PROSPECTUS
Passion, Dynamism, Success!
2017
www.wsix.co.uk
WELCOME TO W6 W6 is the sixth form college at The Sir Robert Woodard Academy in Lancing, West Sussex. It is located between Brighton and Worthing, at the foot of the South Downs National Park and the glorious British coast. The college is part of the wider Woodard Corporation and has close ties to its sister institutions of Lancing College and Hurstpierpoint College. As an institution, W6 goes from strength to strength. Each year we have seen an incredible growth in results and destinations. We are pleased to say we have had two students secure places at Oxford. If you have the dream, we can help you get there. W6’s main ambition is to be an outstanding place of learning with excellent opportunities, brilliant teaching and amazing resources; all housed in a centre with great facilities. Students at W6 work hard but also have a great experience in their time here, making lifelong friendships. For us, our inclusive family ethos is critical and allows our students to live and learn in a supportive, friendly environment.
We offer a wide range of programmes, ranging from academic to more career focused vocational courses. Students at W6 take a varied combination of courses which leads them to university, employment and further education. Our first step will be to support and guide you in choosing a combination of subjects and specific courses to get you to your end goal. The support does not end there as we will continue to monitor and guide you in your time at W6. When you join us, you will find that we have a supportive teaching staff and the additional advice you will receive through our careers, information and additional guidance service is second to none. You will be offered a wide range of new challenges and opportunities to extend and enhance your experience. We will work together to bridge the gap between sixth form and your future, whether it is a course in higher education or the world of employment. We nurture a work ethic and culture that will enable you to complete your studies successfully and support you in
fulfilling your individual potential. Our students have enjoyed a rich and rewarding education at W6, with a full programme of subjects accompanied by a diverse programme of enrichment. We recognise that for you to develop fully as an inquisitive, inspired and well-prepared adult you need to be exposed to a wide range of experiences that will challenge you, question your views, open your mind or simply just make you think. Whatever it is, we invite you to take advantage of everything we have to offer. Our links with local and national businesses, universities, further educational bodies and other organisations allow us to provide you with an unrivalled programme of “extras” that you will find hard to beat. At W6 you will have the opportunity to get involved in all elements of college life. It could be as part of the excellent performing arts productions, fitness activities, our exceptional basketball academy, sporting fixtures, student leadership or working on air or behind the scenes on our radio station, SRWAir. It is our vision that every student who joins in year 7 stays with us to complete their post-16 education at W6. We think that after a short conversation with our dynamic students or amazing teachers you will be impressed. We look forward to welcoming you to W6.
OUR STUDENTS
“Our students secure places at Oxford”
The academic achievement of our students is at the heart of what we do. At W6 we also firmly believe in developing well-rounded, independent and aspiring young people who will leave us confident and capable of achieving their true potential. The development of leadership skills is a perfect complement to academic success and provides additional skills and experiences that make students stand out in competitive job and higher education markets. All students have the opportunity to become a sixth form leader to promote a highly positive academy ethos and culture. We are members of The Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce which provides us with access to a wide range of businesses and employers. Each week students can brush up their employability skills by speaking to business people to help get that edge on the competition. Whatever your ambition, W6 will prepare you for the next steps in your journey.
BE YOUR BEST We firmly believe every single student has the potential to achieve beyond what they thought possible. We will support and challenge you. This might be as simple as checking your folders to make sure you’re on top of everything or making sure you are meeting your targets. However, it could be encouraging you to participate in extracurricular activities or guiding you with the “Look Smart, Sensible Choices” dress code. All of it helps to make you ready for the world of work and further education. We want to do everything in our power to help you be ready for the challenges of the world of work and further study. We are proud of our students and their achievements. We have almost doubled the number of students moving on to university to an even wider range of courses. Their university choices have also expanded as students move on to study at places as far and wide as Nottingham, Swansea, Exeter and Oxford as well as local institutions such as Brighton and Sussex. We have invited just a small handful of our students to share their thoughts about life at W6.
Our results show that our students really can achieve excellence.
“W6 is a great choice of college as it’s vibrant and buzzing as well as welcoming and homely. The leadership team truly do care about and respond to student feedback. “Throughout my time at sixth form there were a myriad of extra-curricular activities to get involved in, from visiting Auschwitz with the Holocaust Educational Trust to completing the Realising Opportunities scheme (which reduced some of my uni offers!) The staff at W6 helped me to seize all opportunities to develop both personally and academically.”
Sarah James-Short
“I came to W6 from another school and my experience here has allowed me to develop as an individual. The opportunities that the performing arts team have given me are exceptional.”
Daisy Gunton
“What makes the W6 Sixth Form unique is the familiar and supportive environment in which each and every person feels included, which guarantees a great place to learn, day in, day out.”
Germaine Conroy
“W6 offers an ideal balance of support, and advice on becoming an independent adult. From assistance in finding work experience, the Realising Opportunities programme, trips to universities, to support with writing my personal statement. The sixth form is a great environment to complete A-levels in. There is an energy around the sixth form to learn both independently and collaboratively, and get involved in whole-school projects too. It helps that everyone is there to look out for you.”
Jack Taylor
“I really enjoy attending W6, it’s a calming friendly environment that provides great facilities for doing work and extra curricular activities. These include silent study areas and a gym. “All the teachers are very supportive and have your best interests at heart. “ At W6 you are always encouraged and being offered different opportunities. Since attending here I have done so many things that I would have never done when attending a large college. An example of this
is Realising opportunities. It is a scheme that can provide a reduced offer to a range of Russell group universities once completing the programme.”
Hannah Hunter What will you be able to say about your time and achievements at sixth form? There’s only one way to find out.
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SPECIALIST PATHWAYS At W6 we recognise that you have many options when it comes to choosing a sixth form college. What sets us apart from the others are our Scholarships and Pathways. Each Pathway offers you excellent teaching, support, guidance and learning but the real difference is our links with industry and business. Any institution can offer you a package of courses, but what sets us apart at W6 is our unique combinations of subjects and extracurricular provision to form our Academic Pathways. Are you a gifted performer? You could easily follow a course of acting, dancing or stagecraft at any college but at W6 we will provide you with a rich selection of extras that will guide you through your two years with us so you are ready for further study or employment in your chosen field. Each Pathway is designed to provide you with excellent teaching and learning opportunities coupled with personalized work experience in your selected industry. Recent creative work experience placements have included professional recording studios in Brighton, film production companies and radio stations. We are also working to provide students with a professional mentor to give extra support and guidance from someone who knows the industry from the inside. We would pair you with a professional who meets with you on a regular basis to discuss your current progress, barriers that are in your way and help you work towards your goals. They can open your eyes to the opportunities that exist beyond sixth form such as university or further education courses. They may expose you to ideas, courses and careers that you may never have considered or even heard of. They will also act as a critical friend challenging and questioning you, asking where you want to go and how you want to get there. In a competitive jobs market they could be the “who you know” in that famous saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know”. Acceptance onto these Pathways is through a process of identification by the W6 management team and the criteria will include enrolment on to an appropriate combination of courses and good achievement at GCSE
in all subjects, but particularly those that form part of the Pathway. Of course, there is excellent teaching across the board but our resources mean we are able to offer these specialist packages. These areas are:
STEM
STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Maths. There are a wide range of subject combinations that students can follow on this Pathway. It will include subjects from science, maths and further maths, computer science and other subjects which may focus on technology, design, electronics or engineering.
Virtuoso
“unique opportunities in mentoring and work experience“
For students with an interest and talent in performing arts across the range of music, dance and acting but also including production arts.
Academic Excellence
This Pathway is more about your achievements and where you want to go. This is for students interested in applying to some of the country’s best universities, including Oxford, Cambridge or other top Russell Group institutions. Students who have achieved a high number of grades 7, 8 and 9 in their GCSE courses will be eligible for this Pathway.
Medical
Similar to the Academic Excellence Pathway, we are able to offer high achieving students bespoke support that will provide them with the best guidance to enter a career in the medical industry. This Pathway will give students an insight into the opportunities available to them in the broad and wide ranging jobs that exist within the medical industry.
Pathways Open Evenings
We host bespoke evenings for different pathways in which we can offer more focussed advice about further study and careers in the Pathways industries. With our STEM partner we run an open evening in June for students to speak to engineers and tour the Ricardo site. This is just one example of that little extra you can get from us .
Excellent teaching and learning opportunities coupled with excellent extracurricular provision.
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PATHWAY Do you have ambitions of attending one of the best universities in the country? With our unique mentoring, guidance and links within and outside the Academy we are able to offer excellent teaching in the facilitating subjects that can get you to Oxford, Cambridge or other top universities. Students identified as qualifying for the Academic Excellence Pathway will receive personalised support and advice in their journey towards a place at one of the world’s finest universities. We have a close partnership with prestigious schools in the Woodard Corporation with a long tradition and track record for supporting students seeking top university places. Schools such as Lancing College, Hurstpierpoint College, and Kings Priory school, together with staff at W6, will give you access to specialist support and expertise. You will be able to access admissions tutors at Oxbridge colleges who are able to give you insider advice on what the colleges are looking for in potential candidates. This is all in addition to the excellent
teaching and support you can expect from your subject teachers. Numerous past students at W6 and in the Woodard family of schools have made applications to Oxbridge and been successful. W6 sixth form will support you from day one of any Oxbridge or Russell Group university application. The application process for Oxford and Cambridge is slightly different to other universities and we will help you through that process. We will guide you in the right direction for which courses and colleges would suit your interests, and we will give you focused help in compiling your personal statement, completing your application and preparing you for an interview. We will also help you understand the peculiarities of the Oxbridge colleges system and help you find a course and a college that is right for you.
Realising Opportunities We are privileged to have been a participant in the Realising Opportunities programme for many years. Students embark on a programme that prepares them for the demands of study in a top Russell Group university. The programme is run by a large group of top UK universities and provides students with university residential trips, mentoring by academic staff, and support completing an academic research study project. Successful completion of the programme leads to reduced offers at a number of top British universities. Some students have also been offered considerable financial bursaries as a result of their participation. It is just another way that we support our students in reaching their goals. And the best thing is that it is all free, and qualifying students are also given financial support to attend university open days across the country. In addition to this programme we also facilitate participation in summer schools with Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and other top universities. It’s all designed to help you understand what university is like and support you in finding out what you might like to study.
Personalised support and advice in your journey towards a place at one of the world’s best universities
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STEM PATHWAY It is predicted that over 75% of future jobs will involve STEM subjects. STEM is the broad classification of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects. STEM is everywhere around us, from our homes, school, cars and to the roads we drive on. In many circumstances students will find that they end up combining subjects in these fields. STEM isn’t just for students interested in science and maths. It can cover a wide range of interests and subjects. There are hundreds of specialisms further afield at university that fall under the STEM umbrella. Studying and working in STEM means learning about the world around you, finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and playing a role in some of the country’s major discoveries and developments. Want to work with robots, refine driverless car technology or cure disease? Some of the most amazing developments around us are from the world of STEM, and they have all been developed by people who love being challenged and love asking questions of everything around them. STEM is for students who love looking for solutions to problems and looking at
how things work. Also, don’t be fooled into believing that STEM is only for men. The STEM world is filled with many women who are right at the forefront of technological, scientific and pharmacological developments, research and discovery. Our STEM Pathway offers you the opportunity to work with world-leaders in the realms of science, technology and engineering. Like all our other academic Pathways students would be expected to take a range of subjects that exist in the STEM areas and be keen to challenge themselves and solve problems.
Extracurricular Activities In addition to your subject choices we provide you with a wide range of extras. We have a partnership with Worthing based Bowers & Wilkins, the audio equipment manufacturer associated with Abbey Road Studios and Lucasfilm Skywalker Sound Studios. Many of our students have worked with this organisation and participated in design and technology challenges. We have a long-standing link with the world-leading
We have a longstanding link with the world-leading engineering firm Ricardo.
engineering firm Ricardo. Amongst other large scale projects, Ricardo is the organisation that designs and makes the engines for supercars such as McLaren. Many students have undertaken design and engineering projects with Ricardo and even moved on to apprenticeships within the company. We are also the southern hub for the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) which sees students working on real scientific research, using real data from satellites, CERN and space telescopes. It is an immensely impressive partnership and links students with world-leading scientific organisations.
Work Experience STEM Pathway students have the opportunity to take up one of our reserved work experience placements with Ricardo and there are further opportunities for work shadowing in many areas of the business from production and design to other linked aspects of the business such as finance and human resources. Students with a serious interest in STEM will be invited with their parents to a bespoke evening hosted at the Ricardo site at Shoreham. The Ricardo staff will give you a tour and an excellent insight into the world of engineering and where it can take you. STEM students will also be able to participate in the CREST Gold Award scheme. This scheme is supported
by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and operated by the British Science Association. Students plan and develop an idea and get real-world experience of working as an engineer or scientist. The programme is highly regarded and the support provided by Ricardo enhances that even further.
Mathematics
At W6 one of our specialisms is the delivery of mathematics, and we are proud of the excellent teaching and results that we have in this area. We are closely linked with universities and all our maths students go on to excellent universities. In addition to our links with Bowers & Wilkins and Ricardo, we have opportunities in other STEMrelated organisations and our affiliation with our local universities means that any student following our STEM Pathway will access a rich selection of opportunities that will equip them for a rewarding career in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“Students work on real scientific projects with organisations such as CERN�
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MEDICAL PATHWAY Additional support and guidance to increase your chances of being successful in medicine.
W6 provides a strong grounding in the subjects that can lead our most dedicated and talented students to careers in medicine and related industries. Students on the Pathway will gain access to medical professionals, work experience and other extracurricular opportunities. Our Medical Pathway has been constructed to give you not only the excellent teaching to get you the results needed for a career in medicine, but a full package of additional extras to increase your chances of being successful in medicine. W6 provides excellent teaching in all subjects, but particularly in those areas that can lead you to a career in Medicine. Our provision provides a gateway through not only the sciences but also a broad selection of facilitating subjects. These are the subjects that are highly regarded by universities and are respected for their high level of academic demand and challenge. Given the competitive nature of medical courses, students would be expected to achieve excellent A-Level results. We can ensure you gain the support to
give you the best chance of achieving at this high level. However it is not just about a string of straight A’s and A*’s. Universities are also looking for evidence of a well-rounded learner. Our specialist staff will point students in the right direction so that they are undertaking the right additional reading, listening to the right programmes, accessing interesting and relevant work experience and developing a CV which demonstrates a passion for medicine. Students are also supported in the process of completing the UKCAT exam which is part of the application for medical school . There is a wealth of choice when it comes to choosing a course and it is not just about being a doctor. There are courses that include Biomedical Science, Public Health, Medical Chemistry, Pharmacy and related courses in health.
Extracurricular Activities
We invite numerous professionals into the college to speak with students and share their experiences of studying and getting into the medical industry. There is access to the BrightMed programme with Brighton
and Sussex Medical School, which seeks out young people who have the talent to become tomorrow’s doctors but may not have considered it before.
Mentoring
It is also part of our vision that, like the other Pathways, we will offer professional mentoring for our students in the medical industry. We have links with practising physicians and doctors working in the NHS and academia.
Work Experience
Our local and national business links give us an expanding network of organisations connected with the medical industry. We have strong links with Brighton and Sussex Medical School which can see you shadowing a medical student or visiting the campus and participating in classes to see what it is like to be a medical student. Our students have worked in a broad selection of roles from midwifery, nursing and research all in preparation for a career in the medical profession.
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VIRTUOSO PATHWAY SRWA and W6 have always had an excellent reputation for performing arts. We offer incredible opportunities which could see you on the stage or behind the scenes of our many annual theatrical productions. Students follow courses in performance which include dance, acting and music. Production Arts programmes develop skills to design and build theatrical sets, design and set lighting and produce theatrical sound for performances. Our Virtuoso teaching is outstanding and our courses achieve results that are in the top 10% nationally. The Virtuoso Pathway will give you excellent training in your chosen areas of performance and ensure you will have the skills and tools needed to be successful in either the competitive world of work in the creative industries or further education. We have had students successfully earn a place at top Conservatoire performing arts schools. Students on our Virtuoso Pathway gain access to all our performance opportunities, as well as industry experts and our growing links with theatres and performance companies. As mentioned, our Pathways will connect you with an amazing selection of extras. We can ensure that you have contact with working professionals to have conversations about the next steps you want to take and to get advice on how to get there.
Get a handson insight into the workings of the professional stage.
Work Experience Through our exceptional links we are able to offer work experience to Virtuoso Pathway students. These placements could be at a local or regional theatre, working with a casting agent, an actor, being placed in a costume or makeup department of a theatre and many more. The type of placement will be negotiated directly with students to ensure that the experience matches closely with their personal goals, ambitions and interests. Our production arts students also get the chance to work on big shows and connect with Worthing theatres. With these companies students get invaluable experience of working on a show and getting a hands-on insight into the workings of the professional stage. Our music provision is excellent and students have opportunities to performi in many orchestras, bands, ensembles and groups. To add to that, our courses are delivered by The Sussex Teacher of the Year.
Extracurricular Activities
Throughout the duration of your time at W6, you will be exposed to a wide range of activities that will boost and grow your skills, knowledge and vision. Presently, students are involved in an enormous assortment of extracurricular activities. These activities include national initiatives and programmes such as auditions for musicals at the Pavilion and Connaught theatres in Worthing, creating productions for local schools, regional festivals and also working with local and national playwrights, musicians, dancers and actors. Through our excellent careers and guidance provision we are able to boast connections with institutions such as The University of Chichester. Students will regularly be given the opportunity to learn from and work with professionals who come in to visit W6. Students also get the opportunity to take part in the National Theatre Connections programme . Connections is the National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year it offers a unique opportunity for youth theatres and school theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK. W6 is one of the few sixth form colleges able to join. There are opportunities for auditions for musical
“courses achieve results that are in the top 10% nationally”
theatre productions at the Pavilion and Connaught theatres in Worthing. Students engage in numerous public performances and work with professional musicians throughout the year. W6 students enter local artistic festivals including the Adur Festival and we are building links with the Brighton Fringe Festival. The highlight of our year is the annual Performing Arts Tour in which students of all performance disciplines take a show to a European destination and perform for international audiences, and also take part in workshops delivered by some of Europe’s most interesting and exciting performers. Recent destinations have included Germany and Italy, and each year it is an excellent opportunity to visit a foreign country, learn from some of the world’s best practitioners and perform for a range of audiences throughout the week. The Virtuoso Pathway at W6 is excellent and it is one of the highest achieving performing arts programmes in the country. It is the jewel of the south coast.
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CAREERS GUIDANCE Careers guidance is excellent at W6. Our aim is to try and inspire you, to give you the tools to look further afield in areas that you may have not yet considered or even be aware of. We will equip you with the skills to adapt to an ever changing employment climate, where you will be applying for roles that have yet to be invented. Therefore we try to expose you to as many opportunities as possible while at W6. Each student has access to our careers advisor, and you will find that support critical in getting you to your next stage of education or employment.
Work Experience
All of the universities run workshops in subjects that complement your current studies. We also offer access to summer schools at universities across the country as well as arranging visits to our link Oxford college. The universities all offer additional support for first generation scholars. These are students who have had neither parent attend university. You are able to attend supported events and where applicable receive bursaries towards accommodation and fees. The programmes are excellent opportunities for students who may not have considered university education as an option.
“Every W6 student has a quality work experience placement”
Work experience is invaluable and allows you to gain a true perspective of the outside world. Many employers are frustrated that young people leave school without the skills needed for them to succeed in the modern workplace. Therefore, every student at W6 attends a work experience placement in July. The placements are linked to your subjects and are designed to help build your skills and knowledge of the workplace. Students are able to access work experience through local companies, such as Ricardo, GSK and Parafix and further afield across Sussex and Brighton.
University Guidance
Over the years we have forged excellent relationships with our three local universities of Brighton, Chichester and Sussex. Each university offers our students a wide variety of support, events and bespoke programmes. Students are also able to access personalised, bespoke programmes.
Activities to get you there Here is just a selection of future events on offer. • Hurstpierpoint College - Informed Choices programme for aspiring Oxbridge applicants • Lancing College visits • St John’s College Oxford - a taster day at an Oxford College • BrightMed - Brighton and Sussex Medical School talks • STEM Pathway programmes at The University of Brighton
Apprenticeships
We also recognise that university is not for everyone and you may prefer to work in a hands-on environment whilst still accessing a qualification. The nature of apprenticeships has changed from the traditional “trades” and now can also include professions such as law and accountancy. Whatever you choose to do, at W6 we have the support to help you get there.
Careers Events
Throughout the year we run a number of events that will connect you with business people including our termly Careers Lunches and monthly Careers Cafés. At these events, business people visit to speak with students one-on-one or in small groups to discuss careers and skills employers look for.
•
• • • • •
Realising Opportunities & Social Mobility Foundation - programmes to support access to top universities Sussex Study Experience - 5 day course at The University of Sussex UCAS Fair and University Summer Schools NHS Apprenticeships talks A wide range of careers events at W6 to meet and talk to employers and much more.
Equipping our young people to be able to adapt to an ever-changing employment climate
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BASKETBALL ACADEMY The SRWA Bears Basketball Academy has the biggest basketball development programme in Sussex and provides coaching, competitions and support for players at all levels from grassroots through to elite, boys and girls alike. The Basketball Academy is linked through the SRWA Bears directly into the Sussex Bears basketball team. The top players have the opportunity to train and play for the Sussex team, currently placed in the National Basketball League, Division Two. The Basketball Academy is committed to providing elite training, support, guidance, coaching and competitions to gifted and talented players. We are proud to welcome players from the UK and overseas. We have recently recruited players from Iceland and Greece, as well as locally. We have strong links to professional basketball teams and universities throughout Britain – and a bespoke preparation and placement programme for American colleges, British Universities and Basketball Academies throughout Europe.
Head Coach
Gary Smith
We are proud that former players have been recruited by teams and colleges in the USA. We have multiple scholarships available for players and our vision is to provide the training to provide you with the skills to compete in a national league team. Our Basketball Academy students are motivated, driven and determined to succeed. Students who join us will be able to excel in basketball as well as in their academic studies. The coaches and staff at W6 are passionate about your progression as a student and a basketball player. You will have a chance to compete against some of the best basketball players in the country in the 15-18 age group. With our expert coaches and our contacts within the basketball industry, we shall give you access to professional coaches here and in the USA. Our vision is that every player has the opportunity to play professionally or move on to a scholarship in America. Do you have what it takes? If you think so, then the SRWA Basketball Academy at W6 is the place for you.
Academy Coach Sussex Bears Captain
James Brame
Assistant Academy Coach
Dominic Baker
OUR COACHES Head Coach – Gary Smith
Coach Smith is the most experienced coach in Sussex having played the game professionally for Birmingham Bullets, Sheffield Sharks and Worthing Bears; some of the most decorated teams in England. His coaching career began in 2005 when he took Worthing Thunder to victory in back-to-back league titles. Coach Smith moved on to join The University of Chichester, which then became league winners and moved up to division one after one season. His career also took him on to a two year deal with Worthing Thunder in the British Basketball League which is the top professional league in England. We were delighted when Coach Smith joined us and headed up the SRWA Basketball Academy. He has been the head coach since its inception and the Basketball Academy continues to grow in size and in success. His teams compete in both national and regional leagues. In 2016 Coach Smith led the Sussex Bears to an undefeated 11-0 and gained Coach of the Year.
Academy Coach and Sussex Bears Captain James Brame Coach James Brame is one of the longest serving players within the game of basketball in England. His professional career began at 16 years of age playing for the Brighton Bears under Head Coach Nick Nurse, now Assistant Coach of the NBA Toronto Raptors. Coach Brame has played in the top flight of basketball for over 15 years. In the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons he was part of the league winning EBL team and also the captain of the play-off winners in the 06/07 season. He now captains the Sussex Bears under Coach Gary Smith. His knowledge and experience and leadership skills make him an invaluable part of the Academy staff at SRWA.
Assistant Academy Coach - Dominic Baker
Coach Baker has worked and trained with both Coaches Smith and Brame in the British Basketball League. He has played professionally for a number of years. Two of those years were overseas with a team in Iceland and one season in Bergerac, France. When he was 18 years of age Dominic was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Savannah State University in America. Coach Baker is currently an active player in the Sussex Bears squad.
Our players have been recruited by teams and colleges in the USA
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Links with local radio stations so that you can work with professionals in the broadcasting industry
YOU’RE ON THE AIR We are immensely proud of our sixth form radio station, SRWAir, an online radio station that streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Broadcasting live from the Academy with a broad mix of contemporary music, the station is available on the web and on mobile devices. You could join a team of presenters working on a music programme, or running a topical chat show. You might have an interest in a particular style of music. Take that passion and get involved as a programmer for a specialist music show. Do you have ideas for short programmes that would spark the interest of other students? Learn how to develop those ideas into short programme packages. If you’re more technically minded you can take a lead role in the more technical aspects of production. It is also an amazing opportunity for students with an
interest in journalism, providing a platform for current affairs and news programming. It’s an excellent way to grow your communication skills and to build your confidence too. All students in W6 are able to be part of SRWAir and anyone, anywhere in the world can listen. We have listeners as far and wide as Australia, the USA and across Europe. The world really is listening. On-site specialists can provide all the training you need, but we have links with local radio stations such as More Radio and 1BTN so that you can work with professionals in the broadcasting industry and get onair and production training experience. For students who are interested, programme creation can contribute to a wider qualification. It is your radio station, so take control and be part of shaping the future of SRWAir.
www.srwair.co.uk
COURSES Subjects
On the following pages, you will find information about all the subjects that we presently offer. Our subject offer is always being developed to meet the needs and interests of our students. If there are any changes to our provision, we will always have an up to date list of subjects on our website at wsix.co.uk/courses Be sure to think carefully about the subjects you choose. This is the first time in your education that you are really beginning to specialise. What you choose now will determine what courses you can and can’t do at university. They may also send you down a particular career pathway.
finding something that you are passionate about. Many students get involved in the W6 radio station, SRWAir, others support in classes across the school, help out in sports lessons, and much more. Other students have got involved in volunteering inside the academy and in the local community. It’s a great way to build your skills in something that appeals to you, and of course it looks great on your CV or your UCAS statement. Your time at sixth form should be a healthy balance of amazing teaching and learning, and of exciting and diverse enrichment activities that will develop you as a person.
Enrichment
In addition to the subjects listed here, all W6 students get involved in approximately two hours of enrichment activities each week. This enrichment time will sometimes be comprised of talks and presentations from employers and universities, study skills and personal finance sessions that are organised by the sixth form, but the main focus of enrichment is you
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS What do you need?
Your grades at GCSE are a good indicator of your strengths and weaknesses. Moving up to A levels is a big step and all colleges and sixth forms have entry requirements in place to ensure that students are choosing courses that are right for them.
A-level Courses
For A-Level courses the general entry requirements are five GCSEs at 4+ including 4 in English (literature or language) and Maths. For most courses there is an expectation of performing well in that subject at GCSE if you have studied it. Some subjects may have a maths requirement as they may contain significant numerical content. Similarly, essay-based subjects will need to see a strong grade in either English literature or language.
Vocational BTEC Courses
Four GCSEs at 4+ including English and/or Maths and a merit if you have studied the course in year 11. We permit students to retake GCSE Maths or English, but there is only usually scope to retake one of these.
Creative courses may have requirements where you can demonstrate an interest or skill in that area. If you are applying for a visual arts course, having a portfolio of your own work is a great way to show your skill and commitment. Performing arts subjects will require you to attend an audition. All institutions have entry requirements which are there to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to help you achieve in your chosen subjects.
GCSE Maths and English
It is a condition of all sixth forms that students who have not achieved a 4+ in GCSE Maths or English must retake these subjects. You must successfully achieve a 4 before you leave at the end of year 13. The second half of this prospectus has information about each course that we offer. Full details including entry requirements are also available on our website. If you have any doubts, questions or concerns you can always speak to your teachers and the W6 management team. We are here to help.
It is time to be driven by your interests, passions and goals.
APPLYING TO W6 Applying to any sixth form college requires thought and consideration. It is time to be driven by your interests, passions and goals. Not what your friends are doing. There are a few steps to take to get you through the complexities of choosing the right courses for you. Speak to your teachers. Discuss with the teachers you have now to find out what their courses involve at sixth form. Find out what you can do to prepare. Research. Find out the requirements for university courses you might be interested in. Will the A-levels you want to do get you there? The UCAS website has great information on entry requirements for university courses. Also speak with your careers advisor who will be able to give you advice. You can also speak to your tutor. Open Evening (October). Attend the open evening to get an idea of what it is like, take the time to speak with staff and students. You’ll be surprised how different 6th form is from normal school. Application Form (December). Complete an application that outlines your subject choices and
background information about you. This will then be used when it comes to interview. Interview (December onwards). You will be called to interview and a member of the W6 team will ask you about your goals and ambitions. This is a chance for you to ask questions too. Successful applicants will be given a conditional offer. Apply early and you will get an early conditional offer to put your mind at ease. Induction Days and Summer Home Learning (July). Take part in induction days which will give you a real taste of life at W6 and get you started. Your subject teachers will set you work to prepare over summer so that you are ready to roll in September. Our Induction Day is in the second week of July so don’t book that holiday just yet. Results Day, Enrolment & Course Start. This is your chance to sign up and confirm your choices. There is always the chance to make some changes in light of your results. We start in the first week of September with a team-building day and lessons commence shortly after.
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SUBJECT DETAILS Choices
You will be choosing only THREE subjects. At sixth form you will find the demands of study are very high, and therefore students will only be able to choose three subjects. This is standard across most colleges. There are rare occasions in which we would permit four subjects, but this is usually restricted to students doing Maths and then taking Further Maths as well.
Subject Information
We have provided information about each subject that we offer W6 in this prospectus. You can also find the details on our website, and it would be wise to check the online version as sometimes qualification types or entry requirements change. wsix.co.uk/courses.
Subject Blocking
When it comes to choosing your subjects, you will find that subjects are arranged in blocks. You must make your choice of three subjects from within those blocks.
You may not choose two subjects which are in the same block. Unfortunately, if two of the subjects you want to study are in the same block it is unlikely you will be able to pursue that subject combination. The blocking is based on common and recommended subject combinations. Details of the subject blocks are usually published nearer the end of the year. If you have any questions about whether your subjects might clash, please speak with us.
Subject Availability
Every college can only run courses if there are sufficient numbers .Where too few students choose a subject it may not run. If this is the case we will let you know to discuss the options available to you.
General Entry Requirements:
You will need to be getting the total amount of GCSEs at 4+ including English and Maths for the type of course you are doing. When choosing your subjects, you should be thinking carefully about what you may want to do once you have left college. Do your subject choices leave doors open for you? Are
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE they a sensible mix of what are known as facilitating subjects? Facilitating subjects are those that are highly respected by universities for progression onto highly academic courses. Do you have a certain career in mind? Will this course give you the skills as well as the knowledge that you will need? Sometimes it can be a little misleading. For example, the majority of people who are lawyers never studied law at 6th form. Many didn’t even do it as their first degree. What they did do was a combination of subjects that demonstrated their capacity to read, research, debate and write in a logical and clear manner. It is definitely worth taking some time looking at ucas.com to see what universities want in terms of entry requirements and subjects for your chosen courses. Some will even have information about what subjects and grades they want to see at GCSE, so you need to make sure your GCSEs will also help you get there. It is a minefield, and it really is worth taking the time to
get advice from your teachers, our careers adviser and also speak to the head of 6th form. There are also a wealth of other online resources such as reed.co.uk and other recruitment sites that can give you advice on preparing for employment. That way you can ensure you are getting accurate, wellinformed advice that will lead you to your chosen career.
Do your subjects open doors to a future career or university course?.
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Course:
3D Design and Crafts (Art & Design)
Level:
BTEC Level 3, Extended Certificate
Entry requirements
Where can this lead me?
Merit in Level 2 Art or 3D Design or evidence of skill in designing and making in other subjects.
This course can lead to further study at university on courses such as: • Foundation Degrees • Product Design • Environmental Design • Three Dimensional Design and Crafts • Architecture
What will I study The course has Resistant Materials at its core, aiming to encourage designing through experimentation and innovation. It is a natural progression from the Level 2 course we deliver, it is assignment based and you will be working through a series of projects in order to gain the necessary skills to design and manufacture in a variety of materials. The course will be focused on the design process and problem solving, from researching, through drawing and modelling your designs to producing final products.
How will I be assessed? There are 4 units: Externally marked units (controlled assessments): • Visual Recording and Communication • Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design Internally marked units: • The Creative Process • 3D Design Materials, Techniques and Processes
Is this subject for me? Fancy being the next Jony Ives or James Dyson? Do you have an interest in how things are designed and made? Our course is very hands-on, and we aim to have all students working independently in the workshop experimenting with materials, techniques and processes in order to develop and create their own designs. If you enjoy designing, problem solving and making then this course is for you.
In terms of careers it can lead to jobs within: • Product Design • Industrial Design • Engineering • Cad Designer • Cad Technician • Model Maker • Exhibition Designer • Craftsman • Designer
What else is there? We have close links with Ricardo who also run the CREST Gold award. We take part in the Ricardo GreenPower Electric Car Competition. We have trips to Bowers & Wilkins to tour their facility and explore how they create their world-class speakers. We have links with The University of Brighton who hold tasters sessions in creative subjects and we have a trip to their inspirational degree show.
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Course:
Art (Fine Art)
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements Merit in Level 2 Art or Design Technology or evidence of skill in designing and making in other subjects. However, we will consider applications from students who did not follow one of these courses in KS4. In these cases, we will interview candidates and ask that a portfolio of work be brought along to support their application.
What will I study On this course you will learn the following; • Drawing techniques • Painting techniques • 3D and sculptural techniques using a range of materials • How to identify successful art work • How to refine your ideas and develop a personal style of work • To learn about the work of other artists and designers and develop your own work in response • How to analyse your work and the work of others • Learn how to present a personal response to a given theme
How will I be assessed? Coursework is worth 60% of your overall grade and the externally set assignment is worth 40%. Your work will be formally assessed every 4 - 6 weeks using the AQA marking grid. You will have regular verbal and written feedback in the form of tutorials in lessons and opportunities to self and peer assess your work.
Is this subject for me? An A-level Art student needs to be ambitious, creative, motivated and a risk taker. You need to have a passion for the arts in all forms and be
focused and open minded about your studies. You should have underlying drawing and recording skills and be prepared to push yourself to try new techniques. Artwork takes a long time to produce so you need to have excellent time management skills and commitment to your craft. The majority of the course is self directed study so they also need to be independent workers.
Where can this lead me? Students who are interested in an art and design career usually take a foundation course upon completing their A-level which will introduce you to a range of specialisms within art and design helping you to make an informed choice of which art and design degree would best suit you. Many universities value an Art and Design qualification and it will be useful in applying to any college or university. Brighton MET (incorporating Northbrook) run a number of Art and Design courses that you can explore after sixth form. These cover several different specialist areas including two foundation courses. Entry to these courses is usually by interview and portfolio submission. An A-level art and design course will enable you to produce a portfolio to take to interview and give you an excellent grounding in art and design knowledge, skills and techniques. Careers that A-level students move on to include: • Exhibition designer • Fine artist • Architect • Graphic designer • Interior designer • Visual merchandiser • Ceramicist • Digital artist • Product designer
• • • • • • • •
Fashion / textile design Art historian Further education teacher Higher education lecturer Secondary school teacher Illustrator Museum/gallery curator Printmaker
What else is there? We offer a range of experiences to enhance your experience on the A-level course. We have run workshops with local artists and trips up to London. There are also opportunities to visit further educational colleges to see what life is like on an art foundation course.
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Course:
Biology
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 6 in Combined Science, or 6 in two of the Separate Science GCSEs inc. Biology 4 in GCSE Maths 4 in GCSE English Language
your own revision notes using the specification throughout the course. Biology opens up lots of doors both into a wide range of degrees and possible careers, so by choosing this route the world is your oyster!
What will I study
Where can this lead me?
• • •
Biology can lead to a range of degrees in and out of Science. Science specific degree courses include biomedical sciences, medicine, nursing, biochemistry, cell biology, forensic science and molecular biology. An A-level qualification is accepted as an exceptional gateway to most careers, and most Biology related degrees also require an A-level in another science or in maths so please be aware of this when making your choices.
• • • • •
Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The control of gene expression
How will I be assessed? The assessment will consist of three external exams, based on the course content and practical skills acquired over the two years. The question styles will include a mixture of short, long, extended response and structured questions. Paper 3 will also examine your ability to critically analyse experimental data, and include an essay. You are also assessed on your ability to undertake practicals.
Is this subject for me? Biology A-level is a well-respected subject because of the high demands (and rewards) of the course. You need to be confident with the biology you have studied up until now. Having an interest in problem solving, having strong mathematical skills and good communication skills are important. You will need to be reflective and motivated to make improvements in areas that you identify as weaker topics. Outside of lessons you will also be expected to develop
Which jobs can this course lead to? • Forensic Scientist • Pharmacologist • Hospital Technician • Doctor • Veterinary Surgeon • Higher Education Lecturer • Microbiologist • Nature Conservation Officer • Research Scientist (Life Sciences) • Research Scientist (Medical) • Finance and Banking • Law (with a conversion course) • Teaching • Management Consultancy
What else is there? We offer visits to Marwell zoo, The University of Sussex and the Natural History Museum. There is also the possibility of a visit to a series of lectures at a London university.
Course:
Business Studies
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE English Language and 4 in GCSE Maths
Business exam 3 • One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions .
What will I study
Is this subject for me?
You will explore how a business is run and the decision processes that take place in some of the world’s most influential corporations. • What is business? • Managers, leadership and decision making • Decision making to improve marketing performance • Decision making to improve operational performance • Decision making to improve financial performance • Decision making to improve human resource performance • Analysing the strategic position of a business • Choosing strategic direction • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies • Managing strategic change
How will I be assessed? The A-level is assessed through three external exams each comprising 33% of the final overall grade and each two hours in length. Business exam 1 • Section A has 15 multiple choice questions worth 15 marks. • Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks. • Sections C and D have two essay questions (both of which give a choice of one question from two options) worth 25 marks each. Business exam 2 • Three compulsory data response questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions.
This A-level business course introduces you to all you need to know about working in business, providing a solid foundation for further study. With a focus on helping you to become a good decision maker, you’ll learn essential managerial skills, alongside techniques to help you become an analytical problem solver. These skills are all highly sought after and valued in a wide range of careers.
Where can this lead me? If you’d like to study business, finance or management at university, A-level business provides an excellent foundation. The skills you learn are transferable across a broad range of subjects and careers. Whatever you choose to do in the future, you’ll find that the things you learn in this course will help. For example, you’ll probably work with lots of different people, so knowledge of motivational theory will help you to work well with others and help them achieve their potential. You might have ambitious plans to start your own business. If that’s the case, you’ll find the marketing and finance topics particularly useful.
What else is there? You will develop a range of skills relating to – for example – research, analysis, evaluation, communication, working with others and independence. Debating competitions, conferences and off-site visits also make a valuable contribution to learning within this course. We also have many links to large local businesses.
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Course:
Chemistry
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 6 in Combined Science, or 6 in two of the Separate Science GCSEs inc. Chemistry 4 in GCSE Maths
What will I study Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle Oxidation, reduction and redox equations Thermodynamics, Rate equations Equilibrium, Kp, Electrode potentials Acids and bases Inorganic Chemistry: Periodicity, Group 2, the alkaline earth metals Group 7(17), the halogens Properties of period 3 and oxides Transition metals Reactions of ions in aqueous solution Organic Chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes Alcohols, Organic analysis Optical isomerism, Aldehydes and ketones Carboxylic acids and derivatives Aromatic Chemistry, Amines Polymers, Amino acids, proteins and DNA Organic synthesis, NMR, Chromatography
How will I be assessed? Paper 1 and 2: 35% each of the A-level. Physical and Organic Chemistry, practical skills and endorsement. Each two hours, 105 marks of short and long answer questions. Paper 3: 30% of A-level. Synoptic paper: Range of content and practical skills, two hours. You will complete a number of required practical
tasks that will be examined as part of your final examinations. You will then pass or fail your practical endorsement which will be reported separately.
Is this subject for me? Getting a chemistry A-level is hard work, which is why it is so well respected by employers and universities. Chemistry opens your eyes to the inner working of the world around you. As it is essential to the development of new products and new materials there is always a very high demand for skilled chemists, opening up great opportunities for a wide range of careers.
Where can this lead me? Chemistry can lead to a range of wide degree pathways that include both sciences and nonscience courses, from chemical engineering to law. Nearly all courses in chemistry require another science or maths A-level so bear this in mind when choosing your options. Chemistry can lead to a wide range of jobs including: Lecturer, Chemical Researcher, Nurse, Biomedical Scientist, Project Manager, Research Fellow, Analytical Chemist, Pharmacist, Doctor, Lawyer, Solicitor, Finance, Management Consultancy, Veterinary Surgeon.
What else is there? When studying Chemistry you will have the chance to visit the labs of the University of Sussex Chemistry department. Our strong partnership with worldleading engineering firm Ricardo means that you will gain access to their fuel testing labs to apply your advanced chemistry knowledge and skills.
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Course:
Computer Science
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 6 in GCSE Maths,
the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem.
What will I study
Is this subject for me?
The A-level in Computer Science will encourage students to develop an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.
You will have the ability to analyse problems in computational terms. You most likely will have tried creating programmes of your own to solve problems. It is helpful to have the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. You will have strong mathematical and analytical skills, with a passion for working out solutions to problems.
Year 1 • Fundamentals of programming • Fundamentals of data structures • Fundamentals of algorithms • Theory of computation • Fundamentals of data representation • Fundamentals of computer systems • Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture • Consequences of uses of computing • Fundamentals of communication and networking Year 2 • Fundamentals of databases • Big Data • Fundamentals of functional programming • Systematic approach to problem solving • Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project
How will I be assessed? Two exams that contribute 80% of the A-level result. A non-exam assessment project. Paper 1 : On-screen exam. 2 hours and 30 minutes. 40% of A-level. Paper 2: Written exam. 2 hours and 30 minutes. 40% of A-level. Non-exam assessment: assesses your ability to use
Where can this lead me? This course has been designed for students who wish to go on to higher education studies or employment where knowledge of computing would be beneficial. There is a huge demand for people with knowledge of coding and computing. Students can study computing and go on to a career in medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science.
What else is there? On this course we connect with a number of universities, and visits may include university computer science faculties and software development centres, places of historic interest in computer science such as Bletchley Park.
Course:
Economics
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE English Language 4 in GCSE Maths
What will I study Economics ultimately considers the allocation of society’s scarce resources amongst the many alternative uses to which they could be put. Individuals, firms and governments have to make choices. You will form opinions on a variety of different issues: should the UK government intervene in markets such as alcohol, energy, transport, housing, education or even mobile phones? What are the best policies for growth? How are we affected by other economies? What goods and services should the government provide? You will be expected to learn economic concepts and theories and be able to apply these in a variety of contexts whilst considering their value and their limitations. The Global and European Union context is relevant when studying both micro and macro economics.
How will I be assessed? Three externally assessed units at the end of the two-year A- Level programme. Each unit exam is two hours in length, with questions including short and long answer responses, data analysis and essay questions. Units 1 & 2 papers consist of data response questions requiring written answers, a choice of one response from two contexts and an essay question chosen from three options. Unit 3 paper consists of multiple choice questions and case study questions requiring written answers.
history is useful. You will probably be the sort of person who wants to know if economics is a hard science used by bankers to make money. You will be quite good at problem solving and analysing situations. Economics is now a social science of the factors influencing “well-being”. So ultimately economics students investigate and consider all the factors that influence how people can make the very most of their lives!
Where can this lead me? Economics is well established in higher education and provides opportunities for careers within government and the private sector in areas such as banking, accountancy, management and investment. It is also regarded as being a valuable support in careers such as marketing, law and journalism amongst others. Economics graduates are statistically in the very top earners category 10 years on from graduating; second only to medicine.
What else is there? You will develop a range of skills relating to, for example; research, analysis, evaluation, communication, working with others and independence. Debating competitions, conferences and off-site visits also make a valuable contribution to learning within this course.
Is this subject for me? You don’t need to have studied Economics before but having an interest in politics, world events and
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Course:
English Literature
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 5 in GCSE English Language
What will I study Throughout history the great obsessions of humankind have been explored in the form of literature. Issues of love, death and the meaning of life are ingrained in the very fabric of the novels, poems and plays featured on this course. Students study texts representing a range of periods, from the renaissance to the 20th century, and learn the value of critical and analytical approaches.
How will I be assessed? You will sit two exams. Both will be at the very end of year 13. The exams give you the opportunity to ‘explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, drawing out patterns of similarity and difference using a variety of reading strategies and perspectives.’ Paper 1: Love through the ages (3 hours) There are three sections in Paper 1 and you need to answer one question from each section. Section A is on Shakespeare and is closed book. Section B is on unseen poetry Section C is a comparison between the two other texts and is open book. This means you can take your books into the exam; however, they must not be annotated. Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts (2 hours 30 minutes) There are two sections in Paper 2. You need to answer one question from Section A. In section B there is one question on an unseen extract and one question linking two texts. Section A is on the set text . Section B Question 1 is on an unseen extract,
Question 2 is linking two texts. The whole exam is open book. This means you can take your books into the exam; however, they must not be annotated.
Is this subject for me? Discussion is central to the course, as is the development of distinctive and thoughtful responses to text. Students need to have an enthusiasm for language and creativity in every form, and willingness to debate.
Where can this lead me? Students naturally progress to university courses following A-level English Literature, the qualification would stand you in good stead to take an English degree or degrees in journalism, politics, business and teaching. Employment opportunities would be any career path that requires higher levels of communication, such as journalism, local authority, librarian, teaching (including teaching English as a foreign language) and publishing.
What else is there? There are opportunities to visit universities and engage with undergraduates and academics teaching on English Literature courses. There are often productions of Shakespeare locally and in London, which give students the chance to explore how the texts are interpreted for the stage.
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Course:
French
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 6 in GCSE French 4 in GCSE English Language
What will I study You will look at how French-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of French-speaking countries. In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of French-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. You will also study the political landscape in a French-speaking country, looking at immigration from a political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations. The extent to which teenagers are politically engaged and taking a look towards the future of political life in French-speaking society also forms part of the course.
How will I be assessed? You will be assessed on all four skills of speaking, writing, reading and listening. The speaking assessments will be conducted within the school by one of your A-level teachers. All other skills are assessed in a written exam.
Is this subject for me? A starting point would be an enjoyment of languages at GCSE level as some of the topics and the assessment methods are similar. The demands of the specification will take you a step further and develop your linguistic and cultural knowledge. To study French at A-level you will need to be rigorous in your learning and very accurate in your application of knowledge.
Where can this lead me? Linguists are increasingly in demand in all sorts of working environments. Doing a French A-level could lead to a degree in languages, linguistics, European Studies or can also be combined with most subjects at higher education level, for example law, international relations, politics, media, business or sciences. These degrees lead to a wide variety of careers including, but not limited to, translation, interpreting, teaching, publishing, journalism and marketing.
What else is there? There will be opportunities throughout the year to visit university open days to see the language specific courses that they offer. Across the duration of the course there are usually options to visit France, and you may also be interested in pairing up online with a student in a school in the south of France.
Course:
Geography
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE Geography (if taken) 4 in GCSE Science 4 in GCSE English Language
What will I study Students will study a range of different dynamic topics in both human and physical geography. This will include regenerating places, globalisation, superpower geographies, resource management which will include water security and energy security and migration, identity and sovereignty. Students will also complete an in-depth investigation into an aspect of a topic of interest. This will be completed on a five day compulsory residential field trip that takes places off site in an unfamiliar location.
How will I be assessed? Students will complete three written exams at the end of year 13. Paper 1 is the physical geography paper which is worth 30%. Students will be assessed on tectonic processes and hazards, coastal landscapes and change, the water cycle and water insecurity and the carbon cycle and energy security. Paper 2 is the human geography paper which is also worth 30%. Students will be assessed on globalisation, superpowers, regenerating places, migration, identity and sovereignty. Paper 3 is a synoptic assessment of geographical skills, knowledge and understanding (within a place based context) from compulsory content drawn from different parts of the course. It is worth 20% of the final grade. The final 20% of the course is made up of a coursework based independent investigation.
will learn often through lecture and seminar style lessons. The course also requires lots of independent learning, including students taking part in a field trip where they construct and carry out their own investigation. Students will have an ability to debate and ask geographical questions, keep up with current affairs, carry out regular wider reading and develop their essay writing skills.
Where can this lead me? There are many courses that students can go on to at university. For example BSc Geography (physical geography), BA Geography (human geography), natural hazards, environmental science, geology. Geography A-level and Geography degrees are very well recognised by employers and can lead you into a wide range of different careers. For example teaching, town planning, environmental consultant, international aid/development worker, transport planning, landscape architecture, jobs within the tourism industry and many more.
What else is there? There is a compulsory trip that will be carried out over five days at a field study centre in the West of England. A cost will be incurred for this trip, however there is bursary support available for qualifying students. There will also be opportunities to carry out local fieldwork and support on year 9 and 10 practice field trips too which will look great on your CV and UCAS application.
Is this subject for me? A-level geography is a diverse course where students
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Course:
Health & Social Care
Level:
BTEC Level 3
Entry requirements Merit in Level 2 BTEC Health and Social Care or 4 in GCSE Health and Social Care. 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature
What will I study Mandatory units: Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs Two of the following optional units: Unit 10: Sociological Perspectives Unit 11: Psychological Perspectives Unit 12: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care You will receive talks from outside speakers, and participate in extensive research as an individual and in groups, and generate the evidence needed for your portfolio in the form of assignments.
How will I be assessed? There are externally assessed units which have one exam each lasting 1.5 hours. One for Unit 1 - Human Lifespan Development and the other for Unit 2 Working in Health and Social Care. The remainder of the course is internally assessed through a mixture of written and practical assessments which will be set throughout the two years, these are graded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction for your ďŹ nal grade. All work is marked internally and each assignment will clearly outline a range of tasks which every learner will need to complete independently. All tasks are directly linked to the assessment criteria for the relevant unit.
Is this subject for me?
Health and Social Care is a very demanding course
in terms of our expectations and the volume of coursework you have to produce. You will likely have in interest in areas such as childcare, nursing, medicine, social care and other health related careers. The high level of demand of the course prepares students well for the challenges of these careers.
Where can this lead me? On successful completion, you may progress to higher education to study social care, social work, nursing, midwifery and childcare or other related courses. Students may go on to further study at university or employment.
What else is there? Students will have the opportunity to have a virtual baby for a period to experience the challenges of caring for babies. Students receive a work experience placement in a nursery, school, special school or a nursing home. Students with a specific interest in midwifery or nursing will be given priority for a placement at the Trevor Mann Special Care Baby Unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. We also have the opportunity to visit nurseries in the local area to put skills learnt into practice.
Course:
History
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 4 in English Language
What will I study Year 12 is focused on two markedly different communist states. The first is a breadth study of the USSR from 1917 to its collapse in 1991. The second is a depth study in Mao’s China from 1949-76. Both of these topics are fascinating, and the attempts of the regimes to force their interpretation of Marx’s theory on to countries not ready for change result in some of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. In year 13 you complete your coursework module on the Holocaust. You choose your own question to study, and research it yourself. Lessons become more akin to a university style seminar debate, and you develop into independent historians. The final module is on the Tudors between 1485 and 1603 and how they dramatically changed the course of British history.
How will I be assessed? Unit 1, Russia, externally assessed and is 30% of your A-level. Unit 2, China, externally assessed and is 20% of your A-level. Unit 3, Tudors, externally assessed and is 30% of your A-level. Unit 4, coursework, internally assessed and is 20% of your A-level.
weekly with chapters from key books and articles from experts. This is the joy and the challenge of the course. The highlight of teaching A-level is when top students come to lessons armed with the knowledge, and the lesson focuses on debating ideas, causes, motives and successes, rather than the teacher simply telling the story. Choose this course if you are passionate, argumentative and love reading and writing.
Where can this lead me? History at A-level is a facilitating subject, meaning that a range of university disciplines value the rigorous academic demands of the course, and will allow you into their degrees as a result. These include history, politics, law, business, international relations and many other literacy based subjects. Many journalists, politicians, lawyers, business people and teachers have backgrounds in history.
What else is there? Every year, two students are selected for a project centred around the Holocaust, which involves a trip to Auschwitz and a meeting with Holocaust survivors. This trip costs around ÂŁ50 as we heavily subsidise it. There is also potential on the course for a visit to Berlin. We also send many students on a range of lectures at Sussex, Brighton and Chichester universities, and there is a trip to London to hear expert historians debate some of the key issues of the course.
Is this subject for me? Firstly you have to love history. Secondly you need to have high levels of literacy and thirdly you need to be prepared for the academic demands of the course. There is a huge wealth of information to digest, and you need to be independent about how you go about this course. It is not merely enough to rely on the core text, you need to supplement your reading
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Course:
Mathematics & Further Mathematics
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 6 in GCSE Maths and 4 in GCSE English Literature or 4 in GCSE English Language Further Maths 7 in GCSE Maths and 4 in GCSE English Literature or 4 in GCSE English Language
What will I study You will study the new Edexcel A-level over two years. The course covers a core of pure mathematics plus applied modules in statistics and mechanics. In addition to the above, the Further Mathematics course will cover two more pure mathematics modules and a choice of a further two modules from pure, statistics, mechanics or decision mathematics.
How will I be assessed? The course will conclude with Edexcel A-level exams at the end of your Year 13. You will not sit the AS exam at the end of Year 12, but we will use the paper internally to assess your progress.
Is this subject for me? If you like solving problems, thinking logically and systematically, A-level maths is the course for you. Maths is a subject that will be challenging, however it will also be rewarding. Plus it will help you with your science, business and design A-levels. You will be taught by specialist A-level teachers providing you with five lessons of class teaching each week. Further mathematicians will receive an additional five lessons of tuition each week. There will also be lunchtime or after school support sessions, where you can bring any problems you want to work through. The course will be taught in units over the year. At
the end of each unit there will be formal assignments to complete and submit. You will be provided with online access to all the textbooks for the course. These eBooks also include many additional resources to assist student learning with self testing quizzes and exercises.
Where can this lead me? Students with A-levels in mathematics go on to study mathematics, sciences, computer science, engineering, medicine, economics and business studies at degree and masters level. They are highly sought after in employment and follow some of the most interesting and rewarding careers available. The recent development in society, from mobile phones to medical treatments and diagnosis have been created by students with mathematics and science A-levels.
What else is there? Students on the course have the opportunity to be involved in the Goldcrest scholarships which run with Ricardo, a world-leading engineering firm. Students take part in a hands-on project dealing with a real business and engineering development for Ricardo. In recent projects, this involved in looking at how oil moved with the gallery of a piston in a Ricardo engine.
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Course:
Media Studies
Level:
Cambridge Technical Level 3
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE English Language
What will I study In this vocational Media Studies course you will learn to be critical of the media products in the world around us, you will understand how advertising, TV, radio and cinema create meaning. You will explore the wide range of media industries, their ownership structures and the implications of large corporations owning many media outlets and products. The course also looks at the production processes of the media. You will learn the key conventions of media products and how they communicate to an audience. You will look into ways you can create your own products to attract a particular audience and use technology to produce and distribute them across a range of platforms. We cover print media, sound and radio and also video production. You will explore the processes that take place from the inception of ideas right through to their creation and consumption by an audience. Research methods are explored and you get to develop your own ideas for media products and pitch them to a client. We work closely with local media companies and have great connections with film and video producers, radio stations, print media companies and many more. We also have the sixth form radio station which is available for students to develop your skills and also produce content and programmes that can contribute to your assessments.
How will I be assessed? There are two external exams: • Media Products and Audiences • Pre-Production and Planning. The remaining four units will include elements of media product research and media production.
Some of the units we cover include: • Create a Media Product • The Creation and Use of Sound in Media • Plan and Pitch a Media Product • Create a Personal Media Profile. • The course is graded with a Pass, Merit and Distinction grading system.
Is this subject for me? You will be good at interpreting and evaluating written and visual texts. You will have an interest in film, TV, radio and magazines but want to find out more about how they work. You will be interested in a wide range of media products, particularly those that are outside the mainstream. You will love making your own media products and have probably already dabbled with video production. You will be committed to working on big projects, many of which require teamwork and collaboration. These can often be time consuming, so you can expect to spend extra hours creating your products.
Where can this lead me? Media Studies can lead you to further education at university in fields as diverse as sociology, English, journalism and, of course, media and film. The UK, and Brighton in particular, has a large and vibrant media industry and you could find yourself working on anything from special effects, script writing, to multimedia production or even finance.
What else is there? We have links with local film production companies as well as universities. There will be opportunities to work with academics, professionals and undergraduates in the media. We have great links for work experience to give you a real world perspective of work in the media.
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Course:
Music
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE English Language 6 in GCSE Music or ABRSM Grade 5 or above on any instrument/voice An audition will be required.
works and areas of study. Also in the exam, you would expect to find aspects of aural recognition and context; unheard/unfamiliar music; analysing and evaluating prescribed music and reflecting on music written for a purpose.
What will I study
Is this subject for me?
There are three parts to the A-level music course: performing, composing and listening. You will study a variety of genres, styles and eras of music to develop your understanding of the history of music and the development of the orchestra. You will learn to develop your composition and performance skills through a variety of formal and informal assessments.
This course would suit a keen musician with a good understanding of music theory. The dedication to practicing and developing performance skills is essential. The course is 60% coursework, 40% final exam.
How will I be assessed? Performance and composition components will be assessed externally. Together these two components equally contribute to 60% of the qualification. Listening and appraisal is a written exam which is externally assessed by OCR. The exam contributes to 40% of the qualification. The performing component consists of a recital (10-12 Minutes) which is video recorded. You will make use of musical elements, techniques and resources to interpret and communicate musical ideas with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context. This will be achieved through playing or singing solo or in an ensemble, improvising, or realising music through music technology. The composition component consists of the composition of at least two separate pieces of music; one to a brief set by OCR and one to a brief written by the learner. The combined duration of the compositions must be at least four minutes. The listening and appraising written exam requires you to respond to extracts on a CD and answer questions on the contextual study of prescribed
Where can this lead me? The A-level music course provides a full foundation for music study at higher education level, including conservatoires and universities. This can lead to a variety of music careers including: • Music Therapist • Music Educator • Session Musician and • Armed Forces Musician
What else is there? The music department offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including an orchestra, choir and steel band. You will have the opportunity to take part in concerts and performances in and around the local area. The music department has good links within the local music community and opportunities to support bands and perform with other musicians frequently arise.
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Course:
Performing Arts (Drama and Theatre)
Level:
A-level
Entry requirements 5 in GCSE English Literature
What will I study This course has a unique blend of acting and theatre production arts, and students may choose one of these routes. The qualification will provide you with the opportunity to practically explore different styles and methods of acting. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and understanding to proceed onto university to further study acting or to pursue a career in drama in education. The course will give you experience in creating your own original work, along with scripted plays and the process of working as part of a theatre company. Students are able to choose from a range of theatrical practices, including performing, lighting, sound, costume, set design, puppet creation or directing.
How will I be assessed? The qualification is made up of three components: • • •
Component 1: Drama and theatre (3 Hour written examination) Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Practical ) Component 3: Making Theatre (Practical )
Component One: Drama and theatre • Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre • Study of two set plays. • Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers • Written exam: 3 hours • Open book • 40% of A-level
Component Two: Creating Original Drama (Practical) • Process of creating devised drama • Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director) • Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner • Working notebook (40 marks) • Devised performance (20 marks) • 30% of A-level Component 3: Making theatre (Practical) • Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts , each taken from a different play • Extract 3 is performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director) • Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts • Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks) • Reflective report (20 marks) • 30% of A-level
Is this subject for me? This course will appeal to anyone with a strong interest in drama/acting but also if you have a desire to develop and increase your confidence and teamwork skills. Due to the performance and collaborative nature of the course there will be a requirement for commitment to after school rehearsals and events.
Where can this lead me? The qualification will provide you with a broad foundation of acting skills which will help enable them to proceed further into acting training or education. This could include a range of drama related degree courses at university or vocational
courses at drama schools. You could also consider employment in the performing arts industry. The course will also enable you to develop vital employability skills such as cognitive and problem-solving skills, intrapersonal skills and interpersonal skills (such as self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development). There are a range of jobs and careers that this course can lead to: • Actor/Actress • Theatre In Education Performer • Drama Arts Officer and Events Organiser • Drama Education Specialist/Examiner • Drama Therapist • Drama Lecturer/ Academic Researcher • Drama Teacher • Public Service professions such as Police, Social Work, Counsellor
What else is there? There are numerous high profile performance opportunities which include the National Theatre Connections programme in which you will have the opportunity to work with new scripts and to perform both in The Alan Strong Theatre and at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester. Participation in performing arts productions in December, February and July. We also run the annual Performing Arts Tour which takes students overseas to work with performing arts practitioners. We also run a number of trips and work with guest speakers and participate in a wide array of workshops. These include working with the Chichester Festival Theatre, West End shows and industry professionals.
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Course:
Performing Arts (Dance)
Level:
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE Dance or Grade 5 Ballet Audition required if do not have either
What will I study There are three mandatory units which will require you to develop both theoretical and practical skills in different aspects of dance. Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work: You will investigate the work of dance practitioners and develop critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of how practitioners communicate themes in their work. Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance: You will explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing skills and techniques in at least two dance styles. Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop: In this unit, you will learn how to respond to a given stimulus as part of a group, using research, discussion and practical exploration to develop performance material and later present an informal presentation of the work to an invited audience.
of external assessment are: • set tasks – you take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task • performance – you prepare for assessment over an extended window and demonstrate skills that generate some non-written evidence. Units 1 and 4 are internally assessed and will be achieved through completion of assignments, demonstrating practical and technical skills using appropriate techniques and processes. Summative assessment takes place at the end of each unit.
Is this subject for me? This course will appeal to anyone with a strong interest in dance but also those students who have a desire to develop and increase their confidence and teamwork skills. Due to the performance and collaborative nature of the course there will be a requirement for commitment to after school rehearsals and events.
Where can this lead me?
How will I be assessed?
The qualification will provide you with a broad foundation of dance skills which will help enable you to proceed further into dance training or education (a range of dance related degree courses at university or vocational courses at dance colleges), or to consider employment in the performing arts industry. The course will also enable you to develop vital employability skills such as cognitive and problem-solving skills, intra-personal skills (such as communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing) and interpersonal skills (such as self-management, adaptability and resilience, selfmonitoring and development).
Units 1 and 3 are externally assessed. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. The styles
There are a range of jobs and careers that this course can lead to.
The 4th unit is optional and will be selected to suit the skills and preferences of the cohort we have. This unit will be practical based and will further develop performance and choreography skills in a particular style of dance (such as Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap or Street Dance).
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Choreographer Community Dance Practitioner Dance Performer Dance/Arts Officer Dance Education specialist Dance Film Maker Dance Movement Therapist Dance Journalist Dance Lecturer/ Academic Researcher Dance Photographer Dance Teacher Yoga Instructor Youth Worker
What else is there? Performance Opportunities: • The Major Dance Showcase performance in March • Participation in performing arts productions throughout the year • Annual Performing Arts Tour Trips and Guest Speakers/Workshops: • University taster days • Chichester Festival Theatre • West End shows • Pineapple Studios • Industry Professionals
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Course:
Philosophy, Religion & Ethics
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 5 in GCSE English Language or Literature
What will I study During this course you will learn about the fascinating disciplines of Philosophy and Ethics. In philosophy, we start by looking at the history of western philosophy with a study of the ideas of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle before going on to look at the traditional arguments for God’s existence. You will also discover what different people mean by the terms ‘God’, ‘miracle’ and ‘religious experience’ and consider how the language we use shapes our experience of reality. You will also explore issues surrounding the afterlife and the distinction between our body and our ‘soul’. In ethics, you will look at various ethical theories and how they relate to the world around us. From the strict rule based systems of Kant to the calming motto of Situation Ethics you will discover that there is more to ethical decision making than meets the eye. You will also be forced to consider what we mean by the term ‘good’ and whether or not businesses should care about their employees, their consumers or, indeed, the environment. The Development in Christian Thought unit will allow you to explore the philosophical and ethical issues the course brings up from a Christian perspective. It will also delve deeply into the Bible and Church History.
How will I be assessed? This course is designed to be assessed exclusively at the end of Year 13. At that point each of the following units will be assessed by a separate two hour exam: 1. Philosophy of Religion 2. Religion and Ethics 3. Developments in Christian thought Each exam will be worth 33.3% of the overall qualification. There is no coursework and no
other work will count towards your final grade. It is therefore essential that all students who opt for this course realise that they will be sitting three ‘high stakes’ exams. Having said that, students will receive a extensive feedback on their essays and lots of opportunities to hone their skills in essay writing in timed conditions prior to their final exams so will be ready to excel on the day.
Is this subject for me? This course is for anybody who is fascinated by the big questions in life and who wants to find out what some of the greatest minds in human history have had to say about them. You will need to love discussing and writing about ‘ultimate questions’ (such as ‘Is there a God?’, ‘Why is there evil in the world?’, ‘How should I live?’). You will constantly be expected to share your views on these issues whilst listening respectfully to the views of others (even if you disagree with them). You will also need to want to learn more about Christianity – the largest religion in terms of number of followers in both this country and across the Earth. There is no assumed religious, philosophical or ethical knowledge though so please don’t be put off applying if you haven’t studied this subject before.
Where can this lead me? This really depends what other A-levels you do in combination but you could end up doing anything. A lot would depend on what university course you
Find out what some of the greatest minds in human history have had to say
choose to go into. If you choose to read philosophy at university you could look to go into journalism, teaching, the police, social work, law or any ‘Graduate Recruitment’ scheme which requires an academic degree. It is a very highly regarded subject. This course can lead to a range university programmes. Philosophy and Ethics is highly respected by all the top Russell Group universities. Indeed, nearly one in three students reading English at Oxford University has studied this A-level. The course is a perfect accompaniment to other humanities subjects like history or geography but it can equally show universities that you are capable of achieving well in an essay based subject if your other subjects are the likes of maths and the sciences. Many people who study philosophy A-level go on to
read philosophy at university but the range of other options available to you will depend on the other subjects you do at A-level.
What else is there? In the past we have had visits from outside speakers including a philosophy lecturer from the University of Sussex. Students have also attended a Philosophy and Ethics conference at Chichester Cathedral. These are the sort of opportunities that we will continue to offer in the future.
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Course:
Physical Education
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements
How will I be assessed?
5 in GCSE PE 4 in GCSE English Language 4 in GCSE Science One sport played to a high club or County level (currently only basketball is available within the sixth form)
The course is divided into the following sections:
What will I study Applied Anatomy and Physiology: The cardiovascular system, respiratory system, neuromuscular system, musculo-skeletal system and energy system. Skill Acquisition: transfer of skills, skill classification, learning theories, use of guidance, memory, information processing, schema theory. Sport and Society: globalisation, history of sport and sociological theories. Exercise Physiology: Diet and nutrition, training methods, periodisation, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Biomechanics: principles, Newton’s laws, levers, linear motion, angular motion, projectile motion and fluid mechanics. Sport Psychology: personality, attitudes, arousal, anxiety, aggression, motivation, achievement motivation, social facilitation, attribution theory, self-efficacy and confidence, leadership and stress management. Sport, Society and Technology: concepts of physical activity, development of elite performers, ethics, violence, drugs, law, commercialisation and technology.
70% theory (as above). 30% practical (basketball academy) 70% of the final grade comes from two theory papers covering the above topics, and 30% comes from assessment of practical performance.
Is this subject for me? You must be a high level sports performer (this is currently only open to basketball academy students) and have a keen interest in sport, fitness, and nutrition.
Where can this lead me? The course can lead to some interesting jobs and further education in sports, sciences and education. Some examples include : • Exercise Physiology • Sports Science • Fitness Management • PE Teacher • Sports Administrator • Personal Trainer • Sports Therapist • Nutritionist • Sports Development & coaching
What else is there? A popular extracurricular activity for our PE students is regular and free use of the fitness suite. We also organise trips to Wimbledon and there are regular basketball coaching sessions and fixtures against local and national teams. As part of the Basketball Academy, you will be in regular morning training sessions to support and grow your skills and fitness as a basketballer. You will also participate in regular ABL (Academy Basketball League) fixtures.
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Course:
Physics
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 6 in two Science GCSEs inc. Physics 6 in GCSE Maths.
What will I study You will study the world of physics including: Year 12 Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics Module 2 – Foundations of physics Module 3 – Forces and motion Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons Year 13 Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
How will I be assessed? Breadth in physics Assesses content from all four modules. 70 marks written paper 1 hour 30 minutes 50% of the AS Depth in physics Assesses content from all four modules. 70 marks written paper 1 hour 30 minutes 50% of the AS Modelling physics Content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. 100 marks written paper, 2 hours 15 minutes 37% of the AS Exploring physics Content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. 100 marks written paper, 2 hours 15 minutes 37% of the AS Unified physics
Synoptic paper: Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). 70 marks written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes 26% of A-level Practical Endorsement You will complete 12 required practical tasks that will be examined in paper 1 or 2. You will then pass or fail your practical endorsement which will be reported separately.
Is this subject for me? Getting a physics A-level is hard work, which is why it is so well respected by employers and universities. You will need to be reflective and motivated to make improvements in areas that you identify as weaker topics. Outside of lessons you will also be expected to develop your own revision notes using the specification throughout the course. At the end of it all you will have great prospects for university degrees and physicists are in very high demand so your earning potential and employability will rocket.
Where can this lead me? Physics can lead to a range of degrees in and out of Science. Degree courses include marine physics; astrophysics; audio technology; aircraft engineering and software engineering. An A-level qualification is accepted as an exceptional gateway to most careers, and most physics related degrees also require an A-level in maths. Just a small selection of the careers you could follow include: • Lecturer • Engineer • Research Scientist • Software Engineer • Project Manager • Radiographer
• • • • • • • •
Banking Finance Management Consultancy Teaching Computing Medical Physics Civil Service Architecture
What else is there? We have strong links with SEPnet lab at the University of Sussex physics department, and students will be able to visit the lab. We also have excellent links with the world-leading engineering firm Ricardo. Students on the physics course get to visit regularly, work with engineers and there are options for students to pursue the highly regarded CREST Gold Award. We are also a hub school for the Institute for Research in Schools, which means you can get involved in a wide range of real world scientific projects with the likes of CERN and NASA.
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Course:
Psychology
Level:
A-Level
Entry requirements 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature 4 in GCSE Maths
What will I study The course is split into 12 modules: approaches in psychology, research methods, social influence, memory, schizophrenia, memory, attachment, relationships, psychopathology, issues and debates, biopsychology and forensic psychology
How will I be assessed? There will be three exams of two hour duration at the end of the second year. This is a linear two year course. Each exam carries equal weighting.
Is this subject for me? “Why would you do that?” is a question we often ask of people, especially frustrating people. Psychology is the study of human behaviour and the mind and the thoughts and environmental factors that influence or even dictate our actions. Why do some people struggle to maintain a relationship whilst others flourish? Why do some succumb to addiction whilst others do not? Psychology can offer answers to these questions. It is an intellectually demanding subject that requires a lot of extra reading and thorough and well-planned written answers. It is where science meets humanities and as such is a fascinating subject for the intellectually curious. If you study psychology you’ll be able to hone your analytical and organisational skills and learn about scientific research methods, including collecting and working with data. Learning about human behaviour can also help to build your communication skills and improve your teamwork and leadership skills. Be warned however, there is a huge amount of content to be learned and an independent attitude must be taken.
Where can this lead me? Psychology is useful for any job that requires lots of interaction or an understanding of human behaviour and development and psychologists have excellent communication and active listening skills. People with skills in psychology are sought after in business, management, teaching, research, social work and careers in medicine and healthcare. If you are interested in studying the subject at degree and post-graduate level in order to become a psychologist, you can work in a huge range of areas including: Sports – helping athletes to build mental strategies to improve their performance and handle pressure. Education – studying child development and helping children experiencing difficulties with their education. Clinical and counselling – treating people with mental health needs. Forensic - assessing and treating criminal behaviour, which can involve working with offenders and victims of crime. Occupational – aiming to increase the effectiveness of an organisation and improve job satisfaction. Neuropsychology – studying how the physical function of the brain affects the way we behave and helping to treat people suffering from brain injuries.
What else is there? There are opportunities to visit the home of Sigmund Freud in London and the Ford Open Prison.
Course:
Sport
Level:
Level 3 BTEC
Entry requirements 4 in English Language or Literature 4 in GCSE Maths
What will I study You will study 4 units throughout the 2 year course. These include: • Anatomy and Physiology (externally assessed). • Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Exercise and Well Being (externally assessed). • Professional Development in the Sports Industry (Internally assessed). • Sports Leadership OR Practical Sports Performance
How will I be assessed?
• • • • • • • •
Fitness Management PE Teacher Sports Administrator Personal Trainer Sports Therapist Nutritionist Sports Development Sports Coaching
What else is there? The PE and sports department organise a wide range of sporting activities which include regular, free access to our fitness suite. We arrange trips to Wimbledon and host regular basketball coaching and fixtures throughout the year.
Unit 1 is a 1.5 hour exam which covers the body systems, structure, function, and the factors affecting them. Short and long term effects of exercise on each system. Unit 2 is a 2.5 hour supervised written task, set and marked by the exam board. The two other units are internally assessed coursework units which are divided into smaller, individual assignments.
Is this subject for me? Students must have a keen interest in sport, fitness, and nutrition. You will most likely participate in sports outside of the sixth form and show a keen interest in a wide range of physical activities. We have a fitness suite available to enhance learning and fitness.
Where can this lead me? Students studying a sports qualification can progress onto further study at university or move into employment. These include • Exercise Physiology • Sports Science
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wsix.co.uk t: 01903 767434 e: hello@wsix.co.uk W6 Sixth Form, The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, Upper Boundstone Lane, Lancing, BN15 9QZ