Who is the course for?

As part of their programme of study second year A Level students may have the opportunity to study General Studies. The A Level General Studies qualification demonstrates a breadth in learning which is valued by employers and provides students with a useful qualification when applying to university.

It aims to give students:

• the opportunity to extend their interests to a wide range of disciplines
• recognise the interdependence of different areas of study and experience
• think critically and logically
• develop the skills of study, analysis and evaluation of chosen issues
• provide clear, accurate and effective communication of information and evaluation.

Why do we teach General Studies?

General Studies is a very useful qualification to have whether you are going to university or getting a job after college, as it demonstrates you have a broader range of knowledge and skills than simply those you’ve gained in your chosen A Levels.

What will you study?

The course consists of a wide range of social, cultural and scientific topics.  You will sit the two AS exams in January (Year 13) and the two A2 exams in June (Year 13).  The exams will consist of comprehension style questions and longer essay questions.  Some exams consist of compulsory questions but there is a choice of which questions you answer in others.

The following are examples of the type of questions you will encounter: