A Level Options
With a view to entry to Sixth Form current RSD pupils will be asked to indicate their choice of subjects for study to Advanced Level. The purpose of this page is to assist pupils and their parents in this choice by providing outline information about the subjects available. For full guidance on choosing your subjects and RSD’s admission criteria please refer to the A Level Options booklet available to view online or to download.
A Level Options
Op A 2023-2024 Final
Admission to Sixth Form for RSD Pupils
- The minimum requirement for automatic entry to Year 13 = 15# points (for 3 AS levels) OR 25# points (for 4 AS levels) including at least 6 GCSE passes, (pass = grade C or better). Note: # Year 11 Maths should be included in the points total.
- Pupils must normally have GCSE passes at grade A*, A or B for the AS/A2 subjects to be studied in Sixth Form. C* and C grades are generally not suitable for A level work in that subject (please see options booklet)
- When selecting to study new start subjects a pupil must have GCSE passes at A*, A or B grades in related subject(s). (Lower requirements may apply for pupils whose first language is not English.)
Not an RSD pupil?
For Pupils wishing to join RSD to study A Level please view the Sixth Form Admissions information.
A* = 5
A = 4
B = 3
C* = 2
C = 1
Please note that GCSE Short Courses will only count for half the above points (i.e. A* = 2.5, A = 2, B = 1.5, C* = 1, C = ½)
Sixth Form Charter
Progress from Year 13 to Year 14
- satisfactory attendance throughout the year, typically greater than 90% in total.
- satisfactory Report Cards demonstrating consistent application and progress in line with the pupil’s ability.
- satisfactory standards in the Spring report demonstrating
- consistent application and progress in line with the pupil’s ability;
- the completion of all coursework and/or controlled assessments (if relevant);
- satisfactory levels of preparation for the examinations in the summer.
- Three Passes at Grades A – E, with Grade D or better in at least TWO AS levels in August
- regular and active membership of at least one weekly extra-curricular activity, club or society (sporting, cultural, etc.)
- no serious breaches of school discipline or Sixth Form Centre etiquette
- be able to show evidence of achieving homework time targets over a sustained period (2½ – 3 hours per night, five nights a week, or 12½ – 15 hours in total)
- active membership of House
- ability to work well in Private Study periods
- good co-operation with subject teachers
- punctual handing in of written assignments
Art & Design (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs M.E. CLINGAN
The study of Art and Design creates a pathway to a future career in a creative-industries related field.
Chemistry (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs R. L. HAMPTON
Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works.
Mathematics (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr G.R. BLACK
Pupils will study Pure Mathematics ideas and concepts along with Applied Mathematics in the physical world related to engineering, business, computing etc.
Physics (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs W. CHAMBERS
Physicists play a vital role in many technology based industries such as engineering, optoelectronics, nanotechnology, computing and renewable energy.
Religious Studies (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Ms A.M. PRESCOTT
Religious Studies makes a particular contribution to a pupil’s understanding of spiritual moral and cultural issues by encouraging them to reflect on their own attitudes and those of others.
Digital Technology (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr K.D. McGUINNESS
Digital technology incorporates aspects of computer science and information technology.
Engineering (Pearson, Level 3 BTEC)
South West College (partnership)
This course includes Engineering Drawing, Health & Safety, Mechanical Principals, Computer Aided Design, Engineering Materials and Electronic Principals.
Physical Education (WJEC, Modular)
HoD: Mr G McClintock & Mrs D Robb/Miss S Colga
Develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills involved in fitness and training. Learn about the respiratory, circulatory, muscular and skeletal systems.
Psychology (AQA, Linear)
St Patrick’s Academy (partnership)
Psychology is the study of people: how they think, their behaviour and their emotions in social situations and the motivations underlying such behaviour.
Computer Science (OCR, Linear)
HoD: Mr K.D. McGUINNESS
Computer Science is an exciting and intensely creative subject that combines innovation and logical thinking.
English Literature (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs S.J. JACKSON
The study of English Literature at A level exposes the pupils to a variety of texts from the genres of poetry, prose and drama.
Geography (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Miss H. MONTGOMERY
There has never been a greater need to be aware of the changing world around us than at present. Change is happening all the time – both in the natural world and within human populations.
Biology (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr R.E. CHAMBERS
The course helps to provide an understanding of how biological developments affect the environment
Economics (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs AR Straghan
Economists study how individuals and groups of people make choices about what to do with their limited resources.
Government and Politics (CCEA, Modular)
St Patrick’s Academy (partnership)
The study of Government and Politics encourages young people to develop knowledge and understanding of the political systems in which they live.
Media Studies (WJEC Eduqas, Linear)
St Patrick’s Academy (partnership)
Pupils study a range of media forms in terms of a theoretical framework which consists of media language, representation, media industries and audiences.
Business Studies (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs A.R. STRAGHAN
Units include, Introduction to Business, Growing the Business, Strategic Decision Making and The Competative Business Environment.
Technology and Design (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr N.J. CANNING
To enable pupils to participate in, and exercise responsibility throughout the whole process of design, by identifying and meeting needs in the man-made world.
Nutrition and Food Science (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs P. McMULLAN
CCEA AS and A Level Nutrition and Food Science focuses on the areas of nutrition, health and more recently, food technology, safety and quality.
History (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr P.S. KERR
Political ideologies, systems of government, economics, the influence of religion, literature and art: all of these major themes come under the historians notice.
Health and Social Care (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs PM McMullan
This broad qualification gives pupils the opportunity to study a diverse range of subjects, including communication, physiology, social policy and psychology.
Performing Arts (CCEA, Modular)
St Patrick’s Academy (partnership)
Performing arts relies as much on production as performance. The show can’t go on without the work of technicians, managers, choreographers, designers, promoters, agents and administrators.
Life and Health Sciences (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mrs W Chambers/Mr RE Chambers/Mrs RL Hampton
Pupils learn to appreciate how science contributes in a fundamental way to both economic success and the success of society.
Modern Foreign Languages (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr P.G. MOORE
You will gain a very thorough knowledge of life in France or Spain and the many other countries around the world where these languages are spoken.
Music (CCEA, Modular)
HoD: Mr S.J. CUDDY
Music is a combination of sounds, silence, rhythm, pitch, tone, melody and harmony that communicate emotions and ideas.