Other subject combinations have included Classical Civilisation, History, English, French, German, Spanish, Politics, Economics and Business Studies. With the choice of four subjects at AS level, it is possible for the science-based candidates to widen their cultural horizons with the inclusion of History of Art.

The aims of the History of Art course are to develop the ability to communicate an understanding and knowledge of the subject, including an awareness of the varied contexts in which art is produced, used and seen.

The course covers painting, sculpture, architecture and design, exploring why art is created, its function within society and how art is presented in the past contexts such as churches and institutions and as in the present in museums, galleries and public spaces. The way language is used to describe art, not only in the material and technical sense, but also in terms of aesthetics and value judgement, is considered particularly important.

There are regular visits to exhibitions and galleries and usually an annual trip to Venice, France or Rome. In the first year of the course, the AS syllabus is intended to give a broad overview of the last two millennia of the visual arts and architecture of Western Europe. The second year A2 syllabus focuses on specific areas of study including Renaissance Italy and Nineteenth Century France. A personal study on a chosen topic completes the course in the second year of the Sixth Form