The Norton Knatchbull School SIXTH FORM Course Guide
Benefactorum recordatio jucundissima est
Contents Art and Design: Fine Art..................................................................................... 2 Art and Design: Photography......................................................................... 3 Biology.......................................................................................................................... 4 Business Studies ..................................................................................................... 5 Chemistry.................................................................................................................... 6 Classical Civilisation............................................................................................... 7 Computer Science................................................................................................. 8 Creative Writing....................................................................................................... 9 Drama and Theatre Studies ............................................................................ 10 Economics.................................................................................................................. 11 English Language and Literature.................................................................. 12 English Literature.................................................................................................... 13 French ........................................................................................................................... 14 Further Mathematics ........................................................................................... 15 Geography ................................................................................................................. 16 German......................................................................................................................... 17 Government and Politics................................................................................... 18 History........................................................................................................................... 19 Law.................................................................................................................................. 20 Mathematics ............................................................................................................ 21 Mathematics in Context..................................................................................... 22 Music.............................................................................................................................. 23 Philosophy.................................................................................................................. 24 Physical Education................................................................................................. 25 Notes.............................................................................................................................. 26 Application Form.................................................................................................... 27 Notes.............................................................................................................................. 28
Art and Design: Fine Art Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: Fine art requires engagement with aesthetic and intellectual concepts through the use of traditional and/or digital media, materials, techniques and processes for the purpose of self-expression, free of external constraints. Fine art may be created to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world, the qualities of materials, perceptions, or preconceptions. It can also be used to explore personal and cultural identity, society and how we live, visual language, and technology. Fine Art allows us to consider and reflect on our place in the world, both as individuals and collectively. The course comprises two components; Component 1 will run from the start of the course until the end of January 2017 where students will engage in a number of practical workshops to raise the standard of their skills and find their artistic strengths. Component 2 is externally set by Edexcel. Component 1 allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcomes. It incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. • Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. • The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum of 1,000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. The personal study comprises 12% of the total.
Exam Format: Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies during lesson and homework studies and a 15–hour period of sustained focus under controlled conditions.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in Art & Design or BTEC Art course Distinction Award. Potential students should show the Art Department their portfolio of work which must be judged to be of a sufficiently high standard (prior to the start of the course).
Combines Well With: Photography, History, ICT, Psychology, Music, Product Design, Mathematics.
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Art and Design: Photography Exam Board: OCR
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: Photography seeks to record moving or still images from a real context through the medium of light. Historical and contemporary approaches will be explored. Traditional photographic techniques such as pin-hole photography and the chemical darkroom will facilitate the study of the principles of photography and the development of skills appropriate to both analogue and digital recording. Students will work in the following areas: • Digital photography and image manipulation (Photoshop) • Time-based photography (the moving image) • Film-based photography (Darkroom processing) Component 1 allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with photographic techniques and processes, and refine ideas in a variety of photographic genres towards producing personal resolved outcomes. It incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. • Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. • The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum of 1,000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images.
Exam Format: Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies during lesson and homework studies and a 15–hour period of sustained focus under controlled conditions.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in Art & Design or BTEC Art course Distinction Award. Photography introduces skills and techniques which potential applicants may not have experienced prior to the start of the course. However, they should have followed a Key Stage 4 programme of study in Art and Design or equivalent. Potential students should show the Art Department their portfolio of work which must be judged to be of a sufficiently high standard (prior to the start of the course).
Combines Well With: Art and Design, Film Studies History, ICT, Psychology, Music, Product Design, Mathematics. The Norton Knatchbull SCHOOL
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Biology Exam Board: Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology (SNAB)
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: Developed in conjunction with leading subject experts from the University of York Science Education Group, in collaboration with schools, universities and biological scientists, the SNAB course offers a context-led approach to A Level Biology designed to stimulate scientific interest and enquiry. Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk Topic 2: Genes and Health Topic 3: Voice of the Genome Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources Topic 5: On the Wild Side Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics Topic 7: Run for Your Life Topic 8: Grey Matter Further information on the content of these topics can be found in the specification which can be download from the Edexcel examination board website. The course is fully supported by an extensive online resource at http://www.newsnab.com
Exam Format: Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival – a 2 hour paper examining Topics 1–6. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open response, calculations and extended writing questions. Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination – a 2 hour paper examining Topics 1–4 and 7–8. The question format is the same as in Paper 1. Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology – a 2 hour paper examining Topics 1–8. The paper will include synoptic questions which may be based on two or more topics. A pre-release article will underpin one exam question. All three papers will be taken at the end of the course for first assessment in summer 2017. They each have the same weighting. Science Practical Endorsement – specific competency in a range of practical skills will be assessed internally by the teacher and a pass or fail awarded. The Endorsement will not contribute to the overall grade for this qualification.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in Biology OR grade A in GCSE Science AND grade B in Additional or Applied Science. GCSE grade B in Mathematics and English is desirable.
Combines Well With: A Level Chemistry, Geography, Sports Studies, or Psychology. 4
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Business Studies Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: We study 10 different aspects of business. 1: What is business? 2: Managers, leadership and decision making 3: Decision making to improve marketing performance 4: Decision making to improve operational performance 5: Decision making to improve financial performance 6: Decision making to improve human resource performance 7: Analysing the strategic position of a business 8: Choosing strategic direction 9: Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies 10: Managing strategic change
Exam Format: Paper 1: Written exam: 2 hour 100 marks in total 33.3% of A-level weighting Paper 2: Written exam: 2 hour 100 marks in total 33.3% of A-level weighting Paper 3: Written exam: 2 hour 100 marks in total 33.3% of A-level weighting
Entry Requirements: The course is open to both GCSE Business Studies students and those who have not previously taken the subject. GCSE Business Studies students are expected to hold a grade B. GCSE grade B in English and Mathematics.
Combines Well With: Mathematics and English, Modern Foreign Languages or Law.
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Chemistry Exam Board: OCR A H032
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: OCR A provides a flexible approach where the specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of chemistry. Chemists will study; • Foundations in Chemistry • Periodic Table and Energy • Core Organic Chemistry • Physical Chemistry • Transition Elements • Organic Chemistry and Analysis Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they are assessed both through written papers and the Practical Endorsement. This is a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.
Exam Format: A2 Paper
Content
Percentage of A2 Grade
Examined
1
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
37%
June 2017
2
Synthesis and analytical techniques
37%
June 2017
3
Unified Chemistry
26%
June 2017
Non-exam assessment
Practical Endorsement
Reported Separately
Ongoing
Entry Requirements: Course
Subject Required
GCSE Grade Required
A2
Chemistry or Science Double
B A Core / B Additional
Maths
B
Combines Well With: Biology, Geography, Mathematics, Physics.
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Classical Civilisation Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: Candidates during the first year will study one topic from each unit. Unit 1 Greek Architecture & Sculpture Aristophanes and Athens Women in Athens and Rome Menander and Plautus The Life and Times of Cicero Unit 2 Homer Iliad Homer Odyssey Athenian Vase Painting Athenian Imperialism Roman Architecture The Second Punic War
Exam Format: Each unit, in both AS and A2, carries an examination of 90 minutes duration. In all examinations, candidates answer one structured, source-based question (from a choice of two) and one short essay on their chosen topic.
Entry Requirement: No prior knowledge of Classical Civilisation is required. GCSE grade B in English. No knowledge of other languages, including Latin and ancient Greek is necessary. All texts are in English.
Combines Well With: English Literature, History, Politics, Philosophy, Science and Languages.
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Computer Science Exam Board: OCR
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: Computer Science focuses on how computers and information systems work, how their components interact, and on learning the planning, writing and testing of algorithms and programs using logical and mathematical skills. A2 Option Unit 1: focusing on processors, input/output and storage devices, software and software development, exchange of data, data types, data structures, algorithm design, legal aspects of computer science. Unit 2: focusing on computational thinking, problem solving, programming and algorithms. Unit 1 (2nd year): focusing on Processors, input/output and storage devices, software and software development, exchange of data, data types, data structures, algorithm design, legal aspects of computer science at a more advanced level than the AS. Unit 2 (2nd year): focusing on computational thinking, problem solving, programming and algorithms at a more advanced level than the AS. Unit 3 (2nd year): Individual programming project.
Exam Format: Unit 1: Written Examination 2 hr 30 minutes (40%) Unit 2: Written Examination 2 hr 30 minutes (40%) Unit 3: Coursework project (20%)
Entry Requirements: Either: Both GCSE grade B in both Computing and Mathematics. Or: GCSE grade A in Mathematics only.
Combines Well With: Mathematics, Physics, Languages, Art/Design.
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Creative Writing Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: This is an exciting new course, responding to the demand for a qualification in creative writing both at NKS and further afield. It is also linked to the rise of creative writing courses at degree level, and as such, reflects their structure and focus. Unit 1: Writing on Demand (AS) Many professional writers write to order, with tight deadlines and tight focus. This unit gives you the opportunity to write to a specific professional brief, showing appropriate writing skills, in limited time. Unit 2: Exploring Creative Writing (AS) This unit focuses on introducing you to a broad range of forms including prose fiction; prose non-fiction; poetry; script. There is particular focus on the processes involved in developing creative work, such as generating ideas, drafting and redrafting, using different forms and genres, and critical reflection. Unit 3: From Reading to Writing (A2) The focus of this unit is to build on the work done at AS. The exam will replicate a writing workshop exercise, using published texts as inspiration, responding to writing prompts and producing creative work within time limits. Unit 4: The Writing Portfolio (A2) This unit will build upon the broad exploratory work of unit 2, offering ample opportunity for independent study, developing ideas through peer feedback and redrafting, in order to enable technical mastery of one chosen form.
Exam Format: Unit 1: Writing on Demand: Exam: 2 hrs; 2 questions from a choice of 4, both involving the production of texts based on practical writing scenarios; 20% of A-level. Unit 2: Exploring Creative Writing: Coursework; 2 creative pieces of work (max 3000 words) and a reflective commentary (max 1,500 words); 30% of A-level. Unit 3: From Reading to Writing: Exam: 3 hrs; 2 questions based on selection of one stimulus text (from a choice of 5); 20% of A-level. Component 4: The Writing Portfolio: Portfolio of creative work (max 4,000 words) and a full reflective commentary (max 2,000 words), with bibliography and evidence of redrafting; 30% of total GCE marks.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in English Language and English Literature.
Combines Well With: English literature, Extended Project, History, Classical Civilisation. The Norton Knatchbull SCHOOL
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Drama and Theatre Studies Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: As part of the AS Level course students will: Explore the work of a variety of playwrights. Prepare and perform plays(s) for external assessment. Research the work of a variety of practitioners. Evaluate personal and professional work. As part of the A2 Level course students will: Prepare and perform an original devised drama. Select and direct published dramatic work. Research and interpret a number of productions from various periods of theatrical history.
Exam Format: Unit 1 Exploration of Drama and Theatre – Controlled Assessment. Unit 2 Theatre Text in Performance – External Examination.
Entry Requirements: Previous knowledge and experience of the discipline are desirable but not essential. GCSE grade B in Drama if studied. GCSE grade B in English.
Combines Well With: Music, English/English Literature, Film Studies or Visual Arts.
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Economics Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: Individuals, firms, markets and market failure 1 Economic methodology and the economic problem 2 Individual economic decision making 3 Price determination in a competitive market 4 Production, costs and revenue 5 Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly 6 The labour market 7 The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality 8 The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets The national and international economy 9 The measurement of macroeconomic performance 10 How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts 11 Economic performance 12 Financial markets and monetary policy 13 Fiscal policy and supply-side policies 14 The international economy
Exam Format: Paper 1 Written exam: 2 hours – markets and market failure; 80 marks; 33.3% of A-level Paper 2 Written exam: 2 hours – national and international economy; 80 marks; 33.3% of A-level Paper 3 Written exam: 2 hours – economic principles and issues; 80 marks; 33.3% of A-level
Entry Requirement: GCSE grade B in Mathematics and English. Students wishing to study Economics at university will also require A Level Mathematics.
Combines Well With: Politics, History, Law and Mathematics. Please note that some universities see economics and business studies as too similar. The Norton Knatchbull SCHOOL
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English Language and Literature Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: What’s the difference between English Language-Literature and English Literature? In the new specifications for 2015, the focus on non-literary and non-fiction texts is what separates English Language and Literature from English Literature, as can be seen below: Component 1: Voices in Speech and Drama You will study an anthology of non-literary and digital texts from the 20th and 21st century, as well as a modern drama text. Component 2: Varieties in Language and Literature You will study a wide range of non-fiction texts on a chosen theme, in preparation for responding to an unseen text in Section A of the exam. You will also study two literary texts: one compulsory prose fiction text and one other literary text. Component 3: Investigating and Creating Texts Your preparation for coursework will focus on a chosen topic, and include one fiction and one non-fiction text.
Exam Format: Component 1: Voices in Speech and Drama 40% of total GCE marks; exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes; open book examination: clean copy of the drama text may be used in the exam. Component 2: Varieties in Language and Literature 40% of total GCE marks; exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes; open book examination: clean copy of texts may be used in the exam. Component 3: Investigating and Creating Texts 20% of total GCE marks; coursework; two assignments: assignment 1 – two pieces of original writing (one piece of fiction and one piece of nonfiction); assignment 2 – one analytical commentary.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in English Language and English Literature.
Combines Well With: All other subjects excluding English literature.
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English Literature Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: Component 1: Drama You will focus on either tragedy or comedy, and study one Shakespeare play and one other drama in the genre. You will also study critical essays related to the Shakespeare play. Component 2: Prose You will study two prose texts from a chosen theme, of which one must be pre-1900. Themes include ‘childhood’, ‘colonisation and its aftermath’, ‘crime and detection’, ‘science and society’, ‘the supernatural’ and ‘women and society’. Component 3: Poetry You will study poetic form, meaning and language; a selection of post2000 poetry and a range of poetry from either a literary period or a named poet. Component 4: Coursework You will study two texts, linked by theme, movement, author or period. Texts may be selected from poetry, drama, prose or literary non-fiction.
Exam Format: Component 1: Drama Exam: 2 hours 15; open book examination: clean copies of the drama texts may be used in the exam; 30% of total GCE marks. Component 2: Prose Exam: 1 hour; open book examination: clean copies of the prose texts may be used in the exam; 20% of total GCE marks. Component 3: Poetry Exam: 2 hours 15; open book examination: clean copies of the poetry texts may be used in the exam; 30% of total GCE marks. Component 4: Coursework One extended comparative essay or 2,500–3,000 words, referring to two texts; 20% of total GCE marks.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in English Literature and English Language.
Combines Well With: All other subjects excluding English Language and Literature.
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French Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: During the first year the following topics are covered: • Youth culture and concerns • Lifestyle: health and fitness • The world around us: travel, tourism, environmental issues and the French-speaking world • Education and employment At AS level, the topics are covered more in-depth than at GCSE, with discussions and comparisons of the above topical issues in the UK and in France/French-speaking countries. The specific topics relating to France/ French-speaking countries are the cultural topics.
Exam Format: Examinations end of Year 12: Unit 1: Speaking examination Unit 2: Listening, Reading and Writing examination
Entry Requirement: GCSE grade B in French.
Combines Well With: Other languages including English, Literature, EPQ, History, Geography, Sociology.
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Further Mathematics Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: A2 Further Mathematics. This two year course is offered to the most able Mathematics students. In Year 12, the ‘standard’ A level is covered – C1/C2/C3/C4/Application 1/ Application 2. In Year 13, a further 6 modules are selected from FP1, FP2, FP3, M2, M3, D1, S2, and S3.
Exam Format: Assessment at AS and A2 level is 100% examination based.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade A* in Mathematics.
Combines Well With: Mathematics, Economics, Physics.
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Geography Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: Unit 1: Physical and Human Geography The study of core geographical concepts along with contrasting themes of contemporary or environmental impact, management and sustainability. Candidates study the core and one of the physical and one of the human options. Core physical section: Rivers, floods and management
Core human section: Population change
Optional physical topics: Coastal environments
Optional human topics: Energy issues
Unit 2: Geographical Skills Skills include: investigative, cartographic, graphical, ICT and statistical skills.
Exam Format: AS Unit 1: GEOG1 Physical and Human Geography • 70% of AS, 35% of A Level • 2 hour written examination • 120 marks • Structured short and extended questions Unit 2: GEOG2 Geographical Skills • 30% of AS, 15% of A Level • 1 hour written examination • 50 marks • Structured skills and generic fieldwork questions
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in Geography. GCSE grade B in English. You must be able to attend a week’s residential fieldwork course in Yorkshire which usually takes place in Term 3 of Year 12.
Combines Well With: All other subjects.
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German Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: During this course you will read and listen to authentic foreign language materials and study aspects of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of a country where the language is spoken. You will have opportunities to develop your understanding and awareness of spiritual, moral, ethical, environmental, health and European issues. You will extend and develop your knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of the foreign language and will use this to speak, write, read and listen to the language. In addition, you will learn how to be an effective communicator, speak and write the language in different situations, use the language to express facts and ideas and to present explanations, opinions and information.
Exam Format: The final examinations test you in the four skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading. There are two units at the end of each year. The two AS units can be taken on their own or used with the A2 units as part of the full A level. Unit 1: Speaking Unit 2: Listening/ Reading/ Writing
Entry Requirement: GCSE grade B in German.
Combines Well With: All other subjects.
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Government and Politics Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: This course will introduce you to the British and American political systems. The A level course consists of four modules. People and Politics and Governing of the UK in Year 12 cover the roles of pressure groups, political parties, election systems and the British Constitution. In Year 13 major policy areas of economics, welfare reform and the judicial system in Britain are investigated in detail and finally a study is made of the American political system. Politics is taught through a lively, investigative approach and offers challenge to all abilities. A wide range of methods and techniques is employed, including research, presentation, debate, role-play, drama, AV and ICT. All help to stimulate deeper understanding and sharpen analytical skills.
Exam Format: Units 1 & 2: examined at the end of Y12 Units 3 & 4: examined at the end of Y13
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in a humanities subject. GCSE grade B in English.
Combines Well With: History, Law, Economics and Sociology, all humanities and arts subjects.
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History Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level (a two year course, leading to assessment in summer 2017)
Course Content: War, revolution, romance, communism, medieval warfare, nuclear bombs, optimism and despair are some of the more dramatic elements that students will study in our new A-level History. There are 3 components in the new AQA course: two examined topics and one coursework topic. Component 1 covers the arc of Russian history from Tsarism, through the Revolution and up to the peak of the Cold War (1855–1964). Component 2 is a classic study of fear, dysfunctional families and vicious battles in early modern England: the Wars of the Roses (1450–99). The coursework will cover the evolution of US foreign policy 1890–2000 from sleeping giant to world superpower.
Exam Format: Component 1: Russia 1855–1964 (40%, 2 hours 30 minutes) Component 2: Wars of the Roses (40%, 2 hours 30 minutes) Component 3: U.S. Foreign Policy (20%, coursework)
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in History. GCSE grade B in English.
Combines Well With: Humanities, arts and social science subjects but especially English, Politics and Economics.
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Law Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: Within the first you will study: Unit 1 Candidates will study both section A and section B. In the examination, they will answer questions on one topic from each section, and questions on a third topic from either section. Section A – Law making Section B – The legal system Unit 2 Candidates will study either Sections A and B or Sections A and C. Section A – Introduction to criminal liability Section B – Introduction to tort Section C – Introduction to contract
Exam Format: Unit 1 – LAW01 Law Making and the Legal System 50% of AS. Externally-assessed examination, 1 hour 30 minutes Unit 2 – LAW02 The Concept of Liability 50% of AS. Externally-assessed examination, 1 hour 30 minutes
Entry Requirement: GCSE grade B in English.
Combines Well With: Politics, History, English.
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Mathematics Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: AS and A2 Mathematics The course covers two main elements: Core Mathematics and Applications. Core elements These are referred to as ‘pure’ mathematics and they provide students with the tools and techniques required to solve problems in other areas of Mathematics, Science and Engineering. Applications The applications include Mechanics and Statistics. Mechanics is the study of forces acting on objects in the real world. Statistics covers the collection and analysis of ‘real world’ data. Statistics is used in the pharmaceutical industry, Economics, Biology, Psychology, market research and Geography.
Exam Format: Assessment at AS and A2 level is 100% examination based. AS consists of 3 modules – Core 1, Core 2 and either Mechanics 1 or Statistics 1.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade A in Mathematics.
Combines Well With: Engineering, Economics and Physics.
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Mathematics in Context Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: Level 3 certificate (equivalent to an AS level)
Course Content: This is a one year course aimed at students who will benefit from developing their Mathematical skills to complement their other A level choices. Core elements The course components are: • Statistics • Probability • Linear programming • Sequences and growth Applications This course will enable students to: • Develop their ability to use mathematical methods and techniques • Develop confidence in representing and analysing authentic situations mathematically, and applying mathematics to address related issues • Build skills in mathematical thinking, reasoning and communication.
Exam Format: Assessment is 100% examination based. There are two exams. Paper 1: Comprehension (40%) Paper 2: Applications (60%)
Entry Requirement: GCSE grade B in Mathematics.
Combines Well With: Business Studies, Economics, Computing, Geography and Psychology.
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Music Exam Board: Edexcel
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: Performing: A six-minute solo performance of no less than Grade V standard, which can be made up of several shorter pieces. (30% of exam total) Composing: A composition lasting 3 minutes or more, composed to a given brief (with options). 20% of total. A sleeve note has to be written about the piece (10% of exam total), together with an accurate score of the piece. Understanding music: Study of a group of extracts of music from the Anthology, covering Instrumental and Vocal Music across a range of styles and eras. The 2 hour written examination, (40% of exam total) will contain questions about stylistic features of the pieces, comparison questions, a question on analysing a piece of harmony and some harmony to complete. There is an aural analysis section with questions.
Exam Format: • Controlled assessment for composition of 3 minutes – 15 hours • Solo Performance of 6 minutes • Two hour written examination
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in Music, the ability to perform to grade V or equivalent.
Combines Well With: Any other subjects to provide a broad curriculum. Music is highly regarded by university admissions for all subjects as it involves many disciplines and demonstrates a wide range of skills.
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Philosophy Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: Philosophy is essentially the search for wisdom. If you thought there was lots you knew, be prepared to discard that belief. If you have always wondered why, and been unwilling just to accept what you are told, this could be the course for you. If you value clear and logical thinking, consider this subject. What follows is just a snap shot of what we will discuss. We would consider the very basis of knowledge. Questions such as: How do we acquire knowledge? What counts as reliable knowledge? Is there certain knowledge? Is knowledge justified true belief? What happens if your justification turns out to be false? Is getting knowledge from a teacher enough to say that it must be true? What further checks could you carry out to make this knowledge more certain? We will consider whether the attributes of God are logically impossible. For instance, can an omnipotent God make a stone so heavy he cannot lift it? Can the existence of God be proved logically or empirically? If God is allknowing, does that mean he already knows our future? There is the opportunity to consider ethics. Are we free or determined? If the latter, can we be held responsible for our actions? Do we have objective ethical truths or is our morality relative? How do we approach ethical dilemmas? Is it clear what course of action is the best? If you are faced with a choice to save five people you do not know, or one you do, what do you choose to do?
Exam Format: AS Exam: Epistemology (Theories of Knowledge) and Philosophy of Religion A2 Exam: Ethics and Philosophy of Mind
Entry Requirement: GCSE grade B in English.
Combines Well With: All other subjects at A Level.
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Physical Education Exam Board: AQA
Offered at: A Level
Course Content: In the first year, there are two main study topics. • Firstly, the beneficial effects of a healthy lifestyle, including the physiological effects of exercise and how people acquire sports skills. • In the second study topic, you’ll learn how to analyse and evaluate an athlete’s performance, how it may be improved, and the factors affecting gaining new skills.
Exam Format: Assessment is by way of a 2 hour written examination that accounts for 60% of the AS and an assessment (externally moderated) in 2 activities from the role of performer, coach/leader or official, which accounts for the remaining 40%.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade B in Biology or Additional Science. Active participation in a recognised sport at a high level outside of school and representing the school in at least one other sport.
Combines Well With: Biology, Psychology, Sociology.
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APPLICATION FORM Surname: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
First name: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Address: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Postcode: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Home telephone number: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Student mobile number: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Parent mobile number: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
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The Norton Knatchbull School SIXTH FORM Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0QJ T: 01233 620045 F: 01233 633668 information@nks.kent.sch.uk www.nks.kent.sch.uk
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