section two: curriculum modelshomepages.shu.ac.uk/~edsjlc/ict/qca/a-as_new_2000/framework/cur… ·...

Section two: curriculum models

Individual schools and colleges include statements in their aims affirming theirstudents’ entitlement to a range of learning experiences and activities thatcontribute to the breadth of the curriculum. This breadth of provision enrichesstudents’ experience and provides contexts for the growth and understandingrequired for adult life and for the acquisition of a wider range of personalqualities and social skills. They have indicated their wish to preserve this typeof provision while increasing choice and flexibility in academic study.

Decisions have to be made about how to allocate time, particularly whenconsidering the new AS level, the new GNVQs without the key skillsrequirement, general studies (examined or non-examined), tutorial time andreligious education. These decisions will depend on the:

■ concept of breadth adopted by the institution;■ subject specifications chosen;■ selected approach to key skills and religious education;■ scope and intended outcomes of any general studies or tutorial

programme;■ resources available;■ prior attainment and ability of the students involved.

The details of any selected approach will not necessarily be explicit in thefollowing models.

The curriculum models included in this section show how a range of schoolsand colleges are considering implementing the post-16 qualifications reforms.The models are not offered as recommendations for all schools and colleges,since each institution’s circumstances are different; they are offered as a basisfor discussion and debate. Each describes the current curriculum and theproposed curriculum from September 2000, and indicates the optionsavailable, giving examples of student programmes.

Model one: five AS levels over two years

■ Most A level students will take four AS levels in year 12. Some will take afifth in year 12, in year 13, or over both years.

■ Most AS levels are given five hours. A few subjects that attract ablestudents with a special interest in the subject are given less time.

■ An AS level option block common to both years.

This is a rural, mixed 11–18 comprehensive school, with 1,000 full-timestudents, 210 of them in the sixth form. It is also a community college withmore than 1,000 adult students taking part-time courses, which are open tostudents aged 16–19.

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Key features of thismodel

The school

The whole curriculum

The timetable is divided into four option blocks. A fifth block is common toboth years, with classes containing students from each.

Year 12 3 A level subjects 15 hrAS level General Studies including Key Skills

OR an AS level from block five 3 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 20 hr

Year 13 3 A level subjects 15 hrAS level General Studies (completing year 12 AS) 1 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 18 hr

Most A level students will take four AS levels in year 12. Some will take a fifthAS level in year 12, in year 13, or over both years. A level students willdevelop key skills through their A level studies. They will also have a one-hourinformation technology (IT) session, from which individual students may bewithdrawn for discussions with their tutor.

A typical programme will be as follows.

Year 12 4 AS levels 18–20 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 20–22 hr

Year 13 3 A2 15 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 17 hr

It is anticipated that the proportion of A level students taking the equivalent offour A levels will rise from about seven per cent to around 20 per cent. Thefifth AS level will be resourced mainly by filling currently unused places inblock five and year 12 AS level classes, but the school may also need toincrease the number of classes slightly.

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Current curriculum

September 2000curriculum

29

Curriculum display one

Blocks 1–4 provide full A levels. Block 5 (shaded) provides AS level only, over either one or two years. Block 5 isa common block, from which years 12 and 13 can choose subjects. Two-year AS levels are allocated two hours aweek in one year, three in the next.

* Broadening Studies are PE, sports leadership, peer support, citizenship, community service, drama.** AS level General Studies: In year 12 this includes key skills in communication and application of number.

Year 12 optionsBlock 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 55 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hrAS level AS level AS level AS levelEconomics Geography Physics TechnologyTheatre Studies Mathematics English Literature Geography BBiology History Sociology Chemistry rSpanish English Language French Art oLaw Biology English Literature aMathematics Law d

PE en

General Studies** General Studies** General Studies** General Studies** i3 hr in Yr 12 + 1 hr 3 hr in Yr 12 + 1 hr 3 hr in Yr 12 3 hr in Yr 12 nin Yr 13 in Yr 13 + 1 hr in Yr 13 + 1 hr in Yr 13 g

IT/tutorial IT/tutorial IT/tutorial IT/tutorial S1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr tAdvanced GNVQ Science Advanced GNVQ Work Experience u(6 units) Business (3 units) NVQ dAdv GNVQ Science Advanced GNVQ Business (6 units) i(3 units) eYear 13 options s

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 45 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hr 1

hr

A2 A2 A2 A2 *Economics Geography Physics TechnologyTheatre Studies Mathematics English Literature GeographyBiology History Sociology ChemistrySpanish English Language French ArtLaw Biology English LiteratureMathematics Law

PE

Advanced GNVQ Science Advanced GNVQ Work Experience(6 units) Business (3 units) NVQ Free-standing

mathematicsunits

Adv GNVQ Science Advanced GNVQ Business (6 units) 2 hr(3 units)One-year sixth optionsBlock 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 1 hr5 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hr IT/tutorialIntermediate GNVQ Business; Leisure and Tourism Work experience

NVQWork experience Intermediate GNVQNVQ Health and Social Care

one-yr AS levelHistory of ArtScience forpublicunderstanding3 hr

two-yr AS levelPsychologyFurthermathematicsMusic2 hr in one year;3 hr in other

GCSE English/key skillscommunication2 hr

GCSEMathematics/key skillsapplication ofnumber2 hr

Year 13 AS levelGeneral Studies1 hr

Student A: three A levels and two AS levels

Year 12 4 full AS levels (Biology, Maths, Physics, Geography)20 hr1st part of AS level (Further Mathematics) 2 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 24 hr

Year 13 3 A2 (Biology, Mathematics, Physics) 15 hr2nd part of AS level (Further Mathematics) 3 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 20 hr

Outcomes 3 A levels (Biology, Mathematics, Physics)2 AS levels (Further Mathematics, Geography)the Key Skills qualificationSkills, knowledge and experience from Broadening Studies

Student B: advanced GNVQ with A level and AS level

Year 12 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 10 hr2 AS levels (Mathematics, Law) 10 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 22 hr

Year 13 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 10 hr1 A2 (Law) 5 hrWork Experience NVQ (business-related) 5 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 22 hr

Outcomes 12-unit Advanced GNVQ in Business1 A level (Law)1 AS level (Mathematics)NVQ unitsthe Key Skills qualificationSkills, knowledge and experience from Broadening Studies

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Examples of studentprogrammes

Student C: intermediate GNVQ – a one-year programme beforefurther education

Year 12 Intermediate GNVQ Health and Social Care 15 hrKey Skill application of number 2 hrWork experience NVQ (care-related) 5 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 24 hr

Outcomes Intermediate GNVQ Health and Social CareNVQ unitsthe Key Skills qualificationSkills, knowledge and experience from Broadening Studies

Student D: a three-year GNVQ programme

Year 12 Intermediate GNVQ Business 15 hrAS level Art 5 hrKey Skill application of number 2 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 24 hr

Year 13 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 10 hrA2 Art 5 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 17 hr

Year 14 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 10 hrAS level History of Art 3 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrWork experience NVQ (design-related) 5 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 20 hr

Outcomes Intermediate GNVQ Business12-unit Advanced GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualification at levels 2 and 3A level ArtAS level History of ArtNVQ unitsSkills, knowledge and experience from Broadening Studies

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Model two: five AS levels in year 12

Model two is an alternative to model one for the same school. It is based onthe assumption that the demand of the new AS level reflects the first half of anA level course and can be achieved in four hours of teaching a week in thisschool.

■ Five AS levels in year 12 for most mainstream A level students.■ Four-hour AS levels for a broad year 12 curriculum and five-hour A2 for

in-depth study in year 13.■ Some three- and four-hour AS levels over two years.

Most A level students will take five AS levels in year 12. General Studies wouldbe withdrawn since curricular breadth would now be provided by five ASlevels. By setting the number of hours AS level is taught at four andwithdrawing General Studies, the total number of teaching hours will notchange. Students have one hour of IT/tutorial guidance each week.

A typical A level programme would be as follows.

Year 12 4 � one-year AS levels 16 hr1 � two-year AS level 2 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 20 hr

Year 13 3 � five-hour A2 15 hr1 � two-year AS level 2 hrIT/tutorial 1 hrBroadening Studies 1 hr

Total: 19 hr

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33

Curriculum display two

Year 12 optionsBlock 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 54 hr 4 hr 4 hr 4 hr 4 hrAS level AS level AS level AS levelEconomics Geography Physics TechnologyTheatre Studies Mathematics English Literature Geography BBiology History Sociology Chemistry rSpanish English Language French Art oLaw Biology English Literature aMathematics Law d

PE en

IT/tutorial IT/tutorial IT/tutorial IT/tutorial i1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr n

g

Studies

1hr

Advanced GNVQ Science Advanced GNVQ Work Experience(6 units) Business (3 units) NVQAdvanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ Business (6 units)Science(3 units)Year 13 optionsBlock 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 45 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hr

A2 A2 A2 A2Economics Geography Physics TechnologyTheatre Studies Mathematics English Literature GeographyBiology History Sociology ChemistrySpanish English Language French ArtLaw Biology English LiteratureMathematics Law

PE

Advanced GNVQ Science Advanced GNVQ Work Experience free-standing(6 units) Business (3 units) NVQ mathematicsAdvanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ Business (6 units) unitsScience 2 hr(3 units)

one-yr AS levelHistory of ArtScience forpublic under-standing3 hr

two-yr AS levelPsychologyFurtherMathematics-Music2 hr in Yr 122 hr in Yr 13

GCSE English/Key Skillscommunication2 hr

GCSEMathematics/Key Skillsapplication ofnumber2 hr

1 hrIT/tutorial

Model three: an emphasis on breadth

■ Breadth through spread of subjects. A level and advanced GNVQ arearranged in five ‘domains’ and students are encouraged to study from asmany domains as possible.

■ Breadth through key skills for all.■ Use of a range of GNVQs to facilitate breadth and flexibility.

This is a large comprehensive school of over 1,850 students, with 370 in thesixth form.

The timetable is constructed around five blocks. Students select theirmainstream study from blocks 1–4 and also take block 5 components. Most Alevel students take the equivalent of three and a half A levels (three A levelsand one AS General Studies). About eight per cent take more than this, forexample four A levels with further mathematics or music as the fourth A level,or three sciences and mathematics.

Year 12 3 � 41/2-hour A level subjects 13 hr 30 minAS level General Studies 40 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 15 hr 50 min

Year 13 3 � 41/2-hour A level subjects 13 hr 30 minAS level General Studies 40 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 15 hr 50 min

A level and advanced GNVQ subjects will be arranged in ‘domains’ acrossfour option blocks. Students will be encouraged to study from as manydomains as possible to achieve broadly-based curriculum consistent with theoverarching certificate or diploma referred to in the Qualifying for Successconsultation.

Most students will also have two periods dedicated to key skills: one fortracking skills acquisition in mainstream study using the school intranet; onefor teaching aspects not covered in the main programme of study. Studentsstudying in four of the five domains will have one key skills period. Being ableto develop key skills in their mainstream studies without additional teachingshould provide an incentive for students to choose a spread of subjects.

Students will be encouraged to take advanced GNVQ alongside A level as away of studying in all five domains. There will be maximum flexibility forstudents to take a six-unit GNVQ over one year, six units over two years, threeunits over one year, or the 12-unit GNVQ over two years.

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The school

Current curriculum


It is anticipated that the proportion of A level students studying more thanthree subjects (other than General Studies) will rise from about eight per centto around 30 per cent, of which 20 per cent may take an AS level and 10 percent will take one or two additional A or AS levels. This increase will beachieved by filling currently unused places in AS level classes.

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36

Mathematics

domains

Science andtechnology

ForeignLanguages

Arts andhumanities

Community

Curriculum display three

Year 12 and 13 options

Key* Year 12 and 13 taught together.✤ Key Skills – two periods a week (1 hour 20 minutes); one period (40 minutes) for ‘Diploma’ students.✝ Activities – sport, life-saving, ASDAN, Duke of Edinburgh Award.✧ School support – untaught community service mainly within the school, for example helping teachers or other

staff with administration.✹ FLAW – Foreign Languages at Work.Spanish and Advanced GNVQ Art and Design will also be offered if there is sufficient demand.

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 541/2 hr 41/2 hr 41/2 hr 41/2 hr 41/2 hrAS level/A2 AS level/A2 AS level/A2Mathematics Further Maths Mathematics

Further MathsAS level/A2 AS level/A2 AS level/A2 AS level/A2Geology Further Maths Chemistry Textiles*Chemistry Home Economics BiologyBiology Physics PhysicsD&T D&T

Adv GNVQ* Adv GNVQ*Health and social Health and socialcare (3 units) care (3 units)

AS level/A2 AS level/A2French GermanFrench-FLAW ✹

AS level/A2 AS level/A2 AS level/A2 AS level/A2Art* English Language English Literature Sports StudiesEnglish Literature Religious Studies Geography Art*Music Art* Theatre StudiesHistory

Adv GNVQ* Adv GNVQ* Adv GNVQ*Travel and Travel and Travel andtourism (3 units) tourism (3 units) tourism (3 units)AS level/A2 AS level/A2 AS level/A2Business Studies Politics SociologyPsychology Economics

Media Studies

Adv GNVQ* Adv GNVQ*Business Business(3 units) (3 units)Intermediate GNVQArt and DesignHealth and Social CareBusinessLeisure and Tourism12 hoursFoundation GNVQLeisure and TourismHealth and Social Care12 hoursNVQ CateringFour days a week work placement in catering establishment

1 hr 20 minsKey Skills ✤

tutorial40 mins

AS level/A2General Studies40 mins

activities ✝1 hour

school support ✧1 hour

Student A: ‘diploma’ breadth

Year 12 4 AS levels (History, Mathematics, Physics, German) 18 hr 00 minKey Skills qualification 40 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 20 hr 20 min

Year 13 3 A2 (History, Mathematics, Physics) 13 hr 30 minAdvanced GNVQ Business (three units) 4 hr 30 minKey Skills qualification 40 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 20 hr 20 min

Outcomes 3 A levels (History, Mathematics, Physics)1 AS level (German)three-unit Advanced GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualification

Student B: GNVQ student aiming for higher education

Year 12 Advanced GNVQHealth and Social Care (six units) 9 hr 00 minAS level Biology 4 hr 30 minKey Skills 1 hr 20 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 16 hr 30 min

Year 13 Advanced GNVQHealth and Social Care (six units) 9 hr 00 minAS level English Language 4 hr 30 minKey Skills 1 hr 20 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 16 hr 30 min

Outcomes 12-unit Advanced GNVQ Health and Social Care2 AS levels (Biology, English Language)the Key Skills qualification

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Student C: leaving at the end of year 12

Year 12 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 9 hr 00 minAS level Mathematics 4 hr 30 minKey Skills 1 hr 20 minTutorial 40 minActivities (sport, Duke of Edinburgh Award, etc) 1 hr 00 min

Total: 16 hr 30 min

Outcomes six-unit Advanced GNVQ BusinessAS level MathematicsLevel 3 key skills unit in application of number Opportunity to return to study in future years with accreditationfor all studies already completed

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Model four: commitment to full A levels with GNVQ options

■ Smaller GNVQ qualifications are used to replace 12-unit GNVQprogrammes. More students will include GNVQ in their programme.

■ Students enrol for full A level courses. The expectation is that they willusually continue from AS level to A2 in their chosen courses.

■ One-year or two-year AS level or GNVQ are provided, in addition to thestandard programme.

■ Key skills are developed within the standard learning programme and theKey Skills qualification is available for targeted groups of students.

This sixth form college has 1,200 full-time students: 20 per cent of them arestudying advanced GNVQs and 75 per cent are taking A levels.

The timetable is divided into six option blocks. The standard minimumadvanced level programme is three A levels or a GNVQ with an A level, andbroadening studies. The college wants to increase the numbers combiningGNVQ with A levels, believing that this will provide a more responsive rangeof learning programmes. A typical programme at present is as follows.

Year 12 2 A levels (English, French)OR Advanced GNVQ Business 9 hr 20 min

A level Art 4 hr 40 minCLAIT* 1 hr 10 minComplementary studies 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 17 hr 30 min

Year 13 2 A levels (English, French)OR Advanced GNVQ Business 9 hr 20 min

A level Art 4 hr 40 minAS level General Studies 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 16 hr 20 min* The Computer Literacy and Information Technology award from the OxfordCambridge and RSA awarding body.

The 12-unit GNVQ programme will be withdrawn in favour of three- and six-unit GNVQs, except in art and design. This will mean that most students willtake two or three A levels and a six-unit GNVQ. Some will take two A levelsplus two AS levels (or two, three-unit GNVQs where these are available) orone of each of these.

Most, therefore, will combine ‘academic’ A level and ‘vocational’ GNVQcourses.

39


The college

Current curriculum


All students on a two year programme will also take broadening studiesincluding AS level General Studies, complementary studies, the accredited PSEprogramme and CLAIT. Students will have their key skills assessed. Thesignposting opportunities in all students’ main programme of study will beused to develop their key skills.

Students will be encouraged but it will not be compulsory for them to takemore than the standard minimum, that is an extra A level, AS level or three-unit GNVQ. It is anticipated that the proportion of advanced level studentsstudying more than three subjects could treble from 10 per cent to 30 per centover two years, mainly by filling unused places in AS level classes.

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Curriculum display four

Year 12 and year 13 options

If three-unit GNVQ is not available in any subject quoted above, the option of the six-unit will remain.

Key* Complementary studies provides a wide variety of non-accredited courses, including sport, drama, recreational

programmes and languages.** The Open College Network Certificate in Personal and Social Education includes careers education and one

week of work experience.

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 64 hr 40 mins 4 hr 40 mins 4 hr 40 mins 4 hr 40 mins 4 hr 40 mins 4 hr 40 minsAS level or A2 AS level or A2 AS level or A2 AS level or A2 AS level or A2English English English English EnglishMathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics MathematicsArt Biology History Art HistoryPhilosophy Physics Sociology Business Studies ChemistryFrench Design Media Studies Psychology GeographyPE German Chemistry Spanish BiologyGeography French PE

Business Studies Fashion Sociology ASAS level only level only(not continuing to (not continuing toA2) A2)

two-yr AS level two-yr AS level two-yr AS level two-yr AS level two-yr AS levelMusic Computing History of Art Sociology English Language2 hr 20 mins World 2 hr 20 mins Citizenship 2 hr 20 mins

development 2 hr 20 mins2 hr 20 mins

AS level General AS level General AS level General AS level General AS level GeneralStudies Studies Studies Studies Studies1 hr 10 mins 1 hr 10 mins 1 hr 10 mins 1 hr 10 mins 1 hr 10 mins

CLAIT CLAIT CLAIT CLAIT CLAIT1hr 10 mins 1hr 10 mins 1hr 10 mins 1hr 10 mins 1hr 10 mins

Advanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ(6- and 3-unit) (6- and 3-unit) (6, and where (6, and where (6, and whereHealth and Social Health and Social available, 3 units) available, 3 units) available, 3 units)Care Care Business Business Media

Leisure and Leisure and Businessrecreation recreation

Media12-unit Advanced GNVQ Art andDesignIntermediate GNVQ GCSE GCSEArt and Design Mathematics EnglishBusiness 3 hr 30 mins 3 hr 30 minsLeisure and TourismMedia

Key Skills Key Skillscommunication application of1 hr 10 mins number

1 hr 10 mins

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Complementarystudies*1 hr 10 minsor 2hr 20 mins

OCN Certificatein PSE **1 hr 10 mins

AS level GeneralStudies1hr 10 mins

Key Skills1hr 10 mins

CLAIT1hr 10 mins

Student A: two A levels and a six-unit GNVQ with broadeningstudies

Year 12 2 AS levels (PE, Sociology) 9 hr 20 minAdvanced GNVQ Leisure and Recreation (three units) 4 hr 40 minComplementary Studies 1 hr 10 minCLAIT 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 17 hr 30 min

Year 13 2 A2 (PE, Sociology) 9 hr 20 minAdvanced GNVQ Leisure and Recreation (three units) 4 hr 40 minAS level General Studies 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 16 hr 20 min

Outcomes 2 A levels (PE, Sociology)six-unit Advanced GNVQ Leisure and RecreationAS level General StudiesCLAITOCN Certificate in PSE

Other similar programmes might lead to:

Outcomes 2 A levels (Economics, Mathematics)six-unit Advanced GNVQ BusinessAS level in General StudiesCLAITOCN Certificate in PSEthe Key Skills qualification

Outcomes 2 A levels (Mathematics, History)2 � three-unit Advanced GNVQ (Business, Leisure andRecreation)AS level in General StudiesCLAITOCN Certificate in PSEthe Key Skills qualification

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Student B: a broad advanced GNVQ programme with relatedAS levels

Year 12 Advanced GNVQ Art and Design (six units) 9 hr 00 min1st part of AS level History of Art 2 hr 20 minGCSE English 3 hr 30 minCLAIT and Key Skills 2 hr 20 minComplementary studies 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 19 hr 30 min

Year 13 Advanced GNVQ Art and Design (six units) 9 hr 00 min2nd part of AS level History of Art 2 hr 20 minAdvanced GNVQ Business (three units) 4 hr 40 minCLAIT and Key Skills 2 hr 20 minAS level General Studies 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 20 hr 40 min

Outcomes GCSE English12-unit Advanced GNVQ Art and Designthree-unit Advanced GNVQ BusinessAS level History of ArtAS level General StudiesCLAITthe Key Skills qualificationOCN Certificate in PSE

Student C: a one-year intermediate GNVQ programme

Year 12 Intermediate GNVQ Business 14 hr 00 minGCSE Mathematics 3 hr 30 minComplementary Studies 2 hr 20 minKey Skills 1 hr 10 minPSE/tutorial 1 hr 10 min

Total: 22 hr 10 min

Outcomes GCSE MathematicsIntermediate GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualificationOCN Certificate in PSE

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Model five: four AS levels becomes the norm

■ A four AS level programme becomes the norm for most A level students.Four, four-hour AS levels provide a broad curriculum in year 12. Five hoursare retained for the A2.

■ A fifth AS level in year 13 will be taken by some students.■ Student choices will affect option availability.

This is an 11–19 LEA mixed comprehensive school. There are 850 students inthe school, with 175 in the sixth form.

Most sixth form students take three A levels; approximately six per cent takefour A levels. Students choose their A levels from four option blocks, and itwould be difficult to alter this four-block pattern because it is linked to thetimetable for key stages 3 and 4.

Year 12 3 � five-hour A level subjects 15 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 3 hr

Total: 18 hr

Year 13 3 � five-hour A level subjects 15 hrA level General Studies 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 3 hr

Total: 19 hr

The programme of study for most A level students will be as follows.

Year 12 4 AS levels 16 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 19 hr

Year 13 3 A2 15 hrA level General Studies 1 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 19 hr

Some students would take three AS levels and GCSE Mathematics or Englishin year 12.

The shift from three, five-hour classes to four, four-hour classes for the ASlevel will result in the total teaching hours increasing from 15 to 16 hours perweek for A level students. If resources cannot be found from elsewhere, theone hour of General Studies A level in year 13 would be withdrawn. Breadthin the form of four AS levels may mean there is less need for the GeneralStudies A level.

44


The school

Current curriculum


45

If modern languages prove popular as the fourth or fifth AS level subject, theschool may not be able to provide enough groups. On the other hand, subjectsthat have previously attracted small numbers may prove more popular;examples include economics, sociology, business, further mathematics andmusic.

Curriculum display five


AS level has four hours of teaching time a week; A2 has five hours.

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6(twilight classes after school)

AS / A2 AS / A2 AS / A2 AS / A2 Key Skills GCSE EnglishArt and Design Business Studies Biology Economics qualification 2 hrBiology Chemistry History English literature 1 hrFrench Design and Physics GeographyFurther Maths technology Psychology German games4 hr AS Mathematics Sociology IT 1 hr5 hr A2 Music 4 hr AS Mathematics GCSE Maths

Theatre Studies 5 hr A2 4 hr AS tutorial 2 hr4 hr AS 5 hr A2 1/2 hr5 hr A2

careersAdvanced Advanced 1/2 hrGNVQ Business GNVQ Business3 units 3 units41/2 hr 41/2 hr

GCSE PE41/2 hr

Student A: five AS levels over two years

Year 12 4 AS levels (Economics, Sociology, French, Music) 16 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 19 hr

Year 13 3 A2 (Economics, Sociology, French) 15 hrAS level Theatre Studies 4 hrA level General Studies 1 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 23 hr

Outcomes 4 A levels (Economics, Sociology, French, General Studies)2 AS levels (Music, Theatre Studies)the Key Skills qualification

This type of programme is likely to be taken by the most able A level students.It would depend on whether year 12 AS level classes would fit into students’year 13 timetables. Instead of a fifth AS level, some students might take afourth A2 in year 13 to achieve a fourth A level.

Student B: the standard A level programme

Year 12 4 AS levels (French, Chemistry, History, Geography) 16 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 19 hr

Year 13 3 A2 (French, Chemistry, History) 15 hrA level General Studies 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 18 hr

Outcomes 4 A levels (French, Chemistry, History, General Studies)1 AS level (Geography)the Key Skills qualification

46


Student C: 12-unit GNVQ – A level programme

Year 12 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 9 hrAS level Mathematics 4 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 16 hr

Year 13 Advanced GNVQ Business (six units) 9 hrA2 Mathematics 5 hrA level General Studies 1 hrKey Skills 1 hrTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr

Total: 18 hr

Outcomes 12-unit Advanced GNVQ Business2 A levels (Mathematics, General Studies)the Key Skills qualification

Student D: combined six-unit GNVQ and A level programme

Year 12 AS level German, Economics 8 hr 30 minGCSE Mathematics 2 hr 30 minAdvanced GNVQ Business (three units) 4 hr 30 minKey Skills 1 hr 30 minTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr 30 min

Total: 17 hr 30 min

Year 13 A2 German 5 hr 30 minAdvanced GNVQ Business (three units) 4 hr 30 minAS level English Literature 4 hr 30 minA level General Studies 1 hr 30 minKey Skills 1 hr 30 minTutorial, sport and careers guidance 2 hr 30 min

Total: 17 hr 30 min

Outcomes 2 A levels (German, General Studies)2 AS level (English Literature, Economics)six-unit Advanced GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualificationGCSE Mathematics

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Model six: key skills and GNVQ for all

■ Key skills for all sixth form students – with three hours per week discreteteaching and signposted opportunities to develop the skills in A level andGNVQ courses.

■ A level students will be encouraged to make GNVQ part of theircurriculum.

This is an LEA comprehensive school with 1,200 students – 200 in the sixthform. The 16–19 courses offered have mostly been A levels.

The timetable is divided into four option blocks in year 12 and year 13. Atpresent, most students take three A levels. About seven per cent take four Alevels. The school does not offer AS or A level General Studies.

Year 12 3 � five-hour A level subjects 15 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hrITCC* 1 hr

Total: 20 hr

Year 13 3 � five-hour A level subjects 15 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hrITCC* 1 hr

Total: 20 hr* Information Technology Certificate of Competence, (National DesignTechnology Education Foundation)

All sixth formers will have three hours a week of key skills teaching in additionto the signposted opportunities to develop the skills in A level and advancedGNVQ courses.

The number of A level students taking more than the equivalent of three and ahalf A levels may rise from its current seven per cent to 25 per cent. This willbe achieved mainly by filling unused places in year 12 classes. The additionaltwo hours of key skills teaching will be resourced from general savingsincluding slightly larger classes and more use of supported independent studyin GCSE re-take courses. Students will be responsible for tracking their keyskills development using specially designed software under the guidance of thekey skills tutor.

48


The school

Current curriculum


49

A typical pattern of study will be as follows.

Year 12 3 AS levels 15 hrthree-unit Advanced GNVQ (or fourth AS level) 5 hrKey Skills 3 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hr

Total: 27 hr

Year 13 3 A2 15 hrKey Skills 3 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hr

Total: 22 hr

Curriculum display six


Year 12 AS level classes are not available to year 13 students as the two years operate onseparate timetables.

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 55 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hrAS / A2 AS / A2 AS / A2 AS / A2 Key SkillsMathematics Art Mathematics Chemistry 3 hrDrama Accounting History EconomicsPsychology French English Literature German tutorialEnglish Literature Physics Religious Studies 1 hrGeography PsychologyMusic Biology careers/PSE

Sociology 1hr

sportAdvanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ Advanced GNVQ 2 hrTravel and Tourism Business Manufacturing

Travel and Tourism GCSEBusiness English

MathematicsScience

Intermediate GNVQArt and DesignLeisure and TourismBusiness

Student A: mixed A level and GNVQ programme

Year 12 Advanced GNVQ Business (three units)Advanced GNVQ Travel and Tourism (three units) 10 hr2 AS levels (English Literature, Religious Studies) 10 hrKey Skills 3 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hr

Total: 27 hr

Year 13 2 A2 (English Literature, Religious Studies) 10 hrAdvanced GNVQ Travel and Tourism (three units) 5 hrKey Skills 3 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hr

Total: 22 hr

Outcomes 2 A levels (English Literature, Religious Studies)six-unit Advanced GNVQ Travel and Tourismthree-unit Advanced GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualification

Student B: GNVQ and AS level programme

Year 12 Advanced GNVQ Business (three units)Advanced GNVQ Travel and Tourism (three units) 10 hr2 AS levels (English Literature, Religious Studies) 10 hrKey Skills 3 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hr

Total: 27 hr

Year 13 Advanced GNVQ Business (three units)Advanced GNVQ Travel and Tourism (three units) 10 hrAS level (Geography) 5 hrKey Skills 3 hrTutorial, careers, PSE and sport 4 hr

Total: 22 hr

Outcomes 2 � six-unit Advanced GNVQ (Travel and Tourism, Business)3 AS levels (English Literature, Religious Studies, Geography)the Key Skills qualification

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Model seven: increasing flexibility

■ Increased flexibility in combining A level and GNVQ.■ Increased flexibility for advanced GNVQ students to study in more than

one vocational area.■ Key skills for all advanced level students.

This multi-cultural further education college has a roll of 8,000 students,around 500 of them on full-time GNVQ courses and 300 on full-time A levelcourses.

Students opt for an A level route or a GNVQ route, based on separatetimetables, though it is possible for advanced GNVQ students to take an A orAS level. Some local schools use the same timetable blocks to allow students toattend courses at more than one institution, providing the students with awider range of options.

As this is a very large college, the following have been selected as typical two-year programmes:

First Year 6-unit advanced GNVQ plus 3 extra units 18 hrhhor6-unit advanced GNVQ plus AS 17 hrhhor3 AS 15 hrhhor2 AS plus two GCSE 16 hrhhorother courses, especially BTEC* and City & GuildsandTutorial 1 hrhrrr(for A level students) ASDAN orGeneral Studies AS or A level 2 hrhrrrOptional activities, eg CLAIT, Duke of EdinburghAward, sport, performing arts, keyboarding skills etc

Total: 18–21 hr

*Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC)

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The college

Current curriculum

Second 6-unit advanced GNVQ plus 3 extra units 18 hrhhYear or

6-unit advanced GNVQ plus AS or A2 17 hrhhor3 A2 15 hrhhor2 A2 15 hrhhor2 A2 plus AS 15 hrhhorother courses, especially BTEC and City & GuildsandTutorial 1 hrhrrr(for A level students) ASDAN orGeneral Studies AS or A level 2 hrhrrrOptional activities, eg CLAIT, Duke of EdinburghAward, sport, performing arts, keyboarding skills etc

Total: 18–21 hr

Advanced students will choose their studies from four option blocks. Anotherset of option blocks will include intermediate and GCSE courses, and there willbe scope for advanced students to include some level 2 courses in their studies.

There will no change in the number of taught hours. The current five-hourblock will be kept because this college believes its students need this amount ofteaching. Students will be advised against attempting more than the equivalentof three AS levels in their first year.

It is expected that most advanced GNVQ students will want to study withinone vocational area, but they may occasionally take some units from anotherarea. Student A, below, is one example of this.

The college will use the signposted opportunities in A level and GNVQ coursesto develop students’ key skills, enabling them to achieve the Key Skillsqualification. Tutors will use the tutorial hour to help students track their keyskills development and prepare material for their key skills portfolio.

The qualifications reforms will lead to greater flexibility in combining A leveland GNVQ and in making a change of route possible after the first year. Theywill also mean that key skills are extended to A level students.

A typical A level programme will be:

First year 3 AS 15 hrTutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hr

Total: 118 hrSecond 3 A2 15 hryear Tutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hr

Total: 118 hr

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53

Curriculum display seven

First and second year advanced options

* Some vocational areas are 5 hours, some are 6 hours.

Students will be able to select three-unit GNVQ courses (where the courses exist) only as additional studies, tocomplement their main learning programme.

One-year intensive A level options

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 66 hr 6 hr 6 hr 6 hrA level A level A level A level Compulsory OptionalChemistry Biology Physics Psychology activities activitiesBusiness Studies Sociology Mathematics as above as above

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 65 hr 5 hr 5 hr 5 hr

Compulsory OptionalAS / A2 AS / A2 AS / A2 AS / A2 activities activities, forBiology Biology Chemistry Art exampleEnglish Business Studies Economics Drama Tutorial, (Keylanguage and Chemistry IT French Skills, Progress Duke ofliterature English Media Studies Mathematics File, careers) EdinburghMathematics language and Psychology Physics 3hr AwardMusic literature Science for LawSociology IT publicSports Studies History understanding CLAIT

(AS only)sport

Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced performingGNVQ GNVQ GNVQ GNVQ arts3 unit 3 unit 3 unit 3 unitBusiness Art and Design Business Art and Design keyboardingTravel and Health and Travel and Health and skillstourism social care tourism social careEngineering Science Engineering ScienceHospitality Construction Hospitality and Constructionand catering and the built catering and the built5–6 hr* environment 5–6 hr* environment

Business 5–6 hr*5–6 hr*

Student A: advanced GNVQ in two vocational areas

First year Advanced GNVQ Art and Design (six units) 12 hrAdvanced GNVQ Business (three units) 6 hrTutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hr

Total: 21 hr

Second Advanced GNVQ Art and Design (six units) 12 hryear Tutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hr

Total: 15 hr

Outcomes 12-unit Advanced GNVQ Art and Designthree-unit Advanced GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualification

Student B: one-year intensive A level

One year 3 � one-year A levels 18 hronly Tutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hr

Total: 21 hr

Outcomes 3 A levels (Sociology, Psychology, Business Studies)the Key Skills qualification

Student C: mixed academic and vocational studies

First year 2 AS (French, History) 10 hrAdvanced GNVQ Business (three units) 6 hrTutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hr

Total: 19 hr

Second 2 A2 (French, History) 10 hryear Advanced GNVQ Business (three units) 6 hr

Tutorial, Key Skills, Progress File, careers 3 hrTotal: 19 hr

Outcomes 2 A levels (French, History)six-unit Advanced GNVQ Businessthe Key Skills qualification

Other likely programmes will be:■ one 12-unit advanced GNVQ plus GCSE Mathematics and English;■ one intermediate GNVQ plus one or two GCSEs (in the first year), followed

by one 12-unit advanced GNVQ with additional optional units in second andthird years.

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