A Level Geography add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 100% Filton 3 88% A* - C If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Summary Do you enjoy reflecting on the world today? Would you like to learn about Geography in greater depth and detail than you have previously? Are you interested in challenging perceptions and stimulating your investigative and analytical skills? Are you interested in the world around you and current social, economic, and environmental issues? If the answers to any of these questions are ‘yes,’ then A level Geography is the subject for you! A Level Geography is a course designed to develop a sound understanding and knowledge of geographical issues, examining the interaction of people and their environments through detailed case studies. Competence in Geographical skills will be developed during study of the course which allows you to study both the physical and human aspects of Geography, whilst challenging your perceptions. You will gain graphical, cartographic, statistical and ICT skills along with learning how to construct extended written arguments about Geographical matters. A Level Geography is taught from the AQA board specification and is taught over two years. In the second year you will sit the A level in the second year which covers content from both years. You will also complete a Non-Examined Assessment (coursework) which is worth 20% of your overall grade. You will need to undertake fieldwork in relation to processes in both physical and human geography as part of the course and this includes four days of fieldwork on a compulsory trip. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above. A grade 5 in GCSE English Language, GCSE Maths and GCSE Geography. We recommend learners studying Geography also consider choosing Core Maths as a fourth subject to continue their development in mathematical development. Course Content In each year you will study aspects of Physical and Human Geography as well as Fieldwork Skills. You will build on the concepts studied in the first year in the second year. Year 1 1. ‘Physical Geography’: In this unit you will investigate water and carbon cycles and human interaction with these cycles and the impact of global warming on them. You will also study Hazards includes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, and wildfires and how humans manage these and mitigate against disaster. 2. ‘Human geography’: This unit explores how places change over time through redevelopment, gentrification, immigration, and employment. You will explore two case studies, including St Paul’s in Bristol and Detroit in the United States, as part of this unit. 3. ‘Geography Fieldwork’: You will undertake four days of fieldwork which includes a trip to the Field Studies Centre in Slapton Sands in Devon where you will complete a coastal study, an urban environment study in Plymouth and a water and carbon cycle study. Year 2 1. ‘Physical Geography’: You will build upon what you have studied in the first year and extend this with a further study of coastal systems and landscapes. You will investigate natural coastal processes, such as erosion, deposition, weathering, and mass movement. You will explore how humans can manage coastal environments in Holderness in Yorkshire and Sundarbans in Bangladesh. 2. ‘Human Geography’: You will also further develop your skills and knowledge in human geography in the second year. You will explore population change and the environment and look at the impact of disease. You will also examine global systems including international trade, trans-national corporations, and the case study of Antarctica. 3. ‘Geography fieldwork’: - Students are required to undertake an independent investigation. This must incorporate a significant element of fieldwork. The fieldwork undertaken as part of the individual investigation may be based on either human or physical aspects of geography, or a combination of both. This Non-Examined Assessment (coursework) comprises 20% of the final grade. Progression Routes Geography is a wide-ranging subject, with links across the Arts, Sciences and Humanities. This means that there are lots of possible subject combinations. You may want to combine Geography with Environmental Science if you have a particular interest in the science behind climate change, energy resources or sustainability. Whilst you may also like to combine it with other subjects such as Law, Business, Economics, Politics or Sociology to further the themes studied in the human geography elements of the programme. If you study Geography, you could go on to do a variety of different degrees in Higher Education in many areas, from Geology, Environment-related courses to Medicine and Law. The skills developed and knowledge acquired are also useful for many careers. There is also a growing number of opportunities to use the skills you have developed in Geography for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. Additional Learning Opportunities Geography has a compulsory field trip to Slapton Sands in Devon as part of the course for the fieldwork investigation. You may also choose to join our Sustainability Academy to further develop your understanding of issues around sustainability and gain an additional qualification. There are also a variety of Geography related talks in our Sixth Form Talks series from academics and employers working in Geography related areas of research and policy. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Previous Student Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

A Level English Literature add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 100% Filton 3 If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary Do you enjoy reading? Have you considered reading more widely and discovering the works of the famous poets and writers? Do you enjoy discussing the issues and attitudes raised by such texts? Do you like writing and would like to know more about the techniques authors and poets use to convey meaning in their work? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then English Literature maybe the subject for you! English Literature examines the works of English-speaking authors, poets and playwrights and aims to break down the structure of the texts. It develops analytical, evaluative, and writing skills alongside an appreciation of the techniques used by authors and poets to create their work. This subject is taught from the AQA board. You will sit two A Level exams at the end of your second year which will cover the content taught over both years. There is also a Non-Examined Assessment (coursework) that counts for 20% of your overall mark. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English Language and Maths. A grade 5 in GCSE English Literature. Course Content Year 1 In the first year you will study the texts under the theme of ‘love through the ages'. 1. ‘Shakespeare and Poetry’: You will study Shakespeare’s tragedy about the heroic general, Othello, whose downfall is plotted by his trusted advisor Lago. Together techniques are explored, as well as the context in which the play is set. You will study fourteen different poems from pre-1900 and examine how poets convey meaning and symbolism in their writing. 2. ‘Prose’: You will explore two different pieces of literature: The Great Gatsby - A novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that explores life in the 1920s era of wealth and glamour; and Rebecca – A gothic novel by Daphne Du Maurier that depicts the life of a woman who marries a young widower before discovering that the household are haunted by the memory of his first wife. You will also develop the skills of critical analysis and evaluation to approach a piece of Unseen Prose. Year 2 In the second year you will consolidate work from the first year and explore texts which have a shared context, as well as complete a non-examined assessment. 3. ‘Texts in shared contexts – Post 1945’: You will study Carol Ann Duffy’s seminal collection of poems that explore women and feminism in the 21st Century called The Feminine Gospels. Alongside this you will also study Alice Walker’s 1982 novel The Colour Purple which explores the life experiences of a fourteen-year-old African American girl and the traumas she faces. Lastly you will also study Tennessee Williams' play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and the tragic journey of Blanche DuBois in post-war America. 4. ‘NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) – Independent critical study: texts across time’: You will also complete an independent study (coursework) which is worth 20% of the overall grade. In this you will choose and compare two books alongside an investigative question of your own choosing and then submit a 2,500-word essay. This is marked internally. 5. ‘Love through the ages’: You will revisit the texts studied in the first year: Othello, the Great Gatsby, Rebecca and Pre-1900s poetry in preparation for the summer exams. Progression Routes English Literature can develop the skills for a range of different employment opportunities that require an understanding of evaluating and interpreting what has been presented. It can also lead to an English Literature degree, which can be the basis for a range of careers such as a writer, journalist, publisher, advertising, and law conversion to a legal career. You will also develop an awareness of black and feminist history, class inequalities and issues that affect our modern world. Additional Learning Opportunities There are lots of opportunities to extend your learning as an English Literature student. There are opportunities to attend theatre performances of your studied text. There is an English Academy which provides you with additional support and guidance to really excel in the subject and to further develop their skills in the subject. You might also find our Creative Writing Academy interesting to further hone and develop your writing skills. We have a Sixth Form Talks programme that features guest lecturers who are experts on the texts being studied from local universities. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

A Level Economics add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 100% Filton 3 If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Summary Have you ever wondered how the free market operates and how the government intervenes to improve its operation? Do you want to know more about why there are such high taxes on products such as alcohol and tobacco and why legislation is passed? Do you want to know what causes inflation and economic growth and how macroeconomic policies can be used to improve the economy? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then Economics is the subject for you! Economics is the study of the economy. It explores both microeconomics, which looks at the workings of individual markets and the choices that individuals, businesses, and nations make in response to limited resources and challenges. It also looks at macroeconomics which is the study of the economy as a whole. You will gain a firm foundation of how markets work and sometimes fail and what governments attempt to do to manage the economy. Economics is taught from the AQA board. At the end of the second year, you will sit the full A Level exam composed of three examination papers, each worth a third of the final grade. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above. A grade 5 in both GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths We recommend learners studying Economics also consider choosing Core Maths as a fourth subject to continue their mathematical development. Course Content You will study two units in the first year and two more units in the second. Year 1 1. ‘The Operation of Markets and Market Failure’: This unit gives you an introduction to microeconomics. You will look at different economic models and apply these to current issues. You will look at how supply and demand works, the operation of the price mechanism and what the causes of market failures are. You will evaluate different forms of government intervention to reduce market failure in real-world contexts. 2. ‘The National Economy in a Global Context’: This unit is an introduction to macroeconomics. You will explore what sits behind macroeconomic performance and how the models of circular flow of income and aggregate supply and demand help explain it. You will also see how governments try to implement monetary, fiscal and supply policies to meet macroeconomic objectives in regards to economic growth, inflation, employment and international competitiveness. Year 2 3. ‘Individuals, Firms, Markets and Market Failure’: This unit explores further how individuals make decisions using traditional theory and behaviour economics. Market structures including perfect competition, monopolies and oligopolies are explored in more detail. Labour markets are also studied, including the impact of trade unions, dominant employers and discrimination on wage rates and levels of employment. The distribution of income & wealth and market failure and government intervention are further developed and you will also study about the role of privatisation, nationalisation, and competition policy. 4. ‘The National and International Economy’: This last unit further develops an understanding of the UK economy and government policies as well as developments in the world economy; such as globalisation and economic development and the importance of exchange rates and international trade. Progression Routes Learners studying Economics often find that this goes well with Business and Politics due to the overlap of economic and political themes. Another good combination is Economics, Politics and Religion, Ethics and Philosophy to mirror a PPE programme that is offered at top universities. Economics is also a natural subject to take alongside Mathematics, History, and Psychology. Studying Economics at A Level naturally gives you a firm understanding to be able to study Economics Degrees at university and dependent on your other choices may allow you to gain an area of specialism; for example, if you wish to study Economic History, or Global Finance, or Business Law. Studying Economics also gives you opportunities for a variety of different careers from government policy analysists to careers in finance, accounting and marketing. Additional Learning Opportunities You will have opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Previously we have held a political hustings in the Sixth Form with candidates standing in the general election and learners have been able to grill them on their party’s policies. We also have regular talks from individuals and groups from the world of business and finance. Learners studying this subject also get the opportunity to join our Business Academy where they get their own opportunity to start a use their knowledge in a real world context. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Previous Student Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

A Level Sociology add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 97% Filton 3 81% A* - C If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary Are you interested in why people commit crimes, why girls do better than boys in school, or to what extent religion is still important in the world? Would you like to know more about the issues and challenges in society and what different people use to justify their opinions? Would you like to know more about the how mass movements are created and what unites and divides communities and cultures? Would you like to know more about critical issues in the workplace and what our rights and responsibilities are? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then Sociology is the subject for you! Sociology teaches you the skill of debate; how to structure and argument and how to evaluate ideas against each other. During the course you will discuss a wide range of topics including race, gender, ethnicity, and religion. You will look at social movements over the past 100 years to establish the route of society and to give you a sense of where society is placed today. The subject teaches tolerance, diversity and equality and discusses issues where these are less commonplace in society with the aim of understanding the issues to create change in society towards a more equal, tolerant place. It can become quite political and an interest in current affairs is necessary. It will suit anyone interested in pursuing a career in law, journalism, police, teaching, and wider social roles. Sociology is taught on the AQA specification. It is fully examination based. The exams are a mix of short answers and longer form essay questions. You will sit the A Level exams at the end of your second year and there are three papers for the subject. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths. A grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language. Course Content You will study three units in the first year and three units in the second year. Year 1 1. ‘Education’: This unit investigates the role and functions of the education system, differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society, relationships, and processes within schools. You will also explore the hidden curriculum, and the organisation of teaching and learning. Alongside this, you will explore the significance of educational policies, including policies of selection, marketisation and privatisation, and policies to achieve greater equality of opportunity or outcome, for an understanding of the structure, role, impact, and experience of and access to education; the impact of globalisation on educational policy. 2. ‘Research Methods’: You will examine quantitative and qualitative methods of research; research design, sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, participant and non-participant observation, experiments, documents, and official statistics. 3. ‘Families’: This unit explores the relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, changing patterns of marriage and cohabitation, gender roles and domestic life and the nature of childhood. You will investigate how family life is changing in a postmodern world and look at family diversity, the impact of government policy on the family as well as the influence of immigration and culture from living in a global world. We also study the contentious issues of gender roles in the home looking at how the family is viewed at patriarchal by feminists and how extremes of this result in domestic violence. This topic is wide ranging and discusses many issues surrounding family life in a contemporary, global world. Year 2 4. ‘Sociology of Belief’: You will ask the question ‘is religion a force for social change or does it reflect tradition and keep society the same.’ You will look at the theories of Functionalism, Feminism, Marxism, Weber, and postmodernism to establish the view of religion in society taking the idea that powerful groups have used religion to support their viewpoint and keep society operating to their advantage. You will compare this to the view that religion is a force for change looking at Eastern and Western fundamentalism, Liberation Theology and Black Civil Rights movements among other theories to establish the effect of religion on society. You will examine secularisation; is religion declining and why and look at the rise of cults and sects and new religious movements, including spirituality, and whether this replaces the decline of traditional religion. We look at the effect of religion on social groups e.g., age, gender, race. 5. ‘Crime and Deviance’: If you were not born criminal, what makes someone turn towards crime? Looking at the main theories ideas regarding the structuring of society; Marxism, feminism, New Right etc you will seek to understand the true cause of crime and therefore prevent it. You will ask the question whether prison works and if not, then what works better? looking at a global perspective comparing other countries’ systems of punishment. You will look at the effect of crime on social groups in terms of perpetrator and victim including race, gender, and age. You will look at crime prevention and track crime rates across time and place. 6. ‘Sociological Theory’: You will study the principal theories including Functionalism, Feminism, Marxism, Postmodernism, New Right. Looking at the debate between structure and action; does society control action, or do individuals have free will. You will also ask the question is science a new religion and not actually as impartial as we think it is. Progression Routes There are a range of different career opportunities open to you if you study Sociology. For example, this could include careers in law and policing, education, politics and the civil service as a policy analyst or researcher, social work and marketing or business. You could progress onto a university degree to study Sociology further, however the skills gained in the subject are also applicable to a range of different degrees, including many humanities-based courses. Sociology can be combined with a variety of different subjects. Some suggested good subject combinations include Law, Psychology and Criminology to further develop skills and understanding in shared themes, Politics, History or Geography. Additional Learning Opportunities If you study Sociology, you may like to join our Sociology Academy which further delves into the topics and discussions that take place in the classroom and explores other topics. You may also like to join our Legal Academy if you find the Crime and Deviance aspect of the subject interesting, or the Psychology Academy which also explores some of the themes covered in the subject. There are also opportunities for different trips in Sociology including a trip to the Bristol Law Courts. We have also previously held a ‘behind closed bars’ day for Sociology learners with speakers coming in to talk about their real-life experiences of the Criminal Justice system and legal reforms. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

SGS Sixth CONTACT SGS Sixth Form welcomes you to get in touch with us by phone, email or by visiting us on site. If you are looking to contact a particular member of staff, you can do so by visiting our Meet The Team page. Phone Our dedicated Customer Experience Team are available between 8:00 - 17:00 Monday till Friday on 0800 0567253 . Alternatively, you can contact our Sixth Form directly on 01179092397. Visit You can visit us onsite between 8:00 - 17:00 Monday till Friday. Our address is SGS Sixth, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Filton Avenue, Filton, Bristol, BS34 6BY. We highly recommend contact us before your visit, so we can ensure a relevant member of staff is available to speak to you. Please read our Parking and Permits information page before visiting us onsite. Email Your Email Address Your message Send Thanks for submitting!

SGS Sixth Wellbeing Service The Wellbeing team are here to helping you make the most of your academic and personal life at SGS Sixth. The team are on hand to support you, with a range of services on offer. More resources coming soon More resources coming soon More resources coming soon More resources coming soon More resources coming soon More resources coming soon

SGS Sixth Apply Applying for SGS Sixth Form couldn't be easier, with applications welcome throughout the year. Simply click the apply button viewable on any of our Subjects pages. Alternatively, Contact us directly and we'd be happy to help. How do I apply? To apply for a place at SGS Sixth, head to our subjects page to find out more about the subjects you would like to study, then add your subject choices into the basket. When ready, click on the basket and select 'start application'. Do not worry, your subject choices at this point are not final. We suggest that you add at least three subjects you are interested in into the basket. I am a late applicant and I am struggling to apply If you are a late applicant who is applying during our enrolment process at the end of August, we run a late advice and guidance service during this time with appointments to discuss your application. Please visit the SGS College website if you are attempting to apply at this time to book a Late Advice and Guidance slot. What happens after I submit an application? After you submit an application this will be processed by our admissions team. They will send you an email asking you to confirm your application after it has been processed. If you have any specific questions you can email our admissions team . We will then communicate with you throughout the year with a termly newsletter about what has been happening in the Sixth Form. After Easter, you will be sent a log-in to join our 'Prepared Team'. We will host several 'Live Events' on this Prepared Team throughout the rest of the year where you can ask any questions you may have. Over the summer holiday, you will recieve joining instructions from the Sixth Form advising you of when to come into the Sixth Form to enrol. This generally starts in the last week of August, after GCSE results day, with induction taking place in the first week of September. When should I apply? The application cycle for the next academic year begins in October. We encourage you to put in an application as early as possible so you can be kept up to date with what is happening in the Sixth Form over the rest of the year. What are your entry requirements? The entry requirements for each subject is listed on their subject page. Overall, to study at SGS Sixth you must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above plus any additional requirements from individual subjects. Some subjects, particularly the Sciences, may also require an entry assessment on enrolment. Do you have an admissions policy? Our Application, Admissions and Enrolment Policy and Procedure is available on the Policy Section of our main SGS College website. If you have any questions regarding our policy or procedure please Contact us.

SGS Sixth Student life At SGS Sixth we put our students first and offer a range of services, activities and events year round. Find out more below and experience SGS and student life to it's fullest. Anchor 1 Being a student at SGS Sixth means you are part of a community that prides itself on having high expectations and pushes individuals to challenge themselves. We want students to experience new things and see the world through a variety of different lenses. Growing up is about embracing opportunities and importantly, making friendships that will last a lifetime. Our tutorial, enrichment and Academy offer will fully support you in your studies and expand your horizons to help you become the best academic you can possibly be. We also want you to be a confident, articulate, problem solver who is ready for anything life throws at you. We look forward to helping you shape your goals and ambitions in a safe, caring and nurturing environment. Mark A Jones Head of Academic Student Union Student Support Events Subjects Newsletter Sports Academy How to Apply Academies Why join SGS Sixth? SGS Sixth is North Bristol’s premier Sixth Form. We achieve not only excellent results but our learners also have some of the best value added scores in the entire South West. This means that our learners make excellent progress from their start points. In addition to this, our learners also benefit from our Academies programme, where they can obtain further skills and knowledge in their chosen subjects, learn new skills or join one of SGS College’s Sports Academies. We also provide wrap around pastoral support for our learners helping them grow and develop as individuals throughout their studies with us. As a specialist Sixth Form, we offer a much wider range of different subject options compared to a school. There is also a very different relationship between teachers and our learners that is focused on bridging the gap towards Higher Education and Employment. A day in the life of an SGS Sixth learner "On a typical day, I wake up early to get dressed and ready for the day before I get my bus to college. The college day starts at 9:00am. My first lesson of the day is Chemistry for an hour and thirty minutes. In this lesson we often complete practicals which involve new skills and new methods taught by our teachers that we can later apply in exams and future experiments. After the lesson is finished, I have a ten minute break before my next lesson, in this time I can catch up with my friends and grab a snack from the Sixth Form canteen. My second session today is my academy, I am in the marketing so we have been working on updating the website, learning really important employability skills. After this, it is lunch time. Lunch is an hour long, so we have time to talk to friends, grab lunch and leave the campus if we choose. I often eat in the Sixth Form canteen, however, sometimes me and my friends go to Cribbs Causeway for lunch. I also go to the lunchtime STEM@lunch talks which are held once a month. After lunch I have my Law lesson. I enjoy this lesson and find it really interesting, as we find out about the law around us and we do some amazing trips to the magistrates court and the crown court where we sat in on a murder case. In my last session of the day, I have Progression. My Progress Mentor also teaches me for my third subject, Criminology. This week we had an interesting session on AI and its applications; I also had my 1:1 for the term where my Progress Mentor helped set some targets and reviewed my recent grades with me. After my progression session, I finish for the day. Tomorrow, I have a free period in the morning, so I plan on coming in early to do some independent study." - Vanja Hardi - Year 2 learner Your study programme All learners in the Sixth Form undertake a 'study programme', this is the name of everything that you do with us. Your study programme will consist of the following elements: Either three or four A Level choices from a variety of different subjects, or one of our two BTEC Extended Diplomas in Biomedical or Forensic Science (These are worth three A Levels). Your academy choice (either the Sports Academy, or one of our Sixth Form Academies from a choice of subject, skills or aspire academies). Weekly Progression sessions with your Progress Mentor and a termly 1:1 to discuss aims and targets. 37 hours of work placement, relevant to your next steps, to help you standout as a candidate to universities and employers. A range of trips, talks and events arranged throughout the year. Tracking and monitoring your progress At SGS Sixth, you can track your grades, attendance and progress through ProPortal. This is accessed through the eCampus section of your Teams account. Once a term your teachers will also feedback your progress through a report known as a census point. You will also complete regular Formal Assessments throughout each academic year, with formal mocks taking place in January and at the end of your first year. Parents can also view your progress by signing up to a Parent Portal account. This enables them to view the same information you can see. To sign up for a Parent Portal account, parents can click the following link after the beginning of the academic year. https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/parent-portal We also hold two parent evenings each academic year with the year two parents evening being held before Christmas and year ones held in spring. SGS OPEN DAY Join us at our SGS College and SGS Sixth Open Day to find out more about the extensive range of courses on offer. Speak with our experienced tutors, take a tour of our campus and discover what makes SGS outstanding!

A Level English Language and Literature add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 New Filton 3 New If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary *NEW for 2025* Do you love reading about the world around you through both literary and non-literary texts? Are you interested in understanding how and why different texts are written and received the way they are? Do you enjoy writing creatively and critically reflecting on that writing? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then A Level English Language and Literature is the subject for you! This combined A Level recognises that it is difficult to separate the study of literature and the study of language, allowing you to explore texts from a range of genres and periods. Texts covered include novels, plays, poems, blogs, travel writing and more. You will learn how to critically analyse how texts create worlds, the form and function of the poetic voice, the representation of the individual in society and more. You will also engage with a range of literary and non-literary criticism, questioning the very idea of ‘literariness’ and developing the creative, critical and independent learning skills needed to become a talented interpreter and producer of texts. The English Language and Literature A Level is taken across two years and is sat on the AQA exam board. There are 2 exams sat at the end of the second year that are worth 80% of your final grade. You will also complete a 3,000-word Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework) which is worth 20% of your overall grade. Entry Requirements Five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above, including GCSE Maths A grade 5 in English Language and a grade 5 in English Literature Course Content You will study the following units over the two year A Level. Topics taught in year one are also examined in the second year: Year 1 - Telling Stories Over the course of this year you will discover how and why a range of stories are told through the following units: 1. Remembered Places Explore the AQA Paris Anthology, featuring a range of texts from different genres and periods that include spoken texts. Analyse how place is represented and how social and cultural context impacts that representation. 2. Imagined Worlds You will study Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, focusing on how characterisation, point of view and time and space are navigated. 3. Poetic Voices Engage with a selection of poetry from Carol Ann Duffy’s Mean Time, considering the function of poetry and the poetic voice. Year 2 - Exploring Conflict Over the course of the second year you will focus on how language choices help to construct ideas of conflict between people, and between people and their societies through the following units: 1. Writing About Society Consider how The Suspicions of Mr Whicher: or the Murder at Road Hill House by Kate Summerscale uses situations of conflict to express ideas about society and their values. You will also be encouraged to adapt and shape material from this text into your own writing. 2. Critical Commentary Drawing on your work in Writing About Society, you will learn how to critically evaluate and write about your own writing. 3. Dramatic Encounters Utilise Tennesee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire to explore how playwrights create and engage with conflict in their writing. NEA - Making Connections Over both years you will explore the non-examined assessment. The NEA requires you to make active connections between a literary text and non-literary material of your choice. These connections should be focused on a specific theme, linguistic feature or idea that may occur across these texts. This will result in the completion of a 3,000 word investigation. Progression Routes English Language and Literature is one of the most transferable A Levels and can be combined with any subject. Popular subject combinations with this subject include Sociology, Law, Film, Media Studies, and Psychology. You can go on to study degrees in English Language, Linguistics, Literature, Law, Sociology and Education. Learners who study English Language and Literature might be interested in a career in journalism, marketing and sales, education, paediatrics (if combined with the sciences) or any career where writing is important. Additional Learning Opportunities There is a wide range of opportunities to further develop your learning. You can join our English Academy which explores contemporary texts to widen your cultural awareness and further develop your skills in writing and analysis. We also offer a Creative Writing Academy and there is an opportunity to take part in national creative writing competitions. The English Department also offer exciting trips to journalism workshops and have offered an accent workshop in the British Library. There are also opportunities to attend talks as part of our Sixth Form Talks series from universities and employers including talks from English Language and Literature lecturers and people in the media and marketing industries. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

A Level History add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 100% Filton 3 If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary Do you enjoy learning about the past? Would you like to learn about history in greater depth and detail than you have previously? Do you enjoy writing essays at length and developing critical analysis and evaluation skills? Are you interested about how events in the past influence the present? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then A Level History is the subject for you! History is the study of the past. You will explore key themes and concepts of change, continuity, cause, consequence, and significance about how society has developed over the period of one hundred years as well as investigating events in detail over a shorter timeframe. You will learn how to analyse primary sources written at the time of events and to evaluate how strong an argument put across by an historian is. The subject develops key writing skills including how to put across an argument and back this up with evidence. The History A Level is taken across two years and is sat on the AQA exam board. At the end of the first year, you will sit the AS exams which test knowledge on what you have learnt from that year. You will then go onto to sit the full A Level in the second year which covers content from both years. You will also complete a 4,500-word Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework) which is worth 20% of your overall grade. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including GCSE Maths. A grade 5 in GCSE English Language and a grade 5 in GCSE English Literature, or a grade 5 in GCSE History (if taken). Course Content Over the two years you will study a breadth study that focuses on British history called: The Tudors, 1485 – 1603, and a depth study that focuses on non-British history called Democracy and Nazism, Germany 1918 – 1945. You will also complete an historical investigation on the Development of Black Civil Rights in the United States 1863-1968 for the NEA. Year 1 1. The Tudors – Part one: Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty: England, 1485 – 1547: In this unit you will look at how Henry VII came to power, how he developed the powers of the monarchy and what changes he made to local and national government and policies. You will also look at the development of his foreign policy and how the economy and society developed during his reign. You will then go on to look at Henry VIII’s reign and the development of his government is response to the English Reformation. You will evaluate how successful his foreign policy was as well as the impact of his economic policies on society. You will examine how these developments tie into change and continuity over time. 2. Democracy and Nazism – Part one: the Weimar Republic, 1918 – 1933: You will study the establishment and early years of the Weimar Republic including the political, economic and social challenges faced by the new republic between 1918 and 1923. You will then explore the ‘Golden Age’ of the Weimar Republic between 1924 and 1928, seen as a period of stability and optimism. Lastly you will look at the factors that led to collapse of the Weimar Republic between 1928 and 1933 and what led to the rise of Nazism in Germany. 3. The Development of Black Civil Rights in the United States, 1863 – 1968: At the end of the first year, you will start the background research for the non-examined assessment (coursework). You will look at how Black Civil Rights developed from the end of the American Civil War in through a period of just over one hundred years to the era of Martin Luther King and Malcom X. Year 2 1. The Tudors – Part two: England: turmoil and triumph, 1547 – 1603: You will study the events of the Mid-Tudor crisis, looking at the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I. You will examine the development of the powers of the monarch, foreign and religious policy before continuing to explore the reign of Elizabeth I. In this part you will look at the religious settlement, crises in government and England’s involvement in the Dutch Revolt. You will finish the unit by looking at the development of arts and culture during the reign of Elizabeth I before examining the development of key themes across the entire Tudor period. 2. Democracy and Nazism – Part two: Nazi Germany, 1933 – 1945: In the second half of the depth study, you will examine how the Nazis consolidated their power, how they created a terror state and explore Nazi economic and social policies, including the Volksgemeinschaft. You will also look at the development of Nazi racial policies from 1933 to 1945. Lastly you will examine the impact of World War II on Germany and evaluate how effective Nazi economic and wartime policies were through to the collapse of the regime in 1945. 3. The Development of Black Civil Rights in the United States, 1863 – 1968: In the first half of the second year, you will take your research on Black Civil Rights and undertake an historical enquiry into how Black Civil Rights developed in America. You will explore the roles of key individuals and examine key turning points. You NEA will consist of a 4,500-word essay in response to a question you have written on this period. Progression Routes History is a great subject to study not only if you want to do a degree involving the study of the subject, but also if you want to go on to do any essay-based degree. It develops the key skills of writing and constructing an argument as well as looking at evidence. Completing a History A Level is also useful for a range of different careers which involve report writing or research skills from a policy analysist to journalism. Useful subject combinations to take History with include Politics due to the carryover of themes in the content, Law due to examining the legal process and its evolution, Sociology due to looking at the development of groups in society and Geography or English Literature to give you a humanities specialism. Additional Learning Opportunities There are a range of opportunities for learning outside the classroom with history. The History department undertakes both local trips to the ‘Red Lodge Museum’ in Bristol alongside trips further afield to places like Hampton Court Palace. We also have been able to take learners to Auschwitz-Birkenau and hear from Holocaust survivors. We have also previously attended History Conferences to help prepare learners for their exams. As an historian, you can also join our History Academy which has included guest speakers from the SS Great Britain and develops an awareness of history around you and approaches to the subject. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

A Level Law add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 100% Filton 3 If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Summary Do you have an interest in understanding how the criminal justice system works? Have you ever wondered how punishments are calculated? Do you like the challenge of considering how evidence can be used to contradict a point? Are you considering a career as a lawyer, probation officer, police officer, court official or even a judge? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then A Level Law is the subject for you! Law is the study of a variety of offences as well as the processes that underpin the Criminal Justice and Legal System. It explores the individuals within that system who will use evidence to strengthen their argument as well as considering the concepts behind the concepts of morality and justice. You will also look into elements of civil law such as contracts and negligence. You will study the ideas that provide the foundation that offences are built on. It is an examination-based subject with an emphasis on the ability to construct logical arguments. In Law, you will sit 3 AQA exam papers that test the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have gained from both years of your study at the end of the second year. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths. A grade 5 in GCSE English Language and a grade 5 in English Literature. Course Content In the first year you will study four units. In the second year you will study four more units that build on the concepts studied in the first year. Year 1 1. ‘The Legal System’ In this unit you will explore the structure and people within the legal system. You will gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different personnel within the system, and how they contribute towards its function. You will evaluate the effectiveness of the distinct roles in achieving justice. You will also examine the purposes and processes of different courts and what their powers are, as well as gain an understanding on what the nature of law is. 2. ‘Criminal Law’: In this unit you will focus on non-fatal offences, such as assault, with a view to understanding how to assess criminal liability of a defendant through the elements of Actus reus (guilty act) and Mens rea (intention). You will also develop your knowledge and understanding of criminal law and use the skills you have gained to apply your knowledge to scenario-based situations. You will use your understanding to critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the law in relation to specific offences. 3. ‘Law making’: This unit is based around gaining an understanding of how primary and secondary laws are created. It also focuses on the strategies used by judges to apply common law, such as judicial precedence, as well as statutory law. You will also explore the influences on Parliament when creating law. 4. ‘The law of tort’: You will explore tortious liability through negligence and occupiers’ liability. You will examine the elements needed for a successful civil claim in these two areas as well as develop an understanding on how remedies are calculated following a successful claim. You will use your understanding to critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these two areas of tortious liability. Year 2 5. ‘Further Criminal Law’: You will build upon your understanding of non-fatal offenses by exploring fatal offences, such as murder, and property offences, such as theft and robbery in this unit. This includes murder, manslaughter, theft, and robbery. You will apply your knowledge to scenario-based situations as well as evaluate the effectiveness in achieving justice for these offenses. 6. ‘Further Tort Law’: You will also build on your understanding of tort law by exploring more complex claims of economic loss and psychiatric harm as well as the responsibilities of employers as third parties. You will reinforce your understanding of this unit through scenario-based situations as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the tortious law. 7. ‘Nature of Law’: This unit explores the basic principles that underpin the existence of law and the differences between criminal and civil law. You will also explore concepts such as morality, justice, and fault as the basis of the existence of law. 8. ‘Specialism: Human Rights or Contract Law’: In this unit the class decides which specialism they would prefer to focus on; either Human Rights or Contract Law. a. In Human rights, you will explore different theories of rights and contrast them to liberties and a range of ‘fundamental human’ rights. Specific emphasis is paid to Articles 2,5, 8, 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, 1953. Students will explore the how the Articles work hand in hand with national English law. b. In Contract law, you will explore theories of contract law that underpin the formation of basic requirements needed for a successful contact. You will examine the general and specific contractual terms implied by law in relation to consumer contracts alongside building a basic understanding of the nature of exclusion and limitation clauses. You will understand the ways in which a contract can be discharged as well as the remedies that can be awarded following a breach. Progression Routes Law is a particularly good option to consider if you are looking at a career in the legal sector or many other avenues due to the breadth of skills you will gain such as advocacy, attention to detail and time management. Considering what other subjects to combine it with will help broaden your skills set. For example, combining Law with Politics is an excellent choice as both look at how laws are created and enacted, whilst combining Law with Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Criminology allows you to look at various aspects of law from both an academic and practical perspective. Sociology is also a good subject to take with Law as you can further examine the issues and debates in society which are raised in the subject. History is another feasible option as you explore the development of law and the historical basis behind it. Whilst Business Studies can also be useful as it gives you an understanding of the themes involved in business law. Learners who study Law have a range of different career options open to them. It is helpful if you wish to join the Police and is a useful starting point for an application to a Policing degree. You may wish to go on to do a Law degree as well. If you are not looking at going to university, Law still gives you a good understanding of themes which are useful for a range of managerial roles or administrative roles in a range of businesses. Additional Learning Opportunities There are a range of subject trips which are organised for you as a Law student. You will have the opportunity to go to Bristol Crown Court and Magistrates Court to observe some real cases taking place and speak to a judge about what their role is. You can also join our legal academy where the skills learnt in the class are embedded further by looking at a range of legal cases and listening to speakers such as representatives from the Policing Degrees at UWE. Law students also can benefit from our Sixth Form Talks series where speakers also attend from different law firms to talk about apprenticeship opportunities and life as a solicitor. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Previous Student Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

L3 Diploma Criminology add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level WJEC 4.5 D* = 56 98% Filton 3 83% A* - C If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary Are you interested in why people commit crimes, or how criminals think? Are you interested in how the media develops attitudes towards criminal behaviour and how public campaigns impact changes in government policy over crime? Would you like to combine end point exams with internally assessed assignments? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then Criminology maybe the subject for you! Criminology is the study of crime in our society. It takes elements of Law, Sociology and Psychology to look at why crimes are committed in our society and societal attitude to criminal behaviour and how this develops. It also looks at what criminal behaviour is and explores our attitudes towards crime with different criminological theories. This subject is an Applied General Qualification using the WJEC board. It carries the same UCAS points to an A level but is assessed via a mixture of examinations and internally assessed assignments. You can choose two other A Level options alongside this qualification. At the end of the first year, you will achieve a ‘Certificate of Criminology’ which is equivalent to an AS grade. In the second year you go on to study for the ‘Diploma of Criminology’ which is equivalent to a full A Level qualification. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths. A grade 5 in English Language Course Content Year 1 In the first year two units are taught. One is assessed through a controlled assessment; the other unit is an examination at the end of the year. 1. ‘Changing awareness of crime’: This unit is internally assessed through a controlled assessment. This unit explores several types of crime, victims, and offenders. You will look at the role of the media in how crime is depicted and how this changes attitudes. You will examine campaigns that affect change such as ‘Sarah’s Law’ and ‘Claire’s Law’ as well as the Black Lives Matter movement to assess their effectiveness. You will have to plan, design, and implement your own campaign for change. You will sit an eight-hour controlled assessment over two days for this unit. 2. ‘Criminological Theories’: This unit is externally assessed through an examination. This unit explores a range of criminological theories to explain why people commit crime. You will look at three separate strands of theories: Biological, Psychological and Sociological to analyse different perspectives as to why people commit crime. You will also examine how laws change over time, place, and culture. You will sit an examination in the summer term. Year 2 In the second year two more units are taught. One is assessed through an internal assignment, the other is assessed through an exam at the end of the year. 3. ‘Crime scene to Courtroom’: This unit is internally assessed through a controlled assessment. This unit covers the legal and investigatory process from a crime to how the police investigate, how evidence is collected to obtain a conviction in court. You will explore case studies of criminal investigations including convictions and miscarriages of justice. You will evaluate the effectiveness of the criminal justice system as well as gaining an understanding of the distinct roles that contribute to an investigation. You will sit an eight-hour controlled assessment over two days for this unit. 4. ‘Crime and Punishment’: This unit is externally assessed through an examination. You will look at and evaluate the legal system for the punishment of offenders including historical punishments such as the death penalty. You will also explore how different agencies achieve social control within society and how effective this is. You will sit an examination for this unit in the summer term. Progression Routes The L3 Diploma in Criminology is equal to an A Level, and you will combine this subject with two other A Level options. Good combination subjects include Sociology, Psychology and Law to extend and supplement these aspects of the course. Another useful subject group is English or Media as there are common themes between these subjects but also complements any subject on offer in the Sixth Form. Learners who study Criminology can also continue to do this subject at university or a range of different humanities-based subjects. Criminology is useful if you are considering the Police or roles in the legal professions including the courts or victim support. It also complements a range of apprenticeships and further education programmes. NB: this qualification is not accepted by some universities - it is important to check with the universities that you may be interested in applying to, or for more information speak to the Sixth Form team sixth@sgscol.ac.uk Additional Learning Opportunities You will have the opportunity to take part in trips which include Shepton Mallet prison, the High Court in London, and Bristol Crown Court. We hold an annual Behind Bars Day where learners speak and listen to a range of reformed criminals who talk about their experiences of the Criminal Justice system. Learners studying Criminology can join our legal academy which investigates a range of different case studies to help extend, and embed, learning completed on our legal courses. This academy develops the skills of debating and discussion. There are opportunities for guest lecturers from the legal professions and external agencies including universities offering courses related to the subject. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies