There are a lot of important factors to consider when choosing a Sixth Form college to study A Levels. Subject choice will be a top priority, as well as the teaching quality demonstrated by recent results, class size, the range of facilities and other benefits that enhance the learning experience.

At Gateways, we consistently achieve excellent A Level results, providing our pupils with a solid academic foundation to help them to thrive at university and beyond.

With average class sizes in our Sixth Form of 5-8 pupils, we are able to provide one-to-one teacher attention that few Sixth Forms are able to offer, which is a key factor behind the progress and success of our pupils.

We are also able to offer a wide selection of A Level subjects, as we do not need to meet a minimum number of pupils to enable us to deliver a subject, in fact we often are able to offer new subjects on request.

As well as A Levels, we offer all of our pupils the opportunity to complete a number of complementary Level 3 courses which teach invaluable skills in communication, organisation and leadership. Unlike other Sixth Forms, we do not ask pupils to apply for a limited number of places on these courses as we believe that they ensure every member of our Sixth Form has additional opportunities outside of their chosen Sixth Form subjects. Our alumni all identify the skills they develop through these courses as helping to develop their self-confidence in moving on to university courses or in the workplace.

Level 3 Qualifications

Extended Project Qualification

When completing a project qualification, pupils follow a clearly structured process: they plan, research their topic and create a product.

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity

You will specialise in sports coaching, leadership and organising events. This course will include extensive opportunities to coach, lead and organise events for younger pupils, opportunities to gain additional coaching qualifications and educational visits to participate and gain an insight into sport in the workplace.

Sports Leaders UK

Although the course is a ‘Sports’ leadership course, much of it focusses on leadership, communication and organisational skills and the experience of working with both the young children at school as well as groups in the wider community will stand all the participants in good stead for all of their future endeavours.

ESB Level 3 Certificate in Speech (Grade 8)

This qualification helps pupil to construct and deliver well evidenced arguments. Pupils learn to interpret and critically review information and evaluate competing ideas and perspectives in a small group setting.

A Level Subjects

A Level Art & Design

Our range of Art Craft and Design Programmes which encompass the three disciplines of Fine Art, Textiles and Photography. You will have the opportunity to explore 2D and 3D, traditional and new technologies.

A Level Graphic Communication

If you love images and colour, text, design, Photoshop, multimedia, commercial design and enjoy taking photographs, then this course could be for you.  You will have the opportunity to explore design briefs through traditional and new technologies.

A Level Art & Photography

You will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. You will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples.

A Level Art & Textiles

Textiles Design allows you to experiment with a wide range of patterns, finishes and construction techniques which will help you to develop an understanding of how fascinating Textiles Design is and the important role it plays in life.

A Level Biology

This course provides a broad range of topics to provide a stimulating and engaging curriculum; biochemistry and molecular biology, animal and plant physiology, genetics, and microbiology. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to carry out fieldwork and extensive practical opportunities.

A Level Business Studies

Pupils focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world developing subject knowledge, analytical and evaluative skills beneficial to many career paths.

A Level Chemistry

Chemistry asks questions about materials, how they react, how they are made and how energy change drives all processes. By taking chemistry you develop useful skills that can be applied outside of the subject; these include problem solving, numeracy, practical and analytical skills as well as developing a broad scientific background.

A Level Latin & Classical Civilisation

Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations. The subject allows you to understand and appreciate the modern world by exploring its antecedents. Classics includes elements of language, art, drama, literature, history and archaeology.

A Level Computer Science

Computer Science helps you think about how technology is created. It allows you to understand how people work together with computers to develop world changing programmes like Facebook, Spotify and eBay.

A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

It combines theoretical and practical work and this involves studying the history of theatre, key playwrights and practitioners, analysis of live theatre performances and the performance of your own practical work. The course provides you with the opportunity to pursue individual interests, such as acting, set or costume design, as well as encouraging critical thinking, communication skills, initiative and teamwork.

A Level English Language

This subject encourages you to develop your ability to express yourself in speech and writing, producing texts for different audiences, purposes and in different genres with greater competence and sophistication, whilst examining your choices as a writer.

A Level English Literature

English Literature prepares us for life. The wide range of texts allows you to reflect on the human condition and encourages an appreciation and awareness of the nuances of language.

A Level Film Studies

In this subject, you will develop skills of interpretation and critical analysis from studying British and American films, as well as contemporary world cinema and cinematic movements.

Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition

It is an academic, creative and innovative course that encourages pupils to take a broad view of food science and nutrition. You will have the opportunity to learn about the relationship between the human body and food as well as practical cooking and preparation of food.

A Level French

You will gain a deeper insight into the countries where the language is spoken, exploring aspects of society and culture. A foreign language provides opportunities to spend time in the country with families or on work experience.

A Level Further Mathematics

The course is designed to broaden and deepen the mathematical knowledge and skills developed when studying A Level  Mathematics. It provides the opportunity to study aspects of the pure and applied strands of mathematics to a greater depth.

A Level Geography

The subject allows you to understand the interrelationships between people and their environments by engaging in a range of both physical and human topics.

A Level German

A foreign language provides opportunities to spend time in the country with families or on work experience. As well as expanding your knowledge of the structure of the language, you will also gain a deeper insight into the countries where the language is spoken, exploring aspects of society and culture.

A Level History

History is about people – real people whose lives were sometimes exciting and sometimes frightening. Whatever their lives were about, there are often fascinating and sometimes tragic stories behind them – you will discover some of these on the A level course.

A Level Mathematics

You will develop an understanding of mathematical processes, progression and coherence and how different areas of Mathematics can be connected. Mathematics will help you understand how real-world problems can be studied using mathematical models.

A Level Music

During the course you will broaden your knowledge of music styles, develop compositional skills, acquire a wider understanding of harmony, practice critical listening, musical analysis and written techniques, acquire study and research skills, and prepare performances.

A Level Philosophy

Those who study philosophy are engaged in asking, answering, evaluating, and reasoning about some of life’s most essential, meaningful, and difficult questions. The study of philosophy will enable you to think carefully, critically, and with clarity, take a logical approach to addressing challenging questions and examining hard issues, reason well and evaluate the reasoning of others, discuss sensibly, and write effectively.

A Level Physics

Physics is an ever-developing subject that encourages you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the physical world and how it can be applied to novel situations. It is the answer to life, the universe and everything in it.

A Level Politics

Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills.

A Level Psychology

The course will enable you to explore human behaviour and understand the psychological theories and methodologies underpinning the subject. The five key areas of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental, physiological and individual differences) are discussed throughout the course, providing you with the opportunity to develop your critical and evaluative skills.

A Level Sociology

It provides pupils with an understanding of how society can shape people and how people can shape society. The central aims of the A Level course in Sociology are to examine relationships and inequalities between individuals and the effects that social, economic and political influences may have on them and to develop within pupils a critical understanding of society.

A Level Spanish

Studying a foreign language at A level enables you to build on the language skills you have developed at GCSE, exploring topics which will be genuinely interesting and will inspire you to express your own opinions. A foreign language provides opportunities to spend time in the country with families or on work experience.

If you have any questions regarding the qualification opportunities at Gateways, please email Karen.titman@gatewaysschool.co.uk