A LEVEL

OPTIONS
BOOKLET

2022-2023

LIME HOUSE SCHOOL

1
Contents
Options ..................................................................................... 3
My Options ................................................................................ 4
Accounting ................................................................................. 5
Biology ...................................................................................... 7
Business .................................................................................... 9
Chemistry ................................................................................ 10
Computer Science ..................................................................... 12
EAL Department .......................................................................... 14
Cambridge IELTS ......................................................................... 15
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language .......................... 17
Cambridge Preliminary (PET) ........................................................ 18
Cambridge A2 Key (KET) .............................................................. 18
Economics ............................................................................... 19
English Literature ..................................................................... 21
Fine Art ................................................................................... 23
Food Science and Nutrition ......................................................... 24
History .................................................................................... 25
ICT ......................................................................................... 26
Mathematics ............................................................................ 27
Further Mathematics ................................................................. 28
Music...................................................................................... 29
Psychology .............................................................................. 30
Physics ................................................................................... 32
Sport ....................................................................................... 33

2
Options
A warm welcome to Year 12, and beyond.

As you move into Year 12, you need to make option choices
regarding the subjects you wish to study in Sixth Form.

At Lime House School (LHS), pupils entering the Sixth Form

and wishing to study a subject to A Level should have
attained at least a Level 4 at GCSE in that subject. In
exceptional circumstances a pupil may be admitted on to an
A Level course without this if there are satisfactory reasons.

Any pupils not gaining five GCSE passes at Level 4 or above must continue
with the necessary number of GCSE courses until they have achieved five
passes. All pupils (excluding overseas students) must gain at least a Level 4
in Mathematics and English.

Sixth Form at LHS is very exciting, with organised University Open days and
one to one support with your UCAS application with 95% of university
applicants gaining places in their first-choice universities.

This is a very important stage in your academic career and our expert staff
are on hand to guide you with your choices and courses.

Mr Guest

Headteacher

3
My Options
Pupils may select one choice from each of the option blocks below,
concentrating their choices on the three subjects they feel it most likely they
will study for the full two years of the linear A Level course and which will
support their future university choices and career plans. The fourth option
may be selected as an enrichment opportunity.

The option for Mathematics is for those wishing to complete A Level

Mathematics over two years. The option for Further Mathematics is for those
of significant mathematical ability who will complete the A Level
Mathematics and also the Further Mathematics A Level syllabus over two
years.

Option Blocks are for guidance only and may be subject to change at short
notice.

Block 1 • Business Studies

• History
• Mathematics
• Music
Block 2 • Sport
• Physics
• English Literature
• Accountancy
Block 3 • ICT
• Chemistry
• Art
• Economics
Block 4 • Biology
• Further Mathematics
• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Food Science and Nutrition

4
Accounting
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
Money makes the world go round…Even the best business ideas get
nowhere without sound financial management. So whether you want to work
for big business, be the next visionary entrepreneur, or have your own small
business, a knowledge of financial management is vital. This accounting
course equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to
assess the performance of all types of business organisations. It will enable
you to analyse and evaluate financial data effectively so that you can make
judgements, decisions and recommendations about how businesses can
manage their financial affairs.

If you are focused on further study or a career in accounting, finance,

business or banking this course is a great choice.

Even if you plan on becoming a professional musician or technical wizard,

it’s good to know about accounting. That way you’ll be able to control your
own finances and understand the implications of business propositions.

Examinations and Coursework

There are two written examinations at the end of the two year course. Each
paper is 3 hours in length and worth 50% of the marks.

Modules you will study

Year 12
An introduction to the role of the accountant in business
Types of business organization
Double entry bookkeeping
Verification of accounting records
5
Accounting concepts
Preparation of financial statements of sole traders
Limited company accounts
Ratio analysis
Budgeting
Marginal costing

Year 13
Standard costing and variance analysis
Absorption and activity based costing
Capital investment appraisal
Incomplete records
Partnership accounts
Accounting for limited companies
Interpretation, analysis and communication of accounting information
The impact of ethical considerations

6
Biology
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
A Level Biology combines well with Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and
is extremely useful (essential in some cases) in preparing for medical, dental
and veterinary courses or degrees in the pure or applied sciences.

Pupils opting for Biology should also consider taking Chemistry as virtually
all degree courses which contain Biology in their course title require an A
Level in Chemistry.

Core content covers the following:

1. Biological molecules
2. Cells
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5. Energy transfer in and between organisms
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external
environments
7. Genetics, populations, evolutions and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression

Examinations and Coursework

There are twelve required practicals which are completed over the A Level
course. Questions based on the practical work are integrated into the
examinations.

There are three written papers for the final linear A Level qualification each
of 2 hours.

Paper 1: topics 1-4 (35% of A Level)

7
Paper 2: topics 5-8 (35% of A Level)
Paper 3: topics 1-8 (30% of A Level)

8
Business
Exam Board
OCR

Overview of Subject
The CTEC qualifications in this specification are QCF Level 3 qualifications
designed to provide highly specialist, work related qualifications in a range
of vocational sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and
skills that they need to prepare for employment. Learners can focus on their
career aspirations, or work area within the specification in which there are
six specialist pathways consisting of Finance, Management, Marketing, Law,
Administration and Human Resources.

Examinations and Coursework

Lessons will be a combination of taught theory and coursework production to
agreed deadlines with specific feedback to ensure the highest personal
attainment.

Modules you will study

Students have to complete 5 units.
• Three core units which give learners an introduction to and
understanding of the business environment, management of resources,
marketing and communication
• Further two units must be completed in a area of specialist of their own
interest. Examples include Accounting, Business, Law, Retailing, Human
Resources, General Business or related issues.

9
Chemistry
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
Chemistry is an important component of many university degrees and an A
Level in Chemistry will be required for many courses. Studying Chemistry
also gives analytical and problem solving skills which prospective
employers value and is a useful addition to any curriculum vitae.

The two year course covers Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.

Examinations and Coursework

Required practicals are completed over the A Level course. Questions
based on the practical work are integrated into the examinations.

There are three written papers at the end of the two year course.
Paper 1: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and practical skills
Paper 2: Physical and Organic Chemistry and practical skills
Paper 3: Any content and any practical skills from the core content list below

Modules you will study

Core content covers the following:
Physical chemistry:
Atomic structure
Amount of substance
Bonding
Energetics
Kinetics
Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
Thermodynamics
Rate equations

10
Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems
Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
Acids and bases

Inorganic Chemistry:
Periodicity
Group 2, the alkaline and earth metals
Group 7, the halogens
Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
Transition metals
Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic chemistry:
Introduction to organic chemistry
Alkanes
Halogenoalkanes
Alkenes
Alcohols
Organic analysis
Optical isomerism
Aldehydes and keytones
Carboxylic acids and derivatives
Aromatic chemistry
Amines
Polymers
Amino acids, proteins and DNA
Organic synthesis
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Chromatography

11
Computer Science
Exam Board
OCR

Overview of Subject

Students are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and

understanding of computer technology

• Apply knowledge, understanding and skills to solve

problems by using computer programs

• Analyse and evaluate, make reasoned judgements and

present conclusions

Computer systems – covers: the characteristics of

contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices,
types of software and the different methodologies used to
develop software, data exchange between different systems,
data types, data structures and algorithms, legal, moral,
cultural and ethical issues.

Algorithms and programming – covers: what is meant by

computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead,
thinking procedurally etc.), problem solving and
programming (how computers and programs can be used to
solve problems), algorithms and how they can be used to
describe and solve problems.

12
practical coding programming project. They will analyse,
design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program
written in a suitable programming language. The project is
designed to be independently chosen by the student and
provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects
within the diverse field of computer science.

Assessment:

The students will sit two externally marked examinations.

Each exam is 2hr30mins and is worth 40% of their final
grade. They will also complete a Programming project that
will be internally assessed and moderated by the exam
board. This will make up the final 20% of the qualification.

13
EAL Department
The EAL team works hard to ensure that every pupil at Lime House School
follows a course that is appropriate to them. Each new pupil is given a
placement test to ensure that they are placed in the correct class. Pupils’
progress is monitored through regular formal and informal assessment.

Lime House School offers the following Cambridge ESOL examinations:

• Cambridge IELTS
• Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language
• Cambridge B1 Preliminary (formerly known as PET)
• Cambridge A2 Key (formerly known as KET)

14
Cambridge IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s
most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and
global migration.

More than 10,000 organisations globally accept IELTS test scores including
educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies. It
is accepted by as a measure of English language competence by UK and US
universities and most universities in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Lime House School offers preparation for the IELTS Academic examination
for those pupils who are planning to attend university.

Band scores accepted vary from university to university and because of this
we encourage pupils to research the entrance requirements of their chosen
universities. IELTS exams are generally taken at Newcastle College or the
University of Cumbria in Lancaster.

Examinations and Coursework

• Reading – 1 hour
• Writing – 1 hour
• Listening – 30 minutes
• Speaking – 11-14 minutes

15
Band Scores Skill Level Descriptors
Scores for each of the four skills are equally weighted. The overall band
scores are calculated by taking the mean result for each part of the test and
are calculated to the nearest whole or half band.

Band Expert user You have a full operational command of the language. Your use
9 of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show
complete understanding

Band Very good You have a fully operational command of the language with
8 user only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate
usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar
situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well

Band Good user You have an operational command of the language, though
7 with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate use and
misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, you handle
complex language well and understand detailed reasoning

Band Competent Generally, you have an effective command of the language

6 user despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and
misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex
language, particularly in familiar situations

Band Modest user You have a partial command of the language, and cope with
5 overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to
make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic
communication in your own field

Band Limited user Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You
4 frequently show problems in understanding and expression.
You are not able to use complex language

Band Extremely You convey and understand only general meaning in very
3 limited user familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in
communication

Band Intermittent You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written
2 user English

Band Non-user You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated

16
1 words

Band Did not You did not answer the questions

0 attempt test.

17
Economics
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
You will learn to apply economic theory to support analysis of current
economic problems and issues, and to appreciate the interrelationship
between microeconomics and macroeconomics, as a result you will be able
to relate your learning to the world around you - locally, nationally and
globally.

Examinations and Coursework

There are three two hour written examinations each worth one third of the
total marks
Paper 1- Markets and market failure (microeconomics)
Paper 2- National and international economy (macroeconomics)
Paper 3- Economic principles and issues (synoptic)

Modules you will study

Part 1: the operation of markets and how they might fail
• Economic methodology and the economic problem
• Price determination in a competitive market
• Production costs and revenue
• Competitive and concentrated markets
• The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention

Part 2: the national economy

• The measurement of macroeconomic performance
• How the macro economy works – the circular flow of income
• Economic performance
• Macroeconomic policy

Part 3: individuals, firms, markets and market failure

• Individual economic decision making
19
 • Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
• The labour market
• The distribution of income and wealth – poverty and inequality

Part 4: the national and international economy

• Financial markets and monetary policy
• Fiscal policy and supply-side policy
• The international economy

20
English Literature
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
This course is designed to broaden literary horizons, deepen literary
understanding and develop literary tastes. An interest in reading literature
and a willingness to study independently are prerequisites for success at this
level.

Pupils will complete 2 examination papers for this subject along with a non-
examined assessment (NEA).

In Paper 1, pupils will study three texts; one poetry and one prose text, of
which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. The
examination will include two unseen poems.
In Paper 2, pupils will study three texts, one prose, one poetry and one
drama of which one must be written post 2000.

Examinations and Coursework

Paper 1- Written exam (40%) 3 hours
Paper 2- Written Exam (40%) 2 hours 30 minutes
Non-Examination Assessment- Assessed by Teacher (20%)

Modules you will study

Paper 1
• Section A- Shakespeare
• Section B- Unseen Poetry
• Section C- Comparing Texts
Paper 2
• Section A- Set Texts, one essay question on set text
• Section B- Contextual Linking

21
Non-Examination Assessment
• Comparative Critical Study of two texts
• One extended essay (2500 words) and a bibliography

22
Fine Art
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
Art and design is about using your creative and analytical skills to explore
the world around you, working across a range of media to start developing
your practical expertise. Whether you want to pursue a career in the creative
industries or complement your other subjects, A-level Art and Design has a
lot to offer.

This is not an easy course. You need to be well-motivated, ambitious and

prepared to work hard. You will need to take responsibility for your own
learning and be organised as most of the course is assessed through your
portfolio. You will be expected to spend a significant amount of your spare
time doing portfolio work and undertake independent research and
development of skills.

Examinations and Coursework

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
exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A-level marks.
15-hour supervised time (examination) over three days.

Modules you will study

You will learn how to paint, draw and make, as well as learn how to develop
your own ideas. You will learn about the history of art, issues in art and how
these connect with historical and contemporary events. You will visit
museums, galleries and exhibitions. You will have the opportunity to meet
artists and visit working studios. You will be given guidance in applying for
suitable courses and support in creating your university application portfolio

23
Food Science and Nutrition
Exam Board
WJEC

Overview of Subject
This is a Level 3 Diploma is Food Science and Nutrition and is made up four
units.

Examinations and Coursework

Units 1 and 2 are mandatory; students then study unit 3 or unit 4

Unit 1 will enable the student to demonstrate an understanding of the science

of food safety, nutrition and nutritional needs in a wide range of contexts, and
through on-going practical sessions, to gain practical skills to produce
quality food items to meet the needs of individuals.

Unit 2 allows students to develop their understanding of the science of food

safety and hygiene and the food industry. Studying one of the two optional
units will allow students the opportunity to students subject of particular
interest or relevance to them, building on previous learning and
experiences.

Modules you will study

Unit 1- Meeting the nutritional needs of specific groups

Unit 2- Ensuring food is safe to eat

Unit 3- Experiment to solve food production

Unit 4- Current issues in food science and nutrition

24
History
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
History is a great A Level for progression into social science and humanities
courses at university such as History, English, Law and Economics. It is,
however, by no means restricted to being useful for these courses alone.
Indeed many leading universities also respect science students taking
History as the analytical and writing skills gained from it are invaluable in
any field. Its depth, variety and challenging nature means that the skills you
learn from History A Level will remain no matter what subject is studied at a
higher level.

Examinations and Coursework

Paper 1: Written Exam (40% A Level) 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 2: Written Exam (40% A Level) 2 hours 30 minutes
NEA: Extended Piece of Writing (20% A level)

Modules you will study

Unit 1: Breadth Study- Industrialisation and the People: Britain c. 1783-1885

Unit 2: Depth Study- Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945

Unit 3: Historical Investigation

25
ICT
Exam Board
OCR

Overview of Subject
Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT - A sound understanding of IT technologies
and practices is essential for IT professionals. Information learnt in this
unit will create a solid foundation in the fundamentals of hardware,
networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how businesses use IT.

Unit 2: Global Information - This unit will provide students with a

greater understanding of how organisations use information sources both
internally and externally and the types of information they will encounter.
The skills gained by completing this unit will give them knowledge of the
functionality of information and how data is stored and processed by
organisations. They will also learn about how individuals use information of
various types and how legislation and regulation affects how business use
information.

Unit 3: Cyber Security - This unit has been designed to enable your
students to gain knowledge and understanding of the range of threats,
vulnerabilities and risks that impact on both individuals and organisations.
They will learn about the solutions that can be used to prevent or deal with
cyber security incidents resulting from these challenges. Students will be
able to apply their knowledge and understanding of cyber security issues
and solutions by reviewing and making recommendations for ways to best
protect digital systems and information.

The students will be able to select two additional units from: Project Management,
Product Development, Systems Analysis and Design and the Internet of Everything.

Assessment:Units 1 & 2 are exams that will be sat at the end of year 12. They are both
1hr30mins long. Unit 3 is also an exam that will be sat in Year 13 and is 1hr. The
remaining two units are coursework based and are marked by your teacher before being
moderated by the exam board.
26
Mathematics
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
This course covers pure mathematics including trigonometry as well as
differential and integral calculus and applications of mathematics which
includes both statistics and mechanics

Examinations and Coursework

There are three papers which will be taken in the summer of Year 13. Paper
One covers Pure Mathematics, Paper Two covers Pure Mathematics and
Mechanics while the third paper covers Pure Mathematics and Statistics,
each paper is two hours.

Modules you will study

The pure mathematics covers: proof, algebra and functions, coordinate
geometry in the (x,y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry including
solving trigonometric equations, exponentials and logarithms,
differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.

The applications of mathematics content includes:

Statistics: statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation,

probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing

Mechanics: quantities and units in mechanic, kinematics, forces and

Newton’s laws, and moments.

27
Further Mathematics
Exam Board
Edexcel

Overview of Subject
Candidates who choose Further Mathematics also take A Level Mathematics.
This is not just more mathematics, it builds on the content of the A Level
Mathematics and takes the ideas further. It is best thought of as a fourth A
Level for ambitious pupils intending to study Mathematics, Physics or
Engineering at top universities. The course consists of a core pure
mathematics section and two options which are determined each year.

Core pure content: proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and
functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar co-ordinates, hyperbolic
functions, differential equations.

Examinations and Coursework

There are four papers taken in June of Year 13 with two of these being pure
papers and the remaining two for the options.

28
Music
Exam Board
BTEC

Overview of Subject
Students are responsible for keeping a portfolio of work most of which is
electronically sorted. In the case of Music, much of the evidence is collected
in the form of their performances. This is recorded at special music events, at
charity events and even on special occasions such as the school Carol
service and Midsummer Medley.

Examinations and Coursework

There are no written final examinations for this subject but students must
create a portfolio of all of their work.

Modules you will study

1- Music Performance Techniques
2- Music Project
3- Singing Techniques and Performance
4- Solo Music Performance Skills
5- Composing Music
6- Work and Developing as a Music Ensemble

29
Psychology
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of human behaviour and
experience. This stimulating subject combines fascinating content with a
rigorous and scientific approach to investigation. It has recently
experienced a huge growth in popularity, both as a choice for A Level and as
an undergraduate subject.

The course aims to develop both an academic understanding of the subject

and an appreciation of its impact on people’s daily lives. It provides a broad
introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science and
encourages pupils to explore how science works by looking at practical
investigations that are applicable to real life.

A Level Psychology develops your ability to formulate an argument by

presenting and evaluating research evidence critically. Accurate and
concise writing is important in answering short structure questions and
longer essay style questions. There is a compulsory mathematics element.
This fascinating subject combines very well with other science subjects and
also with other written subjects as the final examinations draw heavily on
essay writing skills.

The course gives pupils a better understanding of how human behaviour

from infancy to adulthood can have an effect on the society in which they
live. Pupils gain knowledge in areas such as: how memory works; what
happens when young children have their attachment to a mother figure
disrupted; how our behaviour changes with our social situation. The course
also explores current areas of research such as biopsychology where we
look at language; how disorders function in the brain and how they are
measured by PET and MRI scans.

30
Examinations and Coursework
There are three written examinations each one being 2 hours in length.
Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology
Paper 2: Psychology in context
Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology

There is no coursework, but an important element of the course is practical:

the designing and carrying out of research, reporting findings and analysing
data.

Modules you will study

Over the two years the following topics will be covered.
Year 12:
• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Approaches in psychology
• Psychopathology
• Research methods
•
Year 13:
• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Psychopathology
• Approaches in psychology
• Biopsychology
• Research methods
• Issues and debates in psychology

31
Physics
Exam Board
AQA

Overview of Subject
This is a demanding A level subject. It requires a genuine interest in Physics
and how the world around us works. A strong mathematical ability and a
good grasp of English are both essential. These abilities and a willingness to
really think about the subject, as well as good study skills and motivation,
will make the course more enjoyable and, ultimately, successful. Ideally,
students should have attained a good grade (not less than C) in (I)GCSE
Physics and Mathematics

Examinations and Coursework

This is a linear, two year course. At the end of the second year, students will
sit three papers which will provide for terminal assessment
Paper 1: structured answers, covers Y12 work, 34% of the total marks.
Paper 2: structured answers, covers Y13 work, 34% of the total marks.
Paper 3: structured answers, part A assesses practical skills, part B covers
the option topic, 32% of total
marks.

Modules you will study

Year 12: Measurement; Mechanics and energy; Electricity; Waves; Particles
and radiation

Year 13: Further mechanics and thermal physics; Fields (gravitational,

electric and magnetic); Nuclear.

Optional topics (students will study one of these only): Astrophysics; Medical
physics; Engineering physics; Turning points in physics or Electronics.

32
Sport
Exam Board
OCR

Overview of Subject
This qualification allows students to sample the wide range of activities and
professions that are available in sport. There are some practical elements to
the course and students are required to be involved in a sport whilst
studying to help with their studies.

Examinations and Coursework

This is a coursework-based course with no written examinations. It is
assessed by teachers and then by the examination board. It is the equivalent
of two A Levels.

Modules you will study

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 2: Sports Coaching

Unit 3: Current Issues

Unit 4: Physiology of Fitness

Unit 5: Sports Nutrition

Unit 10: Outdoor Adventurous Activities

Unit 11: Practical Individual Sports

Unit 13: Leadership in Sport

Unit 19: Organising a Sports Event

Unit 26: Work Experience

33