Courses - Humanities

Classical Civilisation is an interdisciplinary A Level course focusing on the civilisations of Greece and Rome. The subject combines the study of literature, material culture, ancient thought and ideas, as well as providing the opportunity to explore ancient historical context.

There is no need to be a language specialist to study A Level Classical Civilisation as the texts are studied in translation. Students will learn to formulate and support an argument and develop a valuable understanding of cultures very different to their own. They will develop their technique in analysing sources and further their independent, critical and evaluative approaches.

Classical Civilisation complements many other subjects, can lead to a variety of careers and is an excellent foundation for any further study of humanities or the arts.

Geography is a topical, contemporary subject which is especially attractive for those who want to maintain strong links with the ‘real world’ outside the classroom. It can enhance skills in communication, using ICT (including geographic information systems), teamwork and problem-solving, as well as developing a greater awareness of the environment and global issues. 

Students are required to write evaluative essays throughout the course as well as apply statistical techniques to data. Topics such as tectonic hazards, coastal landscapes, globalisation, regeneration, water and energy security, climate change, migration and geopolitics are all covered.

Fieldwork is an invaluable and compulsory component of the course and Lower Sixth (Year 12) students are required to attend a residential field trip at a Field Studies Council centre.

Studying Geography opens up a wide range of career options including Planning, Travel and Tourism, Business Management, Hazard Management, Conservation and International Development. 

Choosing an A Level in History will allow students to analyse aspects of both British and World History in depth. At Cobham Free School we will be studying conflict, revolution and settlement in Britain between 1625 and 1701, Russia in Revolution 1894-1924 and civil rights and race relations in the U.S.A 1850-2006. Students will have the opportunity to critically analyse sources and formulate judgements on key historical issues. Students will use research to develop well formed arguments and write answers in a concise fashion. 

History is a choice that combines well with other subjects and is highly respected by university admission tutors. It can inspire an interest in the world and prepare students for life post-school. 

Students who study History pursue careers in a large range of fields, some of these include: accountancy, journalism and law.

A Level Philosophy comprises four topic areas: Epistemology, Moral philosophy, the Metaphysics of God and the Metaphysics of mind. Students are required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the content, including through the use of philosophical analysis (conceptual analysis and argument analysis). 

They must also be able to analyse and evaluate the philosophical arguments within the subject content to form reasoned judgements. In doing this, they will: 

• understand the ways in which philosophers have analysed the core concepts of philosophy

• understand the main philosophical arguments within topics, through the works of philosophers

• understand the philosophical claims which are made within each topic and be able to articulate those claims correctly, clearly and precisely

• understand the ways in which philosophical arguments are developed

• understand the similarities and differences between the forms of reasoning used in different philosophical content areas

• generate responses using appropriate philosophical formats, to a range of philosophical questions. 

The course is complementary to both arts and science A Levels and prepares students for study in many Humanities subjects at university, such as Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). Being skilled in thinking is extremely marketable; Philosophy students can have careers in a wide range of fields such as law, journalism and public service, including politics.

Why does racism exist in our society? Why is there a gender pay gap? What is the role of institutions – do they perform positive functions, or simply work in the interests of the powerful and against the powerless? Are you willing to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes’? Sociology is an exciting and illuminating subject that enables a critical, forward thinking analysis of the structure of society and the interactions between different groups that shape our lives both in public and in private.

Sociologists study society and the structures within it such as gender, race, ethnicity, and social class from a range of perspectives, methods and theories of power including Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism. A level students will cover diverse subjects such as Culture and Identity, Crime and Deviance, Education, Work and Welfare and the Family. 

Sociology A Level combines well with Economics, Geography, Psychology and Politics and can open the door to a wide variety of career choices. These include market and social research, policing and probation, local government, the civil service and education. Students of sociology are sought after for their excellent transferable skills such as strong written and oral communication, critical thinking and evaluation of research methods and data analysis.

If you have an open and inquiring mind, enjoy challenging debate and questioning the status quo, then sociology is an excellent choice at A Level.