CAMBRIDGE ADVANCED

Key Stage 5 Curriculurn

2022 - 2024
Contents
KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM 1,2,3

GEOGRAPHY 4

MATHEMATICS 5

BIOLOGY 6

COMPUTER SCIENCE 7

BUSINESS 8

ENGLISH LITERATURE 9

Adaptep from Cambridge International AS & A Level subject syllabi

 Key Stage 5 Curriculum

Cambridge International AS & A Levels is typically for learners aged 16 to 19 years who need advanced study
to prepare for university and higher education. Cambridge International A Level (Advanced Level
qualification) is a two-year course whereas AS Level is a separate qualification which equates to the first
year of the full A Level course. Most universities do not consider AS levels alone adequate for entrance.
Thames British School offers a full two-year cycle towards A Level qualifications......................................................

Recognition

Cambridge International A & AS level curriculum is recognized as a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.
Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading
universities worldwide. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US
(including Ivy League universities - top 8 private universities), Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
‘Cambridge International AS & A Levels prepare students well for university because they’ve learnt to go
into a subject in considerable depth. There’s that ability to really understand the depth and richness and
the detail of a subject. It’s a wonderful preparation for what they are going to face at university.’ US Higher
Education Advisory Council

Skills development

The syllabus develops a deep understanding of subjects and independent thinking skills. Cambridge
International AS & A Level develops learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills in:
1-In-depth subject content and independent thinking
2-pplying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
3- Handling and evaluating different types of information source
4- Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
5- Making judgements, recommendations and decisions
6- Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them
logically and clearly
7- Working and communicating in English.
Moreover, following a Cambridge International AS & A Level programme helps students
develop abilities which universities value highly, including:
• a deep understanding of their subjects
• higher order thinking skills – analysis, critical thinking, problem solving
• presenting ordered and coherent arguments
• independent learning and research
 A Level curriculum at Thames British School
A Level curriculum at Thames British School consists of Cambridge-specific and Polish national
requirements. Students take three A Level courses in which they will sit their final examinations at the end of
the two-year cycle. The courses are selected from three subject blocks, that is only one course from each
column:.............................................................................................................................................

Subject Blok 1 Subject Blok 2 Subject Blok 3

Geography Biology Business
Mathematics Computer Science English Literature

Every effort will be made to accommodate students' subject combinations but sometimes this
may not always be possible, as class sizes need to be viable in order for classes to be timetabled. A minimum
group size in a subject must be 5 students.............................................................................................................................

Given the A Level course options available at Thames British School, candidates can pursue the following
career paths:

AVAILABLE COURSE CAREER PATHS

COMBINATIONS
Accounting, Business,
1 Business, Mathematics
Computer Science,
Computer Science
Economics, IT, Law
Business, Environmental Science, Hotel
2 Business,Geography,Biology Management, Psychology,
Sports Management, Tourism, Transport

3 Business Geography Business, Environmental Science, certain IT

Computer Science degrees, Logistics

4 Business Mathematics Accounting, Bioscience, Business, Economics,

Biology Environmental Science, Psychology

Geography Biology Conservation Studies, Ecology, Environmental

5
English Literature Science, Law, Psychology, Zoology

6 Geography Business, Environmental Science, IT, Law,

Computer Science English Literature Transport and Logistics studies

Mathematics Computer Science Business, Computer Science, Economics

7
English Literature All types of IT degrees

Mathematics Biology Bioscience, Business, Ecology, Economics,

8 Environmental Science, Psychology, Sports
English Literature
Science
Apart from their A Level options, students must attend subjects which will be based on Polish
Core Curriculum. The exact range of these subjects will depend on each student’s option
selections. However, the common obligatory subjects will include Polish, Spanish or German,
History, Physics, Chemistry and PE............................................................................................................................................

Examination, Coursework and Assessment

Cambridge International A Level courses are assessed primarily through examinations, though
some courses also include coursework components. Coursework can encompass a range of
activities including experimentation, projects and writing (e.g. essays or reports). Its objectives
depend on the subject, but there is usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent
research into a topic of their own choice...........................................................................................................
At Thames British School students sit examinations at the end of their two-year course and
take all papers in their subjects in the same examination session. Cambridge International A
Level results are currently shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D or E, indicating the
standard achieved, A* being the highest and E the lowest. The new grading structure is going
to present the results on a scale from 1 (the lowest result) to 9 (the highest results). ‘Ungraded’
indicates that the candidate’s performance fell short of the standard required for grade E.
‘Ungraded’ will be reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate. The letters Q
(pending) and X (no result) may also appear on the statement of results but not on the
c e r t i fi c a t e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The purpose of the following section of this guide is to outline information about all the courses
offered next year at Thames British School. Each course will give information about the type of
qualification awarded, the assessment process and progression routes for this subject. All of
these will be helpful and informative when considering which subjects to choose next year.
 A Level Geography

What will be studied?

The Geography syllabus builds upon skills gained at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level study.
Geography occupies a central position in understanding and interpreting issues affecting people, places
and environments, and change in space and time. This syllabus encourages learners to understand
contemporary issues and the complexity of environmental systems. Learners gain an understanding of the
impacts of human activity on environments and how these impacts can be managed sustainably. Learners
widen their knowledge and understanding of the subject, while developing their investigative abilities and
their evaluation and decision-making skills. The syllabus is wide-ranging and comprises a variety of options.
For example, learners can study topics such as hydrology and fluvial geomorphology,
atmosphere and weather, rocks and weathering, population change and settlement dynamics. The syllabus
considers a range of environments, from tropical to arid, and learners can also study subjects such as
environmental management, global interdependence and economic transition.......................................................

How is the course assessed? All components are externally assessed

Paper 1: Paper 2: Paper 3: Paper 4:

Core Physical Core Human Geography Advanced Physical Advanced Human
Geography 1 hour 30 minutes Geography Options Geography Options
1 hour 30 minutes 60 marks 1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes
60 marks Section A: 60 marks Candidates answer 60 marks Candidates answer
Section A: Three data response questions on two questions on two
Three data response question question of the optional topics. of the optional topics. Each topic
Section B: Each topic consists of one structured question
One structured question consists of one structured and a choice of essay questions.
from a choice of three questionand a choice of Exam board and specification Exam
essay questions. board Cambridge
Course code 9696

What will this qualification lead to?

Cambridge International A Level Geography provides a suitable foundation for the study of Geography or
related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or
further study in Planning, Environmental Studies, Development, Tourism, etc., or as part of a course of
general education.........................................................................................................................................................................
 A Level Mathematics

What will be studied?

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics develops a set of transferable skills. These include the
skill of working with mathematical information, as well as the ability to think logically and independently,
consider accuracy, model situations mathematically, analyze results and reflect on findings. Learners can
apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and the skills equip them well for progression to higher
education or directly into employment. Equally it is suitable as part of a course of general education.

What will lead to success in this course?

Mathematics requires a great deal of hard work and effort by students in order to be successful. Regular
attendance and full involvement in all the tasks and activities provided is essential. Independent learning
(IL) must be completed to a high standard and submitted on time. It must be accurate and well
organized. Support will always be available when required.

How is the course assessed?

Candidates take four components for Cambridge International A Level Mathematics.All candidates take:
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 and Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3.Then, candidates take either: Paper 4:
Mechanics and Paper 5: Probability & Statistics 1 OR Paper 5: Probability & Statistics 1 and Paper 6:
Probability & Statistics 2. It is not possible to combine Paper 4 and Paper 6. This is because Paper 6
depends on prior knowledge of the subject content for Paper 5

Paper 1: Paper 3: Paper 4:

1 hour 50 minutes, 75 marks 1 hour 50 minutes, 75 1 hour 15 minutes, 50
marks marks

Paper 5: Paper 6:
1 1 hour 15 minutes, 50 1 hour 15 minutes, 50
marks marks

Exam board Cambridge Course code Mathematics 9709

 A Level Biology

What will be studied?

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or
equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject,
some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are
assessed in a timetabled practical examination.................................................................................................................
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel
contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem
solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level
Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or
tofollow a career in science........................................................................................................................................................

Who will this course suit?

Students who are: interested in learning about science, questioning ideas and using scientific language to
communicate their views and opinions, - good at working methodically and safely when working alone or
collaboratively with others
- reflective, learning from their experiences and interested in scientific issues that affect the individual, the
community and the environment innovative,
- enjoy solving unfamiliar problems confidently and creatively
engaged, keen to develop scientific skills, being curious about scientific principles and their application in
the world.

Paper 1: Paper 2: Paper 3: Paper 4:

Multiple Choice 2 hours - 40 marks 2 hours, 100 marks
1 h 15 minutes - 40 marks 1 hour 15 minutes Practical test - questions are Structured questions based on
40 four-option multiple-choice 60 marks based on the practical skills A Level syllabus content
questions Structured questions based on Externally assessed
Externally assessed the AS Level syllabus content.
Externally assessed

Paper 5:
1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks
Structured questions based on
practical skills of planning,
analysis and evaluation
Externally assessed

Exam board Cambridge Course code Mathematics 9709

Cambridge International A Level Biology provides a foundation for the study of biology or related courses in
higher education. Equally it is suitable as part of a course of general education............................................................
 A Level Computer Science

What will be studied?

The aim of the Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science syllabus is to encourage learners
to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science and how computer
programs work in a range of contexts. Learners will study topics including information representation,
communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database
modelling. As they progress, learners will develop their computational thinking and use problem solving to
develop computer based solutions using algorithms and programming languages. Studying Cambridge
International AS and A Level Computer Science will help learners develop a range of skills such as thinking
creatively, analytically, logically and critically.....................................................................................................................

Who will this course suit?

Learners who are: - confident, interested in learning
about computer science and using technical language to communicate their knowledge and
understanding- responsible, working systematically, safely and securely when using technology; -reflective,
learning from their experiences when creating programs and using technology; - innovative, solving
unfamiliar problems and designing computer programs creatively and independently;- engaged, keen to
develop computer science skills and further their understanding of developments in the use of technology.
How is the course assessed?

Paper 1: Paper 2: Paper 3: Paper 4:

Theory Fundamentals Fundamental Advanced Theory Further
Problem-solving Problem-solving
All papers are externally and Programming Skills 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks
Short-answer and structured
and Programming Skills
assessed questions
1 hour 30 minutes 75 marks 2 hours, 75 marks 2 hours, 75 marks
Short-answer and structured Short-answer and structured
Short-answer and structured questions
questions
questions.

Exam board Cambridge Course code Mathematics 9709

What will this qualification lead to?

Cambridge International A Level Computer Science provides a suitable foundation for the study of computer
science or related courses in higher education. Equally, it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue
careers or further study in computer science or ICT, or as part of a course of general education
 A Level Business

What will be studied?

The syllabus enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role
it plays in society. It encourages students to examine the process of decision-making in a dynamic and
changing business environment and to develop critical understanding of business organisations. They learn
about business and its environment, human resource management, marketing, operations management and
finance and accounting. At Cambridge International A Level, students also learn how to develop a business
strategy....................................................................................................................................................................

Who will this course suit?

This course is especially suited to those who want to pursue a business career, or to complement other A
Level courses. They will be well equipped to apply for a university course in Business Management,
Accountancy, Law, or International Business........................................................................................................................
How is the course assessed?
All parts are externally assessed..............................................................................................................................................

Paper 1: Paper 2: Paper 3: Paper 4:

Business Concepts 1
1 hour 15 minutes 40 marks
Section A: four short answer
questions. Section B: one essay
from a choice of two. Questions
are based on the AS Level
subject content
Business Concepts 2
1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks
Two data response questions.
Questions are based on the AS
Level subject content.
Business Decision-Making Business Strategy
1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
Five questions based on a case Two essay questions based on
study. a case study.

Exam board Cambridge Course code Mathematics 9709

What will this qualification lead to?

Cambridge International A Level Computer Science provides a suitable foundation for the study of computer
science or related courses in higher education. Equally, it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue
careers or further study in computer science or ICT, or as part of a course of general education
 A Level English Literature

What will be studied?

Learners following the Cambridge International AS and A Level English syllabus will study a range of texts in
the three main forms: prose, poetry and drama. Set texts are offered from a wide range of different periods
and cultures. Learners will develop skills of reading and analysis of texts, and are encouraged to undertake
wider reading to aid understanding of the texts studied. They will learn skills of effective and appropriate
communication including the ability to discuss the critical context of texts...........................................................

What will lead to success in this course?

- Enjoying the experience of
reading literature. - Developing an appreciation of and an informed personal response to literature in
English in a range of texts in different forms, and from different periods and cultures.
- Communicating effectively, accurately and appropriately in written form.
- Developing the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication. - Analyzing and evaluating
the methods writers use in creating meaning and effects.
How is the course assessed?
All parts are externally
The assessment for this subject is
based on two components:

Paper 1: Paper 2: Paper 3: Paper 4:

Drama and Poetry
2 hours, 50 marks
Candidates answer two questions:
one question from Section A: Drama
and one question from Section B:
Poetry.
Prose and Unseen
2 hours, 50 marks
Candidates answer two questions:
one question from Section A: Prose
and one question from Section B:
Unseen.
Shakespeare and Drama
2 hours, 50 marks
Candidates answer two questions:
one question from Section A:
Shakespeare and one question from
Section B: Drama.
Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose
2 hours, 50 marks
Candidates answer two questions:
one question from Section A:
Pre1900 Poetry and Prose, and one
question from Section B: Post-1900
Poetry and Prose.

Exam board Cambridge Course code Mathematics 9609

What will this qualification lead to?

Cambridge International A Level Computer Science provides a suitable foundation for the study of computer
science or related courses in higher education. Equally, it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue
careers or further study in computer science or ICT, or as part of a course of general education