Freedom for thinkers

Study Overview

More than A-levels

Our curriculum extends far beyond A-levels.  Take a look to fully understand the learning experience of students at EMS.

You will be challenged and supported to develop the skills you need for the future whilst exploring big and interesting problems.
A series of optional eXciting eXtra courses that will eXtend and deepen your knowledge whilst preparing you for university study.
Explore challenging problems and develop the skills to solve complex questions in Maths, Physics and Computer Science.
Pastoral and Academic tutorials are fundamental to equipping students to thrive at EMS and beyond.

Related pages

You will be challenged and supported to develop the skills you need for the future whilst exploring big and interesting problems.
A series of optional eXciting eXtra courses that will eXtend and deepen your knowledge whilst preparing you for university study.
As passionate as we are about maths, physics and computing, we also thrive with variety and benefit from broad interests.
Explore challenging problems and develop the skills to solve complex questions in Maths, Physics and Computer Science.
Pastoral and Academic tutorials are fundamental to equipping students to thrive at EMS and beyond.

Curriculum Structure

All students study A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics or Computer Science and take part in our extensive enrichment programme.  Students may elect to study both Physics and Computer Science or a fourth subject from those on offer at  these options include AS levels, A levels, BTECs and enrichment courses (Extend).  See ‘Options at Exeter College’ page for further information.  For students applying to join EMS who wish to study a fourth subject at Exeter College, EMS will make this application on your behalf,  you just need to make a note of the subject you wish to study on your application form.

The curriculum, which is timetabled fortnightly, consists of:

Subject

Weekly time

Maths

9 hours

Physics or Computer Science (or both)*

4.5 hours

Option taken at Exeter College

5 hours *

Academic Tutorials

45 minutes

Exeter Maths Certificate (EMC)

1 hour

EMC Skills

1 hour

Pastoral Curriculum with Inspire

1 hour

Problem Solving Classes (optional)

up to 1 hour 25 mins per subject

Curriculum X (optional)

up to 4 hours (for two courses)

Drop-In

40 minutes per subject

*This is for AS/A-level and BTEC options. The alternative, Extend, is for 75 minutes per week.  Students may elect to take both Physics and Computer Science. If this is the case, they do not take a College option.

Students sit A-level examinations at the end of year 13. Students taking a subjects at Exeter College may sit AS examinations in that subject during the summer term of year 12 and will then have the option to continue on to A-level in year 13. This is dependent on the subject selected.

A-level Options

All students take two A-levels in Mathematics which we teach as a coherent whole. Lots of time for exploration and discovery - what could be more fun?
In Physics lessons you'll make links with maths and utilise the coding you learn through EMC, developing a strong foundation for further study.
Develop abstract thinking, general problem solving, mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking.
If there is a subject you're keen to study that EMS cannot offer, you may enjoy taking one of your A-levels at Exeter College.