Here at Grace Academy Darlaston we know that one size doesn’t fit all so we go to great lengths to tailor and personalise our curriculum to meet your individual needs. You can be confident that you will be joining a Post 16 with a culture of success. We also ensure that our curriculum provides appropriate challenge and rigour for all our students.
Please select a subject to view more detailed information. All courses run subject to numbers.
A Level:
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2021, Sept 2023
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: A* – E
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss T Kaur: Click Here
What will I be studying?
You can choose to focus on a specialist area of study from a variety of exciting processes and media to suit your individual interests and abilities.
What skills will I be learning?
Art, craft and design gives you the skills and knowledge to create personal and imaginative work. A-level Art is a practical course in which you learn by doing, so you will be able to create imaginative personal work. You will find out about a whole range of media, techniques and processes. You will develop your creativity and independent thought, learn to express yourself visually and let your imagination flourish. Art, craft and design is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects.
How will I be assessed?
At A-level for component 1 you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A-level marks. In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight starting points which will count for 40% of your total A-level marks.
Where might this lead me?
This can result in degree opportunities and careers ranging from painting portraits to producing exotic fashion costumes or designing futuristic architecture. If you have an adventurous, creative and enquiring mind and are excited by shaping and determining the visual world around us, there is a career opportunity waiting for you.
Please note, all courses run subject to student numbers and will confirmed during interviews.
Grace Academy Darlaston Science Department
AQA A-Level Biology (7402) Course Information
Course Overview
AQA A-Level Biology covers a range of biological concepts, from molecular biology and genetics to ecology and evolution. The course includes 12 required practicals that develop students’ investigative and analytical skills, leading to the Practical Endorsement.
Topics Overview
| Year | Module | Content Overview |
| Year 1 | Module 1: Biological Molecules | Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, DNA & RNA, ATP, water, and inorganic ions. |
| Module 2: Cells | Cell structure, cell membranes, transport, immune system, cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis. | |
| Module 3: Exchange of Substances | Gas exchange in animals and plants, digestion and absorption, circulatory system, transport in plants. | |
| Module 4: Genetic Information, Variation, and Relationships | DNA, genes and protein synthesis, mutations, genetic diversity, natural selection, classification. | |
| Year 2 | Module 5: Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms | Photosynthesis, respiration, energy transfer in ecosystems, nutrient cycles. |
| Module 6: Organisms Respond to Changes | Nervous system, receptors, hormones, homeostasis, muscle contraction. | |
| Module 7: Genetics, Populations, Evolution, and Ecosystems | Inheritance, Hardy-Weinberg principle, evolution, speciation, ecosystems, succession. | |
| Module 8: Control of Gene Expression | Gene mutations, regulation of transcription, epigenetics, cancer, genome sequencing, biotechnology. |
Required Practicals (12 Practical Activities for the Practical Endorsement)
| Practical Number | Practical Description | Related Topics |
| PAG 1 | Using a microscope to measure the size of cells | Cells (Module 2) |
| PAG 2 | Preparing and using dilution series to study water potential | Biological Molecules (Module 1) |
| PAG 3 | Dissection of a plant or animal gas exchange system | Exchange of Substances (Module 3) |
| PAG 4 | Using a colorimeter to investigate enzyme-controlled reactions | Biological Molecules (Module 1) |
| PAG 5 | Investigating the effect of antibiotics on microbial growth | Cells (Module 2) |
| PAG 6 | Observing and recording the stages of mitosis using root tips | Cells (Module 2) |
| PAG 7 | Investigating the rate of photosynthesis using a chosen variable | Energy Transfers (Module 5) |
| PAG 8 | Investigating factors affecting respiration using a respirometer | Energy Transfers (Module 5) |
| PAG 9 | Investigating animal or plant responses (choice chambers, maze running) | Organisms Respond to Changes (Module 6) |
| PAG 10 | Using gel electrophoresis and DNA profiling techniques | Control of Gene Expression (Module 8) |
| PAG 11 | Investigating population size using quadrats and mark-release-recapture | Genetics & Ecosystems (Module 7) |
| PAG 12 | Investigating the effect of environmental factors on species distribution | Genetics & Ecosystems (Module 7) |
Assessment Overview
AQA A-Level Biology is assessed through three written exams at the end of Year 13:
| Paper | Content Covered | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
| Paper 1 | Modules 1-4 (Year 1) | 2 hours | 91 | 35% |
| Paper 2 | Modules 5-8 (Year 2) | 2 hours | 91 | 35% |
| Paper 3 | All modules (synoptic), essay, practical skills | 2 hours | 78 | 30% |
| Practical Endorsement | Assessed throughout the course via required practicals | Ongoing | Pass/Fail | Separate certification |
Paper 3 includes synoptic questions, data analysis, and a 25-mark essay on a broad biological theme.
Further Resources
- AQA Specification & Past Papers – AQA Official Website
- Practical Skills & Required Practicals – AQA Practical Handbook
- A-Level Biology Video Tutorials – Miss Estruch YouTube Channel
- Revision Notes & Quizzes – BiologyMad
- Exam Questions & Mark Schemes – Physics & Maths Tutor
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2023
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: A* – E
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Contact Ms S Palmer: Click Here
What will I be studying?
You will be studying the fundamental concepts of chemistry across three taught units: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry.
Topics include Atomic Structure, Bonding, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Periodic Table, Reactions, Alkenes, Carboxylic acids, Polymers and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
What skills will I be learning?
Students will develop the transferable skills of numeracy, scientific literacy, and the ability to apply knowledge in both a theoretical and practical context when handling both quantitative and qualitative data.
How will I be assessed?
There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance during practical’s will be assessed. There are three exams, all of which are two hours long. At least 15% of the marks for A-level Chemistry are based on what you learned in your practical sessions.
Where might this lead me?
A Level Chemistry can lead into a career in the sciences and is essential for the further study of chemistry at university. Chemistry qualifications can lead to possible career options such as: Analytical chemist, Chemical engineer, biochemist, pharmacologist, doctor, toxicologist, or patent attorney.
Please note, all courses run subject to student numbers and will be confirmed during interviews.
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: A* – E
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss A Parshotam: Click Here
What will I be studying?
A variety of literature texts including Shakespeare’s Othello, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and an anthology of love poetry. In the second year you’ll be studying texts centred around modern times, such as Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire, Walker’s The Colour Purple and Duffy’s The Feminine Gospels.
What skills will I be learning?
You will develop the transferrable skills of communication , literary analysis and the interpretation and evaluation of literature. You will study literature through two of the main historicist perspectives. Diachronic-texts written across different time periods linked by a common theme, and Synchronic– texts written within a narrower time period.
How will I be assessed?
External examinations:
Paper 1— Love Through The Ages (40%)
Paper 2— Modern Times (40%)
Non Exam Assessment:
Texts Across Time (20%)- a 2500 word essay
Where might this lead me?
You will develop a wide range of transferrable skills which could lead to you taking an English Literature, Journalism, Creative Writing or Law degree. Further avenues available to follow include: teaching (primary and secondary), law, journalism, advertising, marketing and events management.
Please note, all courses run subject to student numbers and will confirmed during interviews.
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: A* – E
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mr P Phipps: Click Here
What will I be studying?
Physical Geography:
Water and the Carbon Cycle, Coastal Systems and Landscapes and Ecosystems Under Stress.
Human Geography:
Changing Places, Contemporary Urban Environments and Global Governance and Systems
Geography Fieldwork Investigation and skills.
What skills will I be learning?
Geography is one of the most relevant, forward thinking and diverse subjects which will develop your ability to problem solve, think critically, understand different perspectives and manage things sustainably. Geography focuses on social, economic and environmental issues all of which are critical to all businesses and to enabling human beings to confront the complexity of the 21st century.
How will I be assessed?
Component 1: Physical geography
Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks, 40% of A-level.
Component 2: Human geography
Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks, 40% of A-level.
Component 3: Geographical investigation
3,000–4,000 words, 60 marks, 20% of A-level, marked by teachers.
Where might this lead me?
Geography graduates are among the most employable due to the transferable skills developed through the subject that can be applied to different jobs. These jobs include roles in business, finance, human resources, engineering, town planning, architecture, climate change and sustainability.
More Information
Please note, all courses run subject to student numbers and will confirmed during interviews.
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: A* – E
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mr L Garner: Click Here
What will I be studying?
You will further develop your knowledge in some of the pure Maths topics including Trigonometry, geometry and algebra. As well as exploring new terms such as differentiation and integration. On top of this you will apply your knowledge to relate to real world mathematical problems involving statistics and mechanics.
What skills will I be learning?
The qualification provides you with knowledge , understanding and skills you will need to progress into higher education, employment, or training. You will learn how to analyse a problem, and come up with a solution, apply it to get the corresponding result. These are the transferable and high-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers.
How will I be assessed?
Written examinations:
Paper 1:
Pure Mathematics
Paper 2:
Pure Mathematics 2
Paper 3:
Statistics & Mechanics
Where might this lead me?
This qualification is one of the mostly highly valued qualifications at A-Level. University and higher education like to see maths because it shows the ability to problem solve and persevere.
The skills acquired in A Level maths will open the doors to multiple careers for you, and allow you to go onto careers such as accounting, medicine, engineering, forensics, finance, business, consultancy, teaching, IT, games development, scientific research, design, constructions and the jobs of the future which have yet to be discovered.
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Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: A* – E
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss A Hanson: Click Here
What will I be studying?
Sociology is a social science which helps to make sense of the way society works. You will be studying different topics within the following units, in Year 12– Families and Households & Education with theory and methods in context. You will be studying different topics within the following units in YR 13– Beliefs in society & Crime and Deviance with theory and methods.
What skills will I be learning?
Sociology is the study of human social activity, relationships, and social structures. In our increasingly diverse world, the study of sociology gives you the skills that are required in the 21st century. Skills allowing you to become critical and analytical thinkers, develop your writing ability, cultural competence, and self-awareness.
How will I be assessed?
External examinations: 3 Exams
Paper 1- /80 Marks
Paper 2- /80 Marks
Paper 3- /80 Marks
All examinations are at the end of Year 13.
Where might this lead me?
Careers in youth work, probation services, the criminal justice system, social work sector, education, charity and research organisations are just some of the industries that you can pursue by studying Sociology.
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BTEC Level 3:
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: Distinction* – Pass
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Course Size: Extended Certificate
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss A Brooks: Click Here
What will I be studying?
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of key business theory and concepts, such a business ownership, finance, marketing and customer service. This knowledge and understanding is then applied to real world vocational scenarios.
What skills will I be learning?
You will develop your skills of analysis and critical evaluation. This along side the knowledge and understanding of key business concepts it what is required to make good business decisions. You will also need to present your ideas to a high standard and as such you will enhance your written and verbal communication skills.
How will I be assessed?
Internal Assessment:
Unit 1:
Exploring Business (25%)
Unit 14:
Investigating Customer Service (16%)
External Assessments:
Unit 2:
Developing a Marketing Campaign (25%)
Unit 3:
Personal and Business Finance (34%)
Where might this lead me?
There are many different career paths for those who wish to work within the business sector. These include management, human resources, finance, marketing and business information management as we as being self-employed. Studying business can provide the opportunity to work both in the UK and internationally.
More Information
Please note, all courses run subject to student numbers and will confirmed during interviews.
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: Distinction* – Pass
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Course Size: Extended Certificate
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mrs A North: Click Here
What will I be studying?
BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care lays a foundation for students who want to work in the Health and Social care industry. The course is popular and effective because it allows learners to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for the modern day workplace.
What skills will I be learning?
The course will give you a wide range of skills that will help you develop your interpersonal skills, such as working with others, problem solving, independent study and personal learning and thinking skills.
How will I be assessed?
External examinations:
Unit 1:
Human Lifespan Development—25%
Unit 2:
Working in Health and Social care—33%
Internal assessed coursework:
Unit 5:
Meeting Individual care and support needs—25%
Unit 12:
Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs—17%
Where might this lead me?
BTEC Level 3 HSC opens up a wide range of possible progression pathways. A direct link to higher education with a range of university courses available to pupils who complete the course.
Future careers that may be available include: nursing, doctor, pharmacist, childminder, nanny, social worker, rehabilitation and many more.
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Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: D*D* – PP
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 112
Course Size: Diploma
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mr S Ali: Click Here
What will I be studying?
This course incorporates the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to enable progression to higher education and employment. Students study the relationship between hardware, software and managing and communicating information and data across a range of different software. E.g. Excel & Access. In addition to this, you will also cover a wide range of computing related topics. Students will study internally assessed units in programming with Python, App development for iOS or Android and successful project management. Students will also undertake an onscreen exam focused on cyber security and incident management.
What skills will I be learning?
Students will develop the transferable skills of numeracy, communication, ICT and the application, presentation, interpretation, analysis and evaluation of information. Students will also develop skills to successfully manage their time and resources. Students will also learnt fundamental programming and logic theories including Selection and Iteration statements.
How will I be assessed?
External examinations:
Unit 1:
IT Systems
Unit 2:
Systems to Manage Information
Unit 11:
Cyber Security and Incident Management
Internal coursework units:
Unit 3:
Social Media for Business
Unit 4:
Programming
Unit 6:
Website Development
Unit 7:
Mobile App Development
Unit 9:
Project Management
Where might this lead me?
This course carries UCAS Points equivalent to two A-Levels, allowing for the progression into a degree such as: Computer Science or Software Development.
This course can also lead to employment or apprenticeships such as: App developer, Programmer, Network Manager
More Information
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Please note, all courses run subject to student numbers and will confirmed during interviews.
Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: Distinction* – Pass
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Course Size: Extended Certificate
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mr S Ali: Click Here
What will I be studying?
This course incorporates the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to enable progression to higher education and employment. Students study the relationship between hardware, software and managing and communicating information and data across a range of different software. E.g. Excel & Access
What skills will I be learning?
Students will develop the transferable skills of numeracy, communication, ICT and the application, presentation, interpretation, analysis and evaluation of information. Students will also develop a capacity for methodical and critical thought and learn to present information in a clear, coherent and effective manner.
How will I be assessed?
External examinations:
Unit 1:
IT Systems
Unit 2:
Systems to Manage Information
Internal coursework units:
Unit 3:
Social Media for Business
Unit 6:
Website Development
Where might this lead me?
This course carries UCAS Points equivalent to one a-level, allowing for the progression into a degree such as: Computer Science or Information Systems Management.
This course can also lead to employment or apprenticeships such as: Social Media Specialist, Content Developer or Web Developer.
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Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: Distinction* – Pass
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Course Size: Extended Certificate
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss S Chance: Click Here
What will I be studying?
Law at this level is about the fundamental systems that underpin the Law in England and Wales. It will be a mixture of criminal and civil Law. You will study the process of law making, dispute resolution, criminal law, contract law, consumer law, and aspects of other specialist areas of law.
What skills will I be learning?
Students can expect to gain knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles which underpin the Law through real cases and laws. There will be opportunity to apply knowledge to real-life scenarios both orally and in writing as well as build skills in writing critically and analytically.
How will I be assessed?
There is a mixture of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed tasks (exam-style) across a two year pathway, involving four units. In Year 1, Unit 1 and 2 make up 25% of your final grade each (50% in total). In Year 2, Unit 3 will be worth 33% and the fourth selected unit will count towards 17% of your final grade.
External Units:
Unit 1:
Dispute Solving in Civil Law
Unit 3:
Applying the Law
Internal Units:
Unit 2:
Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and
the Legal System
Unit 4:
Aspects of Family Law
Where might this lead me?
Law will allow you to pursue many careers or Higher Education options, the most popular being a degree in Law or Criminology. For careers in Law, there are vast opportunities including: Legal practice, Police forces, Health and Safety, Administration, Accountancy, Local Authority work, and work within the Civil Service. Further career options include: banking, finance, insurance or work in public and private sector management
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Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2022, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: Distinction* – Pass
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Course Size: Extended Certificate
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss A Hanson: Click Here
What will I be studying?
Psychology is the study of the relationship between behaviour, performance and mental processes. Applied psychology is the application of this knowledge in order to understand events, treat mental health issues, improve sporting performance, and understand how children develop and how to treat criminals.
What skills will I be learning?
This qualification will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
- writing up the findings of your own research
- use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations
- carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes
- demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate processes.
How will I be assessed?
External Assessments:
Unit 1:
Psychological Approaches and Applications
Unit 3:
Health Psychology
Internal Assessment:
Unit 2:
Conducting Psychological Research
Unit 6:
Introduction to Psychopathology
Where might this lead me?
The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements to many relevant applied psychology courses. When combined with other qualifications within a two-year study programme, such as AS/A levels or a BTEC National Foundation Diploma or Diploma in a complementary sector, you can progress into higher education .
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Key Information
Start Date: Sept 2021, Sept 2023
Exam Board: Pearson
Graded: Distinction* – Pass
Max UCAS Tariff Points: 56
Course Size: Extended Certificate
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mrs S Biddlecombe: Click Here
What will I be studying?
You will study an array of content in BTEC Level 3 Sport. From developing an understanding of gaining a job in the sports industry to the detailed analysis of how the systems of the body work individually and cooperatively when at rest and whilst exercising.
You will also look at how to develop training programmes and understand how lifestyle factors affect your health as well as understand how to structure and lead a sports session.
What skills will I be learning?
You will be able to develop a lot of skills that are transferable not only into other subjects you study but also into higher education or employment. Skills such as communication, presenting, analysing and evaluating are key skills that are used throughout this course. The ability to write reports and share information in a number of different ways will provide you with an insight into what they might have to do in the wider world.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed across 4 units, 50% is assessed through coursework and 50% through examinations. Two of these units are coursework based and you will be assessed in a variety of different ways including report writing, portfolio creation, performance analysis and presentations. You will also do two exams,
- Written examination set and marked by Pearson. 1.5 hours. 80 marks.
- Task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions. 2.5 hours. 60 marks
Where might this lead me?
Due to the variety of topics covered in this course it leaves the door wide open to a range of different jobs in the Sports industry including becoming a physiotherapist, coach, personal trainer or PE teacher .
The anatomy and physiology unit provides you with an understanding of how the body works and responds to exercise, this may ignite an interest in studying sport science at a high level. The fitness training module lends itself well to the fitness industry, providing you with the information to develop fitness training programmes and understand how to adapt training to the individuals you are working with.
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GCSE Resit:
Key Information
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: 9-1
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Miss A Parshotam: Click Here
What will I be studying?
- Develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when Speaking and Writing
- Learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary, the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Read widely to develop their understanding of a wide range of different texts covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods
Learners will be encourages to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. The course offers a skills-based approach to the study of English Language. Questions are designed to take students on an assessment journey through both the smaller blocked tasks to more extended responses.
Students will investigate and connect the texts, drawing out patterns of similarity and difference when using a variety of reading strategies and perspectives.
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50% of GCSE)
Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (50% of GCSE)
Non-Examination assessment: Spoken Language (0% of GCSE) This can be carried forward from year 11.
Where might this lead me?
English GCSE is the prerequisite for all employment opportunities, training, college and post 16 courses.
English graduates are keenly sought after by employers who respect and desire the skills that are acquired through this subject.
Popular career routes include education such as research or teaching, law, media, journalism, advertising, public relations and politics.
Famous English graduates in the media include cartoonist, writer and illustrator Quentin Blake, Danny Boyle, actress Emma Thompson, broadcaster Natasha Kaplinski and Who wants to be a Millionaire host Chris Tarrant.
Key Information
Exam Board: AQA
Graded: 9-1
Official Website: Click Here
Contact Mr L Garner: Click Here
What will I be studying?
This qualification in mathematics encourages students to develop confidence and a positive attitude towards Mathematics. Students will also learn to recognise the importance of Mathematics in their own lives and to society.
The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts, including:
- Number
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Measures
- Statistics
- Probability
This will allow students to use their knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts.
A key benefit of the course is gaining the ability to apply the functional elements of mathematics in everyday and real-life situations.
How will I be assessed?
100% exam
Where might this lead me?
Many of our students take on the GCSE in order to go into teaching. Others go on to study a Maths A level course with us.
Maths will give you a skill seen as a foundation for many career choices and will allow you to study other courses such as Business Studies, Accountancy, Investment banking, Computing and Engineering.
