Curriculum Offer

Our Curriculum

The Sixth Form curriculum is one of the widest and most varied in the local area. We offer a total of 19 different Advanced Level (A Level) subjects and 7 Applied subjects, all of which are Level 3 courses. All of our subjects are taught by expert teachers at Barnhill Community High School.

Success on either A Level or Applied Subject courses could lead to a university degree, degree-level apprenticeship, further training or employment.

Our curriculum sets no limit on your future.

Advanced Level Subjects Applied Subjects
 Art  Business Studies
 Biology  Health & Social Care
 Business  IT
 Chemistry  Medical Science
 Economics  Music
 English Literature  Sport
 French  
 Further Maths  
 Geography  
 History  
 Mathematics  
 Philosophy & Ethics  
 Photography  
 Physics  
 Politics  
 Psychology  
 Sociology  
 Spanish  

Making course and subject choices

Our Sixth Form Prospectus goes into more detail about the difference between A Level and Applied subjects as well as course content, assessment and subject criteria. However, the tables and diagrams below explain the basic differences in the balance of assessment between coursework and final examinations in the two types of courses.

Think carefully before you choose your subjects. Consider whether your Sixth Form subject choices will complement a career path you might be interested in or already intend to pursue. Certain degree courses you may like to study often have compulsory subjects at A-level which you must have studied at Sixth Form.

Making the wrong choices now can limit your career options in the future, for example; have you ever heard of a Doctor who didn't study Biology at A Level? No, why? It is required to apply for a medical degree.

To find out more the government National Careers Service provides independent and comprehensive information about all manner of careers, salaries, training needs and entry requirements tracing back to Sixth Form subjects.

Advice for parents

To support your child with their Sixth Form subject choices we highly recommend 'The Parents Guide To' website which contains useful and practical information to help students make post-16 and post-18 decisions about their future.