Languages examine how people communicate, looking at grammar, vocabulary, and the subtle differences in spoken and written forms. They also explore how language changes over time, reflects personal and group identities, and helps people connect across different cultures. Language plays an important role in social issues such as power, inequality, and cultural exchange. Societal studies, focus on the structures, norms, and relationships that shape human communities. These subjects look at how social groups are formed, interact, and develop over time, considering politics, economics, and culture. By studying societies, we can better understand the values, behaviors, and systems that affect how people and groups function within a larger social context.
English Literature
A Level English Literature is highly regarded by all universities as a rigorous, traditional academic subject. A respectable grade demonstrates your ability to think critically, analytically, independently and creatively.
It sits exceptionally well with other societal subjects, like History and Modern Languages; complements creative subjects like Drama, Art, and Music and also offers a valuable balance and contrast for scientists.
Modern Foreign Languages
With the acceleration of globalisation, media, economies, and modern technology – the ability to communicate in a foreign language is of significant importance. Our pupils learn not only how to master languages other than English but gain deep cultural understanding and insights that will prove invaluable to themselves and their future learning.
We teach French, German and Spanish at Stover. Our language teachers have a wealth of experience and use a wide range of technology and other interactive resource materials to promote cultural awareness and communication skills, which are valuable in so many aspects of a pupil’s development.
Whatever your chosen career, possession of skills in one or more Modern Language will, without doubt, make you a more flexible, adaptable and mobile global citizen. It will enhance your personal communication skills and you will develop an intimate knowledge of the culture of the countries where the languages are spoken.
Pupils for whom English is a second language are offered EAL lessons in preparation for the IELTS exam. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally recognised English language test for international pupils who wish to study in a UK university. As well as preparing for the exam itself, the course content also provides a good foundation for understanding and using academic English in other examination subjects.
History
History is an excellent vehicle for helping to produce a trained, independent and well-disciplined mind. The methods of study and research involved provide a firm intellectual grounding for a range of future careers.
This course gives you the opportunity to study an element of British history, as well as exploring history in more than one other country or state. You will learn about significant events, individuals, and issues from a range of historical perspectives, showing a diversity of society.
Geography
The study of Geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected.
Geography is a subject where you explore a variety of current world issues as well as developing your report writing capabilities, analytical abilities and decision making skills.
Geography will appeal to pupils who have an interest in and concern for the environment. It will also suit pupils who enjoy travelling and finding out about new people, places, landscapes and events.
Geology
A level Geology delves into the study of the Earth’s structure, processes, and materials, examining everything from rocks and minerals to earthquakes and volcanoes. Pupils will explore the dynamic forces shaping the planet, such as plate tectonics, erosion, and sedimentation. They will also investigate how geological processes impact the environment and human activity, including natural hazards and resource management. Through practical fieldwork and analysis, A level Geology provides a deeper understanding of Earth’s past, present, and future.
Business Studies
Business Studies allows pupils to develop an understanding of their world. It enables them to make better financial decisions, to understand why businesses make the choices they do and to understand the impact of those choices on society as a whole.
Business Studies theorises and applies the knowledge for young people to understand the business world around them so that they may make informed financial decisions, be the next great innovator or entrepreneur and have the skills to be able to run their own business.
Our course is richly exemplified by a number of business persons visiting the school. Throughout the course there will be an expectation that you will gain first-hand experiences as much as possible through visits to factories, start-up businesses and multinational companies.
Economics
Economics is the study of the incentives that shape and reconcile the decisions that individuals, businesses, governments and societies make, and the macroeconomic outcomes such as economic fluctuations, growth, unemployment and crises, which may arise from those decisions. Content takes into account fundamental advances and changes in economic ideas such as behavioural economics, importance of financial markets and development economics, so that students can relate what they are learning to the world around them.
The course is designed for pupils to learn how to apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues, and encourage pupils to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Engaging and up-to-date content is studied so that pupils can relate what they are learning to the world around them – locally, nationally and globally. Pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions. They will also build upon their quantitative skills and appreciate that, when evaluating arguments, both qualitative and quantitative evidence are important. Assessment is carried out with real-life case studies and data exercises to better prepare pupils for further study and employment.
Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is a subject that stretches pupils mentally and allows them to develop their own critical points of view on some of the most challenging questions in life. Can you use logic to explain God’s existence? Do we have a duty to take care of the planet as a living organism? What value do Buddhists place on the practice of meditation? These are some of the questions A Level pupils consider in depth on the course. The course is divided into three components: Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics, and Developments in Buddhist Thought. The course is rigorous, and pupils will learn how to research scholars and key thinkers; how to critically analyse texts and how to structure their arguments in writing. The course teaches pupils how to engage with philosophical thinking through class discussions and debates.