Biology

Students of biology develop expertise in the science of life itself. Biology combines well with both other natural sciences and with social sciences such as psychology. Biology provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, research and more.

Biology is at the core of many major scientific disciplines such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Biophysics, even Exobiology – the question of life elsewhere in space – is a fast growing specialism. You will find biologists working all over the world in almost every setting imaginable: from research laboratories, hospitals, offices, classrooms and factories to boats, planes, museums, jungles, caves, treetops, even at the heart of Government and in the City.

What will I learn?

Have you ever wondered how a 50m high tree silently gets water from the soil to its leaves? Can you explain how the “lub dub” heartbeat sound is produced?  You start in Year 12 by investigating key biological concepts such as cell biology, disease and immunity, and biodiversity, and you will study biochemistry and the physics of microscopy also.

During Year 13, you will delve deeper into the biochemical reactions which keep us alive: so much so that you will never look at the world in the same way again! You will question how the body is controlled and how it responds to stimuli, while considering how our genes make us who we are.  Are you a risk taker?  Do you get easily hooked on new trends?  Do our genes shape our personalities?

You will also develop exceptional practical abilities. Regular practical work supports and enhances your learning of Biology at LAE. You can even undertake university level procedures such as gel electrophoresis and PCR during your Genetics unit – very much following in the footsteps of the Independent Thinker Rosalind Franklin.

Autumn term	Spring term	Summer term
Cell Structure, Biological Molecules, Enzymes, Nucleic Acids,  Cell Membranes, Cell Division, Enzymes	Transport in Animals & Plants; Disease & Immunity; Biodiversity, Classification & Evolution	Bridge to A level, Practical Assignments & Research presentations

How should I prepare myself?

Challenge yourself regularly by researching the latest in scientific discoveries, and by reading around what you’re studying in lesson in books, magazines and online. We want you to start discussions with us about the topics you find intriguing, and for you to develop your own love of Biology to rival ours.

Recommended reading:

• The Diversity of Life, Edward O. Wilson
• This Is Biology: The Science of the Living World, Ernst Mayr 
• The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher, Lewis Thomas
• Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters, Matt Ridley
• Y: The Descent of Men, Steve Jones
• DNA: The Secret of Life, James Watson

Chemistry

Students of chemistry develop expertise in the properties and behaviour of substances. The subject combines well with other natural sciences. Chemistry provides a solid foundation for careers in research, forensic science, pharmacy, toxicology, technology and more.

Chemistry is everywhere and has occupied human thought since the first alchemists started mixing and melting and transmuting substances thousands of years ago. It is the study of substances: what they are made from, how they behave, what properties they have and how they can be changed.

What will I learn?

You will learn about the foundations of chemistry – the key knowledge, skills and understanding that make a chemist. You will learn to calculate how much of one substance reacts with another. You will unearth and explain patterns in the Periodic Table. You will develop a toolkit of reactions that allows you to make the substances you need. And throughout the course you will learn core practical techniques and procedures.

How should I prepare myself?

Ensure you understand the concepts you have studied up to Year 11 in depth, in particular about covalent and ionic bonding. Always attempt extension questions, and take time to read more about the Periodic Table, so that you can explain how and why it looks like it does today.

Recommended reading:

• On Giants' Shoulders, Melvyn Bragg
• Mystery of the Periodic Table, Ben Wiker

 

Economics

Students of economics develop expertise in how people, companies and governments respond to incentives under conditions of scarcity. The subject combines well with mathematics and other social sciences such as politics. Economics provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in finance, consulting, policy analysis and more.

Economics is the study of human behaviour, be it from an individual, firm or government perspective. As such, it is a highly interdisciplinary subject that combines well with the other social sciences on offer at LAE. Given LAE’s location, the Economics department has developed strong links with local employers and is able to offer a fantastic set of opportunities on a weekly basis.

What will I learn?

A-level Economics is divided into two parts: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. In Microeconomics, you will explore the concept of free markets and whether individuals and firms acting in their own self-interest leads to an efficient allocation of resources. From healthcare to energy markets, we explore the role of consumers, producers, and regulators. In Macroeconomics, we take a holistic view and analyse concepts such as growth, inflation, unemployment, and inequality on both a national and international scale.

How should I prepare myself?

Watching the news and current affairs programmes is a great place to start. Read broadsheet newspapers and magazines like The Economist. Whilst it is important that you develop your own economic world view, it is equally important to consider alternative viewpoints. Being able to apply and evaluate different concepts is a fundamental skill in A-level Economics.

Recommended reading:

• Capitalism and Freedom [M. Friedman]

• Thinking Strategically [A. Dixit and B. Nalebuff]

• Why Nations Fail [D. Acemoglu & J. Robinson]

• Reinventing the Bazaar [J. McMillan]

• Freakonomics [S. Levitt and S. Dubner]

• The Undercover Economist [T. Harford]

English Literature

Students of English literature develop expertise in how literature provides insight into human relationships. The subject combines well with social sciences such as history and politics. English provides a solid foundation for degrees and careers in journalism, publishing, public service, the arts, consulting and more.

Studying English Literature at LAE is a lively mix of literary analysis, contextual thinking, wider reading and independent learning. You will be encouraged to question, debate and develop informed opinions, and the enjoyment and discipline of reading will give you a secure basis for astute critical discussion. English is a competitive university subject and supports a very wide range of careers.

What will I learn?

The course as a whole seeks to introduce you to a range of thought-provoking and engaging texts which cover the genres of drama, prose and poetry. In Year 12, you will study a drama text other than Shakespeare, as well as two prose texts and modern poetry. One or both of your prose texts will be written in the nineteenth century and will engage you deeply in the context and conflicts of that period and its bearing on modern thought. Your study of poetry will equip you with the skills needed to analyse any unseen poem and you will be able to critically evaluate unseen poetry against those you study in class. The anthology that we study is a collection of works by major contemporary poets, including Simon Armitage who is the current Poet Laureate.

In Year 13, you will complete a non-examination assessment, guided by your teacher but allowing you choice and flexibility in what you decide to write on. You will also study a key Shakespeare text and a twentieth century poetry unit, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge about a literary period and specific major poets. All of your study in Years 12 and 13 will encourage you to develop and argue your own points of view and to examine texts through various lenses, including feminist, post-colonial, psychoanalytical and ecocritical. You will find that you develop hugely in confidence and ability to construct rigid academic arguments, whilst enjoying the pleasure of studying great literature. Your course will also allow you to debate and present to others, thereby enhancing your oracy skills which should stand you in great stead for the future.

How should I prepare myself?

The best way to prepare yourself is to read, read and read again: novels, poems, plays, modern texts, older works, texts in translation.                   

Recommended reading:

The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde

The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Animal Farm by George Orwell

1984 by George Orwell

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A selection of poetry and drama from different time periods.

French

Students of modern languages develop expertise in navigating the life and culture of other nations. The study of languages combines well with English and social and natural sciences. Languages provide a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in consulting, diplomacy, business, travel, technology and more. 

The study of a foreign language is a gateway to a new country or indeed countries, to new culture, literature, film and music, to the genius of icons such as Voltaire or Gabriel García Marquez. As well as the practical linguistic skills you will build on day to day, your study will require self-motivation, determination and discipline, which is why having a modern foreign language qualification is still highly regarded by admissions tutors at top universities.

If you enjoy looking for links and patterns in language, solving problems and making informed deductions about the form and meaning of words, and if you want to study a course in which you can explore aspects of history, politics, society and media, all while developing confident fluency in French or Spanish, you will enjoy studying a language at LAE.

What will I learn?

At LAE you can study French or Spanish. At this advanced level, you will begin by building on your skills acquired at GCSE and start to communicate sophisticated ideas and opinions in the target language. Every one of your lessons will target one or more of your language skills: speaking, reading, writing and listening. Language lessons at A Level will require you to think independently, and you will develop confidence in expressing and justifying your points of view. In your first year, you will acquire the linguistic skills necessary to debate key social issues and discuss controversial topics, for example, whether young people are slaves to social networks or whether the concept of a “traditional family” still exists in the twenty-first century. While there is no coursework, there is an oral exam for which you will prepare ideas to discuss about a particular topic of your choice. With the support and guidance of your teachers, this will be a unique opportunity to hone your independent research skills and to develop expertise about a particular issue within a Francophone or Hispanic country. What you investigate and research is down to you and your individual interests, be it the effects of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica or how the French rap scene has developed over recent decades.

How should I prepare myself?

Get to grips with the key material at GCSE. Try not to shy away from the grammar and verb tenses at school, because at LAE you will need to have these basics secure before you progress to more sophisticated language. You can also make use of this workbook that we have created.

Recommended reading:

Start to read article in newspapers such as Le Parisien and 20 Minutos. You can read them online. The website www.wordreference.com is a quick way of looking up vocabulary, but don’t look up every word you don’t know: understand the article overall, not each tiny detail.

Further Mathematics

Students of mathematics develop expertise in understanding the underlying logic of reality and using that understanding to solve both practical and theoretical problems. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences. Mathematics provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in architecture, engineering, finance, technology, business, research and more.  

What will I learn?

When studying Further Mathematics at LAE, students will complete the full A level in Mathematics in the first year, and then the full A level in Further Mathematics in the second year. The extra material covered involves the important pure topics of complex numbers, matrices and proof by induction. Students also extend their skills in solving differential equations, which are very useful when applied to engineering problems. Students will also encounter further applications of Mathematics such as the development of algorithms which can be used to program computers to solve optimisation problems. 

How should I prepare myself?

As the course moves very quickly through A level Mathematics, it is important that students are ready for that, and this means that their GCSE knowledge must be finely polished. Algebra skills are particularly important, and students must be at ease with the algebraic manipulation skills encountered at GCSE level.                                             

Geography

Students of geography develop expertise in the human and physical challenges that confront humanity. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences. Geography provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in environmental services, town planning, construction, conservation, sustainability, transport and more.

“Geography: it’s a must-have A-level…a subject for our times” (The Guardian)

We live in an increasingly globalised society where everything we do has a link to another part of the world.  Nearly every media story leaves us asking questions like “So, globalisation: good or bad? And for whom?” The A-level course ensures that you will emerge as a well-informed and skilled geographer.  The scope of A-level Geography at the LAE is broad and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE. The course studies both human and physical geography themes, with studies at local, regional, national and global levels. The main focus at A-Level Geography is to develop a secure knowledge about human and physical systems and to investigate the challenges facing humanity around the world today – many of which will continue to be a challenge into the future. 

A recent guardian report suggests that Geography is “… inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who have the skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences. Geographers get to learn data analysis, and to read Robert Macfarlane. They learn geographic information systems. They can turn maps from a two-dimensional representation of a country’s physical contours into a tool that illustrates social attributes or attitudes: not just where people live, but how, what they think and how they vote. They learn about the physics of climate change, or the interaction of weather events and flood risk, or the way people’s behaviour is influenced by the space around them. All these are not just intrinsically interesting and valuable. They also encourage ways of seeing and thinking that make geographers eminently employable, which is why, according to the latest information from the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, only 5.8% of geography graduates were still job-hunting six months after they graduated, against an average of 7.3%.”

What will I learn?

Physical geography: Water and carbon cycles; Hot desert systems and landscapes; Ecosystems under stress

Human geography: Global systems and global governance; Changing places; Population and the environment

Investigative geography: Getting out into the ‘real world’ is a fundamental part of being a good geographer. You will research and write an independent fieldwork investigation as part of the A-level course. We go on a 4 day residential trip to Nettlecombe Court in Somerset at the beginning of Year 13 as well as doing other trips and visits over the course.

How should I prepare myself?

Keep up to date with the latest geographical news. Be interested in places and change whether in your local area or on a global scale. The LAE geography Twitter feed @GeogLAE has all the latest geographical news and stories as well as news about the LAE geographers.           

Recommended reading, listening and watching:

• Planet Earth 2 (BBC)

• The True Cost (Documentary: Netflix)

• Geography podcasts e.g. ‘National Geographic weekend’ or ‘a very spatial podcast’

• Beyond the Beautiful Forevers, Katherine Boo

• Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall

History

Students of history develop expertise in the origins of the modern world and the possibilities of social change. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences. History provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in academia, teaching, journalism, the law, public service and more.

Learning about the past makes us aware of how we are shaped by it, as individuals and as communities. The study of history helps us to understand our own lives in context and makes us question what we take for granted. The way we do things today is not the only possible way: it has been different in the past and therefore it can be different again in the future. History teaches us to explore the possibilities of change. In history at LAE, we delight in fitting together evidence in order to try to understand why historical events unfolded the way they have. We love to read and write a lot, because we understand that getting the story right definitely matters.

What will I learn?

When you study history at LAE, you will explore different periods in history and various methods of working with sources. We will focus on the history of the British Empire: its growth and fall, from 1857 and 1967, and will also study further international relations in the Cold War between 1944 and 1991. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to develop your historical skills further through researching and writing a coursework essay on early Modern history. All this will prepare you very well for higher education. History at LAE is the perfect choice of study for all those wishing to pursue any degree at university level.

How should I prepare myself?

The ideal preparation for history is to read broadly and widely.

Recommended reading:

• Denis Judd, Empire. 2001. 

• John Gaddis, The Cold War, 2007. 

History of Art

Students of art history develop expertise in aesthetics and visual literacy. The subject combines well with subjects such as English literature and modern languages. History of Art provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in fine arts, curatorship, gallery management, education, conservation and more.

When choosing to study History of Art at LAE, you will be learning about paintings, sculptures and architecture and their meaning in historical and cultural contexts. This is an incredibly wide-reaching subject, and it combines well with English Literature, History, or Languages.

In History of Art you will develop essential visual literacy and you will practise reading and writing. You will also learn how to do research and to present your knowledge effectively, while identifying links across topics and time; all skills that are highly transferable. We take full advantage of our location in London to explore its history and art outside the classroom as well.  

What will I learn? 

We will learn about the themes of identity and nature in art and also focus in on a period study of the Baroque and Avant Garde in Europe. Our History of Art course is offered in collaboration with Art History Link Up, who deliver expert teaching hosted at the Courtauld Gallery. 

Taking this course is rewarding but also will require a lot of hard work and determination: every Saturday you will be required to attend a live or online session in addition to attending homework club and in-school lessons. 

You will take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in the first year alongside learning two modules from the Edexel History of Art A-Level course. In year 13 you can continue to study the 2 other topics of the course to gain a full A-level in History of Art.

History of Art is a subject that is highly regarded by university admission tutors, but has traditionally only been available to students at fee-paying schools. LAE is very proud to be one of the very few schools in the country offering History of Art at A-Level, and with great success: 2020, our students attained 75% A*, 100% A*/A at A level. 

 

Italian

Students of modern languages develop expertise in navigating the life and culture of other nations. The study of languages combines well with English and social and natural sciences. Languages provide a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in consulting, diplomacy, business, travel, technology and more.

What will I learn?

AS level
There are two exams. All exams test your competency with respect to the topics you have learned.

• Paper 1 exam (Listening, Reading and Translation into English) will test your listening comprehension skills, your ability to read and respond to a variety of texts. It lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 40% of the AS level.
• Paper 2 exam (Written response to works and translation into target language) examines you, in Italian, on “Life is Beautiful”. The exam will test your ability of developing a more detailed understanding of the work, showing a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered. It lasts 1 hour 40 minutes and is worth 30% of the AS level.The Paper 3 exam (Speaking) is an oral exam that lasts about 30 minutes and is worth 30% of the AS level.

A Level
For the A level, there are three exams. All exams test your competency with respect to the topics you have learned.

• Paper 1 exam (Listening, Reading and translation into English) will test your listening comprehension skills, your ability to read and respond to a variety of texts. It lasts 2 hours and is worth 40% of the A level.
• Paper 2 exam (Written response to works and translation into target language) examines you, in Italian, on “Life is Beautiful” and “ Volevo i pantaloni.” It lasts 2 hours 40 minutes and is worth 30% of the A level.
• Paper 3 exam (Speaking) is an oral exam that lasts about 20 minutes and is worth 30% of the A level.

How should I prepare myself?

Sound knowledge of all GCSE topic-related vocabulary and grammar will be essential, especially good understanding and awareness of all verb conjugations. A good GCSE revision handbook or textbook will be helpful.

Students are recommended to read and listen to any materials and topics that interest them in Italian: newspapers, magazines, blogs, cartoons, films and songs, as well as language websites or applications.

Reading List:

• Il giorno della civetta, Leonardo Sciascia, 1961(novel)
• Io non ho paura, Niccolo? Ammaniti, 2001 (novel)
• Jack Frusciante e? uscito dal gruppo, Enrico Brizzi, 1994 (novel)
• Lessico famigliare, Natalia Ginzburg, 1963 (novel)
• Marcovaldo, Italo Calvino,1963 (short stories)
• Sei personaggi in cerca d'autore, Luigi Pirandello, 1921 (play)
• Senza sangue, Alessandro Baricco, 2002 (novel)
• Volevo i pantaloni, Lara Cardella, 1989 (novel)

Mathematics

Students of mathematics develop expertise in understanding the underlying logic of reality and using that understanding to solve both practical and theoretical problems. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences. Mathematics provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in architecture, engineering, finance, technology, business, research and more.

What will I learn?

In Mathematics, students learn how to apply a formal set of techniques in order to solve both real-life and abstract problems.  These techniques include algebra, graphs, functions, geometrical reasoning, trigonometry, calculus, and vectors.  Throughout the course, students develop general logical reasoning and abstract problem solving skills which are highly desired by both universities and employers.  Students will also learn about the related disciplines of probability and statistics, and how they can use models of situations to help predict what may happen in future events.  The other major area of application is in mechanics, where students learn how to model physical scenarios and draw conclusions on the behaviour of objects in space. 

How should I prepare myself?

The best way to prepare for A level Mathematics is to ensure that all the skills from GCSE are really up to scratch. In particular, students must be confident with fractions and algebraic fractions, rearranging equations, factorising quadratics and solving simultaneous equations.                                       

Reading list:

• The Code Book, Simon Singh
• The Music of the Primes, Marcus du Sautoy
• Thinking About Mathematics, Stewart Shapiro

Philosophy

Students of philosophy develop expertise in wisdom. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences and with subjects such as English or a modern foreign language. Philosophy provides a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in academia, journalism, education, the law, technology and more.

Philosophy at LAE is the study of Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, and Moral Philosophy.

‘Philosophy’ literally means the love of wisdom. It is a subject that seeks to determine ways of looking at the questions that intrigued humanity from the earliest times, such as: What is the nature and limitation of our knowledge?  How do we decide what is right? Does God exist? What is human consciousness?

Philosophy’s transferable skills will also benefit you in a broad range of fields including teaching, law, civil service, journalism and intelligence. 

What will I learn?

There are four main papers at A level: Epistemology, Moral Philosophy (that make up the first year), and the Philosophy of Religion (‘the Metaphysics of God’) and the Philosophy of Mind (‘the Metaphysics of Mind’) that make up the second year. 

Course content

In year one we will examine:

• Epistemology: The study of knowledge
• Moral Philosophy: The study of ethical judgements

In year two we will examine:

• The Metaphysics of God: The study of the existence and nature of God
• The Metaphysics of Mind: The study of the nature of conscious experiences

There is no coursework in this subject but rather two three hour exams on the first year material and the second year material. Each topic (e.g. epistemology) has some short tariff questions for 3, 5, 5, 12 marks which require a sentence, paragraph and page answer respectively as well as a 25 mark answer which requires the student to prosecute an argument over around 4 or 5 sides of A4.

Assessment

Consists of two three hour written exams:

• Paper 1 – Epistemology and moral philosophy (50%)
• Paper 2 – The metaphysics of God and the mind (50%)

How should I prepare myself?

You do not need any background in Philosophy or Religious Studies in order to sit Philosophy at A-Level as this is a very different subject in terms of content and skills from what you have studied at secondary school.

At the very heart of this subject is the desire to question and inquire, and so intellectual curiosity is vital. Reading is also essential as a preparation, whether this is of philosophical books or articles, literature, or non-fiction in general. The more you read, the more ideas and varying viewpoints you will be exposed to, which in turn should make you think about the nature of things. Philosophical questions are also inherent within many films (e.g. Inception, AI, Minority Report, The Matrix) and TV programmes (e.g. CSI, Futurama), so do watch, enjoy and think about them. 

As well as the minimum entry requirements for LAE, you will need an grade 7 in English Literature or English Literature at GCSE in order to enroll to study Philosophy at A-level.

Recommended reading:

• What Is Philosophy for? (2018) by Mary Midgley
• What Does it All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy (1987) by Thomas Nagel
• Think. A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy (2001) by Simon Blackburn
• Postures of the Mind: Essays on Mind and Morals (1985) by Annette Baier
• The Problems of Philosophy (1912) by Bertrand Russell
• The Fragility of Goodness (1986) by Martha Nussbaum

Physics (7408)

Students of physics develop expertise in the interaction of objects in the physical world. The subject combines well with both natural sciences and with subjects such as philosophy. Physics provides a solid foundation for degrees and careers in architecture, engineering, education, technology, finance and more.

Physics describes the interactions between objects in the world around us, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to huge clusters of galaxies, and provides the theoretical basis for much of the technology of the modern world.

What will I learn?

In Year 12 you will study measurements and uncertainty; particles and radiation; waves; mechanics and materials; and electricity. Year 13 builds on these ideas, covering circular and oscillatory motion; thermal physics; fields; nuclear physics; plus one of five option topics. Practical skills are integrated into the course and the exams, and you will complete at least six required practical investigations in each year.

How should I prepare myself?

You should be aiming for 8-9 grades in GCSE Sciences and Maths. We also require that you study Maths at A level in order to study Physics at LAE, as strong numeracy is vital. Make sure you understand all the equations and definitions from GCSE Physics, as well as practising mathematical techniques in algebra, trigonometry, and data handling.     

Reading list:

• A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson
• On Giants' Shoulders, Melvyn Bragg
• Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman!, Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton

Politics

Students of politics develop expertise in the theory and practice of government in the UK and around the world. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences. Politics provides a solid foundation for degrees and careers in public service, foreign affairs, education, journalism, marketing and more.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The A-Level Politics course is divided into 3 key components: UK politics; UK government; and Global politics.

UK Politics explores the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK. You will investigate in detail how people and politics interact. You will explore the emergence and development of the UK’s democratic system and the similarities, differences, connections and parallels between direct and indirect democracy. You will focus on the role and scope of political parties that are so central to contemporary politics, as well as examining how electoral systems in the UK operate and how individuals and groups are influenced in their voting behaviour and political actions. This component also allows you to explore the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism and how they apply in practice to human nature, the state, society and the economy, the divisions within each idea and their key thinkers.

UK Government explores the UK constitution and will enable you to understand where, how and by whom political decisions are made. This will introduce you to the specific roles and powers of the different major branches of the government – legislative, executive, and judiciary – as well as the relationships and balance of power between them, and considers where sovereignty now lies within this system. It will also provide a basis for comparison to other political systems. You will learn about the ideas and thinkers behind nationalism.

Finally, the Global Politics component explores challenges to our world, including global terrorism, poverty, economic instability, weapons proliferation, failing states and environmental degradation. This component gives you an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity, which will develop an international awareness and knowledge of multiple perspectives. The key mainstream perspectives on global politics are liberalism and realism, and you will be expected to understand how these perspectives are applied throughout all elements of the qualification.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MYSELF?

The ideal preparation for Politics is to watch the news and stay on top of current affairs through meaningful reading.

READING LIST:

• The Economist

• Politics Today

• Tom Bingham, Rule of Law

• Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel. Combines biology and macro-history in a compelling fashion, explaining why small differences in climate, population, agronomy, and the like turned out to have far-reaching effects on the evolution of human societies and the long-term balance of power. An exhilarating read.

 

Psychology

Students of psychology develop expertise in human behaviour. The subject combines well with both natural and social sciences. Psychology provides a solid foundation for careers in counselling, therapy, social research, organisational psychology, marketing, human resource management and more.

In the 2012 film Compliance, ordinary and decent workers in a fast-food diner are persuaded by a policeman to subject a colleague – one of their friends – to increasingly cruel and degrading punishments. Is this a ludicrous film story, or a frighteningly plausible chain of events? Why is somebody in a room with a mirror less likely to pick up and pocket a £20 note lying on the floor than somebody in a room without a mirror? Why if four people stand on the pavement and look skywards do others join them and also look upwards, but if only one person does so then no one else joins in?

Psychology is the study of human behaviour. A Level Psychology will help you start to understand not only why we all behave so differently but also why so often we behave so predictably.

What will I learn?

The course covers a range of theories explaining behaviour. You examine the individual studies that have been completed to test whether these theories are sensible and useful, and the degree to which they help us understand behaviour. 

One of the first topics you will study, memory, is an example of cognitive psychology. It includes two theories that explain how long and short term memory works: these mean that the evidence of eye witnesses might be flawed when used in a court room.  Memory techniques that can be applied to your revision are also covered. 

A developmental psychology topic, attachment, is also studied: attachment is the process by which an infant forms a bond with a primary caregiver. The consequences of the success or failure of this relationship are studied in detail. Social Psychology covers two of the most famous research in Psychology: Milgram’s study of obedience and Asch’s study of conformity, and how these two factors can influence the behaviour of individuals and, possibly, groups. 

Psychopathology looks at definitions that aim to identify who is society might be described as mentally ill, the controversies surrounding this language, and the variety of treatments available. Biological psychology will look at scientific methods for research the brain and nervous system as well as drug treatments and finally biological rhythms.

Throughout you will learn how to take part in psychological debate; looking at the nature vs nurture debate and free will vs determinism. You will also learn the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods; so that you can assess the quality of evidence you are given.

Year	Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Year 12	Research Methods Year 1 Approaches Social Influence	Memory Attachment Psychopathology	Revision and exam preparation  Biopsychology Year 1 Research Methods Year 2 Research Project
Year 13	Research Methods Year 2 Biopsychology Year 2 Issues and debates	Gender Forensics  Schizophrenia	Revision and exam preparation

 

How should I prepare?

Read some of the books on the recommended reading list. Look at the British Psychological Society website and find their “Research Digest” which you can have e-mailed to you once a month: it gives a précis of recent interesting research. Familiarise yourself with the AQA Psychology syllabus. 

Recommended reading

• Opening Skinner’s Box Lauren Slater
• The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat Oliver Sacks
• Scientific American and New Scientist magazines
• A Very Short Introduction to Psychology Mark Haddon
  The Lucifer Effect Philip Zimbardo
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Spanish

Students of modern languages develop expertise in navigating the life and culture of other nations. The study of languages combines well with English and social and natural sciences. Languages provide a solid foundation for degree courses and careers in consulting, diplomacy, business, travel, technology and more.

The study of a foreign language is a gateway to a new country or indeed countries, to new culture, literature, film and music, to the genius of icons such as Voltaire or Gabriel García Marquez. As well as the practical linguistic skills you will build on day to day, your study will require self-motivation, determination and discipline, which is why having a modern foreign language qualification is still highly regarded by admissions tutors at top universities.

If you enjoy looking for links and patterns in language, solving problems and making informed deductions about the form and meaning of words, and if you want to study a course in which you can explore aspects of history, politics, society and media, all while developing confident fluency in French or Spanish, you will enjoy studying a language at LAE.

What will I learn?

At LAE you can study French or Spanish. At this advanced level, you will begin by building on your skills acquired at GCSE and start to communicate sophisticated ideas and opinions in the target language. Every one of your lessons will target one or more of your language skills: speaking, reading, writing and listening. Language lessons at A Level will require you to think independently, and you will develop confidence in expressing and justifying your points of view. In your first year, you will acquire the linguistic skills necessary to debate key social issues and discuss controversial topics, for example, whether young people are slaves to social networks or whether the concept of a “traditional family” still exists in the twenty-first century. While there is no coursework, there is an oral exam for which you will prepare ideas to discuss about a particular topic of your choice. With the support and guidance of your teachers, this will be a unique opportunity to hone your independent research skills and to develop expertise about a particular issue within a Francophone or Hispanic country. What you investigate and research is down to you and your individual interests, be it the effects of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica or how the French rap scene has developed over recent decades.

How should I prepare myself?

Get to grips with the key material at GCSE. Try not to shy away from the grammar and verb tenses at school, because at LAE you will need to have these basics secure before you progress to more sophisticated language.

Recommended reading:

Start to read article in newspapers such as Le Parisien and 20 Minutos. You can read them online. The website www.wordreference.com is a quick way of looking up vocabulary, but don’t look up every word you don’t know: understand the article overall, not each tiny detail.

 

Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a self-directed project designed to develop your research, referencing and critical analysis skills.

The EPQ is a great way to explore and expand your subject knowledge and is equivalent to an additional AS level qualification. 

 

Careers guidance and education at LAE
 

At LAE we are committed to offering all students an effective and impartial programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance to support them in making choices that will enhance their life chances, guide them in choosing career paths that suit their interests and abilities and help them to sustain employability throughout their working lives.

This means developing in every young person the values, skills and behaviours they need to lead successful lives. LAE students will receive a rich provision of careers education, both inside the classroom and within professional contexts that develop the character attributes which underpin success in education and employment. High quality, up to date and impartial careers guidance is crucial in helping pupils emerge from LAE well-rounded and ready for the world of work. Learners at LAE are able to secure independent, impartial advice about the range of pathways open to them.

 

Opportunities

LAE students can find out about and apply for a range of opportunities to enhance their employability skills in each weekly bulletin. Such opportunities might include: work experience, essay competitions, insight talks, work and student shadowing schemes, apprenticeship opportunities, professional mentoring and scholarships. We have established partnerships with a range of industries and professional bodies. We encourage students to apply for a range of opportunities in order to discover their strengths and passions and to make informed decisions about their futures.

 

Work Discovery Programme

All Year 12s will take part in a work discovery programme that offers opportunities to improve employability skills; to gain information about a wide range of careers and post-A Level opportunities including alternatives to Higher Education; source and apply for work placements; insight days and workplace visits; receive impartial careers advice through meetings with our opportunities coordinator as well as outside partners; and to write professional CVs and applications.

This programme takes place for one term alongside ongoing careers lectures, opportunities to engage with professionals, work experience and an annual Higher Education and Careers fair. This will enable sixth formers to make informed choices about their futures after LAE.

Alumni programme

As part of our commitment to supporting our students with their ongoing professional development, we have an established alumni network and programme to engage with our alumni and offer them opportunities. Our alumni provide a valuable source of information and inspiration for our current students.

We continually evaluate the impact of our careers programme through: student surveys, feedback from professional volunteers and tracking of students who are engaging with opportunities. We seek further feedback from our alumni help shape and develop future programmes.

Further information about our careers guidance and education is available in our Careers Guidance Strategy. Please direct any queries to office@lae.ac.uk, marked for the attention of Ms Macpherson.