Edexcel AS / A2 Level Curriculum

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level courses offer comprehensive study in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Accounting, Economics, and IT, building critical analytical skills for advanced education and careers.

AS and A2 Level Physics

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Physics courses offer a comprehensive study of physical principles, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The syllabus is designed to deepen students’ understanding of physics concepts and prepare them for advanced studies in science and engineering.

AS Level

  • Mechanics
    • Kinematics
    • dynamics
    • forces
  • Electricity
    • Electrical circuits
    • current, voltage
    • resistance
  • Waves
    • Wave properties
    • sound
    • light
  • Particle Physics
    • Basic concepts in particle physics
    • radiation
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Physics on the Go (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper covers mechanics, electricity, and waves. It includes a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Exploring Physics (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on particle physics and additional topics. It includes similar question formats as Paper 1, contributing the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Further Mechanics
    • Advanced kinematics
    • dynamics
    • motion in fields
  • Electricity
    • Advanced concepts in circuits
    • including AC and DC
  • Fields and Forces
    • Gravitational
    • electric
    • magnetic fields
  • Nuclear Physics
    • Radioactivity
    • nuclear reactions
    • applications
  • Thermal Physics
    • Heat transfer
    • thermodynamics
    • ideal gases
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Mechanics and Materials (2 hours)

This paper covers further mechanics, fields, and forces, including a mix of short-answer and extended-response questions. It accounts for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Waves and Quantum Physics (2 hours)

This paper focuses on advanced topics in waves and quantum physics, including similar question formats as Paper 1, contributing another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: General Physics (2 hours)

This paper includes questions on practical skills and data analysis, covering a broad range of topics from the syllabus. It contributes the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level Physics courses aim to build a strong foundation in physics, develop analytical skills, and enhance students’ ability to apply physical principles to real-world problems. The courses are designed to prepare students for further education in physics, engineering, and other science-related fields.

AS and A2 Level Chemistry

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Chemistry courses provide a thorough exploration of chemical principles and practices. The syllabus covers fundamental concepts in chemistry and builds on these with advanced topics, equipping students with a solid foundation for further studies in chemistry and related fields.

AS Level

  • Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
    • Elements
    • atomic structure
    • periodic trends
  • Chemical Bonding and Structure
    • Types of bonds
    • molecular shapes
    • intermolecular forces
  • Quantitative Chemistry
    • Chemical calculations
    • mole concept
    • stoichiometry
  • Chemical Changes
    • Reactions
    • energy changes
    • equilibria
  • Practical Skills
    • Laboratory techniques
    • data analysis
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper covers atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, and physical chemistry topics. It includes a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions, accounting for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on organic chemistry, including reactions and mechanisms, as well as physical chemistry topics. It also includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions, contributing the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Kinetics
    • Rate of reactions
    • factors affecting reaction rates
  • Equilibria
    • Le Chatelier's principle
    • equilibrium constants
    • applications
  • Organic Chemistry
    • Advanced reactions
    • mechanisms
    • synthesis
  • Redox Reactions
    • Oxidation
    • reduction
    • electrochemical cells
  • Practical Skills
    • Advanced laboratory techniques
    • experimental design
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced inorganic and physical chemistry topics, similar to AS Level Paper 1 but in greater depth. It includes a mix of short-answer and extended-response questions, accounting for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry (2 hours)

This paper focuses on advanced organic chemistry and additional physical chemistry topics, similar to AS Level Paper 2 but with greater complexity. It contributes another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: General Principles of Chemistry and their Applications (2 hours)

This paper assesses practical skills and data analysis, including questions based on experimental work and theoretical understanding. It accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level Chemistry courses aim to develop a deep understanding of chemical principles, enhance practical laboratory skills, and prepare students for further study in chemistry, biochemistry, and other related fields.

AS and A2 Level Biology

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Biology courses provide a detailed exploration of biological principles and processes, preparing students for advanced studies or careers in biological sciences. The syllabus covers a range of topics from fundamental biology to more complex biological systems and processes.

AS Level

  • Cell Biology
    • Structure and function of cells
    • including cell division
    • cellular respiration
  • Biological Molecules
    • Structure and function of proteins
    • carbohydrates
    • lipids and nucleic acids
  • Exchange and Transport
    • Mechanisms of exchange
    • transport in plants and animals.
  • Genetics and Evolution
    • Principles of inheritance
    • genetic variation
    • evolutionary processes
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Biology 1 (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper assesses understanding of cell biology, biological molecules, and exchange and transport. It includes a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and data response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Biology 2 (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on genetics and evolution, including topics such as genetic inheritance and evolutionary theory. It includes similar question formats as Paper 1 and contributes the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Biological Systems
    • Advanced study of systems including human physiology
    • plant physiology
    • homeostasis
  • Energy Transfer
    • Photosynthesis
    • respiration
    • energy flow in ecosystems
  • Ecology
    • Interactions within ecosystems
    • population dynamics
    • conservation
  • Biotechnology and Genetics
    • Techniques in biotechnology
    • genetic engineering
    • their applications
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Advanced Biology 1 (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced topics in biological systems, energy transfer, and ecology. It includes a combination of short-answer and extended-response questions and accounts for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Advanced Biology 2 (2 hours)

This paper focuses on biotechnology and genetics, including the application of these techniques in modern biology. It includes similar question formats as Paper 1 and contributes another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: Experimental Biology (2 hours)

This paper assesses students' practical skills and understanding of experimental biology. It includes data response and extended-response questions related to practical work and accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level Biology courses aim to deepen students’ understanding of biological concepts, enhance their investigative skills, and prepare them for further academic or professional pursuits in the biological sciences.

AS and A2 Level Economics

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Economics courses offer an in-depth examination of economic principles and their application to real-world issues. The syllabus covers fundamental concepts in both microeconomics and macroeconomics, preparing students for further study in economics, business, and related fields.

AS Level

  • Microeconomics Supply and Demand: Market equilibrium, elasticity, and market failures.
    Market Structures: Competition, monopoly, and other market forms.
    Consumer and Producer Theory: Decision-making, utility, and production.
  • Macroeconomics Economic Indicators: GDP, inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
    Economic Policy: Monetary policy, fiscal policy, and government intervention.
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Markets and Market Failure (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on microeconomic theory, including market mechanisms and failures. It includes a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and data response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: National and International Economy (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper covers macroeconomic topics, including economic indicators and policy. It also includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and data response questions, contributing the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Advanced Microeconomics Market Efficiency: Welfare economics, externalities, and public goods.
    Labour Markets: Wage determination, employment, and labour market policies.
  • Advanced Macroeconomics Global Economics: International trade, exchange rates, and global economic issues.
    Economic Growth: Long-term growth theories, development, and sustainability.
  • Economic Theories and Models Application and evaluation of economic theories and models in various contexts.
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Microeconomics (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced microeconomic topics and includes a mix of data response and essay questions. It accounts for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Macroeconomics (2 hours)

This paper focuses on advanced macroeconomic concepts and includes data response and essay questions, contributing another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: Economic Principles and Issues (2 hours)

This paper assesses students' ability to apply economic principles to real-world scenarios, including both micro and macroeconomic issues. It includes a combination of data response and essay questions and accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level Economics courses aim to develop a thorough understanding of economic concepts, enhance analytical and evaluative skills, and prepare students for further academic or professional pursuits in economics and related fields.

AS and A2 Level Business Studies

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Business Studies courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, practices, and strategic decision-making. The syllabus covers core aspects of business management, including operations, marketing, finance, and human resources, preparing students for further studies in business and related fields.

AS Level

  • Business Overview
    • Business types
    • Objectives
    • stakeholder analysis
  • Marketing
    • Market research
    • Marketing mix
    • stakeholder analysis
  • Operations Management
    • Production processes
    • quality control
    • supply chain management
  • Finance
    • Financial statements
    • budgeting
    • financial analysis
  • Human Resources
    • Recruitment
    • training
    • employee motivation
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Business Studies (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper covers all AS Level topics and includes a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and data response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Business Decision-Making (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on applying business concepts to case studies and decision-making scenarios. It includes data response and extended-response questions, contributing the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Strategic Management
    • growth
    • training
    • competitive advantage
  • Global Business
    • International trade
    • global markets
    • international business strategies
  • Business Ethics and CSR
    • Corporate social responsibility
    • ethical issues
    • sustainability
  • Change Management
    • Organisational change
    • innovation
    • crisis management
  • Advanced Financial Analysis
    • Detailed financial performance analysis
    • investment appraisal
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Strategic Management (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced topics in business strategy and decision-making. It includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions, accounting for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Global Business (2 hours)

This paper focuses on international business and global market analysis. It includes similar question formats as Paper 1 and contributes another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: Business in a Competitive Environment (2 hours)

This paper assesses students' ability to apply business theories and concepts to complex scenarios, including strategic decision-making and analysis. It accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level Business Studies courses aim to develop students’ understanding of business principles, enhance their analytical and strategic thinking skills, and prepare them for further study or careers in business and management.

AS and A2 Level Accounting

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Accounting courses provide a detailed exploration of accounting principles, techniques, and practices. The syllabus is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of financial and management accounting, preparing students for further study or careers in accounting and finance.

AS Level

  • Introduction to Accounting
    • Basic principles
    • accounting concepts
    • the accounting cycle
  • Financial Statements
    • Preparation of income statements
    • balance sheets
    • cash flow statements
  • Management Accounting
    • Costing methods
    • budgeting
    • variance analysis
  • Accounting for Sole Traders and Partnerships
    • Recording transactions
    • preparing financial statements for different types of businesses
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Financial Accounting (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper covers the principles and techniques of financial accounting, including the preparation of financial statements. It consists of a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Management Accounting (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on management accounting topics such as costing methods and budgeting. It includes similar question formats as Paper 1, contributing the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Advanced Financial Accounting
    • Complex financial statements
    • including those for groups of companies
    • advanced accounting issues
  • Advanced Management Accounting
    • In-depth budgeting
    • performance measurement
    • cost control
  • Financial Performance Analysis
    • Techniques for analysing
    • interpreting financial performance
    • amaking strategic decisions
  • Ethics and Professionalism in Accounting
    • Ethical considerations
    • professional standards in accounting practice
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Financial Accounting (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced topics in financial accounting, including the preparation and analysis of complex financial statements. It includes a combination of short-answer and extended-response questions. It accounts for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Management Accounting (2 hours)

This paper focuses on advanced management accounting techniques, including budgeting, cost control, and performance measurement. It includes similar question formats as Paper 1 and contributes another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: Accounting Practices and Techniques (2 hours)

This paper assesses students' ability to apply accounting principles to real-world scenarios, including ethical and professional considerations. It accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level Accounting courses aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of accounting principles, enhance their practical accounting skills, and prepare them for further studies or careers in accounting and finance.

AS and A2 Level Mathematics

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Mathematics courses offer a detailed study of advanced mathematical concepts, providing students with a solid foundation for further study in mathematics and related disciplines. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics in pure mathematics, mechanics, and statistics, with a focus on developing problem-solving and analytical skills.

AS Level

  • Pure Mathematics Algebra: Expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions.
    Calculus: Differentiation and integration, including applications.
    Geometry: Coordinate geometry and trigonometry.
  • Statistics Data Analysis: Representation, measures of central tendency, and dispersion.
    Probability: Basic probability concepts and distributions.
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper covers algebra, calculus, and geometry, with a mix of short-answer and extended-response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Statistics (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on data analysis and probability, including a combination of short-answer and extended-response questions. It contributes the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Pure Mathematics Advanced Algebra:Expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions.
    Further Calculus: Advanced integration, differential equations, and applications.
    Further Geometry: Advanced coordinate geometry and vectors.
  • Mechanics Kinematics: Motion, velocity, and acceleration.
    Dynamics: Forces, Newton’s laws, and applications.
    Statics: Equilibrium and moments.
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced pure mathematics topics, including algebra, calculus, and geometry, with a mix of short-answer and extended-response questions. It accounts for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics (2 hours)

This paper continues with advanced pure mathematics, similar to Paper 1, contributing another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: Applied Mathematics (2 hours)

This paper includes mechanics and, in some cases, statistics, assessing students’ ability to apply mathematical techniques to real-world problems. It accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Both AS and A2 Level papers test students’ understanding of mathematical concepts, their problem-solving skills, and their ability to apply mathematics to various scenarios.

The AS and A2 Level Mathematics courses aim to develop a deep understanding of mathematical principles and enhance students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for higher education and careers that require advanced mathematical skills.

AS and A2 Level Information Technology (IT)

The Edexcel AS and A2 Level Information Technology (IT) courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of IT concepts and their practical applications. The syllabus covers a range of topics from fundamental IT principles to advanced applications, preparing students for further study or careers in the IT field.

AS Level

  • Information Systems
    • Components of information systems
    • hardware and software
    • data management
  • Data Management
    • Databases
    • data structures
    • data handling techniques
  • Human-Computer Interaction
    • User interfaces
    • usability
    • accessibility
  • Network and Communication
    • Network types
    • protocols
    • data transmission
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Information Technology Systems (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper assesses understanding of IT systems and their components. It includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and data response questions. It accounts for 50% of the AS Level grade.

Paper 2: Practical Applications in IT (1 hour 30 minutes)

This paper focuses on practical skills, including data management and the application of IT systems. It includes practical tasks and data analysis, contributing the remaining 50% of the AS Level grade.

A2 Level

  • Advanced Data Management
    • Complex database systems
    • data security
    • data analysis techniques
  • Advanced Human-Computer Interaction
    • Design principles
    • user experience
    • advanced interface development
  • Network Management
    • Advanced networking concepts
    • security
    • network design
  • Project Management
    • Planning, implementing
    • managing IT projects
Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Advanced Information Technology Systems (2 hours)

This paper covers advanced topics in information technology systems, including data management and network management. It includes a mix of short-answer and extended-response questions and accounts for 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 2: Advanced Practical Applications in IT (2 hours)

This paper focuses on advanced practical applications, including complex data management and project management tasks. It involves practical tasks and data analysis, contributing another 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

Paper 3: IT Project (2 hours)

This paper assesses students' ability to manage and complete an IT project. It includes project planning, implementation, and evaluation, and accounts for the remaining 33.3% of the A2 Level grade.

The AS and A2 Level IT courses aim to provide students with a robust understanding of IT concepts, enhance practical skills, and prepare them for further study or careers in information technology and related fields.