A Level Courses

Academic Study is integral to life here at Cranbrook, we have high expectations of our students and our teachers deliver exciting fast-paced curriculums that develop understanding within and beyond the curriculum. Our academic program includes 10 taught lessons per subject each fortnight plus two sessions of supervised study. This fortnightly cycle puts the emphasis on teacher-led learning while allowing our students the structure to develop their own independent studying and progress. On top of the 36 periods of subject periods, which rises to 48 for our students who take a fourth A level, students have 9 periods a fortnight of Personal Development Lessons. This complementary curriculum includes the following elements:

Enrichment: Students can choose to study an additional qualification such as the EPQ, the Sports Leaders qualification, or participate in our Cranbrook Courses programme, which includes courses in first aid, peer mentoring, finance, careers research, presentation and report writing skills, and much more.

Games, Service and Creativity: The majority of our students undertake a sporting activity in this dedicated session each week, with sports on offer that include rugby, hockey, cricket, football, swimming, using our on-site gym, badminton, volleyball, squash, cross-country, dance, strength and conditioning, yoga, and much more. Options are varied and respond to student interests as well as staff expertise. In addition to sporting options, a number of our students elect to use this time for service and help out in our library, support younger students, work with staff to develop department areas, or take placements at local primary schools and elderly care groups. Some students use this time to express creativity by bringing art around the school, developing performances in our Performing Arts Centre, or learning another language off-piste. This is an amazing time where students can find something that excites them outside of their three main A levels.

PSHE: As well as covering PSHE in lessons, our students have one dedicated lesson a fortnight where they study a bespoke curriculum, including topics on health, staying safe beyond school and careers.

GS: Students in the Sixth Form have a weekly assembly led by the Sixth Form team on Friday mornings. This session allows all members of the Sixth Form to touch base each week and ensures students know they have a dedicated person they can access regularly. The session is used for outside speakers who provide careers insights, health awareness talks or external viewpoints. It is also used for exam briefings, support with study skills, student voice opportunities and instruction on application processes.

Overall, we pride ourselves on our students not only making outstanding academic progress but also being equipped with the tools to apply their knowledge and understanding in a broader context. Academic support is available during lunchtimes, after school and during the remaining 15 periods per fortnight that students have to structure their work and study load. This blend of structure and freedom allows our students to make significant academic progress and go on to achieve amazing things.

Subjects available to study at A Level are: