A Sixth Form AT
e d i u g e s r u o C
contents
Guidance.....................................................................................................................3 Science, Mathematics and Engineering Faculty.......................................................4 Extended Project................................................................................................................................................. 4 - Psychology........................................................................................................................................................ 4 - Statistics............................................................................................................................................................ 4 - Computer Science ........................................................................................................................................... 4 - Biology.............................................................................................................................................................. 4 - Stem Cells......................................................................................................................................................... 4 - Nanoparticles................................................................................................................................................... 4 - The Universe Around Us................................................................................................................................. 4 Chemistry............................................................................................................................................................ 4 Physics................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Biology................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Mathematics........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Arts Faculty.................................................................................................................6 Extended Project................................................................................................................................................. 6 - Economics........................................................................................................................................................ 6 - Sociology ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 - Philosophy ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 - Law ................................................................................................................................................................... 6 History................................................................................................................................................................. 6 English Literature............................................................................................................................................... 7 Geography........................................................................................................................................................... 7 French.................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Art........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Business Studies................................................................................................................................................. 8
1
2
Guidance
Choosing the courses you want to study at sixth form is both exciting and important. Choosing exciting sounding subjects may not give you the qualifications required to take up a place at the University or employer of your choice. Our subject offer is based on the qualifications that will help you build up a portfolio to move on to University, Higher Level Apprenticeships or employment. This means that from the list, it is possible to choose subjects that will prepare you for the next stage in your life. Some degrees (for example Medicine) have strict requirements that you should bear in mind when making your choices. Specific advice will be available at our Open Evenings. Our Extended Projects will help you balance the desire to test out subjects that sound exciting whilst ensuring that the qualifications you study are both valued by Universities and employers and give you the widest variety of options for the future. You will be mentored by a specialist for the whole two years of your time with us and your Extended Project will be an ideal talking point at University and employment interviews.
The entrance requirements for courses at HAB6 are: 4 A Levels:
- 5 A*-B grades at full course GCSE subjects in addition to a minimum of ‘6’ in both English and Mathematics GCSE - Minimum of B grades at GCSE in the subjects you are wishing to study at A level
3 A levels:
- 3 A*-C grades at full course GCSE subjects in addition to a minimum of ‘6’ in both English and Mathematics GCSE - Minimum of B grades at GCSE in the subjects you are wishing to study at A Level
BTEC +1 A Level:
- 3 A*-C grades at full course GCSE in addition to a minimum of ‘5’ in English and Mathematics GCSE - Minimum of a B grade GCSE in the subject you are wishing to study at A Level
BTEC only:
- 5 A*-C grades at full course GCSE - Minimum of ‘5’ in English and/or Mathematics GCSE
3
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Faculty Extended Project Psychology
Biology
A Level
Students interested in Psychology and how to analyse experiments can get experience in this field by taking part in the Extended Project. Students will be looking at analysing the difference in memory recall of different ages of women, looking for trends and using data to form conclusions.
Ever wondered why taking paracetamol helps stop those pesky headaches? The world of drug development is more important then ever. See if you can research the new drugs and the process needed to help people recover from diseases such as Cancer, HIV and the most talked about at the moment - Ebola. It will certainly give you a lot to talk about at interview and you may even discover a lifelong interest.
If you enjoyed Chemistry at GCSE and would like to delve into it in more depth, then this is the course for you. For the AS assessment, students explore the fundamental principles that form the basis of Chemistry such as atomic structure, bonding, periodicity and an introduction to organic chemistry. Students also look at the applications of these principles. For the A2 assessment, students develop further the concepts and principles introduced at AS through topics including equilibria, polymers, aromatic chemistry, thermodynamics, energetic chemistry and inorganic chemistry.
Statistics When choosing a statistics project the potential is huge. Students may either focus within mathematics itself, if students are keen to study Maths at University, or link with other A Level disciplines such as Sciences. The statistical project will be linked to some real life situations that require analysis to further understand real world problems e.g. • Population dynamics • Social trends • Spread of diseases • Medical survival rates
Computer Science You could become a part of the Raspberry Pi revolution, learning programming skills and developing a project that interests you. It might be a project synchronising a lighting show to music or developing your own computer game. Whatever you do you will certainly have a lot to talk about at interview and may even discover a lifelong interest.
4
Chemistry
Stem Cells My Sisters Keeper raised some key issues in science through Hollywood. Be the scientist behind it! What are Stem Cells and what does the future hold for them? Is it ethical to use them or are we playing God? A great project if you are thinking about going into Genetics or medicinal research - it will certainly provide a lot to talk about at interview.
Nanoparticles Ever wondered how phones are becoming smaller and smaller? Or how the phone in a watch works? Well the answer is nano particles. Through your research try and discover a new way that they can be used - you never know you could become our very own Richard Branson!
The Universe Around Us So NASA have found a water like substance on another planet? What does that mean for us? Is space exploration a worthwhile cause to spend billions of pounds on? Discover more about the amazing universe around us and have a lot to talk about in your Physics University interview!
Why study this course? Chemistry A Level is a requirement for many University courses including medicine, veterinary science, optometry, nursing, dentistry, sports science, pharmacy, chemical engineering. Chemistry is one of the facilitating subjects which helps students to be successful across many different careers and courses.
Physics
Biology
MATHEMATICS
A Level
A Level
A Level
If you enjoyed Physics at GCSE and would like to delve into it in more depth, then this is the course for you. Students learn to understand the mechanics, materials and waves and exciting new topics: particles, quantum phenomena and electricity. In the second year, students are introduced to topics including fields and further mechanics, and choose from options including astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics and turning points in physics. Building upon their existing knowledge, students learn new concepts and develop their laboratory skills and ability to think analytically.
If you enjoyed Biology at GCSE and would like to delve into it in more depth, then this is the course for you. Students learn to understand the living world, to sense the wonder of evolution, to catch the excitement of genetic engineering, to think independently, to challenge widely held beliefs, to appreciate the delicate ecological balance that sustains life on Earth and to answer fundamental questions like, ‘what is life?’ Building upon their existing knowledge, students learn new concepts and develop their laboratory skills and ability to think analytically.
A Level Mathematics is probably the most marketable A Level. It allows students to move into a variety of different fields in both higher education and the world of work. It is essential to the expanding fields of science, technology and engineering. It provides a solid pathway into careers in finance, accounting, economics and banking. It is an important aspect of psychology, computing and marketing at degree level. It is difficult to think of any course or career where A Level Mathematics would not be welcomed in combination with other subjects.
Why study this course? Why study this course? Physics A Level is a requirement for many University courses including medicine, veterinary science, astrophysics and applied physics, engineering. Physics is one of the facilitating subjects which helps students to be successful across many different careers and courses.
Biology A Level is a requirement for many University courses including medicine, veterinary science, optometry, psychology, nursing, dentistry, sports science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, genetics, zoology, ecology, lots more including of course Biology. Biology is one of the facilitating subjects which helps students to be successful across many different careers and courses.
Why study this course? A Level Mathematics can lead to degrees in mathematics, engineering, most areas of physics, computing, accountancy, economics, business, banking, air traffic control, retail management, architecture, surveying, cartography, psychology and, of course, teaching.
5
ARTS FACULTY Extended Project In addition to studying highly sought after qualifications all students in the Law and International Business Faculty will have the opportunity to study an Extended Project on an area that interests them. These exciting courses will give you the edge when applying to Universities and employers, they will show your ability to work independently and prove your interest in the subjects. Some of the projects on offer are detailed here.
Economics ‘Should the UK leave the EU?’ ‘How do firms compete?’ ‘What was the cost benefit analysis of London 2012?’ ‘What financial impact does Ebola have on the world economy?’ If any of these questions ignite an enthusiasm to learn, research, discuss, debate and present, then an Economics Extended Project is for you.
Sociology Criminology This Enrichment will help you develop a basic understanding of the different sociological theories of why crime occurs and how the criminal justice system operates. Using real examples, we will also investigate both the role of fear and gender in relation to crime. Debating Society In the Debating Society we will follow the rules of a formal debate to discuss topical issues which may be of a political, social, philosophical or more light hearted nature.
6
History Philosophy
A Level
What relevance does Ancient Philosophy have in today’s society? What can Philosophy teach us about ourselves? How could Philosophy help HAB develop as a community?
If you have a thirst for historical knowledge, a flair for debating complex interpretations of the past and enjoy critical thinking, then History A Level is for you. Covering at least 200 years of British and World History, the A Level course aims to introduce more ‘stretch and challenge’ into History. It will be taught by Specialist Subject teachers with enthusiasm and expertise. Candidates develop fluency in historical skills and acquire knowledge and understanding through the ability to study a wide range of topics in British, European and American History through to the late twentieth century, dealing with the most vibrant and relevant economies and powers on the world stage today.
Law Law Mock Trial Competition Take the part of barristers, court staff and witnesses in a national mock trial at a Crown Court. You will be competing against other schools in front of real judges for a place in the national finals. If you enjoy thinking on your feet, working in a team and arguing a case before an audience in a formal setting, this Extended Project is for you. Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) Support If you are considering reading Law at one of the Universities requiring the LNAT then you will need to sign up for LNAT support sessions run each week. Law Society If you are interested in practising law; debating controversial legal issues; raising awareness of matters of public concern; taking part in mock trials; visiting courts, police stations, prisons and town halls; hearing talks or attending workshops from a variety of speakers; watching law-related videos; gaining helpful careers advice; taking part in competitions and celebrating key dates in our legal history; then join our Law Society!
Why study this course? History has been defined amongst the key ‘facilitating’ or ‘hard’ subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group (20 leading UK Universities). History A Level opens doors in Higher Education and employment and doesn’t close any. Many students progress to University to study a very wide variety of subjects such as Law, Journalism, Medicine, Politics and Economics, Broadcasting and Journalism. In the world of work an A Level History qualification indicates a prospective employee who is literate, selfdisciplined and an independent thinker, as well as being able to take and make good decisions.
English Literature
Geography
French
A Level
A Level
A Level
If you enjoyed English at GCSE and would like to delve deeper into Literature, then this is the course for you. Students learn to understand how narrative works, to look at genre and to learn about critical approaches to texts.
If you have a fascination with sustainability, a flair for understanding Physical Geography and its impact on society, then an A Level in Geography is for you. The course will develop an understanding and knowledge of the main components of Physical and Human Geography, the processes operating interactions between them, and the problems and solutions relating to them. A Level Geography aims to take your knowledge and interest to a deeper understanding, providing ‘stretch and challenge’ beyond the scope of GCSE. Geography is an interesting and varied subject. It has links with a variety of other academic subjects such as Economics, Science, Politics, and studying the topics will lead you to becoming a more diverse person with an open view of the world.
A Level French helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in French and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken. It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context.
Students discover how central narrative is important to the way literary texts work and they are introduced to the different aspects of genre. Encouraging wide and independent reading, the course also considers different types of critical approach and how texts can reflect cultural meanings. Why study this course? Students focus on genre and meaning through a variety of interesting set texts. They are encouraged to extend their awareness of critical methods and become independent readers. Genre and narrative are at the core of this specification. Students see that Literature consists of possible groups of texts which can be categorised, their meaning negotiated in many different ways. They compare how stories can be told to create different realities and convey cultural meanings. English Literature A Level is highly regarded at top Universities. It is a requirement for many courses including English, Law, Journalism, Media, Social Sciences, History and Politics. Careers directly linked to the study of English are Journalism, Law, Teaching, Writer, Copywriter, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.
Why study this course? Geography has been identified as one of 10 recession-proof degree subjects and has been defined amongst the key ‘facilitating’ or ‘hard’ subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group (20 leading UK Universities). The A Level will prepare students to follow a degree in Geography or similar at University, or it may lead into related areas such as, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science and Sustainable Development.
The course covers the topics of media, healthy living, popular culture, family relationships, environment, multicultural society, contemporary issues and a cultural topic specific to France. Why study this course? Languages are an invaluable skill to have, being able to speak a language can increase your salary up to 20%! Language skills give you a head start on other potential employees as by speaking another language you’re vital to any company who does international business. This course enables students to develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE, while enhancing employment prospects and the opportunity to study French further at University. This course can also facilitate foreign travel and provide an insight into another culture and society. Also, a language is a requirement for many courses at University so it is time to think about which University you may want to go to in the future.
English Literature is a facilitating subject, allowing students to be successful across many different careers and courses.
7
ARTS FACULTY ART
Business Studies
A Level
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Through A Level Art you will look at the ways other artists and designers have worked and use this understanding to enhance your own artwork. Drawing from observation is an essential part of the course and you will keep sketchbooks to assist in the recording and developing of your ideas. You will also learn various ways of presenting your work for display. As you progress through the A level course and learn more advanced skills you will be encouraged to find ways of developing your own personal style and interests. If you have a leaning towards painting, for example, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in this area. The course will enable you to work to your strengths in painting, print, drawing, mixed media and photography. The majority of students studying Art achieve A-C grades and many students progress to Art Foundation Courses or to Higher Education in a wide variety of fields from Product Design to Fine Art.
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma are broadly equivalent three GCE A Levels. The programme aims to provide students with an in depth understanding of the operations and structures of businesses and also to equip students with the skills required to succeed in employment or at university. The course will involve businesses in the public, private and voluntary sectors. You will be assessed continually through practical project work, coursework, written assignments, time constrained assignments and through giving presentations. BTEC L3 Business courses have been designed to be as practical as possible and allow progression to get a good job with an employer or the skills to progress to university. Throughout your course there will be a need to organise, produce assignments and work with others – all using business related materials. Useful information will be gained through the use of up to date real life business scenarios which will help create awareness of the business world around.
Why study this course? Studying AS and A level Art and Design will help you to develop intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive skills. You will have the opportunity to investigate, experiment, develop practical skills as well as aesthetic understanding and critical judgement. Yet perhaps more valuable than anything, you will enjoy opportunities to develop independence of mind, explore your own ideas, refine your skills and produce personal outcomes. This course is particularly suitable for students who wish to pursue art and design at a higher level but who are not sure which area to specialise in. A good range of practical work is one of the essential requirements for entry into art courses in higher education and institutions are looking for art students who have enquiring minds and an enthusiasm and understanding of all aspects of art and design.
8
Why study this course? Business covers a broad range of fields, including human resource management, finance, law, marketing, eBusiness and administration. The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business can provide a springboard to a university degree or Foundation Degree in an appropriate vocational discipline, or to employment. Businesses create wealth for individuals and the country. Anyone who wants to work for an organisation from a Global company to a small local company; from a public sector organisation to their own business, will gain the skills of how businesses are started, organised, financed and marketed and be able to put these skills into practice.
9
55 Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3TZ T: 020 7237 9316 F: 020 7237 9204 Email: lyndsay.harris@harrisbermondsey.org.uk www.harrisbermondsey.org.uk www.hablive.co.uk