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T H E

CCOORRSSHHAAMM6TH

PROSPECTUS 2019I can inspire

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16th Form Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Life at Corsham6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3Curriculum Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7Inspiring Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8The Corsham6th Application Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9Corsham6th Courses & Study Programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11Year 11 Students / Potential 6th Formers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12Applying to Corsham6th / Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13AS and A Level Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14Vocational Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 47AQA Baccalaureate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48Prospective Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 52

CONTENTS

In these pages we want to give you a feel for the wider experience available to you when youbecome a member of CORSHAM6TH. Students just like you, from all starting points, have goneon to realize their dreams from the supportive springboard of our 6th form.

CORSHAM6TH provides a high quality, personalised education. Our provision is outstanding,teaching is excellent but above all you will benefit from the quality of the supportive academicrelationships between staff and students that have helped so many of our students to succeed.

Those of you already in the school know that we greatly value and promote studentindependence. CORSHAM6TH is an opportunity for you to develop your resilience and self-reliance, work in a team, learn to lead and truly develop your creativity. Think of it as a freshstart, but with familiar faces.

Best wishes

Christopher SmithAHT - Director of CORSHAM6TH

Cover image by HARLEY, now at Cardiff Universitydoing a PhD in Engineering.

INTRODUCTION

Currently doing A Levels inSociology, Psychology and Health & Social Care.She has just returned from a World ChallengeExpedition to India.

ELIZABETH

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62799 Corsham6th Prospectus Text.qxp_Layout 1 04/10/2018 09:44 Page 1

Students at Corsham6th have a wealth of opportunities todevelop their leadership skills and have a positive impact in the school and local community.This year the 6th Form Leadershave created their ownLeadership structure to assist the new House System in theschool and will be pivotal in thedevelopment of the ethos of The Corsham School.

We have Student Directorsassociated with the four Housesand Secretaries keen to developkey areas of school life:

• Enrichment

• Well being

• Diversity and Charity

• Rewards

6TH FORM LEADERS

Did A levels in Psychology, History and Media. For his EPQ he made a documentary film aboutBritish Sport. He wasBroadcasting Leader, and is now at Cardiff University doing Media and Communication.

PATRICK

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Doing A Levels in Maths, Business, and Economics and would like to pursue a career using maths, such as accounting.

MAHIRUL

The focus for social interaction is The 6th Form Centre where students haveaccess to café style study facilities, wifi, and a sun terrace. 6th Form students alsohave their own computer room for quiet study.

The elected 6th Form Council organises many aspects of CORSHAM6TH lifeincluding social events such as inter tutor group mixed netball tournaments, and awide range of charity, community and fund raising activities.

Many thousands of pounds are raised for good causes by CORSHAM6TH. Anannual highlight in the CORSHAM6TH Children in Need Charity Auction when all6th Formers, and many staff, attend school in fancy dress.

SOCIAL LIFE AT CORSHAM6TH PAGE 3


CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT

A very wide range of enrichment activities are on offer in addition to academicstudy at CORSHAM6TH. Students can continue to pursue their sporting interestson Wednesday afternoons including football, rugby, cricket, netball, climbing,dance, mixed hockey and the use of the Fitness Suite at the Springfield Campus.

Or if students want to try something completely new then some of the other options available include:

• Mindfulness

• Yoga

• Support at local Primary Schools

• Volunteering at the Holbourne Museuem in Bath

• Work Experience

Did A Levels in History,PE, and Psychology. For his EPQ he made a documentary film entitled, ‘Motivation in Sport’. Now at Cardiff Metropolitan University doing Sports Performance Analysis.

JACK

Did A Levels in Psychology, PE, Sociology and an EPQ on ‘Sociological vs Psychological Explanations of Crime’. Now atBournemouth University doing Sociology with Criminology.

JACK

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Duke of Edinburgh and World Challenge expeditions cater for those who enjoythe great outdoors.

A large number of 6th Form students also support younger members of theschool community through our Paired Reading, Reading Groups and Mentorprogrammes.

Did A Levels in History, PE, Psychology, General

Studies and an EPQ on ‘The Effects of Sports’

Supplements on SportsPerformance.’ Now at

Cardiff Metropolitan University doing Sports

and Exercise Science.

MATT

Did A Levels in History, PE, Psychology,

General Studies and an EPQ on ‘Stress and Sports

Performance’. Now at Cardiff Metropolitan

University doing Sports and Exercise Science.

Winner of the DanielCooper Award 2016.

HARRY

Did A Levels in Biology,

Psychology, General Studies

and PE. Is now in employment.

GEORGE

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T H E

CORSHAM 6TH

EXPERIENCE

Did A levels in Biology, Maths, French, Chemistry,General Studies, and an EPQ on the ‘Treatment ofDementia’. She was Charity Leader and is now atLondon School of Medicine & Dentistry.

IONA

Did A levels in Art, English Literature,Psychology, and General Studies.

Her EPQ explored how gender may affectthe perception of visual images. Now doing

BSc & MA in Psychology at Plymouth University.

TIA

I can inspire

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The route to develop creativity and independence at CORSHAM 6TH.

An EPQ is a freestanding AS level qualification.

EPQ lessons are built into our timetable to be sure that any student who wishes to doan EPQ gets expert guidance from the beginning. Students then seek the support of a teacher mentor – one with the appropriate expertise to support them in their chosen field.

With an EPQ students are free to choose something that really fascinates or challengesthem. It is for this reason that completing an EPQ often results not only in a convincinguniversity application, but also produces young people equipped with the necessaryskills and independence for undergraduate study or employment.

In recent years, students have completed EPQs on the following topics:

• Mindfulness

• Renewable energy and its affects on marine diversity

• How effective is blood spatter analysis in determining events at a crime scene?

• How can we encourage junior Kayak paddlers to continue?

• Can we apply game theory to climate change?

• Is personality a self-fulfilling prophecy?

• How has formula 1 safety changed since the 1970s?

• Stage make-up and costume design

• Does discrimination in sport affect women's performance?

• How has the political environment affected fashion in the 20th century?

• How have political cartoons developed through time?

• Feminism & the visual arts

• Is a change needed to the English voting system?

• A study of the Chernobyl disaster through dance

Others have re-designed the family bathroom, built a car, explored the physics involved in wooden gliders, created websites, wrote a play, choreographed a school production.

What would you do?

EPQ (EXTENDED PROJECT

QUALIFICATION)

PAGE 7


INSPIRING DESTINATIONS

Every year our students secure places at exceptional institutions on extremely competitive course. Here is a selection of destinations from our more recent Year 13 students:

Daniel – Biological Sciences at the University of OxfordHarry – Law at the University of OxfordLuke – Philosophy, Politics & Economics at the University of OxfordOscar – Natural Sciences at the University of CambridgeIona – Medicine at Bart & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, St Mary’s LondonElla – Veterinary Science at the University of BristolBen – Politics at the University of WarwickMia – History of Art at University College LondonDaisy – Philosophy at Kings College LondonMichael – Mathematics & Physics at University of WarwickJosh – History at Cardiff UniversityMaddie – Geography at the University of BristolTom – Chemistry at the University of BristolSophie – Anatomy, Developmental and Human Biology at Kings College LondonAlex – Modern Languages at the University of ExeterLucy – Midwifery at University of the West of England, BristolCosmo – Zoology at Swansea UniversityTom – Mechanical Engineering at Cardiff UniversityKatie – Geophysics at the University of BristolCharlotte – English Literature & Creative Writing at the University of WarwickEvie – International Relations & Sociology at University of SussexDarcy – Sport & Exercise Science at Loughborough UniversityGeorgia – Fashion Marketing at the University of LeedsAshley – Sport & Exercise Science at University of Bath Owen – Economics at the University of YorkJacob – Psychology with Criminology & Criminal Justice at the University of South WalesKatie - Drama with Study Abroad at the University of ExeterOlivia – English at the University of ExeterLucy – Midwifery at University of the West of England, BristolBrad – Mental Health Nursing at the University of the West of England, BristolEllie – Speech & Language Therapy at Manchester Metropolitan UniversityCharlie – America & Canadian Literature, History & Culture (International Study) at the University of NottinghamHolly – Medicine at the University of BirminghamMatilda – History and Archeology at Exeter UniversityWill – Degree Apprenticeship at Schneider ElectronicsEllie – Dance at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

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THE CORSHAM6TH

APPLICATION PROCESS

SEPTEMBERCourse Prospectus publishedCORSHAM6TH Experience brochure publishedApplication Forms available

WEDNESDAY 17TH OCTOBERCorsham6th Open Evening – S block Hall – 6.00pm – 8.00pm

WEDNESDAY 19TH DECEMBERCORSHAM6TH Taster day for year 11 students – we welcome students from other schools

FRIDAY 11TH JANUARYdeadline for Applications

JANUARYInitial offers of places madeOptional individual discussions with 6th Form Staff

WEDNESDAY 27TH FEBRUARYUniversity and Apprenticeships Fair

FRIDAY 28TH JUNECORSHAM6TH Induction day

Did A Levels in PE, Psychology,Sociology, Photography. and an EPQ on ‘War Photography –the Power of the Image’. Now at Oxford Brooks University doing Communication, Media & Culture.

EVIE

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A Levels in Biology, Chemistry,Maths, General Studies. Managing Director of 6th FormLeaders, Captain and goalie of 1st XI Football Team. Did his EPQ on ‘Evolutionary Biology’. Now atCambridge University doingNatural Sciences and returning toschool in the Autumn Term to mentor other Oxbridge candidates.

OSCAR

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In Corsham6th, we offer students a variety of coursesand opportunities which are designed in a coherent andwell thought out way to ensure that students can followa curriculum that is tailored to their needs, and willdevelop their careers and employability. StudyProgrammes will have a mixture of academic study andother activities such as tutorials, career and jobguidance, mentoring younger students, coaching,enrichment studies, personal and social developmentand work experience. Full time students are expected tofollow a planned learning programme which has amixture of these activities and planned study time. eacademic courses we offer are A Levels, BTECs andGCSEs. Access to the courses depends on thequalifications a student has already achieved. We havepathways based on prior achievements.

A LEVEL PATHWAY

Students with 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or equivalent canconsider the A level pathway. However, with a subjectthat was studied at GCSE we usually require a grade 6at GCSE.

Now, all subjects are new Linear A Levels where theassessment comes at the end of two years. For the ALevel Pathway students choose 3 or 4 A Levels. Studentswill also be timetabled for the EPQ. Please discuss yourrequirements with 6th Form Staff.

Initially, we will give all students an open choice ofsubjects at A Level but with the proviso that we can onlyrun courses where there is sufficient interest.

Most A Level subjects still offer an AS Level exam.ese are used as a ‘Safety net’ along with the optionalGeneral Studies AS.

BTEC OR CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL LEVEL 3PATHWAY

We offer a choice of:

• Sport and Fitness• Health and Social Care• Music Technology• IT, including Game Design

More details about these courses can be found in theVocational Courses section of this Prospectus.

GCSE PATHWAY

If you have 3/4 grade 3’s at GCSE we offer theopportunity to achieve better GCSE passes by offeringGCSE courses at Corsham6th. It is a requirement forfunding that all students who do not have a GCSE passin Mathematics or English sit these again until theyachieve a pass grade. It may be possible for a studentwho has a grade 6 in a subject to do that subject at ALevel if we feel they could be successful. After obtaining5 or more grade 4’s at GCSE students can move on to ALevel the following year or take up one of the BTECLevel 3 options.

CORSHAM6THCOURSES & STUDYPROGRAMMES

PAGE 11


YEAR 11 STUDENTS / POTENTIAL 6THFORMERS - A FINALPOINT ABOUT OPTIONCHOICES

PAGE 12

Would you potentially be applying to theRussell Group Universities? ese are thetop 20 ‘research rich’ universities whotypically are very competitive and makeoffers that are high - AAB for example.

ese universities have now published guidance on thesubjects students choose at A level. You can read aboutthis online (www.russellgroup.ac.uk) in a documentcalled Informed Choices.

In brief, the document identifies facilitating subjectswhich they have argued give a student more optionsand suggest that if you wish to study at a Russell Groupuniversity you should do at least two of these subjects.

ey are:

Maths and Further Maths

English Literature

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Geography

History

Languages

Your 3rd and 4th subject can come from any on offerafter this. e extended project qualification (EPQ) ishighly regarded by the Russell Group universities.(Some universities such as Bristol and Cardiff lower theoffer to students who have a good grade in the EPQ.)ere are of course many universities where as long asyou have good results the subject choices are notcritical. Also, to study music or art at university wouldrequire you to do these subjects at A level.

If you are in any doubt, please see Mr Smith.


FOR GENERAL CAREERS ADVICE ANDADVICE ON SUBJECTS:

Mr C Smith.................................Director of Corsham6thMr L Clarke ................Deputy Director of Corsham6thMs K Hall ......................................................Careers OfficerMiss E Beaven .............................Work Related Learning

SUBJECTSArt (Fine Art).....................................................Mrs R SloanArt (Textiles)......................................................Mrs R SloanBiology ................................................................Mr S WitheyBusiness ...............................................................Mrs K JarvisChemistry...........................................................Mr RichardsComputer Science...................................Mr Bodey-JonesDrama & eatre Studies........................Mrs C DerhamEconomics ..........................................................Mrs K JarvisEnglish Language.............................................Mr P WilkesEnglish Literature.............................................Mr P WilkesFilm Studies ........................................................Mr A SaylesFrench..................................................................Ms HawkinsGeneral Studies .................................................Mr C Smith

Geography..........................................................Mr S SimmsGerman ...............................................................Ms HawkinsHistory ................................................................Ms J BrowneMathematics .......................................................Mr A DavisMedia Studies...............................................Mrs K EversonPhotography.......................................................Mrs R SloanPhysical Education...............................Mrs S HumphreysPhysics.................................................................Mr D BrownPsychology.......................................................Mrs S Dustan Politics.................................................................Ms J BrowneReligious Education ....................................Miss E BeavenSociology ....................................................... Miss E BeavenSpanish.............................................................Ms S HawkinsBTEC Level 3 Courses....................................Mr C Smith

VOCATIONAL COURSESSport BTec ............................................................Mr J DerbyHealth & Social Care Level 3 Diploma.....Mrs A McGheeInformation TechnologyCambrige Technical Diploma ..........Mr I Bodey-JonesMusic Technology BTec National Diploma .........................................Mr E Johnson

ADVICE

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To apply for a place at Corsham6th please complete an application form and return it to Mr Smith by Friday 11thJanuray 2019. Application forms are available from the 6th Form Centre, Main Reception or can be downloadedfrom the school website.

APPLYING TOCORSHAM6TH October 17 Corsham6th Open Evening

December 19 Corsham6th Taster Day

Januray 11 Deadline for Applications

January Initial offers of places madeOptional individual discussions with 6th Form Staff

February 27 University and Apprenticeship Fair

June 28 Corsham6th Induction Day


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 at GCSE Art, Graphics, Textiles orPhotography

CONTENTPersonal investigation: 60%Externally set assignment: 40%

ASSESSMENT DETAILSWork will be assessed by your teacher and externallymoderated by AQA.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?e Advanced level course is a two year course. ecourse aims to develop visual language by broadeningand improving skills learned at GCSE level, as well asinvestigating both traditional and contemporarytechniques.

is is a worthwhile subject to study in the 6th Form,as it really promotes creative thinking, andcommunication through visual language. Studentshave found the content of this course to be enjoyableand stimulating and their engagement with thecourse is illustrated by the successful results gained inrecent years. For more information talk to your Artteacher.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSStudents who want to pursue a career in art will beeligible to apply for a Foundation (pre degree) coursein Art and Design at Trowbridge College or BathCollege. is course enables students to gainexperience of a range of 2D and 3D specialist skills inorder to apply for a degree course in Fine Art,Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, eatreDesign, Fashion, Textiles, and Animation as well as arange of other combination courses. Competition forplaces has always been keen but we have been verysuccessful in recent years and many students havegone on to study Art on Degree courses throughoutthe country. For students who do not want a career inthe Art industry, the course counts towards pointsrequired for University entrance in most othersubjects.

ART ANDDESIGN(FINE ART)

COURSE OUTLINE

Enables candidates to develop personalresponses to ideas, observations,experiences, environments and cultures.Provides a practical Art course whichenables students to work to theirstrengths and provides an appropriatefoundation for further study.

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BOARD: AQA Code: 7202/C & 7202/X

A LINEAR A LEVEL


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 at GCSE Art or Art Textiles


ASSESSMENT DETAILSWork will be assessed by your teacher and externallymoderated by AQA.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?e Advanced level course is a two year course. ecourse aims to develop their practical skills usingTextiles within Art, by broadening and improvingskills learned at GCSE level, as well as investigatingthe history of textiles within fashion.

is is a worthwhile subject to study in the 6th form,as it really promotes creative thinking, andcommunication through experimentation withTextile Materials. For more information talk to yourTextiles or Art Teacher.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSStudents who want to pursue a career in Art will beeligible to apply for a Foundation (pre degree) coursein Art and Design at Trowbridge College or BathCollege. is course enables students to gainexperience of a range of 2D and 3D specialist skills inorder to apply for a degree course in Fine Art,Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, eatreDesign, Fashion, Textiles, and Animation as well asmany more combined courses. Competition forplaces has always been keen but we have been verysuccessful in recent years and many students havegone on to study Art on degree courses throughoutthe country and also as an A level counting towardspoints required for University entrance in most othersubjects.

ART ANDDESIGN(TEXTILES)

COURSE OUTLINE

Enables candidates to develop personalresponses to ideas, observations,experiences, environments and cultures.Provides a practical creative Textilescourse which enables students to workto their strengths and provides anappropriate foundation for further study.

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A LINEAR A LEVEL


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 6 in GCSE Combined Science or BiologyGrade 4 in Maths

YEAR 12 CORE CONTENT1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances with their

environment4. Genetic information, variation and relationships

between organisms

YEAR 13 CONTENTIn addition to the core content listed above students will study the following during year 13:5. Energy transfers in and between organisms 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal

and external environments 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8. e control of gene expression

ASSESSMENT DETAILS FOR STUDENTSFOLLOWING A LEVEL COURSEPaper 1 (35% of total mark) assesses any content fromtopics 1–4, including relevant practical skills (Year 12)

Paper 2 (35% of total mark) assesses any content fromtopics 5–8, including relevant practical skills (Year 13)

Paper 3 (30% of total mark) assesses any content fromtopics 1–8, including relevant practical skills

All 3 written papers are sat at the end of year 13.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Choose this subject as a stepping stone to a particularcareer path but also purely if you just enjoy thesubject.

Our understanding of living organisms continues todevelop at an increasingly fast pace enabling newexciting applications in areas such as Medicine,Forensic Science, Agriculture, Conservation andBiotechnology. Biology continues to be acontemporary science.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSIt is useful in preparing students for a career inMedicine, Biochemistry, Forensic Sciences, Ecology,Agriculture, Microbiology, Nutrition, Leisure coursesand Biotechnology. e analytical skills developedduring the course are also recognised by a widevariety of non-scientific institutions/vocations.

BIOLOGYCOURSE OUTLINE

e course considers many areas ofBiology. e general principles of allliving things are studied at a molecularand cellular level and the knowledgegained is used to understand the wholeorganism. In addition, the genetic andecological relationships betweenorganisms are considered.

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BOARD: AQA Code: 7402

A LINEAR A LEVEL


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGCSE Grade 5 in English and Mathematics

ASSESSMENT DETAILSree external examinations at the end of two years - one of which is based on pre-seen material.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Have you ever wondered:

- Why there are so many different mobile phonetariffs?

- Why T-Mobile and Orange merged to create EE?

- Why Coca-Cola is the biggest selling soft drink inhistory?

- Why are McDonalds, the home of the hamburgerand high fat foods, now selling salads?

A Level Business Studies helps to answer thesequestions through considering real-life businessesand the way in which accepted business theoryrelates to their operation. By studying the theory andapplying it to the real world you will be able to betterunderstand how decisions are made and can thenmake informed judgements. You will be encouragedto use these elements in a complementary way torecognise, define, analyse and evaluate problems inthe world of business.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSBusiness A Level is a good foundation for both highereducation and employment. is course helpsdevelop research, application and evaluative skillswhich are desired by potential universities andemployers. e qualification will help with a career ina number of the service industries such as financial,retail, hospitality as well as the public sector. It willalso help for entry to numerous business relateddegree courses, many of which offer work placementsto help you get established in the large private sectorcorporations.

BUSINESSCOURSE OUTLINE

is is a Linear based A Level whichallows students to study businessconcepts and theories and apply them tobusiness situation. e assessment isthrough three external examinations.is Linear based A Level will allowstudents to gain knowledge andunderstanding of how businessesoperate in the current globalenvironment. ere will also be a focuson business decision making anddeveloping appropriate strategies.

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BOARD: EDEXCEL Code: 9B50

A LINEAR A LEVEL


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or Combined ScienceGrade 5 in Maths

A LEVEL UNITSere is no coursework assessment in this courseModule 1: Development of Practical Skills in ChemistryModule 2: Foundations in ChemistryModule 3: Periodic Table and EnergyModule 4: Core Organic Chemistry

Module 5: Physical Chemistry andTransition ElementsModule 6: Organic Chemistry andAnalysis

ASSESSMENT DETAILS• 3 terminal exams• Practical skills endorsement

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?For any future career in science and technologyChemistry is the central science. It combines verywell with other sciences such as Physics/Biology butalso links with a wide range of social sciences andeven arts subjects.

Experience a wide range of practical activities; muchlearning is carried out through ‘hands on’experimental work.

A wide variety of teaching and learning styles areused to aid understanding such as studentpresentations, data logging, model building andcompetitions.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSAn A level in Chemistry will allow you to gain accessto a wide range of higher education courses.Chemistry is a ‘must have’ for medicine, veterinaryscience, environmental sciences, dentistry, biologicalsciences, etc.

CHEMISTRYCOURSE OUTLINE

At Advanced level you will study andinvestigate the elements andcompounds that make the materials thatwe use everyday. You find out howsubstances interact and how theyinfluence our environment. Also, youwill have the opportunity to learn aboutand make compounds with a wide rangeof interesting properties.

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A LINEAR A LEVEL

BOARD: OCR Code: H432


Programming ProjectIn this unit candidates will be expected to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document aprogram written in a suitable programming language.e underlying approach to the project is to apply theprincipals of computational thinking (Unit 2) to apractical programming problem. Candidates areexpected to apply appropriate principles from an agiledevelopment approach to the project

Assessment detailsis qualification consists of twoexamined components (Units 1 and2) and a moderated non examassessment component (Unit 3). etwo examinations are of 2 hours and 30

minutes duration, each worth 40% of the overall mark.e non exam assessment component is weighted at20%

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?If you enjoy a hands on approach to the technologies oftoday, or enjoy problem solving and developingsolutions then this course will be of interest. In a worlddominated by IT there can be little doubt that there is aneed for individuals with the knowledge and skills todevelop the technologies of the future. An A level inComputer Science will provide the vital first step onthat road. As well as being a useful qualification forgeneral IT use it is also a vital qualification for anyonewishing to study an IT or computing related course atfurther education, University or as part of employmenttraining.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSA Level Computer Science is rigorous, challenging andenjoyable subject that is recognised as such by all themajor Universities. Computer Science involveseveryone, in every walk of life, so your careeropportunities are endless. If you study Sciences,Design, Business or Maths as well as Computer Scienceyou’re sure to become very employable. Jobs such asscientist, an engineer, a computer programmer or amedical scientist could be up for grabs. Alternativelyyou might fancy Education, Teaching or IT as analternative career path. Combine Computer Sciencewith creative subjects such as Art, Media andPhotography and a world of Digital Creativity opens upbefore you.

COMPUTERSCIENCE

COURSE OUTLINE

is course aims to provide learnerswith an understanding of, and ability toapply, the principals and concepts ofcomputer science, to analyse problemsin computational terms writingprograms to do so.

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 in Computing or a Pass Grade in CambridgeNational. Maths Grade 4

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS

Computer systemsCandidates will earn about the components of acomputer and their uses including the internalworkings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), typesof processor and input, output and storage. e unitalso looks at software and software development, theexchanging of data through databases, networks andweb technologies. e unit finishes with aconsideration of data types, data structures andalgorithms and also looks at software development,data types and legal and ethical issues.

Algorithms and programmingis unit builds on the Computer Systems unit. In itcandidates will learn what it means to engage incomputational thinking and understand programmingtechniques and computational methods. Candidateswill also study the use of algorithms to describeproblems and standard algorithms.

A LINEAR A LEVEL


DRAMA &THEATRE

COURSE OUTLINE

Students will gain a knowledge and understandingof theatre practice through their own engagementwith the medium as performer, director, maker,critic and audience member. Students completingthe course successfully will achieve a thoroughunderstanding of drama and theatre with: highly-toned analytical and creative skills and an ability tocommunicate effectively with others by working asa team; and effectively using decision-making andproblem-solving strategies. Students will havemany opportunities (and be expected) to attend avariety of extra-curricular theatre performances,being exposed to a wide range of styles in order toenhance and develop their awareness of theatre asa living visual art.

BOARD: WJEC EDUQAS GCE A LEVEL Code: 9DR0

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 in Drama if taken at GCSE or Grade 5 in English atGCSE. A high level of written English and academic essayskills are required as well as a keen interest in all aspects oftheatre. Please note students will also be expected to attendlive theatre performances to enhance their knowledge andunderstanding of theatre and support their exam assessment.

A LEVEL COMPONENTSComponent 1 - 20% of qualificationTheatre Workshop. An internally assessed and externally moderatedcomponent.Learners participate in the creation , development andperformance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretationof an extract from a text. The piece must be developed usingthe techniques of an influential theatre practitioner. Learners must produce- A realisation of the performance- A creative log.Component 2 - 40% of qualificationText in action. Externally assessed by a visiting examiner. Learners create and develop two performances based on asupplied stimulus. 1- A devised piece using the techniques of an influentialtheatre practitioner2- An extract from a text in a different style from the devisedpiece.This process is evaluated.Component 3 - 40% of qualificationText in PerformanceA written examination of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Sections A and bBased on texts that have been practically explored in lessonsand researched during the course. Copies of the text can be taken into the examSection CBased on an extract of a The Curious Incident Of The Dog inThe Night-Time practically explored during the course.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Drama and Theatre studies is demanding but very enjoyable.Fostering communication, presentation, confidence throughperformance and collaboration with others it offers anexcellent qualification for university entry. Drama andTheatre Studies students have the key skills that manyuniversities and employers are looking for no matter whatkind of career you are thinking of though it is seen as aparticular asset for competitive fields such as Law. Dramaand Theatre Studies students will also have the opportunityto support Key Stage 3 lessons and manage Key Stage 3Drama club in addition to staging a production at Christmastime, possibly linked to the EPQ.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSDrama & Theatre Studies students have the opportunity togo on to further training in the arts fields available atUniversities and Drama Schools. However students wishingto take this course do not necessarily have to be intending tofollow a career in the Arts. The course is challenging andcreative and builds on many transferable skills that areinvaluable for many different careers including teaching.

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BOARD: EDEXCEL Code: 9EC0

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGCSE Grade 5 in English and Mathematics

UNITS COVER• Micro and Macro Economics• Markets and Market Failure• Performance of the UK Economy

ASSESSMENT DETAILSree external examinations at the end of two years

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Have you been effected by the rising price of petrol,the problems with the health service or the changesin the interest rate? Economics will help you look atthese issues with a different perspective it will alsohelp you understand why there is huge variation inprices and wages. You will be able to evaluate boththe advantages and disadvantages of the UK leavingthe EU.

Studying economics provides a better understandingof both the national and global economy and thefactors which influences government decisions andhelps develop both analysis and evaluation skills.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSAn economic A level is a useful qualification for entryto numerous degree courses and careers. ese maybe related to finance or business such as banking,accountancy and management. Many universitieswelcome A level Economics as it requires students tobe logical and rigorous as well as being able to expresstheir ideas clearly.

ECONOMICSCOURSE OUTLINE

e aim of this syllabus is to provide youwith a critical understanding of theeconomic world in which you live byapplying concepts to real worldproblems and situations. You shoulddevelop a greater understanding ofcontemporary economic issues such asunemployment, inflation, Brexit andgovernment policy.

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSe minimum requirement is generally Grade 5 orhigher in both English Language and Literature.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSPaper 1: Language, the Individual and Society.External Examination - 2.5 hours (40% of A Level)Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change. External Examination - 2.5 hours (40% of A Level)Non - examination assessment: LanguageInvestigation and Original Writing (20% of A Level)

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Over 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English. iscourse will enable you to gain expertise in howlanguage reflects society and how it is affected by arange of factors such as gender, technology, the mediaand the workplace. You will also study how youngchildren learn to speak, read and write. e coursecovers how English is changing and diversifying tomeet the needs of fast-changing global use. Inpractical terms you will learn the rules for analysingany type of text. A further section of the coursecovers creative writing in which you will learn, frompublished authors, how to write most types of texts.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSe ability to use language skilfully is highly prized inevery profession. is course will not only prepareyou for further study of English, Media, Linguistics,Modern Languages, Journalism and Creative orTechnical Writing but it will also give you thepractical skills needed for any degree course. If youfancy a gap year you could teach English overseas.

ENGLISHLANGUAGE

COURSE OUTLINE

is subject gives you opportunities toexamine written and spoken English inall its variety. rough the systematicexploration of a range of current texts,you will learn how we acquire language,how it is evolving and how it ismanipulated in different social contexts.e production of your own languageinvestigation and original writingdevelops the skills needed for bothtechnical and creative writing.

BOARD: AQA SPEC B Code: 7702

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BOARD: AQA SPEC B Code: 7717

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSe minimum requirement is generally Grade 5 orhigher in both English Language and Literature.

PAPER 1: LITERARY GENRESAspects of TragedyStudy of three texts: one Shakespeare text; a seconddrama text and one further text, of which one mustbe written pre-1900.

PAPER 2: TEXTS AND GENRESElements of Political WritingStudy of three texts: one post-2000prose text; one poetry and onefurther text, one of which must bewritten pre-1900.

NON-EXAM ASSESSMENTTheory and IndependenceStudy of two texts of your choice: one poetry and one prose text, informed by study of the CriticalAnthology.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSUnit 1 – written exam of 2 hours 30 minutes; closedbook; worth 40% of A Level.Unit 2 – written exam of 3 hours; open book; 40% ofA Level.Unit 3 – two essays of 1200-1500 words, eachresponding to a different text and linking to adifferent aspect of the Critical Anthology; 20% of A Level.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?is course allows you to study a wide range of booksand to explore the ideas and issues arising from themthrough discussions and written activities. You willbe shown how to become more independent andanalytical in response to texts, but you will also begiven a chance to respond in a more creative andpersonal manner. e course assessmentarrangements offer both coursework andexaminations.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSe Russell Group name English Literature as one oftheir ‘facilitating subjects’: subjects which they believeopen doors to more degrees and professions thanothers. It is also a useful subject to study inconjunction with others, leading to higher educationcourses of all types, because it combines a study ofinteresting and challenging works of literature withopportunities to develop a range of advancedanalytical and communication skills. Such skills arealso valued by employers.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

COURSE OUTLINE

is course develops the enjoyment andappreciation of reading through thestudy of a range of literature. You areshown how to respond analytically andto explore your ideas through discussionand essays.

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BOARD: EDUQAS

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives. Written exam (35%)• Two films are studied: one European and one produced outside Europe. • Documentary film – one film is explored with specific focus on critical debates and filmmakers’ theories. • Film movements – one silent film (or group of silent short films) are studied with specific focus on critical debates. • Film movements – one experimental film (1960 - 2000) is studied with specific focus on narrative and auteur theory. Component 3: Production (non exam 30%)• A short film or a screenplay for a short film plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay.• An evaluative analysis.

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSStudents should have a Grade 5 in either EnglishLanguage or English Literature.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Film is a key cultural innovation of the 20th centuryand a major art form of the last century. ose whostudy it bring with them a high degree of enthusiasmand excitement for what is a powerful and culturallysignificant medium. roughout the Film Studiescourse a wide range of films are studied and a varietyof historical, theoretical and critical approaches areexplored.

Practical production work is a crucial part of thecourse and is integral to learners' study of film.Studying a diverse range of films is designed to givelearners the opportunity to apply their knowledgeand understanding of how films are constructed totheir own filmmaking and screenwriting. It isintended to enable learners to show their creativityand independence through creating high quality filmand screenplay work.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSA Level Film Studies provides an excellentprogression to a range of higher education degreesand vocational level courses or to employment.Every year a number of our Film Studies students goon to study film in higher education – in bothpractical and theoretical courses and some ourprevious Film Studies students are working withinthe industry in a range of roles.

At the root of all film studies is arecognition that films are made: they areconstructed using a range of elements –the key elements of films form. All filmsstudied throughout the course will beanalysed through an exploration of thesekey elements; how filmmakers use thesekey elements to create meaning andresponses and the contexts in which these films are produced.

FILM STUDIES

Component 1: Varieties of film and film making.Written exam (35%)• Two films from Hollywood (1930-1990) are compared with specific focus on auteur theory.• American Film since 2005 – two films are studied, one mainstream and one contemporary independent film with specific focus on spectatorship and ideology.• British Film since 1995 – two films are studied with specific focus on narrative and ideology.


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSStudents must have a minimum of a Grade 6 at GCSEin the language they wish to study. We offer a two yearcourse in French/German/Spanish.

CONTENTis is a four-unit specification which will enablestudents to write and speak in French/German/Spanishfor a variety of purposes, and to understand written andspoken language from a range of countries where thatlanguage is spoken.eme 1 - Current trends inFrench/German/Spanish -speaking society: thechanging nature of the family, the technological society,voluntary workeme 2 - Artistic culture in theFrench/German/Spanish -speaking world: heritage,contemporary French music, cinemaeme 3 - Current issues inFrench/German/Spanish -speaking society: theadvantages of a diverse community, life for marginalisedpeople, the treatment of criminalseme 4 - Political culture in theFrench/German/Spanish -speaking world: youngpeople and the right to vote, protests and strikes,politics and immigration

ASSESSMENT1 Listening, reading and translation - 50% - 2 hours and30 minutes2 Writing : two essays on books or films studied – 20% - 2 hours3 Speaking – 30% - 21-23 mins (includes 5 minutes’ prep) Part 1 Discussion of a sub-theme from any of the themes 1-4Part 2 Presentation and discussion of individual researchproject (of student’s choice)

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Studying a language will greatly enhance travelopportunities and experiences. An A level in a languagehelps students develop confident, effectivecommunication skills and a thorough understanding ofcontemporary issues in the many countries andcommunities where it is spoken. It develops an interestin, and enthusiasm for, language- learning and enablesstudents to broaden their horizons through gaining aninsight into different cultures.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSAn A level in a language is highly-respected, either as astand-alone qualification or as a lead-in to further studyof the language. As well as the opportunity to study thisat degree level, many universities will enable thecombination of a language with a different main subject,with the possibility of undertaking a period of study orwork experience in a foreign country. A degree in alanguage will enhance employment opportunities ingovernmental, scientific and financial fields as well as inbusiness and the media.

FRENCH,GERMAN& SPANISH

COURSE OUTLINE

A level languages rewards language skillsand knowledge in student-focusedassessments. With appealing content andopportunities to pursue individual areasof interest, it prepares students to be well-informed and effective communicators.is is a two-year linear course.

BOARD: AQA

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A LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENTComponent 1 - ‘Physical Geography’: this section ofthe specification focuses on a systems approach to study ofwater and carbon cycles. Students will also investigate‘Landscape Systems’ that includes an in-depth study ofcoastal systems and natural hazardsComponent 2 - ‘Human Geography’: this section of thespecification focuses on global systems and globalgovernance, changing places and resource security.Component 3 - Geographical Investigation: Studentscomplete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. e individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.ASSESSMENT DETAILSComponent 1 and 2 are assessed in examinations andComponent 3 is assessed internally and moderated bythe exam board.WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Geography is useful. It offers you:• Fieldwork skills: collect and process data and

then present the findings• ICT skills, including Geographic Information

Systems, internet research, data handling• Practical skills: use geography to solve many of

society’s problems• A wider range of job opportunities than almost

any other subjects because of transferable skillsand problem solving abilities

• A bridge between the ‘Arts’ and the ‘Sciences’giving you flexibility if you decide to progress touniversity

• High academic standards• One of the important facilitating subjects,

recommended by the Russell Group CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTS• Employers want people with good

communication skills who can work in a team• Employers want people who can manage

themselves• Employers want people who can analyse their

work and are numerate and literate• Employers want people who can ask questions

and then find the answers• Employers want people who are IT literate• Employers want people who are spatially,

environmentally and socially awareYou will gain these skills studying Geography A Level.Geography is highly valued as an A Level course byemployers and universities

GEOGRAPHYCOURSE OUTLINE

“What is our knowledge worth if weknow nothing about the world thatsustains us, nothing about naturalsystems and climates, nothing aboutother countries and cultures” (J.Parritt)Geography is the study of the earth’slandscapes, peoples, places andenvironments. It is, quite simply, aboutthe world in which we live. e A levelcourse will excite students’ minds,challenge perceptions and stimulatetheir investigative skills.


“Geography is the subject which holdsthe Key to our future” (Michael Palin)

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSIf you are studying Geography GCSE, you should gain at least a Grade 6. If not, you will need a 6 in a similar subject. Above all you need to beinterested in places and environments, and enjoydoing research.

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSStudents are required to have achieved Grade 6 atGCSE History. Students who have not studied historyare welcome, but must have achieved a Grade 5 inEnglish Language or Literature at GCSE.

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All external exams are completed at the end of year13 – there will be 3 exams in total.

Unit 1: British period study and enquiry worth 50marks 1hr 30 minute paper (25% of the total Alevel)

Unit 2: Non-British period study worth 30 marks 1hrpaper (15% of the total A level)

Unit 3: ematic study and historical interpretationsworth 80 marks 2hr 30minutes paper (40% ofthe total A level)

Additionally there is a topic based essay (3,000 to4,000 words) worth 40 marks that is submitted by theend of February of year 13 (20% of the total A level)

OUR PATHWAYSStudents must complete each of the 4 units and theirtotal A level study must extend over at least a 200year period – in other words, completing a solelyModern History or Early Modern A level, is nowimpossible. In History we offer two differentpathways when uptake is high enough. e pathwayswe offer in Year 12 are:

Pathway one: Wars of the Roses and Henry VII andAmerican Westward Expansion.

Pathway two: Tudor England 1547-1603 andAmerican Westward Expansion.

In Year 13 we study a unit on the witch-hunting crazeduring the early modern period. We also completecoursework on a topic chosen by the student.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSUnits 1, 2 and 3 are examined in the Summer Term ofYear 13. Unit 4 is a piece of coursework to becompleted early in Year 13. Students will be requiredto recall, select and deploy their historical knowledgeand communicate that knowledge clearly andeffectively. e will also be assessed on their ability toenquire independently as historians, using a range ofevidence.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?At the heart of studying History, is the study ofpeople, their feelings, attitudes, prejudices andmotivation. is understanding is very useful in the‘people professions’, from Receptionists to SocialWorkers. History teaches interviewing and enquiryskills, which fit an historian for jobs which find outinformation - TV researcher, investigative reporterand the police. Historians know how to readdocuments, ignore irrelevancies, separate propagandafrom the truth, and circumstantial from hardevidence. is is essential for people such as lawyers,detectives and politicians. History requires extended,logical, reasoned debate in writing. It is beneficial forany job which requires writing reports such asJournalism. Historical knowledge is essential forcertain jobs, such as Archaeologists, Archivists andCurators.

HISTORYCOURSE OUTLINE

If you are inquisitive and enjoy learningabout the world around you and peoplein it, then History Advanced level maybe ideal for you.

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSe most important requirement is that you enjoy mathematics and recognize it as a powerful toolfor problem solving. You need to have achieved Grade6 at GCSE.

A2 COURSEA level Mathematics is a linear course with three 2hour exams taken at the end of year 13. e course willcover Core Mathematics, which are the puremathematics modules extending algebraic skills andintroducing new mathematical concepts and ideas aswell as applied modules in statistics and mechanics.e mechanics modules support work studied inPhysics A level whilst statistics supports A levels suchas Psychology, Geography, Biology and Economics.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSe three exams at the end of the course are weightedso the Core Mathematics is worth 67% of the totalmarks and the applied modules, Mechanics andStatistics, 33% of the total marks.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Mathematics has a very high status as an A levelsubject and combines well with both Science and Arts A levels. rough the study of mathematics you will develop the ability to use mathematical models to solve problems, assess evidence and makeinformed judgements.

Physics students will experience some difficulty ifmathematics is not being studied as well.

Higher education courses that either require A levelmathematics or are strongly related include Economics, Medicine, Architecture, Engineering,Accountancy, Psychology and Computing Science.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSMathematicians have a wide choice of careers opento them which include business and finance,computing industry, operational research and teaching.In fact almost any career where the ability to thinklogically is required.

MATHEMATICSCOURSE OUTLINE

A level mathematics comprises PureMathematics units and Applicationsunits. You will build on the work youhave done at GCSE, you will developyour technical ability and understandingthus providing a foundation for thefurther study of mathematics.

BOARD: EDEXCEL Code: 8MA0

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Core Maths has been designed to maintain anddevelop real-life maths skills. What you study is notpurely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on aday-to-day basis in work, study or life and will includeunits on finance, analysing data and problem solving.It will also help with other A-level subjects – inparticular with science, geography, business studies,psychology and economics.

Core Maths is about developing mathematicalthinking and reasoning skills through meaningfulmathematical problems and to increase confidence inusing maths. is will lead to students being betterequipped for the mathematical demands of othercourses, higher education, employment and life.

e skills developed in the study of mathematics areincreasingly important in the workplace and inhigher education; studying Core Maths will help youkeep up these essential skills. Most students whostudy maths after GCSE improve their career choicesand increase their earning potential.

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 4 or higher at GCSE.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSCore maths is a two year course and exams will be satat the end of the second year. At the end of thecourse, you will gain a level 3 qualification, similar toan AS and worth the same number of UCAS pointsas an AS level qualification. .

Core Maths is a new qualificationdesigned for students who want to keepup their mathematical skills but are notplanning to take A-level mathematics.

CORE MATHS


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSYou will need to be also studying A levelMathematics and to have achieved a Grade 7 atGCSE. Most importantly you will need to reallyenjoy doing mathematics.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSFour 1½ hour papers are sat at the end of Year 13.Two are Pure Mathematics only whilst the other twowill contain a mixture of pure and applied questions.Each exam is worth 25% of the final mark.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?If you feel you have a real flair for Mathematics thenthis would be a suitable course for you. You probablylove solving mathematical problems, persevere withchallenging stuff and get a real buzz when you finallyfind a solution.

Projecting yourself into the future if you areconsidering a degree at university involvingmathematics, physics, computer science orengineering then this course will be beneficial.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSMathematics is a well respected and sought aftersubject by universities and employers, if you have twoA levels in mathematics even better! e bestuniversities will expect Further Maths as an entryrequirement for a Maths degree and often for degreesin Computer Science, Physics and Engineering.

FURTHERMATHS

COURSE OUTLINE

A level Further Maths is a linear coursewith four exams taken at the end of Year13. e course covers numerous FurtherPure Mathematics units extending thework covered in A level Mathematics aswell as introducing new topics,alongside applied units in two ofstatistics, mechanics or decisionmathematics.

BOARD: EDEXCEL Code: 9FM0

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSMinimum grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.PAPER 1WHAT’S ASSESSEDQuestions will focus on issues and debates in the mediaHOW IT’S ASSESSED• Written exam: 2 hours• Short and extended response questions• 35% of A levelPAPER 2WHAT’S ASSESSED• e analysis of media products with reference to the Close Study Products (CPS) and other products.• Understanding of the contexts in which the products were created.HOW IT’S ASSESSED• Written exam• Short and extended response questions• 35% of A levelNON-EXAM ASSESSMENT: MEDIA PROJECTWHAT’S ASSESSED• Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework.• Practical skills relating to the media format of their choice, from a selection.HOW IT’S ASSESSED• A choice of topics related the overarching, annually changing theme• Students will produce a statement of intent and cross media products for an intended audience• 30% of A-levelWHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?• Comprehensive and integrated coverage of media

theory and practice• Focus on new technologies• Covers audiences as both producers and consumers

of media texts• Opportunities for students to investigate what

interests them• Choice of cross-media studies• Emphasis on contemporary issues and debates• Prepares students for progression into work or

higher education in a range of media-related areasCAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSis qualification is accepted by a wide number ofuniversities and is also accepted by a wide range ofemployers.

MEDIA STUDIES

COURSE OUTLINE

Candidates will learn how to develop acritical understanding of the media’sinfluence on society. ere areopportunities for students to investigatewhat interests them, a choice of cross-media studies and production work



Is there anything ultimate that we should value, any absolute moral truths, or are our moralfeelings just a matter of taste and personalpreferences? We consider a number of moral theoriesand apply them to issues such as war, punishment,lying and treatment of animals

e Metaphysics of God – In contrast with theapproach of Religious Studies, which looks at the wayin which particular religious traditions approachquestions of faith, philosophy steps back from this and asks the big religious questions from the perspective of reason (and also considers whether it is in fact possible to do this!). Wewill look at various ways in which it might be claimedthat we can prove the existence of God, as well asresponses to the problem of evil and the challengethat religious language is meaningless.

Metaphysics of Mind – asks what is the mind? Is it adifferent substance from the body and how do thetwo relate to one another? What are the elements ofconscious thought and how do they relate to theprocesses within my brain? Is consciousness merely afunction of brain-processes or something with realpower?

ASSESSMENT DETAILSAt AS there is one three hour exam, weightedbetween these two topics and containing a range ofquestion types from shorter answers through to shortessays. e same assessment structure applies at A2.e total AS and A2 marks are equally weighted inthe final A level grade.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?If you enjoy reading and thinking for yourself thismay be a subject for you. A good philosopher will likeasking questions and challenging ideas. You will alsobe able to listen carefully to the views of others andnot jump to conclusions. Students will learn topresent a coherent argument in writing and in oralpresentations to the group. Nobody should start aphilosophy course without having read somephilosophy and enjoyed it. However cool it sounds itis definitely not something which suits everybody asan academic subject.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSPhilosophy complements both the natural sciences aswell as arts and humanities subjects. Please checkuniversity admissions for details on A levelrequirements. Philosophy degrees are highly rated bymany employers.

PHILOSOPHYCOURSE OUTLINE

Philosophy is an ancient disciplinewhich tackles many of the fundamentalquestions about existence andknowledge. is course is designed todevelop the ability to reason, formjudgements, express yourself coherentlyand to contribute to the process ofdebate. It is taught to a large extentthough exercises and discussion in small groups and through guidedreading of texts.


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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 6 in Maths and English

CONTENTEpistemology – Asks the basic philosophicalquestions “What do we know?”, “How do we knowit?” and “What do we even mean by the wordknowledge?” Socrates was extremely pessimistic onthis front, claiming that all he knew was that he knewnothing! In this module we discuss whether suchscepticism is warranted, whether the world of ourexperience could really be a delusion, and whatultimate justification we can offer for our beliefs andexperiences. We ask whether our perceptions give usreliable information about the way the world truly is.

Moral Philosophy – asks what is the ‘good’ for man?What ideals and ends should we pursue and why?Why do I often fail to do the things that I feel I oughtto do? What makes our actions right or wrong?


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 at GCSE Art, Graphics, Photography or Textiles.


ASSESSMENT DETAILSWork will be internally assessed by your teacher andmoderated by AQA

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?e Advanced level course is a two year course. ecourse aims to develop visual language by broadeningand improving skills and studying a range ofphotographers’ work.

is is a really worthwhile subject to study in the 6thForm, as it really promotes creative thinking andcommunication through visual language. Studentshave found the content of this course to be enjoyableand stimulating and their engagement with thecourse is illustrated by the successful results gained inrecent years. For more information talk to MrsShillaker, or Mr Rogers.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSStudents who want to pursue a career in photographywill be eligible to apply for a Foundation (pre degree)course in photography at Trowbridge or Bath College.is course enables students to gain experience in arange of specialist photography skills in order to applyfor a degree course. If students gain a top grade at A2it is possible to apply straight to a degree course inphotography. Photography graduates have a widechoice of careers available, as well as being aphotographer; such as advertising, journalism,marketing, design and ICT based careers etc.

For students who do not want a career inphotography this course is excellent for anyonehoping to use their technical and visual skills as wellas an A level counting towards points required forUniversity entrance in most other subjects.

PHOTOGRAPHYCOURSE OUTLINE

Enables candidates to develop personalresponses to the world around them,looking at their environment from adifferent viewpoint. Provides a practicalphotography course that enablesstudents to learn how to use both filmSLR and digital cameras, to usedarkroom techniques and edit theirwork using Photoshop.


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Component 2: Psychological Factors Affecting Performance - Skill Acquisition; Sports Psychology is component focuses on thepsychological factors affecting physical activities andsports, including group dynamics and the effects ofleadership and stress on performers.

Component 3: Socio-cultural and ContemporaryIssues - Sport, Society and TechnologicalIssues is component focuses on the sociologicaland contemporary factors that influence and affect

physical activity and sport for boththe audeince and the performer andhow sport affects society. It includesthe emergence and evolution of modern sport, the impact of the

modern Olympic Games and global sporting eventsand the ever-evolving modern technology and itsinfluence on sport performers and spectators.

Component 4: Performance within PhysicalEducation Learners will be required to undertake two parts.

Part 1: Performance/coaching of one sport or activityfrom the approved DfE list.

Part 2: e Evaluation and Appreciation ofPerformance for Improvement of one sport or activityfrom the approved DfE list. is does not have to be the same sport or activity that was undertaken in Part 1, although it can be.

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Components 1 -3 are assessed via written examinationpapers. Component 4 is NEA, and is internally assessed& externally moderated.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?

• Students with wide-ranging interest in sport andrecreation

• Want to follow a course that develops thetheoretical aspects through practical involvement

• Have an enquiring mind and are interested insport throughout the world

• Want to know more about body functions andeffects of exercise

• Want to evaluate and improve own performancein sport

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTS

Excellent preparation for students wishing to progressto degree level study in Physical Education, SportsStudies, Sports Analysis and Sports Sciences or for acareer in the Police, Armed Forces, Nursing,Physiotherapy, Teaching, Leisure and sports coaching.

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 in GCSE PE theory or Merit 2 or above in L2sport qualifications and Grade 5 in Combined Science.Regular participation in and enthusiasm for onesport/activity outside of school. It is possible to takethis course without a GCSE in PE.

A LEVEL COMPONENTSComponent 1: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance - Anatomy and Physiology;Exercise Physiology; Biomechanics Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the

changes within the key systems of the body prior toexercise, during exercise of different intensities andduring recovery.

PHYSICALEDUCATION

COURSE OUTLINE

A Level PE includes the compulsorystudy of: Applied Anatomy andPhysiology, Exercise Physiology,Biomechanical Movement, SkillAcquisition, Sports Psychology, Sportand Society and the Role of Technologyin Physical Activity and Sport. Alongsidethis are the skills of PE which areexamined via the NEA (Non-examassessment) component on performance.

BOARD: OCR Code: H155 & H555

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSMinimum entry requirements are a grade 6 CombinedScience or Physics. Grade 5 in Maths and English.

CORE TOPICS INCLUDEe CORE topics covered over the two years includeMeasurements and their errors , Particles andradiation, Waves, Mechanics and materials, Electricity,Further mechanics and thermal physics, Fields andtheir consequences and Nuclear physics.

Students then also study one option of their choicefrom Astrophysics, Medical physics, Engineeringphysics, Turning points in physics or Electronics.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSTwo written papers each timed at 2 hours. Both have25 multiple choice questions and 60 marks of long andshort answer questions.

roughout the course students must complete aminimum of 12 standard practical experiments. eseare then examined in the third exam paper, also 2hours, which contains 45 marks of short and longanswer questions on practical experiments and dataanalysis and 35 marks of short and long answerquestions on an optional topic that has been selectedby the candidate.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?It is important to understand how the universe works.Understanding this will improve our lives and satisfythe curiosity of many. Physics influences everything,from cancer treatment, computers and phones tosportswear, renewable energy and weather forecasting.

Learning to understand and to contribute todiscoveries in science can be very satisfying.

e skills learnt in physics are transferable andimportant. You learn to think logically and solveproblems. You gain experience of working in a likeminded team. You learn to communicate with clarity.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSA Physics graduate has the opportunity to work inmany areas and has good earning potential.

You might:

• Design computer games• Monitor the environment• Invent life saving medical equipment• Make cars safer• Model financial markets• Scientific Research• Teaching• Military Applications• Investigate the Fundamental questions about Life

on EarthFor more information visit www.iop.org

PHYSICSCOURSE OUTLINE

e course is designed to providerelevant and interesting physics contentas a smooth progression from GCSE tothe next level of study. e course aimsto highlight the links between physicsand other sciences and how the subjectunderpins important technologies.

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OUR UNITSUnit 1: Topics to be studied on the UK government include: the Constitution, Parliament,the Prime Minister and cabinet government, the

Judiciary and devolution. When studying UK politicswe will look at the role of democracy, the elections and referendums, political parties, pressure groups and the EU.

Unit 2: Topics to be studied on the US governmentand politics include: the Constitution, Congress, thePresident, the Judiciary, democracy, elections, politicalparties, pressure groups and civil rights. We will alsolook at comparative politics in case studies comparingthe politics of the UK and the US through three strandsof structural, cultural and rational comparisons.

Unit 3: Topics to be studied on Political ideas include:Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism. We will thenstudy one of the following: Feminism, Anarchism,Multiculturalism, Nationalism or Ecologism.

ASSESSMENT DETAILSUnits 1, 2 and 3 are examined in the Summer Term ofyear 13. Students will be required to recall, select anddeploy their historical knowledge and communicatethat knowledge clearly and effectively. ey will also beassessed on their ability to enquire independently, usinga range of evidence.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Politics is central to our world. As current events showus, the way in which our country is governed, the roleof the people and the ideas that influence them arefundamental. Issues that are affecting your lives rightnow are essentially about politics so to be informed andeducated about the circumstances that have led to thecurrent state of the world is vital. Furthermore, theskills that Politics equips you with, enables a career inmany areas, including law, advertising, journalism andthe media or even politics itself! To understand politicsis to understand people so you will gain a naturaladvantage in the professions where engagement withother people is paramount. You will also develop skillsin extended, logical, reasoned debate in writing. is isbeneficial for any job which requires writing reports ordeveloping research and enquiry skills. If you careabout the current state of the world, then the study ofPolitics is essential.

POLITICSCOURSE OUTLINE

If you are inquisitive and want to make adifference in the world around you andpeople in it, then Politics Advanced levelmay be ideal for you.

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ENTRY REqUIREMENTSStudents are required to have achieved either Grade 6 at GCSE History or Grade 5 in EnglishLiterature or Language.

LINEAR A LEVELAll external exams are completed at the end of year13 – there will be 3 exams in total.

Unit 1: Government and politics in the UK studyworth 77 marks. 2 hour paper (33.3% of the total Alevel).

Unit 2: Government and politics in the US studyworth 77 marks. 2 hour paper (33.3% of the total Alevel).

Unit 3: A study of Political Ideas worth 77 marks. 2hour paper (33.3% of the total A level).


Unit 2 Approaches in Psychology:Origins of Psychology, the emergence ofPsychology as a science. Psychological andBiological approaches.Biopsychology: The nervous system, thestructure and function of neurons and theendocrine system; Brain structure andfunction, ways of studying the brain andbiological rythmns.

Research Methods: Scientific processes,techniques and datahandling skills. Inferentialstatistical analysis andthe range of experimentaltechniques used in psychological research.

Unit 3 Schizophrenia: e clinical characteristics,biological and psychological explanationsand the effectiveness of therapies from bothapproaches.Gender: Role of chromosones andhormones. Psychological explanations forgender development and atypical genderdevelopment.Aggression: Biological mechanisms andsocial explanations for aggression.Institutional aggression (prisons) and mediainfluences including computer games.

ASSESSMENT DETAILS3 externally examined units. All examinations takeplace at the end of the 2 year course. Students areassessed though multiple choice, short answer andextended writing on each paper. Each examination is2 hours in length.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?A level psychology is a fascinating subject that allowsstudents to develop valuable scientific research skillsin addition to gaining wider understanding ofpsychological theories and ideas. Students gain skillsin comparing theories that account for a wide rangeof human behaviours and learn to discuss and conveythese ideas developing analytical skills.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSPsychology is a valued A level subject by Universitiesand employers alike. It is particularly relevant forthose who wish to pursue a degree course inhealthcare, social care, nursing, sports psychologyand related fields.

It is relevant to a wide range of careers includingmarketing, teaching, counselling and the police force.

ENTRY REqUIREMENTSGrade 5 or above in English at GCSE. Grade 5 inBiology/Science at GCSE is desirable.

A LEVEL UNITSere are 3 compulsory units. Each unit is worth33.3% of the A Level.

Unit 1 Social Influence: How individualbehaviour changes in groups. Explanationsfor conformity, obedience and socialchange.Memory: How our memory works and thereliability of eye witness testimony.Attachment: Early infant developmentand the effects of deprivation.Psychopathology: Definitions ofabnormality, explanations for phobias,depression and OCD; treatment for thesedisorders.

PSYCHOLOGYCOURSE OUTLINE

Psychology involves the scientific studyof human behaviour and attempts toexplain what makes us who we are. A’level Psychology covers a broad range oftopics such as explanations for abnormalbehaviour, scientific research methods,infant development and the psychologyof aggression.


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SOCIOLOGYCOURSE OUTLINE

Sociology is the course for people wholove people! It encourages students tothink creatively about the social worldaround them. Sociologists try to answerquestions about social behaviour,problems and phenomena that have animpact on all of our lives.


ENTRY REqUIREMENTSSociology is an academic qualification that willrequire a good standard of written English. erefore,a grade 5 in Sociology of Belief, or English, History, oranother essay-based subject is necessary.

YEAR 12 Families and HouseholdsEducation with sociological theory and methods

YEAR 13 Crime and Deviance with Sociological eory and

Methods, and the Sociology of Belief

ASSESSMENT DETAILSAll units will be assessed by 3

written examinations in the summer of Year 13.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Sociology is a fascinating subject that will allowstudents to become more critically aware of the socialworld. ey will be asked to evaluate their own socialexperiences, particularly as members of families andschools, and to look at this from several perspectives.ey will be expected to challenge long-held viewsabout society and to be empathetic towardsapproaches they do not believe to be true.

Sociology deals with the most current events insociety as well as issues that have been a concern topeople for centuries.

According to students; Sociology is… “A subject thatreally makes you think about your life”… “Sociology isgreat! It helps you to think about lots of issues fromother people’s perspectives before you make yourmind up about different views”

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSSociology is a highly valued, academic subject thatcan be seen as a qualification for working with peopleon any level. As such, it is considered excellentpreparation for almost any degree or profession.

Students who study Sociology often go on to careersin the police, criminology, teaching, nursing, themedia, advertising, events management, marketing,and social work.

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VOCATIONALCOURSES

BTEC IN SPORT

LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL IN SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL DIPLOMA IN I.T

BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

OTHERCOURSESLEVEL 3 PRELIM COURSE

EXTENDED PROJECTQUALIFICATION (EPQ)

AQA BACCALAUREATE

Vocational Courses at Corsham6the traditional A Level Pathway does not suit everybody. For those students who prefer a more ‘work related’ route, with a greater degree of ‘hands on’ practical experience we offer a choice of Vocational Courses.


EXAMPLE UNITS TAUGHT INCLUDE• Human Lifespan Development• Working in Health & Social Care• Enquiries into Current Research in Health & Social Care• Principles of Safe Practice in Health & Social Care• Promoting Public Health

METHOD OF ASSESSMENTUnits will be assessed both internally and externally.Whilst the Diploma is equivalent to two A Levelsthere may be the opportunity to study units to theequivalent of a half, or one and a half A Levels.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Students will develop personal and professional skillsthrough interaction with people who either work inthe Health & Social Care sector, or require caresupport, as well as theoretical knowledge and theunderstanding that underpins their skills.

It will also prepare students with the depth andbreadth of knowledge required for further study inHigher Education.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATIONPROSPECTSis course serves as an excellent basis for studentswishing to study Nursing, Physiotherapy, Social Worketc.

ENTRY REqUIREMENTS5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above.

BTEC LEVEL 3NATIONAL DIPLOMAIN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

COURSE OUTLINE

BTec Level 3 National Diploma inHealth and Social Care is designed forlearners who wish to go into furtherstudy in a related sector.

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WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?Cambridge Technicals are vocational qualifications atLevel 3 for students aged 16+. ey’re designed withthe workplace in mind and provide a high-qualityalternative to A Levels.

e Sports Coaching and Physical Activity, Level 3Diploma aims to develop students’ knowledge,understanding and skills of the principles of Sportand Physical Activity. Students will gain an insightinto the sector as they investigate opportunities fordelivering sport and physical activity to a wide rangeof participants. Students will also gain core skillsrequired for employment or further study in thesector such as communication, analysis, organisationand adaptation.

A wide range of centre assessed units with practicaland wider project-based assessment opportunities, aswell as examined units on the body systems and thelong and short term impacts of sport and physicalactivity.

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSOpening doors to further study, university,apprenticeships and employment.

COURSE OUTLINE

Our Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Sportand Physical Activity is the equivalent of 2A Levels and include a specialist pathwayinto Sports Coaching and Physical Activity(720 GLH).

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CAMBRIDGETECHNICAL IN SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

BOARD: OCR Code:

VOCATIONAL COURSE


Modules: 11/12 Units equivalent to 720GLH,600GLH from 9 mandatory units. 120GLH fromoptional units.

Year 1

Unit 1 – Anatomy and Physiology (ExternalAssessment)

Unit 2 – Sports Coaching and Activity Leadership

Unit 4 – Working safely in sport (ExternalAssessment)

Unit 5 – Performance analysis in sport and exercise

Unit 8 – Organisation of a sports event

Unit 17 – Sports Injuries and rehabilitation


specific activities or purposes. In this unit you willexplore potential ideas for a new application anddevelop the fundamental design for it. You will thendevelop the designs for an application and how users

will interact with it. e application that youdesign can be for any sector and for anypurpose. You will have the opportunity topresent your ideas, prototype them, and gainfeedback before refining your design.

Games Design & Prototyping

ere are a number of platforms available for game developers to release games that they have designed and developed. is unit will help you develop skillsin designing and developing a prototype for a simplegame. It will enable you to consider the logic of theprogramming structures required, as well as theinterface design. You will then build a prototype inorder to demonstrate an element of your game.

Web Design and Prototyping

In this unit you will research, design and produce aninteractive, responsive website that is specific to aclient’s needs, culminating in presenting the conceptof the website using the prototype to the client. Youwill learn about the security risks in website designand how to minimise these threats. is unit will alsoallow you to incorporate existing interactiveelements, as well as prototyping your own website.

WHY TAkE THIS SUBJECT?e Academic Initiative Leader at IBM says: “theneed for both an understanding of the theory ANDdemonstrable experience of 'doing it' are equallyvaluable. We believe the skills and knowledge thestudents will develop when taking these qualificationswill act as a basis for progression into the workplacein this sector”.

e Apprenticeship Development Manager from BT“believes that these qualifications cover the requiredskills, understanding and knowledge I expect of an 18year-old entering employment with us or entering theworkplace in this sector”. He also believes that, “thesequalifications would give a student an advantagewhen applying for related jobs or Apprenticeships inour industry.”

CAREERS/HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTSYou could progress onto a Level 4 apprenticeship oruse it to help you move straight into employment inthe IT sector. is course carries equivalent UCASpoints to an A Level so you could also use it to get aUniversity place. It would certainly offer valuableknowledge for moving forward with a career orfurther education in the IT sector.

COURSE OUTLINE

is course aims to give learners goodtheory and practical experience of variousIT skills. It is a qualification that willprepare learners for employment in the ITindustry. e Level 3 Cambridge TechnicalDiploma in IT is equivalent in size to 1 Alevel and gives equivalent UCAS points.

PAGE 42

LEVEL 3 CAMBRIDGETECHNICALDIPLOMA IN IT

BOARD: OCR Code: 05840

VOCATIONAL COURSE

ENTRY REqUIREMENTS5 GCSEs or equivalent A* to C including English and Maths.


Fundamentals of IT

A sound understanding of IT technologies andpractices is essential for IT professionals. Informationlearnt in this unit will provide a solid foundation inthe fundamentals of hardware, networks, software,the ethical use of computers and how business uses IT.

Global information

is unit will provide you with a greaterunderstanding of how organisations use informationsources both internally and externally and the types of information you will encounter. e skills gainedby completing this unit will give you knowledge ofthe functionality of information and how data isstored and processed by organisations. You will alsolearn about how individuals use information ofvarious types.

Application Design

e world is increasingly reliant on applications thathelp individuals, businesses and organisations achieve


CONTENTAll students will undertake five core units:• Live Sound• Studio Recording Techniques• Music and Sound for Media• Music Technology in Context• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) ProductionAll students will also choose five units to study fromthe following options:• Creative Synthesis and Sampling• Remixing and Reworking• Music Technology in Performance• Mixing and Mastering Techniques• Music Investigation• Music Technology and Musicianship• Working and Developing as a Production TeamASSESSMENTAll units are assessed and graded and an overall gradefor the qualification is awarded. Some assignmentsare set and marked by teachers in school and someare set and marked by the exam board Edexcel. ereis a balance between practical and writtentheoretical/research work.

OPPORTUNITIES A BTEC in Music Technology is valued by bothemployers and higher education establishments.Students can go into careers such as MusicManagement, Teaching, Performance andProduction.

If you do decide to go to university or college youcould take a degree or a BTEC Higher National insubjects such as Music, Popular Music or MusicTechnology.

COURSE OUTLINE

A BTEC level 3 Diploma is a practical,work related course. You will learn bycompleting projects and assignments thatare based on realistic workplace situations,activities and demands. Whilst it is goodfor you to have some knowledge of music itis not necessary for you to have completedGCSEs in Music or Music Technologybefore you start this course. When youhave finished your course you will be ableto look for employment or go on to furtherstudy in higher education.

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BTEC LEVEL 3NATIONAL DIPLOMAIN MUSICTECHNOLOGY

BOARD: EDEXCEL Code: 601/7350/6

VOCATIONAL COURSE


PAGE 44

is is a qualification that starts in the January of Year 12.It is designed as a “stretch and challenge” opportunity, toinvestigate a topic beyond the normal confines of ALevels and can attract the only A* at AS Level.

It demonstrates that you have some of the key skillsrequired for university study. It is very good evidence toput in a UCAS personal statement that you can workindependently, research, plan, argue and present. Mostapplicants claim to have these skills but, by carrying outan extended project, you would have something specificto relate these claims to.

e evidence seems to be that universities are very keenon students who have done, or are undertaking, anextended project, mainly because the skills that areinvolved are those that they believe are important forstudents to successfully access their courses.

WHAT SORT OF PROJECTS CAN BE DONE?

ere has to be a “product”, which could be an extendedessay on any topic (max 5,000 words) plus a presentation(usually involving a PowerPoint). Alternatively, theproduct could be a play, a piece of art, a model or a film,also accompanied by some sort of presentation whichinvolves answering questions. Above all, the projectshould be on an area of personal interest that you arekeen to find out more about.

SHOULD MY PROJECT BE ON A TOPICRELATED TO MY CHOICE OF DEGREESUBJECT OR ONE OF MY A LEVELS?

Hopefully you are very interested in the subject that youare applying to study at university, so it would not beunusual for you to want to research a topic related to yourdegree choice but this is not a requirement. e project ismore about the process than the outcome and it isperfectly reasonable to have intelligent interests beyondyour academic subjects.

WHAT EXACTLY WILL I HAVE TO DO?

• You will have to identify a project and get thisapproved by your project supervisor.

• You will have to do some project planning.• You will have to research• You will have to produce the product• You will have to present the product to a non-

specialist audience and answer questions• You will have to evaluate the process and the

outcome

WHEN WILL I DO IT?

We will advise students to start the project in January ofYear 12. Lessons on how to improve your project andpresent academic writing take place during Year 12 andYear 13.

You can get further information from Mr Smith.

EXTENDED PROJECTQUALIFICATION (EPQ)


At the end of two years’ A level study, we aim tointroduce a very valuable qualification that will helpcertificate both A level achievement and other extra-curricular involvement. It is called a Baccalaureate andit is awarded by the AQA examination board.

e AQA Bacc involves students getting recognitionand achieving in the following areas.

a) Passing 3 full A levels (any subjects) and having 5GCSE passes at Grade 4 or above including Mathsand English.

b) Passing an AS in General Studies. We can arrangefor students to do this at the end of Year 13.

c) Having certified involvement in an extra curricularvoluntary activity (Enrichment) e.g. Peer Readingproject, Peer Mentoring, Sports Leadership etc.Students complete and online diary to record theirenrolement.

d) Completing an independent learning project whichin itself is worth one AS level, eg EPQ.

e outline of the qualification is showndiagrammatically below.

AQABACCALAUREATE(AQA BACC)


e AqA Bacc Grading Scheme is as follows:e AQA Baccalaureate.An opportunity for students to significantly improve their further learning, education and employment prospects.e AQA baccalaureate Grading Scheme.

3 A LEVELS EXTENDED PROJECT ENRICHMENT BREADTH (AS) AWARD

E E Pass Pass Bacc

C C Pass Pass Bacc with Merit

A A Pass Pass Bacc with Distinction

For more information, contact:Michele Cassidy, AQA Devas Street, Manchester, M15 6EX.Tel: 0161 953 1180Email: [email protected]/bacc

How will Higher Education institutes and employers view the AQA Bacc?

e GCE A Levels at the heart of the AQA Bacc are well understood and recognised. e extra benefits the AQABacc brings will be perceived very positively by employers and within Further Education institutions.

For more details on the AQA Bacc please speak to Mr Smith.

AQABACCALAUREATE(AQA BACC)

PAGE 39PAGE 46


ENTRY TO HIGHEREDUCATION1. Degree courses:

a) In the majority of cases the basicminimum is five GCSE grades 4-9 orequivalent plus three at A Level, but inaddition to this Universities and Collegescan impose their own requirements whichare usually more than the minimum andmay name particular A Level and GCSEsubjects. It is important therefore to checkthe UCAS and university websites to seethat the right subjects are chosen.

b) Some courses can be entered with two A Level passes only or their equivalent.For more popular courses three A Levelpasses are normally required.

c) A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is also avery important route into university courses.

ENTRY INTOEMPLOYMENT1. e minimum academic requirements for

professional careers are broadly similar tothose sought for degree level studies - ie fiveGCSE grades 4-9 plus two at A Level.Professional bodies and employers oftenspecify that the subjects must be academicones and include English and Maths at least toGCSE 4 grade.

2. ere are a number of careers for whichBTEC Level 3, A Level passes, although not arequirement, could be a distinct advantage,either in terms of gaining admission totraining schools or in shortening the traininginvolved - eg Journalism, Occupationalerapy, Banking.

PROSPECTIVEPATHWAYS


BROAD SUBJECT DEGREE AREAS TYPICAL A LEVEL SUBJECTS REqUIRED

Agriculture Biology + other science or Mathsincluding Animal Husbandry, Equine Studies, Forestry and Horticulture

Architecture and Building (Art or Maths) + science

Business and Management, Leisure For accounting and finance, maths is required.and Hospitality Some degrees may require a language or including Travel and Tourism economics. Creative Arts For Art, a portfolio is requiredincluding Fine Art, Design, Performing Arts, For Music, Grade 8 is requiredDrama and Music

Computing Maths or a science Engineering Maths plus Chemistry/Physics. Geography may be useful Food/Sport Science (Chemistry or Biology) + one other science

Humanities, Geography/History Geography/History, English Literature Law History, Politics, English Literature Media Studies English. Work experience may be an advantageincluding Journalism, Photography and Publishing

Medicine and Veterinary Studies For Medicine, Veterinary Studies and Dentistry: Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Maths For Physiotherapy and Nursing: Biology Modern Languages At least one relevant language

Science Relevant science and at least one other scienceincluding Geography and Mathematics or Maths.

Social Sciences For Economics: Mathsincluding Economics, Law and Politics For others: English, History, Frenchor other humanity subject. Teaching For Primary: one of these: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography or RE. For Secondary: Subject specific

PAGE 48When choosing your courses you may also want to consider...


SUMMARYSUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR ADVANCED LEVEL COURSESTo start A Level courses, you will need at least 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 or equivalent qualifications. Individual cases will bejudged on merit.6e qualifications listed below are the normal expectation for these specific subjects but please enquire if any specialdifficulties may have led you to not gaining them.

Art (Fine Art) GCSE Grade 5 in Art, Graphics, Textiles or Photography

Art (Textiles) GCSE Grade 5 in Art or Textiles

Biology GCSE Grade 6 in Combined Science or Biology. Grade 4 in Maths

Business GCSE Grade 5 in English and Maths

Chemistry GCSE Grade 6 in Combined Science or Chemistry. Grade 5 in Maths

Computer Science GCSE Grade 5 in Computing or a Pass Grade in Cambridge Nationals, plus GCSE Maths atGrade 4

Core Maths GCSE Grade 4 in Maths

Drama &-eatre Studies GCSE Grade 5 in Drama if taken at GCSE or a Grade 5 in English

Economics GCSE Grade 5 in both English and Maths

English GCSE Grade 5 or above in both English Language and Literature

English Literature GCSE Grade 5 or above in both English Language and Literature

Film Studies GCSE Grade 5 in either English Language or English Literature

French GCSE Grade 6 in French

Further Maths GCSE Grade 7 in Maths

Geography GCSE Grade 6 in Geography or similar subject

German GCSE Grade 6 in German

History Grade 6 in History if taken at GCSE or a Grade 5 in English Language or Literature

Mathematics Grade 6 in GCSE Maths

Media Studies GCSE Grade 5 in English Language or Literature

Physical Education GCSE Grade 5 in theory in PE if taken at GCSE. GCSE Grade 5 in Combined Scienceor equivalent and regular participation and training in at least one sport or activity is also required

Photography Grade 5 in Art, Graphics, Textiles or Photography

Physics GCSE Grade 6 in Combined Science or Physics. Grade 5 in Maths

Politics Grade 6 in History if taken at GCSE or a Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature

Psychology GCSE Grade 5 in English and Maths

Religion, Philosophy& Ethics GCSE Grade 5 in Sociology of Belief, or English

Sociology GCSE Grade 5 in Sociology of Belief, History, English or another essay-based GCSE subject

Spanish GCSE Grade 6 in Spanish

BTEC LEVEL 3 or CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL COURSES: 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent.

WWHHAATT HHAAPPPPEENNSS

NNEEXXTT DDEEPPEENNDDSS OONN YOU

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