Curriculum

A rigorous, highly respected subject and the foundation for engineering, computer science, economics and the natural sciences. The full A-Level is made up of six units: four Pure Mathematics units (Pure 1–4) that build the core toolkit with algebra, calculus, trigonometry, sequences and proof, and two applied units:

• Statistics 1: 
  probability, data analysis and interpreting results, so students learn to draw reliable conclusions from real-world information.
• Decision Mathematics 1: 
  the mathematics behind computing and logistics — algorithms, networks and finding the most efficient solution to a problem. A modern, practical strand that connects strongly to computer science and operational planning.

Mathematics pairs naturally with Physics and Chemistry and is essential for most German university STEM programmes.

Physics explores how the universe works, from everyday motion to the structure of the cosmos. The six units are:

• Unit 1 – Mechanics and Materials:
  motion, forces, momentum and the properties of solids and fluids.
• Unit 2 – Waves and Electricity:
  light, sound, the behaviour of waves, and electrical circuits.
• Unit 3 – Practical Skills I:
  hands-on experimental and laboratory technique.
• Unit 4 – Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles:
  circular motion, electric and magnetic fields, and particle physics.
• Unit 5 – Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology:
  heat, nuclear physics and the study of the universe.
• Unit 6 – Practical Skills II:
  more advanced experimental work, building on Units 4 and 5.

Practical work runs throughout the course, so students leave as confident, capable scientists.

Often called “the central science,” Chemistry is the gateway to medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry and chemical engineering. Its six units are:

• Unit 1 – Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry:
  atoms, bonding, the periodic table and the first organic compounds.
• Unit 2 – Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols:
  energy changes, reaction patterns and key organic families.
• Unit 3 – Practical Skills I:
  core laboratory techniques and analysis.
• Unit 4 – Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry:
  how fast reactions go, how they balance, and deeper organic chemistry.
• Unit 5 – Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry:
  the chemistry of metals, dyes, and molecules central to living things.
• Unit 6 – Practical Skills II:
  advanced experimental and investigative work.

Economics helps students understand the forces that shape markets, businesses and entire nations, and is suitable for future study in economics, business, finance, law or international relations. The full A-Level is built from four units:

• Unit 1 – Markets in Action:
  how prices, supply and demand allocate resources, and what happens when markets fail.
• Unit 2 – Macroeconomic Performance and Policy:
  growth, employment, inflation and the policies governments use to manage the economy.
• Unit 3 – Business Behaviour:
  how firms compete, set prices and operate in different market conditions.
• Unit 4 – Developments in the Global Economy:
  trade, globalisation, development and the workings of the world economy.

Students learn to analyse real-world data and current events, building the critical-thinking and writing skills universities value highly.

All students receive four lessons of German per week. Those targeting a German university place can then choose, depending on their level of German, between German Plus and Jugend forscht from our enrichment programme. German is also lived in the boarding house, where every motivated student has the opportunity to progress faster. The level each student reaches depends on their starting point, commitment and time with us.