A lEVELS & CAMBRIDGE TECHNICALS
Explore the many courses on offer below. Each subject link will take you to their own dedicated information page with further details, links and criteria.
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Art and Design
Art and Design
Why study this course?
Art is a discipline not a subject. It is a way of looking at the world around us, of asking questions and developing ideas. Art is a cultural and visual history of ourselves, a reflection of society - therefore, looking at Art helps students to question their own lives and futures.
Studying an art-based subject at A level supports students to understand and embrace the visual world in which we live by learning through making. We encourage students to broaden both their practical skills and contextual analysis through a rigorous programme of study.
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Biology
Biology
Why study this course?
Biology encompasses learning about living organisms and life processes from a molecular level to individual organisms, and the whole communities of species. There are thousands of careers and higher education options available to students with an A Level in Biology, including medicine, dentistry, biomedical and forensic science, ecology, science journalism, nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, environmental science, food technology, marketing, clinical data management, teaching, and finance.
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Business Studies
Business Studies
Why study this course?
The Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Business qualifications help students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether that's Higher Education, an Apprenticeship or employment. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Levels and is designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside other vocational qualifications, such as Cambridge Technicals in IT, Health and Social Care, Media or Sport and Physical Activity and A levels including subjects such as Economics, Maths, Geography, Computer Science, Sociology or Psychology.
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Chemistry
Chemistry
Why study this course?
Within lesson time, you will develop your knowledge of theoretical Chemistry as well as participate in a wide range of experimental activities where you will enhance your analytical skills. There are thousands of careers and higher education options available to students with an A Level in Biology, including medicine, dentistry, biomedical and forensic science, ecology, science journalism, nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, environmental science, food technology, marketing, clinical data management, teaching, and finance.
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Community Languages
Community Languages
Why study this course?
This course offers students who speak another language to gain a certificate for their bilingualism. Students who have studied language at A Level go on to have careers in a variety of sectors including teaching, translating, sales and marketing, travel and tourism, journalism, fashion, work in the foreign office or secret service, interpreting and banking.
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Digital Media
Digital Media
Studying the Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Media empowers students to work with media products, production processes and different technologies. The course offers specialist pathways in digital content for interactive media, and moving image and audio production. Students will apply their practical skills and knowledge in preparation for further study, Higher Education, or the workplace.
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Drama and Theatre
Drama and Theatre
Why study this course?
This course will not only develop your practical skills in Drama but will enrich your aesthetic awareness of theatre. Through a combination of analysis, discussion, and active participation, you will gain a fuller understanding of the performing arts.
The course will bring you into contact with professional theatre practitioners, to further enhance your skills in theatrical expression, review, and analysis.
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Economics
Economics
Why study this course?
Economics helps us to gain an understanding of how the world around us works from different perspectives. You will develop many interdisciplinary skills which you can use in other subjects and career paths such as analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills. You will also develop you cultural and commercial awareness as you look at economies around the world and how they operate.
Studying Economics can also lead to a wide range of career options including Accounting and Finance, the Civil Service, Consultancy, Policy Development, and finance related roles such as an Analyst, Broker, and Investment Banking. Economics also has good links with other subjects such as Maths, Geography, History, Politics and Psychology.
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English Literature
English Literature
Why study this course?
English Literature is widely regarded as one of the best A' levels to have as it has gained a reputation for academic rigour and excellence over the last century and is recognised by all the top universities as an exam with real pedigree. Many of our students have gone on to study the Law after taking this subject as its mixture of research, debate and close analysis give you the forensic skills needed when studying the minutiae of legal arguments - although thankfully our texts are much more engaging than some of the dusty tomes' lawyers have to read!
It's the perfect course for academically gifted students who have enquiring minds and love learning and opens up a wide range of career opportunities from the Law to journalism and from teaching to a high-flying career in the Civil Service.
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French
French
Why study this course?
A Level French builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society. The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or further study, including a modern languages degree.
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Geography
Geography
Why study this course?
Geography is a subject about the environment, how places differ, how physical systems work and about how people interact with the world. Geography is about real-world events, their impacts, and their different interpretations. As a geographer you will develop many skills that are valued by employers, including critical thinking skills and a multidisciplinary approach to solving problems. As a subject linking the arts and the sciences it is highly flexible in terms of what other subjects you can combine it with.
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Further Maths
Further Maths
Why study this course?
Further Mathematics has become an increasingly popular subject for keen and gifted mathematicians. Students wishing to apply for the very best universities, especially for courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering and Economics will have a greater chance of gaining a good offer if they have studied Further Mathematics. Once at university, students also find that they cope much better with these courses having had some prior experience of the extension topics.
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History
History
Why study this course?
In addition to the stimulating content of the courses, History is an excellent way for students to develop highly sought after and transferable skills. These include being able to effectively communicate complex ideas, the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information, both orally and in writing, and the capacity to make substantiated judgements, all whilst developing independent work skills.
For more information visit our History at the La Retraite 6 page
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Computer Science
Computer Science
Why study this course?
This course aims to inspire, motivate and challenge students by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It will provide insight into, and experience of how computer science works, stimulating students' curiosity and encouraging them to engage with computer science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study or career choices.
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Mathematics
Mathematics
Why study this course?
Mathematics is a prized and valuable qualification. It provides the necessary support for many university courses, including medicine, human geography, biology, architecture, engineering, accounting, psychology, sociology, computer science and environmental studies. Maths A Level is not only the most commonly required subject for entry to degree courses but is also useful for those who do not want to go to university, as it is highly desirable in the work force.
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Music
Music
Why study this course?
A Level music is a varied course that will allow you to develop skills that all employers and universities find highly attractive. These include areas such as self-management, creativity, data analysis, performance, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
Students who study music very often go on to have successful careers not just within the arts (such as teaching, performance, and arts administration), but also in other fields, such as broadcasting, publishing, law, politics, and the Civil Service.
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Philosophy and Ethics
Philosophy and Ethics
Why study this course?
In our modern world with the threat of religious extremism, a wide range of ethical dilemmas and a lot of confusion surrounding the topic of religion it is even more essential to study this topic. Philosophy, Ethics and Theology will help you learn about issues that matter for our world today.
Whatever you study at university and in every job, you will need to know about these issues. This is an exciting and interesting subject, which goes perfectly with every other A Level. It goes particularly well with Maths, Psychology, Science, Languages, History, English and Sociology. Universities will be pleased to see that you have taken this A Level because it shows both depth and breadth of academic thought.
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Physics
Physics
Why study this course?
This course is a very versatile qualification and can open up opportunities in a wide range of careers from the more traditional science, engineering and medical careers to financial services and journalism. It is essential for degrees in physics and engineering.
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Politics
Politics
Why study this course?
Politics affects everything we do in our lives. A Level Politics teaches essay writing and critical thinking skills that are essential in a wide range of areas, including journalism, law, and history. In addition, politics will deepen your understanding of political phenomena; how to form independent judgements about some of the major controversies of our age.
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Portuguese
Portuguese
Why study this course?
Speaking and understanding another language is an invaluable skill, which can be useful in many ways throughout life.
In the future, you could be competing for jobs on a European level and your knowledge of another language and culture will really make you stand out; demonstrating commitment and dedication to a different language and culture.
Students who have studied language at A Level go on to have careers in a variety of sectors including teaching, translating, sales and marketing, travel and tourism, journalism, fashion, work in the foreign office or secret service, interpreting and banking.
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Physical Education
Physical Education
Why study this course?
This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, Higher Education and employers in all sectors of industry. This specification will create confident, independent thinkers and effective decision makers who can operate effectively as individuals or as part of a team – all skills that will enable them to stand out and effectively promote themselves as they progress through life.
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Psychology
Psychology
Why study this course?
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline and includes many subfields of research such as health, clinical, social, developmental, cognitive, and biological processes. This course allows students to develop a range of independent learning skills such as organisation, mathematical, research, examination, writing and design, that are modelled in class and sequenced across Years 12 and 13.
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Sociology
Sociology
Why study this course?
Sociology is the study of how society is organized, and how we experience life. It has been taught in British universities since the very beginning of the twentieth century, first the London School of Economics, and soon after at Liverpool University. These and other pioneering departments did ground breaking research in major social issues, such as poverty and crime.
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Spanish
Spanish
Why study this course?
Spanish A Level builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained during GCSE. It is a well-rounded course of study with the focus on language, culture, and society. For the student, it fosters transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking, research, and creativity, which are invaluable to the individual and society. The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to either employment or further study, particularly a modern languages degree.