Courses Offered

A Levels Courses:

• To study an A Level Science programme, you must have at least six GCSEs with grades of 6–9.

• To study an A Level Arts/Humanities programme, you must have at least five GCSEs with grades of 5–9.

Vocational Courses: 

Our minimum entry requirement is five GCSE Grade 4 (inc. GCSE English Language or GCSE Maths)

Art & Design Grade 5 in Art and Grade 4 in English Language 

Biology Grade 7 in the Biology Combined Science papers or Grade 7 in Separate Science Biology and Grade 6 in Mathematics 

Business Grade 5 in Business Studies or Grade 5 in a Humanities subject, if you haven’t studied Business, and Grade 5 in English and Mathematics 

BTEC Business National Extended Diploma (Level 3) Grade 4 in English or Mathematics, plus four other grade 4s or above, including Grade 4 in Business or another Humanities subject, if you haven’t studied Business

Chemistry Grade 7 in the Chemistry Combined Science papers or Grade 7 in Separate Science Chemistry & Grade 6 in Mathematics 

Computer Science Grade 7 in Mathematics, and Grade 6 in Computer Science if studied. 

Criminology (Level 3 Diploma) Grade 5 in a Humanities subject and Grade 5 in English Language 

Drama & Theatre Grade 5 in Drama, or successful participation in productions or at KS3, and Grade 5 in English Language 

Economics Grade 6 in Mathematics and Grade 5 in English 

English Literature Grade 6 in English Literature and/or English Language 

Film Studies Grade 5 in Media and/or Grade 5 in English Language or Literature 

French Grade 6 in French and Grade 5 in English Language 

Geography Grade 6 in Geography, or another Humanities or Science subject, if you haven’t studied Geography 

History Grade 6 in History or another Humanities subject 

Mathematics Grade 7 in Mathematics

Further Mathematics Grade 8 in Mathematics 

Media Studies Grade 6 in Media or Grade 6 in English Language or Literature 

Music Grade 5 in Music and Grade 5 in performance and theory­­ 

Music Technology Level 2 Pass Music Technology or G5 or above in GCSE Music - or extensive experience. 

Philosophy Grade 6 in English Language and Grade 6 in a humanities subject 

Photography Grade 6 in English Language, Grade 5 in Maths and Grade 6 in a Science subject 

Physics Grade 7 in the Physics Combined Science papers or a Grade 7 in Separate Science Physics and Grade 7 in Mathematics

Politics Grade 6 in a Humanities subject and Grade 6 in English Language

Psychology Grade 6 in English Language, Grade 5 in Maths and Grade 6 in a Science subject 

Sociology Grade 5 in Sociology, or another humanities subject if you haven’t studied Sociology; and Grade 5 in English Language 

Spanish Grade 6 in Spanish, and Grade 5 in English Language 

Mathematics & Computing 

Universities value Maths and it is a pre-requisite subject for a huge number of degrees. Advancements in technology have been made possible because of the work of computer scientists.  People who have studied Maths or Computing  have an excellent choice of careers, many of which involve very well-paid professions. 

Maths and Further Maths are two of the Russell Group universities' 'facilitating' subjects — so-called because choosing them at A level allows a wide range of options for degree study. Sciences such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics use many mathematical techniques, and subjects such as Geography, Psychology and Sociology have components which will be easily mastered by those with prior study of Mathematics.

Computer Science is an exciting subject that will help you develop strong logical, numerical and problem-solving skills which makes you an attractive candidate to employers from all industries. Not only can the course lead to a career in the Computing and IT Industry, but it can take you on a journey into Medicine, Law, Business, Politics, Engineering or any type of Science. 

The Maths and Computing departments at QPCS have exceptional subject knowledge and the expertise, and collective experience, to deliver a fantastic curriculum - that will ensure students are able to reach their full potential. We are able to support students with all the mathematical challenges they may face during their A level studies - including all university admissions tests and relevant interview practice.

The Computing facilities and resources are second to none and the teachers will challenge you to achieve your full potential. Our curriculum is designed and taught by experienced teachers with years of expertise in the tech industry and who provide students with personalised support to help them thrive.

English, Media & Film

If you’re passionate about stories, ideas, and the power of language, A level English Literature, Media or Film may be the perfect subjects for you. Our department offers an engaging and enriching environment where you’ll explore concepts and develop critical thinking skills that will set you apart. Taught by a team of dedicated, passionate teachers who are experts in their field, you’ll receive personalised support to help you thrive academically and unlock your potential.

Whilst English focuses on classic and contemporary texts, Film offers students the study of visual storytelling with hand-on experience, and Media is perfect for students who want to combine critical thinking with creativity and gain skills relevant to today’s multi-faceted digital world.

We were proud of our excellent exam results last year and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Humanities

Within the Humanities Faculty students are able to choose from a range of A levels – History, Geography, Politics, and Philosophy – some of which they will not normally have encountered at GCSE. The Faculty also attracts a large number of students because of the inspiring teachers and excellent examination results. The development of essay writing skills is a vital component of many subjects in this area and a required skill for success in higher education and the world of work. Within many of the subjects within Humanities the understanding of the relationship between the individual and society makes a vital contribution to solving crucial issues in a wide range of areas; from government, healthcare, security and defence to the justice system, education and welfare. There is hardly an area of professional life where these analytical expertise does not play a vital role.

Social Sciences

Social sciences will help you think critically, prepare yourself for university and your life thereafter opening up the whole range of occupations that require an understanding of the relationship between the individual and society.  

If you want to understand why people behave as they do, how the natural differences between us like age, sex and race are twisted by powerful discriminatory forces to create the social inequalities we all see, hear, read and know about - then Sociology A level is for you.

Develop your sense of social justice by studying Criminology. Get a foothold into becoming a lawyer by studying the theories that explain why people commit crime. Investigate and analyse the wide range of social, economic, political and psychological reasons behind crime in the UK and beyond.

Or investigate the human mind: learn how people think, feel, remember and behave and how these factors affect our interaction with others by studying Psychology A Level. Study this third social science to develop a range of skills and a deeper understanding of who you are, why you behave as you do and how psychological processes interact socially and biologically. 

Science

Science matters because it helps us understand the world, drives innovation, sharpens our critical thinking, and enables us to solve complex problems. It answers fundamental questions about existence and satisfies human curiosity. It helps us explore questions like the origins of the universe, the potential for life on other planets, and what it means to be human. In essence, studying science equips us with the knowledge and tools to innovate, adapt, and make meaningful contributions to the world, while also deepening our appreciation for its complexity and beauty.

QPCS Science has a track record of fantastic student achievement who then go on to prestigious institutions including Russell group universities and Oxbridge. The department is enhanced by high quality teaching delivered by teachers who are experts in their fields, in 11 fully-equipped laboratories. Extensive support is provided for Oxbridge applications, as well as for Medicine and Dentistry university interviews. There are opportunities for work placements and contact with professionals in STEM, leadership experience in running clubs, a visit to the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva.

Business

Choosing A-level Economics, Business, and the BTEC Extended Diploma at Queens Park Community School is an exceptional opportunity for students aiming for success. Our results are outstanding, with many students gaining admission to prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions.

These courses are among the most popular at our Sixth Form, reflecting the strong interest and engagement of our students. Our dedicated teachers are subject specialists, providing expert guidance and support throughout the learning process. In addition to excellent academic instruction, students benefit from valuable opportunities to visit prominent companies, including investment banks, Charlie Bigham’s, and Bakkavor. These trips offer real-world insights and help bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing students' understanding of the business landscape. With a focus on both academic excellence and practical experience, the Business Department at QPCS equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their future careers.

Modern Languages

Studying A level Spanish or French at QPCS provides a rich opportunity to deepen your understanding of this vibrant language and its cultural nuances. The course not only emphasises language proficiency but also fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness through engaging with a variety of topics, including literature, history, and contemporary social issues. You will enhance your communication skills, both written and oral, by analysing authentic materials and real-world contexts.

Modern Language students achieve very strong results, reflecting the dedication and expertise of our faculty and the commitment of our learners.

Embrace the challenge of an A level language and unlock the potential of bilingualism, enriching your global perspective and preparing you for a multitude of career paths and further education opportunities!

Creative Arts

The Creative Arts at QPCS offer you an inspiring platform to explore and express your unique voice through your chosen medium. Whether you choose Art, Music, Drama or Photography, our programs are designed to nurture creativity, boost confidence and develop artistic skills in a supportive and vibrant environment. You could be composing original music for a film score using music software with access to a recording studio, collaborating on devising a powerful scene with self-designed lighting and costume, creating visual art or capturing moments through a lens using our darkroom. 

We emphasise and promote the wealth of careers available in the arts that are becoming increasingly necessary in a range of industries through individual portfolio advice - notably for art and photography courses. You will receive specialist input from the various partnerships and opportunities we facilitate through external interventions such as talks from industry experts, leading drama organisations and visits to art university degree shows. 

The Creative Arts at QPCS offer an incredible provision for you to put your education into practice outside of the classroom and has contributed to students gaining entry to prestigious institutions such as The Guildhall, Oxford University, Central School of Speech and Drama, and Mountview as well as multiple Russell Group universities. Through our team of dedicated and expert teachers, we aim not just to equip you with a level of academic prowess, but to go further in enriching your educational life, helping you to discover new dimensions of self-expression and storytelling.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) - The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an excellent opportunity for independent learners to delve deep into a topic of their choice. Students develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, time management and academic writing, all of which help to prepare them for university and future careers. Throughout the process, students produce either a dissertation, investigation or creative project, culminating in a final presentation of their findings.