Art & Design Art & Design
Exam Board Edexcel
The subject is a practical studio based study designed to promote individuality and independent learning, creativity and intuition, investigative and analytical powers, technical skills, aesthetic awareness and intellectual endeavour. The subject is compatible with all other subjects and can be complementary to DT or Textiles. It is essential for progression in Higher or Further Education in all aspects of Art and Design or Architecture and is ideal for History of Art courses at university.
Entry Requirements GCSE Art Grade B or At discretion of Head of Department after an interview and demonstration of skill in drawing.
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
Art and Design Fine Art Advanced Subsidiary, is a stand-alone qualification with two components taken in the Lower Sixth at RGS. Component one is a sustained body of work that represents 50% of the AS whilst component two is the Externally Set Assignment on a theme released by the examination board on 1 January and culminates in a ten hour Sustained Focus. Both components are a journey engaging with the Assessment Objectives that are each worth 25% of the final mark. These are: 1) recording observations; 2) developing ideas through critically investigating artists demonstrating analytical understanding; 3) reviewing and refining ideas by experimenting with methods and materials; 4) presenting a final response with a written evaluation. The AS Level is examined in June; component one is internally set, internally marked and externally moderated; component two is externally set, internally marked and externally moderated.
Art and Design Fine Art GCE Advanced Level taken in Upper Sixth is a demanding, rigorous, inclusive and empowering qualification that provides a benchmark of academic ability at age 18. It comprises two components: the Personal Investigation (60%) develops a body of practical work but includes a mandatory written academic personal study that has an extra criterion (12%) additional to the Assessment Objectives. Component two (40%) is a body of practical work made in response to a theme released by the examination board in February and culminates in a 15 hour Sustained Focus. Both Units are examined in June; component one is internally set, internally marked and externally moderated. Component two is externally set, internally marked and externally moderated.
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Biology Biology
Exam Board AQA
Biology at AS and A Level greatly extends the work covered at GCSE and introduces new topics and ideas. The course builds up from the chemicals of life, through cells, tissues and organs into whole organisms and concepts such as evolution and gene technology. Investigations follow the scientific method, including physiological and biochemical experiments, observations of animal and plant specimens and interpretation of microscopic material.
Entry Requirements GCSE Biology Grade A or Dual Award Science AA and GCSE Mathematics Grade A
AS Course Outline The subject content covers the following categories: • Biological molecules • Cells • Organisms exchange substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
A2 Course Outline The subject content adds the following categories: • Energy transfers in and between organisms • Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external
environments • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • The control of gene expression
y g o l o i B There is no coursework module, but students’ laboratory books must show evidence of the required practical skills demonstrated through completion of twelve core practical tasks.
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Business Business
Exam Board Edexcel
Business is a dynamic subject about the diverse nature of business enterprise and the interdependence of the various parts of the business world. Students will explore business success and business failure, investigate local, national and global business markets, and understand how businesses need to adapt and respond strategically to the changing environment in which they operate to survive and grow. This constant evolutionary process makes Business Studies a fascinating subject.
Entry Requirements GCSE English Grade B and GCSE Mathematics Grade B
AS Course Outline Components: • Paper 1: Marketing and people (Paper code: 8BS0/01) • Paper 2: Managing business activities (Paper code: 8BS0/02)
A2 Course Outline Components: • Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses (Paper code: 9BS0/01) • Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy (Paper code: 9BS0/02)
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• Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment (Paper code: 9BS0/03)
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Chemistry Chemistry
Exam Board AQA
Why study Chemistry? The reasons are that the subject is fun, exciting and explains how the world works. From archaeology to other planets’ atmospheres, from the effect of drugs to the colour of precious stones, Chemistry helps us to understand and enables us to make life better and more interesting. From a knowledge of chemistry we can prevent and cure disease, develop new materials and explore space - Chemistry is all around us.
AS Course Outline Topics covered: • Atomic Structure and Periodicity • Amount of Substance • Bonding Energetics • Chemical Equilibria • Redox Reactions • Organic Chemistry There are two 90 minute AS Level examinations, each one examining the core topics of Amount of Substance, Bonding, Energetics, Equilibria.
Entry Requirements GCSE Chemistry Grade A or Dual Award Science AA
There is no coursework module for AS Level, but students are expected to have carried out six core practical tasks and their laboratory books must show evidence of the required practical skills.
Paper 1 (Module 1) will also include Atomic Structure, Redox reactions, and Periodicity. Paper 2 (Module 2) will include questions on Kinetics and the Chemistry of Organic compounds.
A2 Course Outline
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Further to the topics covered at AS Level, the additional topics taught include: Paper 1 • Thermodynamics • Electrode Potentials • Acids and Bases • Transition Metal Chemistry Paper 2
There is no coursework module, but students’ laboratory books must show evidence of the required practical skills demonstrated through completion of twelve core practical tasks.
• Rate Equations • Organic Chemistry • Organic Synthesis There are three 2 hour A Level examinations. The first two assess understanding of the topics listed above, with the third assessing practical and data analysis skills across all topic areas.
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Classical Civilisation Classical Civilisation
Exam Board AQA
Anyone studying English, History, or Politics will find Classical Civilisation extremely useful in informing their other studies; other students will find Classical Civivilsation the kind of contrasting, mind-broadening, analytical discipline that University departments are delighted to see their applicants pursuing. Classical Civilisation is respected as a challenging multi-disciplinary course, encouraging breadth of viewpoint, precision, analytical abilities and communication skills.
Entry Requirements GCSE English Literature and Language Grade B and GCSE in any Humanities subject Grade B GCSE Classical Civilisation or Latin are helpful, but certainly not essential. Genuine interest and enthusiasm are much more important. No previous knowledge in this field is assumed.
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
2 x 90 minute examinations containing short questions (5 marks), an extract based essay (10 marks), a topic based essay (20 marks) and a synoptic essay (30marks).
2 x 90 minute examinations containing short questions (5 marks), an extract based essay (10 marks), a topic based essay (20 marks) and a synoptic essay (40marks).
CIV1F – Life & Times of Cicero (Roman Political History C1st BC)
CIV3C – Greek Tragedy (Greek Literature)
The 1st Century BC was a time of political and civil upheaval in Rome. The Republic was in decline as dictatorships came and went. Julius Caesar was on the rise, only to be killed in his prime. This module studies these events, through the prism of Cicero’s life. The leading public speaker in Rome, Cicero has a shrewd and sometimes self-serving viewpoint about everything that was going on around him. CIV2A – Homer’s Iliad (Greek Literature) Homer’s epic ‘Iliad’ tells the story of Achilles, set against the background of the Trojan War. It is probably the earliest work of European literature and has, therefore, had an enormous influence on all subsequent writers.
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Four plays by two of the greatest Greek playwrights are studied in depth: Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus the King’ and ‘Antigone’, and Euripides’ ‘Hippolytus’ and ‘Medea’. Candidates also investigate the invention of theatre as an art form, approaches towards the writing of plays developed by Athenian dramatists, and the significance of drama in Athenian political and religious life. CIV4D – Tiberius & Claudius (Roman Political History and Historiography C1st AD) The historians Tacitus and Suetonius examined the expansion of the Empire and the spread of Roman civilisation right across Europe in the years AD14-54 – against the background of the secret vices of Tiberius and the alleged stupidity of Claudius!
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Computer Science Computing
Exam Board OCR
Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. Computer Science is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a prism.
Entry Requirements GCSE Computer Science Grade A* * desirable
The aims of this qualification are to enable pupils to develop: • An understanding, and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science including: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation • The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so • The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of Computer Science • Mathematical skills • The ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and the risks of digital technology
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
Computing Principles (01) 70 marks, 75 minute written paper, 50% of the total AS Level
Computing Systems (01) 140 marks, 150 minute written paper, 40% of the total A Level • The Characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral ethical and cultural issues
• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Software & software development • Programming • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures & algorithms • Legal, moral ethical and cultural issues Algorithms & problem solving (02) 70 marks, 75 minute written paper, 50% of the total AS Level • Elements of computational thinking
Algorithms & programming (02) 140 marks, 150 minute written paper, 40% of the total A Level • Elements of computational thinking • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms Programming Project (03 or 04) 70 marks. 20% of the total A Level • The pupil will choose a computing problem to work through, as detailed in the specification • The pupil will analyse the problem, design a solution, develop a solution, evaluate the solution
r e t u p m e o c n C Sci e • Algorithms
• Problem solving and programming
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Drama & Theatre Studies Drama & Theatre Studies
Exam Board AQA
Drama and Theatre Studies is an exciting course which allows students to pursue their interests and develop their skills in a range of practical drama elements, as well as the theoretical and workshop study of a number of set plays. Students have the freedom to choose both content and the form of the practical presentations at each Level.
Entry Requirements GCSE Drama Grade A and GCSE English Grade A or Discussion with the Head of Drama
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
What’s assessed? Component 1: Interpreting Drama Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre. Study of one set play from a choice of seven. Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers.
What’s assessed? Component 1: Drama and Theatre Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre. Study of two set plays: one from List A, one from List B. Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers. Written exam: 3 hours Open book 80 marks 40% of A Level One two part question from one of the set plays from List B (25 marks) One question on the work of theatre makers in a live production (30 marks)
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes Open book Total 80 marks 40% of AS Level Component 2: Process and Performance (Practical) Practical exploration and theatrical interpretation of two extracts (Extract 1 & 2) each taken from a different play. Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 2. Extract 2 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). Portfolio evidencing interpretive process and analysis and evaluation of performance.
a m a r D Performance of Extract 2 (30 marks) Portfolio (30 marks) Total 60 marks 60% of AS This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA
Component 2: Creating Original Drama Process of creating devised drama. Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner. Working notebook (40 marks) Devised performance (20 marks) 60 marks in total 30% of A Level This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA Component 3: Making Theatre (Practical) Practical exploration and interpretation of Extract 1, 2 and 3, each taken from a different play. Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3. Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts. Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks) Reflective report (20 marks) 60 marks in total 30% of A-level This component is marked by AQA
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Design & Technology: Product Design Design & Technology: Product Design Exam Board Edexcel Why choose Design and Technology? “I am a fan of Design and Technology. It doesn’t separate out design from technology; but instead recognises that art and science, the practical and the theoretical, can all work together to bring about creative products and I was drawn to the idea of making things work better.
Entry Requirements GCSE D&T: Systems and Control or Resistant Materials, preferably Grade A (Grade B candidates will be required to attend an interview with the Head of D&T)
Design involves experimenting and trying things out. In how many other careers do you get to use your hands and your brains and make things that people actually need? Careers in design are creative, demanding and fun and lead to a bright, exciting, profitable future.” Sir James Dyson
AS Course Outline • Portfolio of Creative Skills, 60% of AS Level (30% of total A Level mark) • D & T in Practice (written exam), 40% of AS Level (20% of total A Level mark)
A2 Course Outline
& n g i s e D ology n h c Te
• Designing for the Future (written exam), 40% of AS Level (20% of total A Level mark) • Commercial Design (cswk project), 60% of AS Level (30% of total A Level mark)
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Economics Economics
Exam Board OCR
Students will foster an understanding of economics concepts and theories in a range of contexts and develop a critical consideration of their value and limitation in explaining real world phenomena. As a result of following this course, students will be able to explain, analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of the government within a market economy, and be able to criticise economic models of enquiry, recognising the limitations of these models.
Entry Requirements GCSE English Grade A and GCSE Mathematics Grade A
AS Course Outline Topics covered: • Microeconomics (H060/01) • Macroeconomics (H060/02)
A2 Course Outline Topics covered: • Microeconomics (H460/01) • Macroeconomics (H460/02) • Themes in Economics (H460/03)
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English Literature English
Exam Board OCR
English in the Sixth Form involves the study of literature. Students will read a variety of texts, including drama, the novel and poetry, from different literary periods. Eight texts are studied throughout the course and assessment at A Level is by both examination and coursework. Candidates are also expected to answer on unseen texts. Titles of works studied vary from year to year: the aim is to offer a balance between established classics and modern works.
Entry Requirements GCSE English Language Grade B and GCSE English Literature Grade B
AS Course Outline Topics covered: Component 01: Shakespeare and Poetry pre-1900 (50%) • Hamlet • Christina Rossetti, Selected Poems Component 02: Drama and Prose post-1900 (50%) • Jez Butterworth, Jerusalem • The Great Gatsby
A2 Course Outline Topics covered:
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Component 01: Shakespeare, Drama and Poetry pre-1900: • Closed text examination (40% of total A level) Component 02: Comparative and Contextual Study: • Closed text examination (40% of total A level) • American Literature 1880-1940 Component 03: Literature post-1900: • Assessed by coursework (20% of total A level)
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Mathematics Mathematics Exam Board OCR Mathematics at A Level takes the subject from GCSE and moves up to a whole new level. The complexity of the material means that students need to be prepared to tackle abstract concepts and subtle techniques and the effort is rewarded by a qualification which is highly regarded by Universities and employers.
Entry Requirements GCSE Maths Grade A in GCSE / IGCSE or equivalent
AS Course Outline The AS Level course consists of 3 modules. Two of these test the core pure elements of the syllabus (C1 and C2). These extend GCSE topics (eg quadratics, simultaneous equations) and introduce new ideas (eg integration, logarithms). In addition, students study an Applied module. This is usually Statistics (eg probablility) or Mechanics (this extends the ideas met in Physics at GCSE).
A2 Course Outline The A2 course follows the structure of the AS Level with two further Core pure modules (C3 and C4). These further extend work from C1 and C2 but also introduce further new topics (eg 3 dimensional vectors). Another Applied module is studied and this may extend the AS Level modules or may be a whole new area of study.
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Further Maths Further Maths Exam Board OCR This course looks to bridge the gap between Sixth Form study and University study. The course introduces concepts and techniques which will prepare the ground for study at University with subtle abstract ideas (eg Group Theory, Complex Numbers, Matrices) and accurate Applied techniques in mechanics and statistics.
Entry Requirements GCSE Maths Grade A* in GCSE / IGCSE or equivalent. Highly recommend study beyond GCSE (eg Additional Maths, Further Pure Maths)
AS Course Outline Students will study a further three modules beyond the AS Level Mathematics course. This will include the Further Pure One course which introduces the concepts of pure mathematics. This includes Matrices, Complex Numbers and applications of Three Dimensional Vectors. In addition two further Applied modules will be studied and these will extend the topics met in the AS / A2 Mathematics course.
A2 Course Outline At this level the Mathematics is demanding with very subtle concepts and complex techniques. This will include at least three more modules but most students cover an extra one or two on top of this. By this point the Mathematics resembles undergraduate study in either Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering or Physics. Flexibility is key with many differing routes through the course and there is a strong emphasis on independent study.
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Geography Geography If you are interested in learning more about the people and the world around you alongside contemporary issues – then A Level Geography is for you! There is also an opportunity to take part in a residential Field Course in North Wales and a day trip to Sheffield.
Entry Requirements GCSE Geography Grade B Although each student will be considered on his/her own merits. A genuine interest, enthusiasm and a good record in the subject are important.
A Level Course Outline Topics covered: • Physical Themes – Water and Carbon cycles,
Coastal Systems and Landscapes, Cold Environments • Human Themes – Global Systems and Governance,
Changing Places, Changing Urban Environments • Geographical Investigation – incorporates fieldwork
and research
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Assessment architecture 2x written examinations (2 x 40%) - including multiple choice, short answer and essay.
Independent research submission (3,000-4,000 words) (20%).
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History History
Exam Board AQA
The A Level course covers the Tudor Dynasty, the American Revolution and the Crusades. It covers key moments in Western history, exploring themes of government and identity and complements the Politics Department’s study of British and American politics. The subject promotes close reading and analysis, the construction and deconstruction of debates, and extended writing.
Entry Requirements GCSE History Grade B and GCSE English Grade B or English and another Humanities subject if a student has not studied History at GCSE.
AS Course Outline Students study two AQA modules with two separate teachers: • 1C The Tudors 1485-1546 covers change and continuity in
England under Henry VII and Henry VIII • 2G The Birth of the USA 1760-1776, including the causes of
the American Revolution up to the Declaration of Independence
A2 Course Outline Students study three modules: • The Tudor course continues from AS with the reigns of Edward
VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I • The American course concludes in the first term with a study of
the period 1776-1801, including the presidencies of Washington and John Adams. This module is an ideal complement for the Government and Politics A2 course • Students spend the rest of the year completing a teacher-
guided research essay on the Crusades (1095-1204) while completing the Tudor course
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Modern Languages French, German or Spanish
Exam Board AQA
A course in one of the Modern Languages prepares students for the world of work and travel, both linguistically and by providing them with the many skills inherent in any ‘Arts’ A Level, such as essay and report writing. There are opportunities to go abroad during the two year courses. Universities and employers welcome a language qualification combined with anything from Accountancy and Law to Mathematics or the Sciences as Modern Languages are seen as a “facilitating” subject.
Entry Requirements GCSE ideally Grade A* / A in chosen language
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
Core content:
Core content:
1. Social issues and trends 2. Artistic culture
1. Social issues and trends 2. Political and artistic culture
3. Grammar Options 4. Works: Literary texts and films
3. Grammar
Paper 1: Listening, Reading & Writing (1h 45’) 80 marks 40% of AS • Listening and responding to spoken passages from a range of contexts and sources (35 marks)
Paper 1: Listening, Reading & Writing (2h 30’) 160 marks 40% of A Level • Listening and responding to spoken passages from a range of contexts and sources (60 marks)
• Reading and responding to a variety of texts written for different purposes, drawn from a range of authentic sources (35 marks)
• Reading and responding to a variety of texts written for different purposes, drawn from authentic sources (60 marks)
• Translation into English; a passage of minimum 70 words (10 marks) • Translation into Target Language; a passage of minimum 70 words (15 marks)
Paper 2 : Writing (1h 15’) 60 marks 30% of AS • Either one question in Target Language on a set text from a choice of two questions or one question in Target Language on a set film from a choice of two questions (45 marks) Paper 3: Speaking (12–14 minutes) 60 marks 30% of AS • Discussion of two sub-themes (6–7 minutes on each) with the discussion based on a stimulus card for each sub-theme. The student studies the cards for 15 minutes before the test begins
Options 4. Works: Literary texts and films
• Translation into English (20 marks) • Translation into Target Language (20 marks)
Paper 2 : Writing (2h) 90 marks 30% of AS Level • Either one question on a set text from a choice of two questions and one question on a set film from a choice of two questions or two questions on set texts from a choice of two questions on each text Paper 3: Speaking (21-23 minutes includes 5 minutes preparation time) 60 marks 30% of AS Level • Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5–6 minutes). The student studies the card for 5 minutes at the start of the test (25 marks)
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• Presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9–10 minutes) of individual research project (35 marks)
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Latin Latin
Exam Board OCR
Anyone studying Languages or Humanities will find Latin extremely useful in informing their other studies; Scientists and Mathematicians will enjoy the logical, systematic elements of the grammar of the language, as well as the opportunity to demonstrate their sensitivity and articulacy in responding to the sophistication of the literature. Latin is renowned as a marker of intellectual capability, fostering analytical and critical skills, greatly appreciated by University Admissions Tutors.
Entry Requirements GCSE Latin Grade B (Literature + Language elements, if following the WJEC specification) and GCSE English Literature and Language Grade B
The course specification below is currently awaiting accreditation from Ofqual.
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
Component 1: Unseen translation & comprehension • Section A: an unseen passage of Latin prose for translation into English (worth 55 marks).
Component 1: Unseen translation (33% of A Level) • One prose unseen translation + one verse unseen translation (including two lines of scansion)
• Section B: either answer comprehension
• Translation into Latin or comprehension + grammar
questions on a passage of unseen Latin prose or five English sentences to translate into Latin. (worth 25 marks) (Paper worth 50% of AS in total) Component 2: Literature (50% of AS) • Section A: students will answer questions on their
Latin prose set text (Cicero or Tacitus) (40 marks) • Section B: students will answer questions on the
Latin verse set text (Ovid or Virgil) (40 marks) In both sections, some of the set text is to be translated, plus comprehension questions, and analysis of literary techniques, characterisation, argument and literary meaning. There is also an essay question drawing on the whole of the set text.
Component 2: Composition / Comprehension (17%) questions on an unseen passage Component 3: Prose Literature (25%) • Translation, comprehension questions and a 15
mark literary analysis essay on each of two prose texts (Cicero / Tacitus / Seneca), plus a wider essay on one of the texts (including a passage in English)
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Component 4: Verse Literature (25%)
• Translation, comprehension questions and a 15
mark literary analysis essay on each of two verse texts (Ovid / Virgil), plus a wider essay on one of the texts (including a passage in English)
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Music Music Exam Board AQA Music is an A Level subject choice which utilises existing performance skills. The analysis and essay questions make Music A Level a highly regarded subject by Universities. The course allows the development of composition and harmony skills which are valuable for any future career pathways in Music.
AS Course Outline
Entry Requirements Grade 5 with Merit or Distinction or Grade 6 pass on an instrument / voice A keyboard facility is helpful, but not essential as long as you can read bass clef. GCSE Music is not essential if you have ABRSM Grade 5 Theory.
There are three areas: • Examination (40%) Listening and written questions on music history Includes one essay question • Performing (30%) One performance on first instrument/voice: One performance on second instrument or an ensemble performance. Each performance is 6-8 minutes long. The standard is Grade 6 with Distinction • Composition (30%) One harmony exercise. One free composition
A2 Course Outline Three areas: • Examination (40%) 2 1/2 hours Listening section, short answer section and essay question • Performing (30%) Solo performance (10 – 12 mins long) The standard is Grade 7 with Distinction • Composition (30%) One harmony exercise. One free composition
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Physics Physics
Exam Board AQA
The dictionary will tell you that Physics is, “the study of matter, energy and the interaction between them”. This means that Physics is really the study of everything in our universe; it is about asking fundamental questions and using observations and experiments to attempt to answer them. The two year course provides essential grounding for those who intend to read one of the Physical Sciences or Engineering at University, and it is often highly recommended for those students who are likely to study Medicine, Biological or Chemical Sciences, or Geography at Degree level.
Entry Requirements GCSE Physics Grade A or Dual Award Science AA and GCSE Mathematics Grade A
AS Course Outline Topics covered: • Measurements and their Errors • Particles and Radiation • Waves • Electricity • Mechanics and Materials
There is no coursework module for AS Level, but students are expected to have carried out six core practical tasks and their laboratory books must show evidence of the required practical skills.
There are two (90 minute) AS Level examinations, each assessing students’ understanding of these topics. 15% of the questions across the two papers will assess practical and investigative skills.
A2 Course Outline Topics covered: • Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics • Fields and their Consequences • Nuclear Physics • Astrophysics
There is no coursework module, but students’ laboratory books must show evidence of the required practical skills demonstrated through completion of twelve core practical tasks.
There are three (2 hour) A Level examinations; the first two assess students’ understanding of these topics, with the third assessing students’ practical and data analysis skills.
s c i s y h P
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Physical Education Physical Education
Exam Board OCR
Physical Education is an excellent course for students who want to know how their body works, how the world of sport impacts society, the best ways to learn and coach new skills, how your mind affects the challenges you face and the history of sport. You develop a range of skills and learn in a practical learning environment. Students will need to be prepared to work on the scientific elements of the course along with the historical, contemporary and psychological.
Entry Requirements GCSE Science Grade B and All students will need to have a keen interest in sport and will need to represent the School in at least one sporting activity
AS Course Outline
A2 Course Outline
Component 1: Physiological factors affecting performance. This group of topics focuses on key systems of the human body involved in movement and physical activity. Candidates will be expected to be able to interpret data and graphs relating to changes in these body systems during exercise of differing intensities and during recovery. 1hour 15mins examination 35% of final grade.
Component 1: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance. This group of topics focuses on key systems of the human body involved in movement and physical activity. 2 hour examination and 30% of final grade.
Component 2: Psychological and Socio-Cultural Themes in Physical Education. This component focuses on the psychological factors affecting physical activities and sports. 1hour 15mins examination 35% of final grade.
Component 3: Socio-Cultural Issues. This component focuses on the sociocultural and contemporary factors that influence and affects physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society. 1hour examination and 20% of final grade.
Component 3: Performance within Physical Education. Learners are required to undertake two parts within this compnonent. Part 1: Performance/ coaching of a sport or activity from the approved list. Part 2: Analysis and Evaluation of Performance for Improvement of a sport or activity from the approved list. 30% of final grade
Component 4: Performance within Physical Education. Learners are required to undertake two parts within this component.
P
Component 2: Psychological Factors Affecting Performance. This component focuses on the psychological factors affecting physical activities and sports. 1 hour examination and 20% of final grade.
Part 1: Performance/ Coaching of a sport of activity from the approved list. Part 2: The Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement of a sport of activity from the approved list.
l a c i n s o y i h cat du
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Government and Politics Government and Politics
Exam Board AQA
Students will develop a wide range of skills including the ability to synthesise and evaluate political information, construct and communicate arguments and use political vocabulary. AS Level Politics involves studying the UK political system. The course focuses on how British people participate in politics and how the UK is governed in practice. A2 Level students study the US system, comparing and contrasting this with British politics.
Entry Requirements GCSE English Grade B and GCSE in either History, Geography or Religious Studies Grade B
AS Course Outline • Unit One looks at how voters influence politics in the UK. Students discuss the importance of voting behaviour, the influence of electoral systems in communicating political opinion and the controversies surrounding the use of referendums. Political parties and pressure groups are explored and ideological differences highlighted. • Unit 2 focuses on how the UK is governed. The executive, legislative and judiciary are studied and students must assess where power resides in the UK political system.
A2 Course Outline The A2 course covers the same topics as the AS course but relates to the American Political system. The American system is federal, has a written constitution, a singular executive and a political system that is designed to ensure no branch can dominate. America has been referred to as ‘The World’s Greatest Democracy’; our students will assess if it deserves this accolade.
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Religious Studies Religious Studies: Philosophy & Ethics
Entry Requirements GCSE Religious Studies Grade B or GCSE English Grade A
Our course is designed to enable learners to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for philosophical questions, ethical issues and study of religion. It ensures students have a thorough understanding of diverse philosophical and ethical viewpoints, as well as an in depth academic study of a religion and its place in the wider world. Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers – particularly in law, education, social work, politics, science, medicine, administration and the media. Religious studies is a thought provoking subject and our contemporary themes make for engaging classroom discussions. Philosophy, Religion and Ethics encourages learners to: • develop their interest in a rigorous study of philosophy, religion and ethics and relate it to the wider world • develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to a specialist study of religion and different philosophical arguments • develop an understanding and appreciation of religious and philosophical thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies
A Level Course Outline Content likely to include:
s u o i g i l e R Studi es • adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of philosophy, religion and ethics • reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in the light of their study; communicating these thoughts persuasively in writing
Philosophy of religion paper: arguments for the existence of God (Cosmological argument and Teleological argument), the problem of evil, problems with religious language. Religious ethics paper: A range of ethical issues and how deontological, teleological and character based ethics (both religious and non-religious) may approach these issues. Study of religion paper: Social and historical developments of religion, the relationship of religion and society and contemporary issues.
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Textiles Textiles
Exam Board AQA
Students study a range of topics within the areas of Fashion, Construction, Printed Textiles and Interior Design. Key skills that develop a detailed understanding of how the work covered in the classroom translates to a professional setting include: contemporary and historical design, environmental and cultural contexts, pattern drafting, illustration and portfolio presentation. Many students who study Textiles go on to take up courses in Fashion Business & Marketing, Design and Promotion or Fashion, Textile and Interior Design.
Entry Requirements GCSE Textiles Grade B or A portfolio of work in another creative subject to the same standard at GCSE level
AS Course Outline • Unit 1. ARTD1 – 50% of AS Coursework Portfolio
Students will present an extended collection of work in sketchbook and folder formats. The work will focus on many aspects of fashion, interior design, print and pattern and will include reflections of practical work and external visits.
• Unit 2. ARTD2 – 50% of AS Externally set assignment
A choice of five questions is provided to use as a starting point for research and initial design ideas. The focus is on the development of ideas based on a given topic and students will have 5 hours to collate and present their work.
A2 Course Outline • Unit 3. ARTD3 – 50% (25% overall)
Personal Investigation
• Unit 4. ARTD4 – 50% (25% overall) Externally set assignment
s e l i t x e T
This is a practical unit with written elements in which students are expected to develop an idea or concept that is of particular interest to them. Experiences from the AS year, together with their future career aspirations, will help inform the nature of this work.
A choice of eight questions is provided to use as a starting point for research and initial design ideas. This preparatory work will lead to a final piece that students produce within 15 hours.
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