Sixth Form 2022 - 24 Where girls learn without limits
The best education, the best friends and the best start to adult life.
The stepping stone to your future Studying at NHSG Sixth Form is an important stepping stone to your future, placing you firmly on the road to success at university, in your career and preparing you to take your place in adult society. Our Academic Programme is focused on choice; choice says that not everyone is the same; choice says that there are different ways of reaching your goal. In Sixth Form you will take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) based on a topic in which you are passionately interested or a Gold Arts Award alongside three A Levels. You will no doubt already be considering your A Level options. My advice to you when choosing your A Level subjects is to follow the subjects you love because they will be the ones in which you are most likely to achieve high grades. There are many different A Level combinations so do talk to your teachers and current Sixth Formers. We will not tie you to conventional ideas of what goes with what, though we will offer advice. Combine Physics with Art if that appeals to you. Being in the Sixth Form is less about being taught and more about intellectual challenge and our seminar style classes will give you plenty of opportunities for discussion and enquiry. We won’t just lead you through course specifications – we want you to share ideas, explore around and across subjects, take unexpected directions and break new ground. It is for all these reasons and more that girls at NHSG achieve excellent results in their examinations. The NHSG Sixth Form Enrichment Programme will also form an important part of your Sixth Form experience. Our Enrichment Programme will challenge the way you think as well as broaden your horizons. You will develop new skills through the varied opportunities we offer and you will receive practical advice for life after school. You can expect superb support and guidance in preparing your application for higher education and in planning your future career path. Our co-curricular programme provides an impressive array of clubs and societies, some for fun and some that will support you in your choice of university or career. If you can’t find the club for you, set up a new one! In addition there are opportunities to get involved in international activities such as a three week trip to Africa to help with a community project. These will give you an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures and environments. Leadership opportunities abound too. Alongside the Head Girl Team are girls who form the Sixth Form leadership team comprising the many roles that help make our school such a special community. During your time in Sixth Form you will build a close working relationship with your subject staff and your personal tutor and, as Director of Sixth Form, I will oversee your progress. We want you to enjoy your time in Sixth Form so that you can achieve your ambitions. The Sixth Form at Newcastle High School for Girls is sociable, lively, stimulating and challenging. It is hard work and great fun and if you participate enthusiastically, you will achieve excellent results and develop a passion for learning that I hope will stay with you for life.
Mrs H Harrison Director of Sixth Form
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Welcome to the Sixth Form An exceptional education
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Life in our Sixth Form
07 NHSG Sixth Form Scholar Awards 09 Our Enrichment Programme 13 Preparing for the future 17
Our Academic Programme
Course information by subject 20 Art & Design: Fine Art; Textile Design;
31 Information Technology
32 Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Graphic Communication
21 Biology
33 Modern Foreign Languages: French; German; Spanish
22 Business Studies
34 Music
23 Chemistry 24 Classics: Latin; Classical Civilisation 25 Dance 26 Drama and Theatre 27 Economics 28 English Literature 29 Geography 30 History
35 Philosophy 36 Physical Education 37 Physics 38 Politics 39 Psychology 40 Religious Studies 41
GCSE Requirements for Sixth Form
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Life in our Sixth Form is all about new challenges. 04 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Life in our Sixth Form Life in our Sixth Form is different from the rest of the School. You will enjoy more freedom and choice as well as face more challenges. In the Sixth Form you will follow an academic programme which will include your A Levels and study for the Extended Project Qualification or Gold Arts Award. You will also embark upon an enrichment programme to extend your knowledge and skills and help you make the most of your time in Sixth Form. Our aim is to ensure that you achieve the highest possible grades at A Level and to prepare you for university and the world beyond School. You will be taught in our tutorial rooms but will also take advantage of all the Senior School facilities. You will have first rate resources and technology on hand and plenty of space for independent and private study, including a library exclusively for Sixth Form use. We also operate a Bring Your Own Device system meaning that you use your own laptop or tablet in school to enable seamless working between lessons, study time and home. NHSG Sixth Formers also have exclusive access to the Sixth Form Common Room, a space where all Sixth Form girls can relax. The Common Room bistro, Café Six, is open all day offering nutritious breakfasts and snacks. You can choose to have a café-style lunch here or enjoy a three course lunch in the school dining area. In the Sixth Form you will be treated as a young adult, with all the responsibility that entails; you will also be supported and guided through your studies. We want you to immerse yourself in Sixth Form life, take full advantage of the opportunities open to you and play your part as a member of the community that is Newcastle High School for Girls. Here are some suggestions from some of our past Sixth Form pupils to help you make the most of your two years in Sixth Form.
opportunity to focus on the subjects you love, in order to deepen your understanding and help you to discover where they will take you in the future. I have enjoyed the extra responsibility of taking learning into my own hands and the freedom to make my own decisions and explore my individuality.” “The variety of Sixth Form life has enabled me to explore a wide range of subjects and skills, helping me to become a well-rounded individual, ready for life outside of the classroom. Co-curricular clubs and societies, the Sixth Form Dance Company and the annual Charity Fashion Show are just a few ways in which I have developed new skills and expanded my friendship groups, helping to form a community of enthusiastic and hard-working young people.” “Pursuing an EPQ has helped me to further develop my independent research and evaluative skills, which will be valuable for life beyond school. My confidence has increased as my presentation techniques have improved and I have enjoyed studying a subject of my choice that is entirely unique to me.” “Sport is embedded in our school life and allows us to build a strong bond with team players and strengthen links between Year Groups, as we strive for the highest results. Our school prides itself on providing endless sporting opportunities and we look forward to future Sports Tours abroad. There are opportunities to try a wider range of sports in lessons and the prospect of becoming a Sports Captain encourages us to build on our teamwork and leadership skills.” “Trips in Sixth Form offer a wide variety of experiences for each individual girl and her interests. From theatre visits for Drama, to Psychology lectures in Edinburgh to Parliament debates in London for Politics, there is something on offer for everyone. Trips are an exciting way to further your interest in your A Level curriculum, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
“Life in Sixth Form provides a challenging but exciting
The Learning Resources Centre Whatever your subjects for A Level, the School Libraries will help you locate the resources you need. With a stock of more than 10,000 volumes, the Sixth Form Library and Learning Resources Centre support all Advanced Level subjects, and aim to stimulate broader interests through a wide variety of books and periodicals. We also provide online subscription resources, including JSTOR which is one of the world’s most trusted sources for academic content, providing access to over a thousand academic journals and a huge bank of images. Both the Sixth Form Library and the LRC offer study tables and a quiet, pleasant atmosphere for private study. The Sixth Form Library is exclusive to the Sixth Form and contains books specifically aimed at A Level courses.
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At NHSG, I have the freedom to be the girl I want to be. 06 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
NHSG Sixth Form Scholar Awards Available at Year 12 entry, these non-means-tested awards recognise academic excellence and are based on a satisfactory personal statement and exceptional performance in the Sixth Form Scholars’ Examination and Interview. Those awarded will receive a remission of school fees of up to 30% per year for the duration of Year 12 and 13.
The assessment process for a Sixth Form Scholar Award is as follows: •
Girls are required to complete a personal statement
•
Girls will also need to complete a NHSG Sixth Form Scholars’ Examination and can choose between:
•
A Mathematics exam which will comprise three sections: Algebra, Number, and Trigonometry. The questions will be at the higher GCSE level (Grades 7-9) and involve applying skills to a variety of mathematical problems.
NHSG Head’s Scholar Award This prestigious award is reserved for the girl who achieves the highest combined result in the Sixth Form Scholars’ Award Process and demonstrates all-round academic ability. The award is for the value of up to a 30% remission of school fees. NHSG Sixth Form Scholar Awards NHSG Scholar Awards are reserved for girls who perform exceptionally well in the Sixth Form Scholars’ Award Process and demonstrate all-round academic ability. NHSG Sixth Form Scholar Awards are available for the value of up to a 20% remission of school fees. The actual number and amounts awarded will be dependent on the performance of the pupils involved in the Award Process. Making an application Parents of pupils who are joining NHSG for the first time are required to complete the school entrance application form after which their daughter will be required to undergo our entrance assessment process which includes: • Providing their most recent set of predicted GCSE grades • Providing a recent report from their current school
OR •
An essay-based exam requiring intelligent discussion of a question about a topical, philosophical or general theme.
Both papers are one hour in length. Your daughter will then be invited to an interview with members of the School’s Senior Leadership Team to discuss her personal statement and her examination paper. The deadline for submission of your daughter’s personal statement is Wednesday 15th December 2021 and this should be sent by email to admissions@ncl.gdst.net. The examination will be held on Saturday 15th January 2022 and interviews will also take place in January 2022. Please note: A girl receiving a NHSG Sixth Form Scholar Award is expected to show dedication and commitment to her studies throughout her time at NHSG.
• Advising on preferred choice of subjects for A Level Study
A Scholar Award may be combined with a Bursary Award which is subject to means-testing.
• Attending an interview with members of the School’s Senior Leadership Team
Personal Statements received after 15th December 2021 will not be considered.
Pupils currently in Year 11 at NHSG (and who were therefore assessed for entrance when they joined the School), will be required to meet the minimum GCSE grades for Sixth Form, as set out in this brochure, in order to be eligible for a Sixth Form Scholar Award.
The School’s decision on awards is final and will be confirmed in March 2022.
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Our diverse enrichment programme brings another dimension to Sixth Form life. 08 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Our Enrichment Programme The Sixth Form Enrichment Programme opens up a world of opportunities to explore and discover. The aim of the programme is to learn something that goes beyond your chosen A Level courses and enriches you as an individual, enhancing your understanding of the world around you.
Our Enrichment Programme includes: • GDST Limitless Learning • Cross-school Societies • Voluntary Service • CEF Programme • PSHE and Personal Development • Physical Education
Cross-School Societies Cross-school societies give girls the opportunity to learn, discuss, take action and be heard with students from all other GDST schools. The Undivided Society works towards changes we can make across the network that will have a lasting impact on school harmony. The Eco Society gives girls the opportunity to use the scale of the GDST to amplify voices and bring about positive changes for the environment. The Active Citizen society provides opportunities to influence decisions, improve communities and solve problems together. Mental Health is increasingly in the spotlight and the Wellbeing Society supports looking after each other and providing strategies to thrive despite current challenges.
• Young Language Leader Award option
PHSE and Personal Development
• Trips and Visits
Personal, Social and Health Education lessons provide you with guidance in a variety of areas such as managing stress, how to stay safe and developing a healthy lifestyle. In addition, you will meet with your Form Tutor every term to discuss your progress and Personal Development Plan. These meetings are designed to support you in reaching your goals.
• Co-curricular Activities
GDST Limitless Learning The GDST Limitless Learning programme brings together the expertise of the whole GDST family, teachers, alumnae and pupils. It draws on our unique family to offer an outstanding range of opportunities to support your studies beyond the curriculum, to guide you in your planning for university as well as advice on careers and so much more from our own amazing network of GDST Alumnae. Voluntary Service Every girl is encouraged to volunteer in the local community in some way; perhaps by working with children, disabled people or the elderly. Sixth Form girls have been involved in a wide range of volunteering roles including working for the SHINE project and being part of the Science is my Superpower STEM scheme in conjunction with Newcastle University. Both projects involve working to raise aspirations of local primary school children, supported by our teachers and our partner schools, Sixth Form volunteers and staff from the university. During the programme, the Sixth Form volunteers are role models and mentors to the participating children and they are encouraged to discuss life outside of school as well as educational aspirations. The Sixth Form volunteers also learn how to manage, lead and motivate the children taking part.
Physical Education
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy With this in mind, PE is compulsory in Sixth Form. It is our hope that you can find an activity that you enjoy and will therefore continue into adulthood. We offer a range of activities for individuals in which small groups and teams can participate and there is also the opportunity to use our state-ofthe-art fitness suite. The programme we offer will reflect the interests of the girls involved. Participation is key to a healthy lifestyle and making sure you enjoy the sessions and therefore want to do more is our ultimate goal.
Careers, Employability and Your Future (CEF) Programme Through the CEF Programme, you will hear from a variety of speakers on topics relevant to Careers, Employability and your Future. Recent lectures have included transferrable skills from London School of Economics, choosing courses from Sheffield University and 21st century recruitment from GDST.
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Young Language Leader Award
Trips and Visits
You will have the option to take this Award to enhance and develop your leadership skills. You don’t have to be studying a language at A Level to participate.
There are many trips and visits organised for the girls in Sixth Form both in this country and abroad. The following is simply a selection of the brilliant opportunities on offer, subject to any restrictions caused by Covid-19.
The Young Language Leader Award aims to teach young people how to lead others through basic language activities by working to develop their communication, organisation and motivational skills. You will be involved in helping with or organising clubs and one-to-one lessons to Senior School girls in Years 7 to 11.
Those taking Modern Languages can enjoy travel to France, Germany and Spain where they are encouraged to carry out work placements in the host language. Those taking A Level English have the opportunity to join a weekend study trip, where they immerse themselves in literature. Girls taking Biology benefit from a residential field trip to the Cranedale Centre in Yorkshire and those taking Physics have visited CERN in Switzerland.
Tutored hours: 30 in the year Course content: Unit 1 – Planning, preparing and assisting in a simple language activity. Unit 2 – Communicating and motivating participants in a simple language activity. Unit 3 – Cultural understanding of the chosen country’s language. Unit 4 – Compendium of simple games and activities for the Language Leader to use with younger girls. Unit 5 – Organisation and leading of a language festival for younger pupils. Unit 6 – Demonstration of leadership skills through the coaching of others in languages. Course assessment A portfolio of evidence of the activities carried out with younger pupils and the leadership skills developed through the coaching of others in languages.
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The Drama and Dance departments offer trips to theatres, museums and exhibitions locally and in London and have previously visited New York. There have been Politics trips to visit the Houses of Parliament in London and also to the USA. The History department provide the opportunity to visit Berlin where they spend time exploring this fascinating history and its rich history. The Sports staff arrange a biennial sports tour. Locations for previous tours have included South Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka. There are also regular ski trips and numerous excursions to Regional and National competitions, where girls may compete against sister GDST schools. An exciting three week trip to Africa to help with a community project, usually in Kenya or Tanzania, is another option for girls in Sixth Form. You will be invited to attend lectures, workshops and other events of interest in order to consolidate and extend your learning as well as to help you to develop a real passion for your chosen subjects.
Co-Curricular Activities We have an extraordinarily wide range of co-curricular activities on offer at Newcastle High School for Girls and we encourage every girl to get involved. Below is an indication of some of the activities and societies you can get involved in: • Art and Design competitions and exhibitions
• Hockey
• Badminton
• Jazz Band
• Choir
• Junior School Activities
• Claudia Thompson Law Society
• Knitting Society
• Cross Country
• Lunchtime Musical Recitals
• Current Affairs Society
• Medical Society
• Dance Clubs
• Modern Language Conversation Club
• Debating
• Orchestra
• Dental Society
• PsychSoc
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Sixth Form and Staff Reading Group
• Engineering Education Scheme
• STEM Club
• Ethics Film Club
• Trampolining
• Football • GDST Lead Project • Go Green • Guitar Group • Gymnastics • History Society
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We will support you as you make decisions about your future. 12 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Preparing for the future Whatever you want to study, we will prepare you well for the future. Almost all girls go on to university or Art, Drama and Music Schools. Every year we have a significant number of girls achieving places at Russell Group institutions in a vast range of subject areas. To help you make the right choice, we have a substantial programme of activities and support. Oxbridge candidates are able to attend a GDST Conference to help support them while making their applications. Girls wanting to pursue Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science have specialist support and opportunities to practise interview technique. Our Sixth Form Team including our Head of Careers are on hand to guide and support all girls in their choice of course and university. We also explore alternative routes such as taking a higher apprenticeship, spending a year in industry or joining the Armed Forces. Whatever route you choose, you will be assigned a personal tutor to help you with your application and Personal Statement and the Director of Sixth Form and Head will meet with you to discuss your application to ensure it is the best that it can be. NHSG Careers The NHSG Careers programme aims to open your eyes to a wide range of career options and put you in touch with professionals from a wide range of businesses and organisations. As well as our biennial Careers fair, we will be inviting a variety of speakers to School to tell you more about their careers and to offer you advice as you begin to focus on your choices for higher education and beyond. In addition to this, various careers-based activities run throughout the year, such as the NHSG Higher Education Conference, a GDST Oxbridge Conference and the UCAS Day for Year 12. There will be many opportunities throughout Sixth Form to gain specific insight into specialist career areas and university applications through our CEF programme (Careers, Employment and your Future). Acquiring Additional Skills It is important that you develop skills for life beyond your academic studies. Our enrichment activities are further strengthened in Sixth Form by the GDST CareerStart programme designed to help girls develop the skills they will need for university and the workplace. Girls in Year 12 attend a networking workshop and then have to host their own networking event attended by local business leaders and VIPs; it is a challenging experience but highly valuable and praised by employers.
GDST Insight days Through the GDST, we offer Insight Days with businesses to help Sixth Form girls learn more about industry and employment and gain commercial awareness. The GDST run these in partnership with businesses such as PWC, Barclays, Siemens, InterQuest, Broadway Malyan, Rolls Royce and Engie. These Insight days provide girls with crucial exposure to genuine working environments, the opportunity to network with senior professionals and to gain a valuable insight into the competitive graduate recruitment market – something which is becoming increasingly important. GDST Scholarships and Awards Another of the significant benefits of being part of the Girls’ Day School Trust is the number of special scholarships and awards for which girls can apply. These are unique to the GDST and include: • GDST Travel Scholarships • GDST Creative Writing Prize • Johnston Memorial Scholarship for Law • Minerva Prize for all-round achievement • Pearson & Silver Awards for financial assistance in attending courses or meetings with a classical content • Frederica Lord University Scholarship and Lorna Cocking Scholarship • Laurie Magnus Poetry Prize • Anne Hogg Modern Foreign Languages Prize • Somerville and Gurney Awards GDST Life and Rungway GDST Life allows our family of 25 schools to collaborate and share expertise to help girls learn without limits. Our network of alumnae is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world, a community of women from all walks of life and around the globe who are there to support and inspire each other. GDST Life is the gateway to this community. You can access it from any device and it allows you to connect with pupils from across the GDST who share your interests, to get involved with GDST-wide groups, societies and events, and learn new things on topics that matter to you such as wellbeing, university applications and the world of work. You can also take advantage of Rungway, our mentoring app, to ask GDST alumnae the questions you have about future study, career options and life after school. You can sign up to Rungway at www.go.rungway.com/gdst.
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GDST Alumnae Network
GDST Life for Alumnae
Even when the Sixth Form years are over, results received and university places accepted, we will continue to help. All girls join the unique GDST Alumnae Network – a powerful and supportive group of over 75,000 women offering a gateway to professional and social coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities.
We’ve already referenced GDST Life, the platform that links you with GDST Sixth Form pupils and a wealth of information to guide you through the Sixth Form. Once you have left school, you will be able to tap even further into the benefits of being part of this unique network. You will be able to meet up with GDST alumnae at universities, find a mentor or become one yourself, and join professional networking groups all designed to help you throughout your life and career.
You don’t need to wait to become an alumna to benefit from the network. When you join the Sixth Form at NHSG you automatically become a member of the GDST Alumnae Network and can take full advantage of everything it offers. Work In addition to the careers support you receive from staff in school, the GDST Alumnae Network can also put you in touch with people in all kinds of jobs, who can tell you about their own experiences and the routes they took to get there. You can also apply for work experience with GDST alumnae who are happy to help. In addition, we have relationships with a number of major employers who offer Insight Days. We can provide advice, examples, opinions, opportunities for personal experience – everything you need to help choose the career path that is right for you.
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The academic programme ensures we are challenged to be our best and overcome obstacles. 16 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Our Academic Programme Our Academic Programme is designed to allow you to pursue the subjects you love, to develop and acquire new skills and prepare you for university and beyond. You will:
Gold Arts Award
• Study three A Level subjects – see course options on page 18
The Gold Arts Award is a Level 3 qualification in Arts and is the highest recognition of your abilities as a creative arts leader.
• Undertake an Extended Project Qualification (the equivalent of an AS Level, which is completed in Year 12). This qualification is greatly prized by universities including Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities. Alternatively you have the option to take a Gold Arts Award. • Take part in a full enrichment programme Extended Project Qualification The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) assesses your ability to carry out research and work independently. It enables you to step outside the confines of your A Level courses and work on something in which you are passionately interested. You have 120 hours to complete a project on a topic of your choice. Most girls will be expected to undertake the EPQ.
At Gold level, you are working as an arts practitioner while broadening your horizons within the arts world. Working at this level will extend your creativity, communication, planning, teamwork and leadership skills, and will support your progression through any education, training or career pathway. Unit 1 – Personal Arts Development Unit 2 – Arts Projects Leadership During contact time with your teacher you will plan your work and keep a record by creating your own Arts Award portfolio. You can pick your own style of portfolio – this could be a diary, video, website blog – or something different.
An important aspect of EPQ is the taught element. All girls in Year 12 attend three lessons every fortnight on study skills, incorporating independent learning, research, academic writing and presentation skills. This programme promotes invaluable skills that are highly sought by universities and employers. When you undertake an EPQ, you will then build on these skills to conduct your own research and produce a 5,000 word project. You will be assessed on the project, a presentation given to your peers, teachers and invited guests, and a log that you create to outline the different stages of your research journey. It is important to understand that, although a member of staff will be your supervisor, all work must be your own and the responsibility for keeping on track is yours alone. The EPQ is demanding but rewarding. Recent titles have included: • Is there a link between the western diet and the development of ADHD? • How valuable is enhanced interrogation to international counter-terrorism efforts? • Are non secular states more socially harmonious than secular states?
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A Level Courses The table below outlines the subjects we offer at A Level.* If you would like to discuss your subject choices you are welcome to contact any of the staff listed below. Director of Sixth Form
Mrs H Harrison
h.harrison@ncl.gdst.net
Subject
Head of Department
Art: Fine Art; Graphic Communication;
Miss A Goldie
a.goldie@ncl.gdst.net
Biology
Mrs Waton
e.waton@ncl.gdst.net
Business Studies
Mr C Gibb
c.gibb@ncl.gdst.net
Chemistry
Dr D Raymond
d.raymond@ncl.gdst.net
Classical Civilisation
Mrs N Cameron
n.cameron@ncl.gdst.net
Dance
Mrs D Hylton
d.hylton@ncl.gdst.net
Drama and Theatre
Mrs A Dobson
a.dobson@ncl.gdst.net
Economics
Mr A Gouge
a.gouge@ncl.gdst.net
English Literature
Ms S Emmett
s.emmett@ncl.gdst.net
French
Mr G Bignot
g.bignot@ncl.gdst.net
Geography
Mrs S Mawhinney
s.mawhinney@ncl.gdst.net
German
Mrs Robinson
s.robinson@ncl.gdst.net
History
Mr D Hyde
d.hyde@ncl.gdst.net
Information Technology
Mr L Willis
l.willis@ncl.gdst.net
Mathematics
Mrs J Tasker
j.tasker@ncl.gdst.net
Music
Mr D Newey
d.newey@ncl.gdst.net
Physical Education
Mrs A Wilson
a.wilson@ncl.gdst.net
Physics
Mr Morton
a.morton@ncl.gdst.net
Politics
Mr D Hyde
d.hyde@ncl.gdst.net
Psychology
Mrs A Robinson
a.robinson@ncl.gdst.net
Religious Studies
Mrs L Dodd
l.dodd@ncl.gdst.net
Ms Estevez-Blanca
a.estevez-blanca@ncl.gdst.net
Textile Design
Latin
Further Mathematics
Philosophy Spanish
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The breadth of subjects available is brilliant. NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 19
Art and Design Would you like to embark on an artistic journey of selfdiscovery in your Sixth Form studies? The Art department provides a space in which creative and artistic imagination can take flight. It is somewhere that nurtures essential skills and expressive possibilities. Art and Design A Levels at NHSG offer you an opportunity to fully develop and explore your chosen specialism(s), such as Fine Art, Graphic Communication and/or Textile Design whilst expanding your knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of specialist areas. You will develop a deep understanding of your chosen specialism and the ability to critically evaluate your own work and the work of others. You are able to tailor the course to fit your individual needs, choices and aspirations in order to follow your chosen route through to further or higher education or the workplace. All courses lead to an Art and Design qualification. Specialist options are available: Fine Art, Textile Design, Graphic Communication. If you are hoping to enter the Art world you may choose more than one A Level from the options available. What you will study For this A Level, the coursework comes in the form of projects which include research linked to historical and cultural references. The examination is simply another project produced in response to one of many questions offered on an examination paper and carried out over a period of several weeks. Fine Art A Level Fine Art concerns painting, drawing, collage, sculptural pieces and printing. It is a broad course which allows for personal development in all the traditional areas of Art. We have strong traditions in Fine Art. Textile Design A Level This subject involves textile printing with screens and stencils, dyeing, felt making, fashion and accessory design, machine embroidery and decorative techniques. The manipulation of textiles is created mainly for fashion but can also be used for one-off art pieces or as art for interior design. Graphic Communication A Level This course combines two or more of the following: • Designing book jackets, CD covers, posters and brochures, logos and symbols, page layouts and visual communication of information. • Illustration and advertising for a chosen product. • Package Design – aesthetic and functional package design for specific products.
Examination Board – OCR 20 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Graphic Communication can also involve creating visual meaning through Art by an expressive or interpretative response to still and moving imagery achieved through lens-based media. The course encourages the use of digital imagery through using software such as Photoshop combined with imagination and flair. How you will be assessed Component One: Personal Investigation (60% of the overall A Level mark) This involves creating the following in the chosen area of study. (i) a portfolio of practical work showing your personal response to either a starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus, devised and provided by you with advice and support from your teacher. (ii) a related study: an extended response of a guided minimum of 1000 words. Personal Investigation - 120 marks Non-examination assessment (internally assessed and externally moderated) Component Two: Externally Set Task (40% of the overall A Level mark) The early release paper will be issued on 1 February by OCR and will provide a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. A response should be based on one of these options. Externally set task - 80 marks 15 hour examination after a preparation period from February to May Non-examination assessment (internally assessed and externally moderated) What this course can lead to There are many Art and Design based careers. Employers are looking for creative minds to work in all areas of their companies. An A Level in an Art and Design will give you the skills that are prized by today’s employers. The options for someone with a creative mind are abundant and varied. They could include Fashion Design, Teaching, Product Design, Editorial work, Museum and Gallery work, Architecture, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Filmmaking, Photography, Gaming, Media work, Set Design, App and Web Design, Interior Design, Furniture Design... the list goes on.
Biology Biology is the ‘science of life’ and as such will give you a broad appreciation of the world of living organisms. Pick up a newspaper or listen to the news on television and Biology will never be far from the headlines; from the outbreak of pandemics to the clearing of the rainforests, questions are being asked of biologists every day. As well as diverse and interesting subject knowledge, the course encourages an understanding of current issues related to Biology, how scientists work and how they investigate scientific problems and use the evidence they collect to draw conclusions. You will be encouraged to question the reliability of results and the validity of conclusions. Scientific advances have greatly improved the quality of life for many people. You will look at some of these advances and the impact they have had. The course will also enable you to develop your own research and investigative skills. It is a practical science in which you will carry out experimental work, investigating ideas and theories. What you will study The Year 12 course covers the human digestive system, the heart and the gas exchange system and shows how an understanding of the way they work allows us to appreciate how disease affects our bodies. You will also be introduced to topics such as biological molecules, enzymes, cell structure and how substances get into and out of cells. Biodiversity, variation and its causes are also covered. It considers the range of living organisms, some of the ways they are similar to each other and how they differ. It also looks at the enormous impact humans have on biodiversity. The topic of ecology forms an important theme in the second year of the A Level course. You will be studying the features of communities and ecosystems in order to understand how the sustainability of resources depends on managing the conflict between human need and conservation. Field work techniques will be taught during a compulsory three day residential course at Cranedale Field Study Centre in Yorkshire. You will look at some of the ways in which animals are able to detect stimuli and respond to them. This will allow you to realise that in this way they increase the probability of their survival by moving away from harmful environments and maintaining optimal internal conditions for their metabolism. You will also become aware of the way in which DNA controls the metabolic activities of cells and some of the medical and technological applications that have resulted from this knowledge.
Year 12 • Biological molecules • Cells • Organisms exchange substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Year 13 • 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 you will be assessed You will sit all examinations at the end of Year 13. There are three 2 hour written examinations: Paper 1 and Paper 2 are each worth 35% of the A Level qualification Paper 3 is worth 30% of the A Level qualification and includes a 25 mark essay from a choice of two titles Practical Assessment Practical assessments have been divided into those that can be assessed in written examinations and those that can only be directly assessed whilst you are carrying out experiments. A Level grades will be based only on marks from written examinations. A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A Level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of your competency in a range of skills. What this course can lead to Many A Level pupils go on to study Biology related subjects at university, others follow careers in other fields. Biology complements artistic, technological and other scientific outlooks, and can lead to a variety of careers including: Accountancy, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Environmental Sciences, Law, Molecular Biology, Medicine, Nutrition, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Teaching and Veterinary Science amongst many others. Biology is a requirement for studying Medicine and Dentistry in many universities.
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 21
Business Studies Business Studies is a subject which is constantly developing. Today’s news is tomorrow’s Business Studies question. The subject deals with the various functions of a business such as Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Operations Management and Human Resources. It also looks at the effect of outside bodies, such as the government, on businesses, as well as studying the objectives and strategies which businesses adopt. If you have an interest in running your own company one day or going on to study business-related courses at university such as Management, Accounting or Marketing, then Business Studies A Level is the subject for you.
Year 13
Business Studies is a new subject to most girls when they enter the Sixth Form at Newcastle High School for Girls. For girls taking this subject we would prefer them to have achieved a Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English. This is because the course will require you to handle and interpret data and calculate financial ratios.
You will be assessed at the end of Year 13 through three 2 hour examinations.
What you will study Year 12 In Year 12, we focus on the market in which businesses operate and external influences on them. You also learn about the different functional areas of a business including Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Human Resources and Operations Management. From the outset you will be building on your skills in using and interpreting quantitative data. You will also be encouraged to put theory into practice by setting up your own start-up business.
Examination Board – AQA 22 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
In Year 13, we continue to study the functional areas of a business but with a greater focus on achieving business objectives and strategy. You will explore strategic decisionmaking such as the influences of Corporate Social Responsibility, difficulties in forecasting trends and the importance of assessing feasibility and risk when making decisions. We will also investigate the causes and effects of change and develop business analysis skills including financial and non-financial measures of performance. How you will be assessed
What this course can lead to Sound business skills are actively sought by employers in all sectors. Your A Level will give you a good understanding of the challenges facing businesses, and an insight into the different functional departments within a business. Should you wish to study further, there are numerous Business Studies courses offered at universities, many combining Business Studies with other subjects such as Languages. You could of course always use your newly acquired skills to set up your own business! You do not have to take Business Studies at A Level to study the subject at university. However, it would be useful for any Business related degree including Accounting and Finance, Management, Marketing, Human Resources and Public Relations.
Chemistry Chemistry is an exciting and interesting subject which combines intellectual challenge with investigative skills and practical work. It is a key science needed for a variety of professions from Medicine to Engineering.
Year 13
What you will study
• Inorganic chemistry – including properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
Chemistry is a wide ranging subject which includes a study of the manufacture of essential materials such as medicines, plastics, metals and fuels. You will also study the processes which take place in living things and conservation of the environment. The A Level course gives a fascinating insight into the reasons for the diverse nature and behaviour of our surroundings. It aims to provide a satisfying educational experience whether or not you intend to study Science beyond this level, to enable you to show an informed interest in scientific matters and to develop an understanding of scientific method. Chemistry is essentially an experimental subject and therefore the course includes a wide range of practical work integrated into the lessons. You gain experience in a range of techniques which allows you to develop your ability to question, investigate and evaluate evidence. These practical skills are assessed internally during the course.
• Physical chemistry – including thermodynamics, rate equations, and equilibrium constant for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells.
• Organic chemistry – including optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic syntheses, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography. How you will be assessed At the end of the course there are three 2 hour examinations. Throughout the two year course your practical skills are assessed. What this course can lead to After success in the A Level examination, girls have pursued courses in: • Accounting • Agriculture • Architecture
If you wish to follow a career in Chemistry, you can learn more through our links with Sunderland University and other work experience programmes. You are also encouraged to attend both internal and external lectures.
• Biochemistry
During the course the following units are studied:
• Ecology
Year 12
• Engineering
• Physical chemistry – including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle.
• Food Technology
• Inorganic chemistry – including periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7 (17) the halogens.
• Law
• Organic chemistry – including an introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis.
• Materials Science
• Business Studies • Chemistry • Dentistry
• Geology • Human Nutrition • Marine Biology • Medicine • Natural Sciences • Pharmacy • Physics • Psychology • Teaching • Veterinary Science
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 23
Classics The past permeates the present and no peoples have had a greater influence on European culture than the Greeks and Romans. Our language is rich in their vocabulary and our arts and sciences owe much to their lasting achievements.
Classical Civilisation What you will study
Our approach to Classics is varied: you can study the language in A Level Latin, and their culture, both visually and through their words in translation, in A Level Classical Civilisation.
• The World of the Hero: a study of the Odyssey and the Aeneid in translation • Greek Theatre • Greek Religion
Latin
How you will be assessed
What you will study
These topics will be examined in three written papers at the end of the two year A Level course.
Much of the A Level course is devoted to the detailed study of literary texts, through which you are encouraged to develop your linguistic knowledge, personal response and the skill of critical analysis. The rest of the course contains a variety of language work, which is examined by translation and comprehension. Latin has had a vast influence on English, yet is so significantly different from English that its translation and comprehension will really develop your skills of analysis and expression. Latin literature will provide both intellectual excitement and a moving experience. How you will be assessed For A Level Latin there are four written examinations:
Unseen translation 1 hour 45 minutes – 33% of overall result
Prose composition or comprehension 1 hour 15 minutes – 17% of overall result
Prose literature 2 hours – 25% of overall result
Verse literature 2 hours – 25% of overall result
Examination Board – Latin OCR 24 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
What these courses can lead to The study of Classics is highly valued both in educational and business circles. Degrees in Classics, Latin and Classical Studies are a popular choice and boast one of the highest rates of graduate employment. In a recent survey an employer in a bank summed up the general attitude, ”Classics seems to train minds that can be used here.” Our own former pupils have found employment in such careers as Commerce, Banking, Law, Teaching, Museum Work, Nursing and Accountancy. Former pupils with one or two Classical subjects at A Level have gained places to study:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Classics Ancient History English Sciences Politics Law Archaeology Theology History Oriental Languages Modern Languages Philosophy Psychology Geography Medicine
Dance A Level Dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages you to develop your creative and intellectual capacity alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education institutions and employers and will help you stand out in the workplace whatever your choice of career.
How you will be assessed
This specification reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it relevant, and inspires a lifelong passion and appreciation for dance.
Component Two: 50% of the A Level
What you will study The A Level Dance specification aims to cultivate creativity by allowing individual enquiry within the areas of performance, choreography and critical engagement with professional repertoire through both practical and written responses.
Component One: Performance and choreography (50%) •
Solo performance linked to a specific practitioner within an area of study from Component Two.
•
Solo performance or performance in a quartet (in any style within the defined genres of Ballet, Jazz or Modern Dance).
•
Group choreography from one of four starting points set by AQA. You will also complete a programme note to support your practical assessment.
Component Two: Critical engagement (50%) You will study two professional dance works and their corresponding areas of study. The set works will allow you to complete in-depth analysis of the choreography and production of the work to understand why choreographers make certain creative choices to communicate their intention effectively. Areas of study provide you with the opportunity to investigate the key changes in the development of dance linked to a genre and allow you to demonstrate your contextual understanding.
Component One: 50% of the A Level Assessed by a practical performance which is recorded and shared with an external assessor from AQA. The examination normally takes place between March and May of Year 13. One written examination lasting 2 hours 30 minutes. The paper will comprise both short answer questions and three essay questions to assess knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works and their corresponding areas of study. What this course can lead to An A Level in Dance is an excellent qualification for anyone considering a career in the creative or performing arts. This can lead to further undergraduate study of dance at university or at a Dance Conservatoire. This year, four of our pupils went on to study at London Studio Centre, Urdang Academy, Wilks Performing Arts Academy and Leeds Conservatoire, which are some of the finest professional training institutes in the country. Last year, one of our pupils gained a place at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, one of the most highly regarded Conservatoires in the UK. A number of previous A Level pupils have successfully completed undergraduate degrees in the performing arts at institutions such as Arts Educational School, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and the University of Surrey. Dance develops many key transferable skills which can be utilised in a range of subjects at undergraduate level. Previous pupils of A Level Dance have also gone on to study subjects such as Psychology, Law and Medicine.
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 25
Drama and Theatre This practical, intellectual and artistic subject is designed for girls who enjoy performing in, reading and watching plays. Through various visits (usually including a three day trip to London) you will be shown the amazing diversity in Theatre and will learn to analyse, interpret and create imaginative and compelling performances, whilst becoming a more competent Theatre practitioner. What you will study Whilst this A Level is rigorously academic, the teaching is largely practical and offers a unique approach to learning. It is an active and creative course which aims to nurture your enthusiasm for and interest in Theatre, as an audience member and as a performer, designer and director. In practical work, the process of creating a performance encourages you to use negotiation, debate and research skills. This multi-disciplinary approach to study will equip you with a range of transferable skills in articulating thoughts, exploring ideas, sharpening communication skills and providing you with the ability to work within a group situation both in a practical and academic setting and will also encourage you to think independently. The confidence gained through Drama and Theatre will enable you to build your confidence and encourage you to use your leadership skills. It is important that you are interested in gaining a greater understanding of how theatre and plays work, and that you are keen to be involved with performances. How you will be assessed The Edexcel Advanced GCE in Drama and Theatre consists of two coursework components and one externally examined paper. Component One: Devising (40%) You will devise an original performance piece using one key extract from a performance text and a theatre practitioner as stimuli. You are able to approach this piece as a performer or designer. Internally assessed and externally moderated, there are two parts to the assessment: 1) A portfolio (60 marks) This can be handwritten/typed evidence between 2500-3000 words or recorded/verbal evidence between 12-14minutes or can be a combination of handwritten/typed evidence (between 1250 -1500 words) and recorded/verbal evidence (between 6-7minutes). 2) The devised performance/design realisation (20 marks)
Examination Board – Edexcel 26 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Component Two: Text in Performance (20%) You will take part in a group performance as an actor or designer in one key extract from a performance text. You will also perform a monologue/duologue or create a design realisation from one key extract from a different performance text. This is externally marked by a visiting examiner. Component Three: Theatre makers in Practice (40%) Written examination The examination is 2 hours 30 mins The examination will be made up of three sections: Section A: A choice of one of two statements requiring you to evaluate a live theatre performance. Section B: You will practically explore a set text in order to be able to answer two extended response questions on an extract from it (you will be provided with the extract in the examination). Section C: You will interpret a second performance text for a contemporary audience. What this course can lead to An A Level in Drama and Theatre provides the perfect foundations for a Drama degree or Drama school training; however, the skills developed through this course are relevant to many different academic courses at top universities and other professional areas. You can progress from this qualification to: • Drama schools and university courses that relate directly to Drama and Theatre. •
University courses that will benefit from the skills developed by this course, for example; Law, Human Resources, People Management, Media, Events Management, Creative Arts.
• Professions where people skills are essential, for example Management, Medicine, industry and business environments. • Professions where time management, confidence, the ability to work collaboratively and to meet deadlines are desirable.
Economics Economics is one of the most relevant and interesting courses on offer to girls at A Level. Economics determine our pay, the jobs we do, the industries we work in, how we travel, where we live, the goods we buy, where we buy them and the price we pay! To have an understanding of this subject is an essential life skill. Economics is all about the world in which we live and how it impacts on everyday life. It offers us an alternative way of looking at and thinking about our world by developing theories and concepts that can be applied to the day to day problems we encounter. It exists because of the central economic problem – we have limited needs (food, water, warmth, clothing, shelter) but unlimited wants. Given that there is a finite quantity of resources available to combine into output, choices have to be made. These choices can be summed up as what to produce, how to produce it and who to produce it for. Economics is a new subject to girls when they enter the Sixth Form at Newcastle High School for Girls and the only requirement is that girls have achieved a minimum of Grade 6 in Mathematics at GCSE and a Grade 6 or above in English GCSE is preferred. This is because the course will draw on and develop skills of logical argument in both handling of information about the economy, in the form of tables and graphs, and in understanding and explaining the theories underlying economic relationships.
Year 13 In Year 13, the focus moves to the national and international economy and you will use economic models to develop a critical understanding of macroeconomics. You will be able to explain economic policy objectives and indicators of performance, as well as building on your quantitative skills including calculating ratios and percentages and interpreting indices. How you will be assessed You will be assessed at the end of Year 13 through three 2 hour examinations. What this course can lead to Economics is a respected social science which opens the door to a vast range of university courses and careers. Common career destinations for Economics graduates include Commercial, Industrial and Public Sector Management and Finance Professionals, such as Investment Advisers. Whilst not all Economics degree courses require A Level, it will provide a greater choice of institutions. Anyone doing a course linked to a career mentioned above would benefit from the course but it also complements many science courses including Engineering and Medicine. It should be noted that some, although not all, undergraduate courses require A Level Mathematics.
What you will study Year 12 You will focus your study on economic choices and markets. The emphasis is on the market model of resource allocation with you gaining an understanding of the economic behaviour of consumers, producers and governments in competitive and non-competitive markets. You will understand how resources are allocated, market structures and how a price is determined, and market failure and government intervention.
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 27
English Literature “A word after a word after a word is power.” Margaret Atwood A passion for reading is the most important requirement for the study of English Literature. More than that, though, you will need to enjoy reading what critics have said about the texts that we study and you will have to read about the context in which they were produced. Discussion and debate form the backbone of most lessons in English Literature, so you have to be prepared to voice your opinions and have confidence in your own ideas. Essays will form the bulk of your written work: through them, you will sharpen your powers of comprehension, interpretation, argument and communication. What you will study and how you will be assessed “Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.” Francis Bacon You will study a range of classic and modern writing and prepare for an unseen element in the examination. You study poetry, drama and prose and the texts will include a play by Shakespeare. You will also receive a wider reading list and will be expected to read at least some of the selection of books on it. The A Level course is 20% coursework and involves some comparison of texts and some close study of the language that writers use. You will be able to choose the area of study on which you would like to focus. There is also a close study of a theme, such as ‘American Dream’ or ‘Gothic’, which will allow you to pursue some of your own areas of interest. As a guide, these are the texts that we are studying in Year 12 this year. • Hamlet – Shakespeare • The Bloody Chamber – Angela Carter • Dracula – Bram Stoker • A Doll’s House – Ibsen • Maud – Tennyson
Examination Board – OCR 28 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
What this course can lead to “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you know, the more places you’ll go.” Dr Seuss English Literature makes a great combination with History and Classics. There are obvious connections with Drama, but also with the other creative arts. Some girls who are taking sciences, maybe with the intention to go on to study Medicine, take English Literature as part of their development of another aspect of their understanding of the world around them. People who take English Literature go on to study all sorts of degrees at university: it is accepted by the most academic institutions and the essay-based nature of the assessment makes it an ideal starting point for courses such as Law. English A Levels are always useful for Journalism courses, too.
Geography By studying Geography you will learn from the real world, about the real world. You will learn that Geography is a science that seeks to describe, explain and evaluate the character of places and the distribution of people, features and events as they develop on different scales over the surface of the earth.
Advanced Physical Geography options Here the content includes the study of two of the following: • Tropical environments • Coastal environments • Hazardous environments • Hot arid and semi-arid environments
You will learn that we need to understand the geographical influences and relationships which link people and their surroundings and the importance of safeguarding the environment. You will appreciate that as international links become closer, easier and faster, we need more than ever to understand the geography of the world. You will understand and appreciate that the cultures and backgrounds of people from all over the world help us make the most of our multicultural society.
Assessment – 1 hour 30 minute written examination (25% of total A Level)
The subject draws on factual knowledge from both the Pure Sciences and the Arts, and aims to develop the analytical powers of the scientist and the descriptive and interpretative skills of the humanities. It has the great advantage of combining successfully with virtually every A Level subject and can act as a useful link between the Arts and Sciences.
Assessment – 1 hour 30 minute written examination (25% of total A Level)
What you will study and how you will be assessed Cambridge International A Level Geography will help you develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for successful university study. Core Physical Geography Here the content includes the study of: • Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology • Atmosphere and weather • Rocks and weathering Assessment – 1 hour 30 minute written examination (25% of total A Level) Core Human Geography Here the content includes the study of: • Population • Migration • Settlement dynamics Assessment – 1 hour 30 minute written examination (25% of total A Level)
Advanced Human Geography options Here the content includes the study of two of the following: • Production, location and change • Environmental management • Global independence • Economic transition
What this course can lead to Geography continues to be a subject highly regarded by universities. According to research from the Geographical Association, Geography has been defined among the key ‘facilitating’ or ‘hard’ subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group and has been identified as one of ten recession-proof degree subjects. Why do employers prefer Geographers? 1. Geographers can deal with data and people 2. Geographers have critical analysis and writing skills 3. Geographers can keep pace with change - they have the level of rigour, knowledge, conceptual thinking and intellectual curiosity required in the labour market. The huge variety of skills and knowledge acquired leads to a wealth of opportunities for future study and careers, including: • Civil Service • Computing • Conservation • Environmental Agencies • Environmental Consultancy • Financial Services • Heritage Management • Law • Leisure and Tourism • Marketing & Retailing • Planning • Research • Teaching
“Employers rarely need narrow specialists. They need bright, committed, inquisitive and determined individuals with the ability to draw on what is happening elsewhere in the world. The best Geographers are stars in this respect!” Professor David Rhind, Chief Executive, Ordnance Survey
Examination Board – Cambridge International NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 29
History The study of History in the Sixth Form offers you the opportunity to develop your skills of analysis and exposition. Since Sixth Form History involves the evaluation of evidence, the construction of convincing arguments and a high degree of literacy, it makes an ideal prelude to many courses or careers including Law, Journalism and the Civil Service, quite apart from the more directly related areas such as teaching or museum and archive work.
Component Three This is a coursework module. You will undertake a historical enquiry (extended essay) on the subject of British and Irish relations between 1886-1998.
Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964
This is a 4,500 word historical enquiry which must be completed by Easter in Year 13. In preparation for this study, you will examine British Government policy and Irish Republicanism across the period. From the Easter Rising and Irish War of Independence to the Troubles and the Peace Process, pupils will assess the causes of political instability, campaigns of violence and the eventual end of the conflict. In this part of the course you must research independently and use all the historical skills you have developed in order to assess the significance of key events and to show an awareness of different historical interpretations.
Over the two years, you will examine the decline of Tsarism in Russia and the 1917 revolutions.
This module is superb preparation for the study of ‘essay-based’ subjects at university.
Girls who study A Level History are expected to contribute to class discussion and read widely around the subject. What you will study Component One
You will move on to study the attempts to establish a Communist state under the leaderships of Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev. This breadth study allows you to explore the overarching themes of political, economic and social change that saw the country experience a turbulent century of revolution, war and the establishment of a totalitarian superpower. Component Two The English Revolution 1625-1660 Over the two years, you will examine the causes and key events of the English Civil War. You will move on to study the rise and fall of the Protector leading to the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. This depth study will allow you to study in great detail the short term causes of the English revolution and the effect of the Civil War on the social and political order of England. In the second year of study the focus will be on the failure of the Protectorate to establish a long term Republic in England and look to explain the return to constitutional monarchy under Charles II.
Examination Board – AQA 30 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
How you will be assessed Components One and Two are examined separately at the end of Year 13 and are together worth 80% of the final grade. Component Three will be completed by the end of the Spring Term of the second year of study and is worth 20% of the final grade. What this course can lead to This course will give you a chance to develop your awareness of political, economic and cultural issues and provides an ideal background if you wish to study History, Politics, Economics or Social Sciences at university. In recent years a large number of our A Level Historians have gone on to read History at university. In Year 13 there are extra lessons available to prepare girls for university entrance, including entrance to Cambridge and Oxford.
Information Technology “Growing at four times the UK average for the coming decade, we expect the IT profession will need more than 550,000 new entrants over the next five years.” Karen Price, CEO of E-Skills UK Here at NHSG, we offer the Cambridge International GCE in Information Technology (IT). It encourages you to become an effective and discerning user of IT; it helps you develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. You will study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, you will gain an understanding of IT system life cycles and how these affect the workplace. You will also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. Additionally, you will study some of the underpinning programming behind some of the more popular applications, gaining skills which will allow you to adapt and improve existing application packages relevant to your own use of IT. We strongly recommend that girls who are beginning this course should have previously completed either an IGCSE or GCSE course in Information and Communication Technology or Computer Science, preferably with a minimum achievement of Grade 6. What you will study and how you will be assessed In a world where IT is constantly changing, individuals increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. The impact of IT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who understand these new technologies.
The course will encourage you to be responsible, reflective, innovative, engaged and confident in the use of IT. The key concepts on which the syllabus is built are set out below: • Impact of IT • New Technologies • Hardware and Software • Networks • System Life Cycle • The Internet There are three possible assessment approaches for Cambridge International A Level but we will offer you the opportunity to take all four papers during the course of the two years where appropriate. What this course can lead to? You may chose to study IT further at university, or you may use the skills you have learned to support your study of other subjects. Furthermore, when studied alongside an A Level course in Mathematics, a wide choice of Computing and Electronic Engineering degree courses are also available for further study at university. Girls who have previously studied this course have progressed to courses in: • Ethical Hacking • Computer Engineering • Data Forensics • Computing and Electrical Engineering • International Business with IT • Events Management
At A Level, you will also study simple programming for the web relevant to your own use of IT. This course encourages you to explore the subject in depth: developing not only subject knowledge, but also a strong understanding of some of the key concepts that are critical to mastering the subject. The syllabus is regularly updated so that it reflects the latest thinking.
Examination Board – Cambridge International NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 31
Mathematics and Further Mathematics Can you... • Predict where an arrow will fall from a bow? • Plot the path of a snooker ball on a table? • Maximise the area of a field with a given length of fence? • Predict the outcome of the toss of a coin? • Find the meaning of the square root of -1? • Find the equation of the spiral shape on a shell? Mathematics puts logical thought and reason into situations which appear too complex to grasp – it is both an art and a science. It answers questions but can be appreciated simply for the elegance of its solutions. What you will study The new linear Mathematics and Further Mathematics courses offer a study in Pure Mathematics, Mathematics Mechanics and Statistics. These are the skills, knowledge and applications sought by universities and employers. They are challenging, but rewarding, courses which will equip you to continue with a study of Mathematics in the future whilst also supporting a wide range of other subject areas.
An understanding of Statistics and its uses and limitations is an important skill. On this course you will meet the ideas of randomness and variability, and the way in which these link to probability theory. You will also learn the most common statistical techniques for evaluating data, drawing reliable conclusions and making predictions in situations where uncertainty is built in, for example: A particular disease occurs in only one in 10,000 people. There is a screening test which gives an accurate result in 99% of cases. How reasonable is it to tell a patient whose test comes back positive that they have this disease? How you will be assessed Both courses are assessed at the end of Year 13 by a series of written examinations. There is no coursework. You can only take Further Mathematics if you have already chosen to study Mathematics. What this course can lead to When you have successfully completed your course, many options for Mathematics related studies are open to you. These include:
Pure Mathematics builds on many of the areas covered at GCSE. You will develop your understanding of trigonometry beyond simple triangles, use algebra in more complex ways and combine methods involving angles and straight lines to solve challenging problems. You will also be introduced to new concepts such as logarithms, matrices and complex numbers. (Remember being told you cannot have the square root of a negative number? Well you can!). All of these ideas will be used in real life situations.
• Accountancy
Mechanics uses Mathematics to describe the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting on them - from cars and lorries on roads to satellites orbiting around a planet. It includes topics such as energy and collisions. Mechanics links particularly well with A Level Physics and is relevant to university courses in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering and Architecture.
• Mathematics
32 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
• Architecture • Business Studies • Computing • Economics • Engineering • Law • Management • Medicine • Physics • Pure Science • Surveying
Modern Foreign Languages We offer A Level courses in French, German and Spanish. The ability to use one or more foreign languages at a more advanced level than GCSE gives young people a considerable advantage over their monolingual peers.
The syllabus is made up of four modules:
What you will study
4 Classic and Contemporary Literature and Film
The Modern Languages A Level specification is designed to develop further the skills required for GCSE – Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing and Translation. In addition to the basic skills you will begin a more detailed study of the culture and way of life of the country concerned and if you are particularly interested in any aspect you will be encouraged to pursue it in Year 13, through the study of a specific piece of literature, a specific film, and more widely through the broader study of the cinema, theatre, literature, politics and current issues of the countries whose language you are studying. The whole course emphasises a practical, communicative approach to language learning and provides access to a wide range of up-to-the-minute technological aids that will help you to speak, write, read and listen to the language with confidence. We use established resources which include a well-stocked library of recent publications, fully equipped teaching rooms, and an online multi-skill resource, accessible from School and home via Teams, as well as other ICT facilities. The extensive use of ICT facilitates independent learning, helping to meet the individual learning styles of our pupils. The spoken language plays a major role in the course, because the ability to communicate orally is the key skill. You will have regular opportunities to communicate with your teacher, where the specific strategies and skills required for the oral examinations are developed, i.e. stimulus cards, improvisation and debate on topical and cultural issues. You will be encouraged to visit the country at least once during the two years of A Level study and an extended stay in the summer at the end of Year 12 is recommended, either on an exchange or a work placement, which we are able to facilitate. Even with the provision of so many resources in School, nothing can compete with ‘total immersion’ in the country. A Level Modern Foreign Languages offer you opportunities to:
1 Social issues and trends 2 Political and artistic culture 3 Grammar
How you will be assessed The A Level course assesses the four key communication skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. This is assessed in three papers: Paper 1 Listening, Reading and Writing with grammar questions. Paper 2 Writing Two written responses on one film and one literary text or two literary texts. Paper 3 Speaking One presentation on an extended research project on a film or literary text. One conversation based on a subtheme: Current trends and other aspects of the society Current affairs issues Artistic culture Aspects of political life What this course can lead to As a nation, it is important for us to demonstrate an ability to communicate with others in their language, be it for business or pleasure. You may choose to study one or two languages in combination with other disciplines. This last option is becoming increasingly popular as universities offer more courses in which the study of a foreign language is one component: Law, Business and Management Studies, Information Technology, Media Studies and International Relations to name but a few. An A Level in a Modern Foreign Language gives you the opportunity to work or study in Europe during your undergraduate experience and beyond university.
• Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE • Facilitate foreign travel • Gain an insight into another culture and society • Build a sound basis for further study • Enhance your education and employment prospects beyond the UK
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 33
Music Music is a huge part of all of our lives. We listen to it every day, go to see concerts, and are moved by film soundtracks. But do we know why? Music A Level will not only reveal how music taps into our emotions, but will also give you the skills to create your own. Studying Music at NHSG means: • Making use of the excellent facilities, with state-of-the-art sound system, lighting, ICT suites, and soundproofed practice rooms – the best in the region.
Unit 2 – Composition This will be either 25% or 35% of the course, depending on your choice. You will work on composition skills throughout the two year course, culminating in the creation of two or three compositions in different styles. You will study harmony as well as a way of cementing a coherent skill set in composition. Unit 3 – Appraising
• A department geared to getting the best grade possible, and affording every opportunity possible to each girl.
There are three areas of study. The first is the history of the symphony from 1750 – 1900. You will look at how this great form came into being, and study the great symphonic composers with our set work being Haydn’s Symphony 104 – ‘London’. The second area of study is Musical Theatre, which will take in all of the great musicals and musical composers of the second half of the 20th century to today. Thirdly, we will look at 20th century music such as Debussy, Satie and Schoenberg. You will sit a two hour exam at the end of Year 13, worth 40% of your overall grade.
What you will study and how you will be assessed
What this course can lead to
At NHSG you will study the Eduqas A Level Music syllabus. This course has a high degree of flexibility. You must complete the appraising section, but you can choose to specialise in either composition or performance depending on your strengths – a choice that will be made at the end of Year 12.
Music is a highly regarded academic subject, with a high level of creativity. It is highly regarded by universities for entrance into a wide range of courses. Former pupils have gone on to study Law, Fine Art, Medicine, English, and of course, Music – in a variety of forms.
• Taking advantage of a plethora of performance opportunities including at Sage Gateshead, Northern Stage, and a variety of other top concert venues, as well as intimate performances in School with some of the best classical, folk and pop musicians around.
Depending on this choice, the structure is: Unit 1 – Performing This will be either 25% or 35% of the course, depending on your choice. At the end of two years, there is a marked performance with a visiting examiner on your chosen instrument. The expected standard at this stage will be Grade 8. Throughout the two years there will be plenty of performance opportunities and chances to refine and hone your skills.
Examination Board – Eduqas 34 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
Philosophy “Philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom”. The grand aim of Philosophy might be said to be “to uncover the secrets of the universe”: the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. But, essentially, Philosophy is about asking questions. The philosophical process is one of enquiry; of developing your understanding by questioning the foundations of your beliefs and of trying to reason things through to their logical conclusion. To quote Aristotle: “Wisdom begins in wonder.”
Year 12
Examples of profound questions requiring fundamental enquiry are:
• Normative Ethical Theories (Utilitarian, Kantian Ethics, Virtue Theory)
• What is reality?
• Applied Ethics (around simulated killing, eating animals, telling lies)
• Do our senses deceive us? • Can we know anything for certain?
Epistemology • What is knowledge? • Perception as a source of knowledge • Reason as a source of knowledge • The limits of knowledge Moral Philosophy
• Meta-Ethics
• What is the good life?
Year 13
• Do you know when you are happy?
Metaphysics of God
• Is morality a matter of opinion?
• Concept and nature of God
• Is beauty subjective?
• Arguments relating to the existence of God
Philosophy is not for everyone. It is not for people who have no interest in asking deeper, sometimes unanswerable, questions. At the end of a lifetime of philosophising, Socrates observed that “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Many people would disagree. Some people do not even care to raise the question. Philosophy, very simply, is not for them. It is not for followers. It is for people who want to understand; who want not just to live, but to live well. It is for people who simply could never be happy without asking why. Girls find the work that we do in the Sixth Form challenging and interesting. The course is popular and rewarding, with growing numbers choosing to study the subject at university. To quote a former pupil: “I enjoy Philosophy because it’s different from all my other lessons. Lessons give you the opportunity to discuss areas of learning in a more challenging way, as opposed to having material dictated to you and it is the only subject which allows you the opportunity to openly challenge ideas. In addition, it links with almost every other subject, whether Sciences, Humanities, Languages or Arts.” What you will study This is Philosophy as a distinct subject and activity. You will study a range of philosophical ideas through an examination of key texts and discussion. You will also have the chance to display critical analysis and construct logical arguments.
• Religious language Metaphysics of Mind • What do we mean by mind? • Dualism • Physicalism • Mind-brain type identity theory • Eliminative materialism • Functionalism How you will be assessed This material will be examined by two 3 hour examinations at the end of Year 13. What this course can lead to In recent years, many have been proclaiming the rediscovery of the Philosophy graduate. Major employers of university graduates are finding that Philosophy pupils have finely honed analytical skills and problem solving abilities that make them extremely effective in a variety of professional careers. It is not surprising, then, that employers in Law, Business, Journalism, Politics, Media, Management, Public Administration, Medicine and Education (among others) are all attracted to Philosophy pupils as they have an increasing need for candidates who are less narrowly trained, who are able to look at issues from a variety of viewpoints, and who have the ability to think questions through on the basis of sound reasoning and solid evidence.
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 35
Physical Education is a course you may never have considered, but just take a moment to see what exciting course content awaits if you choose to study PE as an academic qualification. It provides an insight into sport beyond the act of performance. The course gives a stimulating and varied theoretical investigation into all aspects of sport and health through an understanding of how our bodies and minds work. It considers the impact of historical and contemporary political decision making on the sporting success of our nation and beyond.
2 Psychological Factors How personality impacts an our ability to give high level performance and take on leadership roles; personal traits such as confidence and ability to manage stress in relation to performance. 3 Sociological Factors
What you will study
The emergence and evolution of sport in our society; economic and political impact of sport in society through study of the Olympic Games and major sporting events such as FIFA World Cup; drugs in sport; commercialisation and media impact; the impact of modern technology on sports performance.
Skills
How you will be assessed
The field of study is wide and offers the opportunity to demonstrate skills in essay writing and quantative data analysis using knowledge from a variety of fields. In addition, the verbal coursework provides great preparation for delivering presentations and interviews.
There are three written examinations at the end of Year 13. • Physiological factors – 2 hours • Psychological factors – 1 hour • Sociocultural issues – 1 hour
Knowledge
What this course can lead to
Study includes three main theoretical strands:
This is a subject totally in keeping with our modern lifestyle and the debate about the commercialisation of sport in our society. It provides the theoretical knowledge and skills base for a range of careers in this ever growing employment sector. The traditional male dominance is being eroded and doors are being opened by women not only as professional sports players and coaches, but also as managers, agents, physiotherapists, doctors, psychologists, engineers, dieticians, journalists and lawyers.
1 Physiological Factors How the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems both function and supply energy for sports performance; the impact of exercise, training, diet and nutrition on performance and health; the physiological impact of injury and recovery from injury; the impact of force and how to optimise technique through application of biomechanical principles; how we learn and how that affects training and performance.
Examination Board – OCR 36 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
‘Physics’ derives its name from the Greek word for Nature. It is the study of matter, energy and their interactions, the study of which takes us away from the world of celebrity and veneer to the furthest flung reaches of the Universe to try to understand how everything works and how it all fits together. Physics does not just look at the grand in scale; it gazes at the very small particles that constitute matter itself - the very building blocks of everything we see around us. Physics is a challenging subject that brings together observational science and mathematical theory. What you will study The A Level course is designed to provide a balanced and coherent study of Physics in which you are given the opportunity to explore certain areas of the subject in depth. Throughout the course, you develop your ability through experimental and investigative work and increase your skills in analysing evidence to draw conclusions.
What you need to be able to study Physics 1 Fundamental is wanting to understand how things work. 2 A good GCSE in Physics or Trilogy Science. 3 An ability to manipulate equations to solve questions. 4 An excellent work ethic that allows you to spend time thinking. If you are intrigued about the Universe around you from the very small (a quark) to the very large (the Universe) and love a challenge, then Physics is for you. How you will be assessed There are three written examinations at the end of the A Level course. • Modelling Physics – 2 hours 15 minutes • Exploring Physics – 2 hours 15 minutes • Unified Physics – 1 hour 30 minutes Throughout the two year course your practical skills are assessed.
What you will gain by studying Physics
What this course can lead to
• A greater understanding as to how the world works
Studying Physics enables you to progress into further or higher education to follow courses in Physics, Engineering, one of the other sciences or related subjects, or to enter employment where a knowledge of Physics would be useful. Physics can lead to numerous career paths from research and development, to computer software or even banking. Physicists are seen as able problem solvers who are much in demand. Physics A Level also provides an interesting and stimulating experience even for those who do not wish to pursue the subject further.
• An ability to predict the consequences of actions • Understanding of theoretical models • Grasp of the unifying ideas of the universe Topics covered on the Physics course include some that you have seen before, but taken to a greater depth: Forces, Resistance, Electrical Theory and Kinetic Energy. Other topics are new and you will explore Wave Phenomena and the weird world of Quantum Theory. Topics such as Nuclear Physics (including Fundamental Particles), Medical Imaging and Modelling the Universe are also covered, plus many others.
Examination Board – OCR NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 37
Politics Politics is a vibrant contemporary course that allows you to explore the political systems of the UK and other countries. It involves political theory, a study of representative democracy and an analysis of how government operates. If you are interested in current political affairs and want to deepen your knowledge of political systems, then this course is a superb A Level option. What you will study The A Level has three components. 1 UK Politics
• Democracy and Political Participation
• Party Policies and Ideology
• Elections and Voting Behaviour
• Pressure Groups
• Role of the Media
2 Governing the UK
• The Constitution and the role of the EU in British Politics
• Parliament
• The Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Judges and Civil Liberties In Year13 there is a module on the US Political System.
3 Comparitive Politics – USA
• US Elections and Political Parties
• US Pressure Groups
• US Constitution
• The Presidency and Congress
• The US Supreme Court and Civil Liberties
You will also have to compare the US system to that of the UK.
Examination Board – Edexcel 38 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
How you will be assessed Each component will be separately examined in three 2 hour papers at the end of Year 13 with all parts equally weighted. What this course can lead to Politics is regarded as a facilitating subject by Russell Group Universities and is therefore compatible with any academic degree subject. A study of Politics is a good basis for further studies of Law, History, PPE and Social Sciences. A Politics degree will give great flexibility in future career paths but has direct links to work in Government, Journalism, Law, Finance and Banking and International Business and Trade.
Psychology Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. The course is interesting, engaging and enjoyable. A Level Psychology covers a diverse selection of topic areas including attachment, eating behaviour and social influence and it is in the investigation of these that we address a number of questions which psychologists research: Why do children form attachments to their caregivers? Why do we forget things? Why do people prefer certain foods? Why do we dislike some food? For what reasons do people commit crime? Psychology is fun! It is a challenging, but accessible and enjoyable subject. It is a very popular choice at A Level. Psychology will enable you to develop a range of skills including; essay writing, analysis, evaluation and mathematical skills, as well as providing an understanding of how psychological investigations are conducted. What you will study
Bio Psychology This unit looks at the biological aspects of psychology. We look at the stress response, hemispheric lateralisation, the sleep/wake cycle and the way the brain is studied. Research Methods This part of the course focuses on the methods that psychologists use to investigate human behaviour from laboratory studies to observations. Year 13 Unit 3 – Issues and Options in Psychology Issues and Debates In this topic we look at the issues and debates which arise throughout the course including nature nurture, freewill determinism and gender bias. Relationships
This unit includes the study of social influence, memory and attachment.
This unit picks up where the attachment topic left off and the focus is on adult romantic relationships. We study how relationships are formed, maintained and break down. In addition, we take a close look at the modern phenomenon of parasocial and virtual relationships.
Social influence
Eating behaviour
Year 12 Unit 1– Introductory topics in Psychology
This is the study of people and their behaviour. The topic covers conformity and obedience as well as the influential research of Zimbardo, Milgram and Asch. Memory Here we study the structure of memory, why people forget, how people recall information in eyewitness testimony and how leading questions may affect their accounts as well as criminal trials. Attachment
This topic takes us on a journey through the biological, social and cultural explanations of why people eat, why some diets are successful, and some are not! We also look at the biological and psychological explanations of anorexia nervosa and obesity. Addiction This part of the course looks at what addiction is, psychological explanations for nicotine and gambling addictions as well as ways of reducing addiction, such as drug therapy.
Here we study how attachment types differ between people, different cultures and how these important attachments may have a significant impact on adult romantic relationships.
How you will be assessed
Psychopathology
What this course can lead to
This topic encompasses the study of abnormal behaviours. We look at how abnormality is defined and focus on three key psychopathologies: OCD, phobias and depression.
Psychology fits with many careers. After all Psychology is the study of people. So, wherever there are people Psychology exists.
Unit 2 – Psychology in context This unit includes approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology and Research Methods.
Assessment will be based on three 2 hour examinations at the end of Year 13.
Psychology is useful for a variety of careers including; Medicine, Law, Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Sports Psychology, Advertising and Marketing, Management, Educational Psychology – including teaching and Child Psychology.
Approaches in Psychology The focus of this is the historical background of Psychology and the development of psychology as a science. We also study the theoretical underpinnings of the subject including behaviourism, social learning theory and the biological approaches.
Examination Board – AQA NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 39
Religious Studies Do you want to study a subject that teaches you how to think, not what you should think? Are you interested in the purpose of life, and looking at a range of perspectives on what happens after we die? Do you feel that science has replaced the need for religion and think that belief in God is a purely psychological phenomenon? Do you ever find yourself debating moral issues such as ‘saviour siblings’ or assisted suicide? Then this is the course for you! In Religious Studies, the subject matter is deep and the issues profound, dealing with ultimate questions about existence, morality and the meaning of life. It suits people interested in both Sciences and the Arts, and having a wide spectrum of opinions inevitably leads to the most interesting discussions in class. You will enjoy this popular and exciting course if you have an open-minded approach to religious and philosophical questions and a willingness to consider different points of view. What you will study and how you will be assessed At A Level you will be studying three units: 1: Philosophy of Religion This unit considers the significance and influence of philosophical issues on religion. You will study the Traditional Arguments for the Existence of God, Life after Death, Religious Language, Religious Experience, the Problem of Evil and Suffering and the Nature of God. You will be asked to analyse and evaluate a wide range of ideas from Anselm’s Ontological Argument to Marx’s judgement that ’religion is the opium of the people’. 2: Religion and Ethics This unit focuses on Ethical Theories. You will explore Natural Law, Kant, Utilitarianism, Meta Ethics, Situation Ethics and Conscience. These theories and principles will then be applied to issues such as euthanasia, business and sexual ethics.
Examination Board – OCR 40 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
3: Development in Christian Thought This unit bridges the gap between Philosophy and Ethics and modern day Christianity. It is a systematic study of key concepts in Christian thought. It will explore religious beliefs and teachings: how they have developed historically and how they are understood now. You will study Knowledge of God, Nature of Jesus and the Nature of Humans, Christian Moral Principles and Actions and Religious Pluralism, Secularism and Gender in today’s society. Assessment will be based on three 2 hour examinations at the end of Year 13. What this course can lead to Through studying and discussing these issues you will learn how to think; you will improve your analytical skills and ability to develop an argument. You will learn to think philosophically about issues, understand how key ideas have developed through the work of philosophers in the past and recognise their influence on ideas in society today and in the future. You will also have the opportunity to reflect upon your own points of view in relation to these ideas. The transferable skill-set delivered through A Level Religious Studies is valued by a wide range of disciplines and professions such as Law, Business, Journalism, Politics, Media, Management, Medicine and Education, where employers want candidates who are able to look at issues from a variety of viewpoints and have the ability to think through questions on the basis of sound reasoning and solid evidence. In addition, subjects such as Law and Medicine often actively require some evidence of an appreciation and understanding of ethical issues such as those raised through the study of Religious Studies. Moreover, because of the wide-ranging impact of religion across our culture, you will undoubtedly find parallels with other areas of study such as Art, English Language and Literature, Psychology, Music and Science.
GCSE Requirement for Sixth Form Girls are required to attain at least nine GCSEs, and at least six of these should be at Grade 6, 7, 8 or 9 (or B, A, A*). In addition, girls wishing to study certain subjects at A Level may be required to achieve a particular grade in a specified GCSE subject or subjects, as shown below.
A Level Subject
GCSE Requirement
Art and Design – Fine Art
Grade 6 or above in Art is preferred.
Art and Design – Graphic Communication
Grade 6 or above in Art is preferred.
Art and Design – Textile Design
Grade 6 or above in Art is preferred.
Biology
Grade 7 or above in Biology or Grade 77 or above in Trilogy Science is required. Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is preferred.
Business Studies
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics and English is preferred.
Chemistry
Grade 7 or above in Chemistry or Grade 77 or above in Trilogy Science is required. Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is preferred.
Classical Civilisation
No specific GCSE requirements.
Dance
Grade 6 or above in Dance is preferred.
Drama and Theatre
No specific GCSE requirements but should have acting or design experience.
Economics
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics is required. Grade 6 or above in English is preferred.
English Literature
Grade 6 or above in English and English Literature is required.
French
Grade 7 or above in French is preferred.
Further Mathematics
Grade 9 in Mathematics is preferred.
Geography
Grade 6 or above in Geography is preferred.
German
Grade 7 or above in German is preferred.
History
Grade 6 or above in History is preferred.
Information Technology
Grade 6 or above in ICT or Computing is preferred.
Latin
Grade 6 or above in Latin is required.
Mathematics
Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required.
Music
Grade 6 or above in Music is required and ABRSM Music Grade 5 or equivalent is preferred.
Philosophy
No specific GCSE requirements.
Physical Education
Grade 6 or above in Biology and Physics is preferred. Must be participating in Sport outside of school at a club or county level.
Physics
Grade 7 or above in Physics or Grade 77 or above in Trilogy Science is required. Grade 7 or above in Mathematics is preferred.
Politics
No specific GCSE requirements but prior discussion with relevant member of staff is needed.
Psychology
Grade 6 or above in Mathematics, Biology (or Grade 66 or above in Trilogy Science) and English is required.
Religious Studies
Grade 6 or above in Religious Studies is preferred.
Spanish
Grade 7 or above in Spanish is preferred.
NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST 41
42 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
CONTACT For all enquiries please contact our Admissions Manager on 0191 201 6511 or via email admissions@ncl.gdst.net Senior School Tankerville Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3BA 0191 281 1768 newcastlehigh.gdst.net
The Girls’ Day School Trust is a Limited Company Registered in England No. 6400 Registered Charity No. 306983 Registered Office: 10 Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DH gdst.net
