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Arts Faculty
HISTORY
A Level
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.
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, self-disciplined and an independent thinker, as well as being able to take and make good decisions.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
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.
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.
English Literature is a facilitating subject, allowing students to be successful across many different careers and courses.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
A Level
Completing an A Level in English Language will offer opportunities for students to develop their subject expertise by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. Throughout the course, students will engage creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. As part of the course students will also understand how the study of language can be used as a way to assert power in society.
Why study this course?
By studying English Language, you will gain invaluable skills for life. You will understand how to communicate effectively, critically assess information and challenge assumptions. You’ll also become aware of the wider context and the written form. English Language can you lead into careers such as journalism, teaching, lexicographer, publishing, advertising, linguistics, and many more.
GEOGRAPHY
A Level
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.
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.
FRENCH
A Level
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.
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.
SPANISH
A Level
A Level Spanish helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in Spanish and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where Spanish 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.
The course covers the topics of 20th Century Spanish history, Latin American politics, popular culture, family relationships, multicultural society, Spanish architecture and students will be provided with an opportunity to study a play and a film.
Why study this course?
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, making it an essential language to have in society today. 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 Spanish 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.
DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES
A Level
A Level Drama and Theatre offers an inspiring qualification that will allow you to explore and develop your practical creativity alongside deepening your research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. In the course you will be introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as you explore plays practically, devise and work on performances. You will develop in all areas:
• performers • designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)
• director
gaining many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand your horizons. You will attend workshops with theatre practitioners, and several live-theatre opportunities will be available to you across the two years. You will interpret plays and perform them for yourselves, you will devise and perform your own work with others, and you will interrogate live performance and texts and write about them in the written exam element. The assessment, and structure mirrors the GCSE in Drama and build logically and creatively on from it. 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. The majority of students studying Drama and Theatre achieve A-C grades, enabling them to go into Higher Education, or work and apprenticeships, ahead of their peers.
Why study this course?
Higher education institutions (HEIs) value and respect the skills drama and theatre qualifications give students. Many employers want Drama and Theatre students, recognising the confidence, collaborative, leadership and other transferable skills they possess following their studies. The specification we follow at HAB refines students’ analytical thinking and approach to research, empowering students to then make rapid and sustained progress post-19. Students in Drama and Theatre grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making. Whatever the future holds, students of A-Level Drama and Theatre – you – will emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills preparing you for your next steps.
ART
A Level
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.
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.
BUSINESS STUDIES
CTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
The CTEC 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. CTEC 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?
Business covers a broad range of fields, including human resource management, finance, law, marketing, eBusiness and administration. The CTEC 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.
55 Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3TZ T: 020 7237 9316 F: 020 7237 9204 Email: tania.maquieira@harrisbermondsey.org.uk
