Politics

Politics Head of Department: Mr Liston , listonc@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Po litics?

In one way or another, most asp ects of most people’s lives are shaped by politics. From elections and involvement in wars to the price of a pint of milk, most things we see in newspapers or experience in our day -to -day lives are products of politi cal decisions.

The study of Politics helps to establish a greater understanding of many of the issues facing the governments and economists of today, and those impacting upon students’ daily lives. This subject also develops the ability to communicate complex ideas and formulate clear argumen ts by deploying a range of theoretical concepts and practical examples.

Course Description

The course covers the main features of the UK government and politics, as well as providing the opportunity to s tudy these matters in a global context.

Key areas cov ered on the UK Politics unit include democracy, electoral systems and voting behaviour, the relationship between government and parliament, and the principles underpinning the main political parties. You will develop a sound critical understanding of how p olitics in the UK operates. For instance, while Britain is normally seen as a thriving democracy, students are asked to challenge this assumption.

Key areas covered on the UK Government unit include th e role of the Prime Minister, the Executive and Parli ament,and the relationship between these branches. You will develop an understanding of where power lies within the UK Government. This unit alsoexposes students to political ideologies less intrinsi cally tied to specific political parties than those c overedin the UK Politics unit, such as anarchism, nationalism and ecologism.

The third unit will expose students to global politicsgiving them the opportunity to study the impact of globalisation on n ational sovereignty. It will also give them an oppor tunity to analyse recent political developments around the world through the prism of key international theories.

Component 1: UK Politics

Component 2: UK Government

Component 3: Global Politics

Beyond A level

A level Politics is a rigorous and versatil e qualification which demonstrates to universities and employers the valuable abilities to express ideas clearly, to make links between strands of thought, and to develop sophisticated evaluations. A goo d grade in Politics is seen as an indication of an applicant’s intellect, ability to work hard, and understand and critically assess the world around them. Politics can lead to all kinds of possible careers including those within law, media, banking, advertising, journalism, social work, teaching and many ot her professions.

Preferred Entry Requirements

Assessment is via written external examinations containing essay questions and structured questions, some of which relate to specific source material. It is therefore important that you are well qualified inEnglish Language (GCSE Grade6 or higher). Experience shows, that those with a GCSE Grade 6 or above in History, also tend to achieve well in A level Politics.

Technical Details

Exam Board Edexcel

Qualification Type A level

Course Title Politics

Specification Code 9PL0

NumberDurationWeighting (% of total A level) External Exams 3 papers2 hours each33.3 % each (end of Year 13)

Psychology Head of Department: Ms Ball, ballr@ashf ordschool.co.uk

WhyStudyPsychology?

Psychology, the science of human mind and behaviour, is an exciting and popular option for any student interested in why people behave the way they do. This course has been designed to help students see the implicat ions of psychology for everyd ay life and to reflect on their own behaviour and experiences. Any student thinking about working with people or entering the “caring professions” will find that embarking on A level Psychology is both an interesting and approp riate start to their journey.

CourseDescription

In Year 12 the course first looks at classic and contemporary Core Studies, which illustrate the scope of psychology and the range of methods used to gather evidence. In Year 13 it focuses on child and criminal psychology, as well as research into mental h ealth. The course covers a wide variety of areas of interest such as the diagnosis of mental illness, features of autism, moral development, eyewitness testimony, the effect of imprisonment and the plastic ity of the brain.

As in any A level subject, stud ents are expected to take responsibility for their learning and become increasingly independent. Much time in class is spent in discussion rather than following a textbook, which students will read on thei r own. Psychological terminology is really importan t and students will have many new terms to learn which they will become confident with over time. Students will attend at least two conferences over the course of the two years, and will also benefit from lectures by outside speakers as well as a visit to the Psychology Department at the University of Kent at the end of Year 12. They will also have opportunities to carry out their own research as well as participate in some if they wish. Assessment is all e xam based with no coursework, although students wil l be asked to refer to their own research in the exam.

Beyond A level

StudyingPsychology isverystimulating andmanystudents goon tostudy thissubject at undergraduate andpostgraduate levels. Psychology is a popular subject onitsown but canalso be combined withcriminology, sociology,anthropology andphilosophy, toname but a fewoptions. Psychologists arecurrently working insuchdiverse fields aseducation, humanresources, theNHS, thepris onservice, thepoliceforce,marketing, counsellin g,advertising andsocialwork. TheBritish Psychological Societywebsite hasplenty ofinformation aboutcareers related topsychology.

Preferred EntryRequirements

Although Psychology is classified as a science, students who take up this course always come from a wide range of different disciplines and anyone is welcome if they have an interest in human behaviour. Prospective students should aim for at least a Grade 6 in English Language at GCSE and at least a Grade 6 in Mathematics is also strongly recommended, as there is a statistics component and 25% of the marks awarded are on mathematical ability. Students should be able to express themselves fluently in writingand be willing to engage in both cr itical and creative thinking.

Technical Details

Exam Board OCR

Qualification Type A level

Course TitlePsychology

Specification Code H567

NumberDurationWeighting(% of total A level) External Exams (end 3 papers2 hours eachPaper 1: 30% of Year 13)Paper 2: 35% Paper 3: 35% Coursework - - -

Philosophy , Theology and Ethics (PTE) Head of Department: Mrs Hall , hallk@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why Study Religious Studies: Philosophy, Theo logy and Ethics?

The course will develop your ability to explore difficult concepts in a rational manner and is available to anyone who wants to explore some of the ‘big questions’ in life – can we trust the information we gain from our senses? Is belief in the soul and li fe after death rational? Do you have to be religious to do the right thing? Should everyone have the right to die? What do we mean by human nature? How do people gain knowledge of God? Philosophers and theologians have been debating these issues for millennia, and if you would like to join the ongoing search for the answers to these questions, this might just be the A level for you. Please note that you do not need to have studied the GCSE course in order to take this A leve l. RS A level p rovides an excelle nt foundation for a range of careers – from medicine to public service to business, and it is increasingly relevant in this globalised world. Furthermore, it is an excellent A Level to support the study of a range of subjects, from Mathem atics, Biology, Physics, Art and of course, all the other Humanities.

Course Description

In Year 12, you will begin your philosophical quest with a foundation of Ancient -Greek thought that focuses on the work of Plato and Aristotle. This will then enabl e you to access arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the debate on t he soul, mind and body in a coherent and logical manner. In Ethics, you will explore theories such as utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, as well as applying them toeuthanasia and business ethics. In Theology, you will study topics such as Augustine’s teac hing on human nature, as well as death and the afterlife. You will consider the different moral principles that exist in Christianity, and how these are put into ac tion.

In Year 13 you will explore the complex philosophical issues behind religious langua ge and the nature of God. In Ethics, you will learn about the language used in ethics, views on the conscience, and applying ethical theories to issues in sexual et hics. In Theology you will consider the impact of pluralism, gender and secularism on Christ ian thought and practice.

Beyond A l evel

Studying Religious Studies: Philosophy, Ethics and Theology is of value in and of itself (because the subject is so inte resting!), and, because of the transferable skills students acquire after completing the A Level, the course is valuable as a basis to study just about any non -vocational subject at degree level: the skills of critical analysis and evaluation have value ri ght across the spectrum of degree courses. The emphasis on coherent, logic al and structured essays will be of great value for university study across the whole. However, many students have found it particularly helpful in careers related to law, journalism, business and politics, and employers are always on the look -out for peop le who have the skills of thinking ‘outside the box’ and being able to deconstruct a complex problem into logical steps.

Preferred Entry Requirements

It is not necessary that you have studied RS at GCSE, and you do not need to have a religious leaning. To take the course, it is strongly recommended to have achieved GCSEs at Grade6 or higher in English Language and English Literature, as well as Grade5 or above in Mathematics, an d if taken, a Grade 6 or above in Religious Studies. What is absolutely required though is that you have an inquisitive nature – that you love asking questions and always push for answers. With this desire to know, or to find out, the course will definitel y engage you.

Technical Details

Exam Board OCR

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleReligious Studies

Specification Code H573

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

Sport (BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Certificate ) Head of Academic PE : Mr Bubb , bubbp@ashfordschool.co.uk

What is BTEC Sport?

BTEC Sport is an academicqualification that provides a n alternative route to A Level PE into both higher education Sports Science/Sports Studies courses and the world of work and apprenticeships. It is an excellent qualification for any aspirational young person who is passionate about planning and developing their future career as well as those intending to attend university, as it is a qualification that includes both practical and theory -basedelements as well as a significant time investment in vocational opportunities. Students will have experiences under taking assignments structured like real -world projects, reports and presentations; they will be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and develop their independence; they will develop their interpersonal skills and practical thinking abi lities; they will gain a strong core base of knowledge relevant to their vast spectrum of the world of sport science; they will gain important experiences of working as an effective team, know how to meet deadlines and efficiently manage their time.

Why study BTEC Sport?

BTEC Nationals use a combination of assessment styles to allow students to develop the study skills required to continue learning on higher education courses throughout their career, as well as fostering the self -confidence and abilit y to apply their knowledge and vocational skills to real -world situations in the workplace. The range of assessments – both practical and written/task based –means students can showcase their learning and achievements to best effect when they take their next step, supporting applications to higher education courses or to potential employers. They will study a range of different units on a modular basis, on both the Diploma and Extended Certificate courses, providing an in -depth overview to the ever -evolving and dynamic world of sport science.

Students will also gain profound vocational experiences whilst studying for this qualification. They will undertake external qualifications alongside this course, e.g.coaching certificates, first aid courses, Sport s Leadership awards and EPQ's in Sport. In conjunction, they will be given many opportunities to develop their coaching skills, by working with many different pupils and sports teams both at Ashford School and beyond into the wider community.

Course de scription

The BTEC Sport Diploma is equivalent to two A levels and occupies two option blocks, whereas the Extended Certificate equates to one A Level and occupies one block. BTEC Sport is different to A levelsubjects due to its diverse and flexible asses sment methods, such as allowing resits in the external exam units as well as 'referrals' for internal coursework assignments, providing the chance to improve assignments after receiving feedback. The methods are selected based on the pupils’strengths and interests and allow them to actively demonstrate their learning. Examples of assessment methods include interviews, demonstrations, presentations, and written reports.

For the Diploma, there are six mandatory units and three optional units studied over the two -year course. For the Extended Certificate, there are three mandatory units and one optional unit. Each unit is individually graded and contributes to the final gra de, in proportion to the number of Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Mandatory Units for DiplomaOptional Units (3 from these for Diploma, 1 from these for Extended Certificate) 1.Anatomy and Physiology * 1.Application of fitness testing 2.Fitness Training and Programming * 2.Sports Psychology 3.Investigating Business in Sport and Active Leisure 3.Practical Sports Performance 4.Professional Development in the Sports Industry * 4.Coaching for Performance 5.Sports Leadership 5.Research Methods in Sport 6.Acquiring Skill in Sport 6.Sports Events Organisation 7.Research Project in Sport * = mandatory unit for the Extended Certificate 8.Sports Injury management

In addition to the taught unit content, a number ofextra opportunities are afforded to the students who take this course. We run a biennial trip to the Sports Lab at Canterbury Christ Church University to see first -hand howcutting -edgetechnology is used to test elite athletes and improve performance, and the pupils themselves are then put through their paces in the lab. Releva nt coaching qualifications and courses are also organised annually , such as Level 1 and 2 coaching awards and First Aid qualifications that the pupils are encouraged to undertake, to expand their knowledge and experience of sports coaching and administrati on.We also run the nationally recognised Sports Leaders qualific ations, that can provide additional UCAS points, as well as online academic opportunities such as Open University sport science modules and the potential to undertake an EPQ in sport. Many o f our pupils use these qualifications to take on coaching roles bo th in and out of school.

Beyond Sixth Form

• The Sport BTEC can lead onto degree courses in both Sports Science and Sports Studies at university   • Fitness industry (gym instructing, personal trainer, management)  • Leisure industry (management etc.)  • Sport industry (coa ching, sport nutrition, sport psychology, sport therapy)

Preferred Entry Requirements 

Students should have studied GCSE PE and gained at least a Grade 4and have achieved at least a Grade 4 in English Language. 

Technical Details

Exam Board Pearson/Edexcel Qualification TypeBTEC Level 3 National in Sport - Diploma ORExtended

Certificate

Course Title Sport Specification CodeDiploma = 603/0460/1 Extended Certificate = 601/7218/6

NumberDurationWeighting (% of t otal Alevel) External Exams

Diploma: 1 1 hr30 mins 16.7%

Extended Certificate: As aboveAs above 25%

Written assessments ('seen paper' exams)

Diploma: 2 1x 2hrs 30 min 16.7% 1x 3 hrs 12.5%

Extended Certificate: 1 1x 2hrs 30 25% min

Internal Coursework assignments

Diploma: 6 N/A1x 12.5% 5x8.3%

Extended Certificate: 2 N/A2x 25%

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Coordinator: Mrs Miller, millerc@ashfo rdschool.co.uk

The EPQ allows each student to embark on a largely independent project, on a topic of their choice but also includes 10 hours of a taught element . This is a fantastic opportunity for students to take the initiative in their own learning, by studying a topic of their choice. Students must plan, research and develop their idea and decide on their finishe d product, before presenting their findings to an audience.

The EPQ encourages creativity and curiosity. A project topic may be directly r elated to a student's main study programme, but should look beyond the specification. A finished product may take th e form of a written report, production (e.g. charity event, fashion show or sports event), or an artefact (e.g. piece of art, a computer gam e or realised design).

Examples of titles:

• Whether modern Economic theory works in Tang Dynasty (especially Lorenz curve). • How does China’s economic growth affect poverty reduction? • Rape in Modern India – an analysis of the significance of gender attitu des • How does infinity inside the Black Hole affect its property? • How did high status buildings in A ndalucia, Spain, evolve during the Muslim inhabitancy 711 1492? • Can psychopaths be empathetic?

This experience provides an opportunity for students to exten d their abilities beyond their A level studies, to stand out and prepare for university or their future career. It can also be used to earn extra UCAS points.

Normally, work on the EPQ would st art in the Marchof Year 12. There are 2 submission dates. November or April and this would be in Year 13.

Technical Details

Exam Board AQA

Course TitleLevel 3 Extended Project Qualification

Specification Code 7993