A-levels: subjects, specifications and revision

01 · Overview

A-Levels

A-level preparation begins with the precise subject and specification you are studying. This guide brings the subjects and topics registered in the EuraStudy curriculum into one editorial map, making it easier to understand the wider landscape before narrowing the view to your own combination.

Identify your subjects and the specification that applies to each one, then open the mapped topics to shape your priorities. The related guides help turn that structure into a revision plan; always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the relevant awarding organisation.

02 · Pathways and specifications

Pathways and specifications

AS-Level

Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).

A-Level (A2)

The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.

03 · All subjects

61 Subjects in the guide

Select your exact subjects and specifications, then combine the topic maps, editorial guides and practice resources into a focused route through the material.

F·01MathematicsMaths20 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Mathematics (AQA 7357), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

20 · Topics mapped

01
Overarching themes
Cross-cutting competencies in mathematical argument, language and proof; problem solving; and mathematical modelling that run through the whole qualification.
02
Proof
Methods of mathematical proof including deduction, exhaustion, disproof by counter-example and proof by contradiction.
03
Algebra and functions
Indices, surds, quadratics, simultaneous and inequality solving, polynomials, the modulus function, composite and inverse functions, graph transformations and partial fractions.
04
Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
Straight lines, circles and parametric equations of curves, including conversion between parametric and Cartesian forms.
05
Sequences and series
Arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, sigma notation, binomial expansion, and recurrence relations including increasing, decreasing and periodic sequences.
06
Trigonometry
Radian measure, trigonometric ratios, identities, reciprocal and inverse functions, addition and double-angle formulae, and solving trigonometric equations.
07
Exponentials and logarithms
Exponential functions, the number e, laws of logarithms, exponential growth and decay models and the use of logarithmic graphs to estimate parameters.
08
Differentiation
Differentiation from first principles, rules for products, quotients and composite functions, implicit and parametric differentiation, and applications such as rates of change, stationary points and connected rates.
09
Integration
Indefinite and definite integration, integration as the reverse of differentiation, by substitution and by parts, areas under curves and solving differential equations.
10
Numerical methods
Locating roots by sign change, iterative methods including the Newton-Raphson method, and numerical integration using the trapezium rule.
11
Vectors
Two- and three-dimensional vectors, magnitude and direction, vector arithmetic, position vectors and their use in geometric and kinematic problems.
12
Statistical sampling
Populations and samples, sampling methods including random and non-random techniques, and the limitations of sampling.
13
Data presentation and interpretation
Interpreting single- and bivariate data, measures of central tendency and spread, outliers, correlation and regression, and use of the large data set.
14
Probability
Probability of events, mutually exclusive and independent events, conditional probability, Venn diagrams, tree diagrams and probability formulae.
15
Statistical distributions
Discrete and continuous distributions, the binomial distribution and the normal distribution as models for real-world situations.
16
Statistical hypothesis testing
Formulating hypotheses and conducting tests using the binomial distribution, correlation coefficients and the normal distribution.
17
Quantities and units in mechanics
Use of SI and related units for quantities such as length, time, mass, velocity, acceleration and force in mechanics.
18
Kinematics
Motion in a straight line and in two dimensions, displacement-velocity-acceleration relationships, motion graphs, the constant-acceleration equations and the use of calculus for variable acceleration including projectiles.
19
Forces and Newton's laws
Newton's laws of motion, forces as vectors, weight, friction, connected particles and motion under gravity.
20
Moments
Moments of forces about a point and the equilibrium of rigid bodies.

F·02Further MathematicsFurther Maths13 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Further Mathematics (AQA 7367), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

13 · Topics mapped

01
Proof
Constructing rigorous proofs, with an emphasis on proof by mathematical induction applied to series sums, divisibility results and powers of matrices.
02
Complex numbers
Arithmetic and geometry of complex numbers, including Argand diagrams, modulus-argument form, de Moivre's theorem, roots of unity and loci in the complex plane.
03
Matrices
Matrix algebra up to order 3x3, determinants and inverses, linear transformations in two and three dimensions, and solving systems of linear equations.
04
Further algebra and functions
Roots of polynomials and their relationships with coefficients, the method of differences, summation of series, and Maclaurin series expansions.
05
Further calculus
Improper integrals, volumes of revolution, mean values, partial fractions in integration, and arc length and surface area of revolution.
06
Further vectors
Vector and Cartesian equations of lines and planes, scalar and vector products, and finding intersections, angles and distances in three dimensions.
07
Polar coordinates
Working with polar coordinates, converting between polar and Cartesian forms, sketching polar curves and finding areas enclosed by them.
08
Hyperbolic functions
Definitions and properties of hyperbolic and inverse hyperbolic functions, their logarithmic forms, and their differentiation and integration.
09
Differential equations
Solving first-order equations via integrating factors and second-order linear equations, including modelling damped and forced oscillations.
10
Numerical methods
Numerical techniques for evaluating integrals and solving equations, such as the mid-ordinate rule, Simpson's rule and Euler's step-by-step methods.
11
Optional application: Mechanics
Optional applied route covering dimensional analysis, momentum and collisions, work-energy-power, circular motion, and centres of mass and moments.
12
Optional application: Statistics
Optional applied route covering discrete and continuous random variables, the Poisson and exponential distributions, hypothesis-test errors, chi-squared tests, t-distribution inference and confidence intervals.
13
Optional application: Discrete mathematics
Optional applied route covering graphs and networks, network flows, linear programming, critical path analysis, game theory and binary operations.

F·03BiologyBiology8 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Biology (AQA 7402), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

8 · Topics mapped

01
Biological molecules
Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, plus water, ions, enzymes and ATP.
02
Cells
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure, cell division, transport across membranes, and the immune system.
03
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Surface-area-to-volume relationships and gas exchange, digestion and absorption, and mass transport in animals and plants.
04
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
DNA, genes and protein synthesis, meiosis and genetic diversity, species classification and biodiversity.
05
Energy transfers in and between organisms
Photosynthesis, respiration, energy flow through ecosystems and nutrient cycling (A-level only).
06
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Stimuli and responses, nervous and hormonal coordination, muscle contraction and homeostasis (A-level only).
07
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
Inheritance, allele frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg principle, natural selection, speciation and ecosystem dynamics (A-level only).
08
The control of gene expression
Gene mutation, regulation of transcription and translation, epigenetics, cancer and gene technologies (A-level only).

F·04ChemistryChemistry18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Chemistry (AQA 7405), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

18 · Topics mapped

01
Atomic structure
Sub-atomic particles, mass spectrometry, electron configuration and the arrangement of electrons in atoms.
02
Amount of substance
The mole, the Avogadro constant, molar calculations, empirical and molecular formulae, and ideal gas and reacting-quantity calculations.
03
Bonding
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, intermolecular forces, electronegativity, molecular shapes and the properties of the different structures.
04
Energetics
Enthalpy changes, calorimetry, Hess's law and bond enthalpies used to determine reaction energy changes.
05
Kinetics
Collision theory, the effect of temperature, concentration and catalysts on reaction rate, and Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions.
06
Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier's principle and Kc
Dynamic equilibrium, factors affecting equilibrium position, the equilibrium constant Kc and its application to industrial processes.
07
Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
Oxidation states, identifying oxidation and reduction, and constructing balanced half-equations and overall redox equations.
08
Thermodynamics, rate equations and further equilibria (A-level)
Born-Haber cycles and entropy/free energy, rate equations and orders of reaction, Kp for homogeneous gas systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, and acid-base equilibria including pH and buffers.
09
Periodicity
Classification of elements in the Periodic Table and trends in physical and chemical properties across periods.
10
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Trends in reactivity, solubility and reactions of the alkaline earth metals and their compounds.
11
Group 7(17), the halogens
Trends in the properties and reactivity of the halogens, their displacement reactions and uses of halide ions.
12
Period 3 elements, transition metals and reactions of ions in solution (A-level)
Reactions of Period 3 elements and their oxides, the chemistry of transition metals including complexes, colour, catalysis and variable oxidation states, and reactions of metal-aqua ions in aqueous solution.
13
Introduction to organic chemistry
Nomenclature, functional groups, isomerism, reaction mechanisms and the principles underpinning organic chemistry.
14
Alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes and alcohols
The structures, reactions and mechanisms of the core homologous series including substitution, elimination, addition and oxidation reactions.
15
Organic analysis
Identification of functional groups by test-tube reactions and the use of mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy to determine structure.
16
Optical isomerism, carbonyls, carboxylic acids and aromatic chemistry (A-level)
Optical isomerism, the chemistry of aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and the reactions of aromatic (benzene) compounds and amines.
17
Polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, and organic synthesis (A-level)
Addition and condensation polymers, the chemistry of amino acids, proteins, enzymes and DNA, and the design of multi-step synthetic routes.
18
NMR spectroscopy and chromatography (A-level)
Proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chromatographic techniques for separating and identifying substances.

F·05PhysicsPhysics13 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Physics (AQA 7408), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

13 · Topics mapped

01
Measurements and their errors
Covers SI units, the use of significant figures, estimation, and the treatment of measurement uncertainty and experimental errors across physics.
02
Particles and radiation
Introduces the constituents of the atom, fundamental particles, antiparticles, the four forces, the photoelectric effect, and energy levels in atoms.
03
Waves
Examines progressive and stationary waves, wave properties such as interference and diffraction, refraction, and the behaviour of light through optical fibres.
04
Mechanics and materials
Deals with forces, moments, motion under gravity, Newton's laws, momentum, work, energy, power, and the mechanical properties of materials including stress and strain.
05
Electricity
Covers current, potential difference, resistance and resistivity, electrical circuits, electromotive force, internal resistance, and the behaviour of components.
06
Further mechanics and thermal physics
A-level content on circular motion, simple harmonic motion, thermal energy transfer, the gas laws, and the kinetic theory of ideal gases.
07
Fields and their consequences
A-level study of gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, capacitance, and electromagnetic induction, treating fields in a unified way.
08
Nuclear physics
A-level content on radioactivity, nuclear decay and stability, nuclear radius, mass-energy equivalence, and nuclear fission and fusion.
09
Astrophysics (optional)
Optional A-level module on optical and non-optical telescopes, stellar classification, distance measurement, and cosmology including the expanding universe.
10
Medical physics (optional)
Optional A-level module on the physics of the eye and ear, biological measurement, and medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound and MRI.
11
Engineering physics (optional)
Optional A-level module on rotational dynamics, moment of inertia, angular momentum, and thermodynamics including engine cycles and the second law.
12
Turning points in physics (optional)
Optional A-level module exploring landmark discoveries such as the electron, wave-particle duality, and special relativity and their impact on physics.
13
Electronics (optional)
Optional A-level module on discrete semiconductor devices, analogue and digital signals, operational amplifiers, sensing systems, and signal processing.

F·06Computer ScienceCompSci14 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Computer Science (AQA 7517), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

14 · Topics mapped

01
Fundamentals of programming
Core programming constructs and techniques including data types, variables, sequence/selection/iteration, subroutines, object-oriented programming and exception handling.
02
Fundamentals of data structures
Abstract and concrete data structures such as arrays, records, lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs and hash tables, with their representation and operations.
03
Fundamentals of algorithms
Standard algorithms for traversing, searching and sorting data, plus optimisation methods like Dijkstra's shortest path, and reasoning about their behaviour.
04
Theory of computation
Computational thinking, abstraction and problem decomposition, finite state machines, Turing machines, regular and context-free languages, and measuring algorithmic complexity.
05
Fundamentals of data representation
Number systems and bases, binary arithmetic, character and image/sound encoding, data compression, encryption and error-checking techniques.
06
Fundamentals of computer systems
Hardware and software components, classification of programming languages and translators, Boolean algebra, logic gates and the software development lifecycle.
07
Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
Internal processor structure, the fetch-execute cycle, addressing modes, factors affecting performance, types of storage, and external/embedded systems.
08
Consequences of uses of computing
The moral, ethical, legal, cultural and social impacts and risks of digital technology on individuals and society.
09
Fundamentals of communication and networking
Communication principles, networking topologies, protocols and the TCP/IP stack, network security, and client-server and web technologies.
10
Fundamentals of databases
Conceptual data modelling and entity relationships, relational database design, normalisation, SQL querying and transaction processing.
11
Big Data
The characteristics and challenges of very large, fast and varied data sets, including distributed/functional processing approaches and machine learning context.
12
Fundamentals of functional programming
Functional programming concepts such as functions as first-class objects, function application and composition, and list processing operations.
13
Systematic approach to problem solving
Applying a structured, analytical methodology to solving problems, including writing specifications and designing, developing and testing solutions.
14
Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project
An independently developed practical programming project covering analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation of a substantial solution.

F·07PsychologyPsychology17 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Psychology (AQA 7182), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

17 · Topics mapped

01
Social influence
Studies how conformity, obedience, social roles, minority influence and resistance shape behaviour, alongside the role of social change.
02
Memory
Covers models of memory such as the multi-store and working memory models, explanations for forgetting, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
03
Attachment
Examines caregiver-infant interactions, animal studies, explanations and types of attachment, deprivation, and the influence of early attachment on later life.
04
Psychopathology
Explores definitions of abnormality together with the characteristics, explanations and treatments of phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
05
Approaches in Psychology
Compares the behaviourist, social learning, cognitive, biological, psychodynamic and humanistic approaches and their origins in the discipline.
06
Biopsychology
Studies the nervous and endocrine systems, neurons and synaptic transmission, localisation and plasticity of brain function, biological rhythms and ways of investigating the brain.
07
Research methods
Develops understanding of experimental and non-experimental methods, scientific processes, data handling, and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
08
Issues and debates in Psychology
Considers gender and culture bias, free will versus determinism, the nature-nurture debate, holism, reductionism, idiographic and nomothetic approaches, and ethical implications.
09
Relationships
Optional topic examining the evolution and theories of romantic relationships, factors affecting attraction, and virtual and parasocial relationships.
10
Gender
Optional topic exploring sex and gender, androgyny, biological, cognitive and psychodynamic explanations of gender development, and atypical gender identity.
11
Cognition and development
Optional topic covering Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories of cognitive development, the development of social cognition, and the role of the brain.
12
Schizophrenia
Optional topic addressing classification and diagnosis, biological and psychological explanations, drug and psychological therapies, and the interactionist approach.
13
Eating behaviour
Optional topic investigating explanations for food preference, the neural and hormonal control of eating, and explanations of anorexia nervosa and obesity.
14
Stress
Optional topic covering the physiology of stress, its links to illness, sources of stress, individual differences, and methods of managing and coping with stress.
15
Aggression
Optional topic exploring neural, hormonal, genetic, evolutionary and social explanations of aggression, plus institutional aggression and media influences.
16
Forensic Psychology
Optional topic examining definitions of crime, offender profiling, biological and psychological explanations of offending, and approaches to dealing with offenders.
17
Addiction
Optional topic addressing the description of addiction, risk factors, explanations of nicotine and gambling addiction, and approaches to reducing addiction.

F·08EconomicsEconomics14 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Economics (AQA 7136), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

14 · Topics mapped

01
Economic methodology and the economic problem
Introduces economics as a social science, the nature of scarcity, choice and opportunity cost, and how production possibility frontiers illustrate the allocation of finite resources.
02
Individual economic decision making
Examines consumer behaviour, utility, demand and the insights of behavioural economics into why people do not always act as rational maximisers.
03
Price determination in a competitive market
Covers how demand, supply, elasticities and the price mechanism interact to set prices and allocate resources in competitive markets.
04
Production, costs and revenue
Explores the relationship between inputs and outputs, the law of diminishing returns, economies of scale, and the cost, revenue and profit positions of firms.
05
Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
Analyses how different market structures, from perfect competition through monopolistic competition and oligopoly to monopoly, affect firm conduct, pricing and efficiency.
06
The labour market
Studies the demand for and supply of labour, wage determination, the effects of imperfections such as trade unions and monopsony, and government intervention in labour markets.
07
The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality
Considers how income and wealth are distributed, the causes and measurement of poverty and inequality, and policies that affect them.
08
The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets
Examines causes of market failure such as externalities, public goods and information gaps, and the policies governments use to correct them, including the risk of government failure.
09
The measurement of macroeconomic performance
Introduces the key macroeconomic indicators including economic growth, inflation, unemployment and the balance of payments, and how they are measured.
10
How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis and related concepts
Develops the circular flow of income and aggregate demand and aggregate supply model to explain how the macroeconomy operates.
11
Economic performance
Analyses the determinants of economic growth, employment, inflation and macroeconomic equilibrium, and the trade-offs between policy objectives over the economic cycle.
12
Financial markets and monetary policy
Explores the role of money and financial markets, the functions of central banks, and how monetary policy is used to influence the economy.
13
Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
Examines government spending, taxation and budget positions alongside supply-side measures designed to improve the economy's productive potential.
14
The international economy
Covers globalisation, international trade and protectionism, exchange rates, the balance of payments and the economics of development.

F·09BusinessBusiness10 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Business (AQA 7132), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

10 · Topics mapped

01
What is business?
Introduces the nature and purpose of business, mission and objectives, different forms of ownership and the role of enterprise and entrepreneurs in a changing environment.
02
Managers, leadership and decision making
Examines management and leadership styles and how decisions are made using data, decision trees and an understanding of the influence of stakeholders.
03
Marketing management
Covers setting marketing objectives, researching and analysing markets and consumer behaviour, and designing and managing the marketing mix to meet customer needs.
04
Operational management
Looks at setting operational objectives and improving efficiency, quality, capacity, inventory and supplier relationships across goods and services.
05
Financial management
Addresses financial objectives, sources of finance, cash flow and budgets, break-even analysis, profit and the interpretation of financial performance.
06
Human resource management
Explores HR objectives, workforce planning, organisational design, motivation theory, employee engagement and the management of employer-employee relations.
07
Analysing the strategic position of a business
Assesses a firm's internal position through financial ratios and core competences and its external position using economic, political, social, technological and competitive analysis.
08
Choosing strategic direction
Considers how businesses select strategic options for products and markets, including the use of frameworks such as Ansoff's matrix and Porter's generic strategies.
09
Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
Examines methods of growth and retrenchment, organic and inorganic expansion, the impact of globalisation and the use of digital technology to implement strategy.
10
Managing strategic change
Investigates the causes and management of change, scenario planning, organisational culture, and the challenges of implementing and overcoming resistance to strategy.

F·10SociologySociology15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Sociology (AQA 7192), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

15 · Topics mapped

01
Socialisation, Culture and Identity (core theme)
A theme running throughout the course examining how individuals acquire norms, values and a sense of self through the institutions and processes of socialisation and culture.
02
Social Differentiation, Power and Stratification (core theme)
A theme applied across all content areas exploring inequality, the distribution of power, and how society is divided by class, gender, ethnicity and other factors.
03
Sociological Theories, Perspectives and Methods
The integral study of competing sociological perspectives alongside research methods, evaluating their assumptions, strengths and limitations.
04
Education
Compulsory study of the role and functions of the education system, differential achievement by social group, and the impact of educational policy in the UK.
05
Methods in Context (applied to Education)
Analysis of how particular research methods can be applied to investigating educational issues and the practical, ethical and theoretical issues involved.
06
Culture and Identity (optional topic)
Examination of different conceptions of culture and the formation of identities in relation to class, gender, ethnicity, nationality, age and disability.
07
Families and Households (optional topic)
Study of the relationship between families and social structure and change, family diversity, roles within the household, demography and childhood.
08
Health (optional topic)
Investigation of the social construction of health, illness and the body, inequalities in health and provision, and the sociology of the medical profession.
09
Work, Poverty and Welfare (optional topic)
Analysis of the nature and distribution of poverty and wealth, the organisation and experience of work, and responses through welfare provision.
10
Beliefs in Society (optional topic)
Study of ideology, science and religion as belief systems, religious organisations and movements, and the relationship between religion and social change and secularisation.
11
Global Development (optional topic)
Examination of theories and aspects of development, globalisation, the role of aid, trade and institutions, and development in relation to industrialisation, employment, gender and health.
12
The Media (optional topic)
Study of the ownership and control of the media, processes of selection and representation, and the relationship between the media, audiences and society including new media.
13
Stratification and Differentiation (optional topic)
Analysis of theories of stratification, the dimensions of inequality by class, status and power, and patterns of social mobility and life chances.
14
Crime and Deviance
Compulsory study of the social distribution and explanations of crime and deviance, control and punishment, victimisation, and the role of globalisation and the media.
15
Theory and Methods (with Crime and Deviance)
Integrated study of sociological theories and research methods, including the relationship between theory and methods and the question of sociology as a science.

F·11PoliticsPolitics18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Politics (AQA 7152), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

18 · Topics mapped

01
The British Constitution
Examines the nature and sources of the UK's uncodified constitution and the debates over its development and reform.
02
Parliament
Covers the structure, functions and powers of the Commons and Lords and how Parliament holds government to account and makes law.
03
The Prime Minister and Cabinet
Studies the role, powers and relationships of the PM and Cabinet and the factors shaping prime ministerial dominance.
04
The UK Judiciary
Looks at the role and independence of the senior judiciary and its influence on government, rights and the rule of law.
05
Devolution
Explores the transfer of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and its impact on the UK's territorial governance.
06
Democracy and Participation in the UK
Assesses forms of democracy, levels of participation, rights protection and debates about a participation crisis.
07
Elections and Referendums
Analyses UK electoral systems, the effects of different systems and the use and impact of referendums.
08
UK Political Parties
Examines the origins, ideas, policies and funding of the main and minor parties within the UK party system.
09
Pressure Groups and Other Influences
Studies how pressure groups, lobbyists and other organisations seek to influence UK political decision-making.
10
The UK and the European Union
Considers the aims of the EU, its impact on UK politics and sovereignty, and the consequences of withdrawal.
11
The US Constitution and Federalism
Covers the framework of the US Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances and the federal system.
12
US Congress
Examines the structure, powers and effectiveness of the House and Senate in representation, legislation and oversight.
13
The US Presidency
Analyses the formal and informal powers of the President and the constraints on the executive branch.
14
The US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
Studies the Supreme Court, judicial review, landmark rulings and the protection of civil liberties and rights.
15
US Democracy, Parties and Pressure Groups
Explores US elections, the electoral college, the two main parties, factions and the role of pressure groups.
16
Comparative Politics: UK and USA
Compares the two systems' constitutions, branches, electoral and party systems, pressure groups and rights using comparative approaches.
17
Core Political Ideas
Studies the core ideologies of liberalism, conservatism and socialism, including their key thinkers and internal traditions.
18
An Optional Political Idea
Covers one further ideology chosen from nationalism, feminism, multiculturalism, anarchism or ecologism and its key thinkers.

F·12LawLaw16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Law (AQA 7162), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

16 · Topics mapped

01
The Nature of Law
Examines what distinguishes legal rules from other social rules and explores the relationships between law and society, morality, justice, and the concept of fault.
02
The Rule of Law
Considers the principle that no one may be punished except under the law, alongside ideas of equality before the law and the need for clear, accessible rules.
03
Parliamentary Law Making and Delegated Legislation
Covers how Parliament creates statute and the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy, together with powers delegated through Orders in Council, statutory instruments and bylaws.
04
Statutory Interpretation and Judicial Precedent
Looks at how judges read and apply Acts of Parliament using the established rules and approaches, and how the doctrine of binding precedent operates within the court hierarchy.
05
Law Reform and the Influence of the European Union
Reviews the work of bodies such as the Law Commission in reforming the law and the role of EU institutions and sources within the English legal system.
06
The Civil and Criminal Courts and Dispute Resolution
Surveys the structure of the civil and criminal courts and the alternative routes through which legal disputes may be resolved.
07
Legal Personnel, the Judiciary and Access to Justice
Examines the roles of solicitors, barristers, lay magistrates and juries, judicial independence, and the means by which people obtain legal advice and funding.
08
General Elements of Criminal Liability
Establishes the foundational requirements of a criminal offence, including actus reus, mens rea, causation and the underlying theory of harm in criminal law.
09
Fatal and Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person
Covers murder and the forms of manslaughter alongside the range of assault and wounding offences committed against another person.
10
Property Offences and Preliminary Offences
Addresses offences such as theft and robbery together with inchoate liability for attempting to commit a crime.
11
Criminal Defences
Considers the general defences available to a defendant, grouped into those concerning capacity and those based on necessity or compulsion.
12
Negligence and the Tort of Nuisance
Examines liability in negligence for personal injury, property damage, economic loss and psychiatric harm, together with private nuisance and the rule in Rylands v Fletcher.
13
Occupiers' Liability, Vicarious Liability and Tort Remedies
Covers the duties owed to visitors and trespassers, an employer's liability for the acts of others, and the available tortious defences and remedies.
14
Formation and Terms of a Contract
Explores the essential requirements for a valid agreement and the express, implied, statutory and exclusion terms that make up its content.
15
Vitiating Factors, Discharge and Contract Remedies
Looks at factors such as misrepresentation and duress that undermine a contract, the ways a contract may end, and the remedies for breach.
16
Human Rights Law and the European Convention
Examines the theory and international framework of human rights, the protections in key Convention articles, their domestic effect under the Human Rights Act 1998, enforcement and reform.

F·13Media StudiesMedia15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Media Studies (AQA 7572), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

15 · Topics mapped

01
The Theoretical Framework of Media
An overarching analytical model built from four interlocking areas through which all media products are studied across the course.
02
Media Language
How media products use codes, conventions, modes and technical elements to construct and communicate layers of meaning.
03
Media Representation
How media products portray events, issues, social groups and identities, and the values and viewpoints these portrayals encode.
04
Media Industries
How ownership, funding, production, distribution and regulation shape media products within commercial and institutional contexts.
05
Media Audiences
How audiences are categorised, targeted, reached and how they receive, interpret and use media in differing ways.
06
Media Theories and Theorists
A set body of academic theories, including semiotics, narratology, genre, representation, regulation and fandom, applied to analyse products.
07
Contexts of the Media
The social, cultural, political, economic and historical circumstances that influence how media products are made and understood.
08
Media Forms and Platforms
Study across a required range of forms including television, film industry, radio, newspapers, magazines, advertising, online and social media, video games and music video.
09
Close Study Products (CSPs)
A defined set of prescribed media texts examined in depth as the basis for applying the theoretical framework in the examinations.
10
Television in the Global Age
In-depth study of set long-form television products analysed across all four framework areas and their contexts.
11
Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
Comparative study of contrasting print magazines exploring media language, representation, industry and audience.
12
Media in the Online Age
Study of online, social and participatory media products and the ways digital platforms reshape production and audience interaction.
13
Extended Response and Synopticity
The skill of drawing together knowledge from different areas of the specification to build sustained, evaluative arguments.
14
Cross-Media Study (NEA Foundation)
Analytical groundwork comparing how related products work across two media forms, underpinning the production brief.
15
Non-Exam Assessment: Media Production
Creating an original cross-media product for an intended audience by applying the theoretical framework to a set brief.

F·14HistoryHistory16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level History (AQA 7042), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

16 · Topics mapped

01
Component 1: Breadth study (Period studies)
An externally examined study of change and continuity across a span of roughly a century or more, chosen from a set of period options covering British, European and world history.
02
1C The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
A breadth option tracing the establishment and consolidation of Tudor monarchy through religious, political, economic and social change across the dynasty.
03
1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964
A breadth option examining the development and collapse of autocracy and the rise of the Soviet state across reform, revolution and dictatorship.
04
1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865-1975
A breadth option following America's transformation from Reconstruction to global superpower through expansion, economic growth and social conflict.
05
1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871-1991
A breadth option charting Germany's search for stable government from unification through empire, republic, dictatorship and division to reunification.
06
Component 2: Depth study (Thematic studies with sources)
An externally examined in-depth study of a shorter period, assessing the analysis and evaluation of primary source material alongside causation and significance.
07
2E The English Revolution, 1625-1660
A depth option exploring the breakdown of relations between Crown and Parliament, civil war, regicide and the experiment in republican government.
08
2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917-1953
A depth option analysing the Bolshevik seizure of power and the consolidation of Communist rule through Lenin's and Stalin's regimes.
09
2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918-1945
A depth option investigating the fragility of Weimar democracy, the rise of the Nazi Party and the nature of the Nazi state and its impact.
10
2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945-1980
A depth option assessing post-war American society, prosperity, civil rights and political turbulence against the ideal of the American Dream.
11
2R The Cold War, c1945-1991
A depth option examining the origins, escalation and easing of superpower rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
12
Component 3: Historical investigation (Non-exam assessment)
An independently researched personal study, typically spanning around a hundred years, in which students form a question and reach a substantiated judgement.
13
Analysing change and continuity over time
A required skill of identifying and explaining patterns of development, turning points, similarity and difference across the periods studied.
14
Causation, consequence and historical significance
A required focus on explaining why events happened, their effects, and assessing the relative importance of factors and developments.
15
Analysis and evaluation of primary sources
The skill of weighing the value of contemporary source material with regard to its content, context, provenance, tone and purpose.
16
Historical interpretations and historians' debates
The study of how and why the past has been interpreted differently, evaluating differing scholarly arguments and judgements.

F·15GeographyGeography12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Geography (AQA 7037), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Water and Carbon Cycles
Compulsory physical core examining the stores and fluxes of water and carbon at or near the Earth's surface and their links to climate and life.
02
Hot Desert Systems and Landscapes
Compulsory physical option (alternative to coasts or glaciers within the dryland set) studying arid landforms shaped by limited moisture, wind and water processes, plus desertification.
03
Coastal Systems and Landscapes
Physical landscape option exploring coasts as dynamic systems where winds, waves, currents and sediment interact to create distinctive landforms and management challenges.
04
Glacial Systems and Landscapes
Physical landscape option investigating past and present glaciated environments, glacial and periglacial processes, resulting landforms and human pressures on them.
05
Hazards
Optional physical topic analysing natural hazards such as tectonic, storm and wildfire events, their impacts on people and approaches to risk and response.
06
Ecosystems Under Stress
Optional physical topic focusing on biosphere and ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and the strains placed on ecosystems by human activity and management.
07
Global Systems and Global Governance
Compulsory human core on globalisation flows of capital, labour, goods, services and information, and the international institutions and frameworks that govern them.
08
Changing Places
Compulsory human core requiring study of two contrasting places, examining how endogenous and exogenous factors shape their character, meaning and lived experience.
09
Contemporary Urban Environments
Optional human topic on urbanisation, urban forms and processes, environmental issues and the pursuit of sustainable, liveable cities.
10
Population and the Environment
Optional human topic exploring relationships between population, climate, soils, food and health, and the environmental dimensions of population change.
11
Resource Security
Optional human topic examining the supply, demand and management of water, energy and mineral resources and the geopolitical and sustainability tensions they raise.
12
Geographical Skills and the Independent Fieldwork Investigation
Mandatory non-exam assessment and skills strand requiring a student-led independent investigation incorporating fieldwork, alongside qualitative, quantitative, cartographic and statistical skills.

F·16English LiteratureEng Lit14 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level English Literature A (AQA 7712), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

14 · Topics mapped

01
Love Through the Ages: Shakespeare
A close study of one set Shakespeare play, examining how representations of love are shaped across different dramatic genres and through dramatic method.
02
Love Through the Ages: Unseen Poetry
Critical response to previously unstudied poems, applying close-reading and interpretive skills to representations of love without prior preparation.
03
Love Through the Ages: Comparative Poetry and Prose
An open-book comparison of one poetry text and one prose text on the theme of love, at least one of which was written before 1900.
04
The Theme of Love Across Time and Genre
A diachronic exploration of how love is represented by different writers and in different forms from the past to the present, including study of an anthology of love poetry.
05
Texts in Shared Contexts: Option A – WW1 and Its Aftermath
A period-focused study of literature responding to the First World War and its impact on combatants, non-combatants and later generations.
06
Texts in Shared Contexts: Option B – Modern Times (1945 to the Present)
A period-focused study of post-1945 literature engaging with identity, shifting morality, social structures and issues of gender, class, race and ethnicity.
07
Set Texts in a Shared Context
Study of prescribed prose, poetry and drama texts within the chosen historical period, building a shared interpretive framework for the era.
08
Unseen Prose in Context
Analysis of an unfamiliar prose extract, locating its meaning and method within the cultural and historical context of the chosen option.
09
Comparative Study Within a Period
Synchronic comparison of texts from the same period, drawing connections in theme, method and contextual significance.
10
Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time (NEA)
A teacher-assessed comparative essay on two independently chosen texts (at least one pre-1900), compared either across or within periods.
11
Contexts of Production and Reception
Understanding how the historical, social, cultural and biographical circumstances of writing and reading shape a text's meanings over time.
12
Literary Genre, Form and Method
Analysis of how writers' choices of genre, structure, form and language create meaning across poetry, prose and drama.
13
Connections Across Literary Texts
Exploring links, similarities and differences between texts to develop informed comparative interpretations.
14
Critical Interpretations and Different Readings
Engagement with the ways texts have been received and interpreted by different readers and critics, and how meanings are debated and contested.

F·17English LanguageEng Lang12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level English Language (AQA 7702), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Methods of language analysis
The core linguistic frameworks applied throughout the course, covering phonetics, phonology and prosodics, lexis and semantics, grammar and morphology, pragmatics, discourse and graphology.
02
Textual variations and representations
Analysing how a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts are shaped by audience, purpose, genre and mode, and how they construct meanings, identities and representations.
03
Children's language development
Studying how children acquire spoken and written language, including phonological and grammatical progression, the functions of language, and relevant developmental theories and research.
04
Language diversity
Exploring how English varies according to personal, social and geographical context, including sociolects, dialects, occupation, gender and other group identities.
05
Language change
Examining how English has changed over time from roughly 1600 to the present across lexis, grammar, semantics, spelling and orthography, and the social and technological causes behind it.
06
Language discourses
Critically evaluating how texts represent language and attitudes towards it, and how such texts position and seek to influence readers within wider public debates.
07
Language and identity
Investigating how individuals and groups construct and signal identity through language choices, an emphasis distinctive to the full A-level.
08
Varieties of English
Developing deeper understanding of historical, geographical, social and individual varieties of English and how language is interpreted across differing contexts.
09
Writing skills for language study
Producing discursive academic essays, analytical writing situating texts within language debates, and accessible directed writing communicating language issues to general audiences.
10
Language investigation
Conducting an independent, data-led study of a self-chosen language topic, designing research questions, collecting original data and applying linguistic methods to interpret findings.
11
Original writing and commentary
Creating an original piece in persuasion, storytelling or information based on an annotated style model, accompanied by a reflective commentary on choices, process and effectiveness.
12
Critical evaluation of attitudes to language
Synthesising knowledge across the course to assess and challenge attitudes towards language and its users, connecting the different areas of study as a whole.

F·18PhilosophyPhilosophy17 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Philosophy (AQA 7172), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

17 · Topics mapped

01
What is knowledge?
Distinguishes acquaintance, ability and propositional knowledge, and examines whether propositional knowledge can be defined as justified true belief in light of Gettier-style counterexamples and revised analyses.
02
Perception as a source of knowledge
Compares theories of how the external world is perceived, including direct realism, indirect realism and Berkeley's idealism, alongside their main objections.
03
Reason as a source of knowledge
Investigates rationalist claims that some knowledge is innate or gained through intuition and deduction, set against empiricist responses such as the tabula rasa view.
04
The limits of knowledge
Explores philosophical scepticism, the distinction between local and global doubt, Descartes' sceptical arguments and various attempts to answer them.
05
Normative ethical theories
Studies the three main approaches to right action and the good life: utilitarianism, Kantian deontological ethics and Aristotelian virtue ethics.
06
Applied ethics
Applies the normative and meta-ethical theories to concrete moral issues such as stealing, simulated killing, eating animals and lying.
07
Meta-ethics
Examines the status and meaning of moral language and judgements through moral realism and anti-realism, including cognitivist and non-cognitivist positions.
08
The concept and nature of God
Analyses the divine attributes of omniscience, omnipotence and supreme goodness, God's relationship to time, and arguments that the concept of God is incoherent.
09
Ontological arguments
Assesses a priori arguments that God's existence follows from the concept of God, drawing on thinkers such as Anselm and their critics.
10
Teleological (design) arguments
Evaluates arguments from apparent order, purpose or fine-tuning in the universe to the existence of a designer, together with objections to them.
11
Cosmological arguments
Considers arguments from causation, contingency and the existence of the universe to a first cause or necessary being, and the challenges they face.
12
The problem of evil
Explores the logical and evidential problems posed by suffering and wrongdoing for belief in an omnipotent and benevolent God, and theodicies offered in response.
13
Religious language
Investigates whether religious statements are meaningful, contrasting cognitivism with non-cognitivism and the verification and falsification debates.
14
What do we mean by 'mind'?
Examines the defining features of mental states, including phenomenal properties (qualia) and intentionality, as the starting point for theories of mind.
15
Dualist theories of mind
Studies substance dualism and property dualism, including Descartes' arguments and the conceivability and knowledge arguments, with their objections.
16
Physicalist theories of mind
Evaluates physicalist accounts such as philosophical behaviourism, mind-brain type identity theory and eliminative materialism, and the difficulties each faces.
17
Functionalism
Considers the view that mental states are defined by their functional roles rather than their physical make-up, alongside problems such as qualia and the Chinese Room.

F·19Religious StudiesRS16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Religious Studies (AQA 7062), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

16 · Topics mapped

01
Arguments for the existence of God
Examines the design, ontological and cosmological arguments for God's existence alongside their major philosophical criticisms.
02
Evil and suffering
Considers the problem of evil as a challenge to belief in God and the main theistic responses or theodicies.
03
Religious experience
Explores types of religious experience such as visions, numinous and mystical encounters and what they suggest about God.
04
Verifying religious experiences
Assesses how far religious experiences can be authenticated, including scientific challenges and Swinburne's principles of credulity and testimony.
05
Religious language
Investigates whether statements about God are meaningful, addressing cognitive and non-cognitive views and the verification and falsification debates.
06
Miracles
Analyses differing definitions of miracle and philosophical debates about whether miracles can occur and be believed.
07
Self, death and the afterlife
Studies concepts of the soul, body and personal identity together with views on the possibility of life after death.
08
Normative ethical theories
Introduces deontological, teleological and character-based approaches including natural moral law, situation ethics and virtue ethics.
09
Application of ethical theories to life and death issues
Applies natural moral law, situation ethics and virtue ethics to practical questions of human and non-human life and death.
10
Introduction to meta ethics
Explores the meaning of moral terms such as right and wrong and whether ethical statements describe objective facts.
11
Free will and moral responsibility
Examines debates over freedom and determinism and their implications for holding people morally accountable.
12
Conscience
Compares psychological and theological accounts of conscience and its role in making moral decisions.
13
Bentham and Kant
Studies the contrasting ethical frameworks of Bentham's utilitarianism and Kant's duty-based moral philosophy.
14
Study of a chosen religion
In-depth study of one religion (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam or Judaism) covering its sources, beliefs, practices and lived expression.
15
Dialogue between the chosen religion and philosophy of religion
Evaluates how the studied religion interacts with and is challenged by ideas from the philosophy of religion.
16
Dialogue between the chosen religion and ethics
Evaluates how the studied religion engages with and responds to issues raised by ethical studies.

F·20FrenchFrench15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level French (AQA 7652), against the DfE/Ofqual modern foreign languages subject content.

15 · Topics mapped

01
The changing nature of family
Examines shifting family structures in French-speaking societies, including relations across generations, single-parent and same-sex families, blended families and new trends in couple relationships.
02
The 'cyber-society'
Explores who internet users are, how technology eases everyday life and the risks the digital society poses.
03
The place of voluntary work
Looks at who volunteers are and what they do, and the value of volunteering both for those helped and for those who help.
04
The positive features of a diverse society
Considers the enrichment brought by ethnic diversity, the themes of tolerance and respect, and diversity as a lifelong lesson.
05
Life for the marginalised
Studies who the marginalised in French-speaking society are, what help is available to them and prevailing attitudes towards them.
06
How criminals are treated
Investigates attitudes to crime, whether prison succeeds or fails, and alternative forms of punishment.
07
A culture proud of its heritage
Examines national, regional and local heritage, how it reflects culture and its relationship with tourism in the French-speaking world.
08
Contemporary francophone music
Explores the diversity of present-day francophone music, how audiences engage with it and how this music is being preserved.
09
Cinema: the seventh art form
Considers why cinema is seen as the seventh art, its place as a national passion and its evolution and key developments.
10
Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment
Debates arguments for and against youth voting, adolescent political engagement and what it means for the future of politics.
11
Demonstrations and strikes: who holds the power?
Looks at trade-union power, the effectiveness of protest action and differing attitudes to these political tensions.
12
Politics and immigration
Examines immigration from a political angle, including political solutions, the stance of political parties and immigrants' own political engagement.
13
Literary texts and films (Works)
Requires critical study, in French, of either one set text and one film or two set texts drawn from the prescribed list of francophone literature and cinema.
14
Individual research project
Develops independent research skills through investigation of a self-chosen sub-theme relating to the French-speaking world, presented and discussed in the speaking assessment.
15
Grammar
Covers the prescribed range of French grammatical structures, including verb tenses and moods, that must be understood and used accurately across all skills.

F·21SpanishSpanish16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Spanish (AQA 7692), against the DfE/Ofqual modern foreign languages subject content.

16 · Topics mapped

01
Modern and Traditional Values
Examines changing family structures, attitudes to marriage and divorce, and the influence of the Catholic Church in Hispanic society.
02
Cyberspace
Explores the impact of the internet, the benefits and dangers of social media, and the role of smartphones in contemporary society.
03
Equal Rights
Considers women in the workplace, machismo and feminism, and the rights of gay and transgender people.
04
Immigration
Looks at the benefits and drawbacks of immigration across the Spanish-speaking world and the problems faced by undocumented migrants.
05
Racism
Studies racist and xenophobic attitudes alongside measures and anti-racism legislation aimed at countering them.
06
Integration
Addresses the coexistence of cultures, the role of education, and the part played by religion in fostering integration.
07
Modern-Day Idols
Investigates the influence of singers, musicians, television and film stars, and models on Hispanic culture.
08
Spanish Regional Identity
Focuses on the traditions, customs, gastronomy, and languages that shape regional identity within Spain.
09
Cultural Heritage
Covers historic and pre-Hispanic sites, art and architecture, and the diversity of the Hispanic musical heritage.
10
Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Citizens
Examines young people's engagement with politics, youth unemployment, and their vision of an ideal society.
11
Monarchies and Dictatorships
Studies the Franco dictatorship, the evolution of the Spanish monarchy, and Latin American dictators.
12
Popular Movements
Considers the effectiveness of demonstrations and strikes, the power of trade unions, and examples of social protest.
13
Literary Texts and Film
Requires detailed study of either one set text and one film, or two set texts, from the prescribed list, with critical analysis in the writing paper.
14
Individual Research Project
An independently chosen sub-theme linked to the course themes, presented and discussed in the speaking examination.
15
Grammar
Underpins all skills, covering the morphology and syntax required at A-level including tenses, moods, and complex structures.
16
Translation
Develops accurate translation of passages into both English and Spanish, assessed within the listening, reading and writing paper.

F·22GermanGerman15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level German (AQA 7662), against the DfE/Ofqual modern foreign languages subject content.

15 · Topics mapped

01
The changing state of the family
Examines relationships within the family, partnership and marriage, and the range of different family structures in German-speaking society.
02
The digital world
Explores the internet, social networks and the wider digitalisation of society in German-speaking countries.
03
Youth culture: fashion and trends, music and television
Considers fashion and image, the significance of music for young people, and the role television plays in their lives.
04
Festivals and traditions
Looks at the roots and origins of festivals and traditions, their social and economic importance today, and their regional variety.
05
Art and architecture
Studies notable artists and architects, the place of art and architecture in everyday life, and how they have evolved across past, present and future.
06
Cultural life in Berlin, then and now
Surveys how Berlin has been shaped by its history, its theatres, music and museums, and the diversity of its population.
07
Immigration
Investigates the reasons for migration, the advantages and disadvantages of immigration, and migration policy in German-speaking society.
08
Integration
Addresses measures to support integration, the obstacles that hinder it, and the experiences of different migrant groups.
09
Racism
Examines the victims and origins of racism and the efforts made to combat it in German-speaking society.
10
Germany and the European Union
Discusses Germany's role in Europe, the benefits and drawbacks of the EU for Germany, and the impact of EU enlargement.
11
Politics and youth
Explores young people's political engagement, the priorities of youth policy, and the values and ideals that shape them.
12
German reunification and its consequences
Covers the peaceful revolution in the GDR, reunification as aspiration versus reality, and the culture and identity of the old and new federal states.
13
Literary text and film study
Requires detailed study of one set text and one film, or two set texts, drawn from the prescribed lists, to support analytical written response.
14
Individual research project
An independently researched topic linked to one of the four sub-theme areas, presented and discussed in the speaking examination.
15
Grammar
Consolidation and extension of German grammatical structures across all four skills, as set out in the prescribed grammar annex.

F·23Art and DesignArt & Design18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Art and Design (AQA 7201-7206), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

18 · Topics mapped

01
Materials, processes and technologies
Building practical and theoretical knowledge of relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources used across art, craft and design, working in digital, non-digital or mixed media.
02
Communicating ideas, feelings and meanings
Understanding how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed and interpreted through images and artefacts.
03
Contextual and cultural understanding
Studying how images and artefacts relate to the time, place, and social and cultural contexts in which they were made.
04
Genres, styles and traditions
Examining continuity and change across different genres, styles and traditions in the history of art and design.
05
Specialist vocabulary and terminology
Developing a working vocabulary and specialist language to discuss, analyse and write about art and design.
06
Recording, research and observation
Recording experiences and observations through drawing and other visual forms, and gathering, selecting and organising visual and other information.
07
Analysis and critical judgement
Exploring resources and analysing, discussing and evaluating images, objects and artefacts to make and record independent critical judgements.
08
Developing ideas from the work of others
Using knowledge and understanding of the work of others to extend thinking and inform the development of one's own work.
09
Generating and exploring lines of enquiry
Generating and exploring potential lines of enquiry using appropriate media, techniques and processes.
10
Making, reviewing and refining work
Applying knowledge in making images and artefacts, then reviewing, modifying and refining ideas in light of one's own and others' evaluations.
11
Presenting outcomes and personal response
Organising, selecting and communicating ideas, solutions and personal responses, presenting them in visual, tactile and/or sensory forms.
12
Art, craft and design (broad-based study)
Exploring practical and critical/contextual work across a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and media spanning the disciplines.
13
Fine Art
Specialising in fine art practices such as painting, drawing, mixed-media, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking, photography and moving image.
14
Graphic Communication
Specialising in graphic disciplines including illustration, advertising, packaging, design for print, branding, multimedia, animation, and web, app and game design.
15
Textile Design
Specialising in textiles such as fashion and costume design, printed/dyed fabrics, constructed, digital, art and installed textiles, and interior textiles.
16
Three-dimensional Design
Specialising in 3D disciplines including ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, product, interior, exhibition, theatre/film-set, environmental and architectural design.
17
Photography
Specialising in lens- and light-based media including portraiture, landscape, still life, documentary, photojournalism, fashion, experimental imagery and moving image.
18
Personal Investigation and Externally Set Assignment
The two A-level assessment components: a self-directed practical and written personal investigation, and a sustained response to an externally set theme.

F·24MusicMusic11 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Music (AQA 7272), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

11 · Topics mapped

01
Performance
Students give a minimum of ten minutes of solo and/or ensemble performance as an instrumentalist, vocalist or via music technology, externally assessed as non-exam work.
02
Composition to a brief
Candidates compose a piece responding to an externally set brief, demonstrating control of musical elements within given constraints.
03
Free composition
Candidates create an original composition of their own choice of style and idiom, with a combined minimum of four and a half minutes across both composition tasks.
04
Appraising music (listening and analysis)
A written exam testing aural perception, analysis and contextual understanding through listening excerpts, set-work analysis and essay responses across the chosen areas of study.
05
Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650-1910
The compulsory strand covering the Baroque solo concerto, Mozart's operas and Romantic piano music as the core of European art music.
06
Area of study 2: Pop music
An optional strand exploring popular song writing and production through named artists such as Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Beyonce and Daft Punk.
07
Area of study 3: Music for media
An optional strand studying film, television and video-game scoring through composers including Bernard Herrmann, Hans Zimmer and Nobuo Uematsu.
08
Area of study 4: Music for theatre
An optional strand examining stage and musical-theatre writing through composers such as Kurt Weill, Richard Rodgers, Stephen Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown.
09
Area of study 5: Jazz
An optional strand tracing jazz styles and improvisation through artists from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to Miles Davis and Gwilym Simcock.
10
Area of study 6: Contemporary traditional music
An optional strand exploring folk and world traditions fused with contemporary elements through artists such as Astor Piazzolla, Toumani Diabate and Anoushka Shankar.
11
Area of study 7: Art music since 1910
An optional strand covering modern, experimental and minimalist concert music through composers including Shostakovich, Messiaen, Steve Reich and James MacMillan.

F·25Physical EducationPE17 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Physical Education (AQA 7582), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.

17 · Topics mapped

01
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
How the musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems respond and adapt to exercise, alongside the energy systems that fuel activity and recovery.
02
Skill Acquisition
How motor skills are classified, learned and refined, covering transfer, theories of learning, practice structure, guidance, feedback and memory models.
03
Sport and Society
The emergence of modern sport and its social context, examining how pre-industrial and post-industrial Britain shaped participation and access to physical activity.
04
Exercise Physiology
The effect of diet and nutrition on performance, plus principles and methods of preparation and training used to maintain and improve physical activity.
05
Preparation and Training Methods
Applying training principles, periodisation and methods such as continuous, interval, HIIT, circuit and weight training to optimise fitness for performance.
06
Injury Prevention and the Rehabilitation of Injury
Strategies for warming up, cooling down and protecting against injury, together with techniques used to treat and rehabilitate sporting injuries.
07
Biomechanical Movement
How motion and forces govern performance, including Newton's laws, force, centre of mass and the use of lever systems to analyse movement.
08
Linear, Angular and Projectile Motion
Analysis of motion in sport, covering linear and angular quantities, the conservation of angular momentum in flight and the factors affecting projectile pathways.
09
Fluid Mechanics
How air and water resistance influence performance through concepts such as drag, lift and the Bernoulli principle in sporting movement.
10
Sport Psychology
Psychological influences on the individual performer, including personality, attitudes, arousal, anxiety, aggression, motivation and social facilitation.
11
Group and Team Dynamics, Goal Setting and Attribution
How group cohesion, leadership, goal setting, attribution, self-efficacy and confidence affect the performance of individuals and teams.
12
Stress Management
Cognitive and somatic techniques used to control arousal, anxiety and stress in order to support optimal sporting performance.
13
Concepts of Physical Activity and Sport
Distinguishing physical recreation, sport and physical education, and exploring the development of elite performers through national agencies and pathways.
14
Ethics and Deviance in Sport
Sporting ethics including amateurism, sportsmanship and gamesmanship, alongside deviance such as violence and the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
15
Commercialisation, the Media and Sport
How commercialisation, sponsorship and the media interact with sport, and the legal and social impacts these relationships create for participants and audiences.
16
The Role of Technology in Physical Activity and Sport
How technology is used to collect and analyse performance data and to develop equipment and facilities for both performers and spectators.
17
Practical Performance and Analysis (Non-Exam Assessment)
Assessment as a performer or coach in one activity, plus a written analysis and evaluation of performance to identify and address areas for improvement.

F·26StatisticsStatistics18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Statistics (Pearson Edexcel 9ST0) — the only current GCE A-Level in Statistics, broader and more applied than the statistics strand inside A-Level Mathematics.

18 · Topics mapped

01
Numerical measures, graphs and diagrams
Summarising data through measures of location and spread, skewness and outliers, and choosing appropriate statistical diagrams.
02
Probability
Probability rules, conditional probability and independence, using tree, Venn and sample-space methods.
03
Population and samples
Populations versus samples, sampling units and frames, and random and non-random sampling methods.
04
Introduction to probability distributions
Discrete random variables, probability functions, and the expectation and variance of a distribution.
05
Binomial distribution
Modelling with the binomial distribution, including probabilities, mean and variance.
06
Normal distribution
The Normal model, standardisation and finding probabilities under the Normal curve.
07
Correlation and linear regression
Scatter diagrams, product-moment and Spearman's rank correlation, and least-squares regression.
08
Bayes' theorem
Updating conditional probabilities using Bayes' theorem.
09
Probability distributions
Further discrete and continuous distributions, including combining distributions.
10
Exponential and Poisson distributions
The Poisson model for counts and the exponential distribution for waiting times.
11
Introduction to hypothesis testing
Null and alternative hypotheses, significance levels, critical regions and p-values.
12
Sampling, estimates and resampling
Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, unbiased estimators and resampling.
13
Hypothesis testing, confidence intervals and power
Significance testing, confidence intervals and power for one-, two- and paired-sample tests.
14
Contingency tables
Chi-squared tests for association and independence in two-way tables.
15
One and two sample non-parametric tests
Distribution-free tests, including sign and rank-based tests, for one and two samples.
16
Goodness of fit
Chi-squared goodness-of-fit tests against a specified distribution.
17
Analysis of variance
ANOVA for comparing means across groups, including effect size.
18
Experimental design
Control, randomisation, replication, blocking and treatment comparison in designed experiments.

F·27GeologyGeology13 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Geology (WJEC Eduqas) — Earth materials, processes and deep time, with optional applied and field-based themes.

13 · Topics mapped

01
Elements, minerals and rocks
The composition of the Earth and crust, silicate structures, and identification of rock-forming minerals and the three rock classes.
02
Surface and internal processes of the rock cycle
Weathering, erosion, transport and deposition together with the internal-energy processes that complete the rock cycle.
03
Time and change
Uniformitarianism and relative and absolute (radiometric) dating used to sequence geological events.
04
Earth structure and global tectonics
The internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, plate boundaries and their features.
05
Rock forming processes
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes and the interpretation of sedimentary environments.
06
Rock deformation
Folds, faults and joints, classifying faults from principal stresses, and reactivation of structures.
07
Past life and past climates
The fossil record as evidence of evolution and mass extinctions, and the reconstruction of past climates.
08
Earth materials and natural resources
Metalliferous ores, industrial minerals, hydrocarbons and coals, reservoirs, hydrogeology and prospecting.
09
Geohazards
Seismic, mass-movement, volcanic and tsunami hazards, with risk assessment, prediction and management.
10
Geological map applications
Interpreting outcrop patterns and Survey maps for sub-surface structure and for engineering and extraction.
11
Quaternary geology
Quaternary climate controls, deposits and fossil evidence for environmental change (optional theme).
12
Geological evolution of Britain
Britain's stratigraphy through terrane assembly and the Caledonian, Variscan and Alpine orogenies (optional theme).
13
Geology of the lithosphere
The Earth's heat loss, plate-driving mechanisms, formation and recycling of oceanic lithosphere and continental-crust processes (optional theme).

F·28Environmental ScienceEnv Science16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Environmental Science (AQA 7447), the reformed successor to the former Environmental Studies.

16 · Topics mapped

01
The living environment
The conditions for life on Earth and the interactions between organisms and the abiotic environment.
02
Conservation of biodiversity
The importance of biodiversity, human influences on it, and methods and priorities for conserving habitats and species.
03
Life processes in the biosphere
The roles of organisms in habitats and the life processes that inform conservation.
04
The atmosphere
Atmospheric energy processes and the structure and behaviour of the atmosphere.
05
Global climate change
The interconnected natural systems causing climate change, and ozone depletion.
06
The hydrosphere
Unsustainable exploitation of water and sustainable water management, treatment and new sources.
07
Mineral resources
Minerals from the lithosphere, controlling the impacts of extraction and securing future supplies.
08
Biogeochemical cycles
The importance of the carbon and nitrogen cycles and human disruption of them.
09
Soils
The effects of human activity on soil fertility, and degradation, erosion and sustainable management.
10
Energy resources
The importance of energy supplies, the sustainability of current resources and securing future supply.
11
Pollution
The properties of pollutants, the factors affecting severity, and control strategies and technologies.
12
Agriculture
Agroecosystems, the manipulation of food species, and the environmental impacts and sustainability of agriculture.
13
Aquatic food production systems
Fisheries and aquaculture and how to make them sustainable.
14
Forest resources
The resources and services provided by forests, the link between productivity and biodiversity, and deforestation.
15
Sustainability
Sustainable living, renewable and low-density resources, carbon footprints and sustainable development.
16
Research methods
Fieldwork and laboratory techniques for monitoring the environment, sampling, and the analysis of quantitative data.

F·29ElectronicsElectronics16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Electronics (WJEC Eduqas) — the only current GCE A-Level in Electronics.

16 · Topics mapped

01
Semiconductor components
n-type and p-type materials, the p-n junction, diodes, BJTs and MOSFETs.
02
Logic systems
Logic gates and building and simplifying combinational logic.
03
Operational amplifiers
Op-amp configurations, gain and output calculations, bandwidth, distortion and slew rate.
04
Signal conversion
The need for conversion and the design and use of DAC and ADC sub-systems.
05
AC circuits and passive filters
Resistive AC loads, impedance, and RC high-pass and low-pass and LC band-pass filters.
06
Communications systems
The basic principles underpinning wireless, digital and optical communication.
07
Wireless transmission
The principles of wireless transmission, including amplitude and frequency modulation.
08
Instrumentation systems
Instrumentation op-amps, bridge circuits with thermistors and strain gauges, and encoded discs.
09
Timing circuits
RC delays and monostable and astable circuits using Schmitt triggers and the 555 timer.
10
Sequential logic systems
NAND latches, D-type flip-flops and counters (4-bit, decimal and synchronous).
11
Microcontrollers
The PIC microcontroller, its internal structure, and flowchart and assembler programming.
12
Digital communications
Modulation types, signal regeneration, PCM, the Nyquist theorem and time-division multiplexing.
13
Optical communication
The principles and limitations of optical communication and electrical-to-optical signal conversion.
14
Mains power supply systems
Rectification, smoothing, load and line regulation, and zener and emitter-follower regulators.
15
High power switching systems
Switching DC and AC loads using thyristors, diacs and triacs.
16
Audio systems
Combining amplifier and filter sub-systems into complete audio systems.

F·30AccountingAccounting18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Accounting (AQA 7127), covering financial accounting and management/cost accounting.

18 · Topics mapped

01
The role of the accountant in business
The purpose of accounting, the distinction between financial and management accounting, and the accountant's role for stakeholders.
02
Types of business organisation
Sole traders, partnerships and limited companies: their features, ownership, liability and accounting implications.
03
The double entry model
The accounting equation, source documents, books of prime entry, ledger posting, discounts, irrecoverable debts and asset disposals.
04
Verification of accounting records
The trial balance, bank reconciliation, control accounts, the suspense account, and errors and their effect.
05
Accounting concepts and principles
Accruals, going concern, prudence, consistency and materiality.
06
Financial statements of sole traders (with adjustments)
Income statements and statements of financial position with accruals, prepayments, depreciation, doubtful debts and inventory.
07
Limited company accounts
Company financial statements: share capital, reserves and published-style statements.
08
Ratio analysis and interpretation
Profitability, liquidity and efficiency ratios used to assess performance.
09
Budgeting and budgetary control
The purpose and preparation of budgets, including cash budgets, with their benefits, limitations and control role.
10
Marginal costing
Cost behaviour, contribution, break-even, the margin of safety and short-term decision making.
11
Standard costing and variance analysis
Setting standards and calculating, interpreting and reconciling material, labour and overhead variances.
12
Absorption and activity based costing
Allocating, apportioning and absorbing overheads, and absorption costing versus activity based costing.
13
Capital investment appraisal
Payback, accounting rate of return and net present value, with evaluation.
14
Accounting for incomplete records
Reconstructing statements through net-asset and capital comparison and through control accounts.
15
Partnership accounts
Capital and current accounts, profit appropriation, and admission, retirement and dissolution.
16
Limited companies (advanced)
Share, rights and bonus issues, debentures, the statement of changes in equity and the statement of cash flows.
17
Interpretation, analysis and communication
Interpreting data, advising stakeholders, making reasoned recommendations and recognising the limitations of accounting.
18
The impact of ethical considerations
The importance of ethics, professional responsibilities, and the impact of ethical and unethical behaviour.

F·31History of ArtHistory of Art12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level History of Art (Pearson Edexcel 9HT0) — the sole current GCE A-Level in History of Art.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Visual analysis
Analysing the formal characteristics of an unseen painting, sculpture and building.
02
Materials, techniques and processes
How media and methods of making in two dimensions, three dimensions and architecture shape meaning and developed over time.
03
Patronage, function and context
Patrons' motives and the social, political, religious and cultural functions driving art and architecture.
04
Art-historical methods and critical texts
Engaging with critical texts and differing interpretations of art.
05
Theme: Nature in art and architecture
Global approaches to nature across cultures, periods and media.
06
Theme: Identities in art and architecture
Art expressing identity, including gender, status, ethnicity and nation.
07
Theme: War in art and architecture
Representations and uses of war, conflict and commemoration.
08
Invention and illusion: the Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520)
Illusionism, naturalism, humanism and patronage in the Italian Renaissance.
09
Power and persuasion: the Baroque in Catholic Europe (1597-1685)
Baroque art and architecture as religious and political persuasion.
10
Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848-99)
Realism, Impressionism and Aestheticism.
11
Brave new world: Modernism in Europe (1900-39)
European Modernism and the rethinking of art and architecture.
12
Pop life: British and American contemporary art and architecture (1960-2015)
Pop, Post-Modernism, mass media and body art.

F·32Classical CivilisationClassical Civ10 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Classical Civilisation (OCR H408) — the sole provider; a compulsory component plus chosen Culture & the Arts and Beliefs & Ideas options.

10 · Topics mapped

01
The World of the Hero: Homer
In-depth study of one Homeric epic (the Iliad or the Odyssey): composition, oral tradition, heroic values, gods and mortals, and context.
02
The World of the Hero: Virgil's Aeneid
Virgil's Aeneid: Homeric influence, the hero and Rome's destiny, pietas versus furor, fate, and the Augustan context.
03
Greek Theatre
The City Dionysia, theatre space and stagecraft, tragic and comic conventions, three set plays, and Aristotle on tragedy (Culture & the Arts option).
04
Imperial Image
How Augustus crafted his public image across literature and visual and material culture, and its legacy (Culture & the Arts option).
05
Invention of the Barbarian
How the Greeks constructed the "barbarian" other, Greek identity, the Persian Wars and stereotypes (Culture & the Arts option).
06
Greek Art
Free-standing and architectural sculpture and vase-painting: function, materials, style and theme (Culture & the Arts option).
07
Greek Religion
The Olympian gods, personal experience of the divine, religion and society, ritual, and the challenge of philosophy (Beliefs & Ideas option).
08
Love and Relationships
Greek and Roman ideas on men, women and marriage, through philosophy (Plato, Seneca) and poetry (Sappho, Ovid) (Beliefs & Ideas option).
09
Politics of the Late Republic
Political thought of 79-43 BC through Cato, Caesar and Cicero, the res publica, and optimates versus populares (Beliefs & Ideas option).
10
Democracy and the Athenians
The concept of democracy through Solon, Cleisthenes and the fifth-century developments, and Aristophanes' political satire (Beliefs & Ideas option).

F·33Ancient HistoryAncient History9 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Ancient History (OCR H407) — the sole provider; a Greek component plus a Roman component, each with a period study and chosen depth study.

9 · Topics mapped

01
Greek Period Study: Relations between Greek and non-Greek states, 492-404 BC
From the Persian invasions through the Delian League to the end of the Peloponnesian War.
02
Working with ancient sources
Selecting, analysing and evaluating literary and material sources, with attention to reliability, context and integrating evidence.
03
Greek Depth Study: Society and Politics of Sparta, 478-404 BC
The agoge, social structure, the political system, military culture and the "Spartan mirage" (Greek option).
04
Greek Depth Study: Culture and Politics of Athens, c.460-399 BC
Democracy and society, the Sophists and Socrates, the Acropolis programme, drama and religion (Greek option).
05
Greek Depth Study: The Rise of Macedon, c.359-323 BC
Philip II's transformation of Macedon and Alexander's campaigns, character and relationships (Greek option).
06
Roman Period Study: The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC-AD 68
From Augustus to Nero: the principate, succession, the imperial cult and relations with the Senate and people.
07
Roman Depth Study: The Breakdown of the Late Republic, 88-31 BC
The constitution under strain from Sulla to Octavian, and the political methods behind its collapse (Roman option).
08
Roman Depth Study: The Flavians, AD 68-96
The Year of the Four Emperors and Vespasian, Titus and Domitian: principate, propaganda and religion (Roman option).
09
Roman Depth Study: Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43-c.128
Conquest, frontier policy, resistance (Caratacus, Boudicca), administration and the effects of Roman rule (Roman option).

F·34Drama and TheatreDrama15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Drama and Theatre (AQA 7262), studied from the perspectives of performer, designer and director.

15 · Topics mapped

01
Foundations: the three components
The written exam (open book), Creating Original Drama and Making Theatre, and the roles of performer, designer and director.
02
Working as performer, designer or director
The three perspectives applied throughout, with designer disciplines spanning lighting, sound, set, costume and puppets.
03
Theatre practitioners and their methodologies
Practitioners such as Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Berkoff, Grotowski, Boal and Meyerhold, and companies such as Complicite and Frantic Assembly.
04
Genres, styles and theatrical conventions
Naturalism, epic and political theatre, theatre of cruelty, physical and devised work, verbatim, immersive theatre and expressionism.
05
Set play from List A
One pre-1956 set play studied from at least two of the roles of performer, designer and director.
06
Set play from List B
One modern set play studied from all three roles of performer, designer and director.
07
Interpreting a play text for performance
Developing a directorial concept, characterisation and design realisation, turning theory into practice.
08
Live theatre evaluation
Analysing and evaluating a live production: how meaning was communicated and how far the team's aims were met.
09
Design elements: lighting, sound, set, costume (and puppets)
How each design element creates atmosphere, meaning and interpretation.
10
Devising original drama
Creating from a stimulus through idea development, research, exploration and rehearsal, collaboration and refinement.
11
Practitioner influence on devising
Applying one practitioner's methodology to the devised piece.
12
Working Notebook
Documenting the devising process: research, decisions, development and evaluation of one's own contribution.
13
Devised performance and realisation
The final group devised piece, performed, directed or realised as design.
14
Text in performance: three key extracts
Practical exploration of three extracts from different plays, leading to a performance or realised design of one.
15
Practitioner methodology and reflective report
Evidencing a practitioner's methodology in the realised extract, with the accompanying reflective report.

F·35DanceDance15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Dance (AQA 7237) — the sole provider; performance and choreography alongside critical engagement with set works and areas of study.

15 · Topics mapped

01
Course overview, genres and terminology
The two components of performance and choreography and critical engagement, the genres of modern, ballet and jazz, and subject terminology.
02
Safe practice, anatomy and physiology
Alignment, technical accuracy and healthy training, and physical skills such as flexibility, strength, endurance and agility.
03
Performance skills framework
Physical and technical skills, spatial and dynamic elements, and interpretative skills such as projection, focus and musicality.
04
Solo performance in the style of a specified practitioner
A short solo in a prescribed style with an accompanying programme note.
05
Performance within a quartet
A quartet performance demonstrating spatial awareness and sensitivity to others, with an accompanying programme note.
06
Choreographic processes, devices and structures
Action, spatial and dynamic components, motif and development, variation, contrast and climax, and structures such as binary, ternary, rondo and narrative.
07
Group choreography and aural setting
An original group dance and its aural setting, including tempo, rhythm and call and response, with an accompanying note.
08
Critical appreciation and analysis skills
Analysing dance across time and location through the features of genre: style, technique, influences and practitioners.
09
Set work: Rooster (Christopher Bruce, 1991)
Character, subject, form, constituent features, Bruce's approach and the context of the set work.
10
Area of Study: Rambert Dance Company 1966-2002
Rambert's development and named practitioners such as Tetley, North, Alston, Davies and Page, and their works.
11
Optional: Romantic Ballet Period / Giselle
Giselle (1841) and practitioners Taglioni, Bournonville and Saint-Leon (one of the four optional areas of study).
12
Optional: Origins of American Modern Dance 1900-1945 / Appalachian Spring
Graham's Appalachian Spring (1944) and Fuller, Duncan, St Denis and Humphrey (one of the four optional areas of study).
13
Optional: American Jazz Dance 1940-1975 / Singin' in the Rain
Donen and Kelly's Singin' in the Rain (1952) and de Mille, Cole, Robbins and Fosse (one of the four optional areas of study).
14
Optional: Independent Contemporary Dance in Britain 2000-current / Sutra
Cherkaoui's Sutra (2008) and Jeyasingh, Bourne, Vardimon, Khan and Shechter (one of the four optional areas of study).
15
Written exam technique and essay skills
The written paper: short answers and a compulsory essay on the set work, and two essays on the chosen optional area of study.

F·36Film StudiesFilm16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Film Studies (WJEC Eduqas) — the major board for Film Studies.

16 · Topics mapped

01
Key elements of film form
Micro-analysis of cinematography (including lighting), mise-en-scene, editing, sound and performance.
02
Meaning and response
Film as a medium of representation and an aesthetic medium, and spectator response.
03
The contexts of film
Social, cultural, political, historical, institutional and technological contexts.
04
Specialist critical approaches
Spectatorship, narrative, ideology, auteur and aesthetics, with critical debates and filmmakers' theories.
05
The digital revolution in film
The technological transformation of production, editing, visual effects and distribution.
06
Hollywood 1930-1990 (comparative study)
One Classical Hollywood and one New Hollywood film studied through auteur and context.
07
American film since 2012
One mainstream and one independent contemporary US film studied through spectatorship and ideology.
08
British film since 1995
Two contemporary British films studied through narrative and ideology.
09
Global film
One European and one non-European film studied through representations of cultures and societies.
10
Documentary film
A set documentary studied through a filmmaker's theory and the impact of digital technology.
11
Film movements: silent cinema
A silent-era film studied through debates on its artistic and historical significance.
12
Film movements: experimental film (1960-2001)
An experimental film studied through narrative and auteur, exploring non-mainstream form.
13
Production: short film or screenplay
A short film or a screenplay with storyboard (non-exam assessment).
14
Evaluative analysis
A written evaluation of the production against professionally produced short films (non-exam assessment).
15
Representation and identity
How film form constructs representations of gender, age, ethnicity and place, and their ideology.
16
Aesthetics and auteur
Film as an aesthetic medium and the auteur's signature style.

F·37Music TechnologyMusic Tech16 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Music Technology (Pearson Edexcel 9MT0) — the sole provider; recording, technology-based composition, and the principles and history of recording technology.

16 · Topics mapped

01
Principles of sound and acoustics
Amplitude, frequency and the audible range, room acoustics, reverberation and RT60, and psycho-acoustics.
02
Audio technology, signals and numeracy
The signal path, connectors, balanced connections, impedance and metering, with the relevant numeracy (dB, Hz, ms, bpm).
03
DAW software and studio hardware
DAW functions and studio hardware: microphones, interfaces, pre-amps, DI boxes, desks, outboard effects and controllers.
04
Microphones and capture of sound
Microphone types, polar patterns, frequency and transient response, the proximity effect and gain structure.
05
Microphone placement techniques
Single and multiple miking, multi-mic setups, coincident and spaced stereo, and phase and spill.
06
Audio editing
Truncating, removing clicks, hiss, hum and plosives, fades and cross-fades, normalising, and why discontinuities occur.
07
Pitch and rhythm correction and manipulation
Corrective tuning and audio quantise, and creative pitch and time manipulation.
08
Synthesis
Waveforms, LFO, filters and ADSR, cut-off and resonance, mono and poly modes, portamento and the arpeggiator.
09
Sampling
Editing and looping samples, pitch-mapping, key and velocity zones, and sample rate and bit depth.
10
MIDI and sequencing
Real-time and step input, MIDI data, quantise, and piano-roll and list editing.
11
Dynamic processing
Compression, gating, limiting, expansion and de-essing, with threshold, ratio, attack, release and side-chain.
12
EQ and frequency shaping
Shelf, band, pass, parametric and graphic EQ, with gain, frequency, Q and slope.
13
Effects and processors
Reverb, delay and ADT, flange, chorus and phaser, distortion and amp modelling, and vocoder, with sends and inserts.
14
Mixing, stereo, balance and mastering
Pan and panning law, mid-side and widening, balance, and mastering for volume and tonal balance.
15
Recording and technology-based composition
Multitrack recording of a listed song and a technology-based composition from a brief (non-exam assessment).
16
The development of recording technology
From digital back to 1930s mono: analogue versus digital, tape, formats, valves and electric instruments.

F·38PhotographyPhotography15 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Photography (AQA Art and Design: Photography 7206), a lens- and light-based Art and Design endorsement.

15 · Topics mapped

01
Course overview and components
The Personal Investigation and the Externally Set Assignment, including the period of supervised time.
02
The four Assessment Objectives
Developing ideas from sources, exploring and refining media and techniques, recording, and presenting a personal response.
03
Photographic media, techniques and processes
Traditional and digital techniques, with awareness of both technologies.
04
Camera and lens techniques
Viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed, lenses, filters and lighting.
05
Visual language and composition
Line, form, colour, pattern and texture within the image, and presentation and layout.
06
Lens- and light-based image production
Producing and processing images chemically and digitally, including editing and photo-manipulation.
07
Portraiture
Photographing people and identity (area of study).
08
Landscape photography
Urban, rural and coastal environments (area of study).
09
Still life photography
Objects or the natural world (area of study).
10
Documentary photography and photojournalism
Real subjects and events and their social, cultural and ethical contexts (area of study).
11
Fashion photography
Image-making for fashion, with styling and an awareness of audience and purpose (area of study).
12
Experimental imagery
Alternative, abstract and process-led approaches (area of study).
13
Multimedia, installation and moving image
Multimedia, photographic installation and moving image including video, film and animation (area of study).
14
Contextual and historical study
Historical and contemporary developments, genres, photographers and artists, and their contexts.
15
Personal investigation and personal study
A sustained portfolio with a written personal study leading to the Externally Set Assignment.

F·39Design and TechnologyD&T18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Design and Technology (AQA Product Design 7552), anchored on the broadest D&T title; technical principles plus designing and making principles.

18 · Topics mapped

01
Materials and their applications
Papers and boards, woods, metals, polymers and composites, with testing to justify selection.
02
Performance characteristics of materials
Physical and mechanical properties, and smart, modern, composite and biodegradable materials.
03
Enhancement of materials
Treating and modifying polymers, woods and metals through alloying, seasoning and additives to improve properties.
04
Forming, redistribution, addition processes and finishes
Manufacturing processes, adhesives and fixings, jigs and fixtures, and surface finishing.
05
Modern industrial and commercial practice
Scales of production, efficient use of materials, computer systems and sub-assembly.
06
Digital design and manufacture
CAD, CAM, virtual modelling, rapid prototyping, electronic data interchange, and production planning and control.
07
Requirements for product design and development
Product development and improvement, and inclusive design.
08
Health and safety
Safe working practices in manufacture and safety in products and services.
09
Protecting designs and intellectual property
Patents, trademarks, copyright and registered designs.
10
Design for manufacture, maintenance, repair and disposal
Designing for manufacture, repair, disassembly and end-of-life disposal.
11
Feasibility studies and enterprise and marketing
The viability of proposals, and enterprise, marketing and financial considerations.
12
Design communication
Sketching, drawing techniques, modelling and presentation methods.
13
Design methods and processes
The iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating in cycles.
14
Design theory and history
Design influences, styles and movements, and key designers and their work.
15
Technology and cultural change
Socio-economic influences, technological developments, ethical issues and the product life cycle.
16
Critical analysis and evaluation
Testing and evaluating commercial products, and using third-party feedback.
17
Tools, accuracy and project management
Selecting tools and processes, working to precision and tolerance, and planning with quality assurance and control.
18
Responsible design and standards
Environmental issues, resource and energy conservation, and BSI and ISO standards.

F·40Moving Image ArtsMoving Image18 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Moving Image Arts (CCEA) — a genuine GCE A-Level (graded A*-E, not Applied) and the sole UK provider; practical portfolios with critical-response examinations.

18 · Topics mapped

01
Film language: the five core areas
Camera, editing, sound, lighting and mise-en-scene.
02
Narrative structure and genre
Conventional and non-conventional narrative and genre codes.
03
The classical Hollywood style
Continuity (invisible) editing and realist storytelling.
04
Realism and realist techniques
Bazin's realism: the long take, deep focus, hand-held camera, naturalistic acting and diegetic sound.
05
Formalism and formalist techniques
Expressive editing, lighting and mise-en-scene set against realist transparency.
06
The creative process: pre-production to evaluation
The five-stage portfolio workflow.
07
Pre-production: script, storyboard and shot list
Scripting, storyboarding, shot lists and the director's notebook.
08
Live-action and animation production
Producing a live-action sequence or an animation, with technique choice and workflow.
09
Editing and post-production
Constructing meaning and pace, from continuity cutting to montage.
10
Sound design
Diegetic and non-diegetic sound, dialogue, effects and music in creating mood.
11
Realising the Foundation Portfolio (AS)
The AS production in the Classical Hollywood Style with realist and/or formalist techniques.
12
Hitchcock, pure cinema and the auteur
The auteur through Hitchcock: point of view, close-ups, cross-cutting, montage and suspense.
13
The Hollywood studio system and film history
Vertical integration, craft departments, genre production and house styles.
14
Early European cinema and American Expressionism
Soviet Montage, German Expressionism and Film Noir.
15
Practitioner research and the illustrated essay (A2)
Study of a practitioner's signature style leading to an illustrated essay that informs an original film.
16
Realism in world cinema
Italian Neo-Realism, the French New Wave, Cinema Verite and Poetic Realism.
17
Critical and comparative analysis
Written analysis of unseen sequences and comparison across two clips.
18
The creative exercise: director's notes
Justifying creative choices of film language in response to unseen material.

F·41LatinLatin10 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Latin (OCR H443) — the sole provider; unseen translation, prose composition or comprehension, and prose and verse literature.

10 · Topics mapped

01
Accidence and syntax
The full grammatical system underpinning every component, recognised, analysed and deployed accurately.
02
Vocabulary and linguistic range
Extending vocabulary and structures beyond GCSE through wider reading.
03
Unseen prose translation (Livy)
Translating an unseen narrative prose passage (from Livy) into English.
04
Unseen verse translation and scansion (Ovid)
Translating an unseen verse passage (from Ovid) and scanning dactylic hexameter.
05
Prose composition or comprehension
Either English-into-Latin composition or comprehension, translation and grammar on an unseen prose passage.
06
Prose literature: Group 1 set text
In-depth study of one Group 1 prose set text from the current cycle: translation and literary analysis.
07
Prose literature: Group 2 set text
In-depth study of one Group 2 prose set text from the current cycle, with linked English reading.
08
Verse literature: Group 3 set text
In-depth study of one Group 3 verse set text from the current cycle: translation, scansion and appreciation.
09
Verse literature: Group 4 set text
In-depth study of one Group 4 verse set text from the current cycle.
10
Roman literary and cultural context
The social, historical, cultural and literary context of the set-text authors and their audiences.

F·42Classical GreekClassical Greek10 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Classical Greek (OCR H444) — the sole provider; unseen translation, prose composition or comprehension, and prose and verse literature.

10 · Topics mapped

01
Accidence and syntax
The full Greek grammatical system underpinning every component.
02
Vocabulary and linguistic range
Building vocabulary and structures through wider reading.
03
Unseen prose translation (Xenophon)
Translating an unseen prose passage (from Xenophon) into English.
04
Unseen verse translation and scansion
Translating an unseen verse passage from the current cycle and scanning verse.
05
Prose composition or comprehension
Either English-into-Greek composition or comprehension, translation and grammar on an unseen passage.
06
Prose literature: Group 1 set text
In-depth study of one Group 1 prose set text from the current cycle: translation and literary analysis.
07
Prose literature: Group 2 set text
In-depth study of one Group 2 prose set text from the current cycle, with linked English reading.
08
Verse literature: Group 3 set text
In-depth study of one Group 3 verse set text from the current cycle: translation, scansion and appreciation.
09
Verse literature: Group 4 set text
In-depth study of one Group 4 verse set text from the current cycle.
10
Greek literary and cultural context
The social, historical, cultural and literary context of the set-text authors and their audiences.

F·43Hebrew (Biblical)Biblical Hebrew7 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Biblical Hebrew (AQA 7677) — the sole provider; grammar and unseen translation with prescribed sacred-text literature and its context.

7 · Topics mapped

01
Accidence and syntax
The Biblical Hebrew grammatical system underpinning every component, recognised, analysed and deployed accurately.
02
Vocabulary and linguistic range
Extending vocabulary and structures through wider reading of Biblical Hebrew.
03
Unseen translation
Translating an unseen Biblical Hebrew passage into English.
04
Comprehension and grammar
Comprehension, translation and grammar exercises on an unseen passage.
05
Prescribed prose literature
In-depth study of a prescribed sacred-text prose set text (for example narrative passages from Genesis): translation and analysis.
06
Prescribed verse literature
In-depth study of a prescribed sacred-text verse set text (for example Psalms): translation and appreciation.
07
Literary and cultural context
The historical, religious, cultural and literary context of the prescribed sacred texts and their audiences.

F·44WelshWelsh14 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Welsh / Cymraeg (WJEC) — a first-language literature-and-language qualification for Wales.

14 · Topics mapped

01
Oracy / Llafaredd
Speaking proficiently in a context-appropriate register, listening, and reaching balanced conclusions in the oral examinations.
02
Ffilm a Drama (Film and Play)
Studying and discussing a prescribed film and play with apt quotation and terminology.
03
Barddoniaeth Fodern (Modern Poetry)
An essay on prescribed twentieth- and twenty-first-century Welsh poetry with a personal critical response.
04
Iaith ar Waith (Use of Language)
Grammar and structure exercises with writing in varied formats and an awareness of register.
05
Gwaith Cwrs: Creative Writing (NEA)
A creative piece such as a short story, novel chapter, monologue, diary, blog, autobiography or script.
06
Gwaith Cwrs: Argumentative Essay (NEA)
A researched essay or speech on a controversial topic, cross-referencing sources.
07
Y Nofel (The Novel)
Discussing a prescribed novel and linking it to other relevant texts.
08
Rhyddiaith yr Oesoedd Canol (Medieval Prose)
Medieval Welsh prose, its language and its themes.
09
Yr Hengerdd a'r Cywyddau (Early and Medieval Poetry)
Early Welsh poetry (Hengerdd) and the medieval cywyddau tradition.
10
Gwerthfawrogiad Llenyddiaeth (Appreciation of Literature)
Appreciating unseen prose and poetry and connecting across texts.
11
Y Gymraeg yn ei Chyd-destun (Welsh Language in Context)
Advanced use-of-language tasks set against the social and cultural context of Welsh.
12
Ymateb i Destunau (Responding to Texts)
Critical analysis of literary, visual and factual texts.
13
Ysgrifennu Beirniadol (Critical Writing)
Accurate, well-structured critical and analytical Welsh prose.
14
Cyfryngau a Diwylliant (Media and Culture)
The form, style and language of modern Welsh multimedia.

F·45Welsh Second LanguageWelsh (L2)14 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Welsh Second Language / Cymraeg Ail Iaith (WJEC) — Welsh as a second language for Wales.

14 · Topics mapped

01
Foundations: grammar and register
Core grammar, mutations, idiom and registers, with audience-awareness across all units.
02
Oracy and speaking skills
Fluent, accurate spoken Welsh for discussion, individual response and interaction.
03
Listening and responding
Listening to others and to source material and responding.
04
Film study
Discussing a prescribed Welsh-medium film, its themes and its background.
05
NEA: the Package
Researching and producing an individual "Package" on a local or national subject, defended orally.
06
Use of language and poetry
Language manipulation tasks with reading of prescribed poetry and a personal response.
07
Reading and comprehension
Reading and interpreting current-affairs texts, news and stimulus material.
08
Writing in a range of forms
Accurate extended writing in varied formats with an appropriate register.
09
Drama study
Discussing a prescribed Welsh-language play, its themes and its interpretations.
10
The Welsh language in society
The status of Welsh locally and nationally, the mentrau iaith, and the promotion of the language.
11
Translanguaging
Moving purposefully between Welsh and English, translating and mediating.
12
Short story study
Reading prescribed short stories: narrative, themes and the author's style.
13
Advanced use of language
Higher-level language exercises and stylistically aware extended writing.
14
Contemporary Welsh culture and media
Responding to contemporary Welsh theatre, broadcasting, film and journalism.

F·46IrishIrish14 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Irish / Gaeilge (CCEA) — the sole provider; an MFL-shaped qualification for Northern Ireland with four themes, four skills, a research project and prescribed texts.

14 · Topics mapped

01
Foundations: skills and course structure
The assessment objectives and the six-unit AS and A2 architecture: speaking, listening, reading, writing, translation and research.
02
Grammar and use of language
The Grammar and Structures List: verbal forms, the copula, prepositions, the genitive and relative clauses.
03
Relationships (AS theme)
Family structures, roles, intergenerational issues, and peer and family influences.
04
Culture and Lifestyle (AS theme)
Well-being and risk-taking, hobbies, arts, film and fashion, social media, and holidays and festivals.
05
Listening comprehension
Inferring meaning from authentic audio and answering in Irish and English.
06
Reading and translation
Reading comprehension with two-way translation and summary.
07
AS set film or literary text
Study of one AS prescribed work (a film or literary text) for an extended essay in Irish.
08
Speaking: presentation and conversation (AS)
A prepared presentation on an Irish-speaking community with general conversation.
09
Young People in Society (A2 theme)
Work, education and employment, career aspirations, democracy, citizenship and societal attitudes.
10
Our Place in a Changing World (A2 theme)
Equality and discrimination, poverty, immigration and emigration, multicultural identity, conflict and sustainability.
11
Individual research project (A2)
Research on a cultural aspect, a twentieth-century period, or a region of an Irish-speaking community, presented orally.
12
Speaking: research discussion and conversation (A2)
Discussion of the research project with higher-level general conversation.
13
A2 set literary text and poetry
Critical study of one A2 prescribed work: an anthology, a novel, or prescribed poets.
14
Extended writing and critical essays
Developing arguments, analysing character and theme, and writing accurate Irish.

F·47ItalianItalian13 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Italian (Pearson Edexcel 9IN0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

13 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Italian-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Italian-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Italian-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Italian-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Italian-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Italian-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Italian and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Italian from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Italian texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Speaking and discussion
Spontaneous spoken interaction, discussion of stimulus cards and debate of the themes in Italian.
11
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Italian, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
12
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
13
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Italian-speaking world, researched independently and defended in the speaking assessment.

F·48Chinese (Mandarin)Chinese13 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Chinese (Mandarin) (Pearson Edexcel 9CN0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

13 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Chinese-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Chinese-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Chinese-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Chinese-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Chinese-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Chinese-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Chinese and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Chinese from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Chinese texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Speaking and discussion
Spontaneous spoken interaction, discussion of stimulus cards and debate of the themes in Chinese.
11
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Chinese, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
12
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
13
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Chinese-speaking world, researched independently and defended in the speaking assessment.

F·49RussianRussian13 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Russian (Pearson Edexcel 9RU0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

13 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Russian-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Russian-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Russian-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Russian-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Russian-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Russian-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Russian and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Russian from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Russian texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Speaking and discussion
Spontaneous spoken interaction, discussion of stimulus cards and debate of the themes in Russian.
11
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Russian, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
12
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
13
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Russian-speaking world, researched independently and defended in the speaking assessment.

F·50ArabicArabic12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Arabic (Pearson Edexcel 9AA0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Arab world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Arab world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Arab world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Arab world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Arab world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Arab world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Arabic and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Arabic from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Arabic texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Arabic, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Arab world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·51Greek (Modern)Greek12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Greek (Modern) (Pearson Edexcel 9GK0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Greek-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Greek-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Greek-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Greek-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Greek-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Greek-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Greek and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Greek from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Greek texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Greek, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Greek-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·52PortuguesePortuguese12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Portuguese (Pearson Edexcel 9PG0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Portuguese-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Portuguese-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Portuguese-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Portuguese-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Portuguese-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Portuguese-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Portuguese and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Portuguese from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Portuguese texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Portuguese, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Portuguese-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·53PersianPersian12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Persian (Pearson Edexcel 9PN0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Persian-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Persian-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Persian-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Persian-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Persian-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Persian-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Persian and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Persian from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Persian texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Persian, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Persian-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·54TurkishTurkish12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Turkish (Pearson Edexcel 9TU0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Turkish-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Turkish-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Turkish-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Turkish-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Turkish-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Turkish-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Turkish and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Turkish from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Turkish texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Turkish, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Turkish-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·55GujaratiGujarati12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Gujarati (Pearson Edexcel 9GU0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Gujarati-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Gujarati-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Gujarati-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Gujarati-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Gujarati-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Gujarati-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Gujarati and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Gujarati from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Gujarati texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Gujarati, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Gujarati-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·56JapaneseJapanese12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Japanese (Pearson Edexcel 9JA0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Japanese-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Japanese-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Japanese-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Japanese-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Japanese-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Japanese-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Japanese and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Japanese from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Japanese texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Japanese, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Japanese-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·57UrduUrdu12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Urdu (Pearson Edexcel 9UR0), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Urdu-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Urdu-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Urdu-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Urdu-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Urdu-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Urdu-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Urdu and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Urdu from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Urdu texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Urdu, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Urdu-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·58PolishPolish12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Polish (AQA 7687), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of Poland and the Polish-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in Poland and the Polish-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of Poland and the Polish-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in Poland and the Polish-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in Poland and the Polish-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in Poland and the Polish-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Polish and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Polish from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Polish texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Polish, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of Poland and the Polish-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·59PanjabiPanjabi12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Panjabi (AQA 7682), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Panjabi-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Panjabi-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Panjabi-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Panjabi-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Panjabi-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Panjabi-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Panjabi and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Panjabi from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Panjabi texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Panjabi, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Panjabi-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·60BengaliBengali12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Bengali (AQA 7637), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of the Bengali-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in the Bengali-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of the Bengali-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in the Bengali-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in the Bengali-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in the Bengali-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Bengali and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Bengali from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Bengali texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Bengali, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of the Bengali-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

F·61Hebrew (Modern)Modern Hebrew12 Topics mappedOpen subject

A-Level Hebrew (Modern) (AQA 7672), a reformed modern-foreign-language qualification with thematic study, prescribed works and an individual research project.

12 · Topics mapped

01
Social issues and trends I
A core social theme of Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world (for example the changing family or digital life and the cyber-society).
02
Social issues and trends II
A second social theme, such as voluntary work and charity or regional identity and diversity in Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world.
03
Artistic and cultural life I
A cultural theme such as the cultural heritage, arts scene or music of Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world.
04
Artistic and cultural life II
A second cultural theme, such as cinema, festivals and traditions, or fashion and trends in Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world.
05
Political life I
A political theme such as immigration and migration or politics and youth engagement in Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world.
06
Political life II
A second political theme, such as multiculturalism or social and political activism and protest in Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world.
07
Grammar and translation
The prescribed grammar and syntax for the level, plus two-way translation between Hebrew and English.
08
Listening comprehension
Understanding spoken Hebrew from authentic audio and video and responding.
09
Reading comprehension
Understanding written Hebrew texts and summarising and responding to them.
10
Prescribed literary text
In-depth study, in Hebrew, of one prescribed literary work from the current specification list for the written essay.
11
Prescribed film
In-depth study of one prescribed film for the written essay (or, as the alternative route, a second prescribed literary text).
12
Individual research project
A self-chosen research question on an aspect of Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world, developed through the research requirements of the written qualification; this specification has no speaking paper.

05 · Official sources

Official sources

This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.

10 / 10
Official sources

S·01Department for Education (DfE)GCE AS and A level subject content S·02Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies (AQA, OCR, Pearson, WJEC/Eduqas, CCEA)Awarding-body A-Level specifications & assessment objectives S·03AQAAQA GCE AS and A-level specifications S·04OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA)OCR GCE AS and A-level specifications S·05Pearson EdexcelPearson Edexcel GCE AS and A-level specifications S·06WJEC / EduqasWJEC / Eduqas GCE AS and A-level specifications S·07CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment)CCEA GCE AS and A-level specifications S·08UCASUCAS Tariff points — how A-Level grades convert S·09UCASCalculate your UCAS Tariff points S·10GOV.UKWhat qualification levels mean

06 · Q&A

Frequently asked questions

01Which exam board am I sitting — and does it matter?

Your school or college chooses the board — AQA, OCR or Pearson Edexcel are the common ones for Maths — and it matters for the details: every board writes its own specification against the same national DfE subject content, and that specification fixes your paper structure, mark schemes and grading. The mathematics is shared; the packaging is not. Find out your board on day one and download its specification and past papers — revising from another board’s materials means training for a slightly different exam.

02Do I need to memorise formulae?

Some results you must know; some are provided. Exactly which is which is set out by your exam board, so check your specification and the materials your board publishes for the exam before you build your revision around a guess. The safer habit is independence: any formula you have used in thirty questions no longer needs looking up. Put the core results — differentiation rules, trigonometric identities, the constant-acceleration equations — into a retrieval routine early, and the provided materials become a safety net rather than a crutch.

03Is eight weeks enough to revise for A-Levels?

Eight weeks is a realistic frame for structured revision — if you have broadly kept up during the course. It will not replace a lost year. It is enough to run every subject through a full cycle: an audit, several spaced returns to each weak topic, and a finishing block of timed past papers. If you have more time, stretch the middle block; if less, cut polishing of what is already secure before you cut anything else.

04How many hours a day should I revise?

Rarely more than four or five hours of genuinely focused work — and that is normal. Two or three blocks of 60 to 90 minutes with real breaks beat a ten-hour marathon that dissolves into screens and passive rereading. Keep at least one day a week completely free: recovery is part of the method, not a reward for it.

05Are all exam boards equally hard?

Every board builds its specification on the same national DfE subject content, and all of them are regulated — Ofqual in England, Qualifications Wales and CCEA elsewhere in the UK. The content is shared; what differs is packaging: paper structure, question style, set texts and options. You don’t choose the board anyway — your school or college does — so the practical rule is simpler: revise from your own board’s specification and past papers, and ignore folklore about which board is "easier".

06What are AO1, AO2 and AO3?

Assessment objectives — the skill categories your marks are divided between, set out in your board’s specification. Broadly, they separate knowing things, applying or analysing them, and evaluating or constructing arguments, but the precise definitions and weightings are subject-specific and written in the specification. They are worth reading once: they explain why an essay full of facts can score modestly, and why examiners reward analysis you thought was "just your opinion".

A-levels, mapped with precision.

A-Levels

Pathways and specifications

AS-Level

A-Level (A2)

61 Subjects in the guide

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

Turn the curriculum map into a revision plan

A-Levels

Pathways and specifications

AS-Level

A-Level (A2)

61 Subjects in the guide

In-depth guides

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

Turn the curriculum map into a revision plan