Sixth Form Academic

Our 2023 cohort did themselves, their families and Tranby incredibly proud on results day this year. Read more about Tranby A-Level results 2023 here.

With a return to the historic standards of A Level examinations and having taken GCSEs still under the shadow of COVID, this cohort has performed exceptionally well showing their resilience and perseverance. We always have the highest expectations and are so proud of the work our Upper-Sixth have put in to ensure they secure their all-important places at university and higher apprenticeship programmes.

96% accessed their first-choice university and the remaining 4% secured their insurance choice, which made for a celebratory morning here at Tranby. Read more here.

Examination Body: AQA 7402 

A Level Biology is challenging, exciting, interesting and relevant; it is a popular subject in the Sixth Form. Biology is the study of life. It encompasses the study of organisms, from the smallest viruses through to human beings. A Level Biology provides an understanding of a variety of biological processes, from the large scale magnificent ecological relationships in a habitat to the function and structure of biological molecules, such as DNA.  

The A Level Biology course aims to build on your understanding of the subject achieved at GCSE and to equip you with the skills and understanding required not only to succeed at A Level, but also to follow a scientific or medical degree at university. 

Entry Requirements 

There are no specific requirements to start A-level study in Biology. Your teachers will be more interested in your potential, commitment and genuine interest in Biology. You must accept that consistent hard work is essential for success. 

Delivery and Assessment 

The course offered is linear, so there are no modules and all examinations are taken at the end of the course. It is anticipated that most pupils will follow the full two-year course leading to the award of GCE Advanced Level Biology. 

Examination body: Pearsons

The BTEC course will suit students who enjoy and are keen on sport, not just those who excel in it. Students opting for this subject will participate in a mix of practical and theory lessons so a fundamental interest is a necessity.

The BTEC in Sport allows students to learn by:

• course leader and tutor input
• experiencing and developing an interest in a variety of roles
• increasing their understanding of the modern day developments in Sport

Why Study BTEC Sport?

Major universities are now offering widely recognised degrees in a range of sports related courses from the classic PE degree, to degrees in Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology,
Sports Science, Sports Marketing and Leisure & Tourism. BTEC qualifications are now nationally recognised and are used to support university applications.

BTEC offers the perfect preparation for university with a mixture of research based assignments and units which are assessed via an external exam.

A Distinction* in BTEC is the equivalent of an A* at A Level.

Entry Requirements

It is open to all pupils who are capable of achieving a nationally recognised qualification, it is not a requirement to have taken GCSE PE.

Delivery and assessment

The BTEC Level 3 is internally and externally assessed, with the units and specification being criterion referenced based on a series of learning outcomes.
Learners can be awarded a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

Examination Body: AQA 

Business at A Level covers a wide range of related topics including finance, marketing, operations, human resources, strategy and the external environment. It is a subject that will support progression to further study as it can be combined with any number of subjects at degree level. 

Business is based on what happens in the real world around us and is, therefore, a very accessible subject. During the course students will develop important examination skills such as analysis and evaluation, which will aid them at degree level and in the world of work. 

Entry Requirements 

There are no requirements over and above those laid down for Sixth Form entry. However, an interest in current business affairs is advantageous as theory is related to current business examples in class discussions. A willingness and ability to write extended answers is also required as issues are analysed in depth and in detail in exam questions. 

Delivery and Assessment 

The AS and A Level qualifications are stand alone; students will only sit the AS if they are not going to study Business in Year 13. Questions in the exams are multiple choice, case study based and essays. 

Examination Body: AQA Advanced Chemistry 7405 

A Level Chemistry is a highly regarded subject and lends itself to many degree courses and pathways. A chemistry qualification opens doors to a wide range of careers. The food you eat, the clothes you wear and the technology you use all depend on chemistry.   

The Royal Society of Chemistry writes: “In a complex and changing world, chemistry and the chemical sciences are essential. They are vital in our everyday lives and will be vital in helping the world respond to some of its biggest challenges.” 

Entry Requirements 

A minimum 6 in GCSE Chemistry or Double Award Science is required. If you only achieve the minimum standards you must accept that consistent hard work is essential for success. 

Delivery and Assessment 

The course is linear and consists of 9 topic areas. All students are entered in June of Year 13. 

The work involves lectures and regular assessments. In addition, practical skills are assessed on numerous occasions, including 12 required activities which contribute to a Practical Endorsement. It is important that time should be spent outside the laboratory on productive reading and comprehensive study of the subject matter covered. The subject content is divided into three topic areas: Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, with the content of each examined by three written papers.  

Examination Board: OCR 

Computer Science is not just learning about computers, it is learning how to solve problems using computer systems. This course is for you if you enjoy the challenge of problem solving and developing working solutions. You should be comfortable with Mathematics, as there is a large element of Maths involved in the course.  

Computer Science links to other areas of study including Mathematics and Languages and provides an excellent platform for studying Computer Science or Games Development at university. 

Entry Requirements 

You will need to have achieved level 5 or above in at least five GCSE Subjects and it is preferable if you achieved a Maths grade of level 6 or above. It is beneficial, but not compulsory, to have studied Computer Science at GCSE. 

Delivery and Assessment 

The course consists of three units which are outlined below: 

Component 01: Computer Systems – Written exam 40%  

In this unit you will learn about computer components and their uses, types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software, how data is exchanged between different systems, how data is represented and stored within different structures, different algorithms that can be applied to data structures and the laws and ethical issues around the use of computers. 

Component 02: Algorithms & Programming – Written Exam 40% 

In this unit you will learn what is meant by computational thinking, how computers can be used to solve problems, how programs can be written to solve problems, the use of standard algorithms and their use in describing problems.  

Component 03: Programming Project – Coursework Project 20% 

In this unit you will learn how to produce a coded, computing solution to a real-world problem, including analysis of the problem, design of the solution, development of the solution and evaluation of the finished project. 

Examination body: Eduqas (level 3 Applied Diploma)

The study of criminology is the scientific and systematic study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. It explores why crimes happen, how society responds to crime, and how to prevent or reduce criminal behaviour. It’s a powerful subject that combines real-world impact with deep intellectual exploration.

Criminology is ideal for people who are curious about crime, justice, and human behaviour, and want to make a difference in how society deals with crime and punishment.

Criminology provides links with other areas of study including psychology, history and biology.

Entry requirements:

There are no specific requirements to study Criminology. However, a genuine interest in human behaviour and the criminal justice system is essential as well as a hard-working attitude and commitment to study outside of lesson time.

Delivery and Assessment:

The Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework (50%) and externally assessed exams (50%). Year 1 will consist of unit 1 and 2, year 2 will consist of unit 3 and 4.

Examination Body: Edexcel 

Product Design is all around us. Everything we come into contact with, from our smart phones and our plastic milk bottles to a Ferrari F1 car and a child’s scooter, has been considered and designed by someone. There is a huge industry made up of many different roles that go into creating all our products that we take for granted. Concept artists, materials analysts, designers, modelling specialists… the list goes on. This is what makes Product Design such a varied and interesting course and career. The subject also leads into other roles such as Architect, Automotive engineer. Graphic designer. Materials engineer. Product manager. Production designer, theatre/television/film. Purchasing manager. 

During the course you will work with a variety of materials and solve practical problems which will challenge your creativity and innovation. You will develop a detailed understanding of design and engineering both from a practical and theoretical prospective. You will be able to analyse any product for how it could be manufactured and what materials would be most suitable for its use. 

Entry Requirements 

Along with the normal Sixth Form entry requirements, you will need a 4 or above in both GCSE Maths and English.  

Delivery and Assessment 

In Year 12 you will undertake a number of practical projects to build your skill level and understanding of the subject. The theory aspect will be spit over the two years and is supported with its own textbook. Year 13 you will take a written examination and produce coursework. Your final practical piece will be a single, integrated design project using any material or combination of materials, which will contain certain aspects of industrial and commercial design. 

Examination body: Edexcel  

The A Level Drama and Theatre qualification encourages creativity and critical thinking. The focus on practical work will allow you to develop your skills, which will support progression to further study of drama and a wide range of other subjects that require communication and presentation. 

The two set texts will require you to articulate how you would perform in certain roles, and design for certain scenes, putting practical work at the heart of each specification. This course will encourage and give you opportunities to think ‘outside the box’. 

Entry Requirements 

There are no requirements over and above those laid down for Sixth Form entry. A Level Drama & Theatre is open to all students who are capable of achieving an A Level standard. 

Delivery and Assessment 

The A Level in Drama and Theatre is assessed through a combination of a 40% written exam and 60% Non-Examined Assessment (NEA).   The 60% practical aspect of the course includes a devised and a scripted performance and work on either a monologue or duologue. 

Examination Body: Edexcel 

As a facilitating subject, English Literature is a prestigious subject that provides a gateway to a range of subjects at degree level. It will encourage you to develop a passion for English Literature and the literary heritage. Through reading widely, critically and independently, you will become an expert in literature across centuries, genre and theme. You will be challenged to develop personal responses to some of the most stimulating poetry, prose and drama in the world. 

Entry Requirements 

You should achieve at least a 6 in GCSE English Literature. 

Assessment and Delivery 

The Edexcel specification offers the opportunity to experience literature at its best, with a focus on analysis and development of personal responses. You will be able to take all examined texts into the examination.  

Over the course of two years, you will explore modern drama and a Shakespeare play, a modern poetry anthology and a set poet as well as classic prose. A coursework unit allows you to explore texts that are of particular interest to you. 

Examination body: AQA 

The Fine Art A Level involves a combination of practical manipulation of art media and materials with the expression of ideas and concepts. It demands a high level of thinking, commitment and independent effort. You will spend time learning and improving your drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media skills and applying them to set projects. Fine Art involves developing a practical and personal response to a subject and linking it to the work of other artists. Throughout the course you will be required to write annotations and evaluations to support the development of your practical artwork. 

Entry Requirements 

• Standard Sixth Form entry requirement  

• Grade 5 in GCSE Art

• Pupils without GCSE Art will be required to show a small portfolio of selected work which they have undertaken independently, or complete a summer project for submission post GCSE results. 

Delivery and Assessment 

This course is assessed by coursework and examined units which are both assessed and marked in school and externally moderated by a visiting examiner to the school.  

Examination body: Edexcel

If you like arguing, developing your own views and, above all, if you are intrigued about the past, then History is for you. You should also feel comfortable with analytical writing and independent research.

History provides links to many other areas of study including humanities, arts and sciences, so it combines well with other subjects. 

Entry Requirements

You will need a 6 or above at GCSE History.  

Delivery and assessment

At Y12 this consists of two papers, both of which are Modern History options. Students will study Germany and West Germany from 1918-89. This encompasses the creation and fall of the Weimar Republic, the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship and a return to democracy under the Federal Republic of Germany. Thematically, students will assess political change, opposition to the regimes, education and cultural diversity and attitudes towards women and ethnic minorities. In addition, you will study Italy 1911-1946, once again looking at dictatorship and democracy in modern Europe.

In Y13 students will complete one piece of internally assessed coursework which is teacher-led, and a final paper on the rise and fall of the British Empire 1763-1914. In this course, pupils are enabled to understand the history of Britain's influence across the world, told as five episodes in the unfolding narrative of the British Empire in these years. These five episodes are geographically diverse to represent the spread of the empire. These include America, Australia, Canada, India and Egypt. They will also complete two studies in breadth, this would be the changing role of the Royal Navy, and the changing nature of trade. Their coursework will focus on debates surrounding the Holocaust, utilising the knowledge on Germany they previously gained.

Examination body: Edexcel 

A Level Mathematics could sensibly be studied in combination with any other subject. Therefore, whatever your main interest, if you are good at Maths, and enjoy it, you should take it at A Level. Past A Level Maths students have become lawyers, engineers and doctors. 

If you are thinking of going into a broadly scientific area, Mathematics can only be a help and may be vital. If you are wondering how good you have to be, then there are no fixed rules. Broadly speaking, at A Level, your grade will not be better than your GCSE grade but what matters most is your attitude and willingness to work. 

Obtaining a Maths A Level shows that you have the transferable skills of analysis, logic, and problem-solving, which will always come in handy. Some degree subjects such as Physics and Engineering ask for a Maths A Level as part of the entry requirements. Others, such as Medicine and Architecture, do not make it a necessity, but they still have a fair amount of mathematical content. 

Entry Requirements 

You will need a grade 7 at GCSE. We do occasionally accept students who obtain a grade 6 but you must be prepared to work very hard, and this normally only happens in exceptional circumstances. 

Delivery and assessment 

A Level Mathematics is made up of two sections: 

Pure Maths - This is two-thirds of the course and extends the Algebra, Co-ordinate Geometry, Trigonometry and Sequences work from GCSE and introduces Calculus. 

Applied Maths - This is one-third of the course and is made up of both Statistics and Mechanics. The Statistics is an extension of topics such as Histograms and Probability at GCSE, whereas the Mechanics involves new topics such as forces and momentum. 

Examination body: AQA 

Photography is a popular A Level choice, providing you with the opportunity to focus on a range of processes involved in the use of the digital medium. This is an art-based A level, and whilst you do not need to have taken Art at GCSE, you would be expected to have a small portfolio of your own work. You would be invited to come and have informal chat about the course and be prepared to talk about your work and photography, and also photographers who inspire you. Throughout the course you will be expected to have access to your own DSLR camera and to print your own work for your sketchbook. 

At Tranby, you will have access to the Adobe CC suite and will be using Photoshop and Illustrator in combination with our Wacom Cintiq tablets. Other resources available to you includes digital cameras & lenses and studio lighting facilities. The department offers an open-door policy for Sixth Form pupils, which means that you can access the photography facilities at any time during the school week. 

The course is enhanced by various opportunities to enter school competitions, undertake gallery visits both locally and nationally. You will be expected to contribute to regular displays within school and assist at events such as Prize Giving, where photography is required.  

Entry Requirements 

• Standard Sixth Form entry requirement  

• 5 in GCSE Art 

• Pupils without GCSE Art will be required to show a small portfolio of selected work which they have undertaken independently, or complete a summer project for submission post GCSE results. 

Delivery and assessment 

This course is assessed by coursework and examined units which are both assessed and marked in school and externally moderated by a visiting examiner to the school.  

Examination body: AQA 

An A Level in Physics is always highly regarded and lends itself to many degree courses due to the problem-solving nature of the content and examination.   

A spokesperson for the Institute of Physics says: 

At A Level, you will study a wide variety of new topics, including particles & radiation, mechanics, thermal physics and astrophysics. 

Entry Requirements 

A minimum 6 in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science is required. If you achieve the minimum standard, you must also accept that consistent hard work is essential for success. 

Delivery and assessment  

The course is linear and consists of 9 topic areas. All students are entered in June of Year 13. 

The work involves different lesson styles, with a heavy emphasis on practical work. Assessments on recently covered course materials are frequent to monitor progress. In addition, practical skills are assessed on numerous occasions. It is important that time should be spent outside the laboratory on gainful reading and thorough study of the subject matter covered. 

There are 12 required practicals which are undertaken throughout Year 12 and Year 13. This is in addition to the heavy practical weighting to most lessons, including the use of new and advanced apparatus. 

The content is examined by three written papers.  

Examination body: AQA 

Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. Psychologists study both how people act and the reasons behind their actions. It is an incredibly diverse subject with topics ranging from memory and neuroscience to child development and mental disorders. 

Students who study Psychology find it interesting because it has relevance to the everyday decisions that we make. Through psychology you can explore questions such as: Why do people lie? Why do some obey authority and others disobey? Why do people develop phobias? And how do companies influence us to buy their products? 

Psychology is primarily a science, but it also develops your writing and mathematical skills. Studying psychology shows universities that you are a well-rounded student able to write essays, plan experiments and handle data competently. An important part of psychology is critical evaluation, a transferable skill which is valued by universities and employers alike. 

Entry Requirements 

You need no prior knowledge of the subject but it will best suit students with an enquiring mind who are interested in people and why they do the things they do. 

Delivery and assessment  

There are 7 topics in Year 1 and 4 topics in Year 2. If taking the full A Level, there are three examinations at the end of Year 13.  

Examination body: AQA 

Textiles is an excellent choice of A level that compliments many of the A level disciplines we offer at Tranby. Popular combinations include Design Technology, Art, Photography, Drama, Business Studies and MFL.  Textiles A Level will allow you to focus on a range of specialisms, working flexibly in fine art textiles, fashion garment making, fabric construction/manipulation, embellishment and print work. There is an expectation that you will have access to a camera and be responsible for the printing and purchase of materials for your independent work. 

The department offers an open-door policy for Sixth Form pupils, which means that you can access the facilities at any time during the school week. 

The course is enhanced by various opportunities to undertake gallery visits both locally and nationally. You will also be expected to contribute to regular displays.  

Entry Requirements 

• Standard Sixth Form entry requirement  

• 5 in GCSE Art 

• Pupils without GCSE Art will be required to show a small portfolio of selected work which they have undertaken independently, or complete a summer project for submission post GCSE results. 

Delivery and assessment  

This course is assessed by coursework and examined units which are both assessed and marked in school and externally moderated by a visiting examiner to the school.  

Prospective pupils may be registered for admission at any time. You can book a private tour HERE and meet Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Robinson along with students. 

Our Registrar Sharon McEwan is available to answer your questions. Please email Sharon.McEwan@tranby.org.uk or telephone 01482 657016.