Harris Academy Beckenham - P16 Prospectus 2024 by Cleverbox UK Ltd

THRIVE, FLOURISH, EXCEL

SIXTH FORM

WELCOME

PLEASE ACCEPT THE WARMEST OF WELCOMES TO HARRIS ACADEMY SIXTH FORM. WHETHER JOINING US FROM YEAR 11, OR COMING TO HARRIS ACADEMY BECKENHAM FROM ELSEWHERE, WE STRIVE TO SUPPORT YOU IN HAVING THE BEST TWO YEARS OF YOUR LIFE. WE ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF OUR ACADEMY, AND HOPE THAT THIS PROSPECTUS GIVES YOU A FLAVOUR OF WHAT IS ON OFFER AT OUR SIXTH FORM.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome you as Principal of Harris Academy Beckenham and to invite another potential cohort of students into our wonderful Sixth Form.

We are very proud of our Sixth Form which takes advantage of the excellent range of courses and subjects on offer and the outstanding Sixth Form leadership team who make life in the Sixth Form challenging, engaging and purposeful.

The vast majority of our students go on to university once they have completed their A Levels, although we also provide ample support for students who may wish to move into apprenticeships or employment after their post 16 studies.

Our Sixth Form is right in the heart of the Academy and it is a vibrant community where students perform to the highest standards academically, achieving outstanding examination results.

Students’ progress is carefully monitored, tracked and individual support is provided where necessary.

Our Sixth Form tutors have strong relationships with their tutees and are well versed in Oxbridge and Russell Group university support programmes. Our pastoral system is well-developed and ensures that all students feel safe, secure and happy.

The Academy has excellent teaching staff who are always prepared to go above and beyond for all students.

Our extensive range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities enable students to grow their leadership skills as well as developing their cultural perspective of world issues and current affairs.

Our weekly seminars and lecture series provide thought provoking debates and reflections from a range of leading experts and scholars in their field. Our students are intellectually challenged which develops a great sense of curiosity and discovery. We believe there is something here for everyone which will you force you to think hard and challenge ideologies both within your chosen subjects and beyond.

Our students frequently achieve national distinction in Sport, Drama and Art and we also offer an excellent programme of opportunities outside of the classroom, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Creative Arts and Cultural Perspectives programme.

We are a World Class School which is reflected in the outstanding contribution our Sixth Formers make to the Academy. The Sixth Form students have a civic responsibility to act as mentors and role models to younger students. We are very proud of our Sixth Form and we are deeply committed to ensuring the ambitions and dreams of our students are a lived reality.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Academy.

Ciara Warnock, Principal

LEARNING TO THRIVE, FLOURISH AND EXCEL

Our Sixth Form prides itself on three core values:

• Thrive: It is imperative that students thrive in their subjects, as this is how they will be successful. We ensure that our Academy has an excellent working environment where our students are able to work one-to-one with subject specialists, learn key academic skills, and become independent learners.

• Flourish: Education at Post-16 is one of the most significant turning points in a person’s life, and we understand that a student’s development during this stage goes beyond their academic study. In order to flourish, students must develop all aspects of their character to become well-rounded individuals.

• Excel: Our teaching and learning is outstanding to ensure that students excel during their time at Sixth Form. Our students are constantly challenged and actively encouraged to think further than the remit of examination specifications in order to develop their academic remit. Students are expected to strive for excellence and conduct themselves as representatives of this environment.

KNOWING YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Students at Harris Academy Beckenham Sixth Form are inspired by their teachers and have a want to learn. We offer an academically challenging and enriching environment for our students, alongside excellent one-to-one tuition for students requiring extra support.

A student of Harris Academy Beckenham Sixth Form have the benefit of experiencing:

• A culture of scholarship where academia is able to thrive. We ensure that our teachers are leading specialists in their subjects who inspire our students and actively encourage an environment of academic scholarship. Students are actively encouraged to think deeply and critically about their studies, responding to academic theory by putting their knowledge into practise and being assessed regularly.

• Mentoring and tuition programmes.

Subject specialists are available to offer subject mentoring and one-to-one tuition for students who need extra support in their subjects. Individual and small group tuition ensures that students receive personal attention from their tutors which will enable them to thrive in their subjects.

• Excellent enrichment activities.

We understand that the development of our students does not end when classes finish. We offer a wide range of enrichment clubs and societies which are led by both our staff, students and through University-led courses.

• Aiming high with academic lectures. We believe that learning should not be limited to the curriculum or exam specification. Through our ‘Aim High’ lecture series, students are able to attend lectures focused on the specialisms of our staff.

• Exceptional support with university applications and careers advice. We want our students to have the optimal opportunities to fulfil their ambitions and so ensure that they are aware of the paths available to them. We provide students with support every step of the process in applying for universities and apprenticeships, including tailored advice on personal statements and work experience.

• An outstanding tutor programme. Our students take part in an intensive tutor programme which helps to develop their personal awareness by providing academic and pastoral support from our experienced team of tutors.

• Harris Experience Advance Programme. For those students striving for Oxbridge or medical/dentistry routes, Harris Academy Beckenham offers specialist support for our gifted and talented students in Years 12 and 13 through the Harris Experience Advanced programme.

EXPECTING THE BEST AND STRIVING FOR SUCCESS

We have extremely high expectations of every student at our Sixth Form, both in their involvement in the culture of the Academy and in their commitment to their academic improvement. We expect our students to contribute to our community and become role models to our younger pupils.

• Attendance: It is imperative that students attend each of their lessons. Education in a post-16 setting moves at an incredibly fast pace and absence from lessons can be of a massive detriment to the learning of students. Students are expected to have an attendance record of above 96% and attend all of their lessons on time.

• Academia: We want our students to be intellectually promiscuous; at Harris Academy Beckenham, we ensure that our culture is one where students excel in there studies and where they are able to thrive. Students are actively encouraged to take part in wider reading and to an undergraduate standard, ensuring that they understand broader debates within their chosen subjects in order to shine.

• Attitude: Our Sixth Formers are the face of our Academy. They represent us and are expected to demonstrate our ethos at all times as it is vital that we maintain an environment of academic excellence.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Selecting your subjects can be a hard process so we hope that this brief subject synopsis will help with your selection.

When choosing subject, we encourage students to think seriously about the following factors which contribute to making the right choice for them:

• Am I good at this subject? Being talented in a subject is an obvious factor when selecting A Level and Cambridge Technical courses, and this is reflected in the entrance requirements. There is a significant jump between GCSE and A Level content, so students should reflect on their performance throughout their GCSE courses when making this decision.

• Do I love this subject? It is imperative that students enjoy the subjects that they select at A Level. In an academic environment, students are required to think deeply and read around their subjects in order to thrive and this becomes difficult if a student is disillusioned with an option choice. So that students maintain motivation throughout their courses and resilience when under pressure, we actively encourage students to select subjects that they enjoy.

• Does this subject link to my future career? Students should try to gain a broad idea of what future path they would like to take and what they need in order to achieve this. For most careers any combination of courses is acceptable, but you should check with careers advice before finalising your options. Additionally, some subject combinations work well together and you can read more about this in the following pages.

SELECTING THE BEST SUBJECTS

at the end of Upper Sixth and no longer sit AS examinations. For this reason, and for the purpose of reaching A* grades, we encourage students to sit three, instead of four, examinations, which are supplemented with a pathway course. In this

All A Level subjects are offered in a linear format, so students sit their

This A Level course is designed to give students an understanding of Contemporary Art as well as a deeper understanding of Art History.

Year 12

Contemporary Black British History: Students complete a half term project researching black artists and building a project around a chosen key figure of black British decent. Final outcome is an exhibition held in the main school hall.

History of Art: An overview and deep dive into art history from the middle ages to modernism and contemporary art. Students learn to link art history with contemporary artists and current issues.

Personal Politics: students complete a personal portfolio project on the theme of ‘Personal Politics’. Students investigate and explore a variety of different themes and artists linking with this topic.

Year 13

Self-directed project: Students choose a topic, such as Mental Health, Family, Technology. Then complete a portfolio of work on this topic.

Essay/dissertation: Students complete an essay/dissertation on their chosen topic to go alongside the chosen topic (1000 - 3000 words).

What entry qualifications will I need?

Level 6 in Art and impressive portfolio of work, Grade 5 in English Language.

How will I be taught?

In lesson work and workshops: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations. Students complete a series of sketchbooks.

Independent study: Students are expected to carry out independent work at home, including research and making. Students complete Prep work before their lessons so that they can think deeply in their lessons and access challenging academic work.

Written work: Personal study must be submitted for assessment at the same time as the practical work.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Personal Investigation (worth 50% of the A Level)

Component 2: Externally set topic, 15-hour exam included (worth 50% of the A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Student’s completing this course can go on to study a variety of different degrees: Psychology, Medicine, History, Biology, Science, Photography, Architecture, Stage Design, Digital Design, Graphics and of course Fine Art.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Students who do A Level Art can go on to become Artists, Photographers, Doctors, Psychologists, Art Therapists, Scientists, Designers, Architects, Teachers.

BIOLOGY

Biology is a core STEM subject which is greatly popular at A Level.

Year 12

Biological Molecules, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, Biodiversity.

Year 13

Genetics, Biodiversity, Biotechnology.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Must attain an overall grade 6 in Biology if doing separate sciences or 66 in the Trilogy exam. GCSE English Language grade 5 and Maths grade 6.

How will I be taught?

We integrate key practical skills within theoretical topics and the methods, accuracy and analysis of these practicals is assessed in written papers at the end of the course.

Practical activities: Throughout the Biology course you will carry out practical activities including: rates of enzyme controlled reactions, calculating Mitotic Index using plant cells, investigating water potential, investigating cell membrane permeability, dissection, aseptic techniques, chromatography of photosynthetic pigments, dehydrogenase activity in chloroplasts, respiration in single celled organisms, investigating simple animal responses, measuring concentration of glucose using a calibration curve, effect of different variables on species distribution.

Independent study: Students must be prepared to work long hours to learn the broad content and develop their understanding of some difficult concepts. Our students undertake independent study to help them prepare for their weekly lessons, they will also be provided with academic journals which will help deepen their knowledge on all aspects of the course.

Research work: Students will be required to research ahead of conducting some practical work in order to design a suitable method, complete a risk assessment or to compare their results with results from similar experiments.

Written work: In lessons students will be expected to take notes paying careful attention to key terminology, complete essay style exam questions and undertake weekly written homework which will be assessed.

How will I be assessed?

There are three exams at the end of the two years for A Level, all of which are two hours long.

Paper 1: 2 hours (worth 35% of the A Level) - Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills.

Paper 2: 2 hours written paper (worth 35% of the A Level)Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills.

Paper 3: 2 hours written paper (worth 30% of the A Level)Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills.

What degree courses does this lead to?

A Level Biology is usually studied with other science-based subjects and can lead to the following degree course: Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Dentistry, Dietetics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Geology, Medical Science, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, and Veterinary Science. This course is a particularly good choice for people who want to pursue a career in health and clinical professions.

What career opportunities does this open up?

A level Biology can, with other appropriate facilitating subjects, open up a range of careers and higher education courses in Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Forensic Science, Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Environmental Health and Food Sciences.

BUSINESS STUDIES

Students will study the interrelated nature of business using business models, theories and techniques to support analysis of contemporary business issues and situations.

Year 12

• What is business?

• Managers, leadership and decision making.

• Decision making to improve marketing performance.

• Decision making to improve operational performance.

• Decision making to improve financial performance.

• Decision making to improve human resource performance.

Year 13

• Analysing the strategic position of a business.

• Choosing strategic direction.

• Strategic methods: How to pursue strategies.

• Managing strategic change.

• What entry qualifications will I need?

• Not required but if taken, grade 6 at GCSE.

What entry qualifications will I need?

GCSE Business grade 6. GCSE English Language grade 5 and Maths grade 5.

How will I be taught?

Content is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society – they will study key contemporary developments such as digital technology and business ethics, and globalisation is covered throughout the topics. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: 2 hour written paper (33.33% of the A Level)

Paper 2: 2 hour written paper (33.33% of the A Level)

Paper 3: 2 hour written paper (33.33% of the A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

The subject will be favourably looked upon by universities where you are looking to study business studies or management degrees but the skills are helpful for a wide range of degrees.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Popular careers for business studies students include IT Business Analyst, Market Researcher, Human Resources Officer as well as careers in Banking.

BUSINESS CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL

Students will learn how a business might evolve. From a small start-up business to a large multinational organisation, students will consider a range of different business types and gain an understanding of how the choice of business type might affect the objectives that are set.

Students will also look at the internal workings of businesses, including their internal structure and how different functional areas work together. Plus, by looking at the external constraints under which a business must operate, students will gain an understanding of the legal, financial and ethical factors that have an impact.

Year 12

• Unit 1: The business environment

• Unit 3: Business decisions

• Unit 6: Marketing strategy

• Units 7: Marketing campaign

• Unit 16: Principles of project management

Year 13

• Unit 4: Customers and communication

• Unit 5: Marketing and market research

• Unit 15: Change management

• Unit 22: Delivering a business project

What entry qualifications will I need?

Merit or grade 4 in a relevant or equivalent qualification. GCSE English Language grade 4 and Maths grade 4.

How will I be taught?

The Cambridge Technical in Business have been developed to meet the changing needs of the sector and prepare students for the challenges you’ll face in Higher Education or employment. Designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the sector, the Cambridge Technical in Business focuses on the skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand. Students will practically apply their skills and knowledge in preparation for further study or the workplace.

How

will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed in a range of ways which can be summarised as examinations and controlled assessments. Examinations will be externally assessed and controlled assessment internally assessed and moderated externally. Controlled assessment in the majority is in the written form but students will have a rang of tasks such as organising events within teams and role playing customer service scenarios.

What degree courses does this lead to?

The subject will be favourably looked upon by universities where you are looking to study business studies or management degrees but the skills are helpful for a wide range of degrees.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Popular careers for business studies students include: IT Business Analyst, Market Researcher, Human Resources Officer as well as careers in Banking.

CHEMISTRY

A Level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of’ and it’s the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provides are endless.

Year 12

Inorganic, physical and organic chemistry.

Year 13

Inorganic, physical and organic chemistry.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Must attain an overall grade 6 in Chemistry if doing separate sciences or 66 in the Trilogy exam. GCSE English Language grade 5 and Maths grade 6.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Practical activities: Chemistry, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course students carry practical activities including: measuring energy changes in chemical reactions, tests for identifying different types of compound, different methods for measuring rates of reaction, studying electrochemical cells, preparation of organic solids and liquids, an advanced form of chromatography for more accurate results. Students have a practical book to record and evaluate findings.

Independent study: Our students are encouraged to actively work on past paper questions as these help them to apply their knowledge. Students complete Prep work before their lessons so that they can think deeply in their lessons and access challenging academic works.

Research work: Students will need to do research for some practical example to get a suitable method, complete a risk assessment or to compare their results with results from similar experiments.

Written work: In lessons students are expected to take notes paying careful attention to key terminology, set out calculations on a logical sequence and complete regular progress tests. Students receive five hours of independent study per week.

How will I be assessed?

There are three exams at the end of the two years for A Level, all of which are two hours long.

Paper 1: 2 hours (worth 33.3% of the A Level) – Physical and inorganic Chemistry.

Paper 2: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level) – Physical and Organic Chemistry.

Paper 3: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level) – 30 MCQ from a mix of topics as well as some long answer questions based on the required practicals.

What

degree courses does this lead to?

An A Level in Chemistry can lead to degrees in Chemistry, Biology, Pre-clinical medicine, Mathematics, Medicine, Pharmacology.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Studying an A Level Chemistry related degree at university gives students exciting career options, including: Analytical Chemist, Chemical Engineer, Clinical Biochemist, Pharmacologist, Doctor, Research Scientist (physical sciences), Toxicologist, Chartered Certified Accountant, Environmental Consultant, Higher Education Lecturer, Patent Attorney, Science Writer, Secondary School Teacher.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science has a huge impact on modern society as it forms the base of all digital technologies that we use in our daily lives.

A Level Computer Science gives students the opportunity to learn about computer systems architecture, algorithm and computer programming. These skills and knowledge are essential in a wide range of computing and computer-related professions.

Year 12

• Fundamentals of programming

• Problem solving and theory of computation

• Data representation

• Hardware and software

• Computer organisation and architecture

• Communication: Technology and consequences

Year 13

• Data Structures

• Algorithms

• Regular languages

• The Internet

• Fundamentals of databases

• OOP and functional programming

What entry qualifications will I need?

At least a grade 6 at GCSE. Students who have not studied Computer Science will need grade 7 or above in Maths GCSE.

How will I be taught?

Computer science compromises of several teaching strategies to help students master learning. A few of these strategies include:

• Hands-on (practical activities which includes drill and practice).

• Written work (this involves developing analytical skills and completing exam questions during each lesson).

• Independent study (involves research and independently practicing past paper questions).

• Online (lesson materials will provided on several learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Isaacs Computing. Students will submit assignments using these platforms).

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: This paper tests a student’s ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of Computer Science.

On-screen exam: 2 hours 30 minutes and worth 40% of A Level.

Paper 2: This paper tests a student’s ability to answer questions from subject content both from Year 12 and Year 13. Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes worth 40% of A Level.

Project: The non-exam assessment assesses student’s ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving. This is worth 20% of the A Level.

What degree courses does this lead to?

Computing is one of the most flexible subjects and can be a fantastic starting point for a variety of sub computing topics. The analytical and problem-solving skills that students acquire by taking this course can lead to courses such as computer engineering, general computer science studies and computer science with games and business as well as physical, interactive computing. Students of Computer Science often go on to read Computer Science or Computing at university.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Application Analyst, Applications Developer, Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Database Administrator, Forensic Computer Analyst, Game Designer, Games Developer, Information Systems Manager, IT Consultant, Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, UX Designer, Web Designer, Web Developer.

DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

Examining Board: Edexcel

Drama enhances students’ artistic and creative abilities and gives them a better understanding of themselves and their world. Drama fosters self-discipline, confidence and team work and develops skills in interpreting, researching, negotiating, problem solving and decision making.

Students will develop a multitude of skills, including critical and analytical thinking, evaluative skills, collaboration, communication and an understanding of how to amend and refine work in order to make a smooth transition to their next level of study or employment. This specification gives students the opportunity to:

• Apply knowledge and understanding when making, performing and responding to drama

• Explore performance texts, understanding their social, cultural and historical context including the theatrical conventions of the period in which they were created

• Develop a range of theatrical skills and apply them to create performances

Year 12

• Theatre Practitioners

• Component 1: Devising (Performance and Portfolio)

• Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice - Equus

Year 13

• Component 2: Text in performance (Group performance and Monologue/Duologue)

• Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice – The Tempest

• Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice – Live Theatre Evaluation

What entry qualifications will I need?

GCSE grade 6 in Drama and English Language grade 5.

How will I be taught?

Practical exploration is central to this course, with opportunities to be a deviser, a performer, a designer and an active audience member. Students will be challenged to develop their creative skills; work collaboratively as part of a team to achieve exciting

and engaging performances; develop their analysis and evaluation skills; communicate with clarity and creativity, both orally and in written form; acquire knowledge of strategies on how to present complex ideas and improve their confidence whilst learning an assortment of skills.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Devising - 40% of the qualification - 80 marks

Component 2: Performance from Text - 20% of the qualification - 60 marks

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice - 40% of the qualification - 80 marks

What degree courses does this lead to?

The Drama and Theatre course and lead to the following courses: Drama and English Literature, Contemporary Performance, Drama, Film and Television Production, Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.

What career opportunities does this course open up?

Drama and Theatre is a subject that many choose to develop a plethora of life skills, not necessarily linked to a career in the arts. But the skills gained by students typically enables them to pursue careers in: Acting, Stage Managing, Theatre Directing, Arts Administrating, Drama Teaching, Drama Therapy, Television Production, Radio Presenting, Television Presenting, Commentating.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

This A Level Course will explore the use of literary and dramatic devices and the shaping of meaning in the poetry, plays and prose that they study. Students are also taught to consider the significance and influence of contextual factors. The course will teach students to engage and evaluate different critical interpretations of chosen texts. Finally, students will learn how to construct and argue a critical argument in their writing, a skill that will prepare them exceptionally well for undergraduate study.

Year 12

• Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire

• Prose Comparative Study: Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray

• Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories

• Poem of the Decade poetry anthology

Year 13

• Shakespeare’s Othello

• John Keats’ poetry

What entry qualifications will I need?

Grade 6 in English Literature and English Language.

How will I be taught?

Independent study: Students are provided with recommended reading via articles, lectures, podcast and videos which are reflected upon prior to lessons. Students are also expected to read the texts in advance of lesson so that lessons are spent analysing and evaluating texts. Students are expected to come to lesson having read the prescribed section of the text.

Oral work: English Literature study is founded upon the ability to discuss and explore ideas verbally. Classroom discussions often occur with student contributions and interpretations vital to the learning process.

Written work: Students produce essays in response to questions in order to refine their ability to construct critical and evaluative arguments.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Drama - Written examination lasting 2 hours 15 minutes (30%)

Component 2: Prose - Written examination lasting 1 hour 15 minutes (20%)

Component 3: Poetry - Written examination lasting 2 hours 15 minutes (30%)

Component 4: Coursework (20%)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Students would be able to study higher education courses such as: English, English Literature, Creative Writing, Journalism, Media, Drama and Theatre Studies, and History.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Students can progress from English Literature into a wide range of careers directly related to English literature such as Teacher, Editor, Writer or in areas such as Publishing, Journalism, the Media, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Arts Administration, Libraries, National and Local Government and the Civil Service.

FRENCH

Students will develop their linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of countries where French is spoken.

Year 12

• The changing nature of family

• The ‘cyber-society’

• The place of voluntary work

• Positive features of a diverse society

• Life for the marginalised

• How criminals are treated

Year 13

• A culture proud of its heritage

• Contemporary francophone music

• Cinema: the 7th art form

• Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment

• Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power?

• Politics and immigration

What entry qualifications will I need?

English language grade 5 and French grade 6.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates and presentations.

Independent study: Students are encouraged to actively seek out academic articles and wider reading which is reflected upon and discussed in class. Students complete preparation work before their lessons so that they can think deeply in their lessons and access challenging academic works.

Written work: Students will produce essays, practice exam questions, interpret sources and data, and respond critically to authentic readings.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (2 hours 30 minutes, 50% of A Level)

Paper 2: Writing (2 hours, 20% of A Level)

Paper 3: Speaking (22 minutes, 30% of A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

French can be a starting point for a variety of subjects to be read at university. The analytical and critical skills that students acquire by taking this course can lead to courses such as Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Law, History, Sociology.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Being the second most useful language in the world of business and international relations, French is favoured upon by most employers. Students acquire desirable research, analytical and critical skills which enable them to pursue careers in a variety of fields such as Education, Wholesale and Retail Trade, IT, Accommodation and Food Service, Local Government, Journalism, Law, Finance, Business and Management, Charity and Non-Government Organisation work.

GEOGRAPHY

Examining Board: OCR

Geography helps you to make sense of the world around you, whether you want to help prevent climate change and natural disasters, or improve quality of life and overpopulation, A level Geography will equip you to make a difference in the world.

Year 12

Coastal Landscapes: A study of Earth surface processes, landforms and resultant landscapes within the conceptual framework of a systems approach.

Changing Places: Making Spaces – an insight into the nature of places and the fluidity of their meanings and representations.

Migration: Migration flows that occur at the global level, and the ways in which these influence people, places and institutions.

Tectonics: A study of the inter-relationships between inequality, risk, adaptation, resilience mitigation and sustainability within the context of tectonics.

Year 13

Earth’s Life Support Systems: A study of the inter-relationships between the land, oceans and atmosphere and how these create a number of issues when attempting to manage them.

Power & Borders: A study of the way in which global governance underlie our own and other people’s lives across the globe.

Disease Dilemmas: A study of the global patterns of disease and the issues in managing them.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Grade 6 in Geography. Grade 5 in English. GCSE Maths grade 5.

How will I be taught?

In the classroom: Students will participate in class discussions, debates and tutorials. Students will produce essays, practice exam questions and interpret sources and data.

At home: Students are expected to complete preparatory reading for the following lesson, wider research using academic sources and exam technique consolidation.

In the field: We will complete fieldwork in an urban and non-urban setting. This typically involves at least one residential fieldtrip and several day trips.

Additionally students will participate in a variety of workshops and lectures aimed at developing their skills towards higher-education and the world of work e.g. with world-leading tech company ESRI.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Physical Systems - 1h 30m written paper (22.5%)

Paper 2: Human Interactions - 1h 30m written paper (22.5%)

Paper 3: Geographical Debates - 2h 30m written paper (35%)

Independent Investigation (20%)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Outside of Geography typical pathways include Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Business and Administration, Social Studies, Computer Sciences and Architecture, Building and Planning.

What career opportunities does this open up?

You can embark on a career in a range of fields including those in the Education, Commerce, Industry, Transport, Tourism, Architecture, Town Planning and Public Sectors. However, as a cross-disciplinary subject with a strong fieldwork element, Geography develops the transferable ‘soft skills’ of communication, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration, adaptability, organisation and conflict resolution that world-renowned employers, such as Google prioritise.

HISTORY

History is one of the most popular subjects at Harris Beckenham. It helps us to understand the society we live in today and enable us to contextualise the lives we lead.

Year 12

Searching for Rights and Freedoms in the Twentieth Century: Students will learn about key the political, cultural and social changes experienced by Americans and South Africans in the 20th Century.

Americans and South Africans in the 20th Century: The America unit is a study in breadth, in which students learn about the dramatic political, economic and social transformation of the USA in the twentieth century, an era that saw the USA challenged by the consequences of political, economic and social inequalities at home and of its involvement in international conflict.

Our study of South Africa comprises a study in depth during its transition from white minority rule to the free elections of 1994, a long, and at times, dramatic process in which South Africa changed from an apartheid state into a multi-racial democracy.

Year 13

Tudors Rebellion and Disorder 1485-1603: In this module students study how the Tudors were able to overcome the various challenges they faced, the change in the government over this period and the changing relationship between the crown and society. The option enables students to explore the way in which, despite a shaky start, the Tudors were able to establish their dynasty as one of the most powerful England has seen.

Russia and the Cold War Coursework: Students scrutinise the history of dictatorship, the Cold War and how the Soviet Union was governed. Students evaluate historians’ views and engage in independent research and student focused discussion and debating key historiographical debates.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Grade 6 in History. GCSE English Language grade 5.

How will I be taught?

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Independent study: Our students are encouraged to actively seek out academic articles and wider reading which is reflected upon and discussed in class. Students complete Prep work before their lessons so that they can think deeply in their lessons and access challenging academic works.

Written work: Students will produce essays, practice exam questions, interpret sources and data, and respond critically to academic readings.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: America - 2hr15 written paper (30%)

Paper 2: South Africa - 1hr30 written paper (20%)

Paper 3: Tudors - 2hr45 written paper (30%)

Coursework: Cold War - 4000 words (20%)

What degree courses does this lead to?

History is a subject that can lead to an array of degrees due to the skills that it teaches throughout. Many A Level students go on to study courses such as History, Politics Philosophy and Economics, Economics, Law, International Relations, Sociology, Geography and Philosophy.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Graduates with a history degree find that there are many areas that they can go into. The skills that students learn throughout your study of history can allow them to enter broad fields such as: Journalism, Teaching, Civil Service, Law, Local Government, Consultancy, Charity, Broadcasting and the Media.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL

This CTECH IT course aims to develop the students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the essentials of IT and Cyber Security.

The students will gain an insight into the IT sector as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure on a global scale, and the importance of legal and security considerations. Designed in collaboration with industry experts the qualifications focus on the requirements that today’s employers demand.

Year 12

• Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT

• Unit 2: Global Information

• Unit 18: Computer systems: Hardware

Year 13

• Unit 4: Computer Networks

• Unit 17: The internet of everything

• Unit 3: Cyber Security

What entry qualifications will I need?

Five 9-4 grades at GCSE or equivalent, with at least a Merit or grade 4 in a relevant vocational qualification or GCSE.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Written work: Students will produce research papers, practice exam questions, interpret sources and data and evaluate for final assignment paper.

How will I be assessed?

All units will be assessed internally, some units will be assessed externally. All units will go through their Pass grade first then the merit and distinction sections will be visited.

• Unit 1 & 2: Exam units

The rest of the units will be written assignments based on relevant IT studies.

What degree courses does this lead to?

What career opportunities does this open up?

There are is a variety of paths that computing open up, the industry is huge and can lead to many different careers such as:

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is one of the most renowned subjects across the globe. Through numbers, symbols and formulas, we are able to explore the rules we need to measure or identify essential elements of the world we live in.

In year 12 and 13, students study:

• Pure maths: Proof, algebra, functions, graphs, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, calculus, numerical methods and vectors.

• Statistics: statistical sampling, data representation and interpretation, probability, probability distributions and statistical hypothesis testing.

• Mechanics: models and quantities, kinematics in one and two dimensions, projectiles, forces, Newton’s laws of motion and rigid bodies.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Minimum GCSE Grade 7 in Mathematics. How will I be taught?

We will be helping students make links between various areas of Maths so that they can seek to apply their mathematical skills across pure maths, statistics and mechanics. Usage of a graphic calculator starts in Year 12 to visualise equations and problem-solve with it. The pace of the lesson will be fast. We cover around one chapter per week as such students take an increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development. They have to spend at least 10 hours on their homework and revision per week.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics - 100 marks - 2 hours - 36.4%

• Section A: Shorter questions with minimal reading and interpretation.

• Section B: Longer questions and more problem solving.

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics - 100 marks2 hours - 36.4%

• Section A: Shorter questions with minimal reading and interpretation.

• Section B: Longer questions and more problem solving.

• Some questions will be set on the pre-release data set.

Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Comprehension75 marks - 2 hours - 27.3%

• Section A: 60 marks on the pure core content.

• Section B: 15 marks on a previously unseen comprehension passage based on the pure mathematics content of the specification.

What degree courses does this lead to?

Mathematics is a “facilitating” subject. This means that they are among a list of A Level subjects which are asked for most frequently by universities.

Mathematics is compulsory for the following degree courses: Actuarial Science; Aeronautical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Economics; Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Engineering (General); Mathematics; Mechanical Engineering; Physics; Statistics.

However, A Level Mathematics is listed as useful by most university degree choices such as Accountancy; Architecture; Biochemistry; Biology; Biomedical Sciences (including Medical Science); Business Studies; Chemistry; Computer Science; Dentistry; Geography; Law; Management Studies; Pharmacy; Philosophy; Physiotherapy and Psychology.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Studying Maths helps students develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, which are valued by employers across many job sectors. Jobs directly related to a Mathematics degree include: Accountancy and Finance, Banking, Actuarial Careers, Statistician Careers, Academia and Research, Engineering, Meteorology, Teaching and lots more.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

This course is designed for our most able students and works excellently as a fourth A Level. It is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of more complex elements of Mathematics and prepare them for further study in the subject.

Further Mathematics will be studied alongside A Level Mathematics. In year 12 and 13, students study:

Pure maths: Proof, complex numbers, matrices, further vectors, further algebra, series, hyperbolic functions, further calculus, polar coordinates, differential equations.

Statistics: Probability, discrete random variables, continuous random variables, linear combinations of random variables, hypothesis tests and confidence intervals, chi-squared tests, non-parametric tests, correlation and linear regression.

Mechanics: Dimensional analysis, work, energy and power, impulse and momentum, centre of mass, motion in a circle, further kinematics and dynamics.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Minimum GCSE Grade 8 in Mathematics. It is compulsory to take A Level Mathematics with Further Maths.

How will I be taught?

How will I be assessed?

• Pure Core: 75 marks - 1.5 hours - 25%

• Pure Core 2: 75 marks - 1.5 hours- 25%

• Statistics: 75 marks - 1.5 hours- 25%

• Mechanics: 75 marks - 1.5 hours - 25%

What degree courses does this lead to?

Further Maths is highly desirable by many top universities for Mathematics, Science and Engineering courses, as well as Computing and Economics. It is becoming an increasingly recommended fourth subject at Russell Group universities.

However, Further Mathematics is listed as useful by most university degree choices such as Accountancy; Architecture; Biochemistry; Biology; Biomedical Sciences (including Medical Science); Business Studies; Chemistry; Computer Science; Dentistry; Geography; Law; Management Studies; Pharmacy; Philosophy; Physiotherapy and Psychology.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Studying Further Mathematics helps students develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, which are valued by employers across many job sectors. Jobs directly related to a Mathematics degree include: Accountancy and Finance, Banking, Actuarial Careers, Statistician Careers, Academia and Research, Engineering, Meteorology, Teaching and lots more.

MEDIA STUDIES

The media play a central role in contemporary culture, society and politics. They shape our perceptions of the world through the representations, ideas and points of view they offer.

The media have real relevance and importance in our lives today, providing us with ways to communicate, with forms of cultural expression and the ability to participate in key aspects of society. This A Level offers learners the opportunity to develop a thorough and in depth understanding of these key issues and a variety of theories to support critical exploration and reflection, analysis and debate.

Year 12

In Year 12 students study a range of media products, both historical and contemporary, observing how they communicate their messages and how this influences individuals and society.

Students will also study the media industry looking at the different companies that make up the industry.

Specific areas that are studied:

• Newspapers

• Marketing and Advertising

• Media in an Online Age

• Music Videos

• Video Games

Students also undertake a significant media practical project, such as making a music video and music magazine.

Year 13

• Magazines

• Radio

• Film

• Television

What entry qualifications will I need?

GCSE English Language grade 5. GCSE Media grade 6 or in a related subject such as Art or History.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Independent study: Our students are encouraged to actively seek out academic articles and wider reading which is reflected upon and discussed in class. Students complete prep work before their lessons so that they can think deeply in their lessons and access challenging academic works.

Written work: Students will produce essays, practice exam questions, interpret sources and respond critically to academic readings.

Practical work: Students will produce a cross media production which will include a music video and magazine.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: 2 hours 15 minutes written paper (worth 35% of the A Level)

Component 2: 2 hours 30 minutes written paper (worth 35% of the A Level)

Component 3: non-examined cross media production (worth 30% of the A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Media can be a fantastic starting point for a variety of subjects to be read at university such as film, television, video, radio, visual communication, digital media and media subjects.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Media is a very flexible subject. Students acquire desirable research and presentation skills along with more practical digital skills which enables them to pursue careers in Journalism, Advertising and Marketing, Digital Media Production, Photography, to name just a few.

MEDIA – DIGITAL

Our Cambridge Technical in Digital Media helps students develop the knowledge and practical skills required in the digital media industry. Students gain hands-on experience of the production process, developing their ideas from planning, through editing and post-production, to final presentation.

Year 12:

• Unit 1: Media Products and Audiences

• Unit 2: Pre-Production and Planning

• Unit 3: Creating a Media Product

Year 13:

• Unit 20: Advertising

• Unit 21: Plan and Deliver a Media Product Pitch

• Unit 23: Personal Media Profile

What entry qualifications will I need?

Five 9-4 grades at GCSE or equivalent, with at least a Merit or grade 4 in a relevant vocational qualification or GCSE.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Written work: Students will produce research papers, practice exam questions, interpret sources and data and evaluate for final assignment paper.

How will I be assessed?

All units will be assessed internally, some units will be assessed externally. All units will go through their Pass grade first then the merit and distinction sections will be visited.

• Unit 1 & 2: Exam units

The rest of the units will be written assignments based on relevant Media studies.

What degree courses does this lead to?

Media can be a fantastic starting point for a variety of subjects to be read at university such as film, television, video, radio, visual communication, digital media and media subjects.

What career opportunities does this open up?

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This qualification aims to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the essentials of Physical Education and Sports and Exercise Science. They gain an insight into the wide-ranging physical education and sport science industry.

Examination Units

Paper 1: Physiological factors affecting performance 30%

Paper 2: Psychological factors affecting performance 20%

Paper 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport 20%

Coursework: 30% (February-April)

What entry qualifications will I need?

Grade 6 or above in Physical Education and Biology GCSE. Students must be actively involved in a sport outside of the Academy.

How will I be taught?

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Written work: Students will produce coursework, practice exam questions, interpret research and data, and evaluate their own performance within a sport.

Practical work: Student will demonstrate and evaluate their performance within a sport.

How will I be assessed?

The examination units are:

Paper 1: Physiological factors affecting performance 30%

Paper 2: Psychological factors affecting performance 20%

Paper 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport 20%

Coursework and practical: 30% (February-April, externally moderated)

What university and career opportunities does this lead to?

Learners should take the A Level in P.E. as it will give them specialist skills, knowledge and understanding of sport and which, gained alongside other vocational or academic qualifications, can allow them access to Higher Education on sports and sport sciencerelated programmes. The units they study will give learners an understanding of sport in the wider contexts of anatomy and physiology, sports psychological, socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport and analysis on sports performance. Learners will also develop transferable skills such as planning, communication, adaptability and examining.

An A Level in P.E. leads to jobs such as Teaching, Nutritionist, Sports Analyst, Sports Scientist, Physiotherapist so the knowledge, understanding and skills learners will need to achieve in this pathway will include the understanding of how physiological and psychological factors can affect performance and the socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport.

PHYSICS

A Level Physics attempts to answer the big question ‘how does the world work?’ From investigating how one small change can land a man on the moon, to researching new developments that could save millions of lives, Physics offers students an exciting route of study.

Year 12

• Measurements and their errors

• Particles and radiation

• Waves

• Mechanics and materials

Year 13

• Further mechanics and thermal physics

• Fields and their consequences

• Nuclear Physics

• Option: Astrophysics

What entry qualifications will I need?

Must attain an overall grade 6 in Physics at GCSE if doing separate sciences or 66 in the Trilogy exam. Students must have received at level 7 in Maths GCSE and study this A Level with Physics.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Practical activities: Physics, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course students will carry out practical activities including: investigating acceleration due to gravity, studying properties of light; is it a wave or is it a particle, assessing how angles affect the emf induced via electromagnetic induction.

Research work: Students will need to do research for some practical example to get a suitable method, complete a risk assessment or to compare their results with results from similar experiments.

How will I be assessed?

There are three exams at the end of the two years for A Level all of which are two hours long.

Paper 1: 2 hours (85 marks, 34% of A Level)

Paper 2: 2 hours (85 marks, 34% of A Level)

Paper 3: 2 hours (80 marks, 32% of A Level)

Questions – paper 3 - 45 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis, 35 marks on an optional topic. At HABE we study AstroPhysics as our option.

What degree courses does this lead to?

A Level Physics can lead to degree in all engineering fields. It is also useful in Medicine, Pilot, Computer Science and Mathematics.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Studying A Level Physics can lead to careers such as Analytical Physicist, Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Architect, Structural Engineer, Clinical Biochemist, Doctor, Research Scientist (physical sciences), Toxicologist, Chartered Certified Accountant, Urban Planner, Higher Education Lecturer, Patent Attorney, Science Writer, Secondary School Teacher.

POLITICS

This A Level course is designed to give students a deep understanding of contemporary British and American politics. Students will develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills which are necessary for understanding our political world.

Year 12

• The Politics of the United Kingdom

• Governance in the United Kingdom

• Political ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Nationalism

Year 13

Global Politics: An opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. It also gives them the opportunity to explore the political issues that affect all of us.

What entry qualifications will I need?

Grade 5 in English Language and 6 in a Humanities subject.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Written work: Students will produce essays, practice exam questions, interpret sources and data, and respond critically to academic readings.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1 Politics in the UK: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Component 2 Government in the UK: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Component 3 Global Politics: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Politics is one of the most malleable subjects and can be a fantastic starting point for a variety of subjects to be read at university. The analytical skills that students acquire by taking this course can lead to courses such as Politics and International Relations, Law, History, International Development, Criminology, Sociology.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Politics is a very flexible subject and is one that is favoured upon by most employers. Students acquire desirable research and analytical skills which enables them to pursue careers in Local Government, Journalism, Law, the Civil Service, Finance, Teaching, Charity and Non-Government Organisation work.

PSYCHOLOGY

Students will be introduced to both the complexity and beauty of the human mind. Students will be encouraged to think critically, creatively and curiously about the nature of our minds and our respective behaviour. Students will examine theoretical perspectives and research evidence and evaluate the extent to which these theoretical ideas and evidence can explain human behaviour.

Year 12

Approaches: The main Psychological schools of thought

Theory and research evidence of: Common mental Health Illnesses, Social Psychology, Memory and Attachment theory

Research Method Skills and Biopsychology

Year 13

Theory and research evidence of: Schizophrenia, Romantic Relationship and Forensic Psychology

Issues and Debates (such as Nature versus Nurture)

Research Method skills

What entry qualifications will I need?

GCSE English Language grade 5 and Maths grade 5. Grade 6 in Psychology if taken or in a Humanities subject.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught in a variety of ways including:

Oral work: Psychology students engage in class discussions about our relevant theories, take part in debates, engage in live practicals and classroom seminars.

Group work: At various points throughout the academic year, students work together to create a research idea, conduct the proposed research and deliver their research idea and findings to the class. Additionally, students are given opportunities in group to research a particular area within Psychology and deliver this knowledge to the class.

Written work: Students are encouraged to think deeply throughout our lessons. This allows students to produce essays, examine academic research and complete practise exam questions.

Independent study: Students complete lesson preparation tasks such as conducting their own research into a given area and/or reflecting upon research articles. This then feeds into our classroom discussions and allows students to access more challenging work within the lesson.

How will I be assessed?

Introductory topics within Psychology: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Psychology in context: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Issues and debates and options: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Psychology is best described as a social science and its dual presence as both a Humanities subject and a scientific subject makes it a great foundation for many degree courses. Studying A Level Psychology can lead to courses such as Criminology, Sociology, Geography, Mathematics, Business, Sports Psychology/Coaching and of course Psychology itself.

What career opportunities does this open up?

There are a plethora of opportunities for Psychology students and undergraduates. This includes roles such as: Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Teacher, Mental Health Nurse, Speech and Language Therapist, Market Researcher Executive, Child Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Counsellor, Researcher and Human resource officer.

SOCIOLOGY

Students study one theme of socialisation, culture and identity and a second theme of social differentiation, power and stratification. The themes are applied to particular substantive areas of Sociology.

These themes are interpreted broadly as threads running through many areas of social life and should not therefore be regarded as discrete topics. In addition, students understand the significance of conflict and consensus, social structure and social action, and the role of values.

Year 12

• Education

• Research methods

• Families and households

Year 13

• Crime and deviance

• Theory and methods

• Beliefs in society

What entry qualifications will I need?

GCSE English Language grade 5 and Maths grade 5. Grade 6 in Sociology if taken or in a Humanities subject.

How will I be taught?

Students will be taught through the following ways. The first will be through discovering the content through exploring real world examples by utilising different forms of media such as documentaries and journal articles. Students will take part it in group work presentations and debates where they will be able to apply their sociological knowledge. The second way will be using their pre-reading booklets to discover the relevant sociological theories and case studies in relation to a specific area of society. Finally students will then analyse and evaluate their knowledge by attempting exam questions and essays which they will be supported with by being given a comprehensive structure.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 Education and Theory: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Paper 2 Topics in Sociology: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

Paper 3 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods: 2 hours written paper (worth 33.3% of the A Level)

What degree courses does this lead to?

Sociology provides an excellent starting point for any social science degree from Economics, Psychology, and Politics to Criminology and Philosophy. It can also supplement STEM subjects to provide students with essay writing and critical thinking skills which are required at university.

What career opportunities does this open up?

After studying Sociology students can go on to becoming Education Policy Researchers, working for the Government in the Civil Service, the Criminal Justice System, Health Care System and not-for-profit organisations such as Charities.

SPANISH

Spanish is the most popular modern language being studied in the English speaking world. Not only is it spoken by millions of people around the globe, but it is considered a joy to learn and to use. In addition to learning the language, on this course students will explore the culture and society of Spain and other Spanish speaking countries. While students develop linguistic skills.

Why study A Level Spanish?

An A Level in a language is a highly regarded qualification by universities and employers because it develops and demonstrates written and verbal communication skills and an ability to be analytical with information. It supports a number of different pathways including business, teaching, customer services and tourism.

Entry Requirements

English Language Grade 5 and Spanish Grade 6.

How is this subject assessed?

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing

• Aspects of Hispanic society

• Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

• Multiculturalism in Hispanic society

• Aspects of political life in Hispanic society

• Grammar

Paper 2: Writing

• One text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification

• Grammar

Paper 3: Speaking

• Individual research project

• One of four themes (ie Aspects of Hispanic society or Artistic culture in the Hispanic world or Multiculturalism in Hispanic society or Aspects of political life in Hispanic society)

What career opportunities does this open up?

Spanish can lead to a variety of careers, particularly where there is an element of international work or communicating with different people from Spanish backgrounds.

SPORT CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL

This qualification develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the essentials of Sport and Physical Activity.

How will I be taught?

Oral work: Students engage in class discussions, debates, seminars, tutorials and presentations.

Written work: Students will produce coursework, practice exam questions, interpret research and data, and evaluate all against the effects on sport and performance.

Practical work: Student will demonstrate and evaluate their performance in team sports, individual sports, OAA, officiating, running sports events and fitness testing.

Entry

Requirements

A minimum of five grade 4s at GCSE or equivalent, with at least a Merit or grade 4 in a relevant equivalent qualification.

How will I be assessed?

External Examinations: The examinations periods are in January and May. Learners are only allowed to sit each examination twice to secure a pass. The Extended Certificate pathway comprises of 2 examination Units. Foundation Diploma and the Diploma pathways both comprise of 3 examination units.

The examination units are:

• Unit 1: Body systems and the effects of physical activity.

• Unit 3: Sports organisation and development.

• Unit 4: Working safely in sport, exercise, health and leisure.

Internally assessed: Many of the units are assessed internally by the learner’s teacher and are then externally moderated by OCR.

What career opportunities does this open up?

Units include Performance analysis in sport and exercise, Sports injuries and rehabilitation and Organisation of sports events. The type of job roles this pathway could lead to are Multi-Sports Coach, Activity Leader or Assistant Sports Coach; so the knowledge, understanding and skills learners will need to achieve in this pathway will include how teams are formed and different leadership approaches to suit them, different types of practice methods that can be used within sport to improve performance and how to safely set up and run individual coaching activities or larger-scale sporting events. Other skills which will be developed include planning and organisation, communication and adaptability.

ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS

Our curriculum is supplemented by a pathway qualification which students will complete in the Lower Sixth. Students select from a variety of qualifications to one which is best suited to complement their study, and can choose from the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS), Sports Leadership, LAMDA Graded Examination in Communications (Speaking in Public) or Core Maths.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

All students complete the DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Each section completed by students involves helping the community/ environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The EPQ provides an opportunity for students to develop their understanding of a topic that interests them. There is not an exam, but a piece of coursework where students are able to showcase their independent research and debates surrounding academic issues. Students must be highly self-motivated and enjoy working independently to be successful in their completion of the EPQ.

There are up to 28 UCAS points to be earned through this course.

Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS)

The Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) has been designed to encourage students to be inspired to meet their lifestyle aspirations. This will be achieved by teaching students to apply appropriate solutions from various choices available within the competitive financial services marketplace.

CeFS enables students to make informed decisions regarding their finances. It helps them to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers and have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their lives.

There are three mandatory units of study:

• Unit 1: Why Money Matters

• Unit 2: Risk and Reward in Personal Finance

• Unit 3: Making Personal Judgements

There are up to 28 UCAS points to be earned through this course.

LAMDA Graded Examinations in Communications: Speaking in Public

This LAMDA qualification is designed to develop the skills necessary for effective oral communication and public presentation. It will benefit those wishing to communicate confidently using the English language.

Students will develop the following skills:

Oral language skills: Selecting, structuring and shaping subject matter into a coherent and concise speech and the adaptation of language and form to audience, purpose and situation where appropriate.

Technical skills: Building skills in vocal projection, clarity of speech, matching tonal register to audience, and integration of body language, notes and visual aids where appropriate, to support the subject matter and engage the listener.

Knowledge of oral communications: Development of a knowledge and understanding of the techniques required for public speaking.

Level 3 Qualification in Sports Leadership

This qualification is designed to develop confident, healthy leaders through sport and physical activity. Students learn and demonstrate important life skills such as effective communication and organisation whilst learning to lead basic physical activities to younger people, their peers, older generations and within the community.

Students are assessed by practical observation, questioning of underpinning knowledge, and plans and evaluations completed during the course.

There are up to 16 UCAS points to be earned through this course.

Qufaro Cyber EPQ

This Cyber Security qualification has been developed to provide a starting point for anyone considering a career in Cyber Security. It is a Level 3 qualification, accredited by City & Guilds, and covers various topics including the history of computing, cryptograph, InfoSec Management, vulnerability assessment and pen testing, GDPR (to name a few!).

There are up to 28 UCAS points to be earned through this course.

THE HABE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The Harris Beckenham Sixth Form Development Programme is a way of actively ensuring that our Sixth Form students are challenged and developed both inside and outside of the classroom and that they will stand out from the competition. Students will take an active part in Academy life and hone their teamwork, communication and time management skills. All students are expected to take part in a variety of different pathways to develop themselves as young adults to prepare them for the diverse and changing world that they will eventually join.

Our Development Programme is made up of various elements which overall enables them to take responsibility for their wider development and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. Students work begin completing their development programme from their first day at Harris Academy Beckenham Sixth Form, ensuring that additional breadth to our curriculum is provided by:

Cultural Capital

Students take part in a rigorous assembly programme designed to broaden their understanding of the world around them through listening to guest speakers, attending workshops and expert masterclasses. These encourage students to develop new skills and to explore new ideas, developing their ability to debate and argue; to form and communicate their own opinions; and to critically analyse academic debates in order to gain their own understanding and perspective of issues. We ensure that students gain an understanding of the wider world around them and are pushed to think beyond the boundaries of any exam or topic covered within their studies.

In addition to a variety of cultural trips abroad, our students are able to take advantage of Beckenham’s access to central London and its world class collection of museums, art galleries, universities and cultural hotspots.

Subject Societies

Our Societies are run weekly and are an opportunity for students to meet independently to discuss and explore an aspect of their desired academic discipline which relates to their university or careers aspirations, for example our Medics Society. Societies are led by the students through their elected President and meetings normally consist of a presentation from a member followed by questions, with each student presenting at least once a year; speakers are

usually Sixth Form students but occasionally there are guest speakers who have been invited by the President to lead a Society. The aim is that Societies closely resemble a University Seminar experience and provide its members with experience in communicating the subject as well as the chance to challenge statements and assumptions and develop tools for argument. Each Society is linked with a subject specialist so that they can guide and help develop these skills by working closely with the Society President in planning the structure of their Society.

Aim High Lecture Series

Students are required to attend at least two Aim High Lectures per half term, which are aimed at providing students with access to a broad range of topics beyond the remit of their examinations. We aim at broadening the horizons of our students through introducing them to new ideas skills.

Leadership and Community

Our students are encouraged to aspire for leadership roles, and they have the opportunity to join our tradition of student leadership. There are opportunities for prefect and senior prefect roles in Year 12 and 13, and each year there is an election for the posts of Head Boy and Head Girl. Sixth Form students are a vital piece of our community and we encourage our students to make links with the lower school and become role models for our younger pupils through a mentoring programme, guided reading, and organising Academy-wide events. In the local community, our students are involved with charities and partake in volunteering in the Lower Sixth where they are able to learn important life skills and the value of a strong community.

Enrichment

All of our Year 12 students are involved in an extracurricular activity to ensure that they leave our Academy as well-rounded individuals. We offer our students a vast variety of enrichment clubs which are ran on a Wednesday afternoon. Students are able to choose which type of enrichment they would like to be involved in, ranging from a variety of sports from our exceptional P.E. department to learning another language.

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT HARRIS BECKENHAM SIXTH FORM

To get a feel of a ‘day in the life’ of our Sixth Form, we invite you to meet some of our current students:

Transitioning from Year 11 to Year 12 is a very enormous step up for any student, it could be even more of an additional challenge if you are moving schools for Sixth Form. Our teachers are really supportive and actively strive to make sure their lessons are fun, enjoyable and as interactive as they can be, which in turn, benefits the students here immensely. Due to the step up, teachers and staff members now treat the Sixth Form students as young adults, such as through the new timetables the students now have, which allow times of free periods and study periods. The school also has many prestigious roles of authority for the students, which highlights how vitally essential we believe students having a voice is. - Tobias S

THE

Even though I was initially nervous about the prospect of moving from Year 11 to Year 12, Harris Beckenham are really good at ensuring that you do not feel out of your depth. There is excellent support from staff and friends, who always push you to do your best. We are encouraged to work independently and are continuously challenged in our lessons. - Marina F

The thing that stood out most to me as a Year 12 student here was the endless amounts of extra-curricular academic and non-academic opportunities. Six weeks into the term and I’m on track to begin mentoring three separate students from the lower school, as-well as undertaking multiple other qualifications and activity’s which will hugely boost my university application! - Miles M

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

This section aims to offer guidance to our admissions process.

The Harris Sixth Form publishes a common application form which is used by all applicants who wish a place at one (or more) of the above Academies. This application form allows the student to provide up to 3 choices of A levels and/or vocational Level 3 combination courses at 10 Academies. All applicants will be invited to a course discussion meeting to discuss their choice of course, career aspirations and likely suitability for courses. There will also be discussion about alternative courses should their predicted grades not be achieved. This course discussion meeting and the information collected other than the home address will not be used in any way to make decisions about the offer of courses which will be solely by application of the criteria below, after gathering information from the applicant’s current school on forecasts of grades.

To determine eligibility for admission, the Harris Sixth Form has specific criteria in relation to minimum entrance requirements for Year 12 based on GCSE grades or other measures of prior attainment. The Harris Sixth Form also has academic entry requirements for each course available based upon GCSE grades or other measures of prior attainment. These criteria will be the same for internal and external transfers to individual academies and will be published in its prospectus and on each participating Academy’s website.

Young people failing to meet the grades for their preferred course option will be offered alternative courses in line with their preferences if places are available within the Harris Sixth Form.

If Year 12 is oversubscribed in any Academy then, after the admission of students with Special Educational Needs where a Harris Academy Sixth Form is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below, providing the student has met the Sixth Form entry and course requirements:

1. A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, residence, or special guardianship order [1]. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (see the definition in section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989).

2. The distance of the applicant’s home from any Academy offering a suitable preferred course with those applicants living closest being given priority.

PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL HARRIS FEDERATION

The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with 55 academies in London and Essex. The founder and Chairman of the Harris Federation is Lord Harris of Peckham. His vision of delivering happy and successful education is brought to life by an excellent team of teachers and leaders.

The Federation regularly tops academic studies and national league tables measuring performance. Almost all Harris secondary academies are judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Harris Sixth Forms are diverse, offering students a series of very different, but equally ambitious, routes for their future. And Harris sixth formers are remarkably successful at

progressing to the most prestigious universities – winning places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities at a rate of more than twice the national average – as well as top apprenticeships and competitive vocational courses.

We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

In addition to running schools, the Harris Federation provides high quality training and professional development for teachers throughout this part of England.

Follow @HarrisFed on to stay updated.