For more detail on LUSoM and the courses offered, please download our prospectus.
Your choice of A-levels
Our curriculum is designed to push the boundaries of A-level mathematics for talented 16-19 year olds with a passion for maths and STEM subjects. Taught by specialist LUSoM staff in brand new facilities, you will study A-levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and then choose your additional A-levels from either the subjects taught at LUSoM or at Cardinal Newman College.
- Maths
- Further Maths
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Options at Cardinal Newman College
Maths
Mathematics A-Level is a fantastic subject, which offers you the opportunity to develop your logic, reasoning and problem-solving skills through the study of both Pure Maths, such as algebra, geometry and functions with Applied Maths modules. It shows potential employers that you have a highly logical mind that can present organised arguments to solve numerical problems – a skill which is widely sought after.
What will you study?
- Quadratics
- Coordinate Geometry
- Algebraic Fractions
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Vectors
- Trigonometry
- Sequences and Series
- Exponentials and Logarithms
- Numerical Methods
- Functions
- Proof
Entry Requirements
Students require a grade 8 or above in Maths GCSE to study at LUSoM
Examboard – OCR B (MEI)
Further Maths
Further Maths A-Level at LUSoM provides you with the opportunity to develop some of the concepts met in the A-Level Maths course as well as study a greater variety of applications. If you thoroughly enjoy the subject and are keen to extend your understanding and knowledge, then this course will provide the chance to study some more demanding and abstract concepts.
What will you study?
Further Maths involves standard pure content, and options for the applied.
Pure:
- Matrices
- Complex Numbers
- Algebra and Functions
- Proof
- Calculus
- Vectors
There is quite a bit of choice over what applied options to take in Further Maths, and most students will either take the Mechanics module, the Extra Pure module, or Modelling with Algorithms dependent on their interests.
Entry Requirements
Students require a grade 8 or above in Maths GCSE to study at LUSoM
Examboard – OCR B (MEI)
Physics
A Physics A-Level is highly regarded by employers and universities. From particle physics, thermal physics to nuclear physics, our A-Level will develop your theoretical ideas, logical analysis and problem-solving skills.
What will you study?
- Mechanics
- Materials
- Waves
- Quantum Physics
- Practical Skills
- Electricity
- Particle Physics
- Gravitational fields
- Electric Fields
- Periodic Motion
- Capacitors
- Thermal Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Magnetic Fields
- Special Relativity
Entry Requirements
Students require a grade 7 or above in Physics GCSE or 77 in Double Science GCSE
Examboard – AQA
Chemistry
The analytical, mathematical, investigative, research, decision making and problem-solving skills developed by studying A-Level Chemistry are highly transferable skills and sought by a range of employers.
What will you study?
- Atomic Structure and isotopes
- Compounds, Formulae and equations
- The mole and calculations involving the amount of substance
- Acid-base and RedOx reactions and titrations
- Electron configurations and orbital theory
- Ionisation energy and trends in the Periodic Table
- Chemical Bonding and structure (linked to physical properties)
- Chemistry of Group 2 and Group 7 elements
- Qualitative analysis
- Enthalpy changes
- Core Organic Chemistry
- Nomenclature and basic concepts of organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons including alkanes and alkenes
- Alcohol and Haloalkane chemistry
- Organic synthesis and Modern Analytical Techniques (Mass Spectrometry and Infra-Red Spectroscopy)
- Esters
Entry Requirements
Students require a grade 7 or above in Chemistry GCSE or 77 in Double Science GCSE
Examboard – AQA: Chemistry A Specification
Computer Science
A-Level Computer Science is designed to offer you a solid foundation in computing. From the fundamentals of programming to the theory of computation, an A-Level in Computer Science will support you in meeting the demands of the many careers available to you.
What will you study?
One of the most enjoyable parts of the course for students is the year-long project which will run across both years of your course. This is a program you create from scratch and can be anything from a Unity Game, VR system, App Development, Robotics or any other technical topic you might have an interest in.
You will learn the C# Programming Language from scratch and we will also teach you games design within a games engine called MonoGame.
- Fundamentals of programming
- The Fundamentals of data structures
- Fundamentals of algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- The Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Consequences of uses of computing
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
- Fundamentals of databases
- Big Data
- Fundamentals of functional programming
Entry Requirements
Students require a grade 7 or above in Computer Science GCSE or a grade 8 or above in Maths GCSE
Examboard – OCR
Options at Cardinal Newman College
LUSoM Students have the option to study a fourth A-Level at Cardinal Newman College, find out more about their A-Level courses here.
Example Timetable
Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
09.30 – 10.40 | Maths A-level | 4th A-level Subject | Curriculum X | 4th A-level Subject | |
10.45 – 11.55 | Further Maths A-level | 3rd A-level Subject | |||
12.10 – 13.20 | 3rd A-level Subject | Maths A-level | Further Maths A-level | 3rd A-level Subject | |
13.25 – 14.35 | Further Maths A-level | 3rd A-level Subject | Maths A-level | Further Maths A-level | |
14.40 – 15.50 | 4th A-level Subject | 4th A-level Subject | Downtime | Personal Development | Maths A-level |
LUSoM Award Projects
Students are required to complete two projects over the course of their time with us. The first project is a group project (groups of 4 or 5 students) with each group being assigned a mentor from Lancaster University. The group meets with the mentor a few times over the course of the project, and then is required to produce a research presentation and poster at the end.
At the end of Y12 leading into Y13, students are then required to do an individual project. This can be accredited to an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) if the student wishes. All the projects require a write-up and a presentation.
Downtime
For our students’ wellbeing, it is really important to get a healthy balance between work and relaxation.
Downtime is a once-weekly session where students are obliged to pick an extra-curricular activity and encouraged to take time out from their studies. The sessions are student-led and are based on their interests. There is a mix of sporting activities (badminton, running, table tennis) alongside a film club, debating, board games and a chess club. We also run courses to help prepare students for university, such as, personal finance and cooking on a budget.
You will also benefit from and have access to the full range of extracurricular activities with peers at Cardinal Newman College. These will include The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, theatre productions and musical opportunities including band and choir groups and a variety of sporting activities.
LUSoM is not only a place in which we all study maths; it's a vibrant community of like-minded people who share an ambition, passion for problem-solving, and eagerness to learn. We also have excellent support: the teachers here truly care about their subject, going the extra mile to broaden our understanding and open our minds to every corner of maths.
Megan Walker - Student President 2023/2024