Sixth Form Guid

GUIDE



CONTENTS

SIXTH FORM GUIDE

4 WELCOME
5 A LEVELS at Chesterfield
6 WHY CHOOSE Chesterfield College?
8 FACILITIES
10 TOURS AND TASTERS
12 STUDENT Support
15 INFORMATION for Parents
18 HE Higher Education
20 GETTING to College
21 HOW TO Apply
22 CHOOSING Your Subjects

COURSES

24 Art and Design
26 Biology
28 Business
30 Chemistry
32 Drama and Theatre Studies
34 English Language
36 English Literature
38 History
40 Law
42 Maths
44 Further Maths
46 Philosophy
48 Physics
50 Psychology
52 Sociology
54 Level 3 Diploma Applied Science
56 Level 3 Extended Diploma Criminology

WELCOME

Welcome to Chesterfield College’s sixth form academy. As
one of the area’s top sixth form centres we are recognised
for our quality of teaching, excellent support network and
lively atmosphere.

Whatever your interests and future career aspirations we have a
number of A Level subjects for you to choose from. With traditional
subjects like English and maths, to more obscure subjects that you
may not find at school, such as philosophy and sociology, there is
something for everyone.

It’s not all work and no play at Chesterfield College. Our Students’
Union and Xtra team are here to make your time at college fun,
offering a variety of extracurricular events and trips. Getting involved
with these activities will not only be an enjoyable experience and a
big part of college life, but will also help you to stand out on your CV
and UCAS application.

We also have great links with employers and organisations in and
around the local area, meaning our students have access to great
work placement opportunities. As a student here you’ll be able to
gain invaluable work experience out in the industry and improve your
skill-set, ensuring you leave us confident and work-ready.

At Chesterfield College you will receive a fantastic education in
preparation for university-level study or the world of work.

Did you know that once you have completed your
A Levels you can choose to continue studying with us?

We have lots of university-level courses on offer including
HNCs, HNDs, foundation degrees and full honour degrees in
a range of subjects – allowing you to gain a university-level
qualification on your doorstep.

4

A LEVELS

at Chesterfield College

A Levels are a great choice if you’re planning on
progressing to university after college – not only will they
provide you with a recognised qualification, but they will
also equip you with the transferable skills you’ll need for
university-level study and employment.

As an A Level student at Chesterfield College you’ll study three or
four A Levels in our dedicated sixth form centre and have access
to a variety of learning resources and support. Studying at college
is different from school, not only will you be treated as an equal but
you’ll also be given the independence to be responsible for your own
learning.

But that doesn’t mean you’re completely on your own; we have
a number of friendly support teams on-hand to help you on your
learning journey. Whether you need help writing your UCAS
application or want to experience life in the industry, our teams are
here to ensure you reach your full potential.

Changes to A Levels
Over the next three years changes to A Levels will be slowly
introduced. AS Level will slowly be phased out, meaning you will
need to study for two years to gain a full A Level qualification.

English & Maths
In today’s competitive job market it’s becoming more important
than ever to have a pass grade in GCSE English and maths.
Without these key skills you will find it increasingly difficult to gain
employment or progress to university. If you didn’t achieve at least a
grade C whilst you were at school then you can study these essential
qualifications with us alongside your A Levels (dependant on other
results and the subjects you wish to study).

5

WHY CHOOSE

Chesterfield College?

Being part of Chesterfield College Sixth Form is about
much more than studying A Levels. We want you to leave
us with as many skills as possible to help you with your
next steps. That’s why you’ll also get the opportunity
to take part in a number of activities, sporting events,
competitions, trips, clubs and societies to broaden your
experiences.

Xtra
The Xtra Team are here to make your time at college a fun and
memorable experience. You’ll have the chance to get involved with a
range of activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, National
Citizen Service, volunteering opportunities and fundraising events.

Students’ Union
When you become a student at Chesterfield College you’ll
automatically become part of our Students’ Union. The SU are here
to help you make the most of your time at college by helping you to
make friends and get involved with activities. In recent years the SU
have organised trips to London, Auschwitz, University of Oxford and
the USA, as well as day trips closer to home such as laser quest
and bowling.

For just £12 you can also become part of the National Union
of Students (NUS) giving you access to hundreds of exclusive
discounts at high street stores, restaurants, entertainment outlets
and on public transport.

In September our Big Hello! Festival is the perfect welcome for new
students with live music, food stalls and fun activities during your first
week at college. We also organise a Welcome Week and Freshers’
Fair which is a great place to find out more about what is on offer
during your time here.

6

Sport

From keeping fit to meeting new people, there are so many reasons
to give sport a go whilst you’re at college. It doesn’t matter if you’re
a regular on the pitch, or if you’ve never considered a sport before –
we’ve got something to suit you.

It’s easy to join one of our clubs or teams and there are plenty to
choose from, including:

• Football • Rock climbing
• Basketball • Netball
• Martial arts • Table tennis
• Dodgeball

Competitive Sport

As a Chesterfield College student you’ll also have the chance to
compete against the best teams from other colleges across the
country with AoC sport. We currently compete in football, rugby,
basketball, netball, badminton, tennis and cross country.

If you’d like to join any of our sports teams get in touch with the Xtra
Team once you start with us in September to find out more.

7

FACILITIES

Studying with us means you’ll have a whole host of
facilities and resources at your disposal. From our
state-of-the-art sports centres to our hair and beauty
salon, there is something to suit all hobbies and interests
at college.

Active
Active is our very own onsite fitness centre fully-equipped with a
cardio suite and weight rooms, and with regular fitness classes
available you can stay in shape at a fraction of the cost of
commercial gyms. Take a look at our latest student discount offers:

www.chesterfield.ac.uk/active

Queen’s Park
Our students are also eligible for discounted membership at the
brand new leisure centre at Queen’s Park – a state-of-the-art
sporting complex with purpose-built training rooms, swimming pool,
a freedom climbing wall and an eight-court sports hall.

Taste
Enjoy great food and snacks at exceptional prices at our Taste café,
restaurant and bistro. Our very own catering students run these
facilities and serve up delicious lunches, a range of snacks, and
fantastic evening meals. Taste is a firm favourite amongst students
and staff so make sure you check it out. Take a look at the themed
evenings we have coming up:

www.taste-restaurant.co.uk

Costa Coffee
Who doesn’t love a coffee and a catch-up with friends? We’ve made
it even easier for you to relax in between classes with our very own
onsite Costa Coffee.

8

Looks
Treat yourself to a new haircut or beauty treatment at our onsite
salon, which is run by our hair and beauty students and their tutors.
We can offer you a professional service at a fraction of the price on
the high street. Take a look at the wide range of treatments we have
on offer:
www.chesterfield.ac.uk/looks

Explore
Whether you fancy a relaxing holiday in the Caribbean or a shopping
trip to New York, our onsite travel centre can help you get there. Our
qualified staff are fully-trained to find you the best deal on the market,
and as one of our students, you will be eligible for a 5% discount on
your holiday!

Learning Resources
As a student at Chesterfield College you’ll have access to a number
of learning resources. Not only do we have a large library, but we
have three additional learning centres which are fully-equipped with
course materials, computers and laptops for you to borrow.
You can also benefit from our study skills workshops which are
designed to improve your essay writing and referencing techniques,
as well as help you prepare for your exams.

9

TOURS & TASTERS

Campus Tours & Open Evenings
If you would like to book a tour of the college
please contact our Engagement Team at
[email protected]
You can also join us at one of our open days to take
a look around our amazing facilities, meet tutors and
apply to join the sixth form.

22 March 2017
18 May 2017
28 June 2017
(All open evenings run from 4.30-7pm)

Taster Days
If you want to experience what it’s like to study at
Chesterfield College then you can attend our A Level
taster day in the Easter holidays. This is a great
opportunity to try out a course and have a look at
our facilities first hand.

For more information or to book your place,
please visit:
www.chesterfield.ac.uk/hello-engagement-team

10

11

STUDENT

Support

We have a wealth of support and guidance teams to help
you through your time at college. No matter what your
worries or concerns are, we have plenty of specialist
teams on-hand to listen, offer advice and help you get the
most out of your time with us.

Information, Advice and Guidance
Our Information, Advice and Guidance Team (IAG) are here to help
with a range of issues. The support we offer includes helping you
decide which course is best suited to your needs and informing you
of all available progression opportunities.

Events
Each year our IAG Team organise several events to help you decide
on your next steps. Previous visits have included trips to universities,
career fairs, Higher Education days and volunteering opportunities.

Careers Advice
We have specialist careers advisors to help you make informed
decisions about your next steps. Whether you have a clear idea of
what you want to do, or if you need support planning your future
career, our team are here to help you explore all possible routes.

Group Sessions
Throughout the year we run group sessions to help you prepare for
life after college. Sessions include help writing personal statements
and CVs, help with university and job applications, student finance
advice and career planning.

One-to-one
If you’d like more information about the opportunities available to you
after college you can book a one-to-one appointment with one of
our advisors.

12

Additional Learning Support
Our Additional Learning Support Team offers a range of flexible
learning support depending on your circumstances, including:
• Literacy and numeracy support
• Support for dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and other learning

disorders
• Communication support for hearing and visual impairments,

including adapting learning materials
• Assistive technology such as laptop loans
• One-to-one support

13

Student Support

Student Services
Student services are here to make sure you’re time at college is a
happy one. They can help you with a range of issues such as:
• Financial advice
• Counselling and support
• Additional assistance for learners with physical and/or learning

difficulties
• Help with travel arrangements
• Support with childcare
For more information on the services we offer email
[email protected]

Financial Support
If you are aged 16-18 then A Level courses are free. You may
also be eligible for the 16-19 bursary which will help support you
through college.
If you are aged 19+ then you may need to pay for your course
depending on your personal circumstances. But don’t worry, there
are lots of financial support funds and bursaries in place to help you
pay for your course and support you during your time with us, such
as the Advanced Learner Loan for students aged 19 or over and
studying their first Level 3 course.
For more information of the financial support available call us
on 01246 500500, email [email protected] or visit
www.chesterfield.ac.uk/finance

14

INFORMATION

For Parents
We understand that coming to college can be a big
change from school, which is why we are here to support
your child every step of the way. Our Engagement Team
can help your child through the transition process by
easing them into college life. Our team can arrange
introductory visits to college, assist with applications and
answer any questions you or your child may have.

Support Teams
We have a range of support teams in place to help our students
excel in their studies and think about their future, including additional
learning support, course and careers advice, and one-to-one
guidance sessions. We also have a counselling service which offers
confidential appointments to all students who want to talk about
personal concerns or difficulties.

15

Information for Parents

Maintaining Excellence
At Chesterfield College we continually assess ourselves and our
effectiveness as an educational provider. This ensures that our
facilities, support services and the courses we offer provide all of our
students with a high quality learning experience.
Our goal is to help all students progress to employment or Higher
Education once they leave us, that is why we provide them with
a whole host of opportunities to improve their skill-set and help
strengthen their CV.
Our Self-Assessment Report (SAR) is the way in which we gauge our
own progress, success and achievements. Here are the results of
our most recent self-assessment:
• 95% of students felt careers advice and guidance sessions

helped them make positive decisions about their future
• 98% of students feel safe in college
• 95% of students agree that their teaching and learning

experience is good or outstanding
• 86% of students progress into a ‘positive destination’

(employment, university or further study)
• The Chesterfield College Group works with more than 2,000

employers
• In 2016, Chesterfield College was ranked joint third best college

in the country by FE Week based on customer satisfaction,
learner progression and apprenticeship allocation.

Safe Learning Environment
Your child will be in safe hands with us as we are fully committed to
providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and
visitors. We aim to use protective and preventable approaches to
keep everyone on our campus safe from harm, and are dedicated
to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all our students whilst
they are with us.

16

Information for Parents
Increasing Skills

We realise that not all learning takes place in the classroom; we
are proud to be able to offer multiple extracurricular activities to
broaden your child’s knowledge and skills to prepare them for life
after college.
With work placements, volunteering and fundraising opportunities
and the chance to take part in external challenges such as the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, your child will receive a well-rounded
education at Chesterfield College.
Fantastic Results
You can be sure that your child will receive a great education here
with us. Our students continually achieve excellent results which
enable them to progress to their first choice university or gain
employment in their dream role.

17

HE

Higher Education
A university-level education in Chesterfield

Once you have completed your A Levels you can choose to study
a number of university-level courses right here at college. With a
number of subjects on offer you can study a HNC, HND, foundation
degree or even a full honours degree a little closer to home.
Staying local means you’ll have access to:
• Smaller class sizes with more one-to-one time with your tutor
• Lower course fees – our fees are approximately a third cheaper

than most universities
• Specialist support from our dedicated student support teams
• Flexible courses – study around work and family commitments
All of our foundation degree and full honours degree courses are
validated by either Sheffield Hallam University, Staffordshire University
or the University of Derby, ensuring a high standard of education right
here in Chesterfield.

18



GETTING TO

College

Whether you live just around the corner or a few miles
away, there are plenty of ways to get to college.

Bus
There are various Stagecoach bus services from Chesterfield
and surrounding areas that stop near college. To find out which
bus routes are best suited to you, please contact our Transport
Co-ordinator on 01246 500522 or email [email protected]

Train
We are located just around the corner from Chesterfield Train Station
with regular trains to and from Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and
surrounding areas.

Car
We have a free student car park onsite with limited spaces which are
offered on a first come, first served basis.

Find out if you’re eligible for subsidised travel cost by calling our
Student Services Team on 01246 500500.

HOW TO 21

Apply

Application Form

Applying to study A Levels with us is easy! You can simply fill out
the application form online by clicking the ‘apply now’ button at the
bottom of the course page on our website.

Careers Interview

Once we’ve received your application we’ll send you a letter inviting
you to a careers interview at college. This is your chance to make
sure the course is right for you and to see where it could take you
in the future. It’s also a chance to discuss any additional support
you might need during your time with us. You may also be required
to take an initial English and maths assessment – this is nothing to
worry about, it’s simply a way for us to determine if you require any
further support with your English and maths skills.

Course Interview

The next step is for you to attend a course interview – this is an
opportunity for you to meet you future course tutors. You can ask
them any questions you might have about your course or joining
the college.

Offer

After the interview stage you will receive an offer letter – simply return
the completed acceptance letter to us to confirm your place.

Results Day

If you don’t get the grades you were hoping for, don’t worry! Call our
Guidance Team as soon as possible on 01246 500500 and we’ll be
able to talk to you about your alternative options. If you do achieve
the right grades you will need to come in and enrol – we will contact
you to let you know dates and times.

Enrolment

Once you have accepted your offer, we will send you a letter with
all of your enrolment details. Enrolment for A Levels will be held in
August or September with our Welcome Week also taking place at
the beginning of September.

CHOOSING

Your Subjects

There are a number of reasons why you might decide to
choose which subjects to study in sixth form, depending
on your interests, your career goals or the university-level
course you intend to progress to.

1. You were good at the subject at GCSE.

This is a fair reason to choose a subject, but you need to enjoy what
you study and be sure that you fully understand what the subject
requires at A Level. Often the content at A Level is much more
challenging than GCSE.

2. You need it for a particular course.

If you already have a particular university-level course or career in
mind you need to research whether there are any particular subjects
required for entry to a course before making your decision.

3. Choosing a new subject because you think it will be
interesting.
If you have not studied the subject at GCSE your teachers will be
looking for evidence that you have a genuine interest in the subject
and are not just picking it because it is different. You will need to
ensure that you understand fully what the course content consists of.

Different subjects are suited to different careers, degree
courses and individuals. How you learn and what you are
interested in should always be taken into consideration.

‘Essay’ Subjects

Many students choose a mixture of subjects but an ability to
construct arguments and write logically is important for A Levels
in subjects such as English literature, history, law, philosophy and
sociology. Studying these subjects opens the door to a wide range
of university degrees in the arts/humanities, social sciences and
business fields.

Creative Subjects

If you have a talent in an art-based subject and wish to pursue this
at university level, you will need to study art and design or drama
and theatre studies, and further develop your skills by choosing
humanities or social science subjects to study alongside them.

Teaching

If you intend to become a teacher, you will need to choose subjects
based on what you intend to teach and the level you wish to teach
at. For primary teaching courses you require a national curriculum
subject, such as English, maths or science. For secondary school
teaching you will need a degree in the subject of your choice.

Sciences

A student who is good at science may choose A Levels in chemistry,
biology, maths and physics. You should also consider the Level 3
Diploma in Applied Science as an alternative, this will enable you to
keep all of your options open when it comes to choosing a course to
study at university.

There are two directions within the science field at university:

Life Sciences

Degrees based on chemistry and biology. These include degrees
leading to a definite career path such as medicine, dentistry,
veterinary science, pharmacy, dietetics and degrees based on
research such as biochemistry, biomedical materials, science or
pharmacology.

You may decide to combine all three sciences with maths or replace
maths/physics with an arts/social, science/creative or humanities
subject.

Engineering

This is the practical application of maths and physics. With these
two A Levels a huge range of degrees are available to you, such as
engineering (mechanical, electronic/electrical and civil), physics and
materials science. Students who are very good at maths may decide
to study further maths to deepen their understanding of the subject.

If you are a talented scientist or mathematician you should choose at 23
least two from biology, chemistry, physics and maths/further maths.
If you know your interests lie in the life sciences, you should choose
chemistry and biology. If your focus is on the engineering side, you
should choose maths (and possibly further maths) and physics.

24

Art and design is a broad topic which can be incorporated into almost all industry
sectors. As an art student you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning to suit your
individual interests and future career goals. As part of your course you can choose to
study the following modules:
• Art, craft and design
• Fine art
• Graphic communication
• Textile design
• 3D design
• Photography
This course is designed to provide you with a wide range of experiences which will
deepen your understanding of contextual and cultural art, as well as allowing you to
develop creative skills and ideas. Throughout the length of this programme you can
expect to create a collection of work to build up your portfolio, which will demonstrate
your knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject.

Career ideas:
• Artist
• Graphic designer
• Photographer
• Fashion designer
Study Art and Design alongside:
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• History
• English Literature
What can I do next?
During the course you will build up a portfolio which will help you progress on
to university-level study or help you enter employment in your chosen industry.
Former students
Former art and design students have gone on to a range of universities to
study degrees such as Art and Design, Fine Art and Photography.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• HNC/HND Art and Design
• HND Creative Media Production (Moving Image)

26

If you have a keen interest in science and the life cycle of living organisms then this
courses is for you. During this course you will study:
• DNA and RNA
• Stem cells
• Enzyme function
• Reproductive strategies
To give you an in-depth understanding of biology and the analysis surrounding it, you’ll
have the opportunity to design your own practical investigation around a topic of your
choice.

Career ideas:
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Forensic scientist
• Vet
Study Biology alongside:
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Maths
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment in your chosen industry.
Former students
Former biology students have gone on to study Biology at the University of
Warwick, Biomedicine at the University of Leeds, Midwifery at the University of
Nottingham, Forensic Science at Sheffield Hallam University and Freshwater and
Marine Biology at the University of Hull.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BSc (Hons) Health Related Exercise and Fitness (Top-up)
• FdSc Health Related Exercise and Fitness
• FdA Psychology and Health Studies
• FdSc Sport Coaching – Performance and Participation
Higher Apprenticeships
We offer this related higher apprenticeship:
• Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership in Health and Social Care

28

Business surrounds us and plays a key role in virtually every aspect of our lives; having
knowledge in this field will be very beneficial to any future career. A Level Business will
provide you with a set of transferable skills which can be applied to lots of industry
sectors. You’ll study key concepts including:
• External influences on buisness
• Decision making process – leadership
• Marketing, financial, operational and human resource decisions
• Devising strategies and managing change
You will also look at real life, up-to-date examples that bring the topics to life.

Career ideas:
• Advertising executive
• Business development manger
• Digital marketing officer
• Personnel officer
• Accountant
Study Business alongside:
• English Language
• Maths
• Law
• Psychology
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment in your chosen industry.
Former students
Former business students have gone on to study a variety of business-related
degrees, including Land Economy at Cambridge; Information and Business
at Manchester; Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Warwick, Industrial
Economics at Nottingham and Accounting at Sheffield.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons) Business and Management
• FdA in Business and Management Studies
• HND Business
Higher Apprenticeships
We offer these related higher apprenticeships:
• Higher Apprenticeship in Business Administration
• Higher Apprenticeship in Accounting

30

Chemistry is a broad subject that you’ll explore through both practical and theory based
work. Chemistry plays an important part in a variety of sectors, such as developing
medicine, health and safety, pollution in the environment and identifying foreign objects.
During the course you’ll build on the skills and knowledge you gained during GCSE
Chemistry by studying the following topics in detail:
• Atomic molecular structure
• Bonding
• Properties and reactions of substances
• Organic molecules
A Level Chemistry is very precise with lots of mathematical elements, so you’ll need a
strong maths background in order to solve a variety of chemical problems. Throughout
the course you’ll strengthen your knowledge of chemical reactions, elements in the
periodic table and atomic bonds.

Career ideas:
• Biochemist
• Chemist
• Chemical engineer
• Research scientist
Study Chemistry alongside:
• Biology
• Physics
• Psychology
• Maths
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment in your chosen industry.
Former students
Former chemistry students have gone on to study Chemistry at the University
of Sheffield, Biochemistry at the University of York, Chemistry with Medical
Chemistry at the University of Newcastle and Medical Physiology at the
University of Nottingham.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• HNC/HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering

32

Drama and Theatre Studies is an exciting, dynamic and engaging A Level course
which will not only develop your acting skills, but also aims to improve your confidence.
During the course you’ll develop a range of transferable skills which can be applied
to a number of professions. You’ll learn about different genres and acting styles, as
well as developing your own techniques which you’ll apply to your own performances
and productions. The goal of this course is for you to develop new skills and nurture
the ones you already have. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in visits to the
theatre and participate in industry workshops.
Throughout this creative programme you can expect to:
• Create, perform and respond to drama and theatre
• Develop the creativity and independence to become effective theatre makers
• Explore the relationship between theory and practice
• Experience how theatre makers collaborate to create stage shows

Career ideas:
• Actor
• Director
• Performer
• Stage manager
Study Drama alongside:
• Art and Design
• English Literature
• History
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former drama students have gone on to study at a range of universities
and performing arts schools such as the East 15 School of Acting, BIMM
Manchester and Phil Winston’s Dance School.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level course with us:
• HND Performing Arts

34

A Level English will allow you to further develop the language skills you acquired at
GCSE. During the course you’ll analyse and study the language used in journalism,
media and multimedia texts and advertising. The aim of the course is to provide you
with an in-depth understanding of language and how it works effectively in scoiety, how
it has changed over time, and how children develop communication skills. As a result
you’ll study topics including:
• Gender, occupation and other social factors
• Linguistic features and methods
• Language development and how it has changed over time
• Spoken language and dialects
• How children develop verbal and written skills
You’ll also be expected to carry out an investigation into a topic of your choice, create
an original piece of creative writing, and produce commentary on your own writing.

Career ideas:
• Broadcaster
• Editor
• Journalist
• Teacher/lecturer
• Solicitor
Study English alongside:
• English Literature
• History
• Law
• Philosophy
• Sociology
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former English language students have gone on to study English at the
University of Liverpool, Journalism at the University of Derby and Linguistics
and Communications at the University of Durham.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons) Education Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education Post 14 (Education and Training)

36

A Level English Literature aims to build on the existing knowledge and skills you gained
at GCSE. You’ll learn how to critically analyse texts using historical and cultural context,
as well as developing an understanding of different genres and how authors choose to
tell their stories using characterisation, settings, view points and narrative. As part of
your course you’ll study texts such as:
• Othello
• Death of a Salesman
• The Great Gatsby
• A selection of poetry by John Keats
You’ll also study and analyse these texts more independently, applying literature
terminology such as imagery, metaphors and personification. You’ll also be expected to
participate in class discussions to share your thoughts and interpretations of texts.

Career ideas:
• Broadcaster
• Editor
• Journalist
• Teacher/lecturer
Study English Literature alongside:
• English Language
• History
• Drama and Theatre Studies
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former students have gone on to study English Literature at a range of
universities including the University of Derby, the University of Leeds and
Sheffield Hallam University.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons) Education Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education Post 14 (Education and Training)

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History opens up fascinating and dynamic ways of thinking about society and
humanity; students progressing from history related courses are in high demand
as universities and employers value those who can retain, analyse and process
complex information.
As a history student you’ll need to have very good analytical and writing skills as you’ll
study:
• Britain in 1930-1997 – particularly focusing on Churchill 1930-1951
• Democracy and dictatorship in Germany 1919-1963
• The challenge of German nationalism 1789-1919
This subject offers a different aspect to other A Levels through the inclusion of
a coursework element based on an independent study of the Russian October
Revolution of 1917.

Career ideas:
• Historian
• Teacher/lecturer
• Journalist
Study History alongside:
• Law
• English Literature
• Sociology
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former history students have gone on to study History and Politics at the
University of Hull, and Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Lancaster
University.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons) Education Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education Post 14 (Education and Training)

40

Law is an important subject that governs all aspects of our lives. Law at Chesterfield
aims to provide you with an understanding of the English legal system as well as the
laws and policies surrounding it. During the A Level programme you’ll study:
• The nature of law and the English legal system
• Criminal Law
• Tort Law
• Contract Law
Visits to law courts and entry to the Sheffield Hallam University mock trial competition
form a key part of your studies. You can also opt to study our new Level 3 BTEC
National Extended Certificate in Applied Law, which is similar to the A Level but
includes two units of coursework alongside two examinations.

Career ideas:
• Barrister
• Legal advisor
• Private investigator
• Solicitor
Study Law alongside:
• Business
• Criminology
• English
• Sociology
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former law students have gone on to study Law at Nottingham Trent University
and LLB at Durham University.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• FdA Criminal Justice (Policing)
• HNC/HND Public Services

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Maths plays an important role in our everyday lives, and is important in all industry
sectors. During this course you’ll need to have a good understanding of algebra so that
you can build on your knowledge and start performing more complicated calculations.
During the A Level you will develop your skills in a range of areas including:
• Calculus (differentiation and integration)
• Statistics
• Trigonametry
Don’t panic – you don’t need to memorise complex formulas for your exams, but you’ll
need to know how to apply them correctly and accurately, and explain the results.
Universities often favour students who have studied maths so it’s a good subject to
choose if you are thinking of going to university.

Career ideas:
• Accountant
• Engineer
• Medical science
• Teacher/lecturer
Study Maths alongside:
• Business
• Chemistry
• Further Maths
• Physics
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former maths students have gone on to study the subject further at the
University of Leeds, University of York, University of Sheffield, University of
Manchester and University of Nottingham.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons)/FdA Business and Management Studies
• HNC/HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering
Higher Apprenticeships
We offer these related higher apprenticeships:
• Higher Apprenticeship in Accounting
• Higher Apprenticeship in Business Administration

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Further Maths is designed to deepen your mathematical knowledge; the course can be
studied alongside or after taking A Level Mathematics. During the course you’ll build on
your current algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus skills as well as developing
new techniques and knowledge including:
• Complex numbers
• Matrices
• Proof
• Hyperbolic functions
• Polar co-ordinates
• Differential equations
Students can also tailor their learning to suit their individual needs and future career
goals. You can choose one of the following strands or study a combination of all three:
• Decision – algorithms, linear programming, mathematical modelling and networks
• Mechanics – energy, forces, kinematics, motion and projectiles
• Statistics – correlation, estimation, hypothesis, data handling and probability
Further maths is ideally suited to those who enjoy the subject and want to progress on
to a maths-based course at university.

Career ideas:
• Accountant
• Engineer
• Medical science
• Teacher/lecturer
Study Further Maths alongside:
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Physics
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons)/FdA Business and Management Studies
• HNC/HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering
Higher Apprenticeships
We offer these related higher apprenticeships:
• Higher Apprenticeship in Accounting
• Higher Apprenticeship in Business Administration

46

Philosophy as a concept is hard to define, but at its core is the study of knowledge,
reality, values, reason, ethics and existence. People who study philosophy aim to use
logic and different ways of thinking to answer some of life’s big questions.
This philosophy course is designed to help you become a great thinker, and will teach
you how to debate, explain, analyse and evaluate – all of which are great skills that will
help you in a range of careers. During the course you will study:
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of the mind
• Philosophy of religion
• Moral philosophy
Philosophy is a truly fascinating subject which will help you to think outside the box and
construct arguments which will only benefit you in your other studies.

Career ideas:
• Teacher/lecturer
• Solicitor
• Journalist
Study Philosophy alongside:
• English Language
• English Literature
• History
• Physics
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former philosophy students have gone on to study Politics, Philosophy and
Economics at Lancaster University, Physics at the University of Sheffield and
Law at a range of different institutions.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• BA (Hons) Education Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education Post 14 (Education and Training)

48

Physics is the study of energy, forces, waves and the structure of atoms within the
universe. Having a basic understanding of physics is vital to understanding our planet
and the galaxies beyond. During the course you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the
following topics:
• Moving objects
• How waves behave
• The sun
• Galaxies
• Electricity
• Sub-atomic particles
Physics is a practical subject in which you will get the chance to perform a series of
experiments which allow you to see how the theory works in practice. You’ll also learn
how to analyse and evaluate your results in more detail than at GCSE level. The main
thing that you’ll learn throughout this course is that the more we find out, the more we
realise we don’t know.

Career ideas:
• Astronomer
• Physicist
• Medical physicist
• Clinical scientist
Study Physics alongside:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Maths
What can I do next?
Upon completion of this course you can choose to progress to university-level
study or enter employment.
Former students
Former physics students have gone on to study Physics with Astrophysics at
the University of Leicester and Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield.
University-level courses at Chesterfield College
Study the following related university-level courses with us:
• HNC/HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering

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