Sixth Form Supplementary Information
Barton Court Grammar School An Academy of Excellence
Barton Court Grammar School An Academy of Excellence
Support Inspire Achieve
Dear Student Thank you for taking the time to read our Sixth Form prospectus. We are very proud to be able to offer an extensive range of Advanced Level courses alongside our current IB programme. With such a wide range of both A Level courses and IB subject choices available, you will be able to select the combination that best suits your interests, abilities and career aspirations. Barton Court Grammar School has a tradition of offering an outstanding curriculum, excellent teaching and learning and excellent results at both A Level and the IB Diploma so you will be joining one of the best Sixth Forms in the country. At Barton Court Grammar School we encourage all our students to be independent learners, to contribute to the life of the School and its wider community. We are also committed to nurturing global citizenship, emphasising an education without borders. The purpose of this booklet is to explain the process of choosing between A Levels and the IB Diploma and the opportunities available in both qualification routes. For full details of all the subjects on offer and the individual subject course outlines please see the full A level or IB information booklets. These are available to download from the School website www.bartoncourt.org or from the School Office. We believe yours is an exciting future: together we can work towards achieving your goals.
Ms K Cardus Headteacher
Barton Court Grammar School
1
The
International Baccalaureate At Barton Court
A World-Class Education For World-Class Students The IB is held in the highest regard by the top universities throughout the world. As well as being of the highest academic standard, the IB enables students to develop and demonstrate all of their talents and the independent thinking which will enable them to thrive at university and in later life. It maintains breadth and balance and enables students to choose from the full range of university courses and careers rather than having to commit themselves too early. It enables students to attain high standards in English, mathematics and a foreign language valued by universities and employers. It is taught in 122 countries and has been the foremost international education for 16 to 19 year-olds for 45 years. Standards are constant and reliable and cannot be changed by the whim of any national government because it is designed to be in the best interests of students throughout the world. Students study 6 subjects, 3 at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level. Students must choose one option from each of groups 1 – 6. Students must study English, mathematics and a foreign language. Mathematics can be studied at Higher, Standard or Studies Level and the foreign language could be one already enjoyed or a completely new one (‘ab initio’).
Group 1 Diploma Programme Language A1
Group 2 Second Language
English (or other 1st language)
French / Spanish / German ab initio: French / Spanish / Italian Extended Essay
Group 3 Individuals and Societies Business and Management / Geography / History / Philosophy / Psychology
Theory of Knowledge Creativity, Action, Knowledge Group 4 Experimental Sciences
Group 5 Mathematics
Biology / Chemistry / Physics
Mathematics
Group 6 The Arts Visual Arts / Music / Theatre Arts / Film / Computer Science Or a choice of an additional subject from groups 2–4
In addition to the 6 academic subjects, there are 3 important elements: • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): central element of the IB – how we think and learn, how we come to our judgements, how to question what we are told and analyse the evidence. • Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): compulsory, but nonexamined, component of the Diploma Programme. Here you will engage in activities outside the classroom, spending at least 50 hours on each of the three components: creativity, action and service, over the course of the two years.
• Extended Essay (EE): a major research project into a deeper aspect of one of the academic courses or something completely different, such independent research skills are exactly what universities are looking for and one of the reasons why IB thrives so well in higher education.
Barton Court Grammar School
3
Frequently Asked
Questions
About the IB Q. What grades do I get in the IB? A. A. Universities use a tariff system (UCAS) that award points for admission onto degree courses. The maximum number of points that an IB Diploma student can achieve is 45. This number represents a student who gains the maximum 7 points for each of the six subjects they have studied with a further 3 points added for successful completion of the Core (CAS, TO K and Extended Essay). • A common IB score of 30 points = 419 UCAS Tariff points • Contrasts with 3 x A grades at A level = 360 UCAS Tariff points • A full score of 45 IB points is equal to more than 6 A grades at A level
Q. How do Universities view the IB? A. Universities like IB students for a variety of reasons. A recent university survey received the following comments: • “IB students are flexible, open to new ideas and are ready to question and challenge.” University of Essex • “IB students perform well and do not fail or drop out.” University of Exeter • “IB students adjust easily to higher education.” University of Manchester – where the physics department said they “would lean over backwards to admit more IB students.” • “We like the self-directed learner.” Middlesex University • “Critical thinkers developed through the IB are among our best.” Royal Holloway • The full report can be read at: http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/perceptions.cfm
Q. How long do I spend on the different levels? A. You will be timetabled for 8 lessons per fortnight for a higher subject, 5 lessons per fortnight for a standard subject, and 2 lessons per fortnight for TO K. Extended Essay and CAS are completed in free periods and home study.
IB Subject
Entry Requirements
Subject
Level
Entry Requirements
English
S/H
GCSE English Language and English Literature at grade B
French, German, Spanish, Italian
Ab initio
No entry requirement
French
S
GCSE French at grade A
French
H
GCSE French at grade A*
German
S
GCSE German at grade A
German
H
GCSE German at grade A*
Spanish
S
GCSE Spanish at grade A
Spanish
H
GCSE Spanish at grade A*
History
S/H
GCSE History at grade B
Geography
S/H
GCSE Geography at grade B
Psychology
S/H
GCSE Mathematics at grade B, GCSE Science Additional grade B
Philosophy
S/H
GCSE English Language and Literature at grade B
Business Studies
S/H
GCSE English Language and Literature at grade B
Biology
S
GCSE Biology or Science Additional at grade B
Biology
H
GCSE Biology or Science Additional at grade A
Chemistry
S
GCSE Chemistry or Science Additional at grade B
Chemistry
H
GCSE Chemistry or Science Additional at grade A
Physics
S
GCSE Physics or Science Additional at grade B
Physics
H
GCSE Physics or Science Additional at grade A
Visual Arts
S/H
GCSE Art at grade B
Music
S
GCSE Music at grade B
Music
H
GCSE Music at grade A
Theatre Arts
S/H
GCSE Drama at grade B
Mathematical Studies
S
GCSE Mathematics at grade B
Mathematics
S
GCSE Mathematics at grade A
Mathematics
H
GCSE Mathematics at grade A*
Film
S/H
GCSE English Language and English Literature at grade B
Computer Science
S/H
GCSE ICT/Computing at grade B
Note: S = Standard and H = Higher Please note the following: • We aim to provide all students with their choices but this is dependent upon option numbers. • If group sizes are not economically viable, then the course will not run. • Occasionally Sixth Form lessons may be timetabled beyond normal learning hours to facilitate maximum curriculum choice.
Barton Court Grammar School
5
Common Misconceptions about the IB I don’t need mathematics after GCSE: research shows that, on average, students who continue with mathematics post-16 earn £168,000 more in their careers – in IB it is possible to continue mathematics at an appropriate level for you, and it most welcomed by many university admissions tutors. I don’t need languages after GCSE: with more and more schools not even offering modern languages after GCSE, the future demand for young people with some confidence in languages is going to grow; the world is increasingly a global market – IB offers an ab initio (beginners) course for those seeking a fresh start! I want to specialise in sciences because I want to be a medic: All medical schools accept IB as at least an equal qualification; there is a premium put on candidates who have excellent communication skills and are not too narrow. I want to concentrate on getting top grades in main A level subjects because I want to apply to a top university: For every student accepted there are at least four more with equivalent A level predictions of three/ four grade As at A level – IB is welcomed by admissions tutors as providing a wider appreciation of what learning is about. IB is only for the elite – I’m just an ordinary student: many schools now ONLY teach IB – the admissions offers from IB compare very favourably with A level, with many students having the chance to apply to courses which would not have been on offer with ‘average’ A level grades. I hear that you have to give a lot of talks – I’m not into that: unfortunately, the rest of the world is! It is a huge feature of IB that you are encouraged to present your own ideas, and taught to do so. Your enhanced communication skills and confidence will be a major advantage if you are interviewed for places on competitive courses. I‘d rather be told what to do and not to have to use my own ideas: then don’t do IB! The emphasis is very much on you developing your own perspectives and understanding rather than just studying the thoughts and ideas and theories of others. More people seem to be doing A levels – they must be right and I’m wrong: nationally more and more schools and students are taking up the IB as an alternative to A Levels. It is about making the right choice for you, if you think you would enjoy the IB then go for it. Thousands of students take the IB every year in the UK and at Barton Court Grammar School there are over 100 IB students right now.
A Levels At Barton Court Students who study A levels at Barton Court Grammar School are also encouraged to follow an Extended Learning Programme. Students study four AS levels in Year 12. In Year 13 students can continue to study four subjects to A2 (A level) or three subjects to A2 with an Extended Learning programme.
Extended Learning Programme The Extended Learning Programme enables students to tailor their learning within the sixth form around their talents and own areas of interest, specifically aimed towards individual personal development. Universities and employers are now looking for students who take on additional programmes of study outside the main curriculum offer; thereby enhancing their CV and personal profile. A popular choice is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ is one of the components required for the AQA Baccalaureate. An alternative extended learning option is the YA SS scheme.
The AQA Baccalaureate This is known as the AQA BACC and celebrates the achievements of well-rounded post-16 students. The AQA BACC comprises four elements which together demonstrate that students have achieved success in terms of A levels and wider learning and enriched activities. • Depth of study is represented by GCE A Levels. • Breadth of study is achieved through AS General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship. • Independent Learning is demonstrated through the completion of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) The Extended Project Qualification is a course worth approximately half an A level. As the time allocation is one year or 120 guided learning hours. It has been designed to encourage independent research, analysis, communication and presentation skills. This qualification is of particular interest to Higher Education Institutions as it has been designed to prepare students for the skills needed in degree programmes. There is no formal examination. The EPQ is designed to allow an area of enquiry selected by individual students to be followed and the results of that enquiry presented in a suitable format. Much of the work is carried out independently supported by approximately 40 hours of tutorial support.
The YASS Programme An alternative Extended Learning option would be the YA SS programme. The YA SS programme (Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme) is run by the Open University. The Open University’s YA SS scheme enables academically able students in Years 12 and 13 to study a wide range of undergraduate modules at first year level alongside their AS and A levels. Topics include: Arts, Business and Management, Computing, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environment, Health and Social Care, Languages, Law, Mathematics, Science and Sport. Details of all extended learning options and subjects offered at A Level are provided in the separate A level Booklet.
• Students achieve personal development through enrichment activities which include community work and work experience. This overarching qualification is graded at Pass, Merit and Distinction and recognises the wider involvement of students during their time within the Sixth Form.
Barton Court Grammar School
7
Frequently
asked questions
about A Levels Q. What is the new A* grade at A Level?
Q. Can I take more than 4 subjects?
A. The A* grade has been introduced to differentiate between the most able students. The best universities, including Oxbridge, will ask for A* grades as part of their UCAS offer. Anyone wishing to study Medicine or Veterinary Science should expect to be asked to achieve one if not two A* grades.
A. The timetable may not allow you to take more than 4 subjects without clashes. Therefore, it may not be possible to study more than 4 subjects. We would also suggest that time spent on an additional subject could be better spent on ensuring the highest grades for your other subjects and developing other interests that will make you a well-rounded student.
Q. When will I take my examinations? A. You will take your AS examinations in January and June of Year 12 and your A2 examinations in January and June of Year 13. It is important to remember that the universities you apply to will see all of your AS grades when you apply. It is, therefore, essential that you achieve well both in Year 12 and Year 13.
Q. Why do some students only take 3 A2s in Year 13? A. Universities only make offers on the basis of your performance in 3 A2 subjects; therefore, students often look to focus on their very best subjects in their final year.
Q. What is the best combination of subjects to take for Medicine? A. There is no “best” combination of subjects; however, it is essential that you take Chemistry and another Science. Often students will take Chemistry, Biology and Maths as a strong A2 combination, however, it is essential to achieve the very best grades and so you may wish to choose a different subject in the mix in which you feel more confident of achieving the best possible grade.
Q. Can I take subjects from different disciplines, for example 2 Sciences and 2 Humanities subjects? A. Ultimately, the final choice of subjects will be up to you. However, it is important to realise that it is difficult to keep your options open indefinitely with A Levels and you should check carefully the full A Level booklet to see the preferred subject combinations by universities and employers. If you want to keep a range of opportunities / disciplines open to you it may be better to consider the IB route.
Q. How long do I spend on each A Level? A. You will be timetabled for 9 or 10 hours for each A level subject per fortnight.
Q. What is the Extended Project Qualification? A. The Extended Project Qualification enables you to choose a subject and area that you would like to investigate and learn more about. Students opt for this because it enables them to be in charge of their own learning and pursue their own academic interests rather than having to study topics dictated by Exam Boards and teachers. Universities value the Extended Project Qualification because it demonstrates an independence of mind and develops the independent learning skills required to be successful at degree level.
Q. What is the YASS qualification? A. YA SS is a scheme run by the Open University that allows students to study at a more advanced level. “YASS is designed to bridge the gap between school and full-time university and help able and motivated students stand out from the crowd.” Open University. There are over 60 modules to choose from.
A Level
Subject Entry Requirements Subject
Level
Entry Requirements
Art
AS/A2
GCSE Art at grade B
Biology
AS/A2
GCSE Biology or Science Additional at grade B
Business Studies
AS/A2
GCSE Business Studies at grade B or GCSE English Language at grade B
Chemistry
AS/A2
GCSE Chemistry or Science Additional at grade B
Drama & Theatre Studies
AS/A2
GCSE Drama at grade B or GCSE English Language and Literature at grade B
Film
AS/A2
GCSE Film at grade B or GCSE English Language and Literature at grade B
Food Technology
AS/A2
GCSE Food at grade B
French
AS/A2
GCSE French at grade A*/A
Geography
AS/A2
GCSE Geography at grade B
German
AS/A2
GCSE German at grade A*/A
Government & Politics
AS/A2
GCSE English Language or GCSE History at grade B
History
AS/A2
GCSE History at grade B
Computing
AS/A2
GCSE ICT/Computing at grade B
Mathematics
AS/A2
GCSE Mathematics at grade A*/A
Mathematics Further
AS/A2
GCSE Mathematics at grade A*
Music
AS/A2
GCSE Music at grade B. Grade 4/above on at least one instrument
Physical Education
AS/A2
GCSE PE at grade B or Science Additional at grade B/play in one sport at club, district or national level
Physics
AS/A2
GCSE Physics or Science Additional at grade B
Product Design
AS/A2
GCSE DT at grade B
Psychology
AS/A2
GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science Additional all at grade B
Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics
AS/A2
GCSE RS at grade B or GCSE English Language and Literature at grade B
Spanish
AS/A2
GCSE Spanish at grade A*/A
Please note the following: • We aim to provide all students with their choices but this is dependent upon option numbers. • If group sizes are not economically viable, then the course will not run. • Occasionally Sixth Form lessons may be timetabled beyond normal learning hours to facilitate maximum curriculum choice.
Barton Court Grammar School
9
International Baccalaureate 2012 Total
%7-6
%7-5
APS
World APS
9
52
17.3%
82.7%
5.00
4.68
3
27
22.2%
88.9%
5.20
5.03
1
100.0%
100.0%
7.00
5.60
5
60.0%
100.0%
5.60
5.10
Subject
7
6
5
4
English HL
1
8
34
English SL
1
5
18
English B SL
1
French HL
3
2
3
2
French SL
1
1
2
1
5
40.0%
80.0%
5.40
4.83
French AB
3
8
8
2
21
52.4%
90.5%
5.57
4.99
German A2 HL
1
1
100.0%
100.0%
6.00
5.50
German A2 SL
1
1
100.0%
100.0%
6.00
5.77
1
0.0%
100.0%
5.00
5.21
2
100.0%
100.0%
6.50
4.66
7
57.1%
85.7%
5.57
4.94
2
100.0%
100.0%
6.50
5.04
3
0.0%
0.0%
3.67
5.07
6
83.3%
100.0%
6.33
5.49
26
50.0%
92.3%
5.38
5.18
5
60.0%
100.0%
5.80
4.81
1
0.0%
0.0%
3.00
5.60
1
100.0%
100.0%
7.00
5.74
17
11.8%
52.9%
4.65
4.75
6
100.0%
100.0%
5.83
4.74
14
14.3%
71.4%
4.86
4.12
1
1
0.0%
100.0%
5.00
4.53
9
44.4%
100.0%
5.67
5.09
German SL
1
Italian A1
1
1
Italian AB
1
3
Japanese SL
1
1
2
Japanese AB
1 2
Spanish HL
3
2
1
Spanish AB
1
12
11
Spanish SL
1
2
2
1
2
Turkish HL
1
Arabic SL
1
Bus.Man. HL
1
1
Bus.Man. SL
6
Env.Sys. SL
2
Geography SL
7 8
7
1
4
Geography HL
2
2
5
History HL
1
3
10
3
17
23.5%
82.4%
5.12
4.66
5
1
6
0.0%
83.3%
4.83
4.60
1
6
33.3%
83.3%
5.17
4.71
History SL Philosophy HL
2
3
Philosophy SL
4
1
5
80.0%
100.0%
5.80
4.67
Psychology HL
5
17
22
22.7%
100.0%
5.24
4.55
Psychology SL
3
1
4
75.0%
100.0%
5.75
4.18
Soc.Cult.An. HL
4
4
100.0%
100.0%
6.00
4.96
Soc.Cult.An. SL
2
2
4
50.0%
100.0%
5.50
4.59
9
9
3
25
44.0%
80.0%
5.33
4.39
2
5
2
9
22.2%
77.8%
5.00
4.29
10
40.0%
70.0%
5.20
4.57
8
37.5%
75.0%
5.00
4.13
Biology HL
2
Biology SL
2
Chemistry HL
2
2
3
2
Chemistry SL
1
2
3
1
3
5
3
11
27.3%
72.7%
5.00
4.53
2
2
0.0%
0.0%
4.00
3.84
5
17
29.4%
52.9%
4.71
4.65
2
4
0.0%
50.0%
3.67
4.18
2
3
33.3%
100.0%
5.33
4.95
2
2
0.0%
100.0%
5.00
4.88
Des.Tech. HL Des.Tech. SL Physics HL
3
2
Physics SL
4
3
2
Comp.Sci HL
1
Comp.Sci SL Maths HL
2
Maths SL
1
Maths Studies
9
1 14
Film HL
4
Music HL
1
1 1
4
3
1
11
27.3%
63.6%
5.00
4.38
2
5
2
10
10.0%
30.0%
4.30
4.46
24
10
57
40.4%
82.5%
5.40
4.65
1
5
80.0%
80.0%
5.60
4.55
2
50.0%
100.0%
5.50
4.55
1
Subject
7
6
5
Music SL Theatre HL Visual Arts HL
1
Visual Arts SL
Total
%7-6
%7-5
APS
World APS
2
2
0.0%
0.0%
4.00
3.95
4
3
2
2
1
1
4
50.0%
75.0%
4.00
4.43
4
2
1
8
62.5%
87.5%
5.50
4.79
1
100.0%
100.0%
6.00
4.36
36.2%
80.5%
1
TOTAL
41
130
210
75
16
1
473
Percentages
8.7
27.5
44.4
15.9
3.4
0.2
100
IB Summary
2009
2010
2011
2012
% of students who passed the full IB Diploma
85
82
91
96
%7–6
26
30
35
36
%7–5
62
62
72
81
29.8
29.6
31.7
32.8
Average IB Point Score
AS Results 2012 Subject
A
B
C
D
E
U
Total
%A-B
%A-C
%A-E
Art
0
0
1
1
2
1
5
0.0%
20.0%
80.0%
Business Studies
0
1
1
2
1
5
20.0%
40.0%
100.0%
Biology
3
6
5
4
4
4
26
34.6%
53.8%
84.6%
Chemistry
1
5
5
3
1
2
17
35.3%
64.7%
88.2%
English
3
7
9
3
2
24
41.7%
79.2%
100.0%
French
1
4
0
0
1
6
83.3%
83.3%
100.0%
Film Studies
0
3
2
3
0
8
37.5%
62.5%
100.0%
Geography
4
1
2
1
0
1
9
55.6%
77.8%
88.9%
History
3
3
6
2
2
2
18
33.3%
66.7%
88.9%
ICT
3
1
4
1
0
9
44.4%
88.9%
100.0%
Mathematics
10
3
3
3
3
22
59.1%
72.7%
100.0%
Music
1
0
1
0
0
2
50.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Philosophy
0
7
1
0
0
8
87.5%
100.0%
100.0%
Product Design
0
1
1
2
0
4
25.0%
50.0%
100.0%
PE
0
0
0
2
4
6
0.0%
0.0%
100.0%
Physics
2
7
4
8
3
25
36.0%
52.0%
96.0%
Politics
8
0
4
0
0
12
66.7%
100.0%
100.0%
Psychology
7
9
9
3
0
28
57.1%
89.3%
100.0%
Sociology
3
3
3
0
0
9
66.7%
100.0%
100.0%
Extended Project (EPQ)
1
0
0
0
0
1
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
TOTAL
50
61
61
38
23
11
244
45.5%
70.5%
20.5
25.0
25.0
15.6
9.4
4.5
100
Percentages
AS Results Summary
2012
% A/B grades
45.5
% A - C grades
70.5
% A - E grades
95.5
APS/Entry
105
Average Total Point Score per student
394.2
Average number of entries per student
3.6
Number of students
65
1
Barton Court Grammar School
11
What Happens
Next?
If you have not already done so you should look at the full supplementary documentation on the website: www.bartoncourt.org. Once you have a good idea of the course and subjects you are interested in you should complete the Barton Court Grammar School Application Form (this can be downloaded from the website, available via Kent Choices 4 U, or ring the School Office: 01227 464600) and return it to the School. Current Barton Court Grammar School students should return their form by 14 December. External students should return their form by 14 February. (Late applications will be considered if places are still available.)
Applicants will be invited to a meeting. Internal candidates will normally have their meeting during the school day between 29 November and 5 December . External applicants will be invited to a meeting by appointment. Applicants will receive confirmation of their place by 28 March. The induction days are on 1 – 5 July. Students accepting a place at Barton Court Grammar School are expected to attend. We look forward to receiving your application, if you have any further questions regarding opportunities at Barton Court Grammar School please do not hesitate to contact the School.
Admissions Sixth Form Admissions: September 2013
Oversubscription Criteria
Barton Court Grammar School is a mixed Sixth Form. The number of additional Year 12 places available for students being admitted to the school for the first time: 80.
If the number of preferences is greater than the number of places available, the following criteria for over-subscription will be applied in priority order:
The majority of our students in year 11 continue with their studies into our school Sixth Form and priority will be given to existing students transferring from Year 11. The school has 80 places available for external students who wish to join year 12. The PAN for external candidates of 80 may be exceeded in the event that this and the number of internal pupils transferring in to Year 12 is less than the overall total figure for the year group.
• Children in Local Authority Care
This admissions policy applies to students seeking admission to year 12 at Barton Court Grammar School and covers admission into year 13 for those wishing to complete their studies at the School. All offers of a place in year 12 will be made on condition of students meeting the school entry requirements laid out below:
• Current Family Association • Health and Special Access Reasons • Nearness of children’s homes to school
Waiting List Parents of children who have not been offered a place at the School may ask for their child’s name to be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list, which will be maintained until the end of October 2013, will be operated using the same admissions criteria as above. Placing a child’s name on the waiting list does not guarantee that a place will become available. This does not affect the statutory right to appeal.
• At least seven subjects at grade B or above at GCSE; including a minimum of grade C at GCSE in English, mathematics and science.
Appeals
• The minimum entry requirements specified by the subjects of their choice.
Parents have a statutory right of appeal, should an application be refused, by writing to The Clerk to the Governors, Admissions, c/o Barton Court Grammar School.
• A supportive reference confirming suitability for IB study or A Level study and their preferred subject choices. For applicants from the European Union who have not studied GCSEs, each case will be judged with regard to the applicant’s fluency in English, attainment in equivalent examinations, school reports, references or interview to assess ability to thrive in an international course which is broader and more challenging than A levels. In the event of over-subscription the School’s over-subscription criteria will be applied. Offers of a Sixth Form place prior to the publication of GCSE results will be conditional upon the results received. For more detailed information please see the School website or the Sixth Form Prospectus.
Barton Court Grammar School An Academy of Excellence
Longport, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1PH Tel: 01227 464600 Fax: 01227 781399 Email: office@bartoncourt.org www.bartoncourt.org