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A Levels

  • 6th Form WEB BANNER 01
  • Successful A Level Students
  • Succesful A Level Students
  • Our A Level students achieved a 100% pass rate again in 2014

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

If you enjoy academic learning and want to study a broad range of subjects, A Levels could be the perfect option for you. They are valued by employers and universities and are a popular entry route into higher education.

WHAT WILL I DO?

At Harlow College we offer a choice of 19 A Levels plus the option of various BTEC subjects in our specialist Sixth Form Centre. Most of our students study four A Level subjects over their two years with us. Some subjects have elements of coursework but the majority of assessment will be through the end-of-course exams.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?

After the completion of full A Levels, students can progress to university, to an Apprenticeship or to employment in a variety of specialist areas. Whether you want to be a marine biologist, lawyer, teacher or work in the pharmaceutical industries, A Levels can get you there. Learners have gained places at top universities such as UCL, Bristol, York and Nottingham to study a variety of subjects, from Law to Robotics to International Politics.

About our Sixth Form

Art A Level

Explore a range of media, processes and techniques. You will also explore images, artefacts and resources that relate to art from the past and present, both European and non-European. You will demonstrate your response to this art though practical and critical activities that show your understanding of different styles, genres and traditions. You will explore drawing using a variety of methods and media.

Biology AS/A Level

Biology is a good supporting subject for many other career paths, and is respected academically by universities for entry to a variety of degree courses. Biology can lead to a wide range of careers such as Medicine, Veterinary, Pharmaceutical, Environmental and Conservation work, teaching, cosmetic industries, food technology, and forensic science.

Business AS/A Level

This course covers a wide range of business topics, provides a broad overview of how business works and will increase your knowledge and understanding of the modern business world. Topics covered include: business classifications; objectives and influences; business functions; finance; cash flow and insolvency; strategic management; marketing management and managing teams.

Chemistry AS/A Level

A Level Chemistry builds upon the knowledge gained at GCSE but explores it much further. It is a demanding and hugely rewarding subject that encourages deep learning and develops higher-order skills. This course covers a wide range of chemistry topics that build from the basics of formulae writing, calculating chemical quantities and atomic structure. We examine the application of these core principles, in the context of intermediate bonding and the effects of intermolecular forces and redox reactions, organic chemistry, equilibria, transition metals and organic nitrogen chemistry. This conceptual learning is underpinned by practical skills.

Computer Science AS/A Level

This course is intended to give students a technical grounding in the main aspects of computer systems: hardware, software, communications, and data. The development of programming concepts and skills is a central theme of the course. In addition, the impact of computers within society are also examined.

Economics AS/A Level

You will apply economic theory to support the analysis of current economic problems and issues. Students are encouraged to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Economics is a highly regarded academic subject and students who study A Level Economics can progress to HE to further their studies in Economics or related disciplines.

English Literature A Level

If you love reading literature and want to understand how world famous writers have crafted their work, then this course is perfect for you. We examine a range of plays, poetry and prose texts in depth, debate interpretations and discover new and interesting meanings. We explore the social, political, historical and cultural contexts and examine how language can offer a variety of meanings. The texts that are chosen for study are connected through a mainstream literary genre. The focus for Paper 1 is the universal theme of ‘Love Through the Ages’, and for Paper 2, ‘Texts in Shared Contexts’ – how does an author create, and an audience interpret a text according to time and place.

Geography AS/A Level

This subject combines aspects of human and physical geography. Students will look at how landscapes are formed and shaped, and begin to understand the value and vulnerability of the resources the Earth provides. Alongside this students will learn about how and why patterns in human settlement and migration have changed over the years, alongside aspects of social change such as rebranding and development of areas and consumerism patterns.

History AS/A Level

Henry Ford said that "History is more or less bunk". The aim of this History course is to develop your analytical skills through the interpretation and evaluation of evidence, so that you can judge for yourself. You will be challenged to make judgements on controversial issues and you'll gain an understanding of significant political, social, economic and religious events. History at Harlow College has been designed to offer a balanced and wide range of units from different time periods and countries that meet the interests of our learners.

Law (BTEC Certificate & Extended Certificate)

The BTEC Law course gives you an understanding of the English legal system and will not only give you a taste of what it is like to study law but also what it is may be like to work in the legal profession. This course is designed to provide you with the skills that you will require working in the legal sector. However it is also a recognised Level 3 qualification which is accepted by most universities. This qualification may be mixed with other A Levels to provide access to higher education, or used directly to help secure employment within various sectors, including the legal sector.

Mathematics AS/A Level

The study of mathematics is intellectually challenging and forms the basis of many scientific disciplines. This course covers a variety of mathematics subjects, the specifics of which depend on the units completed. 

Media A Level

We're bombarded with messages and imagery 24/7 by the entertainment industry, advertisers, the press and government. Media Studies is a fast-paced and dynamic course that will teach you to analyse communication in the world around you. This is an exceptionally interesting and lively contemporary subject and is a very popular choice at A Level.

Philosophy A Level

This qualification is designed to give a thorough grounding in the key concepts and methods of philosophy. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the big questions in a purely secular context.

Physics AS/A Level

Everything can be explained using physics. From the formation of stars and galaxies, to the behaviour of atoms, and even how guitar amplifiers work, all involve an understanding of physics.

This course will give you a thorough understanding on how the principles of physics can be used to describe the world around us, using both a theoretical and experimental approach. As mathematics is the language of physics, emphasis will be placed on developing mathematical models that can be used to not only explain the physics but provide verification of experimental results.

Politics AS/A Level

Using a wide variety of teaching and learning styles, including teacher input, discussions and activities, you'll have a chance to study the politics of the UK, political theory and comparative politics. The course will enable you to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity.

Students benefit from a trip to Parliament, The Supreme Court and attend conferences and lecturers by guest speakers.

Psychology AS/A Level

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychologists attempt to understand human beings through careful research, which allows them to present an explanation of why people think and behave in the ways they do. A Level Psychology encourages you to think like a scientist and provides an understanding of a wide range of human behaviour.

Science – Applied Science BTEC Extended Diploma

This is the course for someone who loves 'hands on' Science. It combines in-depth study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, whilst developing core skills in English and Mathematics. You will spend most of your college time in laboratories, carrying out a variety of practical scientific investigations. It is an appropriate course for anyone wishing to pursue a career in any of the science industries and for those who wish to study Science at university. The course lasts for two years and the Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels in Science.

Sociology AS/A Level

Studying sociology will give you an understanding of the social world around you and can lead to a varied and exciting career in areas such as criminal justice, youth work or even in public relations. A wide range of teaching and learning techniques are be used, including discussions, essay writing and presentations.

Funding Your Course

If you're aged 19 or over and you want to study A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 to 6 Vocational Qualification, you could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.