A Level General Studies

General Studies
Level: AS & A Level

Board: AQA

Method of assessment
During your AS year you will study two modules, assessed by written examination. If you choose to go on to A2 you will do a further two exam based modules.

Why choose this course?
A course in General Studies requires candidates to demonstrate a breadth, as well as depth of knowledge and make connections between and integrate ideas across subject disciplines.

General Studies aims to maintain and develop the range of knowledge and key skills acquired during the years of compulsory education, to include interests and ideas not necessarily covered in the study of conventionally formulated specialist subjects, and to complement and bring greater variety to candidates courses of study.

In a sense General Studies can boast that it offers the flexibility of knowledge and understanding which restrict other subjects. General Studies should also be recognised for its ability to nurture a variety of key skills essential to all areas of both further and higher education, such as essay writing, debating, communication, evaluation, analysis and numerical skills.

What will I study?
The course covers a range of issues which have dimensions that touch upon all the specialist A Level subjects. Students are encouraged to apply their specialist subject knowledge to these issues. In the exams you will be rewarded for relating contemporary events to discussions of social, political and moral issues. Lessons will balance preparing for exams with discussion and the opportunity to pursue lines of thought that are interesting for their own sake.