Biology

Biology Head of Department: Mrs Miller, millerc@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Biology?

A level Biology will help you make sense of the living world around you. You will study the biology of plants and animals, human health and performance and the wider natural environment. You can progress to study a wide variety of courses at university, from agriculture to zoology. For medicine, veterinary science and dentistry it remains very important.

Course Outline

The Alevel course is split into eight units, covering the following topics:

1.Biological molecules 2.Cells 3.Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4.Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 5.Energy transfers in and between organisms (A level only) 6.Organisms respond tochanges in their internal and external environments (A level only) 7.Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A level only) 8.The control of gene expression (A level only)

We run courses throughout the Sixth Form to help extend our pupil s. These inc lude the CREST scheme, where we encourage gold level participation, Biology Olympiad, running the science club, running a dissection club, a week biology field course, external speakers, a medics club and in house extension work.

Beyond A l evel

Many of our students go on to study biology related courses at university. An increasing number of students each year are successful in obtaining places on highly competitive courses including medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmac y, physiotherapy and a v ariety of courses at Oxford or Cambridge universities. The following courses are typical of the variety of biology related courses taken up by our Biology students: Medicine, Dentistry, Biological Sciences, Micro biology, Sports Scie nce , Radiotherapy, Pharm acy, Physiotherapy, Forensic Science, Neuroscience, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Optometry.

Other students use biology as a valuable and interesting subject to take them on to a variety of courses. Some students take a GAP yea r before entering univer sity and others have gained employment.

Preferred Entry Requirements

Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Biology or Grade 77in GCSE Combined Sciences Dual Award (with high scores in the Biology units). Owing to the mathematical content of the course, a good un derstanding of Mathematics is also important: we recommend Grade 7 or above at IGCSE.

Practical work lies at the hea rt of the sciences and this course provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality and equip studen ts with essential practical skills. Students who satisfy the practical requirements of the course will be awarded a se parate “Practical Endorsement” alongside their A level Grade .

Technical details:

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Type A level

Course Tit le Biology

Specification Code 7402

NumberDurationWeighting(% of total A level) External Exams 3 2 hours each Paper 1 - 35% (end of Year 13) Paper 2 - 35% Paper 3 - 30% Coursework - - -

Business Head of Department: MrKendall, kendallj@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Business?

Business is a subject grounded in the real world and is suited to students who are interested in the workings of business enterprises and the behaviour of people within them. Whilst the subject is good preparation for those making a choice of a career in business, its wide ranging nature and the intellectual challenge it presents make it an ideal choice for students uncertain about their career choice or looking to complement other subjects.

Course Outline

The type of issue and problem that you would face on the course would be very similar to the practical problems faced each day by those running businesses. You will study the problems faced by manag ers when taking decisions about production, marketing, finance and staffing. In addition, you will take a wider account of the constraints placed on businesses by the economy, government and social matters.

Since the syllabus focuses on practical busines s situations, you will routinely use real business material based on specific industries such as games consoles, mobile phones and supermarkets. The emphasis is on using the skills developed to deal with the problems presented.

Beyond A level

There isa large number of Business courses available at universities, as well as Business courses linked with Accountancy, Computing, Product Design, Languages, Mathematics, Sports Facility Management, Tourism and Psychology amongst many other topics, and a simila r diversity can be found linked to Management Studies and Marketing degrees. The skills learnt are both life skills and skills with a particular relevance to anyone participating in the modern market based environment. It has been useful to students wanti ng to enter private practice in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science and Architecture as well as the more obvious careers in Management, Marketing and Retail.

Preferred Entry Requirements

Assessment is via written external exams containing structured qu estions relating to a business case study which may contain numerical data for you to interpret. It is therefore important that you are well qualified in both English Language (GCSE Grade 5 or above) and Mathematics (IGCSE Grade 6 or above).

Technical De tails

Exam Board Eduqas

Qualification Type A level

Course Title Business

Specification Code 601/4868/8

NumberDurationWeighting (% of total A level) External Exams 3 2.25hours 33.3% each (end of Year 13) each Coursework - - -

Chemist ry Head of Department: Mrs Peric -Crnko , perici@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Chemistry?

Chemistryis often called 'the central science' because it connects the physical sciences, including physics , withthe life sciences and applied sciences, such as medicine and engineering. As well as knowledge of the chemical content itself, the subject develops many important cognitiv e skills, such as; understanding abstract concepts, analysing data, problem ide ntificationand solving, numerical analysis, organising recall, and logical argument, as well as the skills of critical thinking.

Chemistry is a 'facilitating subject', as itis one of the subjects appearing most oftenin university entryrequirements. Chemistry can be taken with any combination of subjects but there are particular benefits to studying mathematics and physics or biology alongside chemistry. These subjects comp lement each other, and studying one can reinforce ideas central to the others.

Course Outline

The A level Chemistry course is fairly evenly divided between the study of physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. The course is quit e up -to -date, and includes units on modern analytical techniques and topical is sues in chemistry such as polymer production and disposal, alternative energies, and biochemistry.

Practical work lies at the heart of the sciences and this course provides nu merous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality and equip students with essential practical skills. Students who satisfy the practical requirements of the course will be awarded a separate “Practical Endorsement” alongside their A level grade.

Beyond A level

A levelChemistry is a necessary qualification for a number of higher education courses. The most noteworthy are Medicine and medically related subjects. It is an essential qualification for Natural Sciences at Cambridge and for some Engineering courses. It is highly desirable for biological courses.

There are many joint degrees which involve Chemistry. Chemistry would be the best qualification for the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals and many manufacturing industries. Graduates with a Chemistry degree are held in high esteem due to the wide range of skills acquired and many go into areas such as business and finance.

Preferred Entry Requirements

Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 77 in GCSE C ombined Sciences Dual Award (with high scores in the Chemistry units). Owing to the mathema tical content of the course, a good understanding of Mathematics is also important: we recommend Grade7 or above at IGCSE.

Technical Details

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleChemistry

Specification Code 7405

NumberDurationWeighting (% of total A level) External Exams 3 2 hours eachPaper 1: 35% (end of Year 13)Paper 2: 35% Paper 3: 30% Coursework - - -

Computer Science Head of Department: Miss Thompson, thompsonc@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Computer Science?

Computer scientists are vital to the digital age we all now live in; from the apps we use t o do our shopping to the technology taking humans into space, computers underpin everything we do. A scientific understanding of how computers work and how to create software using written programming languages is key to this and they are at the core of Co mputer Science A -Level. Alongside this Computer Science also teaches you how to solve complex, challengin g problems – a vital skill whatever direction your career path leads you on. A wide variety of degrees and jobs are open to those who study Computer S cience. Whether you’re looking at making a positive difference in the world by going into medical researc h or are looking to create the next hit computer game, jobs related to Computer Science are both amongst the most lucrative and are definitely here to stay.

Course Outline

The course is divided into two examined units and one piece of controlled assessme nt:

Unit 1:Computing Principles – Covers the theory underlying Computer Science including components of a computer and their uses, types of software and the methodologies used to develop them, how data is exchanged between systems, how data is represente d and stored , and the legal, moral cultural and ethical issues surrounding computer use.

Unit 2: Algorithms and Programs – Covers the theory behind writing computer programs including computational thinking, problem solving, practical programming skills a nd algorithm s.

Unit 3: Programming Project – You are given the opportunity to create a piece of software for a user of your own choosing. Commonly these are apps or games which you develop in consultation with your user, mimicking the real world software development process (analysing the problem, designing the program, creating the program and evaluating what you have made).

Computer Science A -Level pairs well with other technical subjects such as Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

Beyond A Level

Computer sciencestudents go on to study a wide variety of degree subjects. Some will continue with their theoretical studies by continuing on to a Computer Science course whereas others will decide to specialise and go into a specific field of interest (softw are engineer ing, mobile technology, digital media, game development, cyber security, web development, artificial intelligence, animation and effects, computer forensics, networking). Computer science is also considered by top universities to be a useful su bject for gaining a place on a wide variety of scientific and technical degree courses (all types of engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, economics, medicine, psychology, sociology).

Preferred Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE Comp uter Science. Those who did not have the opportunity to study Computer Science at GCSE will be considered if they have an A Grade/ Grade 7 in Math ematics and/or a clear interest in the subject (particularly those who already have programming experience).

Technical Details

Exam Board OCR

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleComputer Science

Specification Code H446

NumberDurationWeighting (% of total A level) External Exams (end 2 2hr 30mins each 40% each of Year 13) Coursework 1 - 20%

Design and Technology Head of Department: Mr Barnett, barnetta@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why study Design & Technology?

“It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works” – Steve Jobs, 2003 The world in which we live is the result of design and technological activities. Modern consumers make increasing demands on the world’s resources, so designers and engineers have a vital role in the design and fabrication of appr opriate solutions to new technological problems.

By studying design and technology you will develop your skills to thrive, adapt and participate creatively in technologies which are still evolving, enabling you to create solutions for the next generation that are fit for purpose and support a sustainable, safe and healthy lifestyle for us all.

Course Description

The course develops your understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of materials and components and their application, with partic ular emphasis on the life -cycle of products. Whilst studying a range of everyday products you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the broader issues designers and engineers have to consider in the modern world. You will also study the advancesof technology, the evolution of everyday artefacts and the work of past and present designers/engineers to bett er prepare for the future.

Through the coursework, you will further enhance your ability to develop creative and innovative solutions that a re embedded in sound scientific knowledge and understanding. Modern techniques are taught and developed, for exam ple 3D computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (laser cutter and 3D printer) can be used.

Beyond A level

The study of Design and Technology offers a wealth of career opportunities. The progress of technology is so rapid that there will be ca reers in technological industries yet to be developed. The invention of new materials and the need for designers to promote and enable environm ental responsibility offer exciting new areas of development.

Industries in product or industrial design, engineering, architecture, medical and surgical engineering to name a few are all popular and highly paid areas where candidates need to offer not ju st scientific knowledge, but creativity and practical skills to be competitive. Some university engineering courses now list Design and Technology as a preferred subject.

Preferred Entry Requirements

Students embarking on an A level in Design and Techn ology are expected to have achieved at least Grade 6 at GCSE. Other students would be considered, and anyone interested should consult the department.

Technical Details

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleProduct Design

Specificatio n Code 7552

NumberDurationWeighting (% of total A level) External Examination (end of Yr. 1 2.5 hours 30% 13) – Technical principles External examination (end of 1 1.5 hours 20% Yr.13) – Designing & Making principles Non -Exam Assessment 1 - 50%

Drama and Theatre Acting Head of Department: M iss Banner , bannerh@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Drama and Theatre?

The study of Drama and Theatre is an exploration of our artistic heritag e and the culture of other societies. Your communication skills as a performer, director and critic will be challenged and enhanced, through an exploration of the work of famous playwr ights both in performance and as a script, which you must bring to life. To do this, you will need to master problem solving and co operative learning.

Course Description

Students will take part in 4 units across the A level. Two units are practical ex ams, two are written exams.

• Unit 1: Practitioners in Practice Students will study various practitioners with a scripted extract. From this they will be required to write a 2000 word research report. Students will then devise their own practical performanc e and will be examined in front of a live audience. With this, students are to create a portfolio of their journey, which can be noted in various styles such as, as continuous prose, a scrap book or a video diary.

• Unit 2: Exploring and Performing texts Students are required to study one performance text in its entirety and wo rk collaboratively to perform part of the text. Students will need to write a small concept pro forma. Students are examined by a visiting assessor and in front of a live audience.

• Unit 3: Analysing Performance This unit is in two sections. Section A will include the study of two set texts which explore one of the following themes: Conflict; Family dynamics; Heroes and Villains. Section B learners are required to analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance.

• Unit 4: Deconstructing Texts for Performance Students will study one set text in full and will answer exam questions on how scenes can be staged and performed for an audience. Students will analyse and interpret the performance text in depth.

Beyond A level

Drama and Theatre Studies will be accep table for theArts,Law, English,Humanities and Modern Language courses. Drama courses develop transferable skills which employers are looking for: communication, teamwork, negotiatio n and persuasiveness, time management and organisation, as well as analy tical, critical and research skills. Most degree courses now require students to work in a team and to undertake presentations, and for these skills Drama is invaluable.

There are man y careers, which are open to Drama & Theatre Studies students including management, personnel and social work, team management and jobs requiring analytical and presentational skills. The study of drama provides the ideal training for any position requirin g quick thinking, self -reliance, creativity, teamwork and the ability to organise both yourself and others.

Preferred Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in English Literature GCSE and Grade 6 in Drama GCSE (if taken). This subject calls for a commitment to teamwork, group participation and a lively interest in all aspects of theat re. It should be remembered that the grading works on a banding system, which means that the group is graded first,and therefore each member of the group’s performance has a direct effect on their peers marks.

Technical Details

Exam Board OCR

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleDrama and Theatre

Specification Code H459

Number Duration Weighting (% of total A level) Practical Exam with 1 NA 40% coursework (Year 12) Practical Exam with 1 NA 20% coursework (Y ear 13) External Written Exam s 2 2 h rs15 m ins 20% (end of Year 13)1 hrs 45 mins 20%

Economics Head of Department: Mr Kendall, kendallj@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Economics ?

In Economics you will study some of the ess ential elements of how a society works; the creation of wealth and its subsequent distribution, both within an economy and on a global scale. The subject will offer insights into individual psychology, group react ions to certain economic situations, and th e responses of organisations.

As a social science subject Economics attracts students who are studying both mainly arts and mainly science A Levels. It is of value to students looking to broaden their curriculum , and to any student wishing to further the ir understanding of the world.

Course Outline

The broad topics studied are: • Markets and market failure • National and international economics • Economic principles and issues

The skills you should acquire will be tr ansferable to all aspects of learning. You will understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions. You will learn to look at both quantitative and qualitative information when making decisions. The subject offers many opportunities for discussion, and your views will always form a valued basis for gaining a clearer understanding of the issues involved. You will deal with issues as far ranging as extreme poverty in the world and the possible consequences of the UK referen dum on membership of the European Union.

Beyond A level

Economics is a long established degree subject at all universities. It can be taken as a single honours subject or combined with other subjects in a joint honours course. Courses range from the highly mathematical Econometrics, to courses wh ich incorporatemore of a social science approach. It is a subject often taught as an element of other social science courses; it may also be part of an Engineering degree. Economics is not always specified as a requirement for a degree course, but we hig hly recommend that students study the subject at A level before studying at degree level. Career opportunities for students with an Economics degree are many and varied within business, the Civil Service, journalism, education and other areas. Economists h old high profil e jobs in the City and in major corporations, where their planning and analyses go highly rewarded. A recent review of graduate salaries indicated high earnings potential for graduates with an Economics degree .

Preferred Entry Requiremen ts

Assessment is via essays and structured questions relating to stimulus material which can contain text and/or numerical data. It is therefore essential that you are well qualified in both English (GCSE Grade 6 or higher) and Mathematics (IGCSE Grade 6 o r higher).

Technical Details

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleEconomics

Specification Code 7136

NumberDurationWeighting (% of total A level) External Exams 3 2 hours each 33.3% each (end of Year 13) Coursework - - -