Are you interested in how our country works, what different political parties stand for and how relations with different countries operate? Do you know what the difference between a written and unwritten constitution is and how this explains some of the political turmoil in the United Kingdom in recent years? Would you like to know more about how to make your voice heard over the fundamental issues of our times; such as climate change or equality? Are you interested in a career in the civil service, law, or journalism? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then Politics is the subject for you! A Level Politics is the study of the structures of government and the concepts behind it. Over the two year A Level you will gain a thorough understanding of how our government works, the make-up of our country, elections and what each political party believes in and the principles they seek to introduce. You will also gain an understanding of politics on the international stage and how problems and issues are discussed and dealt with in different ways. You will also explore theory and thinkers behind key political ideology including Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism. This A Level is taught from the EDEXCEL board over two years. You will sit three papers at the end of your second year and the subject is fully exam assessed. A Level Politics add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level Edexcel 4.5 A* = 56 91% Filton 3 73% A*-C If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary Are you interested in how our country works, what different political parties stand for and how relations with different countries operate? Do you know what the difference between a written and unwritten constitution is and how this explains some of the political turmoil in the United Kingdom in recent years? Would you like to know more about how to make your voice heard over the fundamental issues of our times; such as climate change or equality? Are you interested in a career in the civil service, law, or journalism? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes,’ then Politics is the subject for you! A Level Politics is the study of the structures of government and the concepts behind it. Over the two year A Level you will gain a thorough understanding of how our government works, the make-up of our country, elections and what each political party believes in and the principles they seek to introduce. You will also gain an understanding of politics on the international stage and how problems and issues are discussed and dealt with in different ways. You will also explore theory and thinkers behind key political ideology including Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism. This A Level is taught from the EDEXCEL board over two years. You will sit three papers at the end of your second year and the subject is fully exam assessed. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths. A grade 5 or above in English Language. Course Content Year 1 In the first year you will study two units. 1. ‘UK Politics’: In this unit you will gain an understanding of what democracy is and what systems we use in the United Kingdom for both direct and representative democracy. You will look at the extension of voting rights and how human rights have been developed. You will gain an understanding of the different political parties and their beliefs in the United Kingdom. You will examine referendums and our voting systems and analyse their strengths and weaknesses. Lastly you will look at how voting behaviour is influenced by the media and critically evaluate what happened in the last three general elections. 2. ‘UK Government’: This unit focuses on the structures of government in the United Kingdom and explores the nature of the unwritten constitution, how Parliament works, the powers of the executive and the relationship between the two. It also explores other institutions such as the Supreme Court and analyses where sovereignty in the UK political system lies. You will gain a thorough understanding of the make-up of the UK Political system and processes for making laws. Year 2 In the second year you will study two more units. 3. ‘Comparative Global Politics’: This unit explores the global political system. You will study globalisation and the role of the state in a global economy as well as global governance institutions, such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organisation. You will also look at key issues such as human rights, environmental concerns, and regionalism before finally looking at issues in international relations and power blocs. 4. ‘Core and Non-core Political Ideologies’: In this unit you will look at the key concepts and ideas behind the main political ideologies in the United Kingdom of Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism. You will explore how these concepts have evolved over time and who the key thinkers in these ideologies are. You will also study the ideology of feminism in the same manner to explore how this ideology has developed and changed over time. Progression Routes Studying politics is useful for a range of careers that require an understanding of the political structures in our country and worldwide. This includes journalism, the civil service, work in the charity sector, academia or in business. Many subjects are good combinations for Politics, including History and Law due to the obvious similarities in content, Geography due to the global politics unit and sections on issues and debates. English Language and Literature are also good subjects, due to the focus on essay writing and constructing arguments. Economics and Philosophy are also useful subjects, especially if you wish to go onto to do a PPE based course at university. Additional Learning Opportunities There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom for Politics. This includes a trip to Parliament to see the seat of our democracy. We have also previously held a husting in the Sixth Form for candidates for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency in the general election. Politics learners may find it useful to join our Social Academy which organises cultural awareness and political events throughout the year and would benefit from membership of our Legal, Sociology or History Academies. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

Have you ever wondered how the free market operates and how the government intervenes to improve its operation? Do you want to know more about why there are such high taxes on products such as alcohol and tobacco and why legislation is passed? Do you want to know what causes inflation and economic growth and how macroeconomic policies can be used to improve the economy? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then Economics is the subject for you! Economics is the study of the economy. It explores both microeconomics, which looks at the workings of individual markets and the choices that individuals, businesses, and nations make in response to limited resources and challenges. It also looks at macroeconomics which is the study of the economy as a whole. You will gain a firm foundation of how markets work and sometimes fail and what governments attempt to do to manage the economy. Economics is taught from the AQA board. At the end of the second year, you will sit the full A Level exam composed of three examination papers, each worth a third of the final grade. A Level Economics add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 A* = 56 100% Filton 3 If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Apply now for 2025/2026, simply add the course to your basket to start the enrolment process. Summary Have you ever wondered how the free market operates and how the government intervenes to improve its operation? Do you want to know more about why there are such high taxes on products such as alcohol and tobacco and why legislation is passed? Do you want to know what causes inflation and economic growth and how macroeconomic policies can be used to improve the economy? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then Economics is the subject for you! Economics is the study of the economy. It explores both microeconomics, which looks at the workings of individual markets and the choices that individuals, businesses, and nations make in response to limited resources and challenges. It also looks at macroeconomics which is the study of the economy as a whole. You will gain a firm foundation of how markets work and sometimes fail and what governments attempt to do to manage the economy. Economics is taught from the AQA board. At the end of the second year, you will sit the full A Level exam composed of three examination papers, each worth a third of the final grade. Entry Requirements A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above. A grade 5 in both GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths We recommend learners studying Economics also consider choosing Core Maths as a fourth subject to continue their mathematical development. Course Content You will study two units in the first year and two more units in the second. Year 1 1. ‘The Operation of Markets and Market Failure’: This unit gives you an introduction to microeconomics. You will look at different economic models and apply these to current issues. You will look at how supply and demand works, the operation of the price mechanism and what the causes of market failures are. You will evaluate different forms of government intervention to reduce market failure in real-world contexts. 2. ‘The National Economy in a Global Context’: This unit is an introduction to macroeconomics. You will explore what sits behind macroeconomic performance and how the models of circular flow of income and aggregate supply and demand help explain it. You will also see how governments try to implement monetary, fiscal and supply policies to meet macroeconomic objectives in regards to economic growth, inflation, employment and international competitiveness. Year 2 3. ‘Individuals, Firms, Markets and Market Failure’: This unit explores further how individuals make decisions using traditional theory and behaviour economics. Market structures including perfect competition, monopolies and oligopolies are explored in more detail. Labour markets are also studied, including the impact of trade unions, dominant employers and discrimination on wage rates and levels of employment. The distribution of income & wealth and market failure and government intervention are further developed and you will also study about the role of privatisation, nationalisation, and competition policy. 4. ‘The National and International Economy’: This last unit further develops an understanding of the UK economy and government policies as well as developments in the world economy; such as globalisation and economic development and the importance of exchange rates and international trade. Progression Routes Learners studying Economics often find that this goes well with Business and Politics due to the overlap of economic and political themes. Another good combination is Economics, Politics and Religion, Ethics and Philosophy to mirror a PPE programme that is offered at top universities. Economics is also a natural subject to take alongside Mathematics, History, and Psychology. Studying Economics at A Level naturally gives you a firm understanding to be able to study Economics Degrees at university and dependent on your other choices may allow you to gain an area of specialism; for example, if you wish to study Economic History, or Global Finance, or Business Law. Studying Economics also gives you opportunities for a variety of different careers from government policy analysists to careers in finance, accounting and marketing. Additional Learning Opportunities You will have opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Previously we have held a political hustings in the Sixth Form with candidates standing in the general election and learners have been able to grill them on their party’s policies. We also have regular talks from individuals and groups from the world of business and finance. Learners studying this subject also get the opportunity to join our Business Academy where they get their own opportunity to start a use their knowledge in a real world context. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

Are you considering choosing an A level that contains a mathematical element; such as Business, Psychology, Economics, Geography or a Science but don't want to do a full A Level in Maths? Are you wanting to continue your development in maths beyond GCSE? Would you like to know how to apply maths to budgeting and personal finance? If the answer to any of the above is ‘yes’, then Core Maths is the subject for you! Core Maths is a one-year subject taken as a fourth option alongside your other A Level choices. It is an opportunity for you to continue to develop and hone your mathematical skills which are especially important in a range of subjects that require good levels of mathematical skill. Core Maths carries the same amount of UCAS points as an AS qualification (up to 20 UCAS points) and is taught on the AQA specification. You will sit two papers at the end of the year, both 1 hour and 30 minutes long and worth 60 marks. You will sit Paper 1 and Paper 2A - Statistical Techniques and can take a scientific calculator into both exams. L3 Core Maths add to basket Awarding Body Hours Per Week UCAS Points Pass Rates Campus Level AQA 4.5 20 New Filton 3 If you are looking to study A-Levels please apply for up to three subjects. Simply add each course to your basket or visit our Apply section . Summary Are you considering choosing an A level that contains a mathematical element; such as Business, Psychology, Economics, Geography or a Science but don't want to do a full A Level in Maths? Are you wanting to continue your development in maths beyond GCSE? Would you like to know how to apply maths to budgeting and personal finance? If the answer to any of the above is ‘yes’, then Core Maths is the subject for you! Core Maths is a one-year subject taken as a fourth option alongside your other A Level choices. It is an opportunity for you to continue to develop and hone your mathematical skills which are especially important in a range of subjects that require good levels of mathematical skill. Core Maths carries the same amount of UCAS points as an AS qualification (up to 20 UCAS points) and is taught on the AQA specification. You will sit two papers at the end of the year, both 1 hour and 30 minutes long and worth 60 marks. You will sit Paper 1 and Paper 2A - Statistical Techniques and can take a scientific calculator into both exams. Entry Requirements Core Maths is studied as a fourth subject offer. A grade 5 in GCSE Maths is required to study the subject in addition to the entry criteria required for your other subjects. Course Content AQA core maths is studied over 1 year and consists of two units. Unit 1 is focused on the application of statistical techniques, interpreting data and drawing conclusions in the solution of problems. This involves estimation, collection of data and analysis of data, and maths for personal finance (e.g. taxation savings, loans and mortgages). Unit 2 involves working with critical analysis of data and models (including spreadsheets and tabular data), normal distribution of data (e.g. peoples heights, errors in measures etc), you will also work with probabilities and estimations and correlation and regression analysis of graphs. Progression Routes Studying Core Maths will equip you with a range of skills to make you more attractive to universities and employers and also aid you in your subject choices at A Level. You will develop key skills such as problem solving, data and budget management, and data modelling which are extremely important life and employability skills. Additional Learning Opportunities If you study Mathematics, you can benefit from our maths mentor programme where our dedicated maths mentors help to support and guide newer learners in the Sixth Form. The maths department also run a drop-in maths clinic twice a week for you to obtain bespoke support and guidance with your mathematical problems. You could take part in one of the problem-solving courses at Bath/Bristol University or engage with university academics and employers in our STEM@Lunch and SGS Sixth Talks series. "SGS Sixth was an amazing experience for me. My teachers were always on hand to help with any of my problems and ensure I achieved my maximum potential." Previous Student Student Support Our Team Find out more about our outstanding staff and departments, dedicated to providing you with outstanding learning and support. Careers Advice Academies

SGS Sixth in Bristol has once again achieved an impressive set of A Level results, with 75% of our learners attaining grades A*-C. The college's drive to improve the lives of young people living in our communities along with the dedication from our staff to deliver excellent teaching and learning has meant that results at the Sixth Form have improved once again. Some notable accomplishments were seen in Maths (70.6% A*/A), Psychology (77.5%A*-B) and Biology (89.5% A*-C) with A*’s being achieved in Biology, Criminology, Economics, Further Mathematics, History, Maths, Psychology, Physical Education and Sociology. The overall pass rates were also strong, with (97.3%) achieving their full qualifications. There was also excellent performance in our BTEC courses all students achieving passing grade profiles and 60% of learners achieving Distinction and Distinction star profiles. Behind these figures lie the remarkable stories of individual achievements against back drops of ill-health and barriers to learning.  The achievements accomplished by each learner demonstrates not only their academic ability, commitment and ambition but also reflects the outstanding guidance and support provided by the teachers within the Sixth Form and the wider college including our wellbeing and study support teams. As these students step forward to embrace their academic futures, many are poised to enter some of the country's most prestigious universities to study the likes of Medicine and Law. Alongside Higher Education destinations, several of our learners have secured degree apprenticeships through Ernest Young, PWC and Balfour Beatty.   A Level learner Isaac Lee, is celebrating today after receiving an A* in Maths, an A in Further Maths and an A in Economics. He is now off to the University of Bristol to study Economics. He said: “I am very happy with my grades. I would really like to become a financial advisor and this is the first step in my journey.”   Another A Level learner, Ahmed Elhjaje is elated today after learning he has been accepted to the University of the West of England to study Sociology. Ahmed today received a B in Sociology, an A in Philosophy and an B in Law. He commented: “I have been stressing out so much but I am so happy. The teachers have been amazing and I don’t think I could have done it without them.  I can’t wait to start University and the next steps in my journey.”   SGS Sixth is more than just grades and percentages; it's a place where individual talent is nurtured, and students are allowed to pursue a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 30 Academies and access to professional-level sports facilities. This academic year, our learners have had the opportunity to play high levels of sport alongside their studies as well as engage in academies such as SAGE and Mastercard classes, Science, Creative Writing, STEM lecture from local partners including the NHS Blood and Transplant Service. Head of SGS Sixth (Pastoral), Gary Parsons, commented,  "Our student's achievements are a testament to their hard work and perseverance, as well as the tireless efforts of our teachers. SGS Sixth takes immense pride in providing a nurturing environment enabling students to flourish academically and personally as well as providing opportunities to explore avenues of interest through our academies programme."   Head of SGS Sixth (Academic), Becky Riddell said “ I am delighted with the achievements of each and every one of our learners, the grades they have achieved and the distance each learner has travelled is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to their studies at SGS. We wish each and every one, the best, on their future travels and endeavours. It is important to acknowledge our fantastic curriculum teachers and wider support teams, including our Heads of Year and wellbeing team, who have contributed to the academic success through their 121s, consistent and unwavering support and their extensive and exceptional subject expertise and pastoral care. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” SGS Sixth continues to welcome student applications and has an impressive range of academic, technical and vocational qualifications to meet the student’s needs. To apply via the late applicant advice and guidance sessions, please visit  www.sgscol.ac.uk  for further details. The first A-Level Open Day for 2024-25 is the 26th of September from 5:30pm-8pm.

We are extremely proud to announce that two of our learners, Rowan Graham and Mollie Williams have been shortlisted as finalists for the Bristol Young Heroes Awards. These awards aim to shine a light on those who have overcome difficult circumstances, made a difference to the lives of others, or achieved something extraordinary. Rowan is a finalist for the Sports Hero Award due to his achievements in Taekwondo. He has combined being a two-time world champion alongside achieving his GCSEs and A Levels at SGS Sixth. Molly is a finalist for the Superhero Award for her work with the Teenage Cancer Trust and her aspirations to continue her studies. The award ceremony will be taking place on the 5th July with Evie Hemmings who nominated Rowan and Chelsey Price who nominated Mollie attending a nominees reception at City Hall in Bristol on the 14th May. We wish Rowan and Mollie the very best of luck! at the awards ceremony and are extremely proud of them both.

On the 23rd April all of our Year 1 learners were given the opportunity to attend a UCAS Discovery Event in Newport, Wales. Around 200 of our learners attended and were able to speak to a range of different universities, apprenticeship providers in addition to listening to talks about all aspects of the UCAS process with UCAS advisors. This marks the first stage for our Year 1 learners on thinking about their future plans. They were able to ask lots of questions about the differences between studying in a city versus an out-of-town campus, what it is like studying at a Russell Group university, and find out which universities specialise in specific subjects. They were also able to speak to apprenticeship providers as well for alternative routes after Sixth Form. Over the next few months in the Sixth Form, Year 1 learners will continue their journey to formulate their future plans with help identifying which universities or apprenticeships they would like to apply for, support with creating a UCAS account and help with constructing personal statements.