2016-2017 Year 12 and Year 13 Curriculum
Subject: Art and Design Introduction: The A Level Fine Art courses use the methods and marking scheme used at GCSE. It encourages intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers, investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement. Students develop independence of mind in relation to developing their own ideas, refining their own intentions and personal outcomes. They should have an interest in, enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of art, craft and design and will gain experience of working with a broad range of media. They will also develop an understanding of the interrelationships between art processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate. Awarding Body and Course Details: Edexcel A Level in Fine Art Course Content: The full course is a four unit course. In Year 12 students study: Unit 1 Obsessions and Unit 2 Externally Set Assignment. In Year 13 students study: Unit 3 Own work and Unit 4 Externally Set Assignment. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: From common theme students develop their own portfolios with regular tutorials to give guidance and technical help. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Work is ongoing and students will be expected to work extensively in their own time to develop their work between lessons, using their own studio spaces. Support: Parents will be contacted about concerns and progress, often by email to give detailed feedback and work to be completed. Sketchbooks and final pieces will be brought to parents evening.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: We have trips to Ely and the Cambridge Museums to offer students. Each year students work with younger classes to develop their skills. Future Opportunities: Students who take art at AS and A Level, as well as going on to study Art and design could also be interested in pursuing a career in; Fashion; Textiles; Advertising; Photography; Animation; Games design; Film making; Theatre design; Art therapy; Art conservation; Illustration; Art teaching; Craft making; Architecture; Special effects designing; Arts administration; Magazine layout; and any career that requires fine motor skills, presentation skills, an eye for aesthetics and creative thinking.
Subject: Biology Introduction: Biology A-level will gives the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that’s not important, what is? Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA A Level in Biology Course Content: AS Biology is one year long, with exams at the end. A-level Biology lasts two years, with exams at the end of the second year. The table below shows the topics you will study in each yearn Year 12 students study: AS and first year of A-level: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Second year of A-level: 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. The control of gene expression Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course you will carry out practical activities including: • using microscopes to see cell division • dissection of animal or plant systems • aseptic technique to study microbial growth • investigating activity within cells • investigating animal behaviours • investigating distributions of species in the environment. These practicals will give you the skills and confidence needed to investigate the way living things behave and work. It will also ensure that if you choose to study a Biology-based subject at university, you’ll have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly by each teacher. Submission of homework on time is expected. Support: Teachers are available throughout the academic year to support students studying Chemistry. Revision sessions and intervention sessions are offered when needed.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: Many students studying for Biology have been supported in successfully completing the Nuffield Research Placements during their summer holiday.
Future Opportunities: According to bestcourse4me.com, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in Biology are: • Biology • Psychology • Sport and exercise science • Medicine • Anatomy • Physiology and Pathology Pharmacology • Toxicology and Pharmacy Chemistry. Possible career options Studying A-level Biology at university gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including: • Doctor • Clinical molecular geneticist • Nature conservation officer • Pharmacologist • Research scientist • Vet • Secondary school teacher • Marine biologist • Dentist.
Subject: Business Introduction: The OCR A Level in Business will encourage learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It provides insight into, and experience of, how businesses work, stimulating learners’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with commerce in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study and about career choices. Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR AS/A level Business
Course Content: The course is split into three modules (Operating in a local business environment, The UK business environment, and the global business environment), each of which is assess by a 2 hour written examination. Each unit explores the following content from differing perspectives: Business objectives and strategic decisions External influences facing businesses Marketing and marketing strategies Operational strategy Human resources Accounting and financial considerations The global environment of business
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: We stimulate pupils’ through active and engaging lessons. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of the past using a wide range of resources and techniques centred around the higher level source skills, analysis and critical thinking required at A-Level. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students will also complete independent research to support their coursework. Future Opportunities: This course will lead directly to a degree with a Business component or any other qualification where the use of Business is a main focus. Alternatively due to the nature of the course this qualification will support entry to an apprenticeship or work place.
Subject: Chemistry Introduction: A-level Chemistry builds on the knowledge gained at GCSE, but with more opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of concepts and processes. Theoretical ideas are supported and developed by practical work, students improve and learn experimental techniques. Chemistry links very well with other A-level subjects, in particular Biology and Physics, but due to mathematical content it is also highly complemented by Mathematics.
Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA A Level in Chemistry
Course Content: In Year 12 students study: Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier's principle and Kc, oxidation, reduction and redox equations. Organic Chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols and organic analysis. Inorganic Chemistry: Periodicity, group 2 and group 7. In Year 13 students study: Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, rate equation, equilibrium constant for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, acids and bases. Organic Chemistry: Optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, nuclear resonance spectroscopy and chromatography. Inorganic Chemistry: Properties of period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals and reactions of ions in aqueous solution. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Chemistry lessons will incorporate the teaching of theory supported by practical work, with plenty of opportunity to apply the knowledge taught to exam questions. Regular, detailed feedback is provided both in lesson and via homework. There is always the opportunity for students to ask questions to improve or extend their understanding. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly by each teacher. Submission of homework on time is expected.
Support: Teachers are available throughout the academic year to support students studying Chemistry. Revision sessions and intervention sessions are offered when needed.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: Many students studying for Chemistry have been supported in successfully completing the Nuffield Research Placements during their summer holiday.
Future Opportunities: The analytical skills gained studying Chemistry at A-level are highly valued for many further education courses such as accountancy, law, engineering and other science courses, not just a degree in Chemistry. A-level Chemistry is an essential A-level for students wanting to study medicine. However, moving on to University is not the only option. A-level Chemistry can prepare students for the work place too, skills developed at A-level can provide the foundations for work in laboratories, food industry, accountancy and many others.
Subject: Design Technology - Product Design Introduction: Good design is the backbone of our everyday lives. Product innovations can radically alter the way we are able to carry out simple daily tasks. On a higher level, new designs can change the way we interact with the environment, influence our social experiences or even save lives. Product Design encompasses a wide range of design disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products. It’s all about creating new three-dimensional products through an efficient process of idea generation, development and evaluation. Product designers have an understanding of the relationship between art, science and technology, and have the ability to exploit each of these things in different ways to create new products. This qualification emphasises two key factors: creativity and sustainability. The structure allows students to develop a range of skills and outcomes that demonstrate their creativity, and apply these to a design and make project. Awarding Body and Course Details: Edexcel A Level in Product Design Students sit 2 exams over the 2 years, one at AS and one at A2. The exams make up 40% of the overall A level. Over the course the students also complete two course-work projects, one in year 12 (AS) and one during Year 13 (A2) which in total contribute 60% of the overall A level. Course Content: In Year 12 students study: AS UNIT ONE – Portfolio of Creative Skills: In this unit students are given the opportunity to develop their creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. Students will produce one portfolio with three distinct sections which will demonstrate their creativity and flair when investigating, designing and making product(s). AS UNIT TWO – Design & Technology in practice: In this unit students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in the field of design and technology. It is important for students, as designers, to learn about materials and processes so that they can develop a greater understanding of how products can be designed and manufactured. Students will also learn about industrial and commercial practices, and the importance of quality checks and the health and safety issues that have to be considered at all times. This unit is assessed through a 1 hour and 30 minute exam set by EDEXCEL In Year 13 students study: UNIT 3 – Design for the Future: In this unit students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues. The modern designer must have a good working knowledge of the use of ICT and systems and control technology in the design and manufacture of products. They must also be aware of the important contributions of designers from the past which may provide inspiration for future design. It is increasingly important that students develop an awareness of the impact of design and technological activities on the environment. Sustainable product design is a key feature of modern design practices. This unit is assessed through a 2 hour exam paper set by EDEXCEL
UNIT 4 – Commercial Design In this unit students are given the opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired and developed throughout this course of study, to design and make a product of their choice that comply with the requirements of either a resistant materials technology product or a graphic products, depending on the route they are studying. In order to reach high attainment levels, students must adopt a commercial design approach to their work, reflecting how a professional designer might deal with a design problem and its resolution. This unit is submitted as a portfolio. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Students will be encouraged to learn the theory of the course through investigation and practical tasks where appropriate, taking advantage of trips to industrial design and manufacturing companies, along with other opportunities to see the theory of the course in practice. Students are encouraged to react creatively to design tasks and are given the opportunity to work with real clients in order to develop new products as part of their coursework, contributing to their personal development as well as that of their design skills and theory knowledge. Assessment and Mastery: Coursework is assessed at specific deadline dates spread throughout the year and students work is expected to be submitted on time. Students are regularly assessed through S&L tests and relevant exam questions on theory topics. Homework (usually exam style questions) is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected and is vital in developing an understanding of the theory aspect of the course. Support: Revision sessions and additional workshop time is available for students to book with members of staff. Future Opportunities: A career in product design offers you an opportunity to make a real impact. The process of nurturing a design, from the early concept stages to a commercially viable solution suitable for mass manufacture, can also give product designers a great amount of job satisfaction. Product design careers cover an extremely broad spectrum of industries. Consequently, the emphasis on technical or aesthetic design expertise can vary from role to role. More technical projects will demand a greater understanding of engineering, where function may dictate form. More artistic projects are likely to focus on form and usability. It is one of the most flexible and multi-faceted qualifications available, so it could be relevant to many jobs or higher qualifications. Some of the many possible career paths include: Product Designer, Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, Web design, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Draughtsperson, CAD/CAM designer/operator, Teacher/Lecturer, Software development/programming, Broadcasting, Media/marketing, advertising, Retail and POS design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Communications, Film & Video and publishing to name but a few!
Subject: English Language and Literature Introduction: English Language and Literature allows students to engage with literary and non-literary texts from different cultural, social and historical perspectives, as well as different genres, to help broaden understanding and appreciation. They will be able to apply their knowledge of literary and linguistic concepts and methods throughout the course, including in their own text production.
Awarding Body and Course Details: Edexcel A Level in English Language and Literature Students will sit two exams (worth 40% each) at the end of Year 13 to gain the full A Level. There will also be a coursework component (worth 20%). Course Content: In Year 12 students study: An anthology of non-fictional texts entitled ‘Voices in Speech and Writing’ in order to complete a comparative essay of an unseen and a prepared extract. A theme of literature across two texts. Students study one anchor text and one other text. Both are assessed under exam conditions and both require students to look at how the theme is presented by the authors. (The Great Gatsby, Othello) In Year 13 students study: A drama text (All My Sons) Unseen literary texts Coursework: study of two texts (teacher choice) to produce a folder of one non-fiction text and one fiction text based (loosely and/or specifically) on the texts studied, and one comparative and analytical commentary (based on the creative work presented). This folder accounts 20% of the total A Level grade. Revision of Year 12 Literature Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: This course relies heavily on students’ independent and wider reading. The course is both analytical and creative. To this end students will engage in a range of activities to develop analytical skills in reading, understanding and writing; and will have considerable scope to develop their own individual responses to texts in the coursework. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students will also complete interim assessment tasks on individual course components that are also submitted on Go4Schools. At least one per half term can be expected as a minimum.
Support: A full revision programme is offered in Spring 1 after school and there is the opportunity for a drop-in time (usually Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30) from January onwards. Extra-curricular Opportunities: Students are regularly offered trips to see the performance of texts and participate in workshops and lecture programmes if and as they are available during the year. Future Opportunities: English Language and Literature provides students with a full background to really enjoy and appreciate literature. This is a life-long benefit. Many students go on to study English of some description at University. This course will provide a good grounding in many aspects of literature and writing. Students have used it for entry to both literature and language courses. It is both analytical and creative, so will appeal to students from a humanities background and will support such subjects as similar skills are needed.
Because of the importance of written communication and the ability to understand text, the subject is highly regarded by employers. It is a very useful subject for those wishing to pursue a level 3 apprenticeship.
Subject: English Literature Introduction: English Literature is a text based subject that allows students to engage and enrich their learning providing them with the expertise to actively explore the world around them. It will provide a real background that will support any literature university course and is highly regarded with university providers and employers alike. Awarding Body and Course Details: Edexcel A Level in English Literature Students will sit three exams at the end of Year 13 to gain the full A Level. These will be based on the entire course over two years. Course Content: In Year 12 students study: A set selection of modern poetry from the anthology: Poems of the Decade (Steghart, ed) A drama text: The Duchess of Malfi A prose theme (Women and Society): Tess of the D’Urbervilles, A Thousand Splendid Suns Study of unseen poetry In Year 13 students study: Poetry study of either a named collection or poet from a given period eg. Medieval, Romantic Christina Rossetti A drama Text: Hamlet and The Duchess of Malfi A prose theme: All the texts for year 12 with the option of another text Study of unseen poetry as in year 12 Coursework based on two texts producing a comparative and explorative essay of 25003000 words in length Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: A Level is taught using a variety of techniques but central to all sections of the course is the willingness to read widely and read independently. All the texts will need to be read several times and students will have to purchase copies of their texts for use in class. The texts are interesting and challenge ideas so the discussion of them will be lively and thought-provoking. Students will complete a series of essays and short writing tasks throughout the course to build up skills for the exam. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students will also complete interim assessment tasks on individual course components that are also submitted on Go4Schools. At least one per half term can be expected as a minimum. Support: A full revision programme is offered in Spring 1 after school and there is the opportunity for a drop-in time (usually Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30) from January onwards.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: Students are regularly offered trips to see the performance of texts and participate in workshops and lecture programmes if they are available during the year. Future Opportunities: English Literature provides students with a full background to really enjoy and appreciate literature. This is a life-long benefit. Many students go on to study English of some description at University. This course will provide a fully accredited programme that is accepted by all the universities and colleges for all English courses. It also supports other subjects such as creative writing, journalism, and other humanities and social science subjects eg. History, Sociology. Because of the importance of written communication and the ability to understand text, the subject is highly regarded by employers. It is a very useful subject for those wishing to pursue a level 3 apprenticeship.
Subject: Geography Introduction: Are you interested in our changing planet - the physical and human environments we live in and have the opportunity to experience? What are they like? Why are they the way they are? How and why are they changing? If these are issues which interest you, then Geography could be the subject for you. Studying A level Geography will encourage students to: develop and apply an understanding of geographical concepts and processes to understand and interpret our changing world develop an awareness of the complexity of interactions within and between societies, economies, cultures and environments develop as global citizens who recognise the challenges of sustainability and the implications for people’s lives improve as critical and reflective learners aware of the importance of attitudes and values become adept in the use and application of skills and new technologies be inspired by the world around them. Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA A Level in Geography Students will sit exams as follows: Paper 1 – Physical Geography (40% of A level) Paper 2 – Human Geography (40% of A level) Students will also complete an individual fieldwork investigation worth 20% of the A level.
Course Content: Physical Geography: Water and carbon cycles Coastal systems and landscapes Natural hazards Human Geography: Global systems and governance Changing Places Population and the Environment Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Students will undertake a range of activities during lessons. These will include: A range of written activities, including descriptions and explanations Responding to various sources including maps, photographs, and video clips Presenting information via maps graphs and diagrams Discussion of important issues Practising examination questions Fieldwork is an important part of the A Level, and there will be residential fieldwork during the course. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, often based on exam questions, is given weekly.
Support: Additional support will be offered outside of lessons as appropriate. There will be a range of additional revision sessions offered outside of lesson times to support students with their preparation for examinations. Future Opportunities: A Level Geography allows for progression into a wide range of further education and career opportunities. This includes Geography related areas such as planning, architecture, environmental sciences, engineering, geology, and meteorology, as well as a wide range of other areas including law, business, accountancy and other humanities or science based subjects.
Subject: Government and Politics Introduction: Politics is exciting because people disagree – for example about how we should live, who should get what, and how society should be organised. It is a subject about rival viewpoints and competing opinions. Therefore if you are interested in people, their motivations and concerns, and take an interest in current affairs, then this could be the subject for you. Studying A level Government and Politics will encourage students to: develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes acquire knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK, and how these may differ from those of other political systems acquire knowledge and informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual and encourage an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics. Awarding Body and Course Details: Edexcel A Level in Government and Politics Students will sit exams as follows: AS Level – 2 examinations covering the course content A2 Level – 2 examinations covering the course content
Course Content: In Year 12 you will study: People and Politics – democracy, political parties, elections and pressure groups Governing the UK – constitution, parliament, government and the judiciary In Year 13 you will study: Major Political Ideologies – conservatism, socialism, liberalism, anarchism Further political ideologies – nationalism, feminism, ecologism, multiculturalism Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Students will undertake a range of activities during lessons. These will include: A range of written activities, including descriptions and explanations Responding to various sources including texts and video clips Discussion and debate on various political issues Practising examination questions Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, often based on exam questions, is given weekly. Support: Additional support will be offered outside of lessons as appropriate. There will be a range of additional revision sessions offered outside of lesson times to support students with their preparation for examinations. Future Opportunities: A Level Government and Politics allows for progression into a wide range of further education and career opportunities. This includes areas specifically related to politics including local government, as well as a wide range of other areas including law, business, accountancy and other humanities or social science based subjects.
Subject: Health & Social Care (Double Award) Introduction: Studying Health and Social Care will involve you exploring key issues that have influenced health, social and early year’s education in the 21st century. Fundamental questions ranging from ‘what does good health mean?’ to ‘how we can best help the most vulnerable in society?’ will be covered. In addition you will develop your knowledge and skills in key areas which will enhance your employability in a range of careers.
Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR A Level (Double Award) in Health & Social Care Students will complete in year 12 four coursework units and two exams. In year 13 they will also complete four coursework units and two exams. Each unit is based on different topics; the exams are based on subject specific topics. Coursework is worth 60% and the exams 40% each year Course Content: In Year 12 students study: Unit F910 (exam): Promoting quality care – to include attitudes and prejudices, rights and responsibilities, access to services, values of care and how organisations promote quality care Unit F911: Communication in care settings – to include types of communication, factors that support and inhibit communication, skills and theories Unit F912: Promoting good health – to include principles of health and well-being, preventative measures, plan and carry out a health promotion Unit F915: Working in early-years care and education – to include care and education provision, job roles, values and principles, ways children learn, to plan and implement an activity for a child Unit F916: Health as a lifestyle choice – to include the positive effects of exercise, nutritional value of food, explore dietary health, design an exercise programme Unit F918 (exam): Caring for older people – to include the physical effects of ageing on body systems, social, emotional and economic aspects of ageing, practitioners and legislation In Year 13 students study: Unit F919: Care practice and provision – to include planning and provision of services, legislation, quality assurance, how services and practitioners meet individual needs Unit F920 (exam): Understanding human behaviour and development – to include factors influencing human development, theories of human development and application of theories Unit F922: Child development – to include development and monitoring, factors that influence development, the role of play in development, plan and make a learning aid/activity Unit F923: Mental-Health issues – to include the concepts of mental health, types, causes and effects of mental illness, preventative and coping strategies and support for people with mental health needs
Unit F924 (exam): Social trends – to include social trends and family life, reasons for changes in the structure of the family and roles of individuals, using data to explore trends in patterns of family life Unit F925: Research methods in health and social care – to include purposes and methods of research, ethical issues in research, planning, presenting and analysing findings from research project
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Each coursework unit has the opportunity to plan and carry out an activity, for example plan and carry out a health promotion campaign for F912 Promoting good health. Students will be assessed in these practical elements of their coursework.
Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students are also expected to continue with coursework and meet deadlines. Support: Every Tuesday after school there are coursework catch up sessions and teachers are available for further advice and guidance.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: Students are encouraged as part of their enrichment to complete voluntary work.
Subject: History Introduction: History is full of significant characters and events that continue to shape the world that we live in today. Throughout your A-Level study you will investigate and analyse the actions of our national hero Winston Churchill and form your own judgement about whether he deserves the reputation that History has given him. You will also study the rise and fall of Germany as the nation established democracy with the Weimar Republic and how it rebuilt and recovered from the First World War. The study then continues by looking at the dramatic rise of the Nazi dictatorship and its eventual collapse. The study culminates with the legacy of the Second World War and Germany’s search to regain its national identity. The Changing Nature of Warfare unit allows you to gain an insight in to over two hundred years of warfare and the masters behind the changes in warfare such as the French leader Napoleon and the Prussian military mastermind Moltke. This thematic study will enable you to investigate how warfare shaped society as weaponry, technology, tactics, leadership and organisation radically altered warfare from the French Revolutionary wars through to the Second World War. The coursework unit centred on the war in Vietnam covers the social, political, economic and military impact of the war on both America and Vietnam and the long term impact of this conflict that can still be seen today. Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR A Level in History Students will sit 3 exams at the end of Year 13 to gain the full A Level. These will be based on the entire course over two years and will include questions on source analysis and essay based questions. There may be an opportunity to study the AS at the end of Year 12. Course Content: In Year 12 students study: Britain 1930-1997, Enquiry topic: Churchill 1930-1951 Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963 In Year 13 students study: The Changing Nature of Warfare 1792-1945 Topic based essay for coursework Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: We stimulate pupils’ love of learning and History through active and engaging lessons. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of the past using a wide range of resources and techniques centred around the higher level source skills, analysis and critical thinking required at A-Level. Through source analysis of primary and secondary sources pupils develop their enquiring minds and prepare themselves for University and a future where they are able to think critically about information they have been given. Pupils mature their writing styles with particular focus on utilising historical vocabulary and broadening their terms of expression. The History department strives to advance pupils’ analytical and critical abilities so that they progress as independent learners and young adults.
Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students will also complete independent research to support their coursework. Future Opportunities: The skills gained through studying History are applicable to many careers including Politics, The Civil Service, Teaching, Law and Journalism. History provides a fantastic opportunity to ignite and engage your passion and interests in culture, society and politics. Studying History will help you develop into an independent learner, a critical thinker and a decision maker. All of these personal assets will make you stand out as you progress to University and/or the workplace.
Subject: ICT (Year 13 Only) Introduction: This qualification provides the ideal foundation for those students who wish to pursue ICT at degree level or as a career Assessment is based on a coursework element of 40% and there are two examinations of 2 hours each AS coursework is structured around tasks which cover a wide range of skills. The emphasis is now on business ICT focus, rather than the traditional Computing perspective and students can gain skills that can be transferred into the business world. Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR A Level in ICT Course Content: Students study 4 units: Information, systems and applications (exam) – this includes data, information, knowledge and processing; software and hardware components of an information system; characteristics of standard applications software and application areas; spreadsheet concepts; relational database concepts; applications software used for presentation and communication of data; the role and impact of ICT - legal, moral and social issues. ICT Task (Coursework) – Students have the opportunity to explore design, software development, testing and documentation. ICT Systems, applications and implications (exam) – students gain an
understanding of the systems cycle; designing computer-based information systems; networks and communication; applications of ICT; implementing computer-based information systems and implications of ICT. ICT Project (coursework) – students explore definition, investigation and analysis;
design; software development, testing and implementation; documentation and evaluation through a client-driven project. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: The course is a practical subject with students exploring use of ICT in business and the workplace. This is supplemented with theory lessons which cover a wide range of ICT skilss. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students will also complete independent research to support their coursework. Future Opportunities: This course will lead directly to a degree with an ICT component or any other qualification where the use of ICT is a main focus. Alternatively due to the business nature of the course this qualification will support entry to an apprenticeship or work place.
Subject: OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in IT Introduction: This qualification provides the ideal foundation for those students who wish to pursue ICT at degree level or as a career Assessment is based on a coursework element of 65% and there are three examinations, 2 of which are of 1 hour 30 minutes, with the third being 1 hour. Coursework is structured around tasks which cover a wide range of skills. The emphasis is now on a creative ICT focus, rather than the traditional Computing perspective and students can gain skills that can be transferred into the business world. Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma in IT – Application Developer
Course Content: Learners will take 11 units, made up of four mandatory and seven optional units. They will choose to study one of four specialist pathways depending on the career they wish to pursue. All learners will study the following three mandatory units; Fundamentals of IT, Global information and Cyber security. The first two units provide learners with an insight into the IT sector, as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, and the flow of information on a global scale, as well as the important legal and security considerations. Cyber security reflects an important development in the sector around information security, and requires learners to consider how data should be protected and how the IT sector should respond to emerging threats such as cyber terrorism.
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: The course is a practical subject with students exploring use of ICT in creative industries. This is supplemented with theory lessons which cover a wide range of ICT skills.
Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Students will also complete independent research to support their coursework. Future Opportunities: This course will lead directly to a degree with an ICT component or any other qualification where the use of ICT is a main focus. Alternatively due to the business nature of the course this qualification will support entry to an apprenticeship or work place.
Subject: BTEC Level 3 Applied Law Introduction: The law changes all the time. It is fast paced, challenging and applies to us all to exist in a society. Headlines we see in newspapers and magazines often only represent one area of law but this is an incomplete picture and the law deals with many different topics. This Btec provides a coursework based approach to the subject and a new opportunity for students to understand the way our legal system works through the study of some of the many different areas. Studying BTEC Level 3 Applied Law will encourage students to: develop a fuller understanding of the scope and structure of the legal system in England and Wales. develop an awareness of the complexity of some of the aspects of law and the procedures required to obtain success. develop a critical awareness of the systems in place and assess their validity in our country. Awarding Body and Course Details: Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Law Students will complete six units over two years: Successful completion of three mandatory units in year 12 will enable the students to achieve a certificate in Applied Law. Students will be awarded the subsidiary diploma following the successful completion of a further three optional units.
Course Content: Year 12 mandatory units: Dispute solving in the legal system Understanding law making Aspects of legal liability
Year 13 optional units include: Unlawful Homicide and Police Powers Aspects of Property Offences and Police Powers Contract Law Aspects of the Law of Tort Aspects of Family Law
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Students will undertake a range of activities during lessons. These will include: A range of written activities, including descriptions and explanations Responding to various sources including case material, statutes, and video clips Presenting information via reports and presentations Discussion and debate of important issues Constant development of evaluation and analysis techniques
Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed as part of an ongoing coursework process and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework will tie into a particular criteria element and is issued weekly.
Support: Additional support will be offered outside of lessons as appropriate. There will be a range of additional revision sessions offered outside of lesson times to support students with appropriate presentation of their coursework folders. Future Opportunities: BTEC Applied Law allows for progression into a wide range of further education and career opportunities. This includes higher level vocational qualifications, business and law foundation degrees and law honours degrees.
Subject: Mathematics Course description: GCE Maths includes six separate written papers – core 1 is the only exam that is non-calculator. Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA GCE in Maths Students will sit three exams at the end of Year 12 and a further three at the end of year 13 each exam contributes equally to the final grade. Course Content: Pure Core 1 (year 12) Algebra Coordinate Geometry Differentiation Integration Pure Core 2 (year 12) Algebra and Functions Sequences and Series Trigonometry Exponentials and logarithms Differentiation Integration Pure Core 3 (year 13) Algebra and Functions Trigonometry Exponentials and Logarithms Differentiation Integration Numerical Methods Pure Core 4 (year 13) Algebra and Functions Coordinate Geometry in the(x,y) plane Sequences and Series Trigonometry Exponentials and Logarithms Differentiation and Integration Vectors
Statistics 1 (year 13) Numerical Measures Probability Binomial Distribution Normal Distribution Estimation Correlation and Regression
Decision 1 (year 12) Simple Ideas of Algorithms Graphs and Networks Spanning Tree Problems Matchings Shortest Paths in Networks Route Inspection Problem Travelling Salesperson Problem Linear Programming Mathematical Modelling Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Students are given regular mastery speaking tests to assess on-going learning. Students will be set homework after every lesson. The setting, marking, re-setting and re-marking approach to working through exam papers until a quality grade is scored is used to give students exposure to a wide variety of past exam questions; foster a culture of reflecting upon your work, identifying your errors and making improvements; providing excellent guidance on exam skills and technique by developing a deeper understanding of why and how marks are allocated and lost; instilling a desire within students to achieve perfection.
Subject: Further Mathematics Course description: GCE Further Maths includes six separate written papers. Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA GCE in Further Maths Students will sit three exams at the end of Year 12 and a further three at the end of year 13 each exam contributes equally to the final grade. Course Content:
Further Pure 1 (year 12) Algebra and Graphs Complex Numbers Roots and Coefficients of a quadratic equation Series Calculus Numerical Methods Trigonometry Matrices and Transformations Further Pure 3 (year 13) Series and Limits Polar Coordinates Differential Equations Differential Equations - First Order Differential Equations - Second Order Statistics 2 (year 13) Discrete Random Variables Poisson Distribution Continuous Random Variables Estimation Hypothesis Testing Chi-Square (χ 2 ) Contingency Table Tests
Mechanics 1 (year 12) Mathematical Modelling Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions Statics and Forces Momentum Newton's Laws of Motion Connected Particles
Projectiles
Mechanics 2 (year 13) Mathematical Modelling Moments and Centres of Mass Kinematics Newton's Laws of Motion Application of Differential Equations Uniform Circular Motion Work and Energy Vertical Circular Motion
Decision 2 (year 12) Critical Path Analysis Allocation Dynamic Programming Network Flows Linear Programming Game Theory for Zero Sum Games Mathematical Modelling
Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Students are given regular mastery speaking tests to assess on-going learning. Students will be set homework after every lesson.
Subject: Media Studies Introduction: Media Studies allows students to develop a range of skills related to media production, theory and analysis. Students learn how to analyse a range of media products including films, television programmes, and print media, in addition to gaining an understanding of media industries. Students will also be introduced to theoretical approaches to the subject, and learn to apply these to the analysis of media products.
Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR A Level in Media Studies Students sit one exam at the end of Year 12 and one exam at the end of Year 13. The examinations are worth 50% of the final grade in the subject. Students also complete two coursework units, one in Year 12 and one in Year 13. Coursework is worth 50% of the A Level.
Course Content: In Year 12 students study: Television Drama – students study the representation of different social groups in television drama, analysing the use of camerawork, sound, editing, and mise-en-scene. Institutions and Audiences – a study of the key institutions in the film industry, including media ownership, film production, distribution, marketing and consumption. Foundation Portfolio – Music Magazines - students will conduct research into music magazines, then plan and produce the front cover, contents page, and a double page spread for a new music magazine including original photography. In Year 13 students study: Media and Collective Identity – a study of media representations of young people. Students will consider how representations of young people have developed over time, as well as the social implication of media representations. Students will consider how theoretical perspectives can be applied to the media texts studied. Advanced Portfolio – This is a coursework unit in which students have a choice of briefs, including the production of film trailers, and music videos. Students complete research into their chosen product, then plan, produce, and evaluate their own media text. Theoretical Evaluation of coursework – students reflect on the development of their media production skills, and learn how to apply a range of theoretical perspectives to their own production work. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: A Level Media Studies includes a mix of both theory-based lessons and practical lessons. Lesson will include textual analysis of a range of different media products, as well as the study of media industries and theoretical perspectives. Students will also complete practical work which will include photography, magazine production, filming, and video editing. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework is used to support students with their coursework, and to prepare them for their examinations. It is set on a fortnightly basis. Submission of homework on time is expected. Student progress with coursework is assessed regularly in order to support student
achievement. Meeting interim coursework deadlines is an important part of being successful in the subject.
Support: Additional sessions to support students with the completion of coursework, and preparation for exam topics, run regularly after school and during school holidays. Future Opportunities: Media Studies will allow you to develop a wide range of skills which will be valuable in both further study and a range of careers. These include media production, time management, team work, communication skills, use of ICT, design, research, and planning. Media Studies is relevant to a wide range of career paths including: marketing, journalism, programme researcher, television/film producer, information officer, arts officers, photographer, audiovisual/broadcasting equipment officer, publishing, radio, multimedia design.
Subject: Music Introduction: There are three AS units and three A2 units representing the three major activities involved in this qualification: Performing, Composing and Listening/Analysing. These are assessed via three assessment objectives: AO1 Interpret musical ideas with technical and expressive control and a sense of style and awareness of occasion and/or ensemble (performing/realising). AO2 Create and develop musical ideas with technical control and expressive understanding making creative use of musical devices, conventions and resources (composing/arranging). AO3 Demonstrate understanding of, and comment perceptively on, the structural, expressive and contextual aspects of music (appraising) Course Content: The course is 70% coursework: 40% performance: a recital that is performed live in front of a visiting examiner, including a viva voce. At AS, part of the performance needs to be an ensemble. 30% composing: a portfolio of one composition and a series of harmony exercises. There is one final exam that is worth 30%. AS: Unprepared extracts, listening and analysing the set works and essay questions also based on the set works. A2: Listening and analysing a piece of vocal music written between 1900 and 1945 and essay questions based on the set works. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Practical activities are at the heart of music lessons. Students will be involved in individual, paired and group tasks. The final pieces of coursework will need to be produced individually. Students are encouraged to evaluate their own and other’s work. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. In addition, students are given regular mastery speaking tests to assess on-going learning. Students are expected to practice for these tests for homework. These mastery tests are used to assess how secure students are in the knowledge of the topic and again the results are reported on Go4Schools.
Subject: Physical Education Introduction: Physical activity is an essential part of leading a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. The areas studied during the Advanced level PE courses will include Physiological, Psychological and Socio–cultural aspects that have an impact on participation and performance in Physical activities. The topics covered in Physical Education are wide ranging from how sport is developed, to how your body responds to exercise and why you do not always perform at your best when you are playing in an important match. You will develop an understanding of how to apply this knowledge to your chosen practical activitY through experiencing a variety of roles including performer, coach and official. Awarding Body and Course Details: OCR A level PE Students will sit three exams at the end of year 13. Unit 4 is a coursework element including Performance and Analysis which is marked internally at the centre.
Course Content: Physiological Factors affecting performance (30% of final mark). o o o
Applied anatomy and physiology Exercise physiology Biomechanics
Psychological Factors affecting performance (20% of final mark). o o
Skill acquisition Sports psychology
Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport (20% of final mark). o o
Sport and Society Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.
Performance in physical education (30% of final mark). o o
Performance or coaching of an activity. Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for improvement (EAPI)
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: The lessons will be a mix of practical and theory lessons, where possible the theory will be linked in with the practical activity with exam questions being practiced throughout. 15% of the final grade is based on Practical performance and 15% on evaluation and analysis of performance.
Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected.
Support: Students will be able to access the weekly A Level revision/catch up sessions available and will be encouraged to do so should they need additional support in the theory work. Extra-curricular Opportunities: Access to the Sports leaders and officiating course, Sports Academy workshops and additional qualifications where possible as well as extra-curricular sporting activities.
Future Opportunities: Many of our past students have gone onto university to study sports related courses such as sports science, sports rehabilitation, physiotherapy, sports management, sports coaching and sports psychology. A’ Level PE can also lead into careers in the leisure and recreation industry, the police or the army.
Subject: Physics Introduction: Physics at A-Level builds on the ideas and analytical skills learnt at GCSE. Practical work plays a key role in developing new ideas and helping model situations mathematically. It leads to an understanding of how and why things behave as they do, from the very large, such as galaxies, to the very small like sub-atomic particles, the very foundation of matter.
Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA AS and A level Physics [syllabus codes 7407,7408]
Course Content: In Year 12 students study:
Mechanics and motion, electricity, material properties, wave behaviour, quantum physics and particle physics
In Year 13 students study: More advanced mechanics, thermal physics, fields of force, nuclear physics and a module based on key discoveries in physics that led to the modern physics theories of today. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: A range of learning styles are used in Physics lessons, from theoretical work to individual work but most importantly practical work. The practical work is crucial to the learning and understanding of the concepts being studied. It is used to discover relationships from which the theory is then developed rather than performing practical to ‘prove’ a theory. The equipment used is much more complex and technical than used at GCSE which offers an exciting challenge. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly by each teacher. Submission of homework on time is expected. Support: Teachers are available throughout the academic year to support students studying Physics. Revision sessions and intervention sessions are offered when needed.
Future Opportunities: As Physics has such a central position in our understanding of how and why things happen, it is a much sought after qualification by employers and higher education establishments. For those who intend pursuing a degree course many scientific and engineering courses are available. The career possibilities arising from these are endless. Physicists and engineers can be found working at the frontiers of knowledge; others tackle the challenging problems that arise in the application of physical ideas to industrial and engineering problems. Physics graduates also find careers in other areas like accounting, finance, sales and management where their ability to reduce a problem to its component parts then apply logic supported by calculation to provide a solution is much sought after.
Subject: Psychology Introduction: The aim of this subject is to enable you to understand why people behave the way they do, in given situations. It will also give you an insight into individual differences and explanations for abnormal behaviour. The course focuses on memory, attachment, social influence as well as biological factors, such as stress. Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA A Level in Psychology Students will sit 3 exams at the end of Year 13 to gain the full A Level. These will be based on the entire course over two years and will include questions on theoretical explanations for behaviour as well as essay style questions of various lengths. There will be an opportunity to study the AS to the end of Year 12, but these exams will be repeated again if you continue to A Level, as they do not form part of the overall A Level award. Course Content: In Year 12 students study: Social Influence, including conformity and obedience. Memory, focusing on memory in everyday life and memory improvement. Attachment, covering development of attachments and problems associated with deprivation and privation. Psychopathology, covering phobias, depression and OCD. Biopsychology, covering responses to stress and stress management. Students will also learn the main approaches to Psychology alongside research methods and scientific analysis. In Year 13 students study: Gender, including development of identity and gender dysphoria. Schizophrenia, covering all aspects of the condition and its treatments. Aggression both biological and environmental factors. Research methods, focusing on statistical analysis and presentation of data. Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Learning activities include a variety of independent and teacher led strategies. Students will engage with individual and group research into topics and develop skills of presentation and delivery. There will also be opportunities to carry out unique research into topics of interest within the syllabus content. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Support: Ongoing support is available and drop-in sessions are available in the spring term prior to exams. Extra-curricular Opportunities: There will be a number of opportunities throughout the year to attend conferences and revision sessions, as well as visits of interest to relevant venues, such as the Freud Museum in London.
Future Opportunities: Psychology is one of the most versatile of subjects, containing a number of transferable skills. Many careers are based around of knowledge of how people interact and perform within society. Media, Medical, Legal and Social careers are just a few. There are also an extensive range of university courses based around Psychology.
Subject: Religious Studies Introduction: Religious Studies at A level is an academic investigation into study of religion and is accessible to students of any religious persuasion or none at all. The course is designed to challenge students to look at moral and philosophical concepts at a deeper level than GCSE. Students adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion, whilst reflecting on and developing their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their learning. Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA A Level in Religious Studies Students will sit 2 exams at the end of Year 12 and two in year 13 to gain the full A Level. The course comprises of 100% written content. In year 12, four essay questions, worth 50% of the total mark, are answered and in year 13 two questions in section three and an extended essay in section 4, are both worth 25% of the total. There will be an opportunity to sit the AS at the end of Year 12 and this will be worth 50% of the whole A Level. Course Content: In year 12 students study Utilitarianism-including the nature of happiness and the desirability of using happiness to form an ethical system of morality with an investigation into historical attempts to do so Situation Ethics- including the nature of love and the desirability of using love to form an ethical system of morality, with an investigation into historical attempts to do so Religious perspectives on the value and nature of human life-including concepts of fatalism, equality and the priority of human life over other forms Abortion and Euthanasia-including the debate over the nature of both, the right to life and the morality of both procedures The Cosmological argument-including an evaluation of the argument, it’s evolution and subsequent impact on religious faith Religious Experience-including the philosophical argument from Religious Experience, criteria for understanding such a unique event and scientific challenges to religious explanations Psychology and Religion-including an evaluation of psychology as a challenge to religious ideas of God and the relationship between religion and mental health Atheism and Post-Modernism-including religious responses to atheism, the relationship between post-modernism and religion and the state of health of religion today In Year 13 students study: Ontological argument and the relationship between reason and Faith-including an evaluation of the argument and the implications for faith of its success or failure Religious language-including an examination of the meaningfulness of language used to describe God and explanations of the usefulness of such language Body, soul and personal identity-including examining the efficacy of the claims that Near Death Experiences prove an afterlife and the intellectual coherency of the idea of the soul The problem of evil-including the challenge, posed to faith, of natural and moral evil and the ability of the Free will defence to offer a solution to the Problem of Evil Life death and beyond-including the religious and secular approaches to the nature and value of human life, eschatological and apocalyptic teachings and investigations into the nature and impact of death and the spiritual afterlife
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Students will undertake a wide range of activities during lessons. These will include: A range of written activities, including descriptions and explanations, using written sources Group work in a number of topics, with a focus on effective collaboration, and class presentations Debates about student’s beliefs and their reactions to topics and real world events. Wide range of media used, including video clips Power Points and print media Individual tracking of progress, using solo taxonomy techniques and feedback after marking Out of school seminars, workshops and presentations by guest speakers Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. In addition, students are given regular mastery speaking tests to assess on-going learning. Students are expected to practice for these tests for homework. These mastery tests are used to assess how secure students are in the knowledge of the topic and again the results are reported on Go4Schools.
Future opportunities Studying ethics and morality, with an emphasis on the analytical evaluation of competing arguments, offers students a number of pathways in a range of jobs, which prize intellectual confidence, good communication, and advocacy skills. Crucially, a heightened awareness and relevance of ethical standards, in a range of industries, is opening up ever more opportunities for students who pick this course. Below are some of the career paths. Medicine, social work, law, journalism, Civil Service, Armed Forces, marketing, advertising, PR, sport, engineering, finance and banking, recruitment, retail, robotics and AI, media, charitable organisations and regulatory bodies.
Subject: BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Introduction: This course in applied science has been developed in collaboration with employers and representatives from higher education, with the sole purpose, of preparing students for a vocational career in the sciences. It brings together knowledge & understanding with practical & technical skills, designed to arm you, the student, with the transferable skills so desired by employers, i.e. communication, teamwork, research & analytical skills. The new course includes a solid foundation of mandatory content. That means employers and higher education providers can be confident BTEC qualified students demonstrate the same skills and understanding and still have the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge through studying optional units. Awarding Body and Course Details: BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science
Course Content: 3 mandatory units: Principles & Applications of science I (exam) Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (internally assessed) Science Investigation Skills (externally assessed) Plus 1 optional unit: Physiology of human body systems Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: Applied science is taught through practical work and the building up of academic skills through learning activities which include a variety of independent and teacher led strategies. The new BTEC Nationals in Applied Science use a combination of assessment styles to give students confidence they can apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career. The range of vocational assessments – both practical and written – means students can showcase their learning and achievements to best effect when they take their next step, whether that’s supporting applications to higher education courses or potential employers. Assessment and Mastery: Each BTEC Nationals unit is individually graded (Pass, Merit, Distinction) and contributes towards a learner's final qualification grade. Each unit contributes points proportionally to the overall grade. This allows students to gain recognition for strong performance in areas they excel. A learner's final grade is decided by their performance across the qualification, based on a combined total of points earned from assessments. However, students need to pass most (and in some cases, all) mandatory content to remain eligible for an overall qualification pass. Unit 1 consists of a written exam that can be taken twice in the academic year. Unit 2 is an internally assessed assignment Unit 3 is an investigative unit that is set and assessed externally.
Support: Drop-in sessions are available where students need extra support.
Future Opportunities: This course is excellent preparation for students who wish to enter employment at a technician level or students studying BTEC or Sport or Health and Social Care who wish to support their learning with additional science.
Subject: Sociology Introduction: Studying AS and A-level Sociology will help you to make sense of the society we live in and understand the cultural and identity issues that affect us all. You will learn a number of skills including the use of evidence to support your arguments, how to investigate facts, and critical thinking. Awarding Body and Course Details: AQA A Level in Sociology Students will sit 3 exams at the end of Year 13 to gain the full A Level. These will be based on the entire course over two years and will include short questions and longer essay questions on Families and Households, Education with Research Methods, Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods.
Course Content: In Year 12 students study: Households and families - to include sociological theories of the family, family diversity, demographic changes, gender roles in the family, childhood, social policy and the family. Education – to include social class differences in educational attainment, gender differences in educational attainment, ethnic differences in educational attainment, social policy and education, sociological theories of education. Research methods in the context of education – to include different types of qualitative and quantitative research methods – questionnaires, interviews, participant observation. In Year 13 students study: Beliefs in Society - to include sociological theories of religion, religion as a cause of social change, religious organisations, globalisation and religion, postmodernity and religion, gender and religion. Crime and Deviance - to include sociological theories of crime and deviance, ethnicity and crime, gender and crime, social class and crime, globalisation and crime, crime prevention and control. Sociology and science, sociological theoretical approaches to society, sociological approaches and research methods Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: A Level Sociology is taught through class work and the building up of academic skills through learning activities which include a variety of independent and teacher led strategies. Students will engage with individual and group research into topics and develop skills of presentation and delivery, including essay writing and peer teaching. Assessment and Mastery: Students are formally assessed once every half term and grades awarded will be submitted on Go4Schools. Homework, usually based on exam questions, is given weekly. Submission of homework on time is expected. Support: Ongoing support is available and drop-in sessions and after-school revision sessions are available in the spring term prior to exams.
Extra-curricular Opportunities: There will be a number of opportunities throughout the year to attend conferences and revision sessions, as well as visits of interest to relevant venues, such as the Buddhist Centre in Cambridge and the Old Bailey in London. Future Opportunities: A degree in Sociology equips you well with a wide range of knowledge and transferrable skills which are ideally suited to a huge variety of careers. Whether you want to work in the public sector in careers such as nursing, the police or social work or the private sector, for example in the media, marketing or advertising. Sociology gives you skills of critical analysis and research as well as tolerance and understanding of different groups in society that fit well with careers such as: Social work; Human resources; Advertising Policing; Marketing; Journalism; Law; Teaching.
Subject: BTEC Sport Introduction: BTEC sport is a hands-on subject where we place emphasis on practical classes; fitness testing are carried out support different units of work. Although practical activities are covered where ever possible, there will be a number of theory sessions to support students learning and complete coursework.
Awarding Body and Course Details: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport – Fitness Services This qualification is intended as a Tech Level qualification, equivalent in size to 2 A levels. It has been designed as part of a 2-year programme, a specialist pathway in Fitness Services. Course Content: Over year 12 & 13 you will complete a range of units identified below. Compulsory units:
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology – Learners explore how the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems function and the fundamentals of the energy systems.
Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being - Learners explore client screening and lifestyle assessment, fitness training methods and fitness programming to support improvements in a client’s health and well-being.
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry - Learners explore the knowledge and skills required for different career pathways in the sports industry. Learners will take part in, and reflect on, a personal skills audit, career action plan and practical interview assessment activities.
Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing - Learners gain an understanding of the requirements of fitness testing and learn how to safely conduct a range of fitness tests for different components of fitness.
Unit 12: Self-employment in the Sport Industry - Learners study the different stages of being self-employed, including getting funding, researching a market and developing a plan using practical vocational activities.
Unit 13: Instructing Gym-based Exercise - Learners explore the theoretical and practical requirements for planning and instructing a gym-based exercise session.
Unit 14: Exercise and Circuit Based Physical Activity - Learners explore how to establish effective working relationships and support different participants when planning and delivering a group-based circuit training exercise session.
Optional units: The optional units we deliver change year on year depending on the cohort of pupils that select the course. A selection of different areas that could be covered has been identified below: • Unit 15: Instructing exercise to music • Unit 16: Instructing water-based exercise • Unit 18: Work Experience in Active Leisure.
Learning Activities and Teaching Approaches: BTEC sport is taught through both theory and practical. Although you’re practical performance is not assessed, your understanding of different areas and ability to complete certain fitness test is. We are working closely with local sports providers to deliver relevant off site practical activity and to access external industry experts.
Assessment and Mastery: Students are internally formally assessed in a number of assignments for each unit covered. However Unit 1 – is assessed through an externally set exam and Unit 2 – Is a task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions (Similar to a GCSE controlled assessment).
Support: A weekly BTEC catch-up club is held throughout the year for pupils to come and get support with their coursework when they need it.
Future Opportunities: The course give students the skills they need to progress onto future careers and training within the Sports and Fitness industries including Sports education, Sports Massage Therapies, Fitness Instruction & Personal Training to name but a few.
