A wide range of A level subjects is available to girls in the Upper School at St Helen’s. Most choose four AS subjects, narrowing to three A2 subjects in the second year. Some opt to do more, and it may also be possible to opt to take up a new AS subject in US2 in place of one you have dropped, and hence end up with a total of three A levels and two AS levels.

Some subjects are taught jointly with boys from Abingdon School and this co-operation between the schools allows a flexibility of choice and A level combinations for both our students and the boys from Abingdon. Areas for further collaboration include drama, debating, orchestra, careers conventions, choral society, Oxbridge lectures, language exchanges and, of course, a wide range of social activities. It is proposed to further develop this programme and a joint general studies timetable is planned for implementation from September 2010 in order that all sixth form pupils experience learning in mixed groups.

Almost all GCSE subjects are also offered at A Level, and we also offer History of Art, Business Studies, Economics, Government and Politics, and Psychology. Many departments arrange visits both within the UK and abroad to supplement and support their teaching.

The curriculum also includes sport for all and a general studies programme to add breadth of knowledge and experience. Outside lecturers are invited to talk to both year groups on a wide variety of different topics such as Paul Mayhew-Archer discussing his life in comedy, Jo Pearl recounting his experiences surviving the Holocaust or the expert chef, Jason Woods, demonstrating essential university survival cookery. Some of these lectures are joint with Abingdon School.
 

A level subjects available in 2009/10 are listed below. Subjects marked with an * may be offered in conjunction with Abingdon School. Lessons may take place here, at Abingdon or a combination of the two.

Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry 
Economics
English Literature
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
German *
Government and Politics *
Greek
History
History of Art *
Italian
Latin
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education - AS Physical Education is offered but continuation to the full A level will depend on pupil numbers.
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Spanish
Theatre Studies *