Richard Huish College Prospectus 2014/15 by Richard Huish

14/15

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Hello If you are hardworking and ambitious to succeed then you should explore the idea of joining Richard Huish College. Huish is one of the best sixth form colleges in the country and has been consistently ranked in the top 5% of colleges in the country for added value. This means that, whatever your level of achievement at GCSE, if you really want to succeed, we provide a combination of excellent vocational and academic courses, professional training and apprenticeships that will ensure you get your choice of career development either at university or in employment. We are justifiably proud of the high standards we achieve. We promise to work with you to get the best results you are capable of and we will also provide you with excellent support that will help to ensure your success. Our enrichment opportunities enable you to have a rewarding and fulfilling time while studying. They also give you opportunities to enjoy success across a whole range of experiences that suit your interests and ambitions.

at Huish Studying in Taunton 02

02/13

Student life 04 Your studies 06 Be happy, be healthy 08 International students 10 FAQs 12 Applying 13

after Huish 72/73

Moving on from Huish and some of our success stories

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

courses Choosing your courses 15

14/55

Course index 17 All courses 18/72

Accountancy 18

Film and Media 38

Apprenticeships 21

Mathematics 44

Art and Creative 22

Modern Languages 46

Business 26

Music 48

Earth Sciences 34

Science 52

English 36

Sports 54

results 74/75

Find out how well our students do and why OFSTED state that our “Achievement and standards are outstanding.”

there’s more Enrichment 56

56/71

Performance enrichment 60 Music enrichment 62 Sport enrichment 64 Travel enrichment 66 Academic enrichment 68 Challenge enrichment 70

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Studying in Taunton 8

The college is situated on the edge of parkland overlooking fields and hills, about ten minutes walk from the town centre.

home tutored students attended college in 2012

Taunton is the county town of Somerset and is also an important centre for leisure and tourism, and is in one of the most beautiful parts of England. The Quantocks and Exmoor are great places for walking and cycling and Taunton is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The college makes use of cultural venues in and around the town.

AXMINSTER Axe Valley School BRIDGWATER Chilton Trinity School

Taunton is two hours from London and a short train ride from the local university cities of Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Bath. If you travel to Taunton there are a number of things that make Taunton a good place to come to study. If you are moving to the area and have brothers or sisters going to school, Taunton has good schools with strong reputations.

Bridgwater College Academy Places where many of our recent students have come from... We have students who come from local schools and further afield such as Devon, Dorset and even London.

HONITON Honiton Community College LANGPORT Huish Episcopi Academy

Alara / GEOLOGY

The Taunton Academy Taunton School TIVERTON Tiverton High School

LYME REGIS Woodroffe School

UFFCULME Uffculme School

MINEHEAD West Somerset Community College

WELLINGTON Court Fields Community School

STOKE-SUB -HAMBDON Stanchester Academy

Wellington School

CHARD Holyrood Academy CREWKERNE Wadham School

TAUNTON Bishop Fox School

CULLOMPTON Cullompton Community College

The Castle School

Haygrove School Robert Blake Science College BURNHAM-ON-SEA King Alfred’s

Heathfield Community School King’s College

I come from Turkey. I wanted to go to 6th form college in England because of all the opportunities that would prepare me for university life. Richard Huish has been able to give me every opportunity I was hoping for.

Queen’s College

WIVELISCOMBE Kingsmead Community School

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

A38

Bridgwater Road

A38

Station Road e dg Bri St

ry Prio

TOWN CENTRE

A38

ard

h Critc Way

J25

Reach

A38

Hamilton Roa

A358

uth

A38

Wellington Road

East

The college is committed to encouraging you to travel to college by cycle, public transport or car sharing where possible. As part of our commitment to being ‘green’ there is a back lane to college taking you to Vivary Park so that you don’t have to walk or cycle down South Road with all the traffic. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the bus station.

ge R

Brid

Toneway M 5

Obridge Viaduct

TA1 3DZ

B3170

Cyclists have plenty of lock up facilities for their bikes and twice yearly there is a free cycle maintenance service available to everyone at college. Parking Everyone who drives to college needs to pay for parking but only second year students and staff who live outside TA1 can apply for parking permits. Full details of the parking permit scheme are available at Registration.

Operators

First Bus Hatch Green Coaches Nippybus Quantock Motor Services Stagecoach South West Webberbus Burnham on Sea

Bus Routes Some services stop at Richard Huish College, others serve Taunton Town Centre.

Travelling by bus The county bus ticket (available for all students to purchase per annum from wherever they travel) is a major incentive from the County Council for students to use public transport. Details are available from County Hall, Taunton or the college. Some students may qualify for assistance with the cost of transport to college. Details are available from the Student Services department at the college.

Highbridge

Wells

Minehead Watchet

West Huntspill Pawlett

Kilve

Holford Nether Stowey Williton Hawkridge Kingston Reservoir St Mary Monkton Bishops Lydeard Heathfield Cotford St Luke Wiveliscombe Norton Dulverton Fitzwarren Milverton Washford

Glastonbury

North Petherton Othery Creech St Michael Ruishton

Rockwell Green Appledore Tiverton

Wellington

Hemyock

Churchinford Buckland St Mary

Uffculme Willand Cullompton

Cannonsgrove Blagdon Hill

Bishopswood Honiton

Stoke St Gregory Somerton Langport Curry Rivel

North Curry

Tonedale

Bampton

Street

Bridgwater

Ilton

Yeovil

Barrington Shepton Beauchamp

Ilminster

Seavington St Mary

Chard Combe St Nicholas Axminster

Ilchester

Martock South Petherton Merriott

Crewkerne

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Student life At Huish we are proud of our extensive range of enrichment opportunities. Taking part in Enrichment will enhance your personal profile both during your time with us and when you move on, whether to university or employment. Our students value the skills, knowledge and, most importantly, fun that enrichment provides through its social, cultural and recreational experiences and it is also a great way to meet new people. Enrichment is a key part of the wider Huish experience we offer here at college and in our provision you should find something to tempt you no matter what your interests, from Music, Sport, and College Musicals to Adventure Activities.

We also believe that trips and visits are an important part of our students’ experience and development and we provide a wide range of opportunities from local visits, to regional theatre trips, overseas exchanges and overseas cultural visits. The Student Union also arranges a Freshers’ Fair and social events through the year as well as supporting the student voice by representing the students. The Student Union has representation on the governing body of the college.

40%

of students are involved in enrichment activities

Student Union Who are we? We are full-time students at college, from a range of backgrounds, with a range of interests. We each decided that we wanted to contribute further to college life, that we wanted to stand up for students’ rights and that we were prepared to take on the responsibility of representing our student body on their behalf. We have been elected by students as their representatives and are proud to work hard to achieve as much as possible in our year in office. There are 9 of us, and each of us has an allotted role. What do we do? We aim to provide support and representation for all students in the college. This can include a variety of self-managed tasks, like organising various events throughout the year and making policies to sustain the efficiency of the Student Union in future years. For example, at the start of the year we arrange the Freshers’ Party at a venue in Taunton, where new students get the chance to make new friends and generally have a good time! We also run a Freshers’ Fair at the start of the year to offer information on a variety of groups, organisations and businesses that are aimed at students.

The Huish Student Union is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS), and you will automatically be a member. You are entitled to purchase a NUS extra card to give you discounts and privileges at a range of shops and services. The card will give you access to NUS online for the latest news, views and issues affecting the lives of students in the UK. What can you do? The Student Union is the voice of the students. We meet regularly with each other and can arrange to meet with the Principal to discuss your views and comments, and to raise issues on your behalf. You can let us know your views by finding us around college or in the Redwood Centre. You can email us, or you can use the link on the college intranet home page. You will also be able to vote in the annual elections and stand for election yourself.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Isabelle / GEOGRAPHY Settling into college has been much easier than I expected in spite of obvious pressure with the step up from GCSE. With extra time for free periods, you have the opportunity to manage your time well and fully understand every aspect without being swamped by work and concerns. Thanks to support from teachers and my tutor, my plan for further education at university has been made much less daunting and I feel like I can talk to them any time with questions. As long as you are prepared to work, but also balance this with relaxation which can even be in college with a variety of enrichments, I would strongly recommend taking the A levels which you think you will most enjoy or have previously liked at GCSE level: exactly what I have done, and I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change a thing!

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Your studies This starts with your teachers and we have all the resources to make your studies easy to research and access. You will be able to have remote access from your laptop or from your home computer to all the online resources. The Arthur C Clarke Learning Centre (LC) is an excellent place designed to meet all your study needs in a supportive environment. You will be able to borrow books, films, music, audio visual equipment and computers (including laptops) with lots of helpful guides to help you. The LC staff will provide you with useful tips for searching or writing a bibliography and the team is always available to help you if you have a specific question or need. The LC offers a silent study area if you prefer to work undisturbed. There are small group study areas and over 50 bookable computer workstations and netbooks. In addition to the LC there are 4 main study centres, one each in Hawthorn, Juniper, Willow and Beech, offering space for quiet group work and additional computer workstations.

Support staff in college to help you with your studies

IT facilities Computer workstations and printers are available across the college campus in open access areas, the LC, workshops and classrooms. College-wide wireless is available so that you can connect your laptop anywhere on the campus. Whilst working at home you have the ability via the internet to remotely connect to electronic learning resources and your own network and e-mail accounts. If you are doing a course that uses IT extensively you will find that the areas are equipped with the necessary computers, digital projectors, associated sound and video equipment. There are extensive multi-media suites to support film making and Apple based music/media suites for Music and Music Technology. This is just a snapshot of our facilities and they are constantly being updated as technology advances.

Academic support As well as lessons in each subject, additional support is offered to help meet the individual needs of students. The study skills programme will help you to improve your organisation, essay or other writing, time-management or general study skills. Additional support can also be arranged through Student Services at any time in one’s course. Many students get specialist support in their subjects to help them reach their full potential, including aiming for the A* grade at A level. For example, some subjects encourage students through an Olympiad or other challenging experiences. Subject-based competitions also provide an alternative challenge for students such as Business Young Enterprise or 2.0 – run by the Bank of England for students to decide on interest rate policy. As well as college trips that are open to anyone, departments may run trips that specifically support their course such as language exchanges, visits and fieldwork-related trips in the Earth Sciences and Archaeology to develop practical skills. Many students get support from relevant subject areas when applying to university or for competitive jobs, as well as the extensive range of general progression planning and support that is offered through the tutorial system. A number of vocational courses arrange work experience with local companies to put theory into practice.

Marianne / GEOGRAPHY I think Huish has been great at giving support in general: I always felt that there was somebody who I could ask if help was needed, and we have meetings with our tutors throughout the year to check things are going well. I find the work done at Huish is much more academic and focused than anything I’ve done before, which is hard, but I enjoy it. I think the best way to ensure you enjoy college is to choose subjects that you know you love; then the work you are given doesn’t feel like work.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Poppy / GEOGRAPHY I found the transition from school to college more demanding than I expected as the amount of work is a lot more. You are also required to be more independent. Geography has been a good choice as I have enjoyed it so far. We have already been on two Geography trips. The trips were good as they were quite active and all the activities were outdoors. The first trip was to a local river in Taunton where we analysed characteristics of the river. The second trip was to Lyme Regis to look at coasts and erosion. The resources at Richard Huish are really good including the Learning Centre as it has a silent zone where you can just concentrate on your own work. I would recommend to anyone coming to Richard Huish that they revise as much as possible and get the grade they want the first time round. I would also recommend you spend as much of your free time as possible in college completing work or revising.

Andrew / ENGLISH When the lower sixth were given introductory tutorials, we were told that it would be a big step up from GSCE to A level and this concerned me a bit. However, my teacher helped me in every way possible by giving detailed feedback on my work and by arranging one to one sessions to raise my standard. I was helped further by my tutor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a great support to me. I am very thankful for this support and for the improvement in my grades. The best bit of advice I could give students of all subjects is: if you are willing to work as hard as you can, the support will be given back in boatloads.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Callum / SOCIOLOGY As someone with dyslexia it was useful to have the student services department to help me acquire the right support for exams. They improved my revision techniques and got me extra time, and use of a laptop, which was pretty awesome.

Rosie / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES I am grateful for the constant support from the Drama teachers. They are not just my teachers but my friends and are eager to know everything about any Drama I am doing outside college and auditions for Drama Schools. They are always there to talk about any problems and always offer advice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are like a big Drama family! For anyone thinking of choosing the subject I would say be certain it is what you want to do. It will challenge you physically and mentally and give you a real insight to what the Drama world is actually like!

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Be happy, be healthy Our commitment to you We aim to do everything reasonably possible to provide information, services and support to make your time at college a happy and healthy one. Our college is a safe place to learn and a place where you can feel comfortable, respected and valued. As a student at college you have the right to expect to be treated with respect by other students and staff. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour. Every student and staff member is valued and respected. We are all different; with different skills, dreams, goals, beliefs, individual characters and backgrounds. It is these differences that help make the world a rich and interesting place to live. Naturally, we have safeguarding procedures. If anyone is concerned about their own welfare or that of others they should speak to their personal tutor or a member of the Student Services. Tutorial support You will have a personal tutor who meets you regularly to discuss your progress. Your tutor meets with you to discuss all aspects of college life and he/she is your first point of contact. If your tutor cannot help you directly he/she will be able to find someone who can. Your personal tutor is an important person in your life at college. He/she will help and support you to have a productive and happy time as well as help you prepare for your future aspirations whether for university or training/employment.

Planning your future While your tutor will work with you to prepare for your future, there is also a careers team available at college to help you. During your time at college you will have the opportunity to attend careers fairs and the careers team is always available and will take you through the process of applying to university or employment/training. The key strength of the support offered is that it is tailored to meet your individual requirements. Student Services Specialist support and advice is available for students with: • disabilities and health issues e.g. epilepsy, visual and hearing impairments, Asperger’s syndrome etc. • specific learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia • mental health issues e.g. depression, anxiety • Study skills issues e.g. time management Wellbeing Life can bring some unexpected challenges and there is confidential help and support available to you should you need it: • counselling • personal support • health and welfare support Money matters Impartial information and guidance are available on a whole range of questions to do with money and financial management. If you are having a difficult time No matter how strong we think we are, there are times when things can get on top of us. It may be circumstances outside of our control that affect how we are feeling. These things might affect our ability to study and to get on with our lives as we would like to. Whatever the problem, we will work with you on it and if we can’t then we will probably know someone who can. Your personal tutor is there to support you throughout your time at college and will help you contact the right people if necessary. You can book an appointment with our Student Services staff at any time and there is a full counselling service at college.

Keeping active There are many types of things you can do to keep you active without having to join in competitive sports. Look out for ‘Active Huish’ when you arrive at college. With all the different sports we offer, and the opportunities outside college, there will always be something that you will enjoy and fits with your busy schedule. We offer a whole range of competitive sports which are open to anyone at any level of ability. All are offered to male and female players except netball and there is a variety of activities for those who do not want to take part in competitive sport under the umbrella of ‘Active Huish’. What do I do if I have dietary requirements? At various places around the college we have provision for students to buy food. You may have specific requirements such as food allergies, gluten intolerance, medical requirements or you may be a vegetarian or vegan. If you would like to chat about your dietary needs contact the Health and Wellbeing co-ordinator. Some examples of how we can support you at college The college offers one to one support with a qualified NHS ‘Support to Stop Smoking’ advisor who will provide friendly confidential advice. While the college has a zero tolerance policy regarding drug and alcohol misuse we do recognise that there are some people who require support. If you need information or support or you know someone else who might need help we can provide trained professionals in a confidential, non-judgemental environment.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

International students As one of the leading state sixth form colleges in the country, Richard Huish College welcomes applications from international students. During the last 8 years the UK league tables have consistently placed the college as the top Further Education College in the South West of England for A levels. The college is also regularly ranked in the top ten nationally for A level points score per entry. The most recent Ofsted report (2007) considered the college to be outstanding in all areas. For the past 2 years, the International Students have maintained a 100% pass rate at A Level. Homestay Accommodation Richard Huish College holds a register of homestay families who offer full-board and half-board to students both on a full-time and part-time basis. We cannot guarantee that homestay families will be within walking distance to the college, but we do our very best to recruit accommodation in the vicinity. We will only place our students with families who will regard them as members of their household and will try to integrate students into life in the UK. Help with English Language All international students will, if appropriate, receive weekly IELTS lessons which include support to further develop your language skills. These sessions will also include cultural support for students new to the UK.

List of countries where some of our recent students have come from

Support at Huish We can offer you specialist support and advice as well: • Health & Wellbeing issues – coping strategies and advice • Examination Requirements – understanding the UK system. Academic Programme Richard Huish College is able to offer the following options to students wishing to study in the UK: OPTION ONE • Two year A Level or BTEC programme starting in September OPTION TWO • One year AS Level or BTEC programme starting in September OPTION THREE • Specialist professional courses at a range of examination levels: e.g. AAT, ACCA and CIMA OPTION FOUR • FdA programmes in Business & Management or Sports Development & Coaching. • BA (Hons) programmes in Applied Professional Studies (Leadership and Management), and Sports Development and Coaching. For further information or an application form, please contact Maria Smith – International Student Coordinator, or visit our website at www.huish.ac.uk/international

Bangladesh

Nigeria

China

Norway

Colombia

Philippines

France

Poland

Germany

Russia

Hong Kong

Seychelles

Italy

South Korea

Japan

Sweden

Kenya

USA

Madagascar

Vietnam

Malawi

Zambia

Richard Huish College is registered as a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) with the UK Border Agency, recruiting Tier 4 (General) Students.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

International students studying A levels at Huish in 2012

Jeffrey / INTERNATIONAL STUDENT Richard Huish provides a decent environment for students to study. Before I came here I thought it would take me quite a while to settle in because studying abroad, meeting new people and adapting to a new environment is not easy. Not to exaggerate, but it took me less than a month to settle in. My host family has been exceedingly kind and supportive to me and I feel like I am part of their family. Living with a local family is the best thing you can do to get to learn other cultures.

Doing Environmental Studies has been a great opportunity for me to learn about where we are living and what we can do to protect the environment. For me, going on field trips to visit places like the aquarium, zoo and Cornwall are the highlights of the course. Teachers are very supportive; they offer me extra sessions to improve my grades. It might sound a bit clichĂŠd but studying at Huish has widened my horizons.

I have always been interested in natural history but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a chance to do subjects like Environmental Studies in Hong Kong.

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/international

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

FAQs I don’t know what to choose at A level. Will someone be able to help me? Our Open Evenings are a good opportunity for you to start discussing your choices, and when you first apply to the college you will have an initial interview where you will get further guidance. Our Open Evenings this year are on the 12th and 13th November 2013 at 6.30 pm. If you are unable to come to an open evening please contact us to arrange an alternative visit. Later in the year you will be invited in again to discuss your courses; and there is further advice available when you register and during the first weeks of term. There are also advice sessions before you start your courses. School Careers Advisors are also available to help with your choices. How much free time do I get? Nearly all students are expected to do 4 AS levels in the first year and there are seven slots for subjects so, theoretically, you get 3 teaching slots for personal study time. Each slot (or column as we call it) is 4 hours and 40 minutes of class time split into three separate sessions in the week. You are also expected to put 3 to 4 hours of time into personal study per subject per week outside of college hours.

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/faqs Do you do taster days? We do taster days but we call them Experience Days, where you actually attend lessons. These are done by appointment. If you would like to experience a day at Huish then see your careers teacher first as they can get in contact with the college to arrange a group visit. If you are not in a local Taunton school then you will need to contact us by phone. Can I do a sport even if I am not good at it? Yes. We have a group of students and staff who run ‘Active Huish’. There are a number of recreational sport activities and you can join in team games as well. Additionally, there are community sports activities in the Dome most evenings and you are welcome to join those at any time. What if I do not get your entry requirements? You will need to contact us on results day so we can advise you about what you can do. There are a number of alternatives including training and apprenticeships that we can explore with you.

Do I have to be at college if I don’t have lessons? No you don’t, but you are expected to make best use of the learning resources available at college and most of what you will need will be here. If you are ill you will need to phone in on the day of absence. If you are ill at college you will need to sign out. If I don’t like a subject can I change it? Yes. You choose the courses you would like to do and discuss them with your induction tutor. You can alter your choices anytime up to the end of the first week of term which gives you an opportunity to try the course first before making a final decision.

Abbie / ECONOMICS I’m really enjoying life at Huish and I’m so glad I chose to study here. Excellent teaching and use of resources make all my subjects interesting and enjoyable.

Do you do courses other than A levels? We do a whole range of courses. We do A levels and BTECs which are all found in this prospectus. We also do a range of training courses and apprenticeships through our Business School. There is some information in this prospectus but you can find out more by phoning the college. Can I transfer to your college? In most cases you can transfer once you have completed a full AS. If the exam board is different from ours (see page 17) then you need to call the college to check that our exam boards will accept your AS qualification. There are some subjects that have problems with transfer but most are fine. Art, PE and Psychology are particularly difficult to transfer so it is important to check with the college before making any decisions. It is not possible to transfer midway through a year. You can also find FAQs on the College website: www.huish.ac.uk/faqs

Open Evenings Our Open Evenings this year are on the 12th and 13th November 2013 at 6.30 pm.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Applying Find out as much as you can Talk to us when we visit your school to speak about the college and the opportunities it can offer you. Come to our Open Evenings. These will be on 12th and 13th November 2013. Keep an eye out in the local press and for posters/invitations at school. Use this prospectus to find out more. The paper work! Obtain an application form, either from your school, directly from the college or from our website at www.huish.ac.uk If you are in a local school your careers teacher will be collecting them to bring to us or send it in by post. The applications usually come in to us during the spring term. If you are a late applicant interviews will continue into the summer term. We will write to you inviting you to an interview within 2 weeks of receipt of your application at the college. Your parents are welcome to come with you for your interview. We like to meet with youâ&#x20AC;Ś We shall invite you to the college for an interview to help you to make the best choices for the future. You can tell us about your aspirations, your successes at school, show us your achievement file and explore your future plans. We will then be able to help you to choose the most appropriate courses. There are over 50 courses to choose from so our advice and guidance is designed to help you make the right choices.

Our Standard Entry Requirements The standard entry requirement for an Advanced Level course at the college is at least five GCSE subjects at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language. GCSEs in Applied subjects count as two GCSEs. Any other level 2 qualifications such as BTECs count as one GCSE subject: a Pass is equivalent to a C, a Merit is equivalent to a B and a Distinction is equivalent to an A grade. If you require clarification about subjects that are not GCSEs please contact the college for more information. For some subjects we recommend specific levels of experience or qualification; details of these requirements, where they apply to individual subjects, can be found in our course leaflets. Any student whose first language is not English will need to have a level of proficiency in evidence such as IELTS level 5 or equivalent. Contacting the college Please call us on 01823 320800 or visit our website at www.huish.ac.uk for further information.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if at any point you change your mind about the courses you want to study. Amendments can be made and you will be given further advice when you enrol in September. find more at www.huish.ac.uk/applying

Molly / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES I have always had a keen interest in Drama and general performance activities. However, studying Drama at Huish has provided me with vast opportunities to embrace my passion for both performance and written exploration of dramatists and dramatic genres. Throughout my time on this course, I have bonded well with my classmates and made life-long friendships. The teachers are always willing to help and offer their support and guidance as well as eliminating any uncertainties I may have. The quality of the education I receive is only matched by my enjoyment of the subject. I feel that this course has allowed me to reach the maximum potential of my drama capabilities and has prepared me well to continue with Drama and Theatre Studies at Exeter University.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Charley / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES The college is incredibly supportive in all decisions you make. In the first few weeks of college I was studying Chemistry which didn’t fit with my other subjects. My personal tutor was really supportive at this time making sure my programme was right for what I wanted to do in the future and that played on my strengths. You shouldn’t be worried about anything when joining Huish as all the staff here are helpful and supportive.

Emily / CHEMISTRY Originally I chose Chemistry because I had medicine in mind for my career path. However, even though I’ve now changed my mind about medicine, I’m still happy I chose Chemistry. I find it challenging at times and it’s definitely not an ‘easy’ subject but there is plenty of help available if you need it. If you’re unsure about choosing Chemistry yet have a genuine interest, I’d recommend it as it opens many doors when deciding on future careers.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Choosing your courses Choosing the right combination of courses is the most important decision for you to take. Many factors will influence your choice of courses. These will include: • your own interests • the subjects you enjoy the most • the style of working you are best at • any career plans you may have • and your expected achievements at GCSE. Take as much advice as you can from people who know your capabilities such as subject teachers, your form tutor and careers staff at school. Discuss everything with your parents. Feel free to talk to us at school parents evenings, at our Open Evenings in November and when you have your GCSE results.

With over 40 A level subjects to choose from, it is important to find out as much as you can about them and how they fit with the factors you need to consider. In brief, some subjects are more scientific and mathematical (e.g. Psychology) while others require the ability to write in a discursive manner (e.g. History, Film Studies and Sociology). Some subjects are very practical while others are more theoretical. Some have lessons full of discussion and interactivity while others require you to absorb and think through ideas.

Use the information in this prospectus as a starting point. Look on our website and contact the college direct if you wish to talk to someone as we are happy to deal with your enquiries at any time. Remember, the decisions you make are critical to your future career and getting them right is important.

There are also BTEC courses to consider. There are 6 BTEC courses on offer at college. These are practical, vocational courses and are entirely assessed through ‘coursework’. Apart from the music BTEC courses, these can be done as an Extended Diploma (worth 3 A levels) or as a Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1 A level). The Music BTECs can only be done to Subsidiary Diploma Level. The Extended Diploma BTECs can be done as your entire programme of study or can be taken with an additional AS/A level subject. The Subsidiary Diploma course is taken as one Advanced course alongside 3 other A levels at AS.

Learning Styles Each course is taught in a particular way. Some have a lot of coursework while others require the ability to write good essays. Some subjects will suit your own style of learning better than others. Therefore, it is worth exploring how you learn best and what skills and experiences you are bringing to sixth form. The course information in this prospectus is only an outline and there are more detailed course leaflets available at open evenings or on request.

How many courses can I do? As a broad guide, students doing A levels are expected to do four AS (first year) courses with a view to completing 3 of those subjects at A2 (second year). However, if you are expecting to achieve mainly A* and A grades you are advised to take on the challenge of five AS courses in your first year and four A2 courses in your second year. If you are doing BTEC courses read the previous section on course choices.

The choices available at Huish The college offers a wide range of A level, BTEC and training courses that are detailed in this prospectus. The college also has a range of apprenticeships and training on offer and many young people have aspired to continue their training through us and have succeeded in attaining NVQs and permanent employment. The course index on the following page gives you a quick guide to the number of A level, BTEC and other courses available at Richard Huish.

Number of AS level courses we expect you to take in the first year

Enrichment opportunities We strongly encourage students at Huish to do enrichment activities. Make the most of the opportunities on offer while you are at college. Enrichment will help you make friends, enjoy college life and have something to say about yourself when writing personal statements for university or CVs for employment. There is such a broad range of activities that there will be something to suit you. Many of these activities take place during the college day and full details about them are available on pages 56-71. Choosing Apprenticeships or Training The college offers a wide range of vocational training courses and apprenticeship opportunities through the Huish Business School. As a school leaver you can apply for training courses like the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). You can also apply to the college if you wish to do an apprenticeship in the areas we cover (see page 20). If you are an adult learner and are reading through our prospectus to find out what is on offer for you, there is a wide range of opportunities for you to explore with us. There is a section in this prospectus about our Business School but it might be better to contact the Business School direct and talk to someone personally about your requirements.

Rosie / PHOTOGRAPHY The support I have had at Richard Huish has been great. At the beginning of the year I started with 5 subjects and couldn’t cope with the pressure of them all but it was really hard deciding which one to drop. After speaking to my tutor about it she provided me with a lot of support and helped make the decision easier.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Ben / GEOGRAPHY After always being interested in the world we live in I knew I would always want to study Geography. The classes are engaging and there is a huge variety of different things we can do outside the class room broadening our knowledge of the subject. We recently had a trip down to Lyme Regis to further our coastal knowledge as well as a trip to a local river. Our teachers are always there for support, and are full of information they are willing to share with us inside and outside lessons. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited for next year and what it may bring, especially the fantastic opportunity presented to us with the Iceland trip.

BTEC courses on offer in 2013

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Course index A LEVELS | Level 3

COURSE NAME

EXAM BOARD PAGE

COURSE NAME

Accounting

AQA 18

English Language

AQA (spec B) 36

Mathematics

EDEXCEL 45

Archaeology

AQA 34

English Language & Literature

Mathematics (Further)

EDEXCEL 45

EDEXCEL 37

Mathematics (Use of )

AQA 45

English Literature

EDEXCEL 36

Media Studies

WJEC 38

COURSE NAME

EXAM BOARD PAGE

Art & Design / Art & Design Textiles

OCR 22

Art & Design Graphic Communication

Environmental Studies

AQA 35

Music

EDEXCEL 48

OCR 23

Film Studies

WJEC 38

Photography

EDEXCEL 25

Biology

OCR 53

French

AQA 47

Physical Education

Business Studies

OCR 26

Geography

AQA 35

Physics

Chemistry

AQA 53

Geology

WJEC 35

Psychology

AQA 50

Classical Civilisation

AQA 30

German

AQA 47

Religious Studies

AQA 50

Computing

AQA 30

Government & Politics

AQA 40

Sociology

AQA 51

Dance

AQA 31

History (Early Modern)

AQA 42

Spanish

AQA 47

EDEXCEL 33

History (Late Modern)

AQA 42

Law

AQA 43

Drama & Theatre Studies Economics

OCR 33

BTECs | Level 3

EXTENDED DIPLOMA | Level 3

Certificate courses equivalent to one A Level

Courses equivalent to three A Levels

COURSE NAME

EXAM BOARD PAGE

COURSE NAME

EXAM BOARD PAGE

Business

EDEXCEL 27

Business

EDEXCEL 27

Health & Social Care

EDEXCEL 40

Health & Social Care

EDEXCEL 40

Information Technology

EDEXCEL 43

Information Technology

EDEXCEL 43

Music Production

EDEXCEL 48

Popular Music

EDEXCEL 49

Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness)

EDEXCEL 54

Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness)

EDEXCEL 54

ADDITIONAL LEVELS | Level 3 COURSE NAME AQA Baccalaureate Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

EXAM BOARD PAGE

Subject areas Accountancy 18

Mathematics 44

Apprenticeships 21 Art and Creative 22

Modern Languages 46

Business 26

Music 48

Earth Sciences 34

Science 52

English 36

Sports 54

Film and Media 38 FOUNDATION DEGREES | University Level COURSE NAME

EXAM BOARD PAGE

AQA 30

Business & Management

Marjon 27

AQA –

Sports Development & Coaching

Marjon 54

Abigail / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES The teachers are supportive and helpful and stretch you to achieve your best. Learning to analyse concisely, in as few words possible, was a learning curve for me (especially as an English student) but the teachers were great at guiding you which I found really helpful. We took a Drama trip to see ‘39 Steps’ in the Theatre Royal, Bath. It was great to get to know the other students better and experience such a brilliant and inspirational performance.

OCR 55 AQA (spec A) 53

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Accountancy The range of courses we offer continues to grow in response to requests from employers, individual learners and the local community. Some of these courses are open to school leavers who may be interested in Accountancy as a career and others are designed for people already in employment. At the time of writing this prospectus we are continuing to offer A Level Accounting and AAT Accounting Level 3 which can be done alongside other A levels.

Accounting A

Accounting, although a vocational A level, is suited to all students who enjoy working with numbers. It is both a basis for further study at university and an excellent foundation for the study of professional examinations which are linked to the workplace. In fact, completion of A level Accounting exempts you from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Foundation Stage. Many future employers will be very interested in the skills you develop in Accounting as they require highly skilled people who have learned about planning and controlling the use of resources, and the prudent management of money. It is also useful if you wish to set up your own business in the future as it will help you to manage and control the business performance. Accounting goes particularly well with Maths, Business, Economics and any other A levels as it stands on its own as a very practical A level that builds specialist skills. You will have opportunities to develop your numerical and communication skills throughout the course and you will be well prepared for a future in Accountancy training or university. You can continue training at Richard Huish College on our professional accountancy programmes. Many of our students continue to university and you will be well supported in order to achieve your aspirations, whatever they might be.

Whether you are just commencing your studies or seeking to enhance your existing skills to help you with career progression, we are able to help. We cater to all level of learners from those with no prior knowledge or experience up to university level or above.

2012 AAT graduates

If, as an employer, you have specific training needs in the area of accounting or management, we can work with you to provide specific training to meet your requirements.

Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) AAT

4 Adults

This course is aimed at either those who are currently working in accountancy/finance but who do not have any accountancy qualifications or those who would like to work in accountancy/ finance. Our courses are designed to be taught over approximately 37 weeks, with examinations being offered on a modular basis, which means students only have to revise and take one exam at a time. We offer day release, afternoon/evening and evening study options on all levels (although evening options on the first two levels will run subject to demand). We also offer distance learning options on all levels of the AAT. Entry Requirements You do not need any formal qualifications to begin studying for the AAT qualification, although if you have any relevant qualifications from school or sixth form, a degree – or some experience in accounting – you may be able to start studying at a higher level. Fees We will invoice you or your employer (as detailed on the application form) for the costs associated with the course. If you are paying for yourself, then the course fees can be paid in instalments by standing order. Students who are 24 or over can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan. Further details are available from the Course Manager. Apprentices Please note that some accounting apprenticeship vacancies may be available, where successful applicants’ AAT studies will be free.

AAT for A level students 2014-15 AAT

4 A level students

Accounting is suited to all students who enjoy working with numbers. It is both a basis for further study at university and an excellent foundation for the study of professional examinations, e.g. ACCA and CIMA, both of which are linked to the workplace and can be studied here at Huish. Many future employers will be very interested in the skills you develop in Accounting as they require highly skilled people who have learned about planning and controlling the use of resources, and the prudent management of money. It is also useful if you wish to set up your own business in the future as it will help you to manage and control the business performance. You will be studying all modules in the AAT level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and level 3 Diploma in Accounting. In year two you will be studying for the level 4 Diploma in Accounting. You will have opportunities to develop your numerical and communication skills throughout the course and you will be well prepared for a future in Accountancy training or university. Each individual module will be assessed via computer based assessments/projects, and each level is assessed on a modular basis, therefore you only have to revise for one module for each exam.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

There was such a cross section of business sectors, age and experience within my class that I learnt so much more than I would have from a group of my peers at university. I learnt the same theory as I would have if I had gone to university, but I have far more practical experience and therefore made myself more employable than the average graduate.

Association of Chartered Institute Short Chartered Certified of Management Accountancy Accountants (ACCA) Accountants (CIMA) Courses ACCA

The ACCA is one of the largest professional bodies of accountants and has members working worldwide. The qualification is mainly studied by those working in accounting practice but ACCA qualified accountants also work in industry and the public sector. In order to become a member you must pass the examinations with 50% or more and also complete a Practical Experience Record (PER) with details of at least three years of practical experience in accounting/finance. Please refer to the ACCA website for further details. Richard Huish College has been recognised by ACCA and awarded Gold status in recognition of the quality of the courses provided. To commence at the Knowledge Level students must have a minimum of 2 A Levels and 3 GCSEs or equivalent. If you have higher level qualifications, you may be eligible for exemptions (for example completion of AAT gives exemptions from the Knowledge Level). Details of likely exemptions and how to apply for them can be found on the ACCA website.

100%

achievement above national benchmarks

CIMA

CIMA is the world’s largest professional body of management accountants and offers the most relevant finance qualification for business. You need to pass the examinations with 50%+ and complete a record of practical experience covering at least 3 years to become a member. Please refer to the CIMA website for further details. Richard Huish College is approved by CIMA as a Quality Partner in recognition of the quality of the course and the pass rates. There are no formal entry requirements to start the Certificate level and details are available on www.cimaglobal.com or through CIMA student services on 020 88492251. You may have exemptions for qualifications such as AAT or relevant degrees. The exemptions depend on the qualification, its content and when it was obtained. We will invoice you or your employer (as detailed on the application form) for the costs associated with the course. If you are paying for yourself, then the course fees can be paid in instalments by standing order. Further details are available from the Course Manager.

There are short courses available to you if you wish to improve your skills in financial management or work in the financial sector. Further details of these and other Business School courses are available on request or can be viewed on our web-site. Places are limited on all short courses and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Book-keeping If you want a stand-alone course in the principles of book-keeping, or you are considering starting an AAT intermediate, ACCA or CIMA foundation course in the future then this is the course for you. You will learn how to record information on all book-keeping documents and the course lasts 6 weeks. Sage This course covers the creation of documents and accounting for sales and purchases. It also deals with entering initial capital and all ledgers up to the creation of trial Balance Sheets and Profit and Loss Accounts. This course can be done flexibly and details of the course and its costs are available on request.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Apprenticeships can be started with no formal qualifications. Some employers may stipulate prior qualifications.

Jake / APPRENTICE I am doing Customer Service NVQ LevelÂ 2 at St James Medical Centre, working full time as an Apprentice Medical Receptionist. I applied for the apprenticeship through the National Apprenticeship Service websiteÂ as I wanted to start a career in something new and carry on my education as well as getting paid and this was the perfect opportunity. I have gained valuable experience in the work place in dealing with customers and have quickly improved my communication skills and I do hope to continue working here when my apprenticeship finishes. I have constant support available both from the staff at Huish and the staff at St James Medical Centre to help me with any problems and I have quickly become part of the reception team.

394 Apprentices on Huish books

winners of Somerset Apprenticeship Award 2013

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular and Richard Huish College offers you a wide range of choices and quality training and support. Apprenticeships are seen as a good alternative to university as a way of achieving your career goals without the debt. There is considerable value to learning your trade on the job, there are no costly student loans to repay, and you will have valuable work experience on your CV and your first steps well underway on your career ladder. Apprenticeships can usually be started at any point during the year. They are not restricted to an academic calendar. You can apply for an apprenticeship with us before you leave school or when you complete any further studies.

Earn while you learn Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. You are paid while you learn. If you are entering work for the first time, you will start earning from the first day of your Apprenticeship. Learn on the job – Employment Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. You work towards a work-based qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and other nationally recognised qualifications. Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need.

What Apprenticeships do you offer? We offer a range of Apprenticeships: • Accountancy (AAT) • Activity Leadership • Amspar Medical Secretary • Business and Administration • Call Centre Operations • Customer Service • IT user and IT professional • Leisure Management • Operational Services • Sports Development • Team Leading and Management

Learn off the job – Training Typically you will be working with an employer on a full-time basis (part-time placements could also be available), and you will attend college on a day release to develop your knowledge within your vocational area and work towards your qualifications. find more at Finding a placement www.huish.ac.uk/courses/about/apprenticeships/ Richard Huish College will help you to find a placement; however competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work both as part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.

Huish Business School is proud to have five Somerset Apprentice Award Winners and two Finalists for the South West Apprenticeship Awards.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Art and Creative Art subjects are broad based and provide great opportunities for you to engage with a wide range of practice and materials. You need to be open minded so that you can develop your powers of observation, experiment with ideas, explore new techniques and use a variety of media. It will, of course, help if you have some of these attributes before you start and you will enjoy this hard work more if you are already passionate about Art, Graphics or Photography.

You can only choose one of these subjects for A level as they are each a separate aspect of Art as a whole and the time and commitment required of you means that one of these courses will be demanding enough.

Art & Design/ Art & Design Textiles A

Both Art and Art (Textiles) provide you with a sound grounding in a number of areas whilst still exploring the subject in depth. It is expected that you will have developed sufficient understanding and skill and, for you, Art is rewarding and enjoyable in its own right. It may also form the basis for further specialist study at degree level. The courses combine practical and theoretical work developing your observation, analysis, communication and making skills. Areas covered on the Art course include painting, drawing, mixed media, installation, printmaking, 3D, fibre arts and contextual studies. On the Textiles course you will also cover drawing, surface pattern and decoration plus printed, dyed and constructed textiles. You will have the opportunity to visit regional and national art galleries and there is an annual study visit to a major European city. There are artist-led workshops as well as exhibitions by visiting artists held at the college and in local galleries. Students’ work is also exhibited at two annual exhibitions.

Charlie / ART & DESIGN TEXTILES Art Textiles is such an open course - you can really work to your strengths. I know that I can alter my focus depending on what techniques and artists I want to study, which is pretty much anything from felt making to Alexander McQueen. The college’s facilities and equipment are brilliant and there’s always help and advice at hand if you’re stuck. I love the freedom and creativity of textiles – it really makes me enjoy my work!

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Graphic Communication A

Graphic Communication conveys information and ideas through visual means within a set of constraints. You will be encouraged to demonstrate how solutions to problems and audiences are socially constructed over time through genres, styles and traditions. The course is structured to include the graphic specialisms of illustration, packaging and design for print. The course combines practical and theoretical work developing your observation, analysis, communication and design skills. You will have the opportunity to visit regional and national galleries and design studios and there is an annual study visit to a major European city. There are artist-led workshops as well as exhibitions by visiting artists/designers held at the college and in local galleries. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work is also exhibited at two annual exhibitions.

Thomas / GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION I have always liked graphic design as I took this at school and was considering doing this in college. So far I have really enjoyed the course because of the creative media and ways you can take your set projects in any direction you would like. This could be sketching or photography, or new skills I developed involving screen or ink printing to digital manipulation. The facilities available are great. Because of this it has become my favourite subject. There are also opportunities to go on trips such as the London trip to the Tate Art Gallery. I feel that this subject has helped guide me to what I would like to do in the future with graphic designing and the concept of focusing on designs through practical and theoretical thinking which is highly valued by employers.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Art and creative continued.

Maria / GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION As a Graphic Communication student, I went on the Art trip to Barcelona in 2011. The Art department also arranges trips to art galleries and exhibitions in London at least twice a year. I chose Graphics because I wanted to keep up an art based subject having done Art and Design at GCSE but didn’t want to take straight art. I found the clean, exact nature of the course more suited to my skills. I have found the course really engaging but also challenging. I am proud of the work I have produced especially my development in silk screen printing – a process I was unfamiliar with before Huish. Choosing an art subject is a commitment and you will have to spend a good amount of your time in order to complete your coursework to a high standard – it is worth it!

A selection of students 2013 A Level Photography work, using both film and digital methods.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Photography A

A Level Photography will not only make you a better photographer; it will also make you more independent, more creative, a quicker thinker, a better problem solver, more technically adept, more critical, more visually aware; develop higher personal standards and greater self-confidence. We take a creative approach to the subject and teach the technical skills necessary to enable you to express your ideas. We work with film and digital cameras and create images both in the darkroom and using industry standard software. You will be given a theme to explore for every project but as you will always be taking an individual approach, lessons tend to involve different activities for different students. There is still a significant amount of written work and critical thinking required for successful achievement of the assessment criteria. There are ongoing costs with the study of photography such as sketchbooks, mounting materials, digital printing, photographic paper and films. Every student is expected to own or have continuous access to a 35mm Digital SLR camera and a 35mm Film SLR. For more advice about cameras please see the website.

Rosie / PHOTOGRAPHY The reason I chose to do Photography was because I was excited about using the dark room but also having the chance to develop the skills I had taught myself. Not being given the opportunity to do it at GCSE made it very exciting to do it for A Level and it is a big passion of mine. In the first year of Photography there are trips available to go on. Two of them, Bath and Bristol, were organised to give us the opportunity to take photographs for the base of both the main themes for coursework and the exam unit. There was also a trip to a London Gallery. I have really enjoyed this subject and I am developing my skills. At the beginning of the year I found it hard to show my work in a sketchbook as it was something I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done before but now I feel much more confident. I also think the quality of my images has improved, how I compose them and the Photoshop skills I use.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Business How do firms become profitable? Why do some firms prosper and grow whilst competitors struggle and decline? If you are thinking of a commercially based career then there are a variety of business courses that will equip you with essential tools and knowledge that you will need to improve your chances of success. The practical skills you will learn are essential for successful management and leadership and they combine thorough academic study with relevant â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;real worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge. Whether you want to

train to work in management, improve your management skills, or think of running your own business, having the skills from doing a qualification is very important in this competitive world. Please note: due to the different content and methods of assessment you will not be able to study both Business Studies and BTEC Business together or switch from the BTEC Business course onto the Business Studies A-level after induction so do contact the Course Manager for help to ensure you start on the right course for you.

Business Studies A

If you plan to become a business leader this course will give you an understanding of the key tools that businesses need to be successful. The practical skills you will learn are essential for successful management training and they combine with a thorough academic study of the subject. The main areas explored include an introduction to Business concepts, aspects of marketing, financial management, people management and key techniques of managing Quality and Production. You will put together a marketing strategy to increase sales, which requires creative thought, teamwork and research; however, all your decisions have to deliver a profit, so you will also consider ways that a business can cope with the challenges of finance, staff and manufacturing too.

Freddie / BUSINESS STUDIES I chose Business Studies as the representatives at the Open Evening were really enthusiastic about the subject and I would like to start my own business. I had wanted to do Business at GCSE but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made available to me. In Business Studies writing notes is key. After creating notes in lessons the best advice is to read them within 24 hours as the information is so much easier to retain. The teachers are really nice and will make time for any extra help you need. I find that making the teachers aware if you are struggling really helps as there may be more in the class with the same issue, therefore the whole class can benefit. When I leave college I plan to become a midwife and use my skills to build my confidence and management expertise.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

MY YEAR 9 Having seen what looked like an interesting new Business Studies GCSE course during options evening in year 9, I decided to choose it as one of my GCSEs.

Lizzie’s journey from Kingsmead School.

MY SUBJECTS AND ENRICHMENTS Having developed a passion for business, economics and current affairs I decided to choose Business Studies as one of my A-level options, alongside Economics and Politics. Huish also provided an opportunity to combine my academic interests with a desire for independence and a love for sport. I was privileged to captain the Women’s hockey team and I was given the opportunity to represent British Colleges during a tour of Barbados.

Complete Lizzie’s journey on P73

Business (Vocational) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma or Extended Diploma

BTEC

Business & Management Degrees Deg

The BTEC qualification allows you to develop skills and knowledge that are essential when looking to progress into employment or further study in business.

At Huish we have small class sizes offering a friendly but focused teaching environment. You can live locally, study and work alongside your studies. Bursaries and student finance are also available.

If you are interested in starting up your own business, marketing the latest products or managing others in a fast moving environment then a BTEC in Business is an excellent starting point. There are no exams, the BTEC qualification is structured so that you are assessed continually throughout the 2 years.

Foundation Degree (FdA) Business and Management You will study a range of practical subjects from People Management and Marketing to basic Accounting and Law. You can also study for the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 4 Award in Management as part of the degree. Assessment is through a range of presentations, written coursework and examinations.

You will study how a range of businesses works, from product research, product sourcing, branding and promotion. You will study how businesses recruit and manage their staff. It’s all about communication.

There are two options: FULL TIME: delivered over two years usually across two days or PART TIME: delivered over three years usually for an afternoon / evening

Studying an FdA at Richard Huish College is definitely an option to consider if the university lifestyle isn’t for you. This was certainly the case for me, as I wanted to achieve a degree but without the daunting prospect of having to move away to university.

BA (Honours) Degree Applied Professional Studies (Leadership & Management) You will study the following: • Developing Skills for the Executive Manager • Developing Skills for Business Leadership • Accrediting and Building on Learning • Work Based Study You can also gain the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 6 Award in Management. You will be assessed through written coursework, a work based study and a presentation.

Business degree students in 2012

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Rosie / FdA BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT I’m very happy to have chosen to do my FdA Business and Management degree at Richard Huish College. I’d heard brilliant things about the course and I studied for A Levels at Huish so I had a good feel for the college. I had a really good job and was gaining a lot of experience from it. However, I wanted to boost my knowledge of the world of business and the area I was currently working in and hoping to stay in. The fact that I didn’t have to give up this job that I loved in order to further my career was fantastic. The course is really flexible and the course tutors are all fantastic. The modules cover a lot, so I’m learning all aspects of a business and how to manage. Assessments are a mixture of exams, coursework and presentations. This tests my knowledge and brings different experiences. Feedback and support is given to ensure I achieve to the best of my ability. I am gaining experience and qualifications and a lot of knowledge all at the same time, which I feel will be really attractive to employers in the future. It is great to be able to stay local and keep my job whilst gaining an excellent qualification at a fantastic college.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Business School For business and professional development If you have professional development needs, as an employer or an individual, in the area of business or management, we can work with you to provide specific training to meet those needs. The Huish Business School team can help you find the right solutions by developing skills and delivering qualifications appropriate to your, or your staff’s development needs.

Work Based Learning and Apprenticeships Work based learning is an alternative style of learning for young people that suits those who prefer a more practical and hands on approach. The skills are usually (but not always) developed and assessed in the workplace by working for an employer four days a week. The underpinning knowledge and learning comes from attending college on a day-release or part-time basis.

Training and developing your employees can help your business stay ahead of the competition; this may be through mastering new technology, maximising the use of IT, improving customer service or working towards professional qualifications.

Apprenticeships are stepping stones into employment with good career prospects for the future. They concentrate on developing the skills, knowledge and work ethic that employers value in their staff and equipping learners with qualifications that are widely recognised. Skills Based Courses The college provides a number of short courses in a range of different skill areas. These include: • Sage Accounting • Bookkeeping • Information Technology • Functional Skills (Maths and English)

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/business-school

Institute of Leadership and Management This awarding body offers a flexible range of qualifications from level 2 upwards to support and/or develop leadership and management skills. There are a number of optional units within most levels so the qualification can be tailored to meet your needs. Courses can be college or work based. Funding may be available under the apprenticeship scheme (subject to terms and conditions).

Professional Accountancy Courses The college offers a wide range of courses that lead to professional accountancy qualifications from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). These courses cover all levels and can be studied on a day release, evening or distance learning basis to suit individual needs. Higher Education Higher Education is about taking your learning to the next level: learning new skills and techniques; learning more about a subject or career that you’re really interested in. You’ll find it challenging – getting used to new ways of learning and thinking may take time – but there will be lots of opportunities to experience new things and meet new people along the way. The college currently offers two degree courses in Business and Sport. For further details see pages 27 and 54.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

In programming, I am able to practise my theory straight away by writing a program which helps me to understand it better.

AQA Baccalaureate AQA BACC

Stand out from the crowd! At Richard Huish College there is an opportunity to add breadth of study to your A level programme with a Baccalaureate from the AQA exam board. Gaining an AQA Bacc qualification demonstrates a broader set of skills and interests by bringing together: • an academic programme of at least 3 A level subjects • an AS in Critical Thinking • an Extended Project Qualification • enrichment activities totalling at least 100 hours These elements will strengthen your qualifications and make you more attractive to universities or employers. Enrichment can be activities taken either in or out of college. If you want to qualify for the AQA Bacc you will be guided to an appropriate programme of study and you can start to gather evidence of your enrichment from an initial meeting.

Classical Civilisation A

Classical Civilisation involves the study of ancient Greece in its broadest sense, looking at the history, politics, philosophy and literature that became the foundation of Western Civilisation from the Romans through to our own day. It is about where we come from and who we are and is the basis of our ideas of law, constitution, beauty, justice, ethics, myth, poetry and theatre, indeed of all our philosophical reflection. We focus on the writings of the Ancient Greeks themselves (in English translation) and the course will equip you with the critical and conceptual tools to examine these texts and engage with the ideas they contain and their relevance for our culture. The course covers the development of Democracy in Athens in the 6th and 5th Centuries BC focusing on the work of Aristotle, Pseudo-Xenophon, and Aristophanes’ comedy The Wasps. This is followed by a study of Homer’s Iliad examining the text in detail and exploring the plot, characterisations, the role of fate and the gods, the heroic code and the portrayal of war. You will also study four works of Plato that explore the life, death and philosophy of Socrates.

Computing A

Computing combines well with many subjects, although if you want to study computer science or a related discipline at degree level it would be best taken alongside Mathematics and Physics. Typically you already have an interest in all things to do with Computing and may have studied an IT subject at school (although this is not a requirement). If you are now looking to extend your skills into programming and the theoretical aspects of computing, then you will enjoy this course. You will learn the fundamental principles of programming and develop skills in the Visual Basic.NET language. Topics of study include the underlying theory of processor architecture, the interpretation of bit patterns, the structure of the Internet, logic circuits and Boolean algebra. You will undertake a substantial practical project to solve a problem of your choice, which involves programming a substantial piece of software, then documenting and testing it.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Martha / DANCE I chose to study Dance because I am interested in a career in performing arts. It gives me the chance to be creative as well as keeping me active and fit and improving my posture. The hardest part of Dance has been choreographing my own piece, as it’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before but I’ve always loved a challenge and I’ve had a lot of support and guidance. Having a tutor is very helpful because they constantly review my progress and check that I’m not getting out of my depth. What I’ve learnt is that it’s important to manage my time properly and make full use of my free time. However, it’s also important to maintain the social side of college because it makes it more enjoyable. I’ve made some great friends since being here.

Dance A

If you are creative, enjoy movement, like to learn in a practical way and are interested in all aspects of dance then this is the course for you. It is open to you with or without dance experience. You will have the opportunity of going on trips to see companies perform live and take workshops with professional dancers and companies during both years. You will develop skills of analysis, dance appreciation, anatomy, technique, choreography, performance and learn about the history of contemporary dance. In your first year there are two units. One is a written paper based on your knowledge, understanding and appreciation of dance. The second allows you to create a piece which is based on your choreographic and performance skills. During the second year there are two units; a written paper focused on one company and a set work and a practical unit where you will be assessed on your choreographic and performance skills through creating a group dance and performing a solo in the style of a choreographer you have studied.

It’s an excellent source of fitness, fun and friendship and combines both physical and written work.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Stephen / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES Drama has been a lifelong passion; one which influences every aspect of my personality and everyday life. When choosing my options Drama and Theatre Studies certainly was my first choice without any hesitation. The course offers nothing but endless experience in all elements of Drama, kick-starting the year with a truly thrilling introduction to ‘Absurdism’. This exploration continuously evolves into new genres and new performances breaking through the boundaries of what you thought you knew and what you thought you couldn’t do. The direction and inspiration that is shared from what we are taught not only increases confidence within the subject area but with all aspects in life. It is a subject that provides skills which can be undoubtedly transferable into anything a person requires them for. To engage and perform as anyone would want to, total commitment is needed. I have learnt that self-control, undivided attention and the desire to be successful goes hand in hand with this A-level. The opportunities that can be gained open doors that wouldn’t even have been thought of. For me, Drama doesn’t end once offstage, this isn’t just a qualification. It’s another open door to life.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Zara / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES I chose to study Drama because it is something that I love and hope to pursue in the future. I have found that within Drama there is a lot of new material that I have learned about and explored. I also feel I have improved a lot over the two years with practical and theory due to the amount of support that I have received. I found it was easy to make friends due to the liveliness of the course. Everyone had the opportunity of working together at different times which made the group become close. I feel that it is great having that close bond with classmates as it makes the learning experience a lot better.

Drama & Theatre Studies A

Drama offers you the opportunity to develop your individual creativity and to broaden your understanding of the complexities of theatre. If you enjoy practical exploration of drama and want to expand your knowledge of performance analysis, this course will enable you to appreciate the demands and rewards of a holistic approach to theatre. You will study a wide range of drama texts and explore the works of contrasting practitioners. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of genres including Greek Chorus, Absurdism and Naturalism while developing your appreciation of acting skills. You will be introduced to devising theatre performance and the performance history of pre-seventeenth century texts. Theatre visits are an integral part of the course. These visits are not only informative but also offer an opportunity for continued theatre experience and sharing of drama performance.

Economics A

Are public services meeting the needs of society? Is there equality and fairness in the world today? Should airlines pay more tax? How do we make our choices as consumers when we shop? Does foreign aid really help the developing world? If you are interested in any of these questions and possible solutions then Economics is for you. The world has infinite wants and scarce resources; in the first unit you will analyse how and why choices are made. You will look at the impact on the environment of business activity and the range of possible solutions that are available to monitor and change business behaviour. In the second unit, the areas considered are from the perspective of the Chancellor in the making of economic policy. How does this jigsaw fit together? What does a successful economy mean? How and why do we trade with the rest of the world? You will have opportunities to take part in trips throughout the course. Students also have opportunities to participate in a national competition organised by the Bank of England.

MY YEAR 11 I left Bishop Fox’s in 2006 with 12 GCSEs in a wide range of subjects. At the time I didn’t have a clear view of what I wanted to study after school, so for me the main priority was to continue with the subjects I had enjoyed at school as well as finding an environment which would provide new, interesting subjects and extracurricular activities to broaden my horizon.

Brindley’s journey from Bishop Fox’s Community School. Complete Brindley’s journey on P73

MY RECOMMENDATIONS The years between 16 and 18 provide an opportunity to explore potential future career paths and develop your interests. If you have a clear idea, now is the time to pursue that goal. If you are still unsure (I am a little, and I’m 23!) then it’s important to throw yourself into new environments and experiences. MY SUBJECTS AND ENRICHMENTS Geography (AS only), Geology, History, Economics, Philosophy (AS only) and Critical thinking (AS only), Duke of Edinburgh Award, the politics society.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Earth Sciences If you enjoy exploring everything around you and want to find out more about the challenges facing the world today, then earth sciences are for you. Choosing which one suits you best is important so compare what each has to offer.

science at GCSE. What we look for is enthusiasm, a love of field work and a sense of humour. There are many opportunities to do field work and there are local, national and international visits through your time at Huish.

Some students choose to take more than one earth science and this is perfectly acceptable as long as it fits with your aspirations for the future. Also, you do not need to have done an earth

Archaeology A

Archaeology is for anyone with an interest in their past. It is a subject that covers a wide range of topics from science to the arts, and a vast time range. It is essentially a practical subject so there are many field trips and an opportunity to take part in digs and surveys such as Geophysics. If you are interested in what graves, shipwrecks and bog bodies can tell you about human existence through the ages; and if you would like to know more about famous sites such as Stonehenge and finds like the Amesbury Archer’s Grave Goods, then you will enjoy this course. You will study the evidence for ritual and religious practices from a variety of prehistoric sites. You will also study archaeological methods and techniques used to find sites, excavate them and analyse the results, including dating methods. You will research and conduct fieldwork on a local site, study the social organisation, settlement, technology and economics of past societies from around the world.

Sam / ARCHAEOLOGY Archaeology is a rich and varied course that has a huge amount to offer. I started this course because I have quite an interest in pre-history and I don’t regret it. It’s an absolutely fantastic course where you can learn a lot of really interesting information and have a lot of fun doing so! The teachers are amazing and keep lessons interesting and varied and they will always be there to support you and help you in any way that they can which is very confidence inspiring. There are also a lot of opportunities to do extra fieldwork outside of college which really gives you a great insight to the subject which you would not be able to gain any other way. There are also several great field trips within college including a day to Stonehenge and the surrounding ritual landscape. You also learn about pre-excavation, excavation and postexcavation techniques which give you a real insight as to what Archaeologists do in the real world. You learn all of this whilst having a great time!

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Megan / GEOGRAPHY When you think of Geography, you may think of countries, land, rivers, population, culture, energy issues or coasts but, whatever you consider it to be, Geography at A level will be sure to cover it. Including both physical and human topics, as well as geographical skills such as map reading and a variety of field trips, Geography feeds your hunger to find out more about the world we live in. The teachers are really enthusiastic about their subject and are always willing to help you. Never be shy to ask a question, even if you think it is a silly one – the teachers will not judge you but explain it again in a way which may help.

Environmental Studies A

Geography A

Today we face many challenging environmental problems with potentially disastrous consequences if these issues are not addressed. This is why environmental science is an important area to study. Firstly, you will study the unique characteristics of planet earth that allow it to sustain life. You will study the atmosphere, the lithosphere (rocks and soil), the hydrosphere (the watery part) as well as the biosphere (the living part). You will also look at wildlife conservation. Then you explore energy resources, environmental pollution, as well as the management of biological resources – farming, forestry and fisheries. You will take part in a number of field trips. Places you visit may include The Eden Project, The National Marine Aquarium, Paignton Zoo and Westhay Moor Nature Reserve where current students are actively involved in habitat restoration.

If you want to explore those familiar areas you enjoyed at GCSE in more depth and in a more analytical way, study new topics and improve your understanding of the fragile relationship between people and the planet, then this subject is one for you. You will find a friendly, hard working atmosphere in class and, of course, the field work and residential trips are both useful and fun. Geography is a subject that is highly relevant in understanding some of the global issues we face. Students need an interest in all geographical issues, both the human and the physical. Rivers, coasts, population change and energy issues are covered and lead on to development and globalisation, plate tectonics and weather and climate. Naturally, you will also sharpen your skills of map reading, graphical interpretation and fieldwork planning etc. We feature day trips in the local area to practise field skills and to show you how relevant the material is to the world around us. You will have the opportunity to go on a residential trip, probably either to Iceland or Sicily.

MY YEAR 11 When I left school I spoke to UCAS advisers and knew I wanted to go to university, not only to get a better education but also to have the overall university experience. I knew the colleges available in the area and knew Huish offered the most academic courses that suited me.

Eve’s journey from Castle School. Complete Eve’s journey on P73

MY RECOMMENDATIONS Many schools offer advice about which universities to go to but it is a lot more important to ensure you choose the right A-level courses, and college. My advice would be to look through a college prospectus at the courses available and consider ones you would like to try and others that you are already interested in from studying them at school. Thinking about your future education is important but one step at a time! MY SUBJECTS Archaeology, English Language & Literature, History and Religious Studies.

Geology A

Ideally you would have an interest in the subject, an ability to work independently and a sense of humour! Geology is a true Natural Science which is, for some, more accessible than others and it gives you the opportunity to make a difference environmentally and economically. There are many reasons, but here are a few that students mention: because you have an interest in the physical aspects of Geography; to complement other science subjects with a practical science which is more accessible to many; as a science subject when a science A Level is a requirement for a university course; because you are interested in a career in engineering; because you enjoy fossil collecting and want to know more; because you enjoy fieldwork. You will look at all the aspects of the subject from plate tectonics, volcanism and earthquakes to the understanding of the processes of rock formation and the use of fossils. You will also study rocks, fossils and minerals in the field and in ‘lab’. You will progress to develop concepts and knowledge and you can pursue optional areas of interest such as British Stratigraphy, Quaternary Geology, Lithosphere and Economic Resources. We visit sites in Devon and Dorset and travel to Spain to do practical fieldwork. You can also go on the Geography trip to Iceland to supplement your experiences of geological wonder.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

English You will be well suited to an English course if you like arguing your case, enjoy reading and research, and want to write about your opinions or construct your own texts.

If you enjoy discussing both written and spoken language, like writing, and want to explore the way the English language works, then English Language would be a good choice.

For Literature, reading and analysing literary texts is central to the course and also discussion and argument, both orally and on paper.

However, if you want to maintain both language and literature then you will enjoy studying in the Language and Literature combined course.

English Language

English Literature

You will enjoy this course if you like writing, enjoy the English language in all its variety (old and new, spoken and written) and want to explore the way language works across a wide range of genres. This A-level will provide you with a structured, analytical approach to the study of language, including work on grammar. You will analyse a wide range of different types of writing and speech: some new (e.g. text messages and social networking), some older (such as old adverts), some spontaneous (like a conversation with a friend), and some crafted (e.g. part of a published short story). You’ll consider how language is used to show power, how it reflects gender, and the effect which communication technology (email/TV/texting etc) has upon us as writers and speakers. We are always keen to encourage young writers to get involved in publishing and to participate in the well-known Brunner Prize creative writing competition and the Lucas Cup.

You should consider this course if you enjoy reading and analysing literary text and you have lots of views about it, or if you enjoy discussion and argument – both orally and on paper. In your first year you will look at a wide range of texts for analysis; novels, poetry and drama. You will consider how language is used by different authors and in different social contexts, comparing and contrasting texts. You will study novels and poetry in detail for the exam, and gain skills for ‘unseen’ analysis. You will also produce your own creative and critical pieces in response to drama for coursework. English Literature students take part in many trips to back up their studies. This has included Coleridge Country, Hardy’s Dorset, Oxford for potential English students, local and regional theatre trips and much more!

Sam / ENGLISH LITERATURE The step between English Literature at GCSE and at A-level is a considerable one. For some this can be a significant challenge. However with the help of great teachers and a more independent style of learning it is easy to adjust to English at Richard Huish and discover a new love for the subject. Students are encouraged to read widely and beyond the texts which we study; you’ll soon find yourself reading things you never would have thought of reading before thanks to the teacher’s encouragement and high standards of English at Huish in general. The subject is certainly demanding but equally rewarding enabling you to pursue a wide range of literature from various historical eras whilst developing your analytical and expressive skills.

Doing English at Huish gave me a passion for the subject and inspired me to take my language study further.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

English Language & Literature A

In order to succeed in the subject you will need an interest in language and how it works and an interest in people and how they communicate with each other. You need the ability to write in original, entertaining ways for readers and listeners and have an enjoyment of reading – everything from novels and stories to soap scripts and websites to the great playwrights and poets such as Shakespeare and Coleridge. You will have the opportunity to take a ‘hands on’ investigative approach to texts which are a part of our everyday lives. In addition to prose, drama and poetry you will explore communication through the medium of informal and formal speech, telephone calls, emails, text messages, TV and radio broadcasts and blogs.

Alex / ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE English Language and Literature is a great subject to take as it is challenging and pushes you to do the very best possible. I’ve always been attracted to English. I love how it allows you to develop your own ideas and create your own unique style – not just copy out exactly what the exam board wants you to. The coursework is particularly refreshing as you are completely in control of it.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Film and Media Film Studies and Media Studies play an important part in the cultural and creative life of the college. In addition to the courses there is a thriving film enrichment programme where students make their own films and Huish has its own ‘Oscars’ to celebrate the success of its young film makers. These subjects are housed in their own purpose built classrooms with access to editing suites and full black out for screening.

Film Studies A

Film is the major art form of the 21st century and a cultural art form of great significance. Film Studies has become an important focus for exploration by students in a world where films have dominated the entertainment industry for the last hundred years. Film Studies is designed to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of film. You will be introduced to a wide range of national and international films that will give you an interest in film culture that will remain with you for the rest of your life. You will study cinema as a medium, as an art form and as a social and economic institution. Through the viewing of a wide range of different films from the UK, Hollywood and the rest of the world you will develop skills of observation, critical analysis and reflection. The course explores the relationship between the film ‘text’ and the individual by focusing on meaning and making responses. Additional film viewing is required outside the classroom. There are opportunities for visits to London, Hollywood, New York and Disneyland Paris.

It is kept interesting through the use of different media technologies. It helps me better understand the world around me.

find out more about the facilities www.huish.ac.uk/about-us/facilities/media-and-film-studies/

Media Studies A

This course will provide you with a framework to examine the distinctive contributions which the mass media makes to your understanding and enjoyment of the world. You will have the opportunity to develop a critical and analytical approach to a whole range of media texts as well as the institutions that create and circulate them. A variety of approaches to the changing media environment will be explored. You will study a whole range of media forms which might include advertising, newspapers, magazines, radio, films, television, the internet and other digital mediums. You will also explore the different ways audiences use such material. You will become familiar with new media technologies and will be instructed in the use of some of these. The course is supported by a part-time technical expert. There is a media workshop and the technician teaches most of the practical aspects of the course. You will have the opportunity to participate in a timetabled video enrichment course and this becomes compulsory if you choose to make a film for your coursework. There have been opportunities to visit London, New York, Hollywood and Disneyland Paris so it is worth keeping an eye out for enrichment opportunities while at Huish.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Adam / Media Studies Media Studies is ideal for anyone who is interested in the media industry. Whether you want to become a journalist, design magazine covers or direct music videos, this is the subject for you. I originally signed up to the course with an interest in the media industry but since I have progressed, I now have something greater than just an interest, I have an understanding. You will learn the ins and outs of everything from representation of products to technical codes used in film and television. The most important thing about it all though, is that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like work. The tasks may be taxing, but when the subject matter is so interesting and varied, it just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get stale. I began the course knowing no-one in the class but soon that meant nothing to me. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long to settle in. If you want a rich, deep and varied course to sink your teeth into, then this is it.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Ben / GOVERNMENT & POLITICS I have always been interested in Politics, even from a young age. I love our Politics lessons, they are ever changing keeping us up to date with current affairs. There are so many opportunities to further Politics, such as debating society, where the topics are always current along with weekly class debates. There are plenty of trips offered to us students – America and the British Parliament to say the least. The careers opportunities that come with Politics are fantastic, Business, the Diplomatic Service and many more! I think Politics has been one of the most interesting subjects I have taken. The lessons are full of healthy debate and current news.

Government & Politics A

If you follow current affairs, and enjoy reading the newspaper or watching current affairs and news programmes on television, then this course should appeal to you; and you will gain knowledge that will be useful whatever future plans you may have. You will develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes. The course will give you a knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK and the USA, and how these may differ from those of other political systems. You will develop your capacity for critical thinking as you consider the relationships between different aspects of this subject and view the issues you study in a broader context. Topics you cover will include different types of election in the UK, electoral systems and voting behaviour, the politics of the UK, the UK Parliament, Prime Minister and Cabinet and political ideas and concepts. You will also study US Government & Politics. The topics covered will include: Presidential elections, Presidential power, the US legislature, the US constitution, US political parties and pressure groups.

Health & Social Care

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma or Extended Diploma

BTEC

If you are interested in working in any sort of caring profession, the BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent) is a good starting point. This could be work within a hospital, residential home or social services setting. The BTEC Certificate (1 A level equivalent) will give you a ‘taster’ of health and social care and would support an application for nursing, midwifery, social work or teaching. Although you will study some theory, the emphasis of the course is on applying the information that you learn to real situations. If you do have a particular career in mind, we are likely to offer optional units that will be relevant to that career. You can also relate pieces of coursework to your preferred care setting. Some of the topics you will cover include: Developing effective communication in care

settings, equality, diversity and rights and health, safety and security in care settings. There are also Optional Units that it is possible to study covering areas like: caring for children and young people, nutrition and complementary therapies. There are opportunities for you to experience real life situations that will enhance your understanding of this subject. You will be able to base your work on a number of different environments including health centres, residential homes, schools, nurseries and possibly hospital departments. You will need to have at least 100 hours of work experience for the Extended Diploma, but there is no compulsory work experience with the Certificate. The whole year will be spent on coursework and you will need to be self-motivated in order to meet all deadlines on time.

Molly / GOVERNMENT & POLITICS I originally took Government and Politics because it was something that interested me and the content covered really appealed to me. Also, as I’m quite opinionated, the idea of doing a weekly debate really appealed to me. Doing politics has developed all of my opinions and understanding further – I’ve developed a much greater interest in current affairs and how they affect us. The teaching is very impartial as well, so there’s a real sense that any judgement is your own, plus there are trips to both London and the USA.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Michael / HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE I want to become a teacher and so I thought Health and Social Care would be a great start to developing skills needed for this occupation. The course has lived up to my expectations and I have developed skills like communication that will benefit teaching as well as learning different legislation needed to plan and run a service such as a school.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

James / HISTORY (EARLY MODERN) When you come to college you really need to ‘hit the ground running’ as it’s a huge step between GCSE and A-Levels. I knew it was going to be a lot of hard work, but the History department helped me to make the jump a lot easier by helping me deal with the massive workload. Also the topics we study in History are very different from what I did at GCSE so it makes it much more interesting than just doing the same topics all over again. The teachers help you to engage in the work as well so overall it is an extremely good subject to take. Even if you’re not thinking of taking it further than college it’s a really good subject and it mixes well with others such as Politics and English.

History (Early Modern) and (Late Modern) A

History is a fascinating and vibrant subject that will give you the opportunity to develop your own ideas and challenge the opinions of others. At Huish we offer a choice of two History courses, both examined by AQA. Our History courses embrace a wide range of human activity and you will have the chance to broaden your interests, examine historical issues, challenge existing orthodoxies and engage with historical debates. There are extensive opportunities for exchanging ideas through debate and discussion and a great deal of support in class with an academic tutor. A History Society exists for students to plan trips and activities. Students have taken part in residential trips to Russia, London and Berlin to support our studies.

HISTORY (EARLY MODERN) During the first year you will study the religious crises that rocked Europe c. 1500-1564 and then investigate Henry VIII’s reign with an emphasis on document skills. Themes of political, economic and religious change under the Tudors will be continued in the second year with an exploration of the mid-Tudor period and the reign of Elizabeth I. You will also complete a coursework unit on the European voyages of discovery and development of empire with advice and direction from your tutor. HISTORY (LATE MODERN) During the first year you will study Tsarist Russia, 1855-1917 and the collapse of autocracy. You will investigate the power and limitations of the Russian Tsars, and evaluate the reasons for the end of autocracy in Russia. You will also explore the American involvement in Vietnam, 1961-75, with an emphasis on document skills. Themes of political change will be continued in the second year with an examination of 20th century British politics. You will also complete a coursework unit examining 100 years of Russian History with advice and direction from your tutor.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

100% pass rate in IT in 2013

The Law course is well managed, handouts provided are well structured and it’s clear what we are learning and why.

InformationTechnology (IT) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma or Extended Diploma

BTEC

Law A

IT is a coursework based subject for those keen to prepare for work and study in the fast-moving technology sector or those who are intent on building a strong IT knowledge base using skills that are valued in any industry. Progress is measured throughout the course with practical assignments based on realistic workplace situations. The Subsidiary Diploma course combines well with many subjects and is ideal if you enjoyed IT at school and wish to extend your understanding of how the Internet works, website production, web animation, digital graphics and computer hardware.

to the topics studied on the Subsidiary Diploma, you will develop skills in software design and development, programming Windows applications with Visual Basic.NET, database design and gain experience with other web and mobile device programming languages such as CSS and JavaScript.

This is a fascinating and varied subject that will give you the opportunity to develop good powers of reasoning. Knowledge of the law can give people more control over their lives and greater confidence in their dealings with others. People should be aware of their rights under the law and their responsibilities towards others.

We are now a Microsoft test centre and some current students in their second year of the Extended Diploma are taking exams to become Microsoft Technology Associates, developing HTML5 web and mobile apps.

You will cover the criminal courts and magistrates and juries and law making including a court visit: an introduction to criminal law – elements of a crime; non-fatal offences against the person and criminal court procedure. There is also an introduction to civil law based on negligence and the civil courts.

If you are intending to pursue a career in the IT industry, The BTEC Extended Diploma in IT (Software Development), is for you. In addition

Sam / BTEC IT BTEC IT is a great course for anyone with an interest in computers. You learn about things such as software engineering and making your own applications all the way to learning about internet security and designing your own webpage. The teachers are brilliant and really know their stuff. They will constantly support you throughout the course and give you all the help you need. Because it’s a BTEC, there are no exams and so you will be working on coursework throughout the whole year. You also get quite a lot of practical work to do especially when creating your own programs or designing your own web pages. In this course you are constantly working towards a goal and getting all the work in. Also, getting a difficult part of the program working is really a very satisfying achievement.

You will also study criminal law – murder, manslaughter, non-fatal offences against the person, and defences such as insanity, automatism and intoxication. You will also study property offences and defences such as duress.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Mathematics There are three options for studying Mathematics at AS or A-level, to suit students with different levels of interest and background GCSE knowledge. If you are very confident of gaining at least an A grade in GCSE Mathematics and have a very strong interest in the subject you could consider the Further Mathematics course. This will involve studying for two A-levels (Mathematics and Further Mathematics) and has twice the number of lessons as a single A-level will have. If you think that you will get an A grade, or at least a high B grade at GCSE, and you are interested in Mathematics and like doing it, particularly working with algebra,

equations and graphs, then A-level Mathematics may be the course for you. If you are less confident of getting a good B grade, or if you are likely to get a C grade at higher tier GCSE, then the AS-level course Use of Mathematics would be the best choice for you. This course is designed for those students whose main interests lie in other subjects, but who wish to improve their mathematical knowledge and skills beyond GCSE. Those wishing to do Maths, Engineering or Physical Sciences at university are advised to do Maths or Further Maths.

Genevieve / MATHEMATICS I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really sure about taking Maths at first but I have actually really enjoyed it. Although the concepts are harder than at GCSE, it is a lot more interesting at A level and very satisfying. The most important thing in Maths is to complete all the homework youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re set and if you ever get stuck all you have to do is ask. The good thing about Maths is that once you have learnt the process of how to do something, all you have to do is apply it to different questions. This makes revision a lot easier as you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to learn lots of information like my other subjects. I have found that by making good use of my free time I have limited the work I have to do at home which is great, especially when you have long journeys to get to and from college.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

The course is exciting and interesting and has helped me with my other A levels, such as Chemistry, where Maths is a great help.

Mathematics A

If you like solving tricky problems, understanding abstract ideas and are confident using complex mathematical and algebraic techniques, this course could be a good choice for you. You should expect to get a high B grade at the very least at GCSE, and be particularly confident using all the algebraic skills at higher tier. The training that AS and A-level Mathematics provides is relevant to many subjects as it equips you with skills such as logical analysis and deduction, problem solving, data handling and mathematical modelling. You will study Pure Mathematics and its applications. Pure Mathematics is an extension of the skills covered at GCSE particularly algebra and algebraic graphs, but also includes trigonometry and a new area of study called calculus. You will also develop an understanding of some problem solving techniques using algorithms and networks in an applied maths unit called Decision Mathematics. You will then progress onto either Statistics or Mechanics alongside more advanced Pure Mathematics. Statistics extends the work done at GCSE to cover areas such as data presentation, probability and correlation. Mechanics, which is studied by those taking Physics, covers such topics as Newtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laws of motion and forces. By the end of the course you will have gained confidence and proficiency in a wide variety of mathematical concepts and methods and in their application.

Further Mathematics A

Further Maths is a very challenging course which provides an excellent preparation for further study of Mathematics or closely related disciplines at university. It equips you with skills such as logical analysis and deduction, problem solving, data handling and mathematical modelling â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which can be applied in almost any field of work. The first year consists of a broad programme including Pure Mathematics, Decision Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. The topics include those mentioned in the section of this prospectus for the A-level Mathematics course. In the second year you will extend your Pure Mathematics knowledge to cover such topics as differential equations, polar co-ordinates, complex numbers and numerical solution of equations, as well as tackling more advanced problems in statistics and mechanics. This will give you a very thorough mathematical grounding in a very wide range of methods used in many university subjects, including Maths, Physics, Engineering and Economics. At the end of your first year you will have completed a full A-level in Mathematics (rather than an AS), and by the end of your second year you will have a second A-level in Further Mathematics.

Use of Mathematics AS 3 This course is designed for students who are mainly interested in studying how mathematical methods can be used to help tackle problems in the real world. There is less emphasis on abstract algebraic techniques for their own sake than on the Mathematics course, and more on how these methods are applied, and so is well suited to students whose main interests lie in other areas such as business or the life sciences. The course is only offered to AS level, and does not lead to a full A-level after two years, although a successful student could go on to AS level Mathematics in the second year. Students study the way that algebraic and graphical methods are used to model real situations. Students are encouraged to use these skills, through their coursework, to model a real situation of their choosing which may come from one of their other subjects. Students will also use their algebraic and graphical skills to analyse how Mathematics has been used to model a problem and is assessed by an examination at the end of the course. AS Use of Mathematics is a helpful addition to your studies in other subjects.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Modern Languages Modern Language courses at Huish place great emphasis on raising your language skill to a level at which you will be able to communicate effectively in writing and speaking and they equip you with the skills to appreciate the rich culture of the country whose language you are studying. Throughout your time you will not only increase your understanding of grammatical structures and widen your vocabulary but will also be introduced to contemporary society. The courses fully integrate the best of modern technology into the teaching. The department benefits from a state-of-the-art language laboratory which is used weekly by all students. Access to all material is also available from a home computer. In the classroom the emphasis is on interactive learning and improving language skills using a variety of activities. Students are constantly encouraged to produce language and are exposed to a wide selection of authentic sources.

Blake / GERMAN It is safe to say that German is my favourite subject at AS and I find it the most rewarding by far. I chose the subject because many opportunities arise as a result of being able to speak German, and as I am not by any means a straight-A student, speaking German is an unusual skill which I hope will be advantageous in gaining employment either in the UK or abroad. The teaching is very comprehensive here at Huish and I am wholly grateful for the attention that is given to each and every student individually. All efforts are made to ensure that the occasionally tricky sentence structure is understood by all and the 40 minute session with a native speaker each week is a real help in extending vocabulary and nailing the pronunciation aspect of the language.

find out more about the facilities www.huish.ac.uk/about-us/facilities/languages/

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

If you have a passion for languages or linguistics then I would definitely suggest taking languages at Richard Huish.

French German Spanish A

Skill in using a modern foreign language is a valuable asset and people with a language qualification stand out from the crowd for their communication skills and employability.

Salamanca and the German visit to Berlin. All of these are designed to develop language skills and to enhance your experience of learning a foreign language.

If you already study a modern language at GCSE or have an equivalent experience and wish to take it further, you will find this course stimulating and varied. The topics are entirely different from GCSE and the approach is probably different too. You will split your time between the classroom and the language lab and will also have a dedicated oral session with a native speaker every week.

The course is arranged around the study of four compulsory areas. You will study media, popular culture, lifestyles and relationships and you will explore environmental and contemporary social issues as they relate to your chosen language. There is also an in-depth study of two cultural topics which means studying a novel, a play, a famous architect or film director or a period of 20th century history.

You will have access to satellite television and a wide range of foreign magazines, newspapers and DVDs. And for maximum challenge you can take extra classes to prepare you for the Linguistics Olympiad or the EU Young Translators competition. We run a regular programme of trips. Students have the opportunity to take part in the French exchange to Nimes, the Spanish study visit to

Megan / FRENCH / SPANISH Whilst at college I have really had a chance to improve my language skills, learn more about French and Spanish culture and explore the many opportunities languages offer in the workplace. I have found my subjects very interesting and have many opportunities to discover where I want them to take me. The language department is very strong with excellent resources and teaching, with chances to travel abroad to understand further your chosen language. The college offers a trip for each language in which you will be immersed in the country and involved with the locals, so although the focus is on speaking with more variety and fluency, the overall experience is very much rich in culture. Another clear positive I found about studying languages at Huish is the flexibility and willingness to experiment with anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level of talent and experience. From beginners to fluent speakers, the teachers will work with everyone to find the best course they can get out of their years at college. Personally, I see Huish as a place to cultivate your linguistic skills and see how far your languages can take you.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Music Music at Huish is guaranteed to be challenging, varied and exciting. You will find that, whatever your particular interest in music, there will be something to suit you. There is a wealth of music enrichment including full orchestra, choirs, Big Band and many small ensembles. There are countless opportunities to perform, both formal and informal, and lessons are available on all instruments and voice.

Advanced Musician’s Scheme If you are on the AS/A2 Music course and are interested in a career in music, this programme is on offer to extend and develop your musical skills. It will prepare you for application to Music College and University courses, including Choral/ Instrumental Scholarships at Oxford or Cambridge. Within a dedicated block of the timetable, Advanced Musicians receive aural lessons, theory

Music

Music Production

and sight-reading classes and performance master-classes. There are also public performance opportunities, and students will gain qualifications in Grade 6/7/8 theory and Trinity Advanced Performer’s Certificate. For further information, contact Kathryn Foyle, Course Manager for Music kathrynf@richuish.ac.uk

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma

BTEC

Music students at Richard Huish College are guaranteed a challenging, varied and exciting experience. They can perform, compose and study music in an environment in which each individual can achieve their highest potential. You will undertake a balanced and interrelated course of study covering academic and practical aspects of music. You will have the opportunity to compose your own music and you will perform both individually and within groups or ensembles of various sizes. You will study a collection of set works, including classical, popular, world and film music, and will learn about music theory and harmony. Performance and Composition are assessed as coursework in the Spring; Set Works and Theory will be examined in the Summer term. Ideally you will have passed GCSE Music with a B grade or above, or play an instrument or sing at Grade 5 standard approximately. Students wishing to join the course without these requirements will still be considered in a discussion with the course manager.

The Music Production course is a vibrant and creative course looking at every aspect of the use of technology to create, manipulate and capture music. Practical work includes writing, recording and producing music, sampling, sequencing, and live sound. There is a dedicated suite of Macs running Logic studio and pro tools software and a purpose built recording studio to help you achieve the highest possible standards in your work. If you are either considering a career in the music industry, teaching, or simply use music as a creative outlet, Music Production is an essential course that will give you the necessary musical and technical skills, which will help you realise your musical potential. This is a very ‘hands on’ course. Music Production is enjoyable, creative and a good preparation for a future career in the industry. There will be projects that challenge you both creatively and

I was attracted by the level of equipment and I wanted to master the skills that would enable me to record my band. We are encouraged to make full use of the technology and I feel that I’m learning new things all the time.

technically as well as helping you to realise musical ideas. This course embraces a wide range of popular music styles. It will give you a broad sweep of both knowledge and technical skills and you will be able to compose and record your own music using high quality equipment. The technical aspects of recording, sequencing and synthesis are dealt with both theoretically and practically and you will develop your knowledge of music technology experientially; including the basic acoustics of rooms, microphones, mixers and effects in recording systems. You will have the opportunity to take a full part in the music enrichment programme of bands, choirs and orchestras. The course works in partnership with the Popular Music BTEC for recording and producing the college’s pop and rock bands. Professional studio recordings takes place in our 24 track Pro tools and Logic studio which can be accessed both in and out of lesson time.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Ellen / MUSIC I decided to take Music at Huish because the course suited me so well. It has all of the different aspects of music â&#x20AC;&#x201C; performing, composing, theory and history. I love all four and the course has both inspired and assisted me in getting closer to my dream. My time at Huish has been awesome; I am so glad I came here. It has been perfect in every way. The place and the teachers are so friendly. The teachers are incredibly helpful. When I leave I plan to go to university to study Music at Birmingham or Manchester then do Post Graduate training in Teaching and Performing.

Popular Music BTEC Subsidiary Diploma

BTEC

Are you are a musician that loves performing both in bands and as a soloist? Do you want to develop your skills and grow as a performer? Then Popular Music (Performance) is the perfect course for you.

During lessons you will discuss your practice routine with your teacher and identify areas for improvement looking into strategies to deal with those challenges.

From Rock to Pop, Folk to fusion, this course is well suited for all types of musicians from drummers to singers, guitarists to keyboard players, in fact anyone interested in gaining the essential skills and knowledge needed for future study, or a career in Popular Music.

Throughout the first year you will also be working as part of a production team towards putting on a major music concert at the end of the year. This will involve choosing repertoire, perhaps writing your own songs, designing promotional material and working with a budget. It will give you a real insight into what it is like to put on live music events.

The BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music is a six unit qualification that is taken over two years and is equivalent to one A level. It can also be taken as a smaller, one year qualification called The Level Three Certificate which is equivalent to one AS level. Popular Music involves practical and investigative work centred on the performance of contemporary popular music and learning about the inner workings of the music industry. As there are no exams, there are regular formal assessments in the form of performances, presentations and creative written work. This means that you will quickly need to develop a mature and independent attitude to coursework as there will be far more deadlines than in other subjects. The key to success in this course is to keep on top of all your coursework and respond positively to the feedback that you will receive from your teachers along the way.

In the second year you will prepare and perform a 20 to 30 minute set as a soloist, which will take place at the end of the year; perform and research popular music from the 50s to the present day and finally produce a portfolio of marketing materials, interviews with industry professionals and a business projection plan for what could be your first year in the real world.

You will develop your technical and performing ability through individual and group practices.

find out more about the facilities http://www.huish.ac.uk/about-us/facilities/music/

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Harry / PSYCHOLOGY Choosing Psychology hasn’t (as many people think) made me a mind reader, but it has given me an insight into the complexities of the human mind by looking at topics such as memory and abnormality. Psychology also helped me to manage the manic exam period as it teaches relevant day-to-day strategies to help with revision and stress. Psychology is a genuinely interesting subject and a lot of different types of classroom learning activities vary the lessons. All teachers are easily accessible either through e-mail or (if appropriate) a meeting. They are genuinely willing to help and this all adds to a better experience of the subject. I would highly recommend Huish to all students as the atmosphere around college and the varied styles of teaching help to get the best out of all individuals.

Psychology A

If you are interested in researching why people and animals behave the way they do, then this could be the subject for you. Psychology combines both the scientific and theoretical study of the mind and behaviour. The psychological theories and knowledge you will learn are based on relevant, accurate research and form the basis for understanding our lives. You will look at 15 ‘real life’ psychological studies covering social, cognitive, developmental and physiological psychology. There is also a large emphasis on the methodology of psychology, looking at the ways psychologists conduct their research. You will progress to extend this knowledge and cover a further two areas in depth; Health Psychology and Forensic Psychology.

Religious Studies A

Religious Studies takes account of developments in the world at large. It is designed for students of any religious persuasion, or none. This course offers a range of academic responses to the most important questions: How do I live? Is there any meaning or purpose to life? Could there be a life after death? Is it reasonable to believe that there is a God? On this course you will have the opportunity to study religion in its contemporary setting. You will study a major world religion, look at the interface between the latest discoveries and religious thinking as well as philosophical responses to the claims that religion makes in its quest for truth. You will assess what belief means today and where it can and may be going. It is a broad-based challenging subject designed for those who want to work hard and engage at the highest level. You will study Islam, the world’s second largest religion, with emphasis on its scripture, the Holy Qur’an, arguably the most influential book in the world today. After that we will be turning to the Philosophy, Religion and Science of Religion. You will progress to look at the big questions of religious thinking: the possibility of life after death, the huge weight of human suffering and the role of God and ultimately how we can meaningfully talk about God at all. We consider the whole position of religion in contemporary society. Our Theological Society arranges meetings with invited speakers and trips to places of worship and events across the UK.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Sociology A

Sociology is an exciting, dynamic subject that will develop your understanding of people and how they are affected by the world in which they live. You will develop your critical and analytical skills in relation to everyday life. It will challenge your common sense and ‘taken for granted’ assumptions. You will never look at the news, politics, social policy or the criminal justice system in the same light again. The course starts with an introduction to Sociology followed by Families and Households. You will explore the Research Process to understand what Sociological researchers go through. You will also study a focused module on the Sociology of Education. You will progress to look at the Mass Media; a hugely popular module. You will also study Crime and Deviance plus Theory and Methods. The course features a trip to an Eastern European country. You will have the opportunity to see how their health and education systems differ from the UK.

Alice / SOCIOLOGY I chose to study Sociology because I wanted to explore the different thoughts and feelings surrounding the society that we live in today and to gain a sensitive understanding of different social situations. Areas of the course such as The Family allow discoveries that each one of us can relate to in some way and the Education module has a direct connection to all of us. But the fascination for me truly began in the course with Crime and The Media. I found it unbelievable to discover just how much we are dominated by this global system and how fast news stories can travel all around the world. It’s kind of unreal!

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

find out more about the facilities www.huish.ac.uk/about-us/facilities/biology/ www.huish.ac.uk/about-us/facilities/chemistry/

Jack / BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY I started studying a wide range of subjects including; Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and participating in the ‘Active Huish’ basketball academy. I first tried to get involved with as many extra-curricular activities in college which I enjoyed, were relevant to my subjects and would help me get ahead when applying for Medical school. This included; Medical terminology, extra revision sessions and Lab Rats. At the beginning of my AS year I started doing volunteer work for Musgrove Park Hospital, St Margaret’s Hospice, Trading Standards and Victim Support. These all helped me when revising for my subjects and they also gave me something extra to put on my CV.

Students went on to study Medicine in 2012

It’s really important to look into your medical school options early as you need to decide which ones suit your GCSE grades, which entrance exam they use (UKCAT or BMAT), the location of these schools and also which schools are realistic in terms of your AS and A2 projection grades. Huish has helped me tremendously with my application and studies. There are teachers specifically to help you with Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary applications and to give you any help or advice you need.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Science Biology A

A levels in the sciences are of high value for potential university applications and for future employers. We aim to maintain excellent results in an approachable, supportive environment. The sciences provide a broad education and science qualifications are highly respected by employers and universities. You will gain an appreciation and understanding of the nature and importance of modern scientific theories

and principles. If you enjoy exploring the nature of things physical, chemical or biological then the sciences are for you.

Chemistry

Physics

Biology is a subject that provides you with great enjoyment of and respect for all living things. It introduces you to some of the exciting new advances being made in modern Biology, including the influence of genes on our development, environmental issues and some of the ethical and technological aspects of the subject. Biology is a practical subject so you will also be developing experimental skills and an understanding of how to plan, analyse and evaluate experimental procedures.

If you are looking for a subject that is explosive, colourful and aromatic, then look no further than Chemistry. It is a fun, practical science that makes a real impact on the world we live in.

You will study topics as diverse as plant transport systems, the chemistry of biological molecules, biodiversity and evolution. You will also study a range of core biological topics such as ecology, photosynthesis, respiration, the nervous system, hormones, protein synthesis and cellular control as well as ecosystems, sustainability and the application of science in biotechnology and genetics.

The course includes a detailed study of the periodic table, structure and bonding and the mole concept. You will also explore the chemistry of carbon and analyse the energy exchanges that take place in chemical reactions. Whilst broadening your theoretical knowledge, you will develop practical skills, learn new techniques and gain confidence handling chemicals in a safe manner.

Chemistry provides a broad education and is a qualification highly respected by employers and universities. You will gain an appreciation and understanding of the nature and importance of modern chemical theories and principles.

There is an opportunity to participate in the Biology Olympiad competition or to develop forensic and biomedical practical skills in the ‘Lab Rats’ programme.

Sian / BIOLOGY Biology is my favourite subject, far more than my other subjects. It allows you to learn about things which have genuine real-world applications and apply directly in helping to understand the world around us and all the living things in it. Being able to understand the processes that make life work is really rewarding and learning about how the tiny structures inside cells, and how even smaller features operate, is fascinating. As well as this, a lot of what is covered in Biology is of vital importance in many industries – agriculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals etc – that matter to all of us day-to-day. Besides my personal interest in Biology, the subject is essential to my preferred career path – Veterinary Medicine – and is useful to anybody else looking to work with animals or in human medicine and dentistry.

We will introduce you to some of the exciting new advances being made in modern science and you will be developing experimental skills and an understanding of how to plan, analyse and evaluate experimental procedures.

Physics is a valuable, well-regarded qualification showing your ability and intellect to the best. Physics will be of interest if you are curious about the world around you, how things work and the fundamental nature of the universe. An A level in Physics is of high value for potential university applications and for future employers. As a department we aim to maintain excellent results in an approachable, supportive environment. The course covers mechanics, materials, waves, electricity, particles and quantum phenomena (the behaviour of things on an atomic scale). You will progress on to study advanced mechanics, fields, electro-magnetic induction, thermal properties, radioactivity and nuclear physics. You will also study Astrophysics in the second year which covers the operation of telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. The course also includes the evolution of stars, supernovae and cosmology. Medical Physics includes ultrasound imaging, endoscopy, X-rays, CT-scanning and some of the defects and remedies in hearing and vision. It is recommended that you study Maths, at least to AS level. If you wish to study Physics or Engineering at university you must take Maths A level.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Sports

Sports degree students in 2012

Huish Sport has an enviable status in the country as it provides excellent courses whose reputation is built on its highly qualified, experienced and competent teaching and coaching staff. Their commitment to, and promotion of, the Huish Sport ethos gives students an extremely enjoyable experience in their sport and dramatically improves their playing ability and prospects for the future. Students have high standards of personal reliability and commitment to their sport and a significant number of students progress to higher education in sports related courses. You have the

opportunity to choose a course that suits you. You can do the Physical Education (PE) A level or a choice of BTEC programmes. Our own degree programme in Sports Development and Coaching has proved very popular with students as a stepping stone to success.

Sport

Sports

(Development, Coaching and Fitness) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma or Extended Diploma BTEC

The BTEC qualification allows you to develop skills and knowledge that are essential when looking to progress into a career or further study in sport. This qualification will provide you with a solid foundation for either starting a career or progressing onto a higher level study. Prospective careers include sports coaching, fitness instructing, personal training or any other part of the sport, leisure and recreation industry. You will have a wide range of experiences that will be challenging and enjoyable and this particular strand of the BTEC will give you an excellent insight to the different career paths sport has to offer. The BTEC National Diploma will require you to study 13 units over a two year period. These units vary in terms of their content, delivery style and assessment method giving you a breadth of knowledge and experience. A selection of the units you will study include: • Anatomy & Physiology • The Physiology of Fitness • Assessing Risk in Sport • Fitness Training and Programming • Fitness Testing • Sport Coaching • Sport Development • Rules, regulations and officiating

100% Pass rate in BTEC Sport in 2012

There is also a full range of competitive sport to choose from and our own Active Huish programme also allows you to do a range of activities for enjoyment. See our sports enrichment pages for more information.

Development & Coaching Foundation Degree (FdA)/BA(Hons) Degree [University of St. Mark and St. John] Deg

This course is designed for anyone who is interested in increasing participation and achievement in sport. Future employment may be related to sporting excellence, encouraging participation for health and fun or using sport to address wider social issues. There are obvious advantages in studying for your degree locally. You can study either Full or Part Time depending on your own commitments. Full time courses are delivered over a maximum of 3 days per week so you can continue your employment, ideally in a course related job. Course fees are substantially less than those typical of other HE institutions (and your living costs will be clearly reduced). The course has been set up to balance ‘real life’ workplace experience with theoretical content. Throughout the course there will be opportunities to take coaching qualifications and to meet and work with potential future employers.

Hannah / BTEC SPORT I chose BTEC Sport as it is assessed through coursework and practical tasks, meaning there are no written exams. This makes everyone feel more comfortable, creating a friendly atmosphere in the classroom where everybody gets along and works as a team. It’s a great subject as it covers a wide range of topics so there is something for everyone and there’s always something different to look forward to. We learn in a variety of ways both in and out of the classroom through practical tasks and demonstrations as well as individual research with continual support and encouragement from staff. I’d definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in sports and considering a sporting career as it provides you with a wide range of knowledge that will help you down any route in the sporting industry. As all of the work is coursework based, it means that during exam periods you are able to focus on your other subjects. The staff are very understanding and consider exam dates when setting tasks and deadlines.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

MY YEAR 11 I always had a keen interest in Sport and knew that I would eventually want to have a career in that field. However, at this time my focus was on getting the best GCSE grades that I could.

Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journey from Castle School.

MY SUBJECTS I studied PE, Biology and Business Studies at Huish. I chose PE obviously because I was a keen sportsman. I chose to study Biology as I knew a Science subject would support any future university application. Business Studies was something I was interested in and wanted to find out more.

Complete Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journey on P72

Physical Education A

This is the course for you if you enjoy a challenge and are passionate about sport. There are opportunities to get involved in a wide range of sporting activities to develop your skills and have some fun with competitions at local, regional and national levels. You can also complete NGB awards in coaching as well as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. This course provides a solid foundation both practically and theoretically, developing skills in science and the humanities, making it suitable for study with most other subjects. You will learn to critically evaluate sport, develop communication skills and work as a team.

Max / PHYSICAL EDUCATION I am really pleased to study PE and it has greatly developed my knowledge and understanding of several aspects including anatomy and physiology. I always enjoyed PE at GCSE and was particularly fascinated by the theoretical element, making me well-suited to this course (as 60% is theory based). Nevertheless there are plenty of opportunities for sport enrichment at Huish, as there are a number of high-quality academies and teams across a range of sports. Being a Somerset Rugby Referee, there are also opportunities to officiate and coach at Huish. All in all, I would recommend studying PE if you are interested in any sports-related future.

You will investigate the effect of exercise on the human physiology, explore how a performer acquires and develops their sporting skills, discuss topics such as the Olympics and compare British sport to Australian sport in socio-cultural studies. You learn how to train for performance improvement, explore how psychology impacts on this performance and understand how our traditions and ethos have shaped the sport we see today through five case studies. The ability to perform in at least one sport and analyse performance is a key component of assessment.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Enrichment Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something to tempt you in our enrichment programme. At Huish we are proud of our extensive range of Enrichment opportunities. Taking part in Enrichment will enhance your personal profile when moving on, whether to university or employment. Students value the skills, knowledge and, most importantly, fun that enrichment provides through its social, cultural and recreational experiences. It is also a great way to meet new people. Enrichment is a key part of the wider Huish experience. In our provision you should find something to tempt you no matter what your interests, from music to adventure.

performance 60/61

We will discuss enrichment opportunities at your interview. Some activities are recorded at this point as they are built into your timetable while others are lunch time or after-college activities and clubs promoted early in the first term. Some enrichment leads to specific qualifications such as Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, sailing or music exams. Many are undertaken for their own intrinsic value.

sport 64/65 Shona / DANCE Dance is just so much fun and really helps boost your confidence. I decided to take part in the college production as a dancer which I never would have done before. With Dance being such an interactive lesson, working with different people, you make friends really quickly. I have made some really good friends in Dance.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

music 62/63

challenge 70/71

travel 66/67

academic 68/69 find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Abbie / ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Environmental Studies is a friendly department which is open to students’ opinions. We cover topics such as how serious environmental issues have become as a result of human activity and what is being done to protect our planet. Linked to the subject, I am a member of LEAF, the environmental group. We are a team of students who meet once a week and work to fundraise for local charities, keep students up-to-date with environmental related news and events, and help to improve the biodiversity around the college. I was recently awarded first prize at the national EcoTales Festival for my film called: ‘Save our Oceans, Recycle your Plastic’. I enlisted the help of volunteers to clean-up Lilstock beach near Minehead as part of an eco-mission to raise awareness about the effects of ocean littering. I was lucky enough to meet Sir David Attenborough and Michaela Strachan at the event and the whole festival was simply fantastic.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/performance

Katie / DANCE When I first started Dance at Huish I was really worried as I had no contemporary dance experience. However, I stuck to it and now it’s one of my favourite subjects and I don’t feel at all behind in my group. There is the opportunity to be part of performance enrichment that includes dancing. Also there is the chance you may be approached to be in an A2 exam group piece. If this is the case it’s a great experience as it gives you an insight into the A2 year.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Performance Performance enrichment gives all students across the college an opportunity to take part in two large theatrical productions a year. Working with a professional director/choreographer and performing arts technicians, students can be part of a full-scale musical theatre performance rehearsing from September and, in the latter part of the year, a dance and theatre devised production. Students will be able to take part in acting, dancing, singing and Stage Crafts which deals with all the back stage and technical needs for the performances. The performance element of the course allows students to have the choice in what role they take part in. Chorus parts, acting only or dance only – you have the option to get involved in whatever suits your own interest. All students get the chance to work to their strengths and enhance their skills in theatre performing.

Stage Craft is crucial to the success of these college productions – from sound, prop-making, lighting, stage management to set design and costume. Many people are not aware of the wide variety of jobs that exist in putting a show together and this course will provide you with the theory, practical knowledge and ‘hands on’ experience. This Enrichment allows young people to create a community of creativity and perhaps a sense of occasional ‘release’ from the driven study and focus of their other subjects. Performance enrichment offers easily transferable skills, so the benefits have longevity after the curtain has come down. Students in interview situations, aspiring managers and anyone merely learning to live alongside others, will benefit from a twice yearly performance opportunity. It’s not just about the ‘performance’, it also helps develop confidence, physical awareness, handling pressure, working closely with others and taking risks. It also gives the students working towards a career in the arts, additional opportunity to develop skill and knowledge, presenting their talents in a process that mirrors that of a professional experience. Performance Enrichment is open to all from beginners to experienced students.

Zoe / DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES Another way to make firm (drama-related) friends is with Huish’s ‘Performance Enrichment’ that works externally to your actual drama lessons. We put on a play ‘Love Marilyn’ before Christmas and ‘Sweet Charity’ in the summer. Each production is very professional and led by a fantastic director. It is open for anyone; whether studying drama or simply wanting to do a bit of acting/lighting/props/set management/costume design – anything.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Music If you enjoy music you are guaranteed a challenging, varied and exciting experience. You have the opportunity to perform, compose and create in an environment where you can achieve your highest potential. Music enrichment is open to all students so you don’t have to be doing Music subjects to join in. There is a great range of opportunities that will appeal to your interests: there is a symphony orchestra, chamber choir, college choir, big band, jazz band, sax group and wind band. Specialist groups include the string orchestra, the clarinet group, the jazz combo, folk group, rock choir, samba band and guitar group. Smaller ensembles include string, brass and wind quartets. Weekly rehearsals take place during the college day in a dedicated part of your timetable and there are regular public concerts throughout the year. If you would like to learn an instrument these are available for all. You need to apply for instrumental lessons and further information about how to apply will be made available to you before you enrol at college.

MUSIC GROUPS: Symphony Orchestra A large group of 50-60 players of string, brass and woodwind instruments. It is open to performers above grade 4 standard, though the repertoire is considerably more difficult (practice copies are available). Recent works include Sibelius’s Karelia Suite and Strauss’s Fledermaus Overture. College Choir This is the largest college group and is open to anybody who would like to sing in a fun, friendly and challenging environment. The repertoire varies from gospel to motets, and annually includes one large choral work; recent performances have included Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Schubert’s Mass in G Major and Mozart’s Requiem. Chamber Choir This is an auditioned group of able singers, performing more complex music than College Choir, mostly unaccompanied. Members commit to a challenging programme of vocal training. Big Band A large band playing jazz and Latin standards, as well as arrangements of soul and blues. Saxes, clarinets and brass players are welcome, plus an auditioned rhythm section of piano, bass, drums and guitar. Wind Band A traditional band consisting of brass and woodwind players, playing a range of different styles. Depending on players, separate woodwind and brass groups work on specialised repertoire including Bowen’s Woodwind Suite and Gabrieli’s brass canzonas.

Ellen / MUSIC There is a great variety in music enrichment which will appeal to every instrument and music taste, ranging from Orchestra to Big Band Jazz to Clarinet group. There are two music trips a year; one fairly early on to see an orchestra and then one to see an opera. In my first year we went to see Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with an International violinist, Tamzin Little, and then The Welsh National Opera’s Madame Butterfly. It’s a really good experience to go, especially with friends – you can discuss with each other what you thought!

String Orchestra A separate group of violins, violas, cellos & basses join to perform classical, folk & modern music. Sax Group An ensemble for saxophonists, focusing mainly on jazz but also contemporary arrangements. Clarinet Group A fun ensemble exploring clarinet repertoire, from Disney classics to Russian folk music. Jazz Combo A small group of sax, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass & drums (auditioned due to demand). Chamber Ensembles These small groups consist of any instrumental grouping depending on current students eg String, Brass or Wind Quartets, Trios etc. Specialised weekly rehearsals lead to regular performances. Folk Group An acoustic ensemble covering traditional English, Irish and Scottish music. Samba Band A group for people who have a passion for percussion and Latin rhythms. Guitar Group Guitarists and bassists meet for improvisation workshops with a specialist teacher in blues and rock styles. Rock Choir A vocal group working on songs in popular styles.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

music ensembles to choose from

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/music

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

450

Participating in competitive sport at college

Flossy / PHYSICAL EDUCATION Studying PE at Huish is brilliant. It is definitely harder than GCSE level but the support is amazing with great practical work and excellent teaching. My teacher is always there to help and he makes the lessons fun. We are set tests every other week which I dreaded but now they motivate me. There is lots of work but I can cope with it. I am achieving above my minimum target grades which has built my confidence in my ability to study and has had a positive effect on my other subjects. I was not expecting that. Hockey is a fantastic part of my life at Huish and our team has reached the Hockey Nationals this year, to be held at Bath University. I am proud to represent the South West, my college and myself. I would certainly recommend the subject to anyone thinking of studying PE at Huish.

Huish came second in the BCS Watersports Championships in Cornwall, in June.

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/sport

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Sport Sport plays a major role in many students’ lives at Richard Huish. You can play a wide range of competitive sports, join a performance programme; or simply take part in activity just for the fun of it through the ‘Active Huish’ programme. Unlike school, extra curricular sport takes place during the college day, and if you express the desire to be involved, your timetable will be designed to allow this. If you play in a college team, you will find that the fixture programme is predominantly on Wednesday afternoons. Huish Sport Huish Sport runs a comprehensive, wide-ranging and extremely successful sports enrichment programme. Each year, both teams and individuals achieve significant success and recognition at county, regional and national level. The college are current holders of the Colborne Trophy, awarded to the best overall sporting college in the South West, a trophy we have held for 10 of the last 12 years. In 2012-13 we competed in 19 different sports, and well over 450 students trained or played competitive fixtures during the year. 57 students qualified across 9 different sports to represent the South West region at the prestigious British Colleges Sport National Championship at the University of Bath and of these, 57 came home with medals. Each year the season begins with a pre-season training camp in early September. This provides an ideal introduction to the college’s sports programme for new students, with over 250 students participating each year. We have highly qualified, experienced and competent coaching staff across all our sports, whose professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm towards their sport contribute to a top class enrichment programme.

Performance Sport Richard Huish College has a long tradition of providing students with opportunities to combine the high standard of academic education with a number of performance programmes (in partnership with other professional sporting bodies and organisations in the Taunton area). The college currently offers elite performance opportunities in Football, Rugby, Basketball and Cricket. Each programme includes a particular combination of specialised coaching; fitness sessions and monitoring; Sports Science workshops; performance video-analysis; competitive opportunities and much more. All athletes receive Huish Performance branded clothing; have access to physiotherapy support; and are able to gain National Governing Body qualifications in their chosen sport. For further information, or to find out more about the selection process and the costs involved, please contact the college.

years consecutively winning the Colborne Trophy

Active Huish Active Huish offers students the opportunity to participate recreationally and competitively in a wide range of fun and enjoyable activities. The activities are available to everyone, no previous experience required. You can come when you want, bring your friends and get involved. Activities include intra-mural competitions in sports such as 5-a-side football and dodgeball, fitness, dance, Zumba and martial arts classes such as Aikido, and free play sessions to pick an activity of your choice, whether that be badminton, table tennis, Frisbee or many more! Many of the activities take place in the dome. The dome is a space that is available to everyone to come, relax and socialise and take part in a variety of activities during lunchtimes and in free periods.

Euros football The Huish Euros Mixed Football Tournament held in July.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Travel Going further afield There are plenty of travel opportunities at Richard Huish College. They are not just sightseeing trips but an opportunity to explore parts of the world in the context of subjects studied. The college runs a cross-curricular trip each year which is open to everyone. The most recent trip was to Sri-Lanka to do voluntary work in the Seenigama village project, teaching and sports coaching. The Foundation of Goodness was set up in Sri Lanka in 1999 by Kushil Gunasekera to provide essential services to his ancestral village of Seenigama, in a bid to uplift the lives of the less privileged living in the rural communities. Skill-based trips include the bi-annual Ski Trip and a chance to take the PADI Open Water and Advanced Scuba Diving Certificates, which start in the UK and are completed in the Red Sea.

Countries our students have recently visited...

Subject-based opportunities enable students to experience the practical elements and enhance their understanding of subjects through a range of trips; Geology uses south-east Spain as a field location. Geography has recently been to Iceland and also to Sicily to look at volcanic hazards; whilst the Historians have visited Russia. Media Studies students have visited Hollywood and also Europe; while Dance and Sociology students visited a range of major cities including New York and Prague. Art also uses trips to Europe to enhance the experience by visiting the major galleries in Barcelona and Amsterdam. Naturally the language subjects participate in exchanges to help develop language skills as well as cultural understanding. The college sees such trips as extremely important and valued opportunities and tries to give all students the chance to participate.

China

Morocco

Croatia

Russia

Czech Republic

Sicily

Egypt

Slovenia

France

Spain

Germany

Sri Lanka

Greece

USA

Holland Iceland Ireland Mexico

Volunteering in Sri Lanka Students on a charity trip to Sri Lanka volunteering in village teaching projects in support of the Foundation of Goodness. They also spent time working in a Turtle Hatchery.

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Blake / GERMAN In March, we went to the county of Nord-Rhein Westfalen in Western Germany. For a week we stayed with German families around the pretty town of Plettenberg. We visited the cities of Cologne and Dortmund and also saw other attractions in the area such as the Rhine. Not only was it incredibly useful for my oral skills, but it was a fascinating insight into the German culture and way of life. Getting to school by 8am was a challenging task! But we all left the country having made new friends and speaking better German.

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/travel

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Molly / GOVERNMENT & POLITICS My involvement in weekly debates also led me to become involved in competitive debating as enrichment. This has been so much fun; I’ve met new people, learnt how to structure and have a good argument and have built up my confidence. At a recent model UN conference, I ended up speaking in front of a huge audience of people off the top of my head and, shockingly, absolutely loved it! My advice to anyone who’s thinking about getting involved in something like debating, public speaking or any other kind of performance is not to be afraid to try it out – you might find that you really enjoy it.

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/academic

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Academic There is a wealth of opportunity to get involved. You can exercise your talents through Creative Writing, the Reading Group, Debating, Public Speaking, Chess Club or Life Drawing. A language enrichment programme is available for students who want to develop their conversational skills, for example with Beginners’ Japanese. French culture is explored in the French Book Club. Several societies relate to particular subjects but are open to anyone. You can also learn through

societies such as Economics, Philosophy, History, Linguistics or Psychology. You can contribute to an on-line “B-Blocker” newsletter with a focus on environmental and scientific issues. Or join LEAF, an environmental group that promotes green and ethical issues within the college. The Politics Society has regular visits from local politicians including our own MP and the Debating Society is a force to be reckoned with in the national arena.

IT Excellence BTEC IT student George Escott is one of the first students to have had the opportunity to take and successfully pass the industry recognised Microsoft Technology Associate exam.

Debating Huish students Huw and Matt won the regional round of the Schools Mace debating competition and went through to the semi-finals as one of the top 30 teams in England.

Biology Olympiad Over 4,200 students from all over the country entered the 2013 British Biology Olympiad and Huish students triumphed with 3 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals. Students attended weekly sessions to help in the preparation for the award as an enrichment activity.

Chemistry Olympiad Huish students had the opportunity to participate in the 2013 UK Chemistry Olympiad and a remarkable 4 students gained gold medals – only 7% of candidates nationwide were awarded gold. Silver and Bronze medals were also achieved.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Challenge Worth doing For those interested in developing their personal and leadership skills there are several opportunities available, leading to nationally recognised qualifications. These enrichment choices will take you out of the classroom, and out of college, to test your skills and your commitment. The students who take up these challenges tell us how much they gain from their experiences. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Few things tell us – and future employers – more about your strength of character than the achievement of a gold award. That’s why we encourage students to take part in this scheme. The scheme is demanding but you will be able to do it. For a gold award you must satisfy the requirements of the following five sections: • Service – anything from conservation projects to life saving • Skills – from fishing to singing • Physical Recreation – from Aikido to skiing • Residential – from Outward Bound to voluntary help with the elderly • Expeditions – Dartmoor to the Andes

The award is open to all students. However, there is a limitation on the numbers we can accommodate on the Expedition Section so these are allocated on a first come first served basis. The award scheme demands commitment and self-motivation. Participants must be prepared to give up a large amount of time and to pay towards the cost of the expeditions. In return, participation generates self-confidence, genuine achievement and an award that is internationally recognised by universities and employers. Basic Expedition Leadership Award (BELA) This follows on from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Lower Sixth and is ideal for those students interested in teaching, youth work or working in the outdoors. Emphasis is on the skills of leadership, expedition planning, navigation and you will acquire greater awareness of access/ conservation issues. The age requirement is 17 years, and the course lasts two terms.

Each year approximately 40 students participate in the award scheme operated by the college. Students meet once a week and take part in a minimum of three training ventures for the expedition.

Amelia / GEOLOGY I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Huish. There are so many opportunities. I am currently completing my Gold D of E which has allowed me to develop some new skills and meet a network of new friends. The best advice for a good time at Richard Huish is to get involved!

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/challenge

Ruth / CHALLENGE ENRICHMENT In February 2012 I went on the Huish Dive Trip to Dahab in Egypt. The trip was a week long and during the week everyone had the chance to become qualified open water scuba divers! Lots of people that went on the trip had never dived before so we were all beginners together. I made loads of great friends and as the trip was in February it gave me something to look forward to after January exams! In Dahab we got to go into the sea straight away, rather than beginning in the pool, as there was a well sheltered bay. This meant that even though we were learning the basics of how to use our equipment we began spotting fish straight away. I would really recommend going on any trips abroad that Huish offer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much fun and a chance to see the world as well as make new friends and new experiences.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

After Huish Richard Huish students have an enviable record when it comes to finding good jobs, whether at 19 or after Higher Education. You will receive accurate and supportive careers advice while at the college. We provide you with: • guidance on career choice • Higher Education advice • advice and information on employment locally and nationally • information on opportunities within the European Union • assistance with work placements • help with preparation for work – taxation, working conditions, National Insurance etc • interview practice • up-to-date information in the Careers section of The Arthur C Clarke Learning Centre including HE information. Some of this information is available on the IT network • guidance and support for adults

James’ journey from Castle School. Start James’ journey on P55

The college delivers these services through: • tutors, who are most often the initial point of contact for advice • the annual Higher Education Fairs and ‘Next Step’ morning – Careers and Higher Education events • visits and courses arranged within the careers programme, and published in the careers area • Education to Employment event for students progressing directly to employment

Further courses available at Richard Huish College The college offers many part-time courses, including professional courses in the areas of accountancy (AAT/ACCA/CIMA) and management studies. The college also offers a wide range of apprenticeships. For more information contact the college.

We know that job prospects are a concern to students and parents but it has to be accepted that for this and future generations job security is a thing of the past. However, job opportunities are actually increasing for young people with the right skills.

UNIVERSITY After Huish I made the decision to study in the USA under the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) based on my football skills. I stayed in America for 2 years – studying for 18 months then working as a sports coach for 6 months. When I returned to the UK, I was supported strongly by Huish staff in my applications to Loughborough University and Birmingham University. With my A level results and the experience I gained in America, my application was a success for both universities. I completed a Sports Science and Business Management Degree at Loughborough University and towards my final year, I was feeling confident about my future career direction. I decided I wanted to specialise in Sports Nutrition and completed my MSc in Sport & Exercise Science, again at Loughborough University. AFTER UNIVERSITY On graduating in 2005, I embarked on a career in Sports Nutrition. I completed a one-year internship fast-track practitioner programme with UK Sport then joined the English Institute of Sport working on the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. I also had the opportunity to work with Athletes at the London 2012 Olympics and was interviewed for the television coverage.

Left: James (top right) in 2004 with the Loughborough University Football 1st XI team Far left: off to New York in 2000

I am now Head of Nutrition at Arsenal Football Club and had to undergo a rigorous interview process including one with Arsene Wenger! I also run my own Performance Nutritionist business in Harley Street in London where I advise Elite Athletes and recreational sportspeople. MY RECOMMENDATIONS I really believe that the support from staff at Huish helped me to get where I am today. I would encourage students from an early age to try different courses, gain lots of work experience and study what they really enjoy. Qualifications are of course an essential path to your future, but I believe having lots of experience will massively help applications to university and beyond.

Students went to Oxbridge in the last 5 years

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Eve’s journey from Castle School. Start Eve’s journey on P35

AFTER HUISH I looked through many university prospectuses and applied for two universities based on the courses they offered and because I had visited them and could see myself living there. I didn’t let myself be ruled by league tables and I chose a university that suited me and offered a brilliant Archaeology course.

MY SUBJECTS After Huish I went to the University of Winchester and studied Archaeology and am starting my post graduate course at Reading in September 2013 in Medieval Archaeology.

Highlights of my education so far have been the Archaeology course at Huish which made me realise what I wanted to study at university and have a career MY RECOMMENDATIONS My first recommendation would be to visit the university in. Without my A-level Archaeology knowledge I wouldn’t have felt as confident at university and you are applying for, not just the campus but also the wouldn’t have achieved the grades I have. town where you will likely be living in your second and third year. The excavation opportunities I have had at Huish and since have taken me from Roman Ilchester and Taunton castle And to have a good second choice university that you to Tintagel, Anglo-Saxon Winchester and Barbados. have also visited.

Brindley’s journey from Bishop Fox’s Community School. Start Brindley’s journey on P33

AFTER HUISH When I left Huish I was not sure of where I wanted my education/career to go next. I took a position with a local leisure company, with a view to saving money for gap year travels. The following summer I was abroad from June-August travelling through Europe and South East Asia. UNIVERSITY Returning to Taunton in the autumn of 2009, I applied to university to study Economics and/or International Relations courses. I’ve just completed my degree at SOAS, University of London, graduating as a Bachelor of Science in Development

Lizzie’s journey from Kingsmead School. Start Lizzie’s journey on P27

AFTER HUISH After leaving Huish in 2007, I decided to take a gap year, working and travelling before taking up a place at Durham University to study Economics and Politics. UNIVERSITY On graduating in 2011, I was able to take my interest in economics further, taking up a job at a Market Intelligence company in London. MY RECOMMENDATIONS The support and guidance I received from tutors helped me to successfully manage a full timetable, playing sport and a part time job. Thus providing an environment in which to develop academically, socially and gain the independence and confidence necessary to succeed in later life. If I had one piece of advice for future Huish students it is to work hard, play hard and love what you do.

Economics. Moving to London was a challenging but hugely rewarding experience and allowed me to grow personally, academically and professionally. WORK In summer 2012 I attained an internship with Barclays Corporate bank, working out of their Canary Wharf headquarters, an exciting and challenging two months. Off the back of this experience I’ve been offered a position on their graduate programme starting in September 2013.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

98.8% A* – C in Further Mathematics

99% 14 pass rate at A level in 2013

96%

A* – C in English Language & Literature

A* – C in Art & Design Textiles in 2013

A* – C in 2013

A* – B in 2013

Students went to Oxbridge in 2013

100%

A* – B in German in 2013

Distinction* in BTEC Sport Diploma

97.6%

92.3%

A* – C in English Literature

A* – C in Dance

100%

top 5% of all institutions for value added

100%

81% 55%

achievement above national benchmarks

90.5% A* – C in French

87% 100% A* – C in History Late Modern

find more at www.huish.ac.uk/about-us/a-level-results-2013

A* – C in Graphic Communication

394 Apprentices on Huish books

Distinction* in Information Technology Subsidiary

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Results Simply as a set of headline figures our advanced level results are usually the best of any college of further education in the South West. More importantly though we ask ourselves a more searching set of questions; based on their starting position did our students gain the grades they might have expected, did they do better than expected, or did they go backwards during their time at Richard Huish College?

When students do better than expected we are said to add value; the most credible measure of value-added performance in further education is the Alps system. Alps provides A level, AS level and BTEC Level 3 value added reports which encompass over 1,400 schools and colleges. In 2013 Richard Huish College was ranked 31st out of all schools and colleges. No wonder OFSTED state that our “Achievement and standards are outstanding. Students enjoy their work and achieve well. The proportion of A or B examination passes is consistently very high. Students make excellent progress based on their prior attainment for the GCSE.”

A LEVEL RESULTS

NO. OF % % % Av. SUBJECT ENTRIES A*-B A*-C PASS SCORE1 Accounting 27 44.4 81.5 100 90.4 Archaeology 34 41.2 70.6 100 84.7 Art & Design 25 88.0 96.0 100 108.0 Art & Design Textiles 9 88.9 100 100 102.2 Biology 171 52.0 73.1 99 88.1 Business Studies 95 61.1 85.3 99 94.1 Chemistry 114 59.6 78.9 98 92.3 Chinese 26 96.2 100 100 108.5 Computing 18 11.1 33.3 89 57.8 Dance 13 53.8 92.3 100 89.2 Drama & Theatre Studies 17 41.2 82.4 100 85.9 Economics 57 52.6 82.5 100 91.9 English Language 99 35.4 79.8 100 84.2 English Language & Literature 101 60.4 96.0 100 95.6 English Literature 82 73.2 97.6 100 102.7 Environmental Science 36 47.2 77.8 97 87.2 Film Studies 19 52.6 78.9 100 85.3 French 21 76.2 90.5 100 102.9 Further Mathematics 80 87.5 98.8 100 113.0 Geography 103 57.3 82.5 99 93.0 Geology 38 50.0 68.4 100 90.0 German 3 100.0 100.0 100 106.7 Government & Politics 31 64.5 90.3 100 100.0

BTEC RESULTS

SUBJECT Business Subsidiary Diploma Business Diploma Information Technology Subsidiary Diploma Information Technology Diploma Popular Music Subsidiary Diploma Sport [Performance and Excellence] Subsidiary Diploma Sport [Performance and Excellence] Diploma

1 This figure is the average points score per entry based on the following values:

We analyse our results in many ways and from this we can see we add value to girls, to boys, to students who join us with high GCSE grades, to students who join us with our minimum entry requirements, and to those in the middle of the ability range. We also add value to students from all of the various social and demographic groups, and to those that join us with individual learning needs. Of all of our achievements as a college, it is our ability to deliver this value-added for our students that truly sets the Huish experience apart from other colleges.

NO. OF % % % Av. SUBJECT ENTRIES A*-B A*-C PASS SCORE1 Graphic Communication 10 80.0 100 100 104.0 Health & Social Care (single) 37 48.6 83.8 100 88.6 Health & Social Care (double) 56 41.1 80.4 100 86.4 History Early 39 53.8 74.4 97 86.2 History Late 108 54.6 87.0 100 92.4 Italian 2 100 100 100 120.0 Law 107 68.2 85.0 100 95.3 Leisure Studies 14 42.9 71.4 100 84.3 Mathematics 161 64.0 82.0 99 94.9 Media Studies 64 29.7 73.4 98 78.4 Music 15 60.0 86.7 100 96.0 Music Technology 23 13.0 47.8 100 68.7 Philosophy 27 59.3 74.1 96 88.1 Photography 34 41.2 73.5 100 85.9 Physical Education 48 41.7 72.9 98 83.3 Physics 111 51.4 70.3 96 86.3 Polish 2 50.0 100 100 100.0 Psychology 161 42.2 73.3 99 84.8 Religious Studies 33 45.5 84.8 100 90.3 Sociology 97 49.5 77.3 99 86.8 Spanish 24 62.5 87.5 100 92.5 A LEVEL TOTALS

DISTINCTION* DISTINCTION 1 2 4 5 12 2 9 9 2 3 9 3 20 12

2 For comparison, these are the provisional national figures published by the Joint Council for General Qualifications, as at September 2012:

A* = 120

C = 80

A = 120

D = 60

% A* – B = 54.5% % A* – C = 78.7%

E = 40

% Pass = 98.8%

B = 80

2,395 54.92 81.02 992 91.1

MERIT 2 3 5 9 3 11 15

PASS ENTRIES 0 5 0 12 2 21 1 28 0 8 19 42 11 58

At the time of publication (Sept. 2013) these figures are only provisional and are subject to change. The final results tables and national comparisons are published toward the end of 2013. Up-to-date figures will be published on our website when available.

your guide to studying at huish 2014-15

Index A

Accountancy courses 18 Accounting 18 Academic support 06 Advice and Support 06 – 09 After Huish 72 Applying 13 Apprenticeships 20 AQA Baccalaureate 30 Archaeology 34 Art and Creative Courses 22 Art & Design and Art & Design (Textiles) 22 Art & Design (Graphic Communication) 23 Photography 25 Arthur C Clarke Learning Centre 06

B Basic Expedition Leadership Award (BELA) 70 Biology 53 Bus routes 03 Business School 28 Business Studies 26 Business Vocational (BTEC) 27 Business & Management (Foundation Degree) 27

C Careers (see After Huish) Chemistry 53 Choosing your courses 15 Classical Civilisation 30 Computing 30 Contacting the college 13 Courses 14 – 55 Choosing your courses 15 Course index 17

D Dance Degree courses Drama & Theatre Studies Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Facilities 06 FdA Business & Management 27 FdA in Sports Development & Coaching 54 Film and Media courses 38 Film Studies 38 Media Studies 38 Foundation Degrees 27, 54 Business & Management 27 Sports Development & Coaching 54 French 47 Further Mathematics 45 FAQs 12

G Geography 35 Geology 35 German 47 Getting to college 03 Government & Politics 40, 68 Graphic Communication (see Art and Creative)

H Health & Social Care 40 Health and Wellbeing 09 History 42 How to apply 13 Huish Business School 28

I Important information 02 – 13 International students 10 – 11 Interviews 13 IT facilities 06 Information Technology (BTEC) 43

L 31, 61 27, 54 33, 61 70

E Earth Science courses 34 Archaeology 34 Environmental Studies 35 Geography 35 Geology 35 Economics 33 English courses 36 English Language 36 English Language & Literature 37 English Literature 36 Enrichment opportunities: 56 – 71 Academic 68 Challenge 70 Performance – Drama, Dance and Stage Craft 60 Music 62 Sport 64 Travel 66 Entry Requirements 13 Environmental Studies 35

Languages: Enrichment 69 French 47 German 47 Spanish 47 Law 43 Learning Centre 06 Library (see Learning Centre)

M Mathematic courses Mathematics Further Mathematics Use of Mathematics Media Studies Modern language courses (also see Languages) Money matters Moving on Music courses Music Music Production Popular Music (BTEC) Music Enrichment

44 45 45 45 38 46 – 47 09 72 48 48 48 49 62

National Union of Students (NUS)

O Open Evenings

P Parking 03 Performing Arts: Dance 31 Drama & Theatre Studies 33 Performance Enrichment 60 Performance Sport 54 Personal Tutor 09 Photography 25 Physical Education 55 Physics 53 Popular Music (BTEC) 49 Professional courses 28 Progression and moving on 72 Psychology 50

R Religious Studies 50 Results 75

S Science courses 53 Biology 53 Chemistry 53 Physics 53 Sociology 51 Spanish 47 Sports courses 54 – 55 Physical Education 55 Sport (BTEC) 54 Sports Development & Coaching (Foundation Degree) 54 Sport Enrichment 64 Stage Craft 61 Standard entry requirements 13 Student Council (see Student Union) Student Services 09 Student support 06 – 09 Student Union 04 Studying in Taunton 02 Support 06 – 09

T Transport 03 Travel Enrichment 66 Tutorial support 06 Textiles (see Art & Design)

U Useful information

02 – 13

W Wellbeing 09 Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships 20

find further information at www.huish.ac.uk

Ellye / PHOTOGRAPHY I originally chose to take Photography because it was already something that I enjoyed and I wanted to learn more about it. You immediately start practical work and I have enjoyed learning the skills necessary for creating images with film and digital cameras. I have found learning how to develop my own film and how to print and manipulate the photos in the darkroom very interesting. The teachers are all very helpful and teach in a way that is easy to learn and understand. You also have access to all of the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equipment, which makes it easy to create high quality pieces of work. The course helps you to become more creative and individual as well as to develop your ideas from the start of the project to the end so that you create interesting and thoughtful images that you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have thought of at the start.

14/15 Richard Huish College South Road Taunton Somerset TA1 3DZ T: 01823 320800 F: 01823 320801 The college exists to provide routes to higher education and professions through close tutorial support. For information in other formats please call 01823 320800.

Design by Think! Design Associates 01823 423212 www.thinkassociates.co.uk