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 five AS subjects and/or four A2s, 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 cooperation 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, joint choral society, joint general studies lectures, MFL exchanges and, of course, a wide range of social activities.

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.

However, there is much more to life as a successful St Helen’s girl than classroom lessons.  The Upper School curriculum also includes sport for all and an enrichment programme to add breadth of knowledge and life experience. This exciting programme takes place both in large groups and smaller ones. In small groups girls will study a non-examined critical thinking course, presentation skills, personal safety, financial management, library skills, and first aid. In larger groups girls will attend lectures on a variety of topics, some of which are run jointly with Abingdon School. For those girls really wishing to take their independent learning to a level more befitting a university undergraduate, there is the opportunity to take a YASS course (an independent study unit available in a variety of subjects) with the Open University.

A level subjects available in 2011/12 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.

# - AS Physical Education is offered but continuation to the full A level will depend on pupil numbers.