Subjects

Pupils who study Art at College are supported to develop independent thought, take ownership of their work and develop pieces that are very personal to them. Led by our three specialist Art teachers, they are able to do this in a range of materials and processes that is much wider than at many other schools. This all takes place in the dedicated Art wing of Thirlestaine House, a Grade I listed building with high ceilings and large windows that combine to create the perfect space for artists.

The outcomes are extremely positive. Pupils explore and develop their thoughts and opinions, learn to express themselves and regularly exhibit their unique work in our dedicated art gallery and across the country.

Almost all Art A Level pupils go on to university to study an Arts degree at universities including Edinburgh, The Courtauld Institute and The Slade, in subjects including Art, Creative Materials, Architecture and Graphic Design.

Biological research and understanding is progressing at a rapid rate making it a fascinating subject to study, with an ever-developing curriculum. Since the turn of the millennium, the world has seen the complete sequencing of the human genome, advances in the therapeutic use of stem cells and further analysis to explain climate change.

We encourage pupils to actively investigate and explore many of these developments for themselves as they build an appreciation of the biological world around them. As they explore this subject, pupils develop problem solving and experimental planning skills.

The Biology Department is a modern, light and bright learning environment which is extremely well resourced in the practical equipment necessary to support study. We constantly stay abreast of the latest developments in the subject and forge strong relationships with pupils to offer the best learning support and guidance available.

Thinking about studying Biology?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Bad Science by Ben Goldacre
• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
• I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life by Ed Young
• Why Geese Don’t Get Obese by Eric Wildmaier

The study of Business and Economics enables pupils to understand and engage with the economic, financial, environmental and political issues of the day. It is a valuable part of preparing them for the future, wherever that takes them.

The purpose of both subjects is to understand how individuals and organisations function and the effects they have on the world around us. To bring the subjects to life, our starting point for studying these subjects at College is always reality rather than textbooks. This approach enables pupils to engage with, relate to and see the relevance of what they are studying.

There exist numerous conflicting opinions about how the economy and business function and should be governed. No ‘right’ stance is ever promoted at College and mainstream views in both subjects are continually challenged. We encourage pupils to test different theories and perspectives for themselves and make their own judgements.

The department is full of relevant, real-world expertise, gained from working in commercial organisations across the globe. Our expertise allows for the provision of wider opportunities for pupils, such as the department’s bespoke and nationally renowned Mini-MBA programme, as well as subject-related trips in the UK and abroad.

Business (Cambridge Technical)

Pupils who study the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business develop both practical and theoretical experiences. Pupils study business functions in details such as finance, marketing, HR and operations as well as stakeholder engagement and ownership structures. The course is designed to be accessible to a range of pupils and comprises of five units, taken over two years.  

Two units are examined, one in Lower Sixth and one in Upper Sixth and pupils benefit from re-taking one or both if necessary. Three further units are internally assessed through coursework and pupils’ study three businesses in significant detail over the two-year course.  

It should be noted that Business CTech offers the same UCAS points as A Level options and provides a credible, accessible, and appropriate route to universities for pupils of all abilities.  

Thinking about studying Business and Economics?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Green Grocer by Richard Walker
• This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein
• Why Nations Fail – The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A Robinson

Studying Chemistry at College equips pupils with the skills to explain and understand concepts from first principles rather than rely upon a body of learnt knowledge. We achieve this through lessons that focus principally on practical experiments undertaken by the pupils themselves that bring these first principles to life.

We encourage all pupils to be free thinkers about the subject and explore its principles independently, developing a deep understanding and literacy in all areas of the Chemical Sciences.

We offer a range of opportunities to do this, including external competitions, enrichment visits and the chance to take part in our annual Chemistry lecture, ‘The Chemistry Spectacular’.

Thinking about studying Chemistry?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Molecules of Murder by John Emsley
• The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing – Edited by Richard Dawkins

The study of Classics promotes logical and structured thinking that pupils can apply to all other areas of their study as well as their lives beyond College and into Higher Education.

All pupils at College benefit from the range of provision by the Classics Department, which includes the opportunity to study Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation at A Level and Oxbridge level. We also provide an Ancient History Elective for Lower Sixth pupils and a Sanskrit activity is available for all year groups.

We support classroom lessons with opportunities designed to bring the subject to life and offer deeper insight. In recent years pupils have enjoyed visits to the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the Roman Baths in Bath, Provence, lectures, plays and Classical speaking competitions. The Classics Society also provides an extra-curricular, pupil-led opportunity to present on any Classical topic, perform material from the ancient world, or run a game based around Classical knowledge.

Thinking about studying Classics?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Dynasty: the Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar by Tom Holland

Pupils studying IT at A Level gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of IT and how computer programs work in a range of contexts. As they progress, each pupil develops their computational thinking and uses problem solving to develop computer-based solutions using algorithms and programming languages.

The study of IT supports the development of a range of skills such as thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically. IT has strong connections to many other disciplines. Many problems in the sciences, engineering, healthcare, business and other areas can be solved effectively with computers, but finding a solution requires both IT expertise and knowledge of the particular application domain. IT therefore combines well with a range of other A Level subjects.

Information Technology (Cambridge Technical)

Pupils studying IT as part of the Cambridge Technical Level 3 qualification gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of IT, Global Information and Cyber Security whilst also running a real-life project to manage and develop an eCommerce website for a local artist. 

A sound understanding of IT technologies and practices is essential for IT professionals. A solid foundation in the fundamentals of hardware, networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how business uses IT are studied as part of this course. The use of information in the public domain, globally, in the cloud and across the internet, by individuals and organisations will also be covered. Good management of both data and information is essential, and that it can give any organisation a competitive edge.  

Finally, the need for secure digital systems is more crucial than ever before. We rely on computerised systems and networks to collect, process, store and transfer vast amounts of data and to control critical systems such as water and power supplies. Business and eCommerce can be undertaken twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and telecommunications enable us to keep in touch with family and friends and collaborate with colleagues at any time. However, for all the advantages that these systems offer us, some people have found ways to exploit them, and this poses a threat to our safety and security in the real world, as much as in the cyber world. To deal with this problem the cyber security industry is expanding at a rapid rate.  We will gain knowledge and understanding of the range of threats, vulnerabilities and risks that impact on both individuals and organisations; learning about the solutions that can be used to prevent or deal with cyber security incidents resulting from these challenges. 

Design & Technology at College provides an opportunity for pupils to develop their creative, practical and team-work skills. The subject combines lessons from other areas of the curriculum including using Maths and Science in a practical context.

Our Design and Technology classrooms have a range of sophisticated and traditional machines to allow all pupils to develop a wide range of skills. All teaching staff have experience of working in industry in their specific field, bringing a wealth of knowledge that is delivered directly to the classroom. We provide access to the Design and Technology classrooms for a number of dedicated additional hours each week for pupils to work independently on their projects, allowing them to develop their independent learning and thinking skills within a supervised and creative environment.

Drama as an academic subject at College provides pupils with a comprehensive understanding and experience of all of the functions within a performance. Pupils are challenged to think not only as an actor, but also as a director, a lighting engineer, and a costume and set designer, too. To ensure that all pupils are engaged and inspired, the theory aspect of the course is taught largely through practical workshops in the studio.

Our study of Drama at College is truly a community activity, with lessons often blocked at the same time so that our pupils from different year groups can work and develop together.

Outside of Drama as an academic subject, all pupils have the opportunity to participate in regular College and House productions.

Thinking about studying Drama?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Metheun Drama Book of Monologues for Young Actors by Anne Harvey

At A Level, pupils have the opportunity to study some of the greatest works of literature produced in the English language, from early texts, right up to contemporary works such as Owen Sheers’ ‘Pink Mist’ and Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’. Pupils will begin to discover the breadth and diversity of literature and to explore its relationship with history, culture, politics, art and critical theory.

English is a subject that thrives on lively debate and our lessons at College reflect this. Pupils read widely and independently beyond the set texts in order to explore different interpretations of the works they are studying in class and to develop their own views.

We offer a number of English co-curricular activities including a Literary Society, the local Cheltenham Literature and Poetry Festivals, and regular theatre trips. Furthermore, authors, speakers and workshop groups are regularly invited into College to give students a fresh perspective on the texts they are studying.

Thinking about studying English?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• This is Shakespeare: How to Read The World’s Greatest Playwright by Emma Smith
• A Poet’s Guide to Britain by Owen Sheers

Studying Geography at College encourages pupils to become truly global citizens, exploring diverse topics, and their impact on our world. Study areas include global migration, the impacts of climate change, our threatened carbon and water cycles and human rights issues, to name but a few.

We have a well-stocked Geography library, dedicated computer suite and support clinics for all year groups.

To encourage even greater exploration and passion for the subject, pupils have the opportunity to become members of the Bingen Geography Society, which meets regularly for discussion, debate and a series of lectures from academics, explorers and geographers in the workplace. We run regular field trips to supplement the classroom learning including a biennial expedition to Iceland.

Thinking about studying Geography?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• The Green Grocer by Richard Walker
• I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
• Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Tevor Noah
• Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
• In the Sea there are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda

Delivery of History is driven by our sense that the study of what it is to be human and humane matters deeply within our society. We want pupils to see the subject as both an enjoyable escape from, and at the same time, a vital means of engagement with, the wider world. The characters, situations and exotic locations explored are in many cases extraordinary and beg many questions: frequently, there is the joy of discovering that “you couldn’t make it up.”

The History curriculum arms pupils with the skills to take the next thinking and working step in life beyond College, whether they choose to study the subject to degree level or not. We build the skills of source and interpretation analysis, synthesis of evidence, argument and judgement, all articulated via sophisticated written expression. Complex conceptual thinking is challenging, and rewarding. Employers thus value History as a superb platform from which to pursue a great range of career paths.

Thinking about studying History?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Dissolution by C.J. Sansom
• Tudor England by John Guy
• Empire by Jeremy Paxman
• Empires of the Dead by David Crane
• Chickenhawk by Robert Mason
• Mad as Hell by Dominic Sandbrook

The Head of Department recommends for you to watch:

• Shakespeare in Love (1998)
• The Trial of the Chicago Seven (2020)

Our History of Art Department has a high profile within the academic world, with staff regularly contributing to Art History Abroad, The Arts Society, Barnsley House and Soho House.

Throughout the course, pupils studying History of Art will have the opportunity to explore the subject during visits to Oxford, London, Venice, Florence and Rome.

Thinking about studying History of Art?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• From Christ to Coke by Professor Martin Kemp

The Maths Department at College supports pupils to become independent mathematicians who can apply their knowledge to many different situations, and to promote the enjoyment of problem solving and the relevance of Mathematics to other disciplines.

Throughout their study at College, we track pupils’ progress carefully to ensure that each individual is developing their skills to the highest level and receiving the correct support to achieve this.

We provide Maths Clinics, staff one-to-ones and a co-curricular Maths Society to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore deeply all areas of the Maths curriculum and beyond.

Thinking about studying Maths?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Why do Buses come in Threes? by Rob Eastaway

Find out more about Maths in Sixth Form in the video below

Whilst studying a language at College, we support all pupils to develop an understanding of culture as well as the language itself. Our teaching, trips, experiences and societies are all designed to reflect this.

Trips are regularly arranged to Spain, France and Germany for pupils across the whole age range. Pupils can choose to participate in one-to-one exchanges with young people of their age or homestays with teachers of languages they are learning.

We also provide the opportunity to attend conferences, lectures, plays and films as a part of the Modern Languages Society.

Music at College is taught in a way that ensures every pupil has the opportunity to learn about and create music; inclusivity is key.

Our class sizes are limited to no more than 12 pupils per class and all areas of musical interest are catered for. Staff teach both co-curricular and academic music study to ensure a joined-up learning experience for those who choose to partake in both.

Everyone has the opportunity to perform within the many performance spaces at College including our theatre, Big Classical, the chandelier-lit recital room, Thirlestaine Long Gallery, and our stunning 19th century Chapel.

The transferable skills developed in music are vast, including: fine motor skills, research, analysis, contextual understanding, critical and abstract thinking, communication, discipline, and confidence. We encourage all pupils to develop these skills as part of the music curriculum at College.

College is proud to be an ‘All-Steinway School’.

Thinking about studying Music?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin 
• The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century by Alex Ross 
• The Aesthetics of Music by Roger Scruton 
• Creative Musical Techniques by Graham Redwood  

Pupils studying Physics at A Level have the opportunity to discover and explore the building blocks of the universe in state-of-the-art facilities taught by specialist subject teachers.

All pupils take their Physics lessons in one of our five recently renovated, well-equipped university standard laboratories. Beyond the classroom, each pupil has access to further opportunities to explore the subject through dedicated subject evenings, the Science Society, regular speakers and Physics Olympiad competitions.

Many pupils from College go on to study Physical Sciences or Engineering courses at Russell Group universities.

Students at College study AQA A Level Physics.

Thinking about studying Physics?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• A Briefer History of Time by Stephen Hawkins
• The Flying Circus of Physics by Jearl Walker
• The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing – Edited by Richard Dawkings

Studying British and American politics is probably more exciting now than it has ever been. The Politics A Level at College gives pupils the chance to be informed about and engage in this conversation.

Politics classes are collaborative and engaging, allowing pupils to explore different political systems, clarify their own beliefs and to debate and discuss them with others. The course develops skills of analysis, and both oral and written communication, all of which are invaluable in today’s employment market.

The Politics Department runs the Morley Society jointly with the History Department. Some of the society’s meetings are dedicated to History, and some to Politics; some have a joint focus. The society encourages pupils to present their own papers at meetings. It also invites external speakers and academics to give lectures.

Thinking about studying Politics?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
• Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

Psychology is the fascinating study of human thought and behaviour. Through a variety of different learning techniques, pupils at College discover theories that have been developed in the field of Psychology. Every pupil will carry out investigations of their own and gain a wide range of skills including essay writing, how to design research studies, data interpretation, statistical analysis, presentation skills and revision techniques.

The Psychology Department at College contains a wealth of experience both in teaching and examining. Our examination expertise means that pupils have the opportunity to develop first-rate exam skills to achieve their Higher Education goals.

We have a thriving Psychology Society that meets half-termly and features visiting speakers as well as internal talks or activities designed by our pupils. We encourage pupils to take an active role in running events within the society, which enables them to develop their skills further.

Applied Psychology (BTEC)

The Pearson BTEC in Applied Psychology is a more vocational programme which is assessed largely through coursework and is equivalent to a full A Level. It offers a flexible, unit-based structure and project-based assessments. It develops the practical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and cognitive/problem-solving skills required to be able to succeed in higher education and careers involving psychology. This includes the ability to learn independently, research actively, carry out psychological investigations and give presentations.  

The course aims to give students a solid grounding in applied psychology, including underlying psychological approaches and how these are applied to different areas of psychology such as issues of aggression in society, psychology in business to explain and influence consumer behaviour and explaining gender.  Students will also study topics within Health Psychology and Psychopathology. As part of the coursework unit, students will learn about different research methods and their importance in psychological enquiry, as well as planning and conducting research to investigate psychological questions. 

Students at College study AQA A Level Psychology and BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology.

Thinking about studying Psychology?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Bounce: The Myth of Talent and The Power of Practice by Matthew Syed
• Educated by Tara Westover
• Thinking Out Loud by Rio Ferdinand

Sports Science at College is made up of practical and theoretical elements. The two are not distinct and we always ensure that the practical element supports the theoretical specification giving each pupil a variety of learning opportunities.

Beyond the core curriculum, pupils learn the importance and value of all that sport offers to the individual and society.
Combined with their own sports participation outside of the classroom and the community work that all College pupils have the opportunity to partake in, the result is a group of well-rounded, inspired and engaged sports scientists.

The Sports Science Department at College collects the required practical video footage for A Level pupils. We have found that this relieves the pressure on pupils to coordinate and record their own footage and creates more time for practical and theoretical learning within the subject.

Sport and Physical Activity (Cambridge Technical)

Students at College study OCR Level 3 Extended Certificate. 

The Sport and Physical Activity CTech course at College is made up of a range of assignments and compulsory exams. Compulsory modules include Body Systems and the effects of physical activity, Sports Coaching and leadership and Sports Organisation. There are a range of optional units some examples are Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Sports Psychology. 

The learning differs from the A level structure and follows a more independent method with ongoing written assignments and research.  

Pupils following the CTech course will also participate in the Junior Sports Leadership Programme and plan, coach and manage coaching session for young children at a local primary school.  

Students at College study AQA A Level Physical Education and Sport and Physical Activity (CTech).

Thinking about studying Sport Science?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Eat Sweat Play: How Sport Can Change Our Lives by Anna Kessel

Studying Philosophy at College creates inquisitive, thoughtful pupils, who want to make a difference in the world. We aim to prepare pupils to do jobs that do not yet exist by encouraging a flexibility of thinking and developing analytical skills that will not be superseded by artificial intelligence or analytic algorithms.

Our pupils are encouraged to learn how to ask better questions. They will develop critical thinking skills and consider their place in the world in relation to a range of ideas from established philosophers and theologians, both ancient and modern.

The development of these skills helps to support study in other areas and at Higher Education. College philosophy pupils have excellent exam results and the subject has proven useful for a range of careers including medicine, law, technology, the Armed Forces and teaching.

Thinking about studying Philosophy?

The Head of Department recommends for you to read:

• Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder

What is a BTEC and CTech and how do they differ to A levels? 

CTechs (Cambridge Technical Extended Certificates) and BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council) are both vocational Level 3 qualifications. A Levels are also Level 3 qualifications. CTechs and BTECS differ to A Levels in that they are taught and assessed using different methods. Whereas most A Levels are assessed at the end of the two year course with several examinations in the summer of Upper Sixth, CTechs and BTECs are assessed throughout the course, with a large coursework element making up the final mark.   

 

What is the difference between a BTEC and CTech? 

Both are graded via the same grading system: Distinction*; Distinction; Merit; Pass. The reason for some subjects being called BTECs and others CTechs is simply the different exam boards; BTECs are taken with Pearson, Cambridge Technicals with OCR. 

 

What CTechs and BTECs do you offer? 

College offers CTechs in Business, Sport and Physical Activity and Information Technology and a BTEC in Applied Psychology.  

 

What are the benefits of a CTech or BTEC? 

CTechs and BTECs are assessed via both coursework and exams, with the coursework element carrying around 60-70% of the final mark, so they suit those who might find 100% exam qualifications challenging.  

CTech and BTEC modular assessments can be retaken at a later date to improve the grade a student achieves. 

CTechs and BTECs have no official GCSE grade requirements. 

Courses tend to be finished by the Spring Term, enabling students to focus on Upper Sixth summer exams in other subjects.  

Students who take CTechs and BTECs will often achieve higher grades (or UCAS points) than if they were to take the equivalent A Level subject.  

 

Why should my child do a CTech or BTEC and not an A Level? 

If your child has done particularly well in a coursework GCSE subject or finds subjects based entirely on exams challenging, they may be suited to the coursework and modular assessment format of BTECs and CTechs. Also, if your child isn’t expected to achieve the required GCSE grades to access the A Level courses, they may wish to consider a BTEC or CTech.  

It is worth noting that the modular assessment and coursework element of BTECs and CTechs do require motivation and organisation as there are numerous submission deadlines throughout the course.  

 

How are BTECs and CTechs assessed? 

These qualifications are assessed through both coursework elements, completed throughout Upper College and with advice and support from teachers, and by external exams.  Many pupils find this consistent and supported method of assessment better suits their style of working than traditional A Levels which are more reliant on a final exam after two years. 

  

Do they have exams? 

Yes, this is a recent change and now all BTECs and CTechs include exams. The weighting of these exams is smaller in the overall qualification due to a significant amount of coursework that pupils complete.  The exams also differ from A Levels in that they are modular, meaning that they can be sat at different points in the course and retaken for a better result if required; at College, for example, many pupils take at least one module in January of Lower Sixth, with a resit opportunity in June. 

  

Who teaches these qualifications? 

Pupils are taught by the same members of staff who teach A Levels and GCSEs if offered by their departments, offering the same level of superb subject knowledge and understanding of the course they deliver. 

 

How many CTechs or BTECs should you do? 

At the time of writing, there are over 160 universities in the UK. For some of the top universities that accept vocational qualifications, there is a preference for applicants to have only one CTech or BTEC qualification alongside two A Levels. For the majority of higher education institutions in the UK, however, a student will be considered with any combination of A levels, CTechs or BTECs.
 

Can you apply to Russell Group universities with a CTech or BTEC? 

At the time of writing, you can apply to Russell Group universities with a CTech or BTEC, although some will require an applicant to have two A Level qualifications alongside it. Although the higher education landscape is constantly changing, last year College students taking CTechs (College only offered BTECs from Sept 2022) received offers from Cardiff University, University of Exeter, Newcastle University, University of Liverpool and University of Leeds. Our advice is always to check with individual institutions about their entry requirements.  

 

Do all UK Universities accept CTechs and BTECs? 

Some top tier UK institutions, Imperial College London for example, do not accept vocational qualifications as they are not deemed academically rigorous enough. Others, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics, place tight requirements on combining vocational qualifications with A Levels.  Most other universities in the UK do accept at least one BTEC or CTech, although our advice is always to check with individual institutions about their entry requirements.

For some courses, the content of the BTEC and CTech qualification does not cover what is required for some university admissions, so for example, Applied Psychology BTEC does not contain sufficient science content to apply for BSc (Hons) Psychology at the University of Bristol, whereas the A Level in Psychology does. Again, our advice is to check with individual institutions.  

 

Please be aware that most European universities (and some US and Australian universities) will not accept vocational courses such as BTECs and CTechs. Pupils are asked to check with individual international universities to understand their entry requirements.  

 

How many UCAS points is a CTech or BTEC worth? 

Some universities require grades for entry (from A Levels for example), and some universities require UCAS points which can be accrued from sixth form studies, EPQ, dance, drama and music exams etc.  

CTechs and BTECs carry UCAS points in the same way that A Levels do.  

 

Distinction* (the highest grade that can be achieved with these qualifications) gives pupils 56 UCAS points.

Distinction gives pupils 48 UCAS points.

Merit gives pupils 32 UCAS points.

Pass gives pupils 16 UCAS points.

 

It is worth noting, that when calculating grade equivalents, some universities equate the Distinction to a B grade. So, for example, if a university requires BBB, they may make an offer of Distinction, B, B, even though the points equivalent equates it to an A grade. As before, our advice is always to check with individual institutions about their entry requirements.