Subjects
At Coundon Court Sixth Form we offer a wide range of subjects, from A-Levels to a select range of BTECs and Cambridge Technicals; allowing our students as much choice as possible and the ability to balance exam-heavy subjects and with coursework and controlled assessments.
We pride ourself on listening to our students and adapting the subjects we offer if there is sufficient demand, as was the case with the recent introduction of Politics and Criminology.
For a full breakdown of the subjects we offer, including entry requirements, please download our Prospectus below:
23-25 Sixth form overview and info & 23-25 Subject information
Art and Design: Fine Art and Art and Design: Photography
About the subject
Exam Board: Eduqas/WJEC
In both Art and Photography we push creative boundaries and experiment with a wide range of media, processes and concepts. We are creatively ambiguous, forward thinking and we develop our students to be independent, innovative and creative thinkers. Students have opportunities to work with materials such as painting, printing, darkroom processes and textiles throughout the course and this provides them with a wealth of experience that we have a high success rate for those wanting to continue there creative education further at university.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Art or Photography at GCSE
Year 12
Individual Issue based work, Students can explore any concept or theme in their personal investigation
Year 13
Individual Issue based work, Students can explore any concept or theme in their personal investigation
Exams
Both Art and Photography A level courses have 2 components to complete over the duration of the 2 years.
Component 1: Personal investigation worth 60% of overall grade and Component 2: Externally set investigation worth 40% of the over all grade.
Online Resources
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science (Edexcel/Pearson)
About the subject
Exam Board: Edexcel/Pearson
Applied Science takes a practical and theoretical approach to different areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The course contains about 50% practical science and also students will learn to use a range of transferrable skills which include research, collecting and interpreting data, communicating information and self reflection skills. It suits students who prefer a staged approach rather than just relying on terminal exams.
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 in Combined Science and also a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics
Year 12 Topics
- Chemistry Atoms and Bonding
- Biology Cells and Tissues
- Physics Waves
- Practical Science coursework
Year 13 Topics
- Human Anatomy coursework
- Practical Science of Enzymes
- Plants
- Fuels
- Electricity
- Diffusion
Exams
- Year 12 has 3x 40min exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Year 12 has 4 coursework units.
- Year 13 has 1 Practical exam followed by a written paper.
- Year 13 has 3 coursework units.
Online Resources
Biology (AQA)
About the subject
Exam Board: AQA
Biology is at the leading edge of current scientific research and economic investment. With the advent of modern biological techniques such as synthetic biology and worldwide interest in subjects like Epidemiology, Biology is one of the most important subjects to support the UK economy into the future. Biology A-level is key to the understanding of all careers that involve Medicine, Veterinary , Forensic Science, Sport Science and multiple other leading professions in the UK and worldwide.
Entry Requirements
Grade 66 GCSE in combined science GCSE as well as a Grade 6 in Mathematics
Year 12 Topics
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Year 13 Topics
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
Exams
3 exams in the summer of Y13
Exam 1 is on the content studied in year 12 (35% of final grade)
Exam 2 is on content studied in year 13 (35% of final grade)
Exam 3 is a synoptic exam covering the whole specification including longer answers and a 25 mark essay (30% of the final grade)
Online Resources
Business
About the subject
Exam Board: Eduqas/WJEC
The subject content enables learners to investigate different types and sizes of organisations in various business sectors and environments, drawing on local, national and global contexts. Learners will develop an holistic understanding of business and enterprise and be aware of the opportunities and threats of operating in a global marketplace.
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 + in English and Maths
Year 12 Topics
Component 1:
- Enterprise
- Business plans
- Markets
- Market research
- Business structure
- Business location
- Business finance
- Business revenue and costs
- Marketing
- Finance
- People in organisations (human resources)
- Operations management.
Year 13 Topics
Component 2:
- Data analysis
- Market analysis
- Sales forecasting
- Analysing financial performance
- Analysing non-financial performance
- Aims and objectives
- Strategy and implementation
- Decision-making models
- Investment appraisal
- Special orders
Component 3:
- Change
- Risk management
- PEST factors
- Ethical, legal and environmental factors
- International trade
- Globalisation
- The European Union
Exams
- Component 1 is about Business Opportunities and Functions and has a total of 80 marks ( 33.3%)
- Component 2 is about Business Analysis and Strategy and has a total of 80 marks ( 33.3%)
- Component 3 is about Business in a Changing World and has a total of 80 marks ( 33.3%)
Online Resources
Chemistry
Subject Contact: Mr DaviesSubject Contact: Mr Aldridge
About the subject
Exam Board: AQA
A-level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question: what is the world made of? It is the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that Chemistry provides are endless.
Entry Requirements
Grade 66 GCSE in
combined science GCSE as well as a
Grade 6 in Mathematics
Year 12 Topics
- 3.1 Physical chemistry
- 3.1.1 Atomic structure
- 3.1.2 Amount of substance
- 3.1.3 Bonding
- 3.1.4 Energetics
- 3.1.5 Kinetics
- 3.1.6 Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier's principle and Kc
- 3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
- 3.2 Inorganic chemistry
- 3.2.1 Periodicity
- 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
- 3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
- 3.3 Organic chemistry
- 3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
- 3.3.2 Alkanes
- 3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
- 3.3.4 Alkenes
- 3.3.5 Alcohols
- 3.3.6 Organic analysis
Year 13 Topics
- 3.1 Physical chemistry
- 3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A-level only)
- 3.1.9 Rate equations (A-level only)
- 3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems (A-level only)
- 3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only)
- 3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only)
- 3.2 Inorganic chemistry
- 3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
- 3.2.5 Transition metals (A-level only)
- 3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)
- 3.3 Organic chemistry
- 3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A-level only)
- 3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
- 3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only)
- 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
- 3.3.11 Amines (A-level only)
- 3.3.12 Polymers (A-level only)
- 3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
- 3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-level only)
- 3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A-level only)
- 3.3.16 Chromatography (A-level only)
Exams
Paper 1
What's assessed?
- Relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4, 3.1.6 to 3.1.8 and 3.1.10 to 3.1.12)
- Inorganic chemistry (section 3.2)
- Relevant practical skills
Assessed
written exam: 2 hours
- 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
Questions
105 marks of short and long answer questions
Paper 2
What's assessed
- Relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.2 to 3.1.6 and 3.1.9)
- Organic chemistry (section 3.3)
- Relevant practical skills
Assessed
- written exam: 2 hours
- 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
Questions
- 105 marks of short and long answer questions
Paper 3
What's assessed
- Any content
- Any practical skills
Assessed
- written exam: 2 hours
- 90 marks
- 30% of A-level
Questions
- 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis
- 20 marks of questions testing across the specification
- 30 marks of multiple choice questions
Online Resources
Computer Science and ICT
About the Subject
Subject Contact: Mr Taylor / Mrs Waugh
Exam Board: OCR
We offer two distinct courses:
1) OCR Computer Science A Level
At its heart lies the notion of computational thinking:
a mode of thought that goes well beyond software and hardware, and that provides a framework within which to reason about systems and problems.
This course teaches the fundamentals of coding and program construction as well as dealing with the internal functions of a computer and the wider implications of networking.
2) OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 in IT
The qualifications aim to develop your students' knowledge, understanding and skills of the principles of IT and Global Information Systems. Students will gain an insight into the IT sector as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, the flow of information on a global scale, and the importance of legal and security considerations.
Entry Requirements
Computer Science requires GCSE Maths at grade 7. IT has no additional entry requirements
Year 12 Topics
Computer Science
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Software and software development
- Exchanging data
- Data types, data structures and
- algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT
- Fundamentals in IT
- Global Information
- Cyber Security
- Computer Networks
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Application Design
- Analysis and Design
- Project Management
- Product Development
- Business Computing
- Mobile Technology
- Social Media & Digital Marketing
- Game Design and Prototyping
- Developing a smarter planet
- Internet of Everything
- Computer Systems Hardware
- IT Technical Support
- Web Design
- Big Data Analytics
- Cognitive Computing
- Enterprise Computing
- Cloud Technology
Year 13 Topics
Computer Science
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
- Problem Solving and Programming
- Elements of Computational Thinking
- Independent Project
Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT
- Computer Systems Hardware
- Cyber Security
- Computer Networks
Exams
Computer Science
Computer systems (Component 1)
- 140 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed) 40%
Algorithms and programming (Component 2)
- 140 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed) 40%
OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 in IT 3 exam units
- Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT
- Unit 2: Global information
- Unit 3: Cyber security
Online Resources
Design and Technology (Product Design)
About the Subject
Exam Board: Eduqas/WJEC
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject offering students opportunity to use their creativity and imagination supported by technical knowledge and understanding to design and make functional prototype products to solve problems that consider other's needs, wants, aspirations and values. This is underpinned by developing understanding of how designers work within the constraints of industrial and commercial practice, as well as reflecting cultural, legal, social and moral issues that are prevalent in the wider world around us.
Entry Requirements
GCSE D&T Grade 6 plus GCSE Maths Grade 5
Year 12 Topics
- 2.2.1 Designing and Innovation
- 2.2.2 Materials and Components
- 2.2.3 Processes
- 2.2.5 Product Analysis
- 2.2.7 Public Interaction (marketing and research)
- 2.3 Designing and Making Practice
Year 13 Topics
- 2.2.1 Designing and Innovation
- 2.2.4 Industrial and Commercial Practice
- 2.2.5 Systems
- 2.2.6 Human Responsibility
- 2.3 Non-examined assessment; sustained design and make project.
Exams
- Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century. Written examination taken in summer of Yr13: 3 hours (50% of grade)
- Component 2: Sustained design and make project. Non-examined assessment started in summer Yr12 and completed Spring Yr13: approx 80 hours (50% of grade)
Online Resources
Economics
About the Subject
Exam Board: AQA
Economics is a behavioural science that lies in the heart of every decision we make.
The course covers topical issues and allows students to make sense of the ever changing world.
The subject is challenging, analytical and rewards the inquisitive mind. Are you ready to answer the biggest questions?
Entry Requirements
Maths & English grade 6+
Year 12 Topics
- Microeconomics - Markets and Market Failure.
- Macroeconomics - The National Economy.
Year 13 Topics
- Microeconomics - Markets and Market Failure.
- Macroeconomics - The National and international economy.
Exams
- Paper 1 - Written assessment (33.3% of grade)
- Paper 2 - Written assessment (33.3% of grade)
- Paper 3 - Written assessment and multiple choice (33.3% of grade)