Whether you have a clear career path in mind or are driven by your enthusiasm for specific subjects, we can help you to choose the most rewarding options. Our curriculum offer combines academic and vocational pathways alongside opportunities for enrichment that help individual students’ growth. Our personal development and wellbeing programme, supported by individualised advice and guidance, help students to make the most of their Sixth Form experience.
When they join Year 12, students typically select three A Levels or a combination of A Levels and Level 3 BTEC qualifications.
Sixth Form subjects include:
Art & Design
Art and design is about using your creative and analytical skills to explore the world around you, working across a range of media to start developing your practical expertise. Whether you want to pursue a career in the creative industries or complement your other subjects, A-level Art and Design at SBUA has a lot to offer. Alongside the practical expertise you’ll develop in your studies, you’ll also learn transferable skills valued in both higher education and the world of work, such as analytical thinking, creative problem solving, working independently, research methods, understanding how context shapes meaning and how to communicate effectively. The UK is a global leader in the creative industries and studying an Art and Design A-level is a great way into this exciting world.
Biology
Students’ knowledge and understanding of a range of core areas of biology will be developed during this programme enabling to demonstrate practical and theoretical skills in topics including cellular biology and microbiology, cells, viruses and reproduction, physiology, and ecology. Students will learn about advanced biochemistry and genetics as well the art of classification. In addition, they will study biodiversity and the science of ecosystems.
Business BTEC
Students on the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business benefit from the robust curriculum developed with the expert collaboration from professional bodies, higher education institutions and reputable businesses.
Students on the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business are equipped with the practical, real world skills which move them straight into employment or pursue a university education, apprenticeship or professional course.
Students develop a critical understanding of business behaviour and business environment through investigating and analysing real life businesses.
Some of the topic’s students are taught include leadership, attracting customers, recruiting and nurturing employees, managing finances, measuring business success and developing strategic plans.
Chemistry
Students will hone their practical skills in the laboratory as they develop their knowledge of chemistry. Topics will include the periodic table and energy, core organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Their skills and knowledge will be assessed by means of practical and written examinations.
Computer Science
Students who study A level Computer Science tackle the subject from two key angles. They explore how computational thinking can be used to solve a vast range of problems, heuristically, optimally or completely. The second angle is how systems are designed and constructed to provide the framework for solutions to problems. Students sit two papers and complete a comprehensive programming project that showcases their skills and knowledge. Successful completion of this course prepares students for HE, apprenticeships, employment, and entrepreneurial ventures.
BTEC National Extended Diploma (Software Engineering)
The BTEC National Extended diploma in software engineering is a 13-unit course designed to enhance student skills and knowledge in the discipline of software engineering. Students explore best practices for developing software, building websites and modelling data. They also explore the impact of software in organisations. The aim is to challenge the students to consider the entire life cycle of software development as a crucial, essential and rewarding discipline.
Economics
Students examine the social science of economics focusing on topics including market types and the division of labour, the principles of supply and demand and consumer behaviour, and how markets, governments and businesses behave. Economic growth, trade and globalisation are also explored providing a broad overview of key principles.
Extended Project Qualification
Coming Soon
Digital Media CTEC
Subject content for this qualification opens doors to the world of digital interactive media, enabling students to explore topics from media production, social media and globalisation to journalism and news. They will also gain skills in the art of digital photography, animation, and audio-visual promotion.
English
This subject enables students to learn about the value of storytelling in society helping them to decipher the way in which choices of language help to shape representations and perspectives on the world. Set texts include the poetry of Robert Browning, Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams and ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini.
History
Across several significant international and domestic historical periods, students will learn to appraise world events critically and in context. Students will explore the important milestones within The Cold War in Europe as well as he struggle for and development of Civil Rights in the USA 1862-1995 They will also examine 20th century British politics with a focus on former Prime Ministers Churchill, Major and Blair as well as construct their own enquiry into a major historical event.
Mathematics
Students will develop their skills and understanding in both statistics and mechanics as part of this study programme. Topics that will be covered include algebraic indices, quadratics, graphs and transformers, and trigonometric ratios, identities, and equations. As part of the mechanics curriculum students will learn to understand forces and motion and develop their ability to evaluate hypotheses.
Further Mathematics
This advanced course is designed to challenge and extend students understanding of mathematics beyond the standard curriculum. As we delve into complex and intriguing topics, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the elegance and power of mathematics. Prepare to explore a wide range of mathematical theories and applications, from abstract algebra to advanced calculus, and from differential equations to complex numbers. Our journey will not only enhance students problem-solving skills but also foster critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Whether you aspire to pursue mathematics at a higher level or simply wish to strengthen your mathematical foundation, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel. The course comprises of Core Maths (compulsory) and two choices from Further Statistics, Decision/Discrete Mathematics, Further Mechanics.
Physics
Students in physics will investigate the nature of the universe through mathematics, logical reasoning, and experimentation. The course takes students from the idea of projectile motion through to the incredible world of quantum physics. Through this journey the students will explore key concepts like forces, energy, magnetism, and thermodynamics. Students are assessed throughout the course with mini-experiments before being assessed in their final examinations.
Product Design
Students of product design will learn about the use of a range of specific materials and their uses in multiple applications according to their physical and mechanical properties. They will develop design and manufacturing skills and learn how to approach a design challenge through the process of collecting primary and secondary data to generate a proposal and create a prototype.
Psychology
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to multiple psychological disciplines. Topics include cognitive development, social influence, and psychopathology. The programme also encompasses theories of biopsychology and forensic psychology.
Sociology
This broad subject is studied expansively and covers topics including theories of family, the role of education in society and social policy. Students examine the impact of class and ethnic differences in societal achievement and explore demographics and gender. The syllabus also covers religious theory as well as the impact of secularisation.
Spanish
Spanish A -Level students focus on achieving a high level of fluency and precision in both spoken and written communication. They engage with more advanced topics, such as politics, immigration, multiculturalism, global issues, art, history, and contemporary society in Spanish-speaking countries. Students are introduced to complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive mood, advanced tenses, and idiomatic expressions. Critical analysis is a key component, as students explore Spanish literature, films, and other authentic texts. In-depth cultural understanding is developed, which helps to prepare students for potential use of Spanish in higher education or professional contexts, with the ability to express nuanced opinions and ideas confidently.