level and comprises half of this paper. The focus of the assessment is on applying theory to real-life scenarios. The topics are: Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods.
Paper 3: Issues and Options (second year material)
Students study more involved topics to a deeper level and are required to evaluate and analyse. One of the sessions, Issues and Debates, covers determinism (whether we are in control of our actions) and the implications of sensitive ethical research (such as past social effects of IQ testing). The students need to explain key terms and be able to cite relevant examples from any topics covered on the course. All theories are based on research evidence. Students study three options such as gender, relationships, schizophrenia, stress and aggression.
Coursebooks
These are provided by the department
AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS Student Book: 2nd Edition Paperback – 7 May 2020 by Cara Flanagan(Author), Matt Jarvis(Author), Rob Liddle(Author)
AQA Psychology for A level Year 2 Student Book: 2nd Edition Paperback – 21 Sept 2020 by Cara Flanagan(Author), Matt Jarvis(Author), Rob Liddle(Author)
Assessment
| Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology | Paper 2: Psychology in context | Paper 3: Issues And Options In Psychology * |
| Social influence | Approaches – 25% | Issues and Debates |
| Memory | Biopsychology – 25% | Option 1: Gender |
| Attachment | Research methods – 50% | Option 2: Schizophrenia |
| Psychopathology | Option 3: Aggression |
Students study three options which are in 3 baskets of three and the tutor picks the final topics.
Options may differ between Yr 13 and Yr 14 depending on time constraints for Yr 14.
Academic Skills
Psychology gives you transferable skills and combines well with other subjects. It is frequently combined with Biology, Sociology, Media and Business Studies. Psychology is a popular A level subject and, once discovered, can present new avenues for further studies.
All A levels have their special attractions, and those of RS are two. First, it is a subject with a unique combination of intellectual depth, breadth and flexibility. Second, it is a chance to study things that everyone is interested in. Questions of worldview, commitment, how to live morally, and questions about the meaning of life.
Religious Studies handles issues which every thinking person must confront, and is a profound training in critical analysis and evaluation. For this reason it is highly regarded in occupations which require appreciation of big issues, of what motivates people, of right and wrong, and in those fields where the ability to investigate, understand and weigh up matters of importance is crucial. Religious Studies A level is quite a different animal from GCSE. So much so, that it does not matter in the least whether you did Religious Education at GCSE.
Religious Studies has always been on universities’ lists of preferred A levels, because its kind of questioning and of analytical and evaluative thinking about new and very varied topics is ideal preparation for all university study.
Religious Studies is an ideal complement to other humanities subjects, offering insights into issues that are implicit in other fields. With the Russell Group chief executive commenting that universities now value academic versatility, note that it is also one of the best complements to science subjects.
A level Religious Studies is about ideas, and so lessons often involve discussing these, which is both interesting and extremely useful in developing the ability to argue your point of view. Thus, as well as leaning a great deal, you are encouraged to develop your own opinion about the material studied, and to voice it in a well-structured argument.
Each Religious Studies A Level contains three major themes, chosen from:
A World Religion (Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam)
There will be three papers, one for each of these themes.
The four examination Boards offer specifications that differ in the details of their coverage of each theme, and in the question format, but are otherwise similar.
Preferred Board: Edexcel
The Sociology department is part of a vibrant and growing Social Sciences division at Collingham. We encourage our students to think critically about the world around them by exploring current issues, debating new social ideas and researching trends and patterns in society. Classes employ a range of teaching methods, from class discussions, practical research methods and presentations to writing essays with particular emphasis on developing exam skills.
Sociology involves the study of human societies. In essence, it explores the organised institutions that are found in all societies, such as family, religion, education the criminal justice system and the mass media. It aims to describe and explain the patterns of inequality and conflict which are a feature of all societies. The emphasis will be on contemporary society, but some historical and comparative study will be included. We live in a global world and the ways in which our lives have been affected by this process will also be investigated.
Sociology at A level would appeal to students who have an interest in people and social issues. A good knowledge of current affairs is important for students of sociology, although to study the subject at AS/A level requires no previous experience. Sociology can be seen as a particularly useful A level for students intending to read Social Work, Law, Criminology, Social Sciences, Journalism or Media Studies at university.
A Level first year:
Education with Theory and Methods
Plus, one of the following topics:
A Level second year:
Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
Plus, one of the following topics:
Preferred Board: AQA
Spanish is taught at Collingham by tutors who combine unimpeachable academic credentials with a love of the customs and quirks of Spanish-speaking countries.
As the mother tongue of 470 million people, second only to Mandarin in its number of native speakers, Spanish continues to grow in global importance. It is estimated that by 2030 7.5% of the world’s population will be hispanohablantes. Studying the language is a passport to foreign travel, to business activities in many parts of the United States as well as Spain and Spanish America, and –most importantly- to the extraordinary diversity of the cultures and histories of the Spanish-speaking world.
Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Spain enjoyed the status of the first-ever superpower, with an empire stretching across much of Europe and the Americas. The cultural explosion during this period produced Cervantes’ Don Quijote and the artistic masterpieces of Velázquez and Murillo, whilst the Spanish Armada and Spanish Inquisition are among the more infamous contributions to European history. Since then Spain has given us Goya, Picasso and Dalí, not to mention Pedro Almodóvar, Iberian ham and the indispensable retail chain Zara.
Latin America has enriched world culture in numerous ways. In literature the region has produced notable writers and thinkers such as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (Mexican), a seventeeth-century protofeminist nun who defended the right of women to go to university. The Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez is a notable example from the modern era. Towering figures in the sphere of visual arts include the Mexican painter Diego Rivera (the father of the muralist movement) and his wife Frida Kahlo. The region has also influenced the world musical scene with rhythms such as bolero, mariachi music and cumbia.
Spanish at A level entails intensive study of the language alongside the society, literature and film of countries where it is spoken. You will gain a thorough grounding in Spanish grammar and be encouraged to use the language actively to read, write and engage in conversation. A wide range of authentic multimedia resources is used. The A-Level places emphasis on the study of literature and film. The Department carefully selects options from an extensive list, to reflect the interests of the cohort. Students undertake an individual research project in preparation for the speaking exam, enabling them to pursue an area of their own choice within this endlessly stimulating subject.
We believe that exceptional teaching happens in small groups, where students are known as individuals. At Collingham Kensington, A level classes have an average size of just five students, and never more than eight. This ensures that every student receives close academic support, ongoing feedback, and the freedom to actively engage in lessons.
Our tutors are subject specialists with extensive experience in preparing students for public exams, university entrance, and academic competitions. They are passionate about their subjects and committed to helping each student reach their full potential.
Our two-year A level programme provides a comprehensive and structured approach to sixth form study. Students typically study three or four A levels, depending on their university plans and academic strengths. In some cases, an additional AS level may be included.
The first year (Lower Sixth) builds a strong foundation of subject knowledge and skills, while the second year (Upper Sixth) focuses on exam preparation, advanced content, and university applications.
We offer a broad and flexible range of A level subjects across the sciences, humanities, languages, social sciences, and creative disciplines. Subjects include (but are not limited to):
For students with more specialised interests, individual tuition can be arranged.
Our A level courses are designed with university entrance in mind. Students receive structured support with UCAS applications, personal statement writing, interview preparation, and subject-specific entrance tests (such as the BMAT, UCAT, LNAT, or Oxbridge admissions assessments).
Many of our students progress to top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham and leading institutions abroad. See our University Destinations page for more.
Every A level student at Collingham Kensington is assigned a personal tutor who acts as their academic mentor and pastoral guide. Tutors oversee progress, encourage independent study habits, and provide timely interventions where needed.
In addition, students benefit from:
We accept A level applications year-round. Students may start in September or, in some cases, join mid-year depending on course availability and suitability.
To apply, simply click Apply Now and our Admissions Team will arrange a tour and an interview with the Principal or Vice Principal. International applicants may complete their interview via video call.
