Sixth Form Subject Guide 2023 - 2025

Subject Guide

Diversity of talent and interest combined with confidence and independence are hallmarks of the Bishop’s Stortford College Sixth Former. If you have an enthusiasm for life and learning, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to push your limits, then you will be at home in our Sixth Form.

Academic success in the Sixth Form depends, to a considerable extent, on your choice of subjects. To be sure of success, several of these criteria should apply to each individual subject choice made:

i. subjects you are interested in and prepared to be committed to – these might be subjects familiar from your GCSEs or new subjects that are only available at A Level

ii. subjects which you enjoy

iii. subjects in which you will be successful and gain a good grade

iv. subjects needed for possible degree courses in the future (especially medicine and related courses). It is unwise to pursue a subject if this is the only criterion that applies to your choice

Students undertake three A Levels (four if taking Further Maths) and these choices will be made in consultation with the Head of Sixth Form and the Higher Education and Careers Department to ensure that the A Levels selected give the best outcomes for each individual. All subjects are examined at the end of the two year course through a public examination. Monitoring of progress will be continuous throughout the course, with practice exams and formal exams within school towards the end of the Lower Sixth. Following these you will be given predicted grades for UCAS applications and continued detailed guidance and advice on how best to fulfil your potential at A Level and beyond.

You will also be given the opportunity to build a portfolio of skills, qualifications and experiences through the Sixth Form Award (see separate booklet). As part of the Award, we expect that all students will undertake either an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a Mini Master of Business Administration (Mini-MBA), the Sports Leadership Award or for those for whom English is a second language, an English Language qualification. Through the academic tutorial programme all students will be taught skills for independent study which is crucial for A Level success.

SUBJECTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR 2023-2025

Art 8 Biology 10

Business 12 Chemistry 14

Classical Civilisation 16

3D Design: Product Design 18

Drama and Theatre Studies 20 Economics 22

English Literature 24

Ethics, Philosophy and Theology 26

Film Studies 28 French 30

Geography 32 German 34 History 36 Latin 38 Mathematics and Further Mathematics 40 Music 42

Physical Education 44 Physics 46 Politics 48 Psychology 50 Spanish 52

The Sixth Form Senior Leadership Team

SUBJECT CHOICE

Think hard, consult widely and choose the right subjects for you.

We offer a wide range of A Level subjects. We consider A Levels to be the best preparation for entry to a university course or a career, as well as being most suited to our core principle: enabling each student to construct an academic profile that:

i. offers proper intellectual challenge

ii. suits individual aptitudes and goals

In considering your Sixth Form course, it is important to:

iii. choose subjects which you really enjoy and want to study

iv. choose subjects for which you have some aptitude

v. choose subjects which enable you to build an academic profile suited to your eventual university, employment or career aspirations

vi. be aware that some universities and courses require specific subjects to be taken at A Level

vii. think carefully about a subject which you have not taken for GCSE such as Psychology, Economics or Business, to make sure that you understand what the course demands

Some career choices require particular A Level subjects, so check carefully, especially for medical courses and engineering.

Think carefully about the combination of subjects to ensure that you construct an A Level course that:

viii. is broad and wide-ranging (e.g: Maths, Economics, English Literature and French)

ix. or specialises in a small group of closely related subjects, such as Languages or Science

“I love being able to customise your school experience through a more focused set of subjects and the ability to be a bigger part of PDPs and other extracurricular activities.”

Sixth Form student

Sixth Form student

“Teachers are invested in our learning experience and are dedicated to making our sixth form journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.”

It is vital, however, that you consider the extent to which your A Level choices will enhance or reduce your ability to gain entry to the university or course of your choice, or to the career path you wish to follow. Some popular courses at competitive universities have very specific criteria for entry and this includes A Level subject choice. You will need to build an academic profile which is suited to the future academic or professional paths that you wish to follow. We recommend researching on www.ucas.com.

If you do not study a subject required for a particular course, you will reduce your chances of an offer; if several subjects are named as desirable, you will be more likely to gain an offer if you study several of them. You are in competition with other students all vying for the same place; those who are better qualified in terms of grades and subject combinations will inevitably be in an advantageous position.

During the Sixth Form you will build on your academic knowledge, your personal interests and your career ideas to ensure that you are in a position to make high quality applications to university or to the many employment routes available post A Level. Over two years the structured Higher Education and Careers programme will help you to understand your strengths (academic and personal) and to develop the life skills, career research capability and self awareness which are so important in both the early stages of career planning and beyond.

Entry Requirements

Offers will normally be conditional on the achievement of at least a grade 6 at GCSE in the subject (or related subject – see below) for each A Level to be studied.

* For A Level Mathematics at least a grade 7 is required in Mathematics GCSE and for Further Maths at least an 8 is required.

* Biology, Chemistry and Physics require at least a grade 7 at GCSE respectively or 77 in double award/ combined sciences and taking any of these sciences also requires a grade 7 in Mathematics.

Related subjects:

Business: At least a 6 in Maths

Classics: At least a 6 in English Literature

Economics: At least a 7 in Maths

Film Studies: At least a 6 in English Language or English Literature

PE: At least a 6 in Biology

Politics: At least a 6 in English Language or English Literature Psychology: At least a 6 in Biology and Maths

“The teaching of Art is the teaching of all things.”ART

The Art Department is located within a purpose-built centre where drawing, painting, fashion, printmaking, ceramics, life drawing, photographs, graphics, film and sculpture are produced in class and activity times. Normally a good GCSE grade in Art is expected of a prospective A Level candidate.

Art is an extremely popular and successful subject in the Senior School at Bishop’s Stortford College. This is reflected in the high level of uptake at GCSE and A Level. Art enjoys a high profile within the school and local community.

Most subjects combine well with Art and all but very few university departments accept Art as an entry qualification.

The Art Department is well-resourced with spacious studios, its own library, IT suite and a sculpture workshop. We go on regular trips to London, European cities, the Curwen Print Centre and the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens. Seeing art at galleries is a vital part of the A Level course.

The Art Department has high expectations for all individuals and we wish to foster an ambition for personal excellence throughout the department’s work. It is our belief that these expectations, together with a caring environment, do indeed lead to the gaining of creative excellence.

What are the qualities required to study Art A Level?

Added to some natural aptitude for visual thinking and pictorial problem-solving, an active interest in the fine arts in the widest sense should be a prerequisite for any study of Art and Design.

An artist usually begins to come into their own at around the GCSE stage when the demands of objective drawing, the need for inventiveness and experimentation with different modes and in a variety of media are better appreciated. To continue Art studies to A Level and beyond requires a sense of vocation, well-developed expressive and cognitive skills, an understanding of form, space and colour, ability to sustain a particular work over a long period and a love of the visual language.

Where can it lead?

Several of our students each year have gone on to universities/colleges/art colleges to study Art or Architecture to degree level. It is usual to embark on a degree course having successfully completed a foundation course on leaving school. A portfolio containing a broad selection of work in a variety of media is often asked for as an entry requirement at schools/colleges of architecture and is obligatory for any art college course. Indeed, the quality and range of your creative work are of the utmost importance at the interview stage.

COURSE OUTLINE – ART

Examination board: OCR H600–606

A wide and varied approach to A Level Art allows each student to pursue their own work and to realise their full potential within a structured and friendly environment.

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

Personal Investigation: 60%

This coursework element sees students devise, create and complete a project evolved by themselves during the course of the two years of the Sixth Form. There is also a written related study where students investigate the work of an artist, art movement or craftsperson. All work is then moderated by the examination board.

Controlled Test: 40%

Having been given the question paper during February, Upper Sixth students again devise their own work during the latter part of the year. Work is then submitted to the examination board for moderation.

Coursework Areas

i. Painting and Mixed Media ii. Printmaking iii. Sculpture iv. Ceramics

v. Textiles/Fashion vi. Graphics/CAD vii. Film Making/Video viii. Photography

BIOLOGY

Of all the Sciences, Biology is possibly the most useful in everyday life.

The linear A Level Biology syllabus is designed to encourage candidates to develop:

i. an enthusiasm for Biology

ii. practical skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles

iii. an appropriate and relevant foundation of knowledge and skills for the study of Biology in Higher Education

Why choose Biology?

Biology at A Level will enable you to acquire a systematic body of biological knowledge and an appreciation of its significance. It is a subject that can provide you with great enjoyment and respect for all living things.

This course introduces you to some of the exciting areas of Biology in the contemporary world. For example, the influence that genes have on our development, environmental issues and aspects of human health.

Biology is a practical science subject so you will develop experimental skills and an understanding of the scientific method. This course will help you gain some understanding of the dynamic and exciting nature of Biology today, and an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject.

You will need to come with fluency in the English language, a minimum of grade 7 at GCSE in Mathematics as well as Biology and a willingness to take responsibility for your own learning.

Where can it lead?

An A Level qualification in Biology could prepare you to study Biology or one of the Biological Sciences in Further or Higher Education. You may wish to take a more vocational course leading to a career in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health, Horticulture or Agriculture.

COURSE OUTLINE – BIOLOGY

Examination board: AQA 7402

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 7 at GCSE or 77 in double award/combined sciences plus a grade 7 in Mathematics.

i. Biological molecules

ii. Cells

iii. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

iv. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

v. Energy transfers in and between organisms

vi. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

vii. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

viii. The control of gene expression

PAPER 1

Content

Any content from topics 1 – 4, including relevant practical skills.

Assessment

Written exam: 2 hours. 35% of A Level.

PAPER 2 Content

Any content from topics 5 – 8, including relevant practical skills.

Assessment

Written exam: 2 hours. 35% of A Level.

PAPER 3 Content

Any content from topics 1– 8, including relevant practical skills.

Assessment

Written exam: 2 hours. 30% of A Level.

BUSINESS

Preparing for the world of work.

Business is a well-rounded and varied, holistic and accessible subject which will add value to anyone that chooses to study it. Business is a central fact of life and, regardless of which career you choose to pursue, business acumen will always stand you in good stead as it will provide you with a broad range of skills in finance, marketing and more.

What is it?

Business is a dynamic subject looking at interrelated areas including:

i. Finance

ii. Marketing

iii. Human resources

iv. Operations management

What will you study?

v. The external environment within which a business has to operate

vi. The developing and implementation of objectives and strategy

As a Business student you will learn about how business organisations work and what factors can drive great ideas forward. You will learn to look at a business from the perspective of different stakeholders to enable you to better understand how all the elements that make up a business fit together. You will not only cover the knowledge required for understanding and interpreting a range of topics, but you will also be shown how to set this in context and so move into real life situations.

COURSE OUTLINE – BUSINESS

Examination Board: Edexcel 9B SO

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE (Business, if studied) or at least a 6 in Maths.

What is the structure of the course?

Students are introduced to business in Themes 1 and 2 through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed in Themes 3 and 4, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues.

How is Business different to Economics?

Business focuses on the internal management and organisation of different business functions and how they relate to the external environment. It looks at the impact of business, big and small, on the world and how the world impacts on a business.

Businesses are decision making units and Business A Level looks at the impact of decisions made by businesses and involves the practical application of theory to decisionmaking.

Economics is a theoretical and applied study of how scarce resources are allocated within an economy.

Economics looks at the economy from both an individual point of view and from the perspective of society as a whole. You need to be able to handle abstract ideas and critique real-world application of different theories.

Theme 1

i. Marketing and people

ii. Meeting customer needs

iii. The market

iv. Marketing mix and strategy

v. Managing people

vi. Entrepreneurs and leaders

Theme 2

vii. Managing business activities viii. Raising finance ix. Financial planning

x. Managing finance

xi. Resource management

xii. External influences

Theme 3

xiii. Business decisions and strategy xiv. Business objectives and strategy xv. Business growth xvi. Decision-making techniques xvii. Influences on business decisions xviii. Assessing competitiveness xix. Managing change

Theme 4

xx. Global business xxi. Globalisation xxii. Global markets and business expansion xxiii. Global marketing xxiv. Global industries and companies

How is it assessed?

There are three written papers that require responses to a case study scenario. Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts.

Paper 1 tests themes 1 and 4

Paper 2 tests themes 2 and 3

Paper 3 assesses content across all four themes.

For Paper 3, there will be a pre-released context document focusing on a broad context, such as an industry or market in which businesses operate.

What subjects are usually studied alongside Business? A huge range! For example: Geography, Psychology, Business History, English, Business Media, PE, Business Politics, Art, Business

CHEMISTRY

Great emphasis is placed on practical work to develop skills and a spirit of enquiry as well as study of the relevant theory.

The Chemistry department at the College takes great pride in generating an atmosphere of enjoyable and effective study and our ability to make, what is sometimes considered to be one of the tougher A Level subjects, accessible to all students. We are well-resourced, both in terms of written support material, apparatus and chemicals. The three teaching laboratories have been refurbished recently to make them light, spacious and stimulating places to work for our ever-increasing number of Chemistry students. There is also a new laboratory shared by all 3 science departments. The specifications encourage web-based resources to be used by the students and the College’s excellent computer provision helps to facilitate this.

The students are taught in two sets and great emphasis is placed on practical work to develop skills and a spirit of enquiry as well as study of the relevant theory. Throughout the course, sets of questions are regularly set and marked and the department is well known by grateful (eventually!) past students for our policy of regular and rigorous testing of the topics taught. It is desirable that students wishing to study Chemistry at A Level should have an 8 or a 9 but at least a 7 in GCSE Chemistry (but the minimum is 6) or additional Science plus a grade 7 at GCSE in Mathematics, to get the most benefit from the A Level course. However, the department is very experienced in helping students fulfil their potential.

Where can it lead?

Chemistry is well-respected as a subject by all universities and places of Higher Education. It is compulsory or strongly advised for courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Chemistry and all Applied Chemistry subjects, Environmental Sciences, Pharmacology and Forensic Science and it is welcomed for subjects such as Biology and Applied Biology, Zoology, some branches of Engineering, Materials Science and many others. However, we also want students to study it as a subject they simply enjoy even though they might not want to go on to further education in a Chemistry related subject. Previous Chemistry students have gone on to study subjects as diverse as Law, Economics, Mathematics, English, History, Languages, Psychology, Sports Therapy, Management, Actuarial Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Midwifery Studies, Computer Science, Nursing and Geography.

COURSE OUTLINE – CHEMISTRY

Examination Board: AQA 7405

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 7 at GCSE or 77 in double award/combined sciences plus a grade 7 in Mathematics.

We teach the AQA Chemistry specification as we feel this offers the best combination of course content, examination structure and resources.

In this new specification, which was first examined in summer 2017, the actual Chemistry content remains broadly the same as before but there are some major differences in the course which are listed below:

i. A Level is now a two year course with all examinations at the end of the Upper Sixth

Practical skills are not now examined separately but in the following way:

ii. 12 required practicals (minimum) have to be done during the course

iii. questions about these practicals will be set in the theory papers

iv. if the required skills are fulfilled in these practicals a ‘Certificate of Competency’ is awarded

The examination structure at the end of the two year course will be as follows:

PAPER 1

Physical, Inorganic, Practical Skills 2 hours (105 marks). 35% of A Level.

PAPER 2

Physical, Organic, Practical Skills 2 hours (105 marks). 35% of A Level.

PAPER 3

All Topics, Practical Skills 2 hours (90 marks). 30% of A Level.

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

A Level Classical Civilisation offers students an opportunity to understand the immense impact ancient cultures have had upon the world we live in today. It develops analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills through an examination of the ideas and values of cultures which still heavily influence modern thinking and society. It embraces a wide range of sources from the ancient world – statues, coins, monuments and literature and explores fundamental questions of humanity about war and peace, human relationships of all types, multiculturalism, religion, self and state, fate, responsibility, and power. The A Level has been devised to credit the encouragement of students to make links between classical sources and how they have been received, analysed and appropriated over the centuries, drawing comparisons and contrasts with the world we live

in today. Classical Civilisation is an excellent complement to the study of history, literature, philosophy, politics, religious studies, the Arts and of course Latin and Greek. You do not need to have studied Classical Civilisation before to take this A Level.

Where can it lead?

Those who have studied Classics are very much in demand by all occupations because of the analytical and problemsolving skills they have developed in their study. Areas of work that can be entered are Journalism, Communications, Politics, Advertising, Banking, Museum work, Archives, Archaeology, Education... the list is endless.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: OCR H408

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE (Classical Civilisation, if studied) or at least a 6 in English Literature.

Component 1 (H408/11): The World of the Hero 40% of total; written examination of 2hrs 20mins.

Homer and Virgil were creators of ancient epics that were to form a cornerstone in the canon of Western literature. Close reading of Homer’s Iliad will plunge you into a world of fame-thirsty heroes favoured by a pantheon of powerful and petulant gods and goddesses. We shall examine what it meant to be at war from both Trojan and Greek perspectives of the 10-year siege of the city of Troy – the suffering, the valour and the cunning.

Virgil’s Aeneid is a myth about the foundation of Rome, weaving together the exploits of Aeneas from when he escapes Troy and embarks upon a quest to reach Italy and found a society that would grow into the greatest empire of the ancient Mediterranean world. A tale of soul-searching, courage and duty, the Aeneid explores Roman values: what did it mean to be a ‘good’ citizen, with Rome’s bloody history and its multicultural identity? This epic is full of some of the most famous stories of the ancient world, including the Wooden Horse of Troy, an unforgettable visit to the monsters, criminals and past and future heroes of the Underworld, and the magnetism and tragedy of powerful queens like Dido of Carthage.

Component 2 (H408/21): Culture and the Arts:

Greek Theatre

30% of total; written examination of 1hr 45mins.

The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world and has had a profound and wide reaching influence on modern culture today. Fundamental to the social, political

and religious lives of the ancient world (it was part of a seven-day festival and competitive), Greek theatre never shied away from exploring taboos or challenging cultural values.

We will look at everything from the way in which it was staged (actors, masks, costumes) to the buildings it was performed in, to an in-depth study of three plays which have proved to be enduring favourites: Oedipus the King, Bacchae, and Frogs. This component embraces both literary and visual/material sources.

Component 3 (H408/33): Beliefs and Ideas:

Greek Religion

30% of total; written examination of 1hr 45mins.

Religion was an essential part of life in the ancient Mediterranean world – from the personal experience of the divine through mystery cults and oracles to social and political participation of the cultivation of the Olympian immortals and hero cults. It was a polytheistic religion – the ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and this component of the A Level will explore the nature of the Olympian gods – Zeus, Hera, Poseidon etc.

We analyse the role of religion in everything from medical healing to ritual practices of sacrifice to the significance of the Olympic Games. We also look at the way in which it conflicted with key philosophical thinking of the time, for example examining critiques of religion and Socrates’ controversial ideas on the divine and justice.

3D DESIGN: PRODUCT DESIGN

An enjoyable, creative and demanding course, where you may pursue a wide variety of commercially focused projects.

Design and Technology A Level at Bishop’s Stortford College is studied through a practical 3D Design course with no written theory exam. The course is designed to develop authentic design and practical problem-solving skills relevant for future study or employment.

Students will qualify in an Ofqual accredited A Level 3D Design: Product Design.

Students will be assessed through a 60% personal project which will focus on an area of design of their choice, and a 40% practical exam. The exam will take the form of a practical design response to a theme set by the exam board. Students will also have the opportunity to become an Autodesk Certified Associate in Fusion 360 3D CAD modelling software.

This course allows students to develop real-world skills, and to focus on designing and making as challenging, rewarding intellectual and creative activities. We have designed the course to ensure that it provides an excellent foundation for degree courses and employment in the creative design and technical engineering disciplines. We recommend that students applying for engineering degrees should consider Maths and Physics in addition to 3D Design.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: Eduqas

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

Lower Sixth

Designing and Making Skills Foundation:

i. The design process

ii. Research methods: People, Products, Places and Phenomena – past and present

iii. Materials, Modelling and Manufacturing

iv. Design communication methods (including Autodesk Associate Certificate)

Personal Project

A major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter within your chosen design context.

Upper Sixth

Personal Project (60%)

v. Completion of outcomes vi. Testing and Evaluation vii. Project curation and display

Externally Set Assignment (40%) viii. Preparatory study and planning ix. Making

DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

Demands practical, creative and communication skills in equal measure.

This EDEXCEL specification is designed to promote a balance between practical theatre making and the theoretical understanding of drama and theatre. This stimulating and engaging course of study encourages learners to make connections between dramatic theory and their own practice.

Learners study five performance texts (two complete texts and three key extracts from three different texts, studied in the context of the whole text) representing a range of social, historical and cultural contexts. The complete texts are studied for C3, the written examination and the key extracts are divided between C1 and C2, devising and performance work. Learners also study two influential theatre practitioners (individuals or companies) and produce three performances; one devised performance and two scripted extracts.

This content is divided as follows between the three components.

Component 1: Devising

Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a devised piece of drama. The stimulus is a scene from a published play and learners use the working methods and techniques of either an influential theatre practitioner or a recognised theatre company.

Component 2: Text in Performance

Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of:

i. a group performance of one key extract from a performance text

ii. a monologue/duologue of one key extract from a different performance text

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice

Learners explore:

iii. live theatre evaluation

iv. practical exploration and study of a complete performance text – focusing on how this can be realised for performance

v. practical exploration and interpretation of another complete performance text, in light of a chosen theatre practitioner – focusing on how this text could be re-imagined for a contemporary audience

Learners are given the opportunity to develop performing and/or design skills as appropriate to their interests and the facilities available in the centre. Learners must choose one skill from the following list for each of Components 1 and 2. They may either choose the same skill for both Components 1 and 2, or a different skill for both Components 1 and 2:

vi. performing vii. sound design

viii. lighting design ix. set design (including props)

x. costume design (including hair and make-up)

In addition to their own theatre making, learners also develop knowledge and understanding of the role of the director and participate in live theatre as an audience member.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: EDEXCEL 9DR0

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

Component 1: Devising

Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated.

40% of qualification.

Component 2: Text in Performance

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

20% of qualification.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes.

40% of qualification.

Section A

500 words of notes on one theatre production allowed in the examination.

Section B and Section C

Exploration and interpretation of 2 performance texts. No text for Section B allowed – extract printed in exam. Clean copy of text allowed for Section C.

ECONOMICS

A dynamic way of explaining the world beyond school.

Economics is a lively, topical, current affairs related subject, which is highly regarded as a respectable academic discipline. It provides a unique mix of the arts and the sciences and combines the skills of numerical and graphical analysis with concise communication and logic. It is difficult to imagine a career that does not require at least an awareness of Economics. This rich and stimulating subject attempts to explain just how the precious resources of the planet are allocated – put against the increased need to conserve resources and promote sustainable means of achieving economic development.

What is it?

Economics is the theoretical and applied study of how scarce resources are allocated within an economy. It seeks to answer three key questions:

What to produce? How to produce? For whom to produce?

What will you study?

As an Economics student you will study such issues as: inflation and deflation; recessions and booms; the effect of share prices and house prices on the economy; the challenges of tackling poverty through trade or aid; how the tax and benefit system can be reformed to manage the economy, how government policy can target climate change and many more topics which ought to be of interest to any well-informed and concerned 16 – 18 year old.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: AQA 7136

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE (Economics, if studied) or at least a 7 in Maths.

What is the structure of the course?

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure

i. Economic methodology and the economic problem

ii. Individual economic decision making

iii. Price determination in a competitive market

iv. Production, costs and revenue

v. Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

vi. The labour market

vii. The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality

viii. The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

The national and international economy

ix. The measurement of macroeconomic performance

x. How the macroeconomy works : the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts

xi. Economic performance

xii. Financial markets and monetary policy

xiii. Fiscal policy and supply-side policies

xiv. The international economy

How is it assessed?

There are three written papers that require responses to data extracts (quantitative and qualitative) and open-ended extended response (essay) questions. The third paper includes 30 multiple-choice questions from across the specification and a compulsory data response element.

Paper 1: Markets and market failure

Paper 2: National and international economy

Paper 3: Economic principles and issues

How good do you need to be at Maths?

At A Level the Maths involved does not go beyond simple quantitative analysis such as percentage change, the use of index numbers and diagrammatic interpretation of case study data. Students who may be interested in studying Economics at university should note, however, that many of the top universities require A Level Maths to have been taken.

What subjects are usually studied alongside Economics?

A huge range! We tend to overlap heavily with both the ‘Natural’ and ‘Social’ Scientists as well as the Humanities. For example…

History, Politics, EPT, Economics

Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Economics

Geography, Foreign Language, Psychology, Economics

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Studying a wide range of prose, poetry and drama texts from the 14th century to the present day.

We study texts in detail, developing an admiration for and love of sophisticated and subtle use of language. We also learn about the times and circumstances within which the texts were written, and consider the ways in which modern life influences us as readers and theatre-goers.

The primary concern is to nurture a love of literature for its own sake – our literary heritage is a priceless gift if properly appreciated. But the writing and analytical skills necessary for literary criticism will give you invaluable life skills too, for university and for the world of work.

There is a coursework element during the two year study, the management of which allows students ample scope to explore their own areas of interest within the texts studied. Indeed, the department prides itself on encouraging students to think and work independently and the course is designed so as to encourage independence and allow flexibility with students even helping to choose their own texts.

The English Department is well-stocked with video, multimedia, audio and DVD equipment, but most importantly we are brimming over with books and have a highly committed teaching staff who have a real passion for their subject. We also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to enrich their studies outside the classroom. Activities include: regular theatre trips, visiting speakers, reading groups, revision conferences and literary tours.

While your teachers will seek to offer you insightful and sophisticated interpretations of the texts studied, they will also expect you to challenge these and to offer original and convincing responses of your own. We see our lessons as opportunities for the debate and exploration of texts, rather than a formulaic journey towards a pre-determined conclusion.

You will need to come armed with proven skills and fluency in English Language and Literature. What you do not know however, we will teach you.

Where can it lead?

The skills you develop in studying A Level English Literature will prove invaluable to your wider studies at A Level and beyond as well as in life more generally. The skills of analysis, communication and argument that you develop will be highly valued by both university admissions tutors and graduate employers alike.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: Edexcel 9ET0

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

Students will study two plays one of which must be Shakespeare and will focus on either the genre of comedy or tragedy.

C1 Drama (9ET0/01)

Two hour paper – open book. 30% of A Level marks.

eg. Students might study Othello or Twelfth Night alongside Tennessee William’s A Streetcar Named Desire or Christopher Marlowe’s Dr Faustus

C2 Prose (9ET0/02)

Students will study two thematically linked texts, one of which must be pre 1900.

One hour paper – open book. 20% of A Level marks.

e.g. Students might study Dracula by Bram Stoker and The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters.

C3 Poetry (9ET0/03)

Students will prepare for an unseen element in this paper where they will answer one question on a poem that is new to them and will compare it to a poem they have studied. In the second section of the paper students will study a selection of prescribed poetry. Examples of what might be studied here are Rossetti, Chaucer or Larkin.

Two hour exam – open book. 30% of A Level marks.

Coursework (9ET0/04)

Students have a choice of tasks and texts here where they could do an extended comparative essay on two texts (3000 words) or a recreative task with commentary and a shorter comparative task (total for both, 3000 words). 20% of A Level marks.

ETHICS, PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY

Is it possible to be good?

Is the existence of God knowable?

What is our fundamental human nature?

At its heart, this subject is a study of people; how they think and how they create a sense of meaning in the world they live in. Ethics, Philosophy and Theology will appeal to anyone with a desire to engage with the complex questions, questioning perceived truth and logic throughout.

In our exciting new A Level curriculum you will explore ideas both old and new, the dynamic relationship between themes such as morality in contemporary society, the formation of religion, and the quest for equality in the modern world.

The course seeks to introduce students to the ethical, philosophical and theological canon meaning that many lessons are focused on debating topics and evaluating interpretations. These discussions, as well as the wide range of reading, support students as they become more analytical and evaluative of the concepts we study. In light of this support, you do not need to have studied the subject at GCSE or be religious. Students are also actively encouraged to engage in wider exploration of the subject and to bring knowledge from other A Level subjects to gain further insight into their learning.

Most importantly the course will give you the tools with which to evaluate concepts and ideas which are fundamental to our society. Whether your focus is an individual search for meaning, or an exploration of the issues of freedom and justice, this course is about the relentless pursuit of a deeper, richer understanding of the world we inhabit.

Where can it lead?

This subject enables you to engage with people, what makes them tick, and be able to effectively evaluate their ideas. This therefore makes Ethics, Philosophy, and Theology candidates very desirable to many professions. Students have gone on to study a diverse range of university subjects as well as continuing their exploration of Philosophy and Theology at university. This subject opens routes into many diverse careers as it provides a comprehensive foundation in reasoning and problem solving, with students going on to Law, Finance, Business, Politics, Human Resources, and Education.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: OCR Religious Studies H573

Entry Requirements

At least 6 RS GCSE (if studied) or a grade 6 at English Language GCSE.

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion

i. Does the soul exist?

ii. Does God exist?

iii. Why is there evil?

iv. Can we define God?

v. Is language meaningful?

Paper 2: Religion and ethics

vi. Can we know how to be good?

vii. Is euthanasia moral?

viii. What is a moral business?

ix. What is ‘goodness’?

x. Sexual ethics

Paper 3: Developments in Christian Thought

xi. Are we morally corrupt?

xii. Is there an afterlife?

xiii. When should Christians fight?

xiv. What is the role of gender today?

xv. Should we turn to the Church or politics?

Assessment: Written Exam; 3 papers, each of 2 hours

FILM STUDIES

Students of Film Studies are the students of the future, gaining the skills needed to develop successful careers and great academic minds.

Why choose Film Studies?

The study of film is highly regarded. Film Studies has been an academic discipline within universities for over 50 years and is regarded as an academic subject in its own right. Oxford and Cambridge are now offering Masters and PHD courses in Film Studies and Screen Arts. Russell Group universities accept Film Studies as an appropriate A Level qualification when prospective students apply to study a humanities or arts related discipline.

There is so much more to Film Studies than simply watching films. As well as gaining an appreciation of film as an art form in terms of its visual storytelling, studying film can enhance your understanding of the world in terms of competing values, attitudes and beliefs. This course also incorporates a creative production element where you will be able to put what you have learnt into practice by making a short film or writing a screenplay.

Film Studies is an extremely enjoyable and worthwhile subject to study but expect to be constantly challenged and excited by the course. Not only will it change the way you watch film, but more importantly it will challenge you to think in new ways and question or change your perspective on a whole host of issues, for example, representation of race or gender. Studying film allows you to understand important issues and developments within history, society and culture, using film as the medium with which to gain a greater insight into these areas.

What skills will I develop?

Studying Film enables you to see the world in a different light and develop a wide range of transferable skills for further education, work and life:

i. creative thinking ii. critical thinking

iii. emotional intelligence

iv. film analysis

v. textual analysis

Where can it lead?

vi. communication vii. research skills

viii. literacy ix. technical competencies (i.e. film editing)

Film is one of the most relevant subjects today. Employment in the screen industries has grown by over 20% since 2009 and will substantially outpace the economy wide increase of 3% if the skills shortages in this area are fulfilled. Career paths for students of Film may, of course, include practical avenues such as filmmaking, directing, producing and editing but a qualification in Film Studies also allows you to move into more theoretical pathways such as Film Criticism, Journalism, Advertising and Teaching.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: WJEC Eduqas 603/1147/2

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE Film Studies (if taken), or at least a 6 in English Language or English Literature.

What will I study?

You will study the key elements of film form including cinematography, mise en scène, editing, sound and performance. You will also study the contexts of your chosen films and what was happening when the film was made. What can the film tell us about history and society at that time? You will study the films in terms of the representations they present or challenge. You will engage in the study of Ideology, the Auteur and Critical Debates surrounding Film.

How will I be assessed?

70% of the marks derive from 2 exam papers (Component 1 and Component 2) and 30% Non-Examination Assessment – Creative Production.

Component 1: Varieties of film and filmmaking (35%, 2 hours and 30 minute written examination)

Section A: Hollywood 1930-1990 (Comparative study)

Comparing one film from Classical Hollywood, e.g. Vertigo with one from New Hollywood, e.g. Do The Right Thing

Section B: American Film since 2005 (two film study)

One mainstream film, e.g. La La Land

One independent film, e.g. Captain Fantastic

Section C: British Film since 1995 (two film study)

e.g. This Is England and Shaun of the Dead

Component 2: Global filmmaking perspectives (35%, 2 hours and 30 minute written examination)

Section A: Global Film (two film study)

One European film, e.g. Pan’s Labyrinth

One film from outside Europe, e.g. Wild Tales

Section B: Documentary Film

One film, e.g. Amy

Section C: Film Movements – Silent Cinema

One film such as the german expressionist  Sunrise

Section D: Film Movements – Experimental Film (19602000)

e.g. Pulp Fiction

Creative Production (30% of the qualification)

The creative production element allows you to showcase the filmmaking or screenwriting skills you have developed during the course. This component assesses one production and its evaluative analysis. Learners produce:

i. either a short film (4-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a short film (1600-1800 words) plus a digitally photographed storyboard of a key section from the screenplay

ii. a written evaluative analysis

FRENCH

Dare to be different! Learning a foreign language sets you apart and makes you more employable.

Whether you want to use French for work, for further study, training, or for leisure, this course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge. This new specification gives candidates an excellent grounding in all aspects of the French language, with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as to study social and cultural aspects of the French speaking world. Furthermore, French A Level will allow students to tackle a range of inspiring and engaging themes through the study of popular literary texts and films.

There are many benefits to studying A Level French:

i. it supports breadth and depth of study by building on the strengths of the previous learning

ii. it offers the opportunity for candidates to study a range of social and cultural topics related to countries where French is spoken; topics have been streamlined with only four areas of study

iii. straightforward assessment with no coursework required

iv. students will sit only one speaking assessment and a large proportion of this is student-led

v. literary texts and films have been chosen to compliment the areas of study and develop a better understanding of France whilst engaging the student

vi. this new specification is excellent preparation for students intending to study French at degree level or who are interested in careers where French may be useful

Where can it lead?

28 countries around the world have French as an official language. French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, UNESCO and NATO and an ability to speak French and English is an advantage on the international job market. This course will allow students to truly enhance their linguistic skills.

If you are interested in languages and communication, and you enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life, then French A Level could be suitable for you. Similarly, if you are interested in the business world, in travel or tourism, in literature, or in Journalism and the media, then you are also likely to find the course very appropriate. There are a number of options in the course where you can choose your topic or question to suit your interests. Many of our students continue with French at degree level or combine it with a new language or another subject. Whether you want to use French for work, for further study, training, or for leisure, this course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: WJEC Eduqas A800QS

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

A Level assessment;

The French A Level is a linear qualification therefore all assessments must be taken at the end of the second year of study.

The course consists of 2 externally-examined components assessing listening, reading, writing skills and a non-examined assessment assessing speaking skills. The speaking exam is externally set and will be conducted and marked by a visiting examiner.

Students will study four main topic areas and the focus is on France, Francophone countries and the French society.

Component 1: Speaking

The assessment lasts for between 21 and 23 minutes. This paper accounts for 30% of the final grade and is divided into two parts; part 1 draws on structures and vocabulary covered across the four themes whilst part 2 is a studentled presentation/discussion which allows the student to research their own area of interest pertaining to their country of study.

Component 2: Listening, Reading and Translation

This paper accounts for 50% of the overall grade and comprises of three parts; listening, reading and responding and translation. This paper draws on the society and culture themes and examines the ideas, vocabulary and grammar covered throughout the course.

Component 3: Critical and analytical response in writing

This paper allows students a level of flexibility and accounts for 20% of the overall grade. Students will be expected to answer one question in French on a set film and one question on a set text. Students may be familiar with some of the texts and films that we study prior to embarking upon the A Level course.

GEOGRAPHY

Interesting, wide-ranging and relevant to contemporary concerns.

“You can travel the seas, the poles, and deserts, and see nothing. To really understand the world you need to get under the skin of the people and places. In other words, learn about GEOGRAPHY... I can not imagine a subject more relevant to schools. We’d all be lost without it.” Michael Palin (2006)

“Geography is the best subject in the world for getting on in industry.”

Sam Toy – Geography graduate, former Managing Director of Ford UK.

The role of Geography in society is perhaps more important than ever. Governments, organisations and individuals are having to grapple with increasingly complex social, economic and environmental problems. Population growth, global warming, poverty, dwindling energy resources, and the degradation of environments and habitats, are issues that touch the lives of all of us on the planet. An important dimension in all these issues is space. Recognising where events are happening and how processes vary spatially is a first step in trying to resolve many of the impacts associated with human activity. In this way Geography aims to provide a broad-ranging perspective on the nature of human activity and how this activity transforms the face of the earth. The search for this understanding involves investigating the nature of the physical earth, its habitation by humans, and the resulting diversity of regions and places.

Following these general themes Geography at A Level offers opportunities to:

i. stimulate students’ interest in their surroundings and in the variety of human and physical conditions on the earth’s surface

ii. foster students’ sense of wonder at the beauty of the world around them

iii. help students to develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat and thereby enhance students’ sense of responsibility for the care of the earth and its people

The contemporary relevance of Geography makes its study both rewarding and enjoyable. Additionally, the discipline develops skills that are valued by both business and industry.

The Geography department provides an exciting and upto-date A Level curriculum. We use the latest university research in our teaching, adapt topic content to reflect issues as they are happening in the news and conduct a large and varied range of fieldwork. We also strive to deliver the best possible teaching and members of the department are aided in meeting this goal through their work with universities, subject organisations and businesses. Nationally, the department is leading in the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Currently, GIS technology is the most powerful set of tools that exists for the analysis and visualisation of spatial information. As a consequence, any student wishing to follow a career in Geography is very likely to use GIS.

The department is therefore committed to the use of GIS in its teaching to ensure that all students gain skills of growing importance in the workplace.

Where can it lead?

Unemployment amongst Geography graduates is so low because the skills they learn are highly marketable. Geography is also relevant to a number of specific careers, including Management and Environmental Consultancy, Surveying, Agriculture, Town Planning, Recreation Management and Conservation, Cartography, Meteorology, Oceanography, Geology, Research, International Aid and Development, Teaching and Geographical Analysis.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: OCR H481

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

UNIT 1: Physical Systems

Coastal Landscapes, Water & Carbon Cycles. 22% of Total A Level.

UNIT 2: Human Interactions

Changing Spaces; Making Places, Global Migration, Human Rights.

22% of Total A Level.

UNIT 3: Geographical Debates

Disease Dilemmas, Hazardous Earth. 36% of Total A Level.

UNIT 4: Investigative Geography

Independent Geographical Research. 20% of Total A Level.

Investigative geography gives learners the opportunity to undertake an independent investigation which is of particular interest to them, which can be related to any area of the specification.

GERMAN

Proficiency in a modern foreign language has long been recognised as a marketable asset. Competent Germanists will soon be like gold dust in the job market.

The new A Level German course offers students an opportunity to enhance existing skills for a variety of possible futures in the spheres of Higher Education, employment and leisure. A key aim is to stimulate an appreciation of the cultural, historical, geographical and political background of the countries where German is spoken. This is complemented by the challenge and intellectual stimulation associated with the development of language skills.

Having already gained a good GCSE grade, students are prepared for examinations which test the ability to speak, listen, read and write German in various registers. As a matter of routine, emphasis is placed on an appreciation and understanding of grammar rules and speaking fluency is prioritised.

The German department is exceptionally well-resourced, and constantly updates its extensive collection of classic and modern feature films. Listening skills are honed in the digital language laboratory and subject specific classrooms are staffed by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals, whose methodology seeks to combine the

best of traditional and modern teaching practices. You will benefit from weekly conversation sessions with our German assistant on a one-to-one basis. Students are able to participate in a bi-annual Sixth Form Exchange with our partner school in Kiel, North Germany. This offers a key opportunity to boost spoken confidence as well to immerse oneself in German life and culture. Further opportunities to enhance cultural and linguistic awareness are also offered during the course.

Where can it lead?

As a native speaker of English with German at your fingertips, you will be gold dust in the future employment market! You bring not only your linguistic ability but a wide range of transferable skills, acquired through your A Level German course. Careers in Medicine, Engineering, International Law, Tourism, Politics, Marketing and Business are just a few of the options you could choose. Widen your horizons and enhance your CV!

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: AQA 7662

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

A Level assessment;

The German A Level consists of 2 written papers assessing listening, reading, writing skills as well as an internally examined speaking assessment. Students will study four main topic areas and the focus is on Germany, German speaking countries and German society. Students will also have the opportunity to study German film and literature at A Level.

Paper 1 Listening, reading and writing

This paper accounts for 50% of the overall grade and comprises of three parts; listening, reading and responding and translation. This paper draws on the themes of German society, artistic culture, multiculturalism and aspects of political life. The paper includes the ideas, vocabulary and grammar covered throughout the course.

Paper 2 Writing

This paper accounts for 20% of the overall grade. Students will be expected to answer one essay question in German on a set film and one essay question on a set text.

Paper 3 Speaking

This paper is an internally conducted assessment, lasting between 21 and 23 minutes. This paper accounts for 30% of the final grade and is divided into two parts; part 1 focuses on a card stimulus and draws on structures and vocabulary and cultural knowledge covered across the four themes, whilst part 2 is a student-led presentation/ discussion which allows the student to research their own area of interest pertaining to the German-speaking world.

HISTORY

Investigating the past to illuminate the present – in a supportive and stimulating learning environment.

Are you intrigued by what humans have done with their time on Earth? Do you feel curious to understand better the relationship between the present and the past? Are you keen to know more about other periods, places and peoples? If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then History is the subject for you.

Our aim is to provide an enjoyable and successful learning experience, in a friendly but challenging environment.

Above all, we want students to realise their full potential in History, regardless of academic ability. You do not need to have studied History at GCSE; certain qualities, however, are advantageous. Those who gain most from A Level History are enthusiastic, inquisitive and conscientious – eager to learn, contribute and achieve. The subject is exceptionally popular at the College, currently involving about 90 students in the Sixth Form as a whole.

History is varied, dramatic and colourful; after all, it is about people. In our new A Level curriculum you will find out about a mixture of eras, from the 15th century to the 20th century, and a variety of fascinating countries – Britain, Spain and the USA. You will also examine a wide range of compelling themes, including, nationalism, war, ethnicity, political protest and civil rights.

Lessons typically centre on discussion of research or written work, completed in advance. Lively debate often results, in which every student is asked to participate. You will be expected to read widely and to take an interest in current affairs related to our topics (we frequently explore present-day parallels with the past). Students develop valuable analytical skills: for example, how to interpret different types of evidence and evaluate opposing opinions. They also evolve their writing skills, enhancing their ability to explain arguments and communicate judgements.

The department has an excellent Library, specially dedicated to Sixth Form History; students are encouraged to borrow books and magazines to pursue individual

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: OCR H505

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

UNIT 1:

British study & enquiry (Y110)

British history: From Pitt to Peel, 1783—1853.

25% of A Level (examination at end of Upper Sixth).

UNIT 2:

Non-British study (Y216)

History of the USA: Expansion, slavery & the Civil War, c.1803—c.1890.

15% of A Level (examination at end of Upper Sixth).

interests in (and beyond) their A Level studies. We hold Film Nights outside lessons, intended to bring students together in groups different from their regular teaching sets, and also to promote awareness and discussion of cinema’s role in influencing popular interpretation of the past. We provide extra revision classes prior to public examinations, in which the department has a long track record of results far above the national average. Traditionally, many of our students decide to read History at university.

History combines well with many other A Levels. Clearly, it complements those subjects, such as English Literature, which also require significant reading and essay-writing. Numerous students, however, study History alongside Mathematics or the Sciences, with much success. In short, an interest in the past is the only essential requirement for choosing A Level History.

Where can it lead?

History is recognised as ideal preparation for a large number of professions, as well as allowing you to keep your options open. Historians can be found in most lines of work, especially in posts requiring qualities of leadership, problem-solving and decision-making. Many students of History go on to careers in the city (that is, in Business, Banking, Insurance, Accounting, etc). Other popular choices include: the Civil Service, Politics, Law, Journalism, Publishing, Advertising and Education. History is also directly relevant to careers in museums, archives, art galleries and Archaeology.

In sum, the good historian is very much in demand. This is because History not only fosters independence of mind, but intellectual discipline too. These are the highly transferable skills that A Level History will help you to develop. More generally, a passion for History implies curiosity about the world around you – an asset in any walk of life.

UNIT 3:

Thematic study & interpretation (Y319)

History of the USA: Civil Rights in the USA, 1865—1992.

40% of A Level (examination at end of Upper Sixth).

UNIT 4:

Topic essay (Y100)

History of the Spanish overseas empire, c.1492—c.1580: Fall of the Aztecs.

20% of A Level (coursework in Upper Sixth).

LATIN The eternal language.

Latin A Level offers the perfect opportunity to pursue the curiosity about the ancient world and the linguistic skills that propelled you to a good grade at GCSE. The ‘step up’ to A Level is surprisingly gentle; having acquired the key skills of literary analysis at GCSE, you will now be required to expand your vocabulary and investigate verse and prose Latin texts that have been very well selected to appeal to their audience. From stinging political invective to satire (a literary genre invented and bequeathed to us by the Romans), from extracts of love manuals to ancient myths, the irresistible, incredible and yet strangely familiar world of Roman culture comes to life in a way that you have been unable previously to access. A welcome aspect of the new A Level specification is a further requirement to read around the set literary texts in translation to aid contextual understanding.

We have a well-resourced department and also make use of the splendid textbooks which have been published to accompany each aspect of the new A Level specification, enabling students easily to review, revise or push ahead with their independent learning.

Latin is a traditional A Level and one of the few facilitating subjects which foster skills which are directly applicable to independent study of any subject at undergraduate level. It is highly regarded by all good universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge. Honing skills of literary analysis, cultural sensitivity and historical enquiry alongside linguistic accuracy, A Level Latin explores multiple aspects of an ancient world that has informed so much of the modern western world today. It is an excellent complement to the study of Literature, History, Languages, Politics and of course Classical Civilisation.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: OCR H443

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

Component 1 (H443/01): Unseen Translation

33% of total; written examination of 1hr 45mins.

Students will be required to translate into English a passage of unseen narrative prose by Livy and a passage of unseen verse by Ovid; they will also be required to scan two lines of verse.

Component 2 (H443/02): Prose Composition or Comprehension

17% of total; written examination of 1hr 15mins.

Students will need either to translate unseen material from English into Latin or demonstrate their understanding of a passage of unseen prose text through comprehension, translation and questions on syntax and accidence.

Component 3 (H443/03): Prose Literature

25% of total; written examination of 2hrs.

In Lower Sixth, students will enjoy analysing Cicero’s famous defence speech pro Cluentio which included one of his most successful oratorical character assassinations. In Upper Sixth we shall either continue to study this famous Ciceronian law case, or turn our hands to Tacitus Annals IV (a study of the emperor Tiberius and his notorious righthand man Sejanus), or to Livy’s History of Rome Book 1 which historicises the mythical founding of the city of Rome.

All the set prose texts studied will be examined together in the final paper at the end of the two years.

Component 4 (H443/04): Verse Literature

25% of total; written examination of 2hrs.

In Lower Sixth we shall study either the love poetry of the renowned poet Catullus or Book XII of Virgil’s unequalled epic – the Aeneid . Both texts plunge their audiences deep into the culture of ancient Rome, exploring its values and political and historical contexts. In the Upper Sixth we shall analyse extracts from Ovid’s Heroides in which the poet addresses his audience in the persona of famous women from the ancient world, in this case Penelope writing to Odysseus, Briseis appealing to Achilles, and Queen Dido begging Aeneas not to leave Carthage.

All the set verse texts studied will be examined together in the final paper at the end of two years.

MATHEMATICS AND FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Providing intellectual training, nurturing powers of analysis, logic, organisation and problem-solving.

Mathematics is essential for a wide range of students, from those intending to read the subject at university to those needing particular techniques to support other courses or their chosen careers. Many areas of science, engineering, computing, medicine, economics, business, psychology and other disciplines require an understanding of mathematics beyond GCSE level.

There is a national shortage of mathematically trained people and a qualification at advanced level dramatically increases a person’s employment and earning potential.

Mathematics provides intellectual training, nurturing powers of analysis, logic, organisation and problem solving. Some are attracted by its sheer power, some by the elegance of its methods, and some by the satisfaction they feel when they complete a clever solution or master a tricky procedure.

Work for A Level Mathematics involves studying mainly pure mathematics, with applied units in statistics and mechanics. Work for Further Mathematics involves a much wider and deeper appreciation of the subject and should be considered by anyone interested in Mathematics.

Examination results in Mathematics are very good at Bishop’s Stortford College with 100% pass rates at A Level, and an average of 68% grade A*–A over the last five years. There are nine experienced teachers in the department, who all use a variety of approaches to teaching mathematics.

The new advanced level specification will be accessible to all students after GCSE, who have achieved at least a grade 7 at GCSE. Most people starting the Further Maths course will have at least a grade 7 or 8 at GCSE and the requirement is at least a grade 7 for Further Mathematics. There is no assessed coursework on the new specification, but investigational skills are developed through the teaching approaches.

Students completing the two-year courses in Mathematics and Further Mathematics achieve two complete A Levels.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: OCR B (MEI) H640 (Mathematics) H645 (Further Mathematics) Entry Requirements

A Level Mathematics at least a grade 7 is required in Mathematics GCSE.

Further Maths at least a grade 8 is required in Mathematics GCSE.

Content is in four areas:

i. Mathematical Process consists of mathematical argument and language, problem solving and mathematical modelling

ii. Pure Mathematics includes proof, algebra, graphs, sequences, trigonometry, logarithms, calculus and vectors

iii. Mechanics includes kinematics, motion under gravity, working with forces including friction, Newton’s laws and moments

iv. Statistics includes working with data from a sample to make inferences about a population, probability calculations, using binomial and normal distributions as models and statistical hypothesis testing; a large data set will be released at the beginning of the course so that students can use spreadsheets or other statistical software to become familiar with it

Students’ calculators are expected to include an iterative function, such as an ANS key and the ability to compute summary statistics and access probabilities from the binomial and Normal functions.

Assessment is by three, two hour exams at the end of the two year course:

Exam 1

Pure Mathematics and Mechanics, worth 100 marks.

Exam 2

Pure Mathematics and Statistics, worth 100 marks.

Exam 3

Pure Mathematics and Comprehension, worth 75 marks.

Further Mathematics

Content is in four areas:

v. Core Pure

vi. Mechanics vii. Statistics

viii. Extra Pure

There are three possible routes to achieve the qualification:

Route A: Candidates take the mandatory Core pure and Mechanics major units and one minor unit (not Mechanics).

Route B:

Candidates take the mandatory Core pure and Statistics major units and one minor unit (not Statistics).

Route C:

Candidates take the mandatory Core pure unit and three further minor optional units.

In addition to the features mentioned above, students’ calculators should have the ability to perform calculations with matrices up to at least order 3x3 and to access probabilities from any standard statistical distribution.

Assessment is by three or four exams at the end of the two year course:

Exam 1

The mandatory Core pure unit, lasting 2 hours 40 minutes, worth 50% of the total A Level.

Routes A and B

Route A and B students then do a second exam of 2 hours 15 minutes, worth 33.5% of the total and a third exam of 1 hour 15 minutes, worth 16.5%.

Route C

Route C students do three exams of 1 hour 15 minutes, each worth 16% of the total.

MUSIC

Extends the GCSE skills of Performing, Composing and Listening in ways which emphasise the connection between each skill.

A Level Music provides a contemporary, accessible and creative education in Music. There are three main elements: Performing, Composing and Appraising. A GCSE in Music would be helpful, but not essential if you have previous experience in performing and composing. Equally, some experience of Grade 5 theory will be beneficial but not indispensable to completing the course successfully.

Where can it lead?

This A Level in Music is highly valued by all university faculties as it offers you the development of a wide range of skills including analysis, criticism, creative expression, verbal, written and musical communication, discipline, initiative, teamwork and the application of ICT. Few other subjects cover such a range of disciplines, so Music is recognised as an excellent preparation not only for music-related careers but also for progression into other fields. It can lead to further study in Music, and can be used as part of a joint honours degree. Careers using music can be found in

various fields such as Publishing, Theatre, Sound Recording, Artist Management, Advertising and Marketing, Teaching and Education, as well as the more obvious areas of the music industry and Performing.

There are thirteen set works chosen from six areas of study:

i. Vocal music

ii. Instrumental music

iii. Music for Film

iv. Popular music and Jazz

v. Fusions

vi. New directions

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: Edexcel A Level Music (Code: 9Mu0)

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

The A Level qualification in Music is 100% externally assessed, and consists of one written paper and two nonexamined assessments (performance and composition).

Performing

30% of the qualification, non-examined assessment – 60 marks.

Recital with audience present.

i. Total performance time of 8 minutes and up to 10 minutes.

ii. Performance can be solo and/or ensemble

Composing

30% of the qualification, non-examined assessment.

Complete two compositions and record them.

iii. One must be in response to a brief set by Edexcel, 2 minutes duration – 20 marks.

iv. One Free Choice or Set Brief – 4 — 6 minutes in duration – 40 marks.

Appraising

40% of the qualification – 100 marks.

v. One written paper of 2 hours and 10 minutes, responding to extracts of music on an audio file. The content of musical elements, musical contexts and musical language is taught through the context of six areas of study, each containing three set works at A Level. The paper will comprise three questions related to the set works, one short melody/rhythm completion exercise and two essay questions.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Helping to develop knowledge and skills for leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

A Level Physical Education at Bishop’s Stortford College focuses on performance and participation in sport. This involves students applying Sport Physiology, Psychology and Sociology to the practical performer. Experienced staff and excellent facilities at the College aid students’ practical performance in their chosen field, which often improves dramatically through applying acquired knowledge to training and competition.

The subject combines well with sciences such as Biology, Physics and Psychology and the arts subjects, such as English, History and Geography. It is widely accepted by the country’s leading universities as an excellent subject choice at A Level. Sport unites nations from all over the world, inspires generations and energises economies. With the sport and leisure industry currently booming in Britain and growth in areas such as Sports Science, Management, Sponsorship, Agencies and Nutritionists, the study of

Physical Education has never been so relevant to modern day society.

Alongside a genuine understanding of how physical activity and exercise affects everyone, from elite athletes to the elderly, A Level Physical Education teaches skills such as leadership, motivation, feedback and teamwork; all of which prepares students for life after the College.

Where can it lead?

A Level Physical Education could lead you into areas such as Sports Management, Physiotherapy, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Science, Coaching, Teaching, Sports Medicine, Sports Therapy, Sports Nutrition or Sports Psychology.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: AQA 7582

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE PE (if studied), or at least a 6 in GCSE Biology.

Summary: 70% Theory (Exam) and 30% Coursework and Practical performance.

PAPER 1:

Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport.

What is assessed?

Section A: Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Section B: Skill Acquisition

Section C: Sport and Society

How it is assessed?

Written exam: 2 hours. 105 marks. 35% of A Level.

Exam structure:

Questions in 3 sections: A, B and C. Each section comprises multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. 35 marks for each section.

PAPER 2:

Factors affection optimal performance in physical activity and sport.

What is assessed?

Section A: Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics

Section B: Sport Psychology

Section C: Sport, Society and Technology in sport

How it is assessed?

Written exam: 2 hours. 105 marks. 35% of A Level.

Exam structure:

Questions in 3 sections: A, B and C. Each section comprises multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. 35 marks for each section.

Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport

What is assessed?

Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity.

Plus: Written/verbal analysis of performance. How is it assessed?

Internal assessment, external moderation. 90 marks. 30% of A Level.

PHYSICS

“My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the universe – why it is as it is, and why it exists at all.”

Physics at the College has been going from strength to strength recently with both a very high take up of the subject and excellent results. The AQA specification will help the department to build upon this in many ways.

Students will progress smoothly from previous IGCSE or GCSE studies in Physics, develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of Physics and gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills. The course enables students to see how Physics links to other sciences and how the subject underpins important modern technologies.

Why choose Physics?

It is a fascinating and enjoyable course and is highly regarded by university admissions officers. Cambridge University’s admissions website advises all students who have not made

their A Level choices to study at least one of six subjects that they consider to be ‘academic’ – including, of course, Physics!

The best reason of all though is that studying Physics at Bishop’s Stortford College is such fun! Interesting concepts and exciting lessons combined with plenty of ‘hands-on’ practical work.

Where can it lead?

Pointers for those considering the A Level for university entry: Physics is necessary for Engineering and Physical Sciences, and is a supporting subject for Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Environmental Studies, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Computing, Medical Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: AQA 7408

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 7 at GCSE or 77 in double award/combined sciences plus a grade 7 in Mathematics.

In the Lower Sixth year all students will study:

i. Measurements and their errors

ii. Particles and radiation

iii. Waves

iv. Mechanics and materials

v. Electricity

Having completed the Lower Sixth work, the Upper Sixth students will study the additional topics of:

vi. Further mechanics and thermal physics

vii. Fields and their consequences

viii. Nuclear physics

They also study one option topic and the department will offer at least two (and sometimes three) options from which the students can choose. The options are selected from the following:

ix. Astrophysics

x. Medical physics

xi. Engineering physics

xii. Turning points in physics

xiii. Electronics

The A Level course has a strong element of practical skills too, and all students will be expected to carry out successfully twelve assessed practicals over their two year course.

At the end of the Upper Sixth year, all students will be assessed by taking three two-hour papers.

PAPERS 1 and 2

Both are 2 hours long with 85 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on each paper assessing topics 1 to 6.

PAPER 3

2 hours long over two sections:

SECTION A

Short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.

SECTION B

Short and long answer questions on the option topics.

SECTION B Option topics; 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

You will need minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE in Maths as well as Physics.

POLITICS

As citizens who are on the verge of gaining the right to vote, it is a subject that is relevant to all Sixth Form students.

By choosing to study Politics students will acquire knowledge and understanding of political systems within our own, and other, societies. Studying the different levels and systems of government will facilitate the understanding of diverse political systems. The British system of government will be examined by looking at its local, national and current European dimensions. This will include studying the essential characteristics and interrelationships of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary and examining voting structure, behaviour and participation; all whilst interpreting current political debate.

The understanding of our own system will be developed further by looking comparatively at the politics and government of another country – America. This study will be further enhanced through learning about political ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism and socialism, as well as a further ‘new’ ideology from a choice of feminism, nationalism, multiculturalism, ecologism or anarchism.

In taking A Level Politics, students will learn to interpret political information in a variety of forms such as, written, oral, visual and numerical. There will be the opportunity to

debate and to make connections between the similarities and differences of the different political systems and political institutions studied.

Students’ understanding will be aided by the use of a variety of sources such as, journals, newspapers, television and internet. This will be further enhanced by a number of conferences and a trip to the Houses of Parliament. In a similar way to the study of History, Politics is essentially about the study of people and society, in this case past, present and future. It is about the responsibility of individuals. Politics A Level encourages constructive argument through debate and also the discipline of creating concise, structured and analytical written responses to key political questions. Many students go on to study Politics or International Relations at university.

As citizens who are on the verge of gaining the right to vote, it is a subject that in our rapidly changing political world, is relevant to all students embarking on Sixth Form studies and as such is an ideal choice at A Level.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination board: AQA 7152

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE (Politics, if studied), or at least a 6 in English Language or English Literature.

The A Level will be 100% final exam.

Students will sit three papers at the end of the course. Each paper is worth 33 1/3% of the final mark and are a combination of short, medium and essay based questions.

PAPER 1 The government and politics of the UK

PAPER 2 The government and politics of the USA

Including a comparative element between the UK and the US systems of government with reference to the three theoretical approaches of rational, structural and cultural comparison.

PAPER 3 Political Ideologies

The traditions of liberalism, conservatism and socialism plus one further ideology from: feminism; nationalism; multiculturalism; ecologism or anarchism.

PSYCHOLOGY

An opportunity to diversify from the traditional mainstream subjects.

Psychology at Bishop’s Stortford College offers students in the Sixth Form the opportunity to diversify from the traditional mainstream subjects. Psychology is a science using scientific methods and principles and it is classed as such for university applications. However, it can be seen as more tangible and directly related to people and their observable and everyday behaviour than the traditional natural sciences. So whilst Psychology has its roots firmly in the discipline of science, it incorporates many skills from other areas too. You will learn to evaluate and analyse information and evidence and to draw conclusions from the research and work of others. You need to be able to structure an answer and formulate an argument in essay type format.

The first year of the course provides a foundation in what is a broad and continuously expanding subject. It covers some of the development of Psychology as a discipline and some key topic areas such as memory, psychopathology and social influence.

The second year of the course takes this foundation further extending the areas and studying them in more depth. In addition to this the second year includes topics such as gender, forensic psychology, eating behaviour and some of the issues and debates that are key to Psychology.

Assessment is in the form of written examination modules. Psychology A Level has three equally weighted examinations. These contain a combination of multiple choice, short answer questions and extended writing.

There is focus throughout both years on the methods used in Psychology. Practical research studies will be designed, carried out and analysed by the students themselves. In this

way they develop an understanding of the research methods and issues in Psychology. They will be required to draw on this experience for some examination questions.

The Psychology department makes good use of online materials and DVDs (including some original footage of key experiments). Throughout the course many research studies are reproduced in terms of class versions of experiments – enabling you to experience and understand them from a personal viewpoint.

Students aiming to study Psychology must be ready to learn extensive new terminology and be keen to read around the subject – this can be in the form of books, magazines, newspapers and numerous television programmes.

An understanding of Maths is required in terms of interpreting data generated in experiments, as well as a good grounding in Biology.

Where can it lead?

As a career choice, Psychology is far from limited. Following a Psychology degree, students can pursue careers in Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Sport Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Counselling, and Academic/Research Psychology – to name a selection.

However students with Psychology at A Level will find it applies to many other careers not directly based in Psychology. These include Media and Advertising, Marketing and Sales, Medicine, Teaching, Business, Law and People Management.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination Board: AQA 7182

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE (Psychology, if studied), or at least a 6 in Biology and Maths.

A Level Psychology comprises three examination modules. Each examination paper include a combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

PAPER 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Content Social influence Memory Attachment

Psychopathology

Assessment

Written exam: 2 hours. 96 marks, 33.3% of A Level.

PAPER 2: Psychology in Context

Content Approaches in Psychology

Biopsychology Research methods

Assessment

Written exam: 2 hours. 96 marks, 33.3% of  A Level.

PAPER 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Content

Issues and debates in Psychology Gender Eating behaviour Forensic psychology

Assessment

Written exam: 2 hours. 96 marks, 33.3% of A Level.

SPANISH

Are you serious about standing out? English is simply not enough.

Spanish is a global reality, the third most spoken language in the world. So what are you waiting for?

Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, Peru and obviously Spain! These are some of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries spanning beyond Europe and across Central and South America, as well as several Caribbean countries. Just in the United States, 50 million people speak Spanish as their native or second language.

Taking into account that almost 30% of English words come from Latin originally, you will immediately recognise and understand many Spanish words that share the same roots.

The A Level Spanish course offers the opportunity to develop linguistic knowledge and understanding whilst exploring some of the most fascinating and vibrant cultures

in the world, supported by a dedicated team of native teachers with examining experience at A Level.

The course aims to open opportunities in higher education, business, and travel through arming students with a deep understanding of Spanish language and the tools to develop their linguistic skills as well as stimulating an understanding and interest in Hispanic culture, history, literature, and film.

The nature of the A Level course means that students will be given opportunities to make links across the curriculum and will be fully supported with this by the A Level scheme of work.

Studying for A Level in Spanish can be extremely beneficial whilst at school and in the future:

i. it develops and enhances transferable skills which can be used across the curriculum and in higher education, including analytical skills and communication skills

ii. it widens the cultural and social awareness of students which can be invaluable in higher education, and later, in the workplace

iii. Spanish is spoken by at least 437 million people worldwide, in 44 countries, making it the second most spoken language in the world, and therefore a hugely skill in the business world

iv. its inspiring and engaging themes provide clear links to some of the most fundamental and interesting aspects of the culture of the target language countries and communities

v. the assessments place emphasis on spontaneity and grammar, as well as providing plenty of opportunities for students to apply their knowledge independently and creatively

Having already gained a good GCSE grade, students are versed in the basics of Spanish grammar. During the A Level this knowledge will be stretched and moulded into a thorough understanding of the way the language works and the ability to employ familiar and unfamiliar vocabulary to express themselves fluently and confidently. During the course students will study Hispanic film and literature which will help to widen their understanding of Hispanic culture and language, and soon we will be able to offer weekly conversation practice with Spanish native assistants and opportunities to participate in annual exchange programmes with Spanish schools.

Who knows where life will take you?

Language skills are in massive demand across all sectors and the ability to speak Spanish with fluency will be a valuable asset when applying for jobs. Erasmus exchanges are popular options for university students who want to expand their horizons and complete a year abroad in a Spanishspeaking country of their choice.

Students can progress to a wide range of careers in areas such as Journalism and Media, Education, Science, Medicine, the Civil Service, International Law, Politics, Sales, Marketing, Retail, Business, Charities and more! With an ever-competitive job market, assets like speaking a foreign language are more important than ever.

COURSE OUTLINE

Examination Board: Edexcel 9SPO

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE.

Examination 100%

Topics:

i. Changes in the Spanish society (family, education, the world of work)

ii. Political and artistic in Spanish speaking countries (music, media, festivals and traditions)

iii. Immigration and Spanish multicultural society (immigration and integration)

iv. Dictatorship of Franco and the transition to democracy

Assessments

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation

Written examination: 2 hours 40% of the qualification. 80 marks.

Paper 2: Written response to works and translation

Written examination: 2 hours and 40 minutes. 30% of the qualification 120 marks.

Paper 3: Speaking

Internally conducted and externally assessed. Total assessment time: between 21 and 23 minutes, which includes a single period of 5 minutes’ formal preparation time. 30% of the qualification 72 marks.

Bishop’s Stortford College, School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PQ

Telephone: +44 (0)1279 838575

Email: general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org www.BishopsStortfordCollege.org

INSTAGRAM @TheBishopsStortfordCollege

FACEBOOK /BishopsStortfordCollege

TWITTER @BSCollege