Students considering reading a Business degree at university should seriously contemplate studying Business Studies A-level. This would provide an invaluable platform for progression onto the higher level course. Business Studies combines well with other academic subjects at university, providing many avenues for a student to choose from. Having a better understanding of how organisations work will be valuable to all students, particularly those looking to achieve a management position. Business Studies may be used as a career progression into any of the following areas:

• Marketing
• Accountancy
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Banking & Insurance
• Retailing

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY CHEMISTRY?

Many university degree courses such as Medicine and Veterinary Science place an enormous value on an A-level qualification in Chemistry and demand the highest grades. However, our students have used their qualifications in a wide variety of jobs in research and industry such as pharmaceuticals, mining, forensic science, textiles, foodstuffs, oil industry and many others.

Others have opted for Chemistry degrees and then gone on to additional study to become lawyers.

One of the most important aspects of Chemistry is in the development of transferable skills.  You will need to demonstrate critical thinking, data analysis and complex multi-step problem solving abilities.  The course involves hands-on experiments, developing technical skills, precision, and safety awareness.

opportunities on the course

Students will receive a top-class education in A level Chemistry based upon decades of experience within the department delivering the AQA syllabus.

In addition, students will also have the opportunity to enter the Chemistry challenge for Y12 run by Cambridge University.

We don’t have trips and residentials, but what we do have is an enthusiastic staff who want to make the study of Chemistry as engaging and relevant as possible.

We are developing the use of A level students to act as mentors for GCSE students to help and support the next generation of Chemists.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY computer science?

Computer Science A level gives you skills that are relevant, valued, practical, creative, and in high demand in industry and the modern world.
Computer Science lies at the very heart of everything we now do. There are very few industries or careers that are not touched in some way or another by its frontiers.

Our social lives are also increasingly interwoven with new and existing technologies.  And in this continuously developing, computer‐dependent world, there is an increasing need for technological skills, such as the ability to understand problems suitable for solution by computer, and the capability to construct and implement such a solution. 

After all, someone needs to maintain our computer-based society and to push it forward to its next technological leaps.

Industry has highlighted the demand for people with Computer Science knowledge and skills, as well as the shortage of young people that have them. In today’s workplace, those with knowledge and skills in Computer Science will have the opportunity to pursue many new, exciting and well‐paid careers and to be instrumental in the conception of computer systems that increasingly shape work and leisure activities.

Computer Science also sits at the basis of many other academic fields; disciplines as varied as engineering, aerospace, surgery, computational biology, space industries, genetics, neuroscience, sociology and anthropology all depend heavily on computers and the science behind them.

To meet these varied career challenges and opportunities, students must be self‐reliant as well as good communicators and problem solvers. They need interpersonal, academic, and possess technical skills.

They must demonstrate an ability to work independently and as part of a team. They also need to develop an ethical approach to the use of computers. The Computer Science A level aims to provide and enhance these must have skills.

opportunities on the course

There is a trip to the Bury arcade club, getting an idea for a coursework project by retro playing games experiencing gameplay, interactions and simplicity of the games from the era.

Sites and online courses which are useful for studying Computer Science at A level:

• CS50: Harvard’s computer science courses and certificates | edX
• W3Schools Online Web Tutorials
• Web Dev for Beginners - microsoft.github.io

Sites and Online courses which are useful for specific Computer Science based courses at university:

• MITx: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python. | edX
• MITx: Computational Thinking for Modelling and Simulation
• MITx: Understanding the World Through Data | edX
• MITx: Machine Learning with Python: from Linear Models to Deep Learning. | edX

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

No previous knowledge or experience is required as the course is taught from first principles to an Advanced Level.  If you have studied Technology at GCSE, you will have prior experience of time management which you would find useful.

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries.  They will investigate modern and smart technologies, environmental and economic influences on design and students will experience what it would be like to move into design and engineering as a career choice.  Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer and build an in depth knowledge of how to apply mathematics and physics to solve real problems.  There will be opportunities to apply for the Engineering Education Scheme and work alongside chartered engineers from industry on real design problems.

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Economics is seen as a vitally important area of study fo any young person considering a career in industry, commerce or politics.  The study of Economics is a study of how the world works.  It helps you understand more about how we can make the best possible use of the earth's scarce resources, the impact of government policies and the effects of globilisation. 

Studying Economics A-Level does not require students to have studied the subject at GCSE Level - in teaching the course we assume no prior knowledge.  The Department will be following the AQA specification,

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY English LANGUAGE at a-level?

“The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” (Wittgenstein)

English Language will appeal to students who love English but are mainly interested in language use in contemporary contexts such as journalism, social media, creative writing, business, TV, politics, advertising, and sport. Unlike English Literature which involves reading fiction texts, English Language is largely focussed on non-fiction and spoken texts such as articles, speeches, screenplays, and conversations. If you’ve ever wondered how certain brands create such powerful identities, or why most of the world speaks English, or whether men and women use language differently, or how language manages to offend or entertain in equal measure…you will love English Language. For those who like their English studies modern and relevant, and who seek to master the technical aspects of language and become powerful communicators, English Language will be just the ticket.

opportunities on the course

A range of writers, journalists, broadcasters – many former students – visit to share their experiences of careers in media, marketing, creative industries and the arts. Students are encouraged to join the 6^th Form Book Club, to discuss texts with students at AGGS and Sale Grammar. Trips take place to venues such as Manchester University, to explore Higher Education options, and John Rylands Library to explore their collection of historic texts.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY English literature at a-level?

English Literature appeals to students who love reading novels, poetry and plays. The subject introduces students to a wide array of writers and texts from a range of genres, cultures and eras. For those who love the adventure of reading, the cut and thrust of classroom debate, and the challenge of writing bold, critical essays, A‐level English Literature will be a joy. You will study texts which explore different aspects of tragedy, including Shakespeare’s King Lear, Miller’s Death of a Salesman and Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles. You will also study protest writing such as Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience, Jim Crace’s novel Harvest, and Atwood’s dystopian classic, The Handmaid’s Tale. You will also produce two pieces of coursework informed by study of a Critical Anthology: one on a novel and one on a cluster of poems. Students often comment on the relaxed yet thought-provoking nature of the subject.

opportunities on the course

A range of writers – many former students – visit to share their experiences of careers in media, creative industries and the arts. Students are encouraged to join the 6^th Form Book Club, to discuss texts with students at AGGS and Sale Grammar. Trips take place to venues such as Manchester University, to explore Higher Education options, and a range of theatre trips.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

The ever-increasing importance of Modern Languages cannot be stressed enough and this is reflected in many courses offered at universities; it is possible to take a Modern Language with almost any other subject.

For example, a language may be taken with Law, Medicine, Accounting, Engineering, Business and many more courses.

As the world’s fifth biggest economy and number-three destination for foreign investment, France is a key economic partner. Speaking French opens up study opportunities at renowned French universities and business schools, ranked among the top higher education institutions in Europe and the world. Students with an  advanced  level of French are eligible for French government scholarships to enrol in postgraduate courses in France in any discipline and qualify for internationally recognised French degrees. French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts. French is the language of the three cities where the EU institutions are headquartered: Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

Not for the faint-hearted. Do you enjoy Mathematics? Are you good at Mathematics? An enquiring mind?

A grade 8 is the absolute minimum required to study this subject at A-Level. However, a grade 9 at GCSE is highly recommended plus your teacher’s recommendation.

You will be taking both A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics on one single option line. This is of course a very tall order but is proving very successful. A normal option at A level takes up 10 periods on a fortnightly timetable; for this Further Mathematics option extra periods are added to accommodate the increased number of modules. There is no option currently available to study Further Mathematics on one option line and Mathematics on another option line.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

We are living on borrowed time. Modern society has developed during an unusually quiet geological period in the earth's history.  That must come to an end, and soon.  But how? And when? 

There are four REAL catastrophes lying in wait for us:

• A super volcanic blast powerful enough to devastate a continent and change the earth's climate.
• A giant wave capable of destroying entire cities along the coastline of the Pacific or Atlantic.
• A cataclysmic earthquake that could destroy the world's economy.
• An asteroid impact that would kill a billion people and take our civilisation back to the Dark Ages; like the one that did for the dinosaurs!

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

‘You can travel the seas, poles and deserts and see nothing.  To really understand the world, you need to get under the skin of the people and places.  In other words, learn about Geography.’ Michael Palin.

Our aim is to engage them in exciting and intriguing Geography lessons that spark a love of the subject that will last a lifetime.   Geography is an avenue in which to study and understand some of the biggest global issues of our time, such as globalisation, sustainability, climate change and mass migration.   Geography A Level complements all other subjects and combines very well with Mathematics, Science, Economics, Business, Geology, History, Politics and English.  Our A Level students develop a unique understanding of the 21^st century world and an array of transferable skills, which set them up for a wide range of rigorous university and career options, including Geography itself.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY GERMAN at a-level?

Studying German at A Level develops far more than language skills. You will enhance your analytical and critical thinking as you interpret complex texts, debate global issues and express nuanced ideas with precision. Learning German strengthens problem-solving, memory and communication skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

German is one of the most important languages for international business, engineering, science and technology. Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a world leader in areas such as automotive engineering, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. A qualification in German can open doors to careers in business, finance, engineering, architecture, law, diplomacy and international relations.

An A Level in German also demonstrates cultural awareness and adaptability, preparing you to work confidently in a global environment. Whether combined with STEM subjects or humanities, German gives you a competitive edge and broadens your future opportunities at home and abroad.

opportunities on the course

A Level History students are encouraged to play an active part in our thriving ‘AGSB History and Politics Society’ which meets weekly and attracts a wide student audience from across Year 7 – 13.  Meetings involve student-led presentations on a wide variety of topics, talks by guest speakers, careers talks and revision sessions. 
A Level students can also assume leadership roles as History & Politics Prefects which mean they lead the society, deliver whole school assemblies on historical and political themes, organise and run school ‘Mock Elections’ and deliver ‘Peer Support Sessions’ to GCSE History students. 
Beyond that, A Level History students have opportunities to participate in the ‘Lessons from Auschwitz Project’ with a 24 hour visit to Poland, benefit from curriculum enrichment visits to University of Manchester Study Days and can enter prestigious national essays competitions in which recent students have enjoyed considerable success.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY history at a-level?

A Level History is a widely respected academic A Level whose merits are highly valued by prestigious universities and top employers across a range of fields.  This is because it helps students develop a wide range of transferable skills from independent research and evaluating the merits of different sources of information to high-level verbal and written communication skills.  AGSB’s A Level History course is varied, engaging and challenging.  It allows students to delve much deeper into complex questions, assess the validity of different perspectives and reach their own well-informed and nuanced judgments.  History graduates go on to careers in fields as diverse as the law, business management, the senior civil service, journalism and marketing.  If you want to develop your cultural capital, communicate your ideas articulately and enhance your interpersonal skills in a way that will make you stand out from the field and develop your leadership potential, then A Level History may be the subject for you.    

opportunities on the course

We offer a trip to Berlin to Year 12 students to allow them to fully immerse yourself into the Berlin culture.  This helps greatly with both the film and the topic of Berlin.  We also offer University days to help analyse the film that is studied in Year 12.  You also have a weekly session with the Languages Assistant to really help you to become confident in speaking German.  By the end of Year 13 your German speaking skills will be near-fluent.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

Latin challenges pupils to combine the skills of language-learning, literary analysis and evaluating historical evidence. It demands precision and high standards of self-discipline. This subject can illuminate our own culture by showing how Classical civilisation underpins it in the most surprising ways. And it gives students the ability to assess this from primary evidence, in the language, the very words, of the people that shaped our world.

Your grammar at GCSE level will already be of a very high standard – very little is left to teach you in this regard at A Level. Some of the dustier corners of it, the pronouns and obscurer tenses will need sharpening up. Through lots of reading practice and careful note-making you will aim to rapidly expand your vocabulary, to cope with all the artistic expression of the best writers over several centuries.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

In both Years 12 and 13 students will study elements of Pure and Applied Mathematics. Pure Mathematics is an extension of the GCSE course although it does involve some new topics. It provides students with basic techniques for use in the application of Mathematics. It broadly covers calculus, algebra, co-ordinate geometry, trigonometry, functions, approximate methods of solution, logarithms, indices, differential equations and vectors. On the Applied side of the course students study Mechanics and Statistics, covering topics such as Newton’s Laws, forces, moments, probability, statistical distribution and analysing data sets.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

no opener.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY Philosophy at a-level?

The key findings of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 state that analytical thinking remains the most sought-after core skill among employers. The report highlights that due to advancements in technologies, AI and automation the skill of creative thinking continues to rise in importance in the emerging jobs landscape for the 2025-2030 period.

Philosophy teaches students to think deeply, reason clearly and analyse complex ideas; skills that are increasingly sought across all disciplines. It allows students to explore fundamental questions about knowledge, morality and existence while developing independent thought and reflective reasoning. Studying Philosophy prepares students for the intellectual challenges of a rapidly changing world, including ethical dilemmas in technology, medicine and society.

Students will:

• Analyse complex ideas and evaluate arguments
• Construct coherent and persuasive essays
• Debate ethically and logically
• Apply philosophical thinking to contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, medical ethics and environmental responsibility

Philosophy provides a strong foundation for careers in law, politics, journalism, business, ethics and academia whilst supporting roles that demand problem-solving and critical thinking in technology, public policy and research.

opportunities on the course

Students attend guest lectures from leading philosophers and ethicists and participate in interdisciplinary events connecting philosophy with science, politics and technology. They take part in debates, discussion forums and competitions such as the Ethics Cup and the John Locke Essay Competition, providing opportunities to develop persuasive writing and reasoning skills beyond the classroom. Students also engage in public philosophy events and visits to universities, experiencing the practical application of philosophical ideas and meeting experts in the field.

Students have the chance to take on leadership roles within the Philosophy Society, which was founded by former student Matthew Duncombe, now Associate Professor of Philosophy at Nottingham University. This offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, organise departmental initiatives and contribute to the life of the department. These experiences enrich learning, enhance university applications and allow students to showcase their skills and achievements in competitive and collaborative contexts.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

Have you ever thought about the careers that a qualification in PE can lead to?

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

Physics is the study of Matter and Energy: What is our universe made of and how do these particles interact with each other to produce the universe we see? Physics explains how things work; from the very small scale (quantum mechanics and particle physics), to the very largest scales – astronomy and cosmology.

The A-level Physics course covers a good range of Physics topics from quantum and particle physics to gravitational fields and black holes.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

WHY STUDY politics at a-level?

A Level Politics is distinguished by its focus on current affairs.  It is a course suited to young people with a genuine intellectual curiosity about the world.  Core texts provide theories and principles, but it is only keeping on top of political developments in the UK, the US and the wider world that makes A Level Politics students stand out.  As an A Level subject, it develops a similar skills set to History and that is why it is so well-regarded by top universities and employers alike.  An A Level Politics classroom is a place for well-informed discussion and debate, as conflicting and often controversial perspectives are analysed and evaluated.  Looking in-depth at political leadership and the creation of political narratives which shape public opinion means Politics graduates make excellent advocates in the law, top political advisers and senior servants, international diplomats, advertising executives and much more.  If you want to be become an educated global citizen with enhanced educational and employment opportunities, then A Level Politics may be the subject for you. 

opportunities on the course

A Level Politics students are encouraged to play an active part in our thriving ‘AGSB History and Politics Society’ which meets weekly and attracts a wide student audience from across Year 7 – 13.  Meetings involve student-led presentations on a wide variety of topics, talks by guest speakers, careers talks and revision sessions.  A Level students can also assume leadership roles as History & Politics Prefects which mean they lead the society, deliver whole school assemblies on historical and political themes, organise and run school ‘Mock Elections’ and deliver ‘Peer Support Sessions’ to GCSE History students. 

Beyond that, A Level Politics students attend the annual A Level Politics Conference in Westminster which attracts a variety of high-profile UK political figures, benefit from curriculum enrichment visits to University of Manchester Study Days and can enter prestigious national essays competitions in which recent AGSB students have enjoyed considerable success.hester Study Days and can enter prestigious national essays competitions in which recent students have enjoyed considerable success.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

The ever increasing importance of Modern Languages cannot be stressed enough and this is reflected in many courses offered at universities; it is possible to take a Modern Language with almost any other subject.

For example, a language may be taken with Law, Medicine, Accounting, Engineering, Business and many more courses.

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world with over 550 million native speakers. Spanish is spoken across North, Central and South America as well as Spain and a number of other countries worldwide making it one of the most popular Modern Foreign Languages to study in the UK.

Please view our KS5 curriculum page for further details:

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