Sixth Form Prospectus Pack

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SENIOR SCHOOL PROSPECTUS ACHIEVING ALL-ROUND EXCELLENCE


A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER as they do within it, and I can think of no more inspiring and secure place for our children to grow, to reflect on their experiences, and to leave us ready to influence the world.

We are blessed indeed that Kingswood School sits on a beautiful 200 acre site looking down on the city of Bath below. The World Heritage City of Bath with its magnificent architecture, fine museums and galleries, vibrant musical and cultural life and sporting pedigree, serves as a constant reminder that education is about so much more than a good set of exam results, as important as these are. We also love the fact that our boys and girls get to explore the surrounding Somerset and Wiltshire countryside, walking it’s meadows, moorlands and coastline with friends from all over the world. Our pupils learn as much outside the classroom

Kingswood School is a place where academic excellence is one important part of our commitment to offer a broad and balanced education to every girl and boy. Firmly based on the Christian principles of our founder, John Wesley, we are called to develop confident, compassionate, enthusiastic young people who enjoy working with others and are pre-eminently prepared to lead meaningful lives. As a busy boarding and day school we offer a staggering range of co-curricular opportunities, celebrating both cultural and sporting achievement. There is much which makes Kingswood distinctive, yet it is perhaps the constructive, open and trusting relationships between people which are most commented upon, forged by talented teachers who are dedicated to guiding each pupil on this leg of their journey. We also aspire to be an organisation that

learns, in self-critical pursuit of our goal to achieve excellence in all areas of school life. I hope that the pages of this prospectus give you a sense of our school, our vision and values. Do also follow us online. Most of all, please come and visit us where you will be warmly welcomed. Andrew Gordon-Brown Headmaster & Principal of The Kingswood Foundation

THERE IS MUCH WHICH MAKES KINGSWOOD DISTINCTIVE, YET IT IS PERHAPS THE QUALITY OF THE RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WHICH IMPRESSES VISITORS MOST.


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A KINGSWOOD EDUCATION Pupils transfer to Kingswood School at the age of eleven, both from our own Preparatory School and from many other local, national and international schools. We also have significant numbers of pupils joining us at 13+ and in the Sixth Form. “DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.” JOHN WESLEY

At Kingswood we have the highest aspirations for all our pupils. Intellectual achievement is

highly valued, whilst the pursuit of excellence in other fields is central to the School’s commitment to provide the very best in all-round education. At the core of a Kingswood education is our belief that every individual has talents to be discovered and nurtured and that our challenge is to develop these whilst ensuring our pupils are fully prepared for their future beyond school. It is often said that

a successful school can be judged by the type of people students have become when they leave the school. It is immensely rewarding therefore that Kingswood’s leavers are seen as being young people who recognise their responsibility to society and to each other, who are self-confident but show a suitable sense of humility and who look to the future with a sense of both excitement and ambition.

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BOARDING & DAY Kingswood is fortunate in being both a thriving boarding and day school. The ethos of the School is very much that of a boarding school with a wide range of opportunities available to all pupils both during the school week and at weekends. Boarders benefit from the advantages which having such

strong links with the local community bring, whilst day pupils benefit from the exceptional pastoral care and extensive activity programme which the boarding community is able to provide. All pupils are fortunate to be educated in an environment which enables friendships to be formed

with other young people from the local area, from elsewhere in the country and from abroad. This is one of Kingswood’s greatest strengths; pupils at Kingswood are impressively tolerant and understanding, and have a perspective which goes well beyond the walls of the School.

THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS TO ENJOY AND LEARN FROM THE CULTURAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY THAT EXISTS AT KINGSWOOD. IT WILL BE THESE FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL STAY WITH OUR PUPILS FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

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THE ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL IS VERY MUCH THAT OF A BOARDING SCHOOL WITH A WIDE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO ALL PUPILS BOTH DURING THE SCHOOL WEEK AND AT WEEKENDS.


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THE STRENGTH OF THE WESTWOOD COMMUNITY ENCOURAGES PUPILS IN THEIR EARLY YEARS IN THE SCHOOL TO APPRECIATE THE BENEFITS OF SHARED VALUES AND A SENSE OF TEAMWORK.

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11+ ENTRY TO KINGSWOOD “ALTHOUGH I WAS THE ONLY PERSON COMING TO KINGSWOOD FROM MY JUNIOR SCHOOL, I IMMEDIATELY FELT AT HOME HERE. EVERYONE IS SO FRIENDLY AND THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEONE TO HELP YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT.” YEAR 7 PUPIL

Pupils joining the School in Year 7 from either our own Prep School or other primary schools enter ‘Westwood House’, a co-educational day and boarding house, where they remain until the end of Year 8 under the care of a specialist team of house staff and tutors. An integral part of the School, but also a thriving community in its own right, this special ‘junior’ house provides the perfect introduction to Senior School life. An emphasis on high quality pastoral care, alongside a broad and balanced

curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, ensure these important early years of secondary education are fun and exciting as well as challenging and formative. The strength of the Westwood community encourages pupils in their early years in the School to appreciate the benefits of shared values and a sense of teamwork, to set high personal standards in everything they do and to have the confidence at the end of Year 8 to move happily and purposefully into one of our senior houses.

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IN SEEKING TO INSTIL A LOVE OF LEARNING AND A SPIRIT OF ENQUIRY IN EVERY PUPIL, “I WAS A BIT WORRIED ABOUT JOINING YEAR 9 AS I HADN’T BEEN IN WESTWOOD LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER PUPILS, BUT WHEN I ARRIVED AND WE WENT STRAIGHT TO OUR SENIOR HOUSE, I MADE FRIENDS REALLY QUICKLY.” YEAR 10 PUPIL

TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE BROADER AREAS OF STUDY AND HELP PUPILS DEVELOP HABITS OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING.

13+ THE MIDDLE YEARS In Year 9, our six senior houses welcome a significant number of new pupils from a variety of local, national and international preparatory schools who join those moving up from Westwood House. Strong pastoral care remains at the very heart of our commitment to nurture individual development. Whilst greater independence is actively encouraged, personal tutors and experienced senior house staff continue to offer personal support to each pupil. Development of all-round talent is central to the middle years;

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alongside a challenging curriculum, a host of extra-curricular and leadership activities ensure each pupil is offered the opportunity to develop as a whole person. Breadth remains an important feature of the curriculum in the middle years, with a core curriculum enhanced by an element of choice which encourages each individual to develop particular strengths and interests. Whilst there is appropriate emphasis on achieving the highest grades at GCSE, the curriculum is not limited

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simply to fulfilling examination requirements. In seeking to instil a love of learning and a spirit of enquiry in every pupil, teachers are encouraged to explore broader areas of study and help pupils develop habits of independent learning. Academic societies add further breadth of understanding as pupils are prepared for the greater specialisation of Sixth Form study.


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THE SIXTH FORM The Sixth Form years at Kingswood offer a rich and distinctive educational experience. Opportunities abound to develop academic strengths, to broaden personal interests and to prepare for the challenges and excitement of life beyond Kingswood. With an impressively diverse intake of new students joining those already at Kingswood, the Sixth Form has a very special atmosphere and in its positive ethos and encouragement to be involved very much sets the tone for the whole school. The Dixon Centre, where each Sixth Former has a dedicated study area, provides a central focus for Sixth Form life. Small group teaching, personalised university entrance and careers advice, and numerous opportunities to take on significant

leadership roles are all strong features of Sixth Form life at Kingswood. Students enjoy particularly friendly and supportive relationships with each other and with staff; indeed, the ease of relationships is often quoted as one of the Sixth Form’s most significant strengths.

“THE SIXTH FORM WAS AMAZING - THE ATMOSPHERE WAS REALLY FRIENDLY AND IT’S BEEN GREAT TO STUDY IN GREATER DEPTH THE SUBJECTS THAT I’M INTERESTED IN. IT WAS CERTAINLY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME.” UPPER SIXTH LEAVER

For all the breadth of opportunity the Sixth Form provides, the outstanding academic results and the superb record of entrance to top universities, it is the quality of the sixth formers themselves which makes Kingswood so distinctive. Sixth formers at Kingswood may have a natural confidence and ambition, but they also have a sense of direction and belonging, an understanding of their responsibilities and an interest beyond themselves.

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Kingswood is all about nurturing young people as individuals. In encouraging our pupils to believe in themselves, in helping them to discover new talents and in supporting them to achieve the very highest standards in everything they do, our central focus will always be on what is best for the individual. Our curriculum is flexible enough to respond to individual needs, whilst a thriving programme for gifted and talented students ensures the very able are challenged well beyond the confines of the examination syllabus. Learning support features strongly in

the academic programme, ensuring that every pupil receives the right type of study support to match his or her individual requirements. Our commitment to nurturing individual talent extends well beyond the classroom. Kingswood’s renowned excellence in areas such as sport, music, drama and art is firmly rooted in an inclusive philosophy which encourages all to be involved, whilst ensuring that each pupil is viewed as an individual and helped to develop accordingly.

THE STANDARD OF PASTORAL CARE AND PUPILS’ ACHIEVEMENT ARE EXCELLENT. PUPILS DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF MORAL PURPOSE, A RESPECT FOR OTHERS’ BELIEFS, AND A WILLINGNESS TO HELP THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN THEMSELVES.

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KINGSWOOD IS A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY IN WHICH STUDENTS ARE CHALLENGED TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN TALENTS WHILE ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.


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OUR NURTURING CURRICULUM IS ENHANCED BY AN EXCITING PROGRAMME OF OVER 100 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

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TEAM BUILDING WE ARE PROUD OF THE TEAMWORK OUR STUDENTS SHOW IN THEIR CONSISTENT EAGERNESS TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITIES LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.

The sense of community, which is immediately apparent to visitors to Kingswood, is a defining feature of the School. Pupils are encouraged to look beyond themselves and appreciate their responsibilities both to the Kingswood community and to the world beyond school. Regular assemblies and chapel services provide both an opportunity to engage with broader issues as well as an opportunity to appreciate the values and strengths of the community. Teamwork is a central feature of many areas of school life. Stunning theatrical productions, high quality music concerts, a rich diversity of sporting fixtures and a strong commitment to outdoor pursuits are part of everyday life at Kingswood. Fundraising for charities at home and abroad is central to the School’s core aims,

whilst strong links both with our local community and with other schools further afield ensure an outward looking perspective. Kingswood encourages a sense of service in its students and, through this, a real understanding of leadership. All pupils are encouraged to see themselves as leaders, to take responsibility both for themselves and for others and to recognise the value in working together. A strong prefect system at all levels offers opportunities to develop leadership and teambuilding skills. A great emphasis is placed on team leadership, as we recognise in our young people the leaders of tomorrow and we see it as our task to help prepare them for the exciting challenges their lives beyond Kingswood will bring.

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A REMARKABLE LOCATION Whilst our local families already appreciate the beautiful place in which they live, we cannot complete this prospectus without highlighting how fortunate we are at Kingswood in being within walking distance of such a renowned World Heritage City.

- there is something for everyone and it is compact and safe enough to walk everywhere.

Bath takes its name from the perfectly preserved Roman Baths which are visited not only for their historic value, but also the natural hot mineral water springs that are still evident and even available to be enjoyed within the Thermae Spa in the heart of the City. Bath is certainly regarded as one of the loveliest places in the world.

Our boarding pupils have the opportunity to spend time enjoying the City at weekends within their friendship groups and benefit from the many cultural events that take place, including the Bath Mozartfest in November, the Bath Literature Festival in March and the Bath International Music Festival in May - a particular feature in the School calendar involving many of our musicians who are regularly invited to take part in the opening ceremony.

Whether it is the magnificent eighteenth century Georgian architecture, the landscaped gardens and parks, the fine art galleries and museums or the vibrant and cosmopolitan shopping centre with a plethora of cafés and restaurants

As well as offering a rich variety of activities, Bath is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is extremely accessible to many other famous places including Oxford, Stratford on Avon and, of course, London, which is only 90 minutes away.

KINGSWOOD’S 218 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL LAND IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE WORLD HERITAGE CITY OF BATH.

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BATH IS A LIVELY, THRIVING CITY WHERE ANCIENT HISTORY AND GEORGIAN ELEGANCE SIT COMFORTABLY ALONGSIDE A DECIDEDLY TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY COSMOPOLITAN BUZZ.



Admissions T: 01225 734210 • E: admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Design by Jolt Media: www.jolt-media.co.uk

Kingswood Senior School Lansdown Road • Bath • BA1 5RG • UK


INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS

ACHIEVING ALL-ROUND EXCELLENCE


A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER coastline with friends from all over the world. Our pupils learn as much outside the classroom as they do within it, and I can think of no more inspiring and secure place for our children to grow, to reflect on their experiences, and to leave us ready to influence the world.

We are blessed indeed that Kingswood School sits on a beautiful 200 acre site looking down on the city of Bath below. The World Heritage City of Bath with its magnificent architecture, fine museums and galleries, vibrant musical and cultural life and sporting pedigree, serves as a constant reminder that education is about so much more than a good set of exam results, as important as these are. We also love the fact that our boys and girls get to explore the surrounding Somerset and Wiltshire countryside, walking it’s meadows, moorlands and

Kingswood School is a place where academic excellence is one important part of our commitment to offer a broad and balanced education to every girl and boy. Firmly based on the Christian principles of our founder, John Wesley, we are called to develop confident, compassionate, enthusiastic young people who enjoy working with others and are pre-eminently prepared to lead meaningful lives. As a busy boarding and day school we offer a staggering range of co-curricular opportunities, celebrating both cultural and sporting achievement. There is much which makes Kingswood distinctive, yet it is perhaps the constructive, open and trusting relationships between

people which are most commented upon, forged by talented teachers who are dedicated to guiding each pupil on this leg of their journey. We also aspire to be an organisation that learns, in self-critical pursuit of our goal to achieve excellence in all areas of school life. I hope that the pages of this prospectus give you a sense of our school, our vision and values. Do also follow us online. Most of all, please come and visit us where you will be warmly welcomed. Andrew Gordon-Brown Headmaster & Principal of The Kingswood Foundation

A KINGSWOOD EDUCATION PROVIDES PUPILS WITH GOOD FOUNDATION FOR ADULT LIFE.


ACADEMIC FACTS

The boarding houses, which are spread across the School’s magnificent parkland estate, provide warm and homely environments for the boarders. All are staffed by adults with specific skills and experience relevant to the appropriate age group. Our youngest pupils (ages 7-10) live in the coeducational High Vinnalls House within the Kingswood Prep School Estate. Westwood House, which is also co-educational, accommodates 11 and 12 year olds.

• Over 90% of our Sixth Form students have secured places at their preferred university over the last 10 years. • Approximately 11% of the School Roll is made up of students from overseas. • The average class size for pupils in Years 7-11 is 19. • The average Sixth Form class size is 8 pupils. • Boarding is available at Kingswood from ages 7 to 18.

From 13 years upwards, the students live in one of the senior houses - either Fonthill House, School House or Summerhill House for girls and Hall House or Middle House for boys. The focus throughout is on providing the very highest level of care for all boarders, including those international boarders who enrich the Kingswood community in so many ways and who make a major contribution the School’s very special atmosphere.

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EDUCATIONAL VISION & ETHOS • Founded in 1748, Kingswood is a very special place that combines a long and proud history with a modern and dynamic educational outlook.

BOARDING AND DAY STUDENTS SEE THE KINGSWOOD COMMUNITY AS AN EXTENDED FAMILY.

• It is a school whose students achieve outstanding academic results and where all are encouraged to develop a love of learning and a spirit of enquiry. • Kingswood has the highest ambitions for its pupils and seeks to develop their character and personality through a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. • At the core of a Kingswood education is the belief that every individual has talents that need to be nurtured and developed as part of their preparation for adult life. Most importantly, pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of service and a real understanding of leadership and responsibility.

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OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • International students normally enter our Senior School at Year 7 (around 11-12 years of age), or at Sixth Form (around 16-17 years of age) to pursue our two year A Level programme. • International students are supported by tutors throughout their education at Kingswood who ensure that additional input through specialist English language teaching is made fully available to them. • Kingswood has a ‘Highly Trusted’ status with the UKBA. Our Head of Admissions is a Level 1 Sponsor Officer and will assist you with Tier 4 Child/Sponsor Visa requirements and the issue of the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

There is a rich diversity of nationalities at Kingswood, with 20 countries recently represented within the overseas School community. • Bulgaria • China • France • Hong Kong • India • Japan • Kenya

• Latvia • Lithuania • Malaysia • Nepal • Nigeria • Romania • Russia

• Singapore • Spain • Thailand • Turkey • UAE • Ukraine

• International students are warmly welcomed and a ‘mentor’ pupil (often someone who will speak their native language) is chosen to assist them on arrival as part of their induction programme.

KINGSWOOD HAS A LONG AND VERY SUCCESSFUL TRADITION OF EDUCATING PUPILS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND THESE PUPILS MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY OF COMMUNITY LIFE AT THE SCHOOL.

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RECENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT • From Year 10, students will usually study around ten subjects for I/GCSE qualifications over a two year programme. • Sixth Form entry is made at Year 12 where students will normally study three subjects over a two year period. Selected subjects will reflect individual interests and academic ability. • The EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is also available to students. • Students whose first language is not English have the option of English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes until they reach the required IELTS level. Most UK universities require an IELTS score of at least 6.5, though this will vary from one university department to another. • In our most recent inspection report, our outstanding teaching was highlighted and students’ progress in relation to their abilities was rated as exceptional.

EXCELLENT TEACHING HAS LED TO PUPILS ACHIEVING CONSISTENTLY HIGH STANDARDS IN EXAMINATIONS OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS. 04

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I/GCSE / A LEVEL SUBJECT OPTIONS • Art • Biology • Chemistry • Classical Civilisation • Computer Science BTEC • Design Technology • Drama & Theatre • Economics • English Language • English Literature • Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) • French • Geography

• German • Politics • History • Latin • Mandarin • Mathematics • Further Mathematics • Music • Physics • Psychology • Spanish • Sport Science & Physical Education BTEC


WELL PLANNED, EXCITING LESSONS BY DEDICATED TEACHERS CAPTURE THE IMAGINATIONS OF PUPILS.

49% A* - A

100%

PASS RATE

A LEVEL RESULTS 2015-2020

77% A* - B

37% A*

97% A* - C

GCSE RESULTS 2015-2020

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63% A* - A

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STRENGTHS OF COMMUNITY LIFE • Supportive family community. • Attention to individual needs. • Secure environment. • Stimulating cultural experience. • Personal development opportunities. • International network of friends. RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE COMMUNITY ARE VERY STRONG AND NEW BOARDERS SETTLE QUICKLY AND ARE MADE WELCOME.

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LIFE AT KINGSWOOD • Kingswood provides a very supportive ‘family’ environment. International pupils are cared for by experienced House parents and personal tutors. • The tutor system at Kingswood provides a caring and careful monitoring of the wellbeing of each individual child. The relationships between the staff

and pupils has also been highly praised in our School Inspection Reports. • As pupils progress through the school there are ample opportunities for them to take on leadership roles and further develop their social skills in preparation for adult life beyond the school.

THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS TO ENJOY AND LEARN FROM THE CULTURAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY THAT EXISTS AT KINGSWOOD. IT WILL BE THESE FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS WHICH WILL STAY WITH OUR PUPILS FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. W W W. K I N G S W O O D . B A T H . S C H . U K

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Kingswood offers a wide range of sporting and extra-curricular activities. • Competitive sporting experience. • Wide choice of individual and team-based games. • Wealth of music and drama productions. • Specialist interests supported by clubs and societies. • Enhanced personal development profile for university entry. • Building confidence, leadership and life skills. • Broadening personal horizons.

Developing Character and Personality • Team building • Broadening horizons • Encouraging confidence • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

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THE NURTURING CURRICULUM IS ENHANCED BY AN OUTSTANDING PROGRAMME OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.


OUR ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES PROVIDE IMPORTANT FOUNDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY IN YOUNG PEOPLE. THE VALUE AND BENEFIT OF THESE EXPERIENCES CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY CLASSROOM TEACHING ALONE.

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WE FULLY SUPPORT AND GUIDE STUDENTS WITH THEIR UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING ONETO-ONE TUTORIALS ON WRITING THEIR PERSONAL STATEMENTS.

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SOME OF OUR SUCCESSES Some of our all A*/A Grade students: • Rohan from Kenya is reading Microbiology at Nottingham University. EXCELLENT TEACHING MEETS KINGSWOOD’S AIM OF CHALLENGING PUPILS TO FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL.

• Rin from Japan is reading Economics & Management at Oxford. • Stefans from Latvia, who recently received a 1st Class examination classification in Chemistry at Oxford University. • Korn from Thailand is reading Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. • Leo from Russia is reading Architecture at UCL.

Popular University Destinations Include: • Cambridge • Oxford • Exeter • Leeds • Birmingham • Cardiff • Manchester

• St Andrews • UCL • Edinburgh • Bristol • Durham • Warwick • King’s London

I had the privilege of attending Kingswood School between 1995 and 2000. Having completed 10 GSCEs and then A-Levels in Physical Education, Economics and English, I took a gap year before enrolling at Birmingham University (BSc) and later London Metropolitan University (PGCE). My education was the foundation to jobs as a teacher, personal trainer, gym manager and coach. Amidst this I have enjoyed a career as a professional basketball player. Intriguingly however, my present career path has taken me into music where I run my own entertainment company and have been fortunate to even perform at royal events! Otty Warman

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LIFE IN THE UK & A WORLD HERITAGE CITY Bath is justly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. • There are many international festivals and cultural events hosted by the City covering Music, Literature, Art, Theatre and Sport. • There is a wide choice of internationally acclaimed museums, galleries and historic buildings. • The City plays host to a number of national and international sporting events and is home to one of Europe’s top Rugby Clubs. Team GB also have the benefit of training facilities at the University of Bath. • Easy access to all road, rail and air links with London Heathrow only 100 miles away, Bristol 20 miles and Gatwick 138 miles.

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BATH IS A SAFE UNIQUE CITY COMBINING A VIBRANT CULTURE WITH RICH HISTORY.

THE CITY OF BATH NOT ONLY OFFERS A CULTURALLY RICH AND STIMULATING EXPERIENCE, IT IS ALSO A VERY SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PUPILS TO LIVE IN.


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FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES Parents are asked to note that the fees are calculated as an annual sum collected in three equal instalments at the beginning of each term in accordance with our terms and conditions. Please note, in common with many independent schools, the fees do not include external examinations charges, however our fees do include a number of benefits which other schools often charge in addition. Kingswood fees include all text books, insurance for personal accident (including emergency dental treatment), cover for personal effects, meals, laundry services and the annual School Magazine, Kingswood in Focus. Remissions (boarding pupils only) A sibling discount of 10% per child for second and subsequent children will be awarded.

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Scholarships (for entry to Years 7, 9 and Sixth Form) Academic, Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships are available for day and boarding pupils for entry to these year groups only. Consideration will only be given to applications made before the relevant closing dates and which meet the specific criteria as detailed in the scholarship booklet which can be found on the school website. The number and size of awards will be determined by the number and quality of applicants assessed. Scholarships are available worth up to 25% of the basic boarding or day fees. Honorary scholarships will also be available for applicants who are not awarded a monetary scholarship, but who demonstrate considerable potential.

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BOARDING FEES Full Boarding Pupils (7 Nights)

Annual Fee

Years 9 to Upper (13 – 18 Years)

£34,235

Years 7 & 8 (11 – 13 Years)

£28,581

Years 3 to 6 (7 – 11 Years)

£25,832

OTHER COSTS Registration Fee

£125

Acceptance Deposit for International Students

£1,000 + £11,250 (this latter sum is credited against the first term and any subsequent fee)


A NUMBER OF MEANS-TESTED BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE AND THESE ARE AWARDED AT THE HEADMASTER’S DISCRETION.

Full details of criteria and procedures for entry are available from the school website. John Wesley ‘International’ Scholarships Worth up to 25% of the basic boarding fees, these are available to boarding students from overseas who are able to demonstrate considerable potential for studying in the UK. Bursaries For families that are dependent on financial assistance to attend the School, a number of means-tested bursaries are available which are awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion. The criteria for such

awards, together with the application forms, are available from the Admissions Office and must be completed and returned for assessment by the Bursar prior to the entry examination date. Please note that bursaries will not be awarded after an offer has been made.

IN THE CASE OF BOARDING PUPILS, OUR FEES ALSO INCLUDE ALL MEALS AND LAUNDRY SERVICES.

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MAKING AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION Contact Kingswood or find a recognised Kingswood agent and ask for help to register your interest.

Provide your agent with a copy of your most recent school report and passport; attend their office for an interview together with a member of your family.

If your student profile is found to be a good match for Kingswood, you will be asked to complete a Registration Form and pay the Registration Fee – your agent will be able to assist with a bank transfer or online payment using our website.

Your assessment papers will be sent to Kingswood by the agent and marked.

If your application is successful you will be offered a place at Kingswood and you will need to pay a deposit to secure this place. Your agent will be able to assist with all the necessary documentation and information.

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If you are not able to attend Kingswood for a suitability interview, a SKYPE interview may be requested. Once the form and fee is received by the School, your agent will arrange for you to take the Kingswood assessment papers at their offices, under exam conditions and without any assistance. If you are planning to visit the school these can also be taken at Kingswood School during your visit.


THERE ARE MANY ENJOYABLE TRIPS, SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES ON OFFER AT THE EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

WHO TO CONTACT AT KINGSWOOD If you have any queries about applying for a place at Kingswood please contact: Senior School (ages 11 – 18) Head of Admissions T: + 44 (0) 1225 734210 E: dwp@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Preparatory School (ages 7 – 11) Admissions Registrar T: + 44 (0) 1225 734460 E: kps-admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk


Kingswood Senior School Lansdown Road • Bath • BA1 5RG • UK Main School Office T: + 44 (0) 1225 734200

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Design by Jolt Media: www.jolt-media.co.uk

Kingswood Prep School College Road • Bath • BA1 5SD • UK Main School Office T: + 44 (0) 1225 734460


SIXTH FORM ACADEMIC PROGRAMME 2021-2023

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 1


CONTENTS Welcome to the Sixth Form

1

DEPARTMENTS: Art

6

Biology

8

Business Studies

10

Chemistry

12

Computer Science

14

Design & Technology Product Design / 3D Design

16

Drama & Theatre

20

Economics

23

English Literature

26

EAL

28

Geography

30

History

32

Latin

34

Mathematics & Further Mathematics

36

Modern Languages

38

Music

42

Physics

44

Politics

46

Psychology

48

P.E.

50

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport 51 Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (RPE)

52

The Extended Project Qualification

54

Further Academic Enrichment Opportunities

55

General Studies & Extension Seminars

55

Higher Education

56

Careers Education

56

A Level Subject Entry Requirements

57

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WELCOME TO THE SIXTH FORM Entry into the Sixth Form marks the final stage of your school career. It is an exciting, challenging and very important time, during which you will be developing particular academic strengths and interests through the specific A Level courses you have chosen, whilst taking advantage of the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities available at Kingswood. You will be expected to manage the time given to your academic, extra-curricular and social commitments effectively. The key to doing so is to use your private study periods appropriately as well as ensuring that proper focus is given to academic work every evening and at the weekend. Above all, we want you to put learning at the heart of Sixth Form life. We expect you to develop an enquiring mind and to take responsibility for extending your learning beyond the classroom. We aim to encourage study habits that will help you to fulfil your academic potential at Kingswood and

beyond. Every week you are required to complete at least five hours’ study for each subject out of the classroom. Those students most likely to succeed will be the ones who do not ‘clock watch’ but who aim to produce their best work through careful research and considered application. However, advice is always on hand. Whilst your last two years at school are likely to be very busy, we want you to enjoy them to the full and leave school feeling enriched by all that you have learnt, experienced and contributed during your time in our Sixth Form.

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 1


MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU This booklet has been designed to familiarise you with the expectations and demands of the A Level courses. Please read about the subjects in which you are interested very carefully. Why not also look at subjects which do not automatically appeal? The study content at GCSE and at A Level can be very different. Whilst bearing in mind that universities will look for a sensible combination of subjects, ensure that you base your choices on what you want to do. These are subjects that you will have to study in depth for two years. If you are not really committed, then your interest will wane and you will not make best use of your time. Thus, your results may bring disappointment.

Do not rush the choosing of your subjects. You should talk your ideas through with your parents or guardians. Seek advice within your present school from your teachers, your tutors and heads of department. Staff at Kingswood who have a special responsibility to help and advise you are:

• MR JOHN DAVIES Deputy Head (Academic) • MR CRAIG WOODGATE Head of Sixth Form and Higher Education Adviser • MR PETER MACDONALD Assistant Head (Academic) • MRS EUGENIE PASCO Head of Careers

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS There are six key points to remember as you make your choices: 1. You are expected to meet the Sixth Form minimum entry requirement of at least 666655 in your GCSE passes. 2. In addition, it is very important that you pay particular attention to the entry requirements for each subject in this booklet. Please do not assume that you will be allowed to start your chosen A Level courses unless you meet the subject specific entry requirements. 3. Sixth Formers can begin with three or four A Levels.

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4. We have some flexibility to allow pupils to begin with up to four A Levels, although this is subject to timetable constraints and cannot be guaranteed. The vast majority are advised to focus on three subjects only. 5. A good number of students are likely to opt to take an Extended Project Qualification (see page 54) as well as their chosen A Levels.

TIMETABLE FOR CHOOSING A LEVEL SUBJECTS All options schemes involve the arranging of subject groups for timetabling purposes. Each year we base our option lines on what the year group, as a whole, has chosen. Very occasionally there will be some subject combinations that are just not possible. However, option lines are always created so that the most sensible and desirable combinations are available. Both internal and external prospective Kingswood Sixth Form students and their parents will be able to access information from appropriate Heads of Department to discuss possible A Level choices before the October half term of Year 11. Heads of Department will, of course, continue to advise after this initial meeting if required to do so. Students are asked to make their A Level choices in December. After this, the School cannot guarantee to meet any subsequent request for change because timetabling and staffing requirements are organised round the information given. Subsequent change can happen if the changes fit in with the option lines and there is room in the relevant teaching set(s).


A LEVELS IN BRIEF A Levels include more open-ended questions, requiring extended essays in response. There are also synoptic ‘overview’ questions to assess candidates’ understanding of the context and breadth of their chosen subjects. These features encourage greater stretch and challenge.

A LEVEL COURSEWORK Details of all the coursework can be found within the subject-specific text in this booklet. Some tasks, as in Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Physical Education, are practical, whilst in English Literature and History, for example, submissions are in essay form. In every subject, all raw marks are subject to external moderation. They may be changed by the Examination Board. Consequently, the raw mark cannot be relied upon as an exact record of the student’s success in any coursework component until the final result is known for the whole examination. Grade boundaries are never known in advance for a current examination series and are subject to change.

ASSESSMENT OVER THE TWO YEAR COURSE As a member of the Sixth Form, you will be given regular feedback on the progress that you are making and ways in which to further improve. This will include discussion during lessons, assessed prep., interim grades, parents’ evenings and full written reports. There will never be a period of time when you are uncertain about your strengths or your personal targets for improvement. In order to help you prepare effectively for the final external examinations, we also organise formal internal examinations at the following times in the School year:

• Year 12: January • Year 12: June • Year 13: January

STRUCTURE OF A LEVELS All subjects will be linear i.e. your examinations will be taken at the end of a two year course in June 2023 and there will be no possibility of re-taking individual papers to improve on your grade. We do not offer AS level qualifications as part of our main curriculum.

UCAS predictions will be made in the summer of Year 12, after looking at data gathered on each student’s progress throughout the year.

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 3


HOW BEST TO AUGMENT MY A LEVEL STUDIES? At Kingswood we encourage our Sixth Formers to develop a wide range of independent learning skills through the challenges set within their chosen A Level subjects. We are also keen to offer further opportunities through which students may explore their personal enthusiasms and interests. For example, we particularly champion the Extended Qualification Project as a very worthwhile complement to A Level studies. It is also highly valued by many universities. We also run other academic extension programmes, details of which are on pages 55 and 56 of this booklet. Kingswood has a diverse, stimulating and challenging Activities programme and some pupils may wish to supplement their three A Level subjects by making a very significant contribution to this programme rather than with the examples of examined ‘extras’ cited above. Almost without exception universities have stated that they will make offers on the basis of the three A Level grades students achieve at the end of the Upper Sixth. In deciding which students to select to receive offers, they will look at a combination of GCSE results, predicted achievement at A Level, the School reference and the personal statement, as well as an individual’s performance in internal school examinations at the end of Year 12.

SUBJECT CHOICES AND CAREERS Some people decide what careers they want to follow while they are at school. Others may leave decisions until their last year at university or even later. Hence, there is no pressure on you to make career choices now but, from the time you enter Year 12, we will strongly encourage you to start thinking about your future, and to find out as much as you can about careers which you are considering. With this in mind, immediately after all of the Year 12 examinations have been sat, we have a work experience programme in which we offer you the opportunity to try out jobs which you may be considering. We also encourage you to use some of your school holidays to gain first-hand experience of different kinds of employment.

Whilst no-one wants to pressurise you into making career decisions until you are ready to do so, nevertheless you need to be aware of the ways in which your choices of Sixth Form subjects may later affect what careers will be open to you.

THREE IMPORTANT GUIDELINES: 1. If a subject is essential for your intended career, then obviously you must choose it. (Please see the table on page 5.) If you discover that you need a subject which you do not like, or cannot study successfully at A Level, you should seek advice urgently from your teachers and from the Head of Sixth Form. 2. You should be aware that, if the majority of your A Level choices are arts subjects, you will be making it extremely difficult to enter most medical professions and engineering. On the other hand, if you choose mainly science subjects but later want to switch to arts-based careers (e.g. law), there are no formal qualifications barriers. 3. As mentioned in (2) above, there are some careers, like medicine, for which early specialisation is essential. However, for many professions, employers will encourage you to study subjects which interest you before coming to them for training. They are often against early specialisation; they are looking for interesting, educated, intelligent, trainable recruits.

HIGHER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Your A Level choices will not only influence your eventual career path, but they will also have a direct bearing on your Higher Education options. All the A Level courses offered at Kingswood provide a good foundation for university entry, but for some more traditional institutions it is important to have the right combination of subjects to increase your chances of being offered at place. The Russell Group of twenty-four of the country’s top research-based universities has produced a guide to post-16 choices, to enable students thinking about their options to arrive at informed and sensible decisions about what is right for them. To find out more, please visit www.informedchoices.ac.uk

4 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023


To help you to make your decisions, the chart below indicates those subjects which are essential and useful for certain university courses. The list is not exhaustive, but does provide a guide as to what is required for a range of subjects traditionally popular with Kingswood Sixth Formers. SUBJECT

ESSENTIAL

USEFUL

ARCHITECTURE

Art (some courses)

Art, DT

ART AND DESIGN

Art or Design Technology

BIOCHEMISTRY

Chemistry, Biology

BIOLOGY

Biology and Chemistry

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Chemistry and Mathematics

Physics, Biology, Further Mathematics

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry plus at least one other science subject

Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Physics

CLASSICS

Latin

Modern Foreign Language, History, English

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Mathematics (some courses)

Computing, Further Mathematics, Physics

DENTISTRY

Chemistry and Biology

DRAMA

Drama

English

ECONOMICS

Mathematics

Economics

ENGINEERING

Mathematics and Physics

Further Mathematics, DT

ENGLISH

English

History, Modern Foreign Language, Latin

GEOGRAPHY

Geography

HISTORY

History An essay based subject

LAW MATHEMATICS

Mathematics and often Further Mathematics

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mathematics, Physics

MEDICINE

Chemistry, Biology

MUSIC

Music

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Modern Foreign Language

Mathematics, Physics

Second Modern Foreign Language, Latin

Further Mathematics, Chemistry Politics, History

POLITICS PSYCHOLOGY

Mathematics or Physics, a non-science subject

Religious Studies

PHILOSOPHY PHYSICS

Mathematics, Physics, Business, Essential English, Useful Business

Biology (for some courses)

Psychology RPE

RELIGIOUS STUDIES SPORTS SCIENCE

Biology / other science

VETERINARY SCIENCE

Chemistry, Biology and either Mathematics or Physics

PE, Psychology

For further information on A Level choices and Higher Education, please consult Mr Woodgate, our Head of Sixth Form.

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 5


ART

(OCR)

MR S BROWN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will be able to: • Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. • Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops. • Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress. • Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements. COMPONENT 01: Personal Investigation COMPONENT 02: Externally Set Task

6 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING ART IN THE SIXTH FORM? You will need at least a grade 6 in Art GCSE and a good grasp of the English language – written and spoken. Good ICT skills are useful. You should be prepared to present and discuss your work in front of your class and be willing to work in the department outside of class time. You should be actively visiting galleries on your own and be prepared to contact practising artists for information and inspiration. You will have the opportunity to visit a number of exhibitions during organised trips to London galleries.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who are interested in developing their creative skills • students who are interested in experimenting with a wide range of materials, processes, technologies and resources


• students who are interested in how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts • students who are interested in past and present artists’ work and ideas

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

• students who like working from direct observation from primary sources

You could go on to a one year foundation course in Art and Design in which you can specialise in many areas including:

• students who like to document and record via sketches, photographs and notes from secondary sources

• Fine Art: Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking

• students who are interested in researching their own themes or artists’ work • students who can work independently • students who enjoy visiting art galleries on a regular basis

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? ART AND DESIGN: FINE ART (H601)

• History of Art & Design: Academic study; Conservation; Gallery • Graphic Design: Package design; Illustration; Computer Graphics; Photography; Film & Television; Animation • Fashion and Textiles: Fashion Design; Fashion Marketing; Fashion Journalism; Textiles Woven / Printed • 3 Dimensional Design: Product Design; Furniture Design; Jewellery; Interior Design and Exhibition Design • Architecture: Architecture and Landscape

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/170210-specificationaccredited-a-level-gce-art-and-design-h600-h606.pdf COMPONENT 01: PERSONAL INVESTIGATION 60% OF A LEVEL The Personal investigation has two integrated elements: a portfolio of practical work and a related study which explores the context in which their chosen practical area of study exists.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk

Learners should produce two elements: (i) a portfolio of practical work showing their personal response to either a starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus, devised and provided by the learner or centre (ii) a related study: an extended response of a guided minimum of 1000 words. COMPONENT 02: EXTERNALLY SET TASK 40% OF A LEVEL For this component, an early release paper will be dispatched to centres based on estimated entries made and will also be available on the OCR website from 1 February. This paper can be given to learners at the discretion of centres any time on or after 1 February in the year of certification. Centres may determine the amount of time for preparatory study prior to learners undertaking their 15-hour supervised time period. The paper will give learners a choice of seven themes, each with a choice of written and/ or visual starting points, briefs or stimuli. From this paper, learners are expected to choose one option for which they will generate an appropriate personal response for assessment.

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 7


BIOLOGY

(OCR A)

MRS J OPIE

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will be able to:

Specification content:

• acquire a body of biological knowledge and an appreciation of its significance;

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology

• develop a respect for all living things; • develop experimental skills including use of the microscope and slide preparation, dissection, chromatography and many biochemical procedures; • develop an understanding of scientific method including controlling variables, statistical analysis and evaluation of results. • gain an understanding of the dynamic and exciting nature of biology today including recent advances in biotechnology and medicine, and an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject.

8 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

• Module 2 – Foundations in Biology (Cell structure including membranes, cell division and biological molecules) • Module 3 – Exchange and Transport (Exchange surfaces and transport in animals and plants) • Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease (including communicable disease, immune system) • Module 5 – Communication, Homeostasis and Energy (Excretion, neuronal and hormonal control, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis and respiration) • Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems (Cellular control, inheritance, cloning, populations and sustainability)


A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13. (H420)

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING BIOLOGY IN THE SIXTH FORM? You will need to get at least 7 in Biology GCSE and at least 6 in Chemistry GCSE, or 7 7 in Double Science. During the course students will need to have the ability to communicate effectively and a grade 6 or above is usually needed in English Language. Students will be expected to interpret and process results which will involve plotting graphs and the use of some statistics. It is therefore desirable for students to have achieved a grade 6 or above in Mathematics.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who have an interest in the study of living things • students who have enjoyed investigation through laboratory based practicals, fieldwork or by reading about recent research • students who are interested in the latest biological topics such as genetic engineering • students who are planning careers as medics or vets • students who want to use Biology to support other qualifications such as Geography, Chemistry, P.E. and Psychology

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? There are three examination papers at the end of the two year course which may involve multiple choice questions, structured questions, problem solving, calculations and extended writing questions. • BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES (01) 100 marks

and evaluation of various techniques. They will also be assessed directly by a Practical Endorsement which covers 12 practical skill areas. The Endorsement involves internal teacher assessment and will be a pass or fail. External monitoring will also take place.

FIELD TRIP As an integral part of the course, we take students out in the field for two days and parents should be aware that there is a charge for this to cover the cost of transport, etc.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? • Follow a degree course in Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology, Marine Biology, Plant Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Agriculture and Forestry, Psychology, Pharmacy etc. • Biology as a science discipline is a useful addition to the list of subjects read predominantly by Arts or Humanities based students. It demonstrates the ability to think logically and to present or evaluate data. • Employment in a wide range of areas related to medicine, food, agriculture, land management, law and biotechnology.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk

2 hours 15 minutes – 37% of total A Level This paper assess modules 1, 2, 3 and 5

• BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (02) 100 marks

2 hours 15 minutes – 37% of total A Level This paper assess modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

• UNIFIED BIOLOGY (03) 70 marks

1 hour 30 minutes – 26% of total A Level This paper assesses all modules

Practical skills will be assessed indirectly on the written papers by the use of graphs, analysis of data

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 9


BUSINESS STUDIES

(EDEXCEL)

MRS S HOPKIN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will learn why businesses exist and the reasons for choosing and changing business structure. The four key areas in business: finance, human resources, operations / production and marketing are studied in detail. Students will learn about how decisions are made regarding these core functions and develop the skills to discuss the impact on the firm of certain decisions. Financial planning is a significant part of this unit and students will carry out calculations using financial documents and interpret their results. The Year 13 work builds on Year 12 to include analysing the strategic position of a business and choosing and managing strategic change including an international perspective.

10 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

Business Studies A Level is a great choice for anyone interested in the world of commerce and entrepreneurship. It’s a great way to prepare for university courses in the fields of business and management, and to equip yourself with the know-how to start up your own business or follow a career in finance, accounting, marketing or management post university. Through Business Studies A Level, you’ll engage with the world of business through the context of current business developments and real business situations. You’ll learn how management, leadership and decision-making can improve performance in marketing, operational, financial and human resources. You’ll also explore the interrelated nature of business activities and how they affect businesses, be they large or small, UK or internationally focussed and in different sectors such as service or manufacturing.


WHAT WILL YOU STUDY DURING BUSINESS STUDIES A LEVEL? MARKETING AND PEOPLE: This theme enables students to understand how businesses identify opportunities and to explore how businesses focus on developing a competitive advantage through interacting with customers. Students develop an understanding of how businesses need to adapt their marketing to operate in a dynamic business environment. This theme also considers people, exploring how businesses recruit, train, organise and motivate employees, as well as the role of enterprising individuals and leaders. MANAGING BUSINESS ACTIVITIES: This theme enables students to develop an understanding of raising and managing finance, and measuring business performance. The theme outlines the importance of using resources efficiently within a business to ensure that goods or services can be delivered effectively and efficiently, and to a high quality. Students also consider the external influences that have an impact on businesses, including economic and legal factors. BUSINESS DECISIONS AND STRATEGY: This theme moves from functions to strategy, enabling students to develop their understanding of the core concepts and to take a strategic view of business opportunities and issues. Students analyse corporate objectives and strategy against financial and nonfinancial performance measures and how businesses grow, and develop an understanding of the impact of external influences. The theme covers the causes and effects of change and how businesses mitigate risk and uncertainty. GLOBAL BUSINESS: Students investigate businesses that trade on a global scale and explore their reasons for doing so. Students develop an understanding of the globally competitive environment and consider the ethical and moral dimensions of global business activities.

WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU GET FROM STUDYING BUSINESS?

You’ll learn how to analyse competitive environments and markets; assess how ethical, environmental and technological factors influence decision making; use a range of quantitative and non-quantitative data to evaluate strategic and functional options; understand how decision made affect stakeholders and how they will respond. You’ll also develop your critical analysis, decisionmaking and problem-solving skills. The knowledge and skills gained on this course can be utilised in a huge range of business and management fields, are transferable across many areas of study and professions and can be used to manage your personal decision-making, planning and finances.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? A good grade in Business at A Level can enable you to go on study at university or go into the world of work. In particular it helps students to: • develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. • be aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders. • acquire a range of skills including decision-making and problem-solving. • be aware of the current structure of business and business practice. • develop their ability to acquire a range of important and transferable skills including data skills, presenting arguments, making judgments and conducting research. This course has no coursework or controlled assessment.

Business is becoming a more and more important qualification. As business becomes more complex, employers are looking for candidates who can bring a level of prior business knowledge to their companies. Having a Business qualification shows that you are capable of understanding some difficult concepts and you have developed the communication, analytical and evaluative skills that modern businesses and universities are looking for. It often leads students into careers in management, business consultancy and financial services (the highest paid sector of the economy!).

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Go to: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/ qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/business-2015.html

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 11


CHEMISTRY

(OCR A)

DR J WOOD

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will have the opportunity to study key chemical ideas in greater detail. Many of the ideas covered at GCSE will be revisited, but with a greater emphasis on explaining, rather than simply describing, examples of the behaviour of substances. Structure and bonding, acidity, energetics, rates of reaction and reversible reactions are examples of concepts studied in greater depth at A Level. While studying A Level Chemistry you will develop practical skills that include making observations, collecting data, analysing experimental results and formulating conclusions. You will also gain an appreciation of how scientific models are developed and evolve, the applications and implications of Science, the benefits and risks that Science brings, and the ways in which society uses scientific theories and evidence to make decisions.

12 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING CHEMISTRY IN THE SIXTH FORM? The A Level course builds on the knowledge and understanding of Chemistry that students gain from studying GCSE Chemistry (or GCSE Double Science). Chemistry is a challenging subject so students selecting this subject are required to gain at least grade 7 in GCSE Chemistry (or 7 7 in GCSE Double Science). Numeracy skills are particularly important so it is also desirable to have at least a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics. Independent research skills and the ability to think critically about problems are also crucial for A Level Chemistry students. Chemistry is a practical subject so good practical skills and an ability to interpret and evaluate data are required. You should be prepared to read widely and support scientific events held at school.


WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who have an interest in the study of the material world and the production of new and beneficial substances • students who enjoy carrying out and interpreting laboratory investigations of scientific phenomena • students who wonder why materials behave as they do • students who enjoy applying their minds to solving problems • students who intend to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary medicine at university • students who want to use Chemistry to support other qualifications such as Biology, Geography and / or Physics

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? There will be three examination papers at the end of the two year course which will include multiple choice questions, short response questions, calculations and extended writing questions.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? • Follow a degree course in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Biochemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Chemistry, Geology, Toxicology, Polymer Science, Food Technology, Natural Sciences, Materials Science, Pharmacy or Pharmacology. • Chemistry, as a scientific discipline, develops the ability to think logically, to assimilate abstract concepts and to solve problems. These are important skills, valued by higher education, for subjects such as Law, Psychology and Accountancy. • Employment in a wide range of areas related to Chemistry, including food, oil, materials, medicine, agriculture, and the environment. To find out more about careers involving A Level Chemistry visit the Royal Society of Chemistry website: http://www.rsc.org/careers/future

THE EXAMINATIONS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING CHEMISTRY TOPICS: • Formulae, equations and amounts of substance • Energetics • Atomic structure and the periodic table • Bonding • Organic chemistry: alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, haloalkanes, chirality, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, arenes, nitrogen compounds and synthesis

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS OCR provides information about their new Chemistry A specification: Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-levelgce-chemistry-a-h032-h432-from-2015

• Shapes of molecules and ions • Intermediate bonding and bond polarity • Intermolecular forces • Redox chemistry and transition metal chemistry • The periodic table • Kinetics • Chemical equilibria • Thermodynamics • Reaction mechanisms • Analytical chemistry, including: mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chromatography

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 13


COMPUTER SCIENCE

(OCR)

MR G EDGELL

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will study the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and types of programming languages; data types, representation and structures; exchanging data and web technologies; how to develop and follow algorithms; the use of Boolean algebra. They will also consider legal, moral and ethical issues. Throughout the course they will develop computational thinking skills including programming and problem solving; problem recognition, abstraction and decomposition; algorithm design and efficiency and standard algorithms.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN THE SIXTH FORM? Computer Science is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and allows students to look at the natural world through a digital prism. The course has been designed in consultation with leading universities and Industry experts for students who wish to go on to Higher Education courses or employment where a knowledge of Computer Science is beneficial. Students can study Computer Science and go on to a career in Medicine, Law, Business, Politics or any type of Science. You do not have to have previous experience of Computer Science, but there is a mathematical component to this course so, ideally, you should be expecting to gain a minimum of a grade 7 in GCSE mathematics or a 7 in GCSE Computer Science or an equivalent Computing qualification. There is a significant amount of computer programming in this course so a systematic approach and an eye for detail is necessary.

14 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023


WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students with a strong interest in computing and related disciplines • students who enjoy solving problems • students with a natural curiosity about the way modern technology works

writing algorithms and computational methods, programming and programming techniques and problem solving. These questions may contain some shorter answer questions. Section B will have a scenario set at the start of the section; this will contain information that will be used for the questions that follow. The questions will be largely of a higher tariff with problem solving algorithms and programming again forming the basis.

• students who are considering careers in computing, engineering or mathematical disciplines

Written examination – 2 hours 30 minutes.

• students with creative flair; the A Level projects can be computer games or simulations

Non-exam assessment

• students who enjoy solving problems for others and are confident communicators

COMPONENT THREE (PROJECT)

20% of A Level

The programming project will be submitted in the form of a report that will contain the solution to a problem, selected by the student, written in a suitable programming language.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? The qualification consists of two examined components (01 and 02), externally assessed by the OCR examination board and one internally assessed and moderated non exam assessment component (03).

COMPONENT ONE

40% of A Level

a) Components of a computer and their uses b) Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software c) How data is exchanged between different systems d) How data is represented and stored within different data structures e) Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues Questions may contain, for example, following and correcting algorithms and programs, software development and legal and moral issues.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? This course has been designed to meet entry requirements for Computer Science based degrees. There is currently a significant shortage of Computer Science graduates and, as computing / information systems are now a fundamental part of most organisations, the opportunities are almost endless. However, Computer Science graduates do not necessarily go on to just computerbased careers. The problem-solving approach developed through the study of computer science is valued in many career paths, such as marketing, finance, health and other engineering and science disciplines.

Written examination - 2 hours 30 minutes.

COMPONENT TWO

40% of A Level

a) Understands what is meant by computational thinking b) How computers can be used to solve problems and programs can be written to solve them

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-alevel-gce-computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

c) The use of algorithms to describe problems and standard algorithms Section A will contain questions which may cover

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY:

MR B BROWN

A LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IS CURRENTLY SPLIT INTO TWO SEPARATE A LEVELS; PRODUCT DESIGN (EDEXCEL) AND 3D DESIGN (AQA).

ON EITHER COURSE, WHAT WILL I LEARN? • You will have the opportunity to study, propose and choose prototype solutions to designing and making opportunities closely linked to the real world of product / system manufacture; • You will be involved in the identification of opportunities for design and technological activity; • You will be directly involved in the design and making of artefacts and products; • You will consider materials technology as appropriate to the production of products;

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• You will use components, as appropriate, within systems - electrical, electronic, pneumatic mechanical and interfaces; • You will study a range of both modern and traditional manufacturing methods. • You will have an opportunity of looking at and discussing social, moral, cultural and ethical dimensions that relate to technological decisions; • You will work within constraints that economic and ergonomic factors placed on designing and making products and systems


DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW Design & Technology is a subject suited to students who are dynamic, questioning and keen to fundamentally improve the world we live in. The challenge to be original and problemsolving, as well as a practical maker, is fundamental to design. The ability to look at the world and products, to evaluate them through design and manufacture, and to improve them through sketching and making in order to produce high quality product design is the skill of a good designer. This course will build up these skills and is suited to those who can meet a challenge and are driven to succeed. It will prepare you for further study in the world of design and engineering through creative output.

BOTH PRODUCT DESIGN AND 3D DESIGN ARE TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSES, BOTH HAVE NEA AS WELL AS AN EXAMINED SECTION AT THE END OF YEAR 13. • Both courses on offer are full two year A Levels that will allow students to go on and study in many, varied fields within design, engineering and the arts. • Both courses are similar in their outlook but would probably suit students that have a slight leaning to different aspects of Design. • Both subjects enable students to go on and study creative and engineering design related courses at higher education. However, they each will prepare students better for different areas of future study. • The Product Design course has a written examination as well as a piece of coursework. The course is a more technical look at design and manufacturing and prepares students who are interested in the more technical higher education course within the design and engineering fields. • The 3D Design course has written and practical coursework as well as a practical examination. This course has a greater emphasis on creativity and aesthetics and would prepare students who have ambitions to go on to study Art, architecture and Design related degrees.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS We are using the following examination boards for the separate courses; Edexcel for Product Design and AQA for 3D Design. Further information can be found on their respective websites.

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 17


PRODUCT DESIGN You will be interested in the ‘made environment’ and will probably have been making and dismantling things for most of your life, as well as showing an interest in how things work on the inside.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING PRODUCT DESIGN IN THE SIXTH FORM? You will have gained GCSE Design Technology and Maths at grade 6 or above.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? You will be interested in the technical aspects of Design and Engineering. You will look to understand how and why certain materials are used for their purpose and look to use this knowledge to create your own designs. You may be looking for a course to prepare you for the technical world of Engineering, Architecture or the creative side of Design.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? UNIT 1: EXAM 50% of A Level This is a 2 hour written paper based primarily on core technical principles and core designing and making principles. Candidates answer a mixture of short answers, multiple choice answers and extended response questions.

UNIT 2: DESIGN & MAKING PRACTICE 50% of A Level Candidates are required to produce a coursework portfolio (approximately 45 hours), and a product which fully demonstrates their designing, making and evaluation skills, using creativity, flair and innovation, to be assessed against the Board’s assessment criteria. The coursework consists of designing, making and evaluating a product, a marketing presentation, and a review and reflection. This unit draws upon and develops skills learnt in other units. It takes the form of a written (or electronic) design folder and a manufactured outcome. Feedback is given during compilation of the folio and practical work on style, content and skills in accordance with the Examination Board guidelines for Design and Technology, including suggestions of areas for improvement for the final submission of their project. No marks are given; however, all feedback is based on assessment objectives and marking criteria published by the Examination Board.

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3D DESIGN You will learn how to select appropriate materials for 3-dimensional projects and experiment with texture and surface design.

WHAT TO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING? You will have gained GCSE Design Technology and Art at grade 6 or above.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? You will be interested in the ‘Aesthetic and practical elements’ of both GCSE subjects and will have an interest in design history and in being a creative and explorative designer. You may be looking for a course to prepare you for the creative side of Art, Architecture and Design related degrees.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? COMPONENT 1

60% of A Level

At A Level, for component 1, you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A Level marks.

COMPONENT 2

40% of A Level

In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A Level marks.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS We are using AQA as our Examination Board and further information can be found on their website.

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DRAMA AND THEATRE

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will be able to: • develop an understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of theatre and drama through a wide range of practical and theory based studies; • develop performance techniques including interpretation, voice, physicality, stage relationships and presence; • perform using a different range of styles, techniques and genres from around the world and from many different periods;

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(AQA)

MRS C NASH

• develop an ability to collaborate with others and develop their ideas into performance as well as initiating their own; • critically appreciate a wide range of drama and dramatic styles; • explore other theatrical avenues including design skills and technical abilities (lighting, sound, set design, costume, make up, stage management and directing); • develop confidence, team building, communication, creativity and other essential life skills relevant to a wide variety of chosen careers.


A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING DRAMA & THEATRE IN THE SIXTH FORM? Candidates for Drama and Theatre will develop a knowledge and understanding of theatre practice through their own engagement with the medium as both participant and informed audience member. Candidates will develop performance and / or production skills appropriate to the creation and realisation of Drama and theatre. They should be able to work well with others, have a genuine interest in theatre, sound academic qualifications and have a high degree of self-motivation. They will be expected to attend several theatre visits organised by the department. A Drama GCSE is preferred but not essential if the candidate has extensive experience of the theatre outside of their formal studies. Where Drama GCSE has been studied, a grade 6 or above is desirable. Candidates should also have obtained similar grades in English and / or English Literature. Candidates scoring grade 5 or below are unlikely to succeed at A Level Drama and Theatre.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who have a genuine interest in the theatre • students who enjoy working within groups and wish to be involved in producing theatre either through performance or a specific design / technical skill • students who would like to develop ‘soft’ skills including, but not exclusively, communication, resilience, collaboration, organisation, creativity, the ability to work under pressure and problem solving • students who are interested in pursuing a career in any aspect of the theatre - performance, directing, stage management, sound or light engineering, set design, costume, make up • Students who are intending to follow any university course for which an essay based A Level subject is required.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? The AQA course benefits from both a practical strand and a written examination which adds academic rigour to the course, helping to ensure students understand the way plays relate to their historical, social and cultural context.

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COMPONENT 1: Drama and Theatre

(40%)

For this written exam we will work practically in class exploring two contrasting texts from the perspective of actors, directors and designers. In your exam you will answer one question on each play discussing how you might interpret the play as a whole or a given extract. A third question asks you to evaluate a live production you have seen.

COMPONENT 2: Creating Original Drama (practical)

(30%)

You will work in pairs or small groups to create an original piece of drama from a stimulus of your choice. Your piece will be performed to a live audience and you can choose whether to be examined as an actor, director or designer. You will use the ideas of a recognised theatre practitioner or company to help form your piece. You will be assessed on your contribution to the performance and on a detailed working notebook which you will keep throughout the process.

COMPONENT 3: Making theatre (practical)

(30%)

This is a practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts, each one taken from a different play. The methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3 which is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). You will also complete a Reflective Report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS AQA provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to http://www.aqa.org.uk

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WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Drama and Theatre A Level can provide a stepping stone for a number of higher educational courses and careers. Obviously, it is an essential A Level for any student who is serious about pursuing a career within the performing arts, whether on stage or off. However, it should also be an attractive option for many other students. A recent survey of Russell Group universities showed that a very high percentage of Law students – in some cases as many as 100% – had studied Drama and Theatre at A Level. It is one of the few subjects where students are assessed on their ability to work within a group, such an important skill in the majority of jobs in the 21st century. Employers are looking for graduates who ‘stand out’, who can offer something different and who have high degrees of emotional intelligence, communication skills or creativity. Students who have successfully completed this course have been accepted into some of the most prestigious Drama Schools or have gone on to study degree courses at many of the top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. They have gone on to study a wide variety of courses including English, Psychology, Theology, Biology, Politics, History, Medicine – as well as Drama – to name but a few.


ECONOMICS

(EDEXCEL)

WHAT WILL I LEARN? The department’s focus for Economics will engage you to think like an economist, and apply economic concepts and theories to realworld contexts. You will learn to use appropriate quantitative skills to relevant economic contexts with a strong emphasis on broadening your knowledge and understanding of economics through wider reading and an awareness of the current issues impacting on the subject. Economics offers a distinctly different approach to learning about economics and business that reflects on today’s global economy, enabling students to:

MRS S HOPKIN

together with qualities and attitudes that will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. The teaching and learning of this qualification offers a good platform for development of transferable skills that enable young people to face the demands of further and higher education, as well as the demands of the workplace, namely: • cognitive skills; non-routine problem solving, systems thinking, critical thinking and ICT literacy; • interpersonal skills; communication, relationship-building skills and collaborative problem solving;

• develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subject;

• intrapersonal skills; adaptability and self-management and self-development.

• appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment;

You will be introduced to economics through building knowledge of core microeconomic, macroeconomic and business concepts, and apply them to business contexts and evidence relating to the macroeconomic environment.

• develop an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability to use those concepts in a variety of different contexts; • use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist; • understand that economic behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives; • develop analytical and quantitative skills,

Through the course you will develop a clear and concise style of writing, the type used in economics and business, enabling you to communicate effectively in a business setting. You will need to apply your knowledge and understanding to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts in the assessment and demonstrate an awareness of current economic events and policies.

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A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

THE TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE: Introduction to markets and market failure: this theme focuses on microeconomic concepts. Students will develop an understanding of: the nature of economics, how markets work, market failure and government intervention. Students will learn to apply supply and demand analysis to real-world situations, and will be able to suggest reasons for consumer behaviour. This will involve looking at how consumers act in a rational way to maximise utility and how firms maximise profit but also why consumers may not behave rationally. Students will analyse the nature and causes of market failure and understand the strengths and weaknesses of possible policy remedies. The UK economy – performance and policies: this theme focuses on the key measures of economic performance and the main objectives and instruments of economic policy in a UK context. Students will learn how to use a basic AD/AS model to analyse changes in real output and the price level. Students will look at when demand and/or supply side policies may be appropriate ways of improving an economy’s performance; consider these policies in an historical context; predict the possible impact of such policies and recognise the assumptions involved. Students should understand different approaches that may be used by policy makers to address macroeconomic problems and to identify criteria for success

Business behaviour and the labour market: this theme develops the microeconomic concepts introduced in Theme 1 and focuses on business economics. Students will develop an understanding of: business growth and objectives, revenues, costs and profit, market structures, the labour market and government intervention. At the end of this unit, students should be able to analyse and evaluate the pricing and output decisions of firms in different contexts, and understand the role of competition in business decision making. They should also be capable of making an appraisal of government intervention aimed at promoting competitive markets. Students will also gain a detailed understanding of the workings of the labour market both within the UK and the wider global context. Students will need to be able to apply relevant quantitative skills to the content covered introduced in this unit, including calculations, the use of data and the drawing of diagrams. A global perspective: this theme develops the macroeconomic concepts introduced in Theme 2 and applies these concepts in a global context. Students will develop an understanding of: international economics, poverty and inequality, emerging and developing economies, the financial sector and the role of the state in the macro economy. The application, analysis and evaluation of economic models is required, as well as an ability to assess policies that might be used to deal with economic problems. An awareness of trends and developments in the global economy over the last 40 years, including contemporary issues, is required. Wider reading and research will enable students to use up-to-date and relevant examples in their analysis and evaluation of issues and developments in the global economy.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING ECONOMICS IN THE SIXTH FORM? No prior knowledge of the subject is required. This subject can be combined with any others in which you have an interest, but some universities may expect an A Level in Mathematics for those wishing to become Economics undergraduates. You must discuss such details with our Head of Sixth Form. A strong performance in GCSE English and Mathematics is required to qualify to study Economics.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR? Students will need to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics. They will need to be able to think as economists; they are expected to be self-motivated, to show an interest in contemporary economic, business, political and sociological issues and to be prepared to read widely around the topics studied in class. Furthermore, students will need to be competent in applying quantitative skills throughout the course.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Edexcel provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/subjects/ economics.html

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? This qualification could enable students to progress to a straight economics degree with a focus on theory, or a degree in applied economics such as environmental economics, labour economics, public sector economics or monetary economics. Alternatively, students may like to study a business economics or mathematical economics degree or study economics with other subjects, e.g. politics, philosophy or history, as a combined degree. Post-university employment rates for economists are among the highest for graduates. They are likely to find employment in finance, banking, insurance, accountancy, management and consultancy; some even become professional economists.

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ENGLISH LITERATURE

(AQA B)

MRS E BROWN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? • to articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression • to analyse ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure, and language shape meanings • to demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received • to respond with knowledge and understanding to literary texts of different types and periods • to explore connections across literary texts • to articulate independent opinions and judgements, informed by different interpretations of literary texts by other readers

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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE SIXTH FORM? English Literature is the study of words and texts. We explore writing and writers, looking at their intentions and their contexts to gain a deeper understanding. English Literature operates in the higher order of thinking skills, requiring students to analyse, synthesise and evaluate; these are all valuable skills that can be utilised across the spectrum of life. Having achieved at least a 6 in GCSE English and English Literature, you will have shown that you are capable of success in A Level English Literature. You should be prepared to attend Literary Society meetings throughout the year and to participate in events such as the Bath Music and Literature Festival, theatre visits, conferences, and study days. You should also enjoy reading challenging literature of all genres and periods.


WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

internally marked before being externally moderated, and represents 20% of the marks for A Level.

• students who are interested in learning new approaches to texts and enjoy thinking both critically and creatively

This task presents an opportunity for students to follow their own passions and ideas, giving room for deep thinking, creativity and highly developed criticism.

• students who want to deepen their understanding of the world and of themselves

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES

• students who enjoy discussing literature, film, theatre, current issues, religion, history, morality and philosophy • students who want to question, probe, explore, examine and analyse • students who are fascinated in the representation of life, feelings and humanity

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?

• Because you will be making notes in them, and because they change periodically, you will buy your own texts. The Head of Department orders them from wholesale suppliers and charges you the discount price. • You should also consider taking out a subscription to one or both of the following magazines: The English & Media Magazine and The English Review. • You may be required to attend one or two theatrical performances and one or two revision conferences. • There may be charges for guest speakers.

The A Level course consists of three compulsory components. Students will sit all examinations at the end of a two year course.

COMPONENT 1: Literary Genres: Aspects of Tragedy (Closed text) 2.5 hours During your study for this unit, you will explore a variety of texts, looking closely at a Shakespeare play, a contemporary play and a further heritage text. During the examination, you will be required to complete three tasks; one on Shakespeare, one on a second drama text and one on a third, pre-1900 text. This is an externally assessed written paper and represents 40% of the marks for A Level.

COMPONENT 2: Texts and Genres: Elements of Crime (Open text) 3 hours This component presents an exciting opportunity to explore texts that are linked through genre. You can study contemporary fiction, poetry and other non-fiction texts. For the examination, you will be required to complete three tasks; one compulsory task on an unseen passage, one essay on a set text and one task which connects two texts. This is an externally assessed written paper and represents 40% of the marks for A Level.

COMPONENT 3: Theory and Independence (Coursework element)

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? You could go on to study English or a number of related subjects at university. The skills you develop studying A Level English Literature are highly valued by universities, no matter what course you might apply for, and by employers. Whether or not you choose to continue your studies of English Literature, you will have deepened your understanding and knowledge of literary texts and heritage. You will go on to read the world’s best literature with ever-increasing enjoyment and appreciation. The types of thinking skills and the modes of questioning developed are skills that will stay with you for life.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS AQA B provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.

The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) consists of two tasks, each of 1250-1500 words, based on a study of prose and poetry. This extended study will be

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EAL

MR L CONNER

THE INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS) UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONS; IELTS AUSTRALIA; BRITISH COUNCIL

AN IELTS COURSE OVER ONE YEAR.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will: • learn to use reading sub-skills, such as skimming and scanning to be able to improve their reading speed and ability to locate specific information; • learn to use higher level reading skills, such as inferring meaning from context and text attack skills to accurately guess the meanings of new vocabulary; • expand their general and topic specific vocabulary; • improve their skills in writing academic essays; • learn to describe processes and transfer information from graphs and pictures into text; • improve their spoken fluency and aural comprehension.

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FOR WHOM IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE? You need to take the IELTS course if you are a student who has English as a second or additional language and is working at, or below, level B2 of the Common European Framework for Reference of Languages. This course is also suitable for students with a higher level of English language proficiency, who wish to acquire the skills necessary to obtain a high level band score in the IELTS examination. IELTS is the English language qualification most recognised by British universities; therefore, it is essential that students wishing to undertake a higher education qualification at a British institution complete this course.

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE COURSE? The IELTS examination will test a student’s ability to comprehend, write on and speak about a wide range of general topics. These topics include leisure activities, education, technology, the workplace, climate and the environment, globalisation and tourism.


WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? IELTS uses a unique nine-point scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. Candidates receive scores for each language skill (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and an overall band score on a band scale from one to nine.

ACADEMIC READING The IELTS Academic Reading has 3 passages and 40 items (questions). The number of items for any one passage may vary. Each item is worth one mark. The IELTS Academic Reading takes 60 minutes to complete. Candidates transfer their answers onto the answer sheet as they work through the test. The passages used in the test are based on authentic texts, and are taken from sources such as magazines, journals, books and newspapers. They are designed to present the candidate with materials similar to those which they might need to read on a university course. In the Academic Reading section of the paper, students will encounter a number of different task types, including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes, summary or table / flow-chart completion, labelling a diagram, choosing headings for paragraphs or sections of a text, locating information, identification of writer’s views / claims or of information in a text, classification and matching.

the question paper as candidates listen. When the tape ends, ten minutes are allowed for candidates to transfer their answers onto an Answer Sheet. The first two sections of the Listening paper task the students with answering questions about social dialogue. The third and fourth sections use dialogue more closely related to educational or training contexts. In IELTS Listening, students will encounter a number of different task types, including: forms / notes / table / flow-chart / summary completion, multiple sentence completion, labelling a diagram / plan / map, short-answer questions and matching. Each section of the listening paper is played ONCE only. The recordings include a range of accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand and American.

SPEAKING IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and an examiner. The speaking test is divided into three sections:

1. Introduction and interview

After introductions and identity check, the examiner asks the candidate questions about familiar topics. This section lasts for 4-5 minutes.

2. Extended speaking

The candidate receives a task card with a topic. S/He then has 1 minute to prepare and make notes before speaking about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

ACADEMIC WRITING IELTS Academic Writing lasts a total of 60 minutes. It consists of 2 tasks (Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2) and candidates must answer BOTH tasks. Students are advised to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. They must complete both tasks in one hour. For Writing Task 1 candidates are given some visual information which may be presented in the form of one or more related diagrams, charts, graphs or tables. Candidates are asked to describe the information or data. They must write at least 150 words on this task. For Writing Task 2, candidates are presented with an opinion, problem or issue which they must discuss. They may be asked to present the solution to a problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence or opinions, or evaluate and challenge an argument or idea. Candidates must write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task. Tasks 1 & 2 will be marked on the following criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammar range and accuracy.

3. Discussion

The examiner discusses with the candidate more abstract aspects of the topic in Part 2. This section lasts for 2-3 minutes.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS The IELTS website is the best source of information for students looking for specimen material and can be located at: http://www.ielts.org

LISTENING IELTS Listening has four sections, each with 10 items (or questions). Each item is worth one mark. The items are designed so that the answers appear in order in the listening passage. During the test, time is given for candidates to read the questions and write down and check their answers. Answers are written on

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 29


GEOGRAPHY

(OCR)

MR T MOAT

WHAT WILL I LEARN & WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE EXAMINATION? The examination has four components. COMPONENT 1: Changing Landscapes and Changing Places

COMPONENT 3: Contemporary Themes in Geography

This is assessed through a written examination and accounts for 22% of the total marks. There are two sections:

This is assessed through a written examination and accounts for 36% of the total marks. Students study Climate Change and Disease Dilemmas.

i. Changing Landscapes: Coastal Landscapes ii. Global Systems: Carbon & Water Cycles

COMPONENT 2: Global Systems and Global Governance This is assessed through a written examination and accounts for 22% of the total marks. There are two sections: i. Global Systems: Carbon & Water Cycles ii. Global Connections Global Migration: Power & Borders

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COMPONENT 4: Independent Investigation This is a non-examined assessment worth 20% of the total marks. Students must devise their own question to research and investigate through fieldwork. They will identify their aims and devise appropriate methods to collect, present and analyse the data they collect. They will then draw conclusions and evaluate their investigation.


A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING GEOGRAPHY IN THE SIXTH FORM? A minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE is needed to continue studying Geography at A Level.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who have an interest in natural and human environments and their interactions • students who want to engage critically with real world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them • students who relish the opportunity for independent learning and research on geographical topics that interest them • students who enjoy using a wide range of skills and resources their learning – written, visual, graphical, numerical and spatial • students who enjoy studying the world, both in and out of the classroom

These skills will, in part, be linked to fieldwork. There will four days of fieldwork in Year 12 which will support the teaching and prepare students for their Independent Investigation which they will have to plan and carry out individually. There will be further opportunity to enhance and broaden their studies with an optional field trip to Barcelona in the October half term.

GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS AND FIELDWORK Students will acquire and use a range of qualitative and quantitative skills. These include communication skills, cartographic interpretation, numerical and statistical calculations; graphical, digital and geo – located data analysis; use of textual and visual resources.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Geography can be combined with any subject in the curriculum. It is a versatile qualification which can be combined with Sciences and humanities at A Level. It is viewed as one of the key ‘facilitating’ subjects, and Geography graduates are highly sought after as they have a range of transferable skills, are numerate as well as highly literate, comfortable working inside and out, in teams and independently. A Geography degree can be used to enter Geography – specific professions such as Environmental Management, urban and rural planning, water management, international development, public policy and planning, but Geography graduates are also desirable for a range of other graduate training schemes and businesses.

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HISTORY

(OCR)

MR D DARWIN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will be able to: • acquire knowledge and understanding of contrasting periods of History; • develop an understanding of the complexities of historical causation and significance; • strengthen their ability to use critically a range of sources to evaluate historical problems; • assess different interpretations of the past and develop their own views; • express their ideas through discussion and writing; • develop an interest in and enthusiasm for History.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING HISTORY IN THE SIXTH FORM? It is expected that students taking History in the Sixth Form will have a grade 6 or better in History and / or English at GCSE. History is the study of the human experience throughout the ages. It is a subject which requires students to analyse problems, construct arguments and come to supported judgements. You should feel confident in your ability to communicate your ideas effectively on paper and have a willingness to read about the past in order to develop your understanding.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who enjoy reading and writing about the past

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• students who are keen to learn about new periods of history • students who want to develop their own ideas about the past and to test their thinking in discussion

the following: the reasons for the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War; the dropping of the atomic bombs in 1945; Castro and the Cuban Revolution; Bismarck; Napoleon; Henry V.

• students who want to learn how to produce successful essays • students who want the opportunity to investigate an historical problem of their own choosing • students who want to learn how to evaluate information and reach informed conclusions

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? A Level: The A Level consists of 4 units:

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? History is a popular and well-respected qualification which provides a good basis for entry to a wide range of university courses and careers. Students with an A Level in History can be found in all walks of life and, in particular, it provides a first rate foundation for those seeking a career in law, journalism, the civil service and business.

UNIT GROUP 1: British period study and enquiry (1 hour 30 minutes) 25% of A Level Fifteenth Century English history: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1445-1509. Candidates answer one source-based question and one essay question from a choice of two.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk

UNIT GROUP 2: Non-British period study (1 hour) 15% of A Level Late-Eleventh and Twelfth Century European history: The Crusades and the Crusader States 1095-1192. Candidates answer one mini-essay question and a further essay question from a choice of two.

UNIT GROUP 3: Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations (2 hours 30 minutes) 40% of A Level Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Russian history: Russia and its Rulers, 1855-1964. Candidates answer a question based on historical interpretations followed by two thematic essay questions from a choice of three.

UNIT GROUP 4: Personal Study (coursework) 20% of A Level A personal and independent study on any topic of the candidate’s choice. The only restriction is that it cannot overlap with the content for the examined units. Candidates write a 3000-4000 word essay. Recent examples of topics studied for this unit include

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LATIN

(OCR)

MRS S DAKIN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? This course teaches a thorough understanding of the structure and syntax of the Latin language. You will read some of the world’s greatest literature, explore controversial issues, develop your intellect and hone your academic skills. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity! • The bulk of the work will involve the study of set texts such as Catullus, Horace, Ovid, or Virgil. • Skills in literary criticism are developed during the year; we study style and language in detail, as well as translating. • There is very little ‘new’ grammar at A Level. You will have learnt almost all of the grammar for the GCSE examination. However, in Year 12 you will revise the grammar of the language thoroughly with the aim of removing all vagueness. • Though the course is primarily literary, close attention is paid to cultural background, learning as much as possible about Roman society, and building on the background work of the GCSE course.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING LATIN IN THE SIXTH FORM? You will need to have attained a grade 6 or higher at GCSE Latin. Experience tells us that if you achieve grade 7-9 at GCSE, you should achieve a high grade at A Level. The course involves the study of set texts and the learning of the grammar continues.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who are linguistically gifted • students with a developing love for literature • students who are not scared of hard work

Latin combines well with almost all A Level subjects – English, History, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Modern Languages and RPE to name but a few!


WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? There will be four written examination papers at the end of the two year course:

Translation (unseen) examination

33%

(1 hour 45 minutes)

Comprehension (unseen) examination

17%

(1 hour 15 minutes)

Prose Literature

25%

(2 hours)

Verse Literature

25%

(2 hours) In the Prose Literature paper, candidates will answer questions based on the two prose set texts they have studied over the two year course. In the Verse Literature paper, candidates will answer questions based on the two verse set texts they have studied over the two year course. In both Literature papers, there will be comprehension questions, set text translations, close textual analysis questions and an essay question.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? A vast number of things! Whether combined with Greek or not, a degree in Classics or Classical Civilisation is an obvious choice, but a free-standing A Level in Latin carries a great deal of academic clout with Admissions tutors. It forms an excellent base for courses in English, Modern Languages, Law, History, Philosophy: in fact, anything at all on the Arts and Humanities side. The skills of discipline and clear thinking that an A Level in Latin requires are in demand by employers and universities alike. But, without a doubt, the main reason for choosing an A Level in Latin is to read the wonderful literature.

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MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS

MR M W SMITH (EDEXCEL)

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING MATHEMATICS IN THE SIXTH FORM? ENTRY TO THE MATHEMATICS COURSE

WHAT WILL I LEARN? During the course there will be opportunities for students to experience the following: • recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety of contexts; • construct rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs through use of precise statements, logical deduction and inference and by the manipulation of mathematical expressions, including the construction of extended arguments for handling substantial problems presented in unstructured form; • recall, select and use their knowledge of standard mathematical models to represent situations in the real world; recognise and understand given representations involving standard models; present and interpret results from such models in terms of the original situation, including discussion of the assumptions made and refinement of such models; • comprehend translations of realistic contexts into Mathematics; use the results of calculations to make predictions, or comment on the context; and, where appropriate, read critically and comprehend longer mathematical arguments; • use contemporary technology and other permitted resources (such as formulae booklets) accurately and efficiently; understand when not to use such technology, and its limitations. Give answers to appropriate accuracy.

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Much of the subject matter required by candidates builds upon content within the Edexcel Higher tier GCSE or IGCSE syllabus. So, any student who has only studied Mathematics at Foundation tier GCSE or IGCSE, will not be considered for the course. Mathematics is a very taxing subject at A Level. Students must obtain either a Grade 7, 8 or 9 at GCSE/iGCSE Maths in order to study the subject at A Level.

ENTRY TO THE FURTHER MATHEMATICS COURSE This course is normally only accessible to the very best Mathematicians in the school, and students wishing to study Mathematics at this level should give due consideration to this fact. Students must obtain a Grade 8 or 9 at GCSE/iGCSE Maths in order to study Further Maths at A Level.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? The units will enrich students who enjoy the challenges of Mathematics and enable them to: • develop their confidence and gain enjoyment; • extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems; • develop an understanding of coherence and progression in Mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected; • recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real-world’ problems and standard and other mathematical models and how these can be refined and improved; • use Mathematics as an effective means of communication;


• read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of Mathematics; • develop an awareness of the relevance of Mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general; • take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? A LEVEL MATHEMATICS This is a linear course with all examinations taken in the summer session of the Upper Sixth. There will be three examinations papers, each lasting last 2 hours, and each out of 100 marks. Paper 1 and Paper 2 will focus on the following Pure Mathematics topics: proof, algebra and functions, geometry in the (x,y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors. Paper 3 will consist of two parts. One part will focus on Statistics; topics include: statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing. The other part will focus on Mechanics; topics include: quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws and moments.

The Further Mechanics 1 option paper consists of the following topics: momentum and impulse, collisions, centres of mass, work and energy, elastic strings and springs. The Decision 1 option paper begins exploring sorting algorithms and graph theory, before moving on to optimisation problems such as the Traveling Salesperson, Critical Path Analysis and the Simplex Algorithm.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Success in A Level Mathematics is very highly regarded in Higher Education, as well as by employers, so it is a very valuable qualification. Many of the techniques found within Mathematics make a very useful contribution to other subjects, particularly scientific, although its interpretive potential has great application in many social science and quantitative research courses. Intrinsically, the order, discipline and logical processes within the Mathematics course are immensely satisfying and rewarding to those who can master them. Kingswood students regularly take up places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities to read Mathematics and subjects which rely heavily on Mathematics.

A LEVEL FURTHER MATHEMATICS This a linear course with all examinations taken in the summer session of the Upper Sixth. Students will study for 5 examinations, 2 of which are compulsory, with the best 2 of the remaining modules used to calculate the overall grade. Papers 1 and 2 will introduce the following Pure Mathematics topics: proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, hyperbolic functions and differential equations.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Edexcel provides a full specification of the course as well as specimen examination material. For this, please follow the link below: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/ edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html

The other papers taught are: • Further Mechanics 1 • Further Statistics 1 • Decision 1 The Further Statistics 1 option paper consists of the following topics: linear regression, statistical distributions (discrete), statistical distributions (continuous), correlation, hypothesis testing, chi-squared tests.

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MODERN LANGUAGES: FRENCH; GERMAN; SPANISH

(AQA)

MR D WALKER: HEAD OF FACULTY / HEAD OF SPANISH MS N TAIBI: HEAD OF FRENCH MISS C EVANS: HEAD OF GERMAN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING MODERN LANGUAGES IN THE SIXTH FORM? •

You need to have passed GCSE at grade 7 or 8/9 in the target language. However, a pupil with a grade 6 may be accepted on the course if they can demonstrate good work ethic and motivation.

You need to be interested in the culture and way of life of the countries where the target language is spoken; you should be keen to spend time there on an educational visit or exchange. There is an expectation that pupils opting for a language at A Level will participate in an exchange at least once over the two years’ course. The exchange offers the best possible way to put the target language into practice and is an essential part of studying languages at this level. It offers not only excellent linguistic opportunities, but also the chance to experience and enjoy the culture of the host country.

You will need to take a positive interest in current affairs and in ethical issues in general and ensure that you regularly keep up to date with the news in the country of the language you study.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will learn to: •

develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of the foreign language from a variety of registers;

communicate confidently, clearly and imaginatively in the foreign language through both the spoken and the written word, using complex and varied language increasingly accurately;

increase their sensitivity to language and language learning;

develop critical insights into, and contact with, the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where the target foreign language is spoken;

develop positive attitudes to language learning;

understand the importance of grammatical accuracy and apply knowledge through translation;

carry out an independently researched project linked to a target language country;

provide a suitable foundation for further study of the target language, at degree level or equivalent.

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WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? •

students who are interested in facts and opinions, and like talking about them

students who are interested in intellectual and cultural pursuits

students who have a positive concern for ethical issues

students who are interested in travel, holidaying or working abroad

Competence in a foreign language is a useful and satisfying skill in itself and it opens up many other opportunities: academic, professional and social. A modern foreign language is the most versatile and useful subject a student could possibly choose in the sixth form. There is no combination of subjects that


is not enhanced by the addition of a modern foreign language: a language combines well with History, Politics, English, Theology, Geography and other humanities, but is equally useful as a complement to Music, Mathematics, the Sciences or Economics. The broad topic titles of social issues and trends, political and artistic culture are identical for French, German and Spanish, but the sub-topics differ as stated in the respective lists below. Over the two year course you will have to study one target language book and one target language film from a list chosen by AQA; these are also listed below. The assessment is identical across all three languages. Your teacher will select the book and film for the class carefully.

INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECT As part of your French, German or Spanish A Level, you will have to identify a subject or a key question which is of interest to you and which relates to a country or countries in which your target language of choice is spoken. You must select relevant information in the target language from a range of sources including the internet. The primary aim of the research project is to develop research skills. You will demonstrate an ability to initiate and conduct individual research by analysing and summarising your findings, in order to present and discuss them in the speaking assessment. You may choose a subject linked to one of the Board’s themes or sub-themes, or to one of the works, but it must not be linked to the set text or film which will be assessed in the writing paper.

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE FRENCH A LEVEL COURSE?

ARTISTIC CULTURE IN THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD • A culture proud of its heritage (Une culture fière de son patrimoine) • Contemporary francophone music (La musique francophone contemporaine) • Cinema: the 7th art form (Cinéma: le septième art)

ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE FRENCH-SPEAKING WORLD • Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment (Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique) • Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? (Manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir?) • Politics and immigration (La politique et l’immigration)

FRENCH LITERARY TEXTS AND FILMS Students must study EITHER one text and one film OR two texts from the lists below: Texts

Films

Molière Le Tartuffe

Au revoir les enfants

Voltaire Candide

La Haine

Maupassant Boule de suif et autres contes de la guerre

L’auberge espagnole

Camus L’étranger

Un long dimanche de fiançailles

Françoise Sagan Bonjour tristesse

Entre les murs

Claire Etcherelli Elise ou la vraie vie

SOCIAL ISSUES AND TRENDS

Joseph Joffo Un sac de billes

Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one French-speaking country.

Faïza Guène Kiffe kiffe demain

ASPECTS OF FRENCH-SPEAKING SOCIETY: CURRENT TRENDS • The changing nature of family (La famille en voie de changement) • The ‘cyber-society’ (La « cyber-société ») • The place of voluntary work (Le rôle du bénévolat)

ASPECTS OF FRENCH-SPEAKING SOCIETY: CURRENT ISSUES • Positive features of a diverse society (Les aspects positifs d’une société diverse) • Life for the marginalised (Quelle vie pour les marginalisés?) • How criminals are treated (Comment on traite les criminels)

POLITICAL AND ARTISTIC CULTURE Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one French-speaking country.

Les 400 coups

Delphine de Vigan No et moi

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE GERMAN A LEVEL COURSE? SOCIAL ISSUES AND TRENDS Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one German speaking country.

ASPECTS OF GERMAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY • The changing state of the family (Familie im Wandel) • The digital world (Die digitale Welt) • Youth culture: fashion and trends, music, television (Jugendkultur: Mode, Musik und Fernsehen)

MULTICULTURALISM IN GERMAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY • Immigration (Einwanderung) • Integration (Integration) • Racism (Rassismus)

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 39


POLITICAL AND ARTISTIC CULTURE

• Racism (El Racismo)

Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one German speaking country:

• Integration (La Convivencia)

ARTISTIC CULTURE IN THE GERMAN-SPEAKING WORLD • Festivals and traditions (Feste und Traditionen) • Art and architecture (Kunst und Architektur) • Cultural life in Berlin, past and present (Das Berliner Kulturleben damals und heute)

ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE GERMAN-SPEAKING WORLD • German and the European Union (Deutschland und die Europaïsche Union) • Politics and youth (Die Politik und die Jugend) • German re-unification and its consequences (Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen)

GERMAN LITERARY TEXTS AND FILMS Students must study EITHER one text and one film OR two texts from the lists below: Texts

Films

Böll Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum

Goodbye, Lenin!

Brecht Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder Dürrenmatt Der Besuch der alten Dame

Das Leben der Anderen Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei

Frisch Andorra

Almanya – Willkommen

Heine Gedichte – Buch der Lieder

Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage

Hensel Zonenkinder

Lola rennt

Kafka Die Verwandlung

POLITICAL AND ARTISTIC CULTURE Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one Spanish speaking country:

ARTISTIC CULTURE IN THE HISPANIC WORLD • Modern day idols (La influencia de los ídolos) • Spanish regional identity (La identidad regional en España) • Cultural heritage or cultural landscape (El patrimonio cultural)

ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE HISPANIC WORLD • Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens (Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana) • Monarchies, republics and dictatorships (Monarquías, repúblicas y dictaduras) • Popular movements (Movimientos populares)

SPANISH LITERARY TEXTS AND FILMS Students must study EITHER one text and one film OR two texts from the lists below: Texts

Films

Gabriel García Márquez Crónica de una muerte anunciada

Volver

Esquivel Como agua para chocolate Lorca La Casa de Bernarda Alba Zafón La sombra del viento Isabel Allende La casa de los espíritus

Kaminer Russendisko

Sender Réquiem por un campesino español

Lenz Fundbüro

Bécquer Rimas y leyendas

Schlink Der Vorleser

Fernando Fernán-Gómez Las bicicletas son para el verano

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE SPANISH A LEVEL COURSE? SOCIAL ISSUES AND TRENDS Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one Spanish speaking country:

ASPECTS OF HISPANIC SOCIETY • Modern and traditional values (Los valores tradicionales y modernos) • Cyberspace (El ciberespacio) • Equal rights (La igualdad de los sexos)

MULTICULTURALISM IN HISPANIC SOCIETY • Immigration (La Inmigración)

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El laberinto del fauno Ocho apellidos vascos María, llena eres de gracia El bola Las 13 rosas

Manuel Rivas El lápiz del carpintero Gabriel García Márquez El coronel no tiene a quien le escriba

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? PAPER 1: LISTENING, READING AND WRITING / TRANSLATION Written exam: 2 ½ hours 160 marks; 40% of A Level You will demonstrate your comprehension skills of audio material and written texts based on all the


various topics of the course. All questions are in target-language, and are to be answered with non-verbal responses or in the target-language. All this material will include complex factual and abstract content and questions will target main points, gist and detail. You will also be required to translate a passage of minimum of 100 words into English and another translation task will be into the target language based on a 100 word text in English. You will have no access to a dictionary during the assessment

PAPER 2: WRITING 2 hours 90 marks; 30% of A Level You will write one essay from a choice of two on a set text AND one essay from a choice of two on a set film. Both essays (300 words per essay) will be written in the target language. The questions require a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the work studied. You will have no access to the texts or films during the assessment, nor will you have access to a dictionary during the assessment.

PAPER 3: SPEAKING 21-23 minutes (including 5 minutes prep. time) 60 marks; 30% of A Level You will show your spoken knowledge of your individual research project through a presentation and discussion. You will also demonstrate your knowledge of a sub-topic related to social issues and trends, political aspects and artistic cultures in the target language. There will be a discussion of a sub-theme based on a stimulus card. Again, you will have no access to a dictionary during the assessment. During your two years in the sixth form, you will have the opportunity to have weekly lessons with a native speaker.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS If you follow the links below you will find more information about the course and links to specimen examination papers and listening material for the moment, which we recommend you investigate. For French go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ languages/as-and-a-level/french-7652 For German go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ languages/as-and-a-level/german-7662 For Spanish go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/ languages/as-and-a-level/spanish-7692 Approved material can also be accessed on the main AQA A Level languages page: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-alevel

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? You could rest on your laurels: an A Level is a qualification in its own right and will, in any event, enhance your prospects of employment even if you do not pursue your study of the language after leaving school. Whether you choose to work in Britain or abroad, the additional qualification of a language could be significant in any occupation. The skills you learn in a language are transferable regardless of the job you do. In a language you are learning to communicate, to analyse language, to translate, to listen and summarise, to read and summarise. In fact, Language graduates have a very high rate of employability post-degree. You could choose to make a language part of your degree course. You might wish to continue one which you have studied to A Level, or to start one or more from scratch. You can combine two or more languages in a degree course, or a language (or languages) with almost any other subject, with a view to being qualified in, for example, law or business studies, or marketing or engineering and being capable of working in that field in a foreign country, or for a foreign company. Alternatively, you could choose to specialise in a language or languages, and follow one of the several distinct types of language degree courses. These range from mainly literary courses, to courses where the emphasis is on the practical use of the language. Students of modern foreign languages are well placed to qualify for sponsorship at university. There has never been a better time to get ahead in the jobs market than by learning a language or two at A Level. Amongst the potential jobs you could do are: diplomat, journalist, translator, interpreter, teacher, international aid / development worker, logistics and distribution manager, marketing executive, sales executive, tour manager, broadcast journalist, detective.

The Modern Languages Faculty has produced a guide on language courses at university with many helpful tips from Old Kingswoodians who have gone to a wide range of universities to study a language having taken one or two language A Levels at Kingswood. Please ask Mr Walker for a copy of this booklet.

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MUSIC

(EDUQAS)

MR A BARTON

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will be able to: • develop advanced performing skills through a range of opportunities including solo and ensemble performances and recordings; • compose music and develop a sense of their own style, as well as exploring Western Classical genres and musical features; • develop further skills in aural perception and learn to listen with an analytical ear; • gain a further understanding of elements of Western Classical music as well as Rock & Pop, Musical Theatre and Jazz styles, placing these in a broader historical perspective; • enhance understanding of the fundamentals of music including harmony, melody, rhythm, structure, texture, and timbre.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING MUSIC IN THE SIXTH FORM? You will need at least a 6 at GCSE Music and one instrument (this could be voice) at around grade 6 (ABRSM or equivalent) standard or above. You will also be expected to have a substantial theoretical knowledge – a minimum would be an understanding of around grade 5 standard. You will need to be curious and have an open mind to a variety of musical styles, and should start the course with a broad range of listening experience. You should be creative and open to developing your own ideas to compose your own music. You should have an insatiable interest for all things musical and be dedicated to your own practice and improvement. The Music Department will expect all A Level Music students to contribute significantly to the musical life of the school, through both small and large ensembles, e.g. Senior Orchestra, Chamber Choir etc.


WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who love performing and / or composing • students who constantly listen to music and explore new styles • students who have an open mind • students who are self-motivated and can work to deadlines for concerts, recording sessions etc. • students who can overcome problems with creative solutions

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? COMPONENT 1: PERFORMING Either Option A (35% of A Level) or Option B (25% of A Level) This component allows students to advance their skills as performers, primarily on their first-study instrument/voice, as a soloist and/or in an ensemble context. For Option A, students must give a recital of 10-12 minutes (min. three pieces), with at least one piece being a solo. For Option B, students must give a recital of 6-8 minutes (min. two pieces). Students will learn to create a recital programme that is coherent and links to the Areas of Study.

COMPONENT 2: COMPOSING Either Option A (25% of A Level) or Option B (35% of A Level) This component allows students to explore their own creativity. They will learn to extend and develop ideas, as well as understand the sonorities of different instrumental combinations. For Option A, two compositions will be written, totalling 4-6 minutes; one will focus on the conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, the other is a free composition. For Option B, three compositions will be written, totalling 8-10 minutes; one will focus on the conventions of the Western Classical Tradition, one will link to another Area of Study, and one is a free composition.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Music is a broad and dynamic field and is one of the largest industries in the UK. There are job opportunities in a wide variety of areas, including performance, composition, song-writing, sound, production, arts management and teaching. For those who would like to study Music but not pursue such a career, A Level Music offers a range of skills that are necessary in most occupations: • self-motivation and an ability to work to deadlines; • the solving of problems through creativity and imagination; • real-time decision making, management of nerves, team skills, attention to detail, self-discipline, the ability to present a public face, through speeches, presentations etc.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Eduqas provide detailed information on their specification, specimen examination papers and resources on their website. Go to http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/ as-a-level/

COMPONENT 3: 40% of A Level This component allows students to expand their knowledge and understanding of music from an analytical and historical perspective. Students will explore topics including the Western Classical Tradition, 20th or 21st Century Music, and a choice of Rock & Pop, Jazz or Musical Theatre. This component is assessed through a listening paper (2 hours 15 minutes) at the end of the course. Students will listen to and answer questions on a wide variety of music, as well as writing in detail about the set works they have studied.

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PHYSICS

(AQA 7408)

MR R BURTON

Credit: ESA / Hubble & NASA

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will learn to: • develop essential knowledge and understanding in physics, and the applications of physics, and the skills needed for the use of this in new and changing situations; • develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment; • appreciate how physics has developed and is used in present day society; • show the importance of physics as a human endeavour, which interacts with social; philosophical, economic and industrial matters; • sustain and develop enjoyment of, and interest in, physics; • recognise the quantitative nature of physics and understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles; • study how scientific models develop; • present the results of experimental work, research tasks and written tasks using a variety of media.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING PHYSICS IN THE SIXTH FORM? We would normally expect a grade 7-9 in IGCSE or GCSE Physics or in GCSE Core and Additional Science for entry onto the A Level Physics course. It is helpful, though not essential, for students to be studying Mathematics at A Level, as there is considerable overlap of the material and a fluency in mathematical techniques is a great asset for a physicist.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who have a desire to understand the world around them • students with an enquiring mind • students who are able to apply knowledge they have gained and mathematical techniques to solve problems of a scientific, technological or social nature • students who enjoy learning through experimental work • students who are able to evaluate and improve experimental procedures

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• students who can communicate effectively • students who want to gain a highly regarded qualification, which can lead to a wide range of careers

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?

Knowledge of physics is essential if you want to:

There are three examination papers at the end of the two year course which may involve multiple choice questions, short open response questions, calculations and extended writing questions.

• see how unborn babies are developing

• solve crimes • devise new construction materials • work in the communications industry • design better cars

The following topics will be covered:

• date archaeological remains

• Measurements and their errors

• forecast the weather

• Particles and radiation • Waves

• generate cheap energy from waves wind or sunlight

• Mechanics and materials

• detect art frauds

• Electricity

• design and build computers

• Further mechanics (Periodic motion)

• put a satellite into orbit

• Thermal physics

• control pollution

• Fields and their consequences

• detect and destroy tumours in the body

• Nuclear physics

• improve someone’s hearing or eyesight

• Engineering physics Practical knowledge and understanding are assessed using written examination questions. Practical coursework does not contribute to the final mark but there will be a requirement to complete practical work during the course. A Practical Endorsement is awarded if students have shown competency in a range of practical skills over the two year A Level course.

An A Level qualification in Physics can help students to access a wide range of courses in Science or Engineering in higher education establishments. If you are considering studying Physics or engineering at some of the more academic universities you may also be expected to study Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A Level. It is essential that you explore University entrance requirements to ascertain what should be studied. An A Level in Physics is highly respected in its own right and may open many doors for you. Students develop a wide range of skills during their study and this has led to physicists being valued in diverse career areas such as finance or law. Many physicists don’t actually do Physics but apply their skills in other professions. In fact, physicists do anything which involves understanding and using natural materials and processes.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Go to http://www.aqa.org.uk

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 45


POLITICS

(EDEXCEL)

MR D DARWIN

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will be able to: • develop knowledge and understanding of the British and American political systems; • formulate their own views on contemporary political developments; • express their ideas in debate and discussion; • develop their ability to construct an argument in essay form; • compare and contrast different political systems, drawing general conclusions about the democratic political process; • develop an understanding of the world today and the issues that shape the news.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING POLITICS IN THE SIXTH FORM? It is expected that students embarking on a sixth form course in Politics will have a grade 6 or better at GCSE in English and / or History. Politics is a subject that requires students to analyse political systems and debate contemporary political issues. Students should feel confident in their ability to communicate their ideas on paper and have a desire to discuss and test their thinking with others. An interest in current affairs is essential.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who enjoy debate and discussion

46 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023


• students who want to become informed about the issues confronting the world today • students who enjoy following contemporary developments in the news • students who want to develop their ability to organise information and construct persuasive and informed arguments both orally and on paper

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? PAPER 1: UK POLITICS (2 hours) 33.3% of A Level Topics include democracy and participation; political parties; electoral systems; voting behaviour and the media; core political ideas such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism

PAPER 2: UK GOVERNMENT (2 hours) 33.3% of A Level Topics include the Constitution; Parliament; Prime Minister and executive; relationships between the branches; a non-core political idea – anarchism

PAPER 3: COMPARATIVE POLITICS (2 hours) 33.3% of A Level Topics include the US Constitution and federalism; US Congress; US presidency; US Supreme Court and civil rights; democracy and participation; comparative theories between UK and US political systems.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? An A Level in Politics is a well-respected qualification that provides a very good basis for entry to a wide range of higher education courses and careers. Students with an A Level in Politics can be found in a range of professions; it is of particular relevance to those seeking a career in the law, international development, the charitable sector, the civil service, journalism and business.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS The specifications along with specimen and past paper materials can be found at http://www.edexcel.org.uk

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 47


PSYCHOLOGY

(EDEXCEL)

MRS C EDWARDS

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will learn to: • appreciate the scientific nature of Psychology; • engage in contemporary debates through an understanding of research; • develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of Psychology; • assess the validity and relevance of information.

48 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SIXTH FORM? Psychology is the study of how the mind works and the reasons why people behave as they do. Students are required to analyse various approaches to Psychology and use scientific methods to investigate and develop an understanding of both their own and others behaviours. No prior knowledge of the subject is required but it expected that students will have a minimum grade 6 in English, Mathematics and Biology at GCSE.


WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who have an interest in human behaviour and who wish to understand the reasons behind it • students who are able to interpret and form independent judgements about various different approaches to Psychology

psychological research and issues and debates such as the use of psychology as a means of social control and within society. Section A has 24 marks, Section B has 24 marks and Section C has 32 marks. Each section comprises mixed question types including data response, short answer questions and extended response questions based on psychological studies, issues and debates.

• students who enjoy carrying out practical techniques and are able to record and communicate valid observations and measurements

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? A Level: The A Level consists of three units:

UNIT 1: FOUNDATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY (2 hours) 35% of A Level This unit introduces the social, cognitive, biological and learning approaches to Psychology (sections A-D). The final section (E) covers Issues and Debates, considering contemporary debates in Psychology, such as ethics and the nature versus nurture debate. Students will also be required to apply their knowledge of psychological studies and theories to real life situations.

You could go on and study Psychology at university, although please note that for some courses another science subject (normally Biology) may also be required. Oxbridge entrants will also require Chemistry or Mathematics. Other courses, such as Criminology, also draw on the skills and knowledge acquired in A Level Psychology, and it is a useful third A Level for whatever course you eventually decide to apply for. A Level Psychology is also highly valued for a wide range of careers such as teaching, the police force, law, and health care.

The unit has 90 marks. Sections A-D total 70 marks and comprise mixed question types, including stimulus response and short answer questions. Section E totals 20 marks comprising two extended response questions on issues and debates.

UNIT 2: APPLICATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY (2 hours) 35% of A Level This unit comprises two sections. Section A, clinical psychology, is mandatory and Section B includes a choice of one of three optional topic choices from criminological, child and health psychology.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Edexcel provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate. Go to http://www.edexcel.org.uk

This unit has 90 marks. Section A has 54 marks comprised of mixed question types, including data response and short answer questions and a 20 mark essay covering the topic area of clinical psychology. Section B has 36 marks comprising of data response, short answer and extended response questions.

UNIT 3: PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS 30% of A Level

(2 hours)

This unit is synoptic and students are required to draw on other areas of the A Level in order to understand conceptual and methodological issues. Students will study scientific research methods and statistics, ethical issues which must be considered in

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 49


P.E.

(AQA)

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students studying the course will develop the knowledge, skill and understanding of physical education. Combined with participation in sport, candidates should be able to confidently analyse and evaluate the quality of a performance and develop strategies for improvement. The course enhances both qualitative and quantitative skills and is ideally suited to a wide range of further education courses, though particularly to those associated with a sporting nature.

MISS N HANNAH

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? UNIT 1: FACTORS AFFECTING PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT 2 hours 35 % of A Level This unit will cover: • Applied physiology • Skill acquisition • Sport in society and technology in sport

UNIT 2: FACTORS AFFECTING OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT 2 hours 35% of A Level This unit will cover:

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING SPORT & PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN THE SIXTH FORM? The GCSE in Physical Education does offer a useful foundation for the course, but it is not a pre-requisite for studying the Advanced course.

• Exercise physiology and biomechanics • Sport psychology; • Sport in society and technology in sport.

UNIT 3: NON – EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT: PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT Students are assessed as performers in the full-sided version of a chosen activity. This is coupled with written / verbal analysis of their performance.

Grade 6 in English and 6 in the Sciences is a normal expectation but, more importantly, a fundamental interest in current issues relating to the sports world is vital for a successful candidate.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

Go to http://www.aqa.org.uk

AQA provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.

• students who have an interest in sport • students who want to improve their psychological understanding of participants in sport • students who want to develop their practical skills through both theoretical understanding and active participation • students who want to compare sporting systems in countries around the world • students who want to study the history of sport • students who want to maintain a variety of options for further education courses • students who want to improve their physical fitness and performance • strong performers

50 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Candidates in the past have pursued a wide range of courses from medicine and dentistry to teaching and psychology. It is an accepted A Level qualification at all universities. Although many candidates pursue sports orientated courses, it is not exclusively for those students.


P.E.

(PEARSON: BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN SPORT)

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students studying the course will develop the knowledge, skill and understanding of how the body enables us to compete in sport and how performance and health can be maintained and improved. The course enhances a range of skills through its varied nature in both content and assessment structure and is ideally suited to a wide range of further education courses, though particularly to those associated with a sporting nature.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING PE BTEC IN THE SIXTH FORM? The GCSE in Physical Education does offer a useful foundation for the course, but it is not a pre-requisite for studying BTEC Sport. Grade 4 in English and 4 in the Sciences is a normal expectation but, a fundamental interest in current issues relating to the sports world is vital for a successful candidate.

• COURSE STRUCTURE (TWO YEAR COURSE) You will have 10 lessons per week for this qualification as it is the equivalent of 2 A Level subjects. The qualification requires you to pass the following units, some of which are assessed via examinations (E) and others via the completion of assignments (A):

MANDATORY UNITS: (540 GLH) Unit 1: Anatomy & Physiology (120 GLH) - E Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing (120 GLH) - E Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry (60 GLH) - A Unit 4: Sports Leadership (60 GLH) - A Unit 22: Investigating Business in sport and the Active Leisure Industry (90 GLH) - E Unit 23: Skill Acquisition (90 GLH) - A

Unit 1 in the Summer of Year 12, you will be entered for the same unit again in January of Year 13. ASSIGNMENTS: Your assignments will be given to you approximately two weeks before the initial deadline. There will be an assignment brief which will outline all of the tasks required. Important: If you do not meet the requirements for a Pass grade, or you are not happy with your grade, you can be given a resubmission opportunity.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? • students who want to improve their psychological understanding of participants in sports • students with an interest in the human body and how it enables us to perform • students who want to develop their practical skills through both theoretical understanding • Students who enjoy working on projects and are able to meet regular deadlines

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Pearson provide a number of resources with valuable information about this qualification including sample exam papers and assignment information. https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/ btec-nationals/sport-2016.html

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Candidates can go on to pursue a wide range of courses from sports science and physiotherapy to teaching and psychology. It is an accepted qualification at many good universities.

SELECTED UNITS: (180 GLH) Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing (60 GLH) - A Unit 8: Coaching for Performance (60 GLH) - A Unit 24: Sports Performance Analysis (60 GLH) - A Total:

720 GLH

• ASSESSMENT EXAMINATIONS: There are two opportunities to pass each examination. If you do not achieve a pass in

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RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY

MR M THATCHER

& ETHICS (RPE) (OCR)

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Students will learn to: • understand and critically evaluate the key concepts in RPE; • understand and evaluate the challenges that have been made to religious belief since classical antiquity; • understand the contribution of significant people e.g. Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hume, Kant, Darwin, Marx, Hick and Singer to philosophical, ethical and religious debate; • assess the relationship between philosophical theory and human experience e.g. When does a person become a person? Is there life after death? Do rights come from God or society? • appreciate the contribution of significant traditions or movements e.g. Logical Positivism, Utilitarianism; • analyse ideas; use religious language and terminology.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING RPE IN THE SIXTH FORM? For students new to Kingswood, there is no specific entry requirement. However, a grade 6 or above in English and either RPE, English Literature or History is our expectation. Current Kingswood students would normally be expected to have gained a grade 6 in RPE.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR? This course is suitable for: • students who want to study some of the fundamental questions which people have always asked about life e.g. Why are we here? How should we behave? What happens to us after we die? • students who enjoy discussion, expressing their opinions and justifying their comments; • students who want to develop their critical and analytical skills;

52 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023


• students who want to keep their options open for further study. RPE combines well with other humanities such as Politics, History, English Literature, Geography, Physical Education, and Drama. In addition, it can be taken in combination with a science or Mathematics to give a broader base to the curriculum.

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION? The A Level course comprises three units:

H573/01 THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION 2 hours 33.3% of A Level Topics covered include: • Ancient Philosophy – Plato and Aristotle: What is real? What does it mean to know? • Soul, Mind and Body: Are we more than matter? What is meant by consciousness?

• Conscience: Should you always obey your conscience? Is conscience God-given? • Religious Ethics: Does morality come from God? To what extent is morality religious?

H573/03 THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST THOUGHT 2 hours 33.3% of A Level Topics covered include: • Sources of Wisdom and Authority: A detailed investigation into the background and teachings of the key founder(s) and figurehead(s) of Buddhism, alongside scriptural texts inspired by them. • Beliefs, Values and Teachings: A critical examination of Buddhism’s fundamental beliefs that have emerged from founders and texts, understanding how these have developed historically into an established framework for living, today. • Contemporary Issues: A comprehensive study of the response of Buddhism to issues relating to; gender; war and conflict; and the environment.

• Life after Death: Do we have a soul? What happens when we die? • Religious Experience: Can people truly experience God? Is God fact or fantasy? • The Existence of God: Is the universe designed? Is God necessary? • Challenges to Religious Belief: Does evil and suffering challenge the belief in a loving God? • The Nature of God: Can God commit evil actions? Is God just a human construct? • Religious Language: Is God-talk meaningful? Is human language too limiting? • Twentieth Century Perspectives: Can religion be falsified? What is understood by faith?

H573/02 RELIGION AND ETHICS 2 hours

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE? Like any other Arts subject, the course is not intended as vocational training for one specific degree or career. Students studying RPE at Kingswood have gone on to take degree courses in the following areas: Law; Politics; Philosophy; Art and Design; Teaching; Physical Education and Drama and Theatre. Students considering eventual careers in medicine have also found the Applied Ethics section useful.

33.3% of A Level

Topics covered include: • Utilitarian Ethics: Should happiness for the majority govern moral decision making?

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS

• Kantian Ethics: Are we duty bound to do good? What are the implications of doing our ‘duty’?

OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.

• Applied Ethics - Sex: Is sexuality natural or nurtured? How does the media influence sexuality?

Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/by-subject/ religious-studies/

• Applied Ethics - Euthanasia: Is it ever right to take a life? Is the human person sacred? • Business Ethics: Is business about more than making a profit? • Meta-Ethics: Can ethical language be meaningful? Should intuition guide morality?

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 53


THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ) (AQA)

THE COURSE STARTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LOWER SIXTH AND IS COMPLETED BY THE AUTUMN TERM OF THE UPPER SIXTH YEAR.

The Extended Project Qualification is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore areas of interest outside of their A Level subjects. An independent research project, the EPQ allows students to develop key skills required to succeed at university and beyond, teaching them to properly formulate research questions and follow through to producing evidenced conclusions. Students will also learn to problem solve, think creatively, and evaluate their own learning. Students decide on their subject focus for the project and will ultimately produce either a 5,000 extended written report or an ‘artefact’ – a film, song, event, website etc. Artefacts are accompanied by a report of 1,000 to 5,000 words. It is a stand-alone qualification, equivalent to half an A Level and graded A* to E. Marks are awarded terminally and holistically, meaning that every part of the project has equal weighting in the mark scheme and the project process is deemed just as significant as the outcome. No marks or grades are awarded until the project is complete. EPQ students have timetabled lessons in the Lower Sixth, including a programme of ‘Taught Skills’.

54 / Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023

MISS K SUTHERLAND

In these lessons, students will be taught everything from note taking and time management, to referencing and presentations skills, which they can then apply directly to their own projects. Students are assigned a Supervisor (a member of the Kingswood teaching staff) who provides support and guidance throughout the project and will have timetabled lessons with them, in small groups. The Supervisor role is unique to the EPQ as it does not allow for the teaching or directing of students, instead the role is one of facilitator and advisor. Completing the EPQ is a rewarding experience and makes an attractive addition to any UCAS application. It allows students to talk confidently and passionately about their chosen subject, if called to interview. To complete an Extended Project Qualification indicates to universities that the student is a successful independent learner, an essential quality for an undergraduate and beyond.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS Further information on this qualification can be found on the AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/ aqa-certificate/EPQ-7993


FURTHER ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES APPRENTICE OF FINE ARTS (AFA) IN CREATIVE WRITING (ENDORSED BY UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL) The Apprenticeship of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a programme designed to get students to write a range of texts in the four main forms: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and script. It is an opportunity to develop as writers and editors; students are encouraged to experiment and enjoy the process of refining their pieces, becoming increasingly sophisticated writers throughout the course. Over the two years, students create their own portfolios, weaving together their favourite pieces in order to showcase their work; this makes up 60% of their overall grade. They begin by writing in all four forms, before narrowing their focus down and specialising in the one that interests them the most. In the summer of Year 13, the students sit two examinations, which will include writing creatively for particular briefs and completing one commentary. At the end, students will be awarded a grade from A* - G. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the course is the sense of community within the group. By reading and discussing other students’ writing in the workshop sessions, each writer is exposed to a range of perspectives and creative approaches. There are opportunities to learn from one another and practise giving constructive, useful feedback that will enable each member of the group to create their best possible work. The course is suitable for anyone who is interested in creative writing, regardless of whether you are taking English A Level or not. You will be encouraged to write regularly, bringing in work to the weekly workshops, and reading widely in order to gain inspiration from a range of authors. It is a diverse, exciting, and enjoyable programme, which allows students to blossom as readers and writers.

GENERAL STUDIES MR C WOODGATE By the time that they reach the sixth form, students will have encountered a range of issues through the School’s PSHCE programme.

They will continue to imbibe the ethos of the school, often through assemblies, services, lessons and tutorials, and pupils joining us for their A Level studies quickly appreciate Kingswood’s values and codes of conduct. The Sixth Form General Studies programme provides students with an opportunity to continue to engage with a variety of topics beyond their A Level courses. The aim of the programme is to broaden the students’ understanding of, and stimulate interest in, a range of social, cultural, political and world affairs. In addition, issues associated with Higher Education and future career opportunities are also addressed. General Studies sessions take place every week for an hour and often feature visiting speakers. Near the start of the school year, Lower Sixth students attend presentations on PSHCE topics such as responsible use of alcohol, drug awareness, and personal and sexual health. Last year’s programme also featured a range of presentations from speakers from the arts, sport, politics, outdoor pursuits and the voluntary sector. Each session includes time for students to participate in discussions on questions raised in the presentations, and some sessions are also set aside for students themselves to debate issues.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AND EXTENSION SEMINAR PROGRAMME MR C WOODGATE Students in the Lower Sixth are encouraged to participate in a seminar programme designed to explore areas of academic interest not covered by the examination courses. The seminars are designed to encourage discussion and debate and help to develop the confidence and communication skills required in academic university interviews.

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING: • Political Ideologies • International Relations • An Introduction to Aesthetics • Latin • Aspects of Modern Foreign Languages • Courses in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 55


HIGHER EDUCATION

CAREERS EDUCATION

MR C WOODGATE

MRS E PASCO

Almost all Kingswood sixth form leavers go on to higher education, either directly after school or after a Gap year.

The Careers and Higher Education library is situated in the JO Heap Library and comprises university and college prospectuses, books, Gap Year material and on-line research tools.

During their time in the sixth form all students receive individual attention from the Head of Sixth Form and advice from tutors and teachers to support them in making well-informed decisions about their post A Level options. Parents are encouraged to participate in the process as much as possible. The Higher Education / Careers Centre is located in the Jo Heap Library and contains a comprehensive range of university prospectuses, as well as other literature about higher education. Computers allow access to internet resources and software programs such as Degree Course Descriptions. In addition, the Heap Library holds extensive information on Gap year opportunities. All Sixth Formers benefit from a comprehensive programme of talks and presentations about entry to higher education, Gap years and the UCAS application process, given by the Head of Sixth Form and a range of specialist outside speakers. During the Lower Sixth students take Centigrade, a computer based programme designed to match their interests and abilities to higher education courses. As part of this process each pupil receives a personalised report, giving a wealth of advice about how to investigate further the higher education opportunities available to them. Students are also encouraged to attend Open Days and participate in taster courses. Interview preparation is provided for students by a professional organisation, and mock interviews are available to all. For those preparing for Oxbridge or Medicine, outside speakers provide expert advice and guidance. All students are given extensive advice and support in completing their online UCAS application, including individual guidance on the writing of the Personal Statement. The Head of Sixth Form is available throughout the year to discuss any matter relating to higher education with students and parents, and is available when the A Level results are received to deal with any problems. Students who have left Kingswood and wish to apply post A Level are welcome to contact the Head of Sixth Form, who will offer the same level of support as is available to current students at the School.

The Head of Careers is available to give individual advice to students on securing work experience, enhancing students’ future employability skills, and discussing alternative options to university after leaving Kingswood such as apprenticeships and other work based training opportunities.

PROGRAMME Lower Sixth: Students will participate in workshops with the aim of providing them with an understanding of what skills employers are looking for, and will undertake practical activities to help them to develop those skills. They will also hear from practitioners from a variety of industries who will speak about their jobs and career journeys during General Studies presentations. These are complemented by a series of interactive career seminars, led by professionals from a broad spectrum of occupations, which take place in the Autumn term, where students are encouraged to network and gather information which will inform their decisions about the type of work experience they will undertake. Recently, speakers have represented a wide range of career areas: Management Consultancy, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Journalism, Marketing, Not for Profit organisations, Architecture and Public Relations. In the Spring term the main focus is on preparing students for work experience and this includes advice and guidance on networking, attending interviews and making formal applications. Students will be encouraged to source work experience placements through their own network of contacts, or from the school’s varied database of work placements, and then begin the process of applying by proactively communicating with their host employer, with guidance from the Head of Careers. The intention is that work experience at this stage in a student’s school life should be related to higher education choices and career aspirations but, of course, on occasion it can also be valuable in confirming that a different pathway is worth exploring. Work experience placements take place in June, after the internal examination period has ended. Alongside this programme, Lower Sixth students are encouraged to enrol on career experience courses and conferences throughout the academic year such as Medlink at Nottingham University Medical School. Regular meetings with Careers Officers of the Armed Forces are also available to students.

Upper Sixth: From the start of the academic year students focus on applying to higher education institutions under the supervision of the Head of Sixth Form.

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A LEVEL SUBJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS SUBJECT

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Art

Grade 6 or equivalent in Art I/GCSE

Biology

Grade 7 or equivalent in Biology I/GCSE and grade 6 or equivalent in Chemistry I/GCSE or grade 7 7 or equivalent in Double Science iGCSE

Chemistry

Grade 7 or equivalent in Chemistry I/GCSE or grade 7 7 or equivalent in Double Science I/GCSE and grade 7 or equivalent in Mathematics I/GCSE

Computer Science

Grade 7 or equivalent in Computer Science I/GCSE and/or Business grade 6 or equivalent in English and/or Mathematics I/GCSE

Design and Technology: Product Design

Grade 6 or equivalent in Design Technology I/GCSE and Mathematics I/GCSE 3D

Design and Technology: 3D Design

Grade 6 in Design & Technology I/GCSE and Grade 6 Art I/GCSE

Drama and Theatre

Grade 6 or equivalent in Drama I/GCSE and/or English I/GCSE

Economics

Grade 7 or equivalent in Mathematics and grade 6 or equivalent in English I/GCSE

English Literature

Grade 6 or equivalent in English Language and English Literature I/GCSEs

Geography

Grade 6 or equivalent in Geography I/GCSE

History

Grade 6 or equivalent in History and/or English I/GCSE

Latin

Grade 6 or equivalent in Latin I/GCSE

Mathematics

Grade 7 or equivalent in Mathematics I/GCSE

Modern Foreign Languages

Grade 6 or equivalent in the target language I/GCSE

Music

Grade 6 or equivalent in Music I/GCSE and one instrument at grade 6 (ABRSM or equivalent)

Physics

Grade 7 or equivalent in Physics I/GCSE or grade 7 7 or equivalent in Double Science I/GCSE and grade 7 or equivalent in Mathematics I/GCSE

Politics

Grade 6 or equivalent in English and/or History I/GCSE

Psychology

Grade 6 or equivalent in English, Mathematics and Biology I/GCSEs

PE

Grade 6 or equivalent in English and Science I/GCSEs

BTEC Sport

Grade 4 or equivalent in English and Science I/GCSEs

RPE

Grade 6 or equivalent in English and either RPE, English Literature or History I/GCSEs

Sixth Form Academic Programme 2021-2023 / 57


Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG T. 01225 734210 | E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk


REGISTRATION FORM SENIOR SCHOOL T. 01225 734210 | E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk | www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk PREPARATORY SCHOOL T. 01225 734460 | E. kpsreception@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

SECTION 1 Child's Surname: Forename(s):

Preferred Name:

Date of Birth:

Gender: M / F

Nationality:

Ethnicity:

Religion:

Academic Year: 20

Year Group:

SECTION 2 Proposed Entry Date:

Boarding

Type of Place: (please tick)

Weekly Boarding

Day Pupil

SECTION 3: FATHER’S DETAILS Title:

Forename:

Marital Status:

Occupation:

Surname:

Address: Daytime Tel:

Evening Tel:

Mobile:

Title:

Forename:

Surname:

Marital Status:

Occupation:

Email:

SECTION 4: MOTHER’S DETAILS

Address: (if different from above) Daytime Tel:

Evening Tel:

Mobile:

Email: If you have completed this section with a different address from section 3, please indicate at which address your child lives: Father

Mother

Other (Please specify)

SECTION 5: CONNECTIONS WITH KINGSWOOD Please give details of any family connections with Kingswood Prep or Senior School:

SECTION 6 Please tick any relevant boxes to indicate how you first heard about the School: Local Reputation

Present School

Internet (please state site)

Advertisement (please say where)

Agent (state which one)

Other (Please specify)

Friend’s Recommendation


REGISTRATION FORM

SECTION 7 Have you registered your child at any other school?

Yes

No

If yes, which one?

SECTION 8: PLEASE GIVE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF YOUR CHILD'S CURRENT SCHOOL Name of School:

Name of Head:

Address: Tel. Number:

Email:

Dates attended:

Until:

SECTION 9 Please complete the attached Pupil Information Sheet which should be returned together with this form. Your application cannot be processed without the return of this form.

SECTION 10: REGISTRATION FEES For all new registrations to Kingswood School at any age.

£125 per application

Online payments can be made on the school website, www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk, quoting your child's name & 'Reg Form' Or Bank Transfer Barclays Bank, Account Name: Kingswood School Trustee Limited, Sort Code: 20 05 38 Account Number: 00997269, IBAN: GB29BARC20053800997269, Swift: BARCGB22 Kingswood School’s Marketing department will use the information you provide on this form to get in touch with prospective families and provide you with updates about Kingswood School and admissions events. Please let us know what you are interested in hearing about by opting in below.

Quarterly Newsletter

Future Events

Neither

SECTION 11: FOR UK & OVERSEAS STUDENTS Please attach a copy of your child’s birth certificate and passport (photo ID page).

SECTION 12: FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS ONLY Does your child require a study visa? If yes, please provide the following documents when submitting the Registration form: Yes

No

1. Child’s current passport

2. Both parent’s current passports

NOTES: Early registration is recommended as places for certain year groups become over-subscribed and all other factors being equal in terms of entrance assessments and school report, the time of registration may become a deciding factor. Offers of places are subject to availability and the admission requirements of the School at the time offers are made. All assessment results are final. We do not disclose actual results, nor do we enter into correspondence about individual results. A copy of the current edition of the Standard Terms and Conditions are provided at the point of offer, or can be provided earlier on request.

DECLARATION We / I request that the above named child be registered as a prospective pupil. The non-refundable registration fee can be paid online at www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk or using the bank transfer details above. We understand that: 1. Registration of our child as a prospective pupil does not secure our child a place at the School but does ensure that our child will be considered for selection as a pupil at the School. 2. The School may process personal data about our child, including sensitive personal data such as medical details, for the purpose of administering its list of prospective pupils and administering its selection procedures and we consent to the processing of our child’s personal data (including sensitive personal data) for these purposes. 3. In the event that our child is offered a place at the School, such an offer will be subject to the School’s terms and conditions for the provision of educational services, which will bind us in the event that we accept the place. (Each of those with parental responsibility to sign and complete below)

First Signature:

Second Signature:

Name in full:

Name in full:

Relationship to the Child:

Relationship to the Child:

Date:

Date:


PROSPECTIVE PUPIL INFORMATION

Full Name:

Preferred Name:

Q1: Has your child been identified as having a particular academic strength? Please provide details, including any Academic Scholarship(s) awarded by the current school:

Q2: Has your child been identified as having a particular talent (e.g. sport, music, drama, art)? Please provide details, including any Special Talent Scholarship(s) awarded by the current school:

Q3: Has your child held any positions of responsibility in his / her current school or within a club or organisation? If so, please give details:

Q4: What are your child’s main hobbies and interests (artistic, dramatic, musical, sporting etc) if not already listed in 1 or 2 above? Please provide details as appropriate, including examinations or grades taken, certificates attained, clubs represented etc.

Q5: Please provide us with details of any medical condition (including allergies), disabilities or learning difficulties of

your child. You must disclose any factors which may affect your child’s ability to cope independently within the mainstream school environment. If your child has learning difficulties an Educational Psychologists report and / or an Individual Educational Programme, this must be presented as part of the application. Failure to disclose any learning difficulties or medical conditions at the time of application may result subsequently in a place being withdrawn. Any offer made by the school is subject to being able to meet the individual needs of the child. Has your child ever been diagnosed with any of the following: Allergies

Dyspraxia

Dyslexia

Autism

Dyscalculia

ADHD

Learning Difficulties

Hearing / Visual / Speech Impairment

Emotional or Behavioural Difficulties


PROSPECTIVE PUPIL INFORMATION

Q6: Has your child ever received support in a special education programme?

If yes, please give details:

Q7: Is your child currently taking medication for any of the above? If yes, please give details:

Q8: Has your child ever been temporarily or permanently excluded from school? If yes, please give details:

Q9: Has your child ever been asked to leave a school? If yes, please give details:

Q10: For applicants for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL). Please indicate the extent of knowledge of English, the number of years studied and qualifications if any. Kingswood offers excellent specialist teaching support for EAL students, however requires a basic command of English as an entry requirement. First language:

Second language:

Other languages spoken:

Kingswood School, Lansdown, Bath BA1 5RG | Email: admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Kingswood School seeks to fulfil the legal requirements placed upon all schools, state and independent, of the Special Education Needs & Disabilities Act 2001. If you feel that your son or daughter has any special requirements we need to meet in order for him or her to have equal access to the assessment procedures, please inform us and send us with any relevant reports.

Thank you for providing this information


SENIOR SCHOOL FEES: 2021/22 SENIOR SCHOOL T. 01225 734210 | E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk | www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

2021/22 FEES

FEE TYPE

AUTUMN TERM (£)

SPRING TERM (£)

SUMMER TERM (£)

ANNUAL FEE (£)

5,471.00

5,471.00

5,471.00

16,413.00

315.00

315.00

315.00

945.00

Day Pupils All Day Pupils Lunch & Tea (compulsory)

Weekly Boarding Pupils

(Monday to Friday inclusive)

Weekly Years 7 & 8 (11-13 years)

8,600.00

8,600.00

8,600.00

25,800.00

10,654.00

10,654.00

10,654.00

31,962.00

9,845.00

9,845.00

9,845.00

29,535.00

Years 9 to Upper 6 (13-18 years)

11,792.00

11,792.00

11,792.00

35,376.00

EAL Years 7 & 8 (11-13 years)

10,244.00

10,244.00

10,244.00

30,732.00

EAL Years 9 to Upper 6 (13-18 years)

12,193.00

12,193.00

12,193.00

36,579.00

Weekly Years 9 to Upper 6 (13-18 years)

Full Boarding Pupils Years 7 & 8 (11-13 years)

Casual Boarding:

(7 nights)

To be booked in advance with the Housemaster / mistress.

No day pupil may regularly sign up to stay for more than three nights per week.

Casual boarding Mon-Fri (per night)

59.00

59.00

59.00

Casual boarding Sat-Sun (per night)

72.00

72.00

72.00

Supper & Prep:

For pupils wishing to stay regularly for Supper and Prep this is charged at:

1 night per week (per term)

141.00

141.00

141.00

2 nights per week (per term)

281.00

281.00

281.00

3 nights per week (per term)

401.00

401.00

401.00

4 nights per week (per term)

496.00

496.00

496.00

5 nights per week (per term)

588.00

588.00

588.00

In addition, for day pupils only, there is a charge for occasional Breakfast, Supper & Prep: Occasional breakfast (per morning)

2.75

2.75

2.75

Occasional supper (per evening)

4.50

4.50

4.50

Occasional prep (per evening)

8.30

8.30

8.30

12.80

12.80

12.80

Occasional supper & prep

(per evening)

Registered Charity No. 309148

June 2021


SENIOR SCHOOL FEES

Additional Charges Chapel Fund

£4 per term

Sixth Form Dixon Subscription

£12 per year Day pupils - £5 per term

House Funds Boarding pupils - £10 per term United Kingdom Visa & Immigration Administrative Charge

£100 per year

Remissions (Boarding Pupils Only) YEARS 7 and 8: Up to 10% each child No additional sibling discounts Limited numbers available per year group of entry HM Forces families YEARS 9 - 13: Up to 20% each child No additional sibling discounts Limited numbers available per year group of entry Non-Forces families

Sibling discount of 10% per child (for second and subsequent children only)

Acceptance Deposits Prep School including entry through to Senior School

£300

Senior School first entry (if not moving from KPS)

£300

Overseas Students

Registration Fee

£2,500 + £11,792 The latter sum is credited against the first term and any subsequent fees

£125

INFORMATION: Fees and associated charges, payable from September 2021, are shown overleaf. Parents are asked to note that the fees are calculated as an annual sum collected in three equal instalments at the beginning of each term in accordance with our terms and conditions. Please note, in common with many independent schools, the fees do not include external examination charges. However our fees do include a number of benefits which other schools often charge in addition. Kingswood fees include all text books, personal accident insurance (including emergency dental treatment) and the annual school magazine, Kingswood in Focus. In the case of boarding pupils, our fees also include all meals and laundry services.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS REQUIRING A VISA: For the purposes of issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), a nominal administrative charge will be made.

Registered Charity No. 309148

June 2021


SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2021


CONTENTS KEY STAGE 3 Year 7 – Academic

1

Year 7 – Special Talent

1

Year 7 – John Wesley Award

2

Year 9 – Academic

2

Year 9 – Special Talent

2

Year 9 – John Wesley Award

3

SIXTH FORM Academic

4

Special Talent

5

John Wesley Award

5

SPECIAL TALENT Art

6

Design Technology

8

Drama

10

Music

12

Sport

14

BURSARIES

16


GENERAL INFORMATION The following scholarships are available. The School may also be able to offer bursarial assistance in addition to any scholarship award. Please see ‘Bursaries’ section for details. YEAR 7 - ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS (All day and boarding pupils) These scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance in the entrance examination and the evidence contained within the school report on a pupil. They are awarded in one of two ways to those judged worthy of scholar status: (a) The very best of the candidates will be made an award which has a monetary value of up to 25% of the basic fees. (b) The remaining pupils judged worthy of scholarship recognition will hold honorary titles (i.e. they have no monetary award attached, but the pupil has the status of being a scholar in the School). Further academic honorary scholarships may be awarded to any pupil whose development whilst in the School warrants this recognition, but funds are not available for awarding further monetary scholarships, except in the unlikely event that the holder of a monetary scholarship leaves early. All scholarships, whether monetary or honorary, are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the pupil continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All pupils wishing to hold scholarships in the sixth form, whether monetary or honorary, must then apply for sixth form scholarships.

YEAR 7 - SPECIAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS (ART, DESIGN TECHNOLOGY, DRAMA, MUSIC, SPORT)

(All day and boarding pupils) These scholarships are available in Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Sport. They are awarded in one of two ways to those judged worthy of scholar status: (a) A pupil judged exceptional will be made an award which has a monetary value of up to 25% of the basic fees. (b) The remaining scholars will hold honorary titles (i.e. they have no monetary award attached, but the pupil has the status of being a scholar in the school). The criteria for being considered for a special talent scholarship in either Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, or Sport are detailed on pages 6 to 15 of this booklet. Further honorary special talent scholarships may be awarded to any pupils whose development whilst in the School warrants this recognition, but funds are not available for awarding further monetary scholarships, except in the unlikely event that the holder of a monetary scholarship leaves early. All scholarships, whether monetary or honorary, are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the pupil continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All pupils wishing to hold scholarships in the sixth form, whether monetary or honorary, must then apply for sixth form scholarships.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 1


YEAR 7 - JOHN WESLEY AWARDS (Boarding pupils only) John Wesley Boarding Awards may be awarded for potential all-round contribution to the life of the School. This is assessed by taking into account the ‘whole picture’ for each individual who applies. Academic ability (not necessarily at the level of academic scholarship standard) is assessed through performance in the Year 7 entrance assessments in Mathematics, English and Non-Verbal Reasoning. We also consider each individual’s special talents (with references for sport, music, drama, art, etc. as applicable) and potential contribution to school life, as confirmed by a detailed reference from their current school. Pupils joining in Year 7 can also be considered for honorary John Wesley Boarding Awards if appropriate. All scholarships, whether monetary or honorary, are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the pupil continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All pupils wishing to hold scholarships in the sixth form, whether monetary or honorary, must then apply for sixth form scholarships.

YEAR 9 – ACADEMIC AND SPECIAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships of up to 25% off the basic fees are available to new boarding and day pupils.

ACADEMIC Assessment papers are generally taken in February each year and consist of English, Mathematics, Science, a language paper (French, German or Spanish), Non-Verbal Reasoning and two further Humanities papers selected from Geography, History or Religious Studies. All UK based candidates will be expected to attend Kingswood for these assessments which are spread over two days. Free overnight accommodation will be provided. (Overseas candidates may have papers sent to their current school.) Candidates whose first language is not English will take English as an Additional Language (EAL) paper and will not be expected to take an additional language paper if they have not studied French, German or Spanish previously.

SPECIAL TALENT The criteria for being considered for a special talent scholarship in either Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music or Sport are detailed on pages 6 to 15 of this booklet. Academic or Special Talent Scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance in the written or practical assessments as detailed above, together with the evidence contained within the school report and references from specialist tutors or coaches for each candidate. They are awarded in one of two ways to those judged worthy of Scholar status: (a) The very best of the candidates will be made an award of up to 25% of the basic fees.

2 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021


(b) The remaining pupils judged worthy of scholarship recognition will hold honorary titles (i.e. they have no monetary award attached, but the pupil has the status of being a scholar in the school). All scholarships, whether monetary or honorary, are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the pupil continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All pupils wishing to hold scholarships in the sixth form, whether monetary or honorary, must then apply for sixth form scholarships.

All scholarships, whether monetary or honorary, are retained until the end of Year 11, providing the pupil continues to show the attributes of a scholar. All pupils wishing to hold scholarships in the sixth form, whether monetary or honorary, must then apply for sixth form scholarships.

YEAR 9 - JOHN WESLEY AWARDS (Boarding pupils only) John Wesley Boarding Awards may be awarded for potential all-round contribution to the life of the School. This is assessed by taking into account the ‘whole picture’ for each individual who applies. Academic ability (not necessarily at the level of academic scholarship standard) is assessed through performance in the Year 9 entrance assessments in Mathematics, English and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Assessment papers are also taken in science and a modern foreign language for setting purposes. We also consider each individual’s special talents (with references for sport, music, drama, art, etc. as applicable) and potential contribution to school life, as confirmed by a detailed reference from their current school. Pupils joining in Year 9 can also be considered for honorary John Wesley Boarding Awards if appropriate.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 3


SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS ACADEMIC (All day and boarding pupils)

Those applying for an overall Academic Scholarship will sit three one hour papers on Saturday 7 November 2020, chosen from the following list:

These scholarships are awarded on the basis of exceptional performance in scholarship examinations organised by the School, predicted performance at GCSE, the evidence contained within the school report on a pupil and, wherever possible, interview.

• Biology

• German

• Chemistry

• History

• Computer Science

• Latin

The deadline for all Sixth Form scholarship applications is Friday 16 October 2020.

• Physics

• Mathematics

• English

• Religious Studies

They are awarded in one of two ways to those judged worthy of scholar status:

• French

• Spanish

(a) The very best of the candidates will be made an award which has a monetary value of up to 25% of the basic fees. (b) The remaining pupils judged worthy of scholarship recognition will hold honorary titles (i.e. they have no monetary award attached, but the pupil has the status of being a scholar in the School).

4 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021

• Geography Should they also wish to be considered for a Single Subject Scholarship in any of these subjects, their performance will also be assessed with this in mind.


Any candidate interested in a Single Subject Scholarship will be asked to take a scholarship paper in that subject on Saturday 7 November 2020. Candidates may apply for more than one subject. Award holders are required to take up their speciality subject for A Level study. All single subject applicants will also be interviewed by the relevant Head(s) of Department. Internal candidates will sign up for departmental slots during the week preceding the external candidate interviews, which will be held on Saturday 7 November 2020.

Currently, those awarded academic scholarships are expected to gain at least 8 GCSEs at Grades 8 or 9 equivalent. We reserve the right to review a scholarship at any stage if a pupil does not maintain a suitable standard in the Sixth Form.

SIXTH FORM JOHN WESLEY AWARDS (Boarding pupils only)

SPECIAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS (All day and boarding pupils) The Special Talent Scholarships are awarded because of exceptional performance within a particular discipline. They are a way of recognising a particular special talent in Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Sport, etc. The criteria for these special talent subjects are provided on pages 6 to 15 of this booklet. In the case of Special Talent Scholarships, award holders are usually required to take up their speciality subject for A Level study. The exception is Sport; whilst a student may not always choose to study PE & Sports Science at A Level, he / she will be expected to represent the school in all three terms at the highest level.

We offer a small number of John Wesley Awards. These are awarded to candidates who show the potential to offer a significant all-round contribution to the life of the school. This is assessed by taking into account the ‘whole picture’ for each individual who applies, including: • academic ability*, through submission of the three most recent full school reports • special talents, with references for Sport, Music, Drama, Art etc. as applicable • current contribution to School life All of the above must be confirmed by a detailed reference from their current school. Students joining in the Lower Sixth can also be considered for honorary John Wesley Boarding Awards if appropriate. * not necessarily at the level of academic scholarship standard.

All those offered Sixth Form Academic, Special Talent or John Wesley scholarships will be asked to sign a statement of acceptance which outlines the School’s expectations. Scholars will have a progress interview at the start of the Summer term of Year 12 with the relevant Head of Department (Single Subject scholarship and Special Talent scholarship), the Director of Co-Curricular (John Wesley scholarship) or with the Deputy Head Academic and Head of Sixth Form (Academic scholarship).

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 5


CRITERIA FOR SPECIAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS

ART

Art scholars are expected to show genuine enthusiasm and consistency of effort as well as demonstrate artistic talent. In Year 7, they are expected to attend at least one Art club each week and participate in the life of the Department. In Year 9, they are required to take an active interest in the after-school activities provided by the Art Department throughout the year. At sixth form level, they will be required to assist the Department on Open Evenings and other events, and set a positive, creative role-model for fellow students.

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At all entry levels, Kingswood must, prior to the assessment, also receive a written report from the potential Art scholar’s present teacher on his or her talent, commitment and approach to the subject.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 7 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the Art Centre giving an opportunity for the Head of Art and / or other Art Department staff to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio of work containing at least 12 neatly presented pieces of work of any size in any medium of painting, drawings, prints, etc. (Three-dimensional work can also be submitted or photographed.) Sketchbooks are very valuable.


2) A personal written response to one piece of work that you admire or by which you have been influenced. 3) A study entitled ‘Self’ in any medium or size. On the scholarship assessment day all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical exercises run by a member of staff. This is usually based on still life.

ASSESSMENT AT SIXTH FORM ENTRY (A LEVEL) An interview is arranged during the visit to the Art Centre as with Year 7 and Year 9 entry. Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio containing at least 12 neatly presented pieces of work of any size in any medium of paintings, drawings, prints, etc. Three-dimensional work can also be submitted or photographed. Sketchbooks are very valuable. 2) A study entitled ‘Self’ in any medium or size. On the scholarship assessment day, all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical exercises run by a member of staff. This is usually based on still life with set tasks directed by the Head of Art, working with a range of different media in a few directed methods.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 9 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the Art Centre. Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio of work containing at least 12 neatly presented pieces of work of any size in any medium of painting, drawings, prints, etc. (Three-dimensional work can also be submitted or photographed.) Sketchbooks are very valuable.

Overseas candidates MUST submit photographs, CDs, etc. to provide evidence of work which is supported by a reference from an Art teacher at their current school. Any overseas candidates awarded a Special Talent Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival.

2) A personal written response to one piece of work that you admire or by which you have been influenced. 3) A study entitled ‘Self’ in any medium or size. On the scholarship assessment day, all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical exercises run by a member of staff. This is usually based on still life.

HEAD OF ART Mr Stephen Brown • sbrown@kingswood.bath.sch.uk • 01225 734250

The school reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 7


DESIGN TECHNOLOGY (DT)

Design Technology deals with solving problems by making or building. It also covers systems and electronics so it is a very wide field and runs from Science and Engineering at one end of the spectrum to Fine Art at the other. It encompasses studies of materials and construction and requires a delight in understanding how things work and why things have been built as they are. Each candidate is expected to show an enthusiasm for the subject. This will be demonstrated by: an involvement in technological activity beyond the classroom; an enquiring mind shown, probably, by being known for taking apart (and rebuilding) almost anything: and a lively interest in what makes the world tick.

8 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021

At Year 7 entry, the successful scholar is expected to be involved on a weekly basis with one or more Departmental activities and play a leading role in promoting the activity within the peer group. Similarly at Year 9 entry, but in addition and central to this work, the successful scholar will take up a place on the core DT option in Year 9 and he / she will be expected to take Design Technology to GCSE. At Sixth Form entry, a scholar should be able to show an awareness of the place and importance of technology and design in the world today, to assist the Department in any special events that highlight the specialty of the subject and to assist in the extracurricular activity projects run by the Department. At all entry levels, Kingswood must, prior to the assessment, also receive a written report from the potential Design Technology scholar’s present teacher or tutor on his or her talent, commitment and approach to the subject.


ASSESSMENT AT SIXTH FORM ENTRY (A LEVEL) An interview is arranged during the visit to the DT Department, giving an opportunity for the Head of Design Technology to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio to offer evidence of technological capability by showing artefacts, systems or other outcomes which have been produced. These should be supported by project folders which demonstrate the graphical, investigative and problem-solving ability of the candidate.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 7 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the DT Department, giving an opportunity for the Head of Design Technology to talk with the potential scholar.

2) The candidate will be expected to explain the background of the projects offered to the Head of Design Technology, as well as the principles involved. 3) Evidence of GCSE coursework.

Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio of photographs and drawings of things made. Any actual models that are transportable would also be beneficial. A CD or USB with images / video is also acceptable. 2) A set of drawn design ideas from a set design problem which will be sent to the applicant prior to the interview. On the scholarship assessment day all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical technological exercises run by a member of staff.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 9 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the DT Department, giving an opportunity for the Head of Design Technology to talk with the potential scholar.

Overseas candidates MUST submit photographs, CDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from a Design and Technology teacher at their current school. Any overseas candidates awarded a Special Talent Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival.

Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio of photographs and drawings of things made. Any actual models that are transportable would also be beneficial. A CD or USB with images / video is also acceptable. On the scholarship assessment day all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical technological exercises run by a member of staff.

HEAD OF DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Mr Barnaby Brown • bbrown@kingswood.bath.sch.uk • 01225 734260

The school reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 9


DRAMA

A Drama scholar is expected to show distinctive dramatic skills, relative to their age, which are reflected in a genuine enthusiasm, an understanding of the medium and a consistency of effort. All Drama scholars are expected to be involved in a drama club, or society separate to their current school provision, in addition to having taken part in school productions. It is a requirement for all candidates to be a member of a drama society outside of school. It is also a requirement for all candidates who are made an award to be involved in the extra-curricular Drama at Kingswood.

10 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021

At all entry levels, prior to the assessment, Kingswood must also receive a written report from the potential Drama scholar’s present teacher or tutor on his or her talent, commitment and approach to the subject.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 7 ENTRY On the scholarship assessment day all UK candidates will take part in a short practical workshop with the other candidates. This will be led by a member of the department and observed by others. This will involve a number of games and activities designed to assess the dramatic skills of the candidates. They will also be asked to perform a short monologue, which they should have memorised for the occasion. (Please note that the piece to be performed should be a monologue from a published play and not a poem or any other written piece.) Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of their character and of the whole play.


They should be prepared to accept and implement directorial suggestions in front of the rest of the group. It is good practice for the monologue to have been learnt specifically for the audition process and not as part of a previous examination. Candidates will also be required to fill in a short questionnaire outlining their experiences and achievements in the field of Drama. All candidates MUST take part in regular Drama activities which are extra to the curriculum requirements of their current school (as well as outside events.)

2) Evidence of GCSE coursework (if the student is studying a GCSE Drama course). This can be photographs, DVDs, programmes etc. On the scholarship assessment day, all UK candidates will be expected to perform two monologues, one modern and one Shakespearian, which they should have prepared and memorised for the occasion. They will also be required to read and perform a previously unseen passage. They should be prepared to accept and implement directorial suggestions. The individual interview will give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their passion and knowledge for the subject.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 9 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the Drama Department, giving an opportunity for the Head of Drama to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio showing evidence of interest and involvement in drama. This can include photographs, programmes, press cuttings, certificates, etc. On the scholarship assessment day all UK candidates will be expected to perform two short monologues, lasting a minimum of 3 minutes in total, which they should have prepared and memorised for the occasion. (Please note that the piece to be performed should be a monologue from a published play and not a poem or any other written piece.) They should be prepared to accept and implement directorial suggestions. It is good practice for the monologue to have been learnt specifically for the audition process and not as part of a previous examination. The individual interview will give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their passion and knowledge for the subject. All candidates MUST take part in regular Drama activities which are extra to the curriculum requirements of their current school.

ASSESSMENT AT SIXTH FORM ENTRY (A LEVEL) An interview is arranged during the visit to the Drama Department, giving an opportunity for the Head of Drama to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to bring the following to the interview: 1) A portfolio showing evidence of interest and involvement in drama. This can include photographs, programmes, press cuttings, certificates, etc.

Overseas candidates MUST submit photographs, CDs, DVDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from specialist tutors at their current school or club. Any overseas candidates awarded a Special Talent Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival. All candidates MUST take part in regular Drama activities which are extra to the curriculum requirements of their current school.

HEAD OF DRAMA Mrs Catherine Nash • cnash@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

The school reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 11


MUSIC

Music scholarships to Kingswood are awarded annually following auditions held at the school, in which candidates are tested for musicianship, technical skill, musical awareness and musical potential. Music Scholars are expected to demonstrate regularly their enthusiasm, commitment and leadership in music-making. They make the most of the many opportunities offered by the school’s musical activities and are prominently involved in a number of ensembles (usually a minimum of 3 per week, with particular emphasis on their first instrument). Music Scholar schedules will be arranged and reviewed by the Director of Music, in order to provide the best programme for each individual.

12 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021

Candidates for Music scholarships should show distinctive musical skills which are normally reflected in high quality passes in music examinations. Where a pupil has not taken formal examinations, the school will look for a demonstrably high quality of musicianship on the assessment day. Tenure of Music scholarships is conditional upon the maintenance of satisfactory musical and academic progress. All Music Scholars are expected to choose Music as an option for Year 9 Core and GCSE; Sixth Form Music scholars are usually expected to choose Music as an option at A Level. At all levels of entry, Kingswood must also receive a written report from the candidate’s present teachers, commenting on their technical ability, musicianship, commitment and more general musical activities such as choirs, orchestras, bands etc. The Director of Music is pleased to meet prospective candidates and their parents at any time during the year to discuss the awards in more detail.


ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 7 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the Music School, giving an opportunity for the Director of Music to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to prepare the following for the interview: 1) First Instrument (a)

Two pieces of a contrasting nature should be offered. The standard should be in the region of Grade 5 for a Year 7 scholarship, although it is most important for candidates to show musical potential.

(b) Sight-reading.

2) Second Instrument (if available) One piece (sightreading on this instrument will be optional). 3) Aural / Musicianship Tests As appropriate to the standard of performance being offered. Candidates may also choose to offer a song of any style (if Voice is not one of the instruments offered above), although this is not a requirement. On the scholarship assessment day, all UK candidates will be expected to attend together for a series of practical assessments as listed above.

ASSESSMENT AT SIXTH FORM ENTRY (A LEVEL) An interview is arranged during the visit to the Music School, giving an opportunity for the Director of Music to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to prepare the following for the interview: 1) First Instrument (a)

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 9 ENTRY An interview is arranged during the visit to the Music School, giving an opportunity for the Director of Music to talk with the potential scholar. Each candidate is required to prepare the following for the interview: 1) First Instrument (a)

Two pieces of a contrasting nature should be offered. The standard should be in the region of Grade 6 for a Year 9 scholarship, although it is most important for candidates to show musical potential.

(b) Sight-reading.

Two pieces of a contrasting nature should be offered. The standard should be in the region of Grade 7 for a Sixth Form scholarship, although it is most important for candidates to show musical potential.

(b) Sight-reading.

2) Second Instrument (if available) One piece (sightreading on this instrument will be optional). 3) Aural / Musicianship Tests As appropriate to the standard of performance being offered. Candidates may also choose to offer a song of any style (if Voice is not one of the instruments offered above), although this is not a requirement. Overseas candidates MUST submit photographs, CDs, DVDs etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from music tutors at their current school. Any overseas candidates awarded a Special Talent Scholarship on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence will have their skills tested on arrival.

2) Second Instrument (if available) One piece (sightreading on this instrument will be optional). 3) Aural / Musicianship Tests As appropriate to the standard of performance being offered. Candidates may also choose to offer a song of any style (if Voice is not one of the instruments offered above), although this is not a requirement.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Mr Andy Barton • abarton@kingswood.bath.sch.uk • 01225 734254

The school reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 13


SPORT

A Sports Scholar is expected to show outstanding sporting ability, relative to their age, which is reflected in a genuine enthusiasm and a consistency of effort. Prospective candidates are expected to contribute to all three terms of sport as well as showing a commitment to training and matches.

14 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021

At all entry levels, Kingswood must, prior to the assessment, also receive a written report from the potential Sports Scholar’s present teacher or coaches, on his or her talent, commitment and approach to sport. Any additional information and references from external clubs should also be submitted. Scholarships can be withdrawn at any time if candidates who have been made an award fail to continue to fulfil their commitments to the sports programme within the school.


ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 7 ENTRY All candidates in the UK will be invited to attend Kingswood for an afternoon of practical assessment during which they will be expected to demonstrate a range of abilities. Assessment will be made by various members of the PE Department as the candidates take part in tests of co-ordination, speed, balance, tactical awareness and the ability to work in a team.

ASSESSMENT AT YEAR 9 ENTRY All candidates in the UK will be invited to attend Kingswood to join a practical lesson during which they will be assessed by various members of the PE Department. They will also be interviewed by the Director of Sport.

ASSESSMENT AT SIXTH FORM ENTRY (A LEVEL) All candidates in the UK will be invited to attend Kingswood for a personal interview with the Director of Sport. A successful candidate will be expected not only to contribute strongly in all three terms of sport, but also to lead by example in training and matches. This may be reflected by representative honours already achieved or being worked towards. A practical assessment may also be required. It is not always essential for candidates to have studied PE at GCSE, although this would be an advantage.

Overseas candidates MUST submit photographs, CDs, DVDs, etc., to provide evidence of work, which is supported by references from specialist tutors at their current school or club. Any overseas candidates awarded a Special Talent Scholarship, on the basis of photographic or recorded evidence, will have their skills tested on arrival.

DIRECTOR OF SPORT Mr Tim Reeman • treeman@kingswood.bath.sch.uk • 07713 106172 or 01225 734256

The school reserves the right to withdraw any such award if it emerges that the student has not made a bonafide application.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 15


BURSARIES

Kingswood School seeks to provide financial assistance towards the cost of fees in cases where it is felt an individual would particularly benefit from access to the School, and where there is proven need of the family’s inability to afford full fees. This assistance comes in the form of bursaries. The School has no wealthy endowment so there are restrictions on the number and size of the bursaries available. The School reserves the right to vary the value and number of bursaries according to the strength of applications and the number of bursary holders already within the School. Bursaries are not available for pupils attending the Kingswood Preparatory School unless there are very exceptional reasons involved. Normally bursaries range between 10% and 50% remission from fees, but, in very exceptional circumstances, larger bursaries of up to 100% of the basic fees can be awarded. In some cases, the School will also work with a charity, such as the Methodist Central Bursary Fund or the Joint Educational Trust (JET), so that additional financial assistance beyond the School’s contribution is available. Charities which offer bursarial assistance have their own criteria which must be met by parents.

16 / Scholarships and Bursaries 2021

In addition to financial need, the School’s criteria for awarding bursaries are: (a) to meet the needs of families facing particularly difficult circumstances (e.g. caused by an unexpected bereavement); (b) to enable very able boys and girls to benefit from what Kingswood has to offer; (c) to enable boys and girls with a particular talent to benefit from what Kingswood has to offer; (d) to widen the social spectrum benefiting from an independent education. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of net incoming resource. Thresholds are constantly kept under review by the School, particularly where the size of the family impinges on affordability. Kingswood prides itself on being a family school. The financial eligibility for consideration of a bursary is undertaken by a Means Tested Declaration and an assessment of income and capital, according to


a procedure drawn up by the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association. The decision to award (or not award) a bursary and the size of the bursary is then decided by the Headmaster, in consultation with key members of the Senior Management Team. Not all who are financially eligible will be offered bursaries because demand for bursarial assistance is usually greater than the funds available. In awarding bursaries to those who are financially eligible, the following criteria are also considered: (a) whether there are personal circumstances which warrant trying to enable a particular pupil to attend the School (either real need in the case of the child or obvious qualities which would benefit the School community); (b) whether the pupil has been given a scholarship. Some families are not dependent upon a scholarship being a monetary one. Others can only afford to send their son or daughter if the scholarship helps reduce the cost of the fees. Therefore, consideration is given as to whether a small monetary scholarship might be increased by the award of additional bursary assistance or whether the holder of an honorary scholarship should also be offered bursarial support; (c) whether the pupil has existing connections with the School (e.g. through the family) or strong connections and / or involvement in the Church. If a bursary is awarded, it is tenable for twelve months; normally it will be re-awarded if there has been no significant change in the family’s financial circumstances. Therefore, the annual review of the family’s financial position may either lead to the bursary being renewed on the same terms or, if the financial situation has changed significantly, to it being decreased or (School finances permitting) increased. In addition, the School reserves the right to withdraw a bursary should a pupil’s conduct or work prove unsatisfactory and there is evidence that he or she is not making the most of the opportunities provided by the School.

We encourage families who feel that they may require the support of a bursary in order to send their son or daughter to the School to discuss the matter with the School well in advance of the entrance assessments to Kingswood. In some cases the School may recommend that a pupil be entered for consideration of a scholarship or special talent award as an alternative method of possibly helping a family to afford the fees.

THE SCHOOL IS UNABLE TO CONSIDER BURSARY APPLICATIONS FROM THOSE WHO RAISE THE ISSUE ONLY AFTER THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER HAS ALREADY BEEN OFFERED A PLACE OR TAKEN UP A PLACE.

Notification of any awards to be made will be sent to parents at the same time as the results of the entrance examination are released. Families unexpectedly encountering a change in circumstances during a child’s school career may apply for a bursary. The nature of what has happened (and the bursarial money available) will determine the School’s response. Normally the School will try to assist if the pupil is deemed worthy of support and is mid-way through externally examined courses, or if there are strong pastoral reasons arising from the change in circumstances as to why the family should be supported. It is important to recognise that bursaries will not be offered to parents, where outstanding fees or other finances are owed to the School; this is non-negotiable.

Scholarships and Bursaries 2021 / 17


Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG T. 01225 734210 | E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk


ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2021 ENTRY) SENIOR SCHOOL T. 01225 734210 | E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

ENTRY TO YEAR 7 A taster day for all external Year 7 candidates who are registered for entry in September 2021 will be invited to this event, prior to their written assessments. This will take place on Friday 8 January 2021.

Interview date (External candidates only) Written papers Year 7 Special Talent Scholarships (Art, DT, Drama, Music) Year 7 Sports Assessment

Friday 8 January 2021 Saturday 9 January 2021 (am) Within week commencing 30 November 2020 Friday 4 December 2020

(All UK candidates sit entrance examinations and attend interviews at Kingswood School. Overseas candidates written papers can be sent to an agent, British Council or the candidate’s current school.) Closing date for all Year 7 applications - Friday 23 October 2020

ENTRY TO YEAR 9 Both boarding and day places are available for entry into Year 9. Candidates from Prep schools may sit early pre-assessments in Year 6, along with pupils entering Year 7, on the dates above. All other candidates will take Kingswood entry papers in the Spring term of Year 8 on the dates below. Written entrance papers and academic scholarships Year 9 Special Talent Scholarships (Art, DT, Drama, Music) Year 9 Sports Assessment

Monday 1 February 2021 Within week commencing 1 February 2021 Thursday 4 February 2021

Closing date for all Year 9 applications - Friday 8 January 2021

ENTRY TO SIXTH FORM UK students are not normally required to sit assessment papers as interviews, school reports and predicted GCSE / IGCSE grades form the basis of our selection process. There are normally around 25 places available for Sixth Form boarding and day entry and applications can be made throughout the year. However after the following dates, applications will be accepted subject to place availability.

Sixth Form Subject Fair (Internal Candidates) Sixth Form Open Evening (External Candidates) Sixth Form Interviews (External, incl. skype interviews for overseas) Sixth Form Academic Scholarships (Written) Sixth Form Special Talent Scholarships (Art, DT, Drama, Music)

Sixth Form Sports Assessment

Thursday 24 September 2020 (6.30 - 9.00pm) Tuesday 29 September 2020 (6.30 - 9.00pm) Saturday 7 November 2020 Saturday 7 November 2020 Saturday 7 November 2020 and within the week commencing 9 November 2020 Thursday 12 November 2020

Closing date for all Sixth Form applications - Friday 16 October 2020

Kingswood Open Day - Saturday 3 October 2020, 9.00am - 12.00 noon PLEASE NOTE: there is only limited availability for places for Years 8 and 10. Scholarships are only available for entry into Years 7, 9 and 12.


ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2021 ENTRY)

SCHOLARSHIPS Academic, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music and Sport scholarships are available for both day and boarding pupils for entry into Years 7, 9 and 12. Candidates must apply before the relevant closing date and meet the criteria detailed in the Scholarship booklet available on our website: www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk John Wesley 'All Round' scholarships are also available to boarding pupils for entry into Years 7, 9 and 12 who are able to demonstrate a combination of academic and special talent ability. Candidates must apply before the relevant closing date and meet the criteria detailed in the Scholarship booklet available on our website: www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk The number and size of awards are determined by the number and quality of applicants assessed. Scholarships are worth up to 25% of the basic boarding or day fees. Honorary scholarships will also be awarded to applicants who are not awarded a monetary scholarship but who demonstrate considerable potential.

BURSARIES A number of means-tested bursaries are available which are awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion. They can be applied for alone, or in addition to, a scholarship. The criteria for bursaries, together with the application forms are available by contacting admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk or telephoning 01225 734210. These must be returned and completed prior to the examination closing date as bursaries will not be awarded after an offer has been made.

YEARS 7 AND 8 HM FORCES DISCOUNTS A reduction off the basic boarding fees of up to 10% will be allowed for each child. The amount of the award is assessed on an individual family basis as determined by the Headmaster and the Bursar.

YEARS 9 UPWARDS HM FORCES DISCOUNTS A reduction off the basic boarding fees of up to 20% will be allowed for each child. The amount of the award is assessed on an individual family basis as determined by the Headmaster and the Bursar.

Full details for entrance, scholarships and bursaries are available from our website www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk or by contacting the Admissions Office on admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk or telephone 01225 734210.

Registered Charity No. 309148

Form revised June 2020


REGULATORY PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO PROSPECTIVE PARENTS - SENIOR SCHOOL T. 01225 734210 | E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk | www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Kingswood School, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG

Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown, Headmaster and Principal of the Kingswood Foundation Mr Tim Westbrook, Chair of Governors, contact details and correspondence address

POLICIES: The following policies are available on the School Website or may be obtained, on request, from the School Office: • • • •

Kingswood Foundation Statement of Ethos, Philosophy and Aims Kingswood Foundation Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, including Early Years Foundation Stage Kingswood Foundation Admissions Policy Kingswood Foundation Boarding Principles and Practice Policy Statement

• Kingswood Senior School Pupil Behaviour Policy, including Rewards Policy (which includes our policy on discipline and sanctions, including exclusion) • Kingswood Senior School Curriculum Policy • Kingswood Senior School Anti-Bullying Policy • Kingswood Senior School Complaints Policy • Kingswood Senior School Health and Safety Policy • Kingswood Senior School First Aid Policy • Kingswood Senior School Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy (SEND), (which includes details of educational and welfare provision for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC)) • Kingswood Senior School Policy and Guidance for pupils for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL).

PERFORMANCE: The following performance information is also available on the School website or may be obtained, on request, from the School Office: • Kingswood Senior School’s academic performance for public exams during the preceding school year, including GSCE and A2 Level. • Kingswood Senior School’s most recent inspection reports (Educational Quality, Regulatory Compliance and Boarding).

COMPLAINTS: The number of complaints registered under the School’s formal procedure during the preceding school year may be obtained, on request, from the School Office.

September 2020


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