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Sixth Form Curriculum

 

Art

A level art and design allows students to further develop a broad and innovative range of creative and technical skills.  In addition, they gain an appreciation of historical and contemporary art and design through making site visits to galleries, in-depth research and their own personal investigations. Throughout the two year course students create their own unique body of work, supported by their teachers. The final displays are exhibited in school and celebrate students’ work and achievements in a public setting. A level art also provides a platform for students to enter a creative industry. Many students continue to study art and design at degree level and past students have qualified in areas as diverse as fashion and business, fashion marketing, textile design, film, Art History, photography and fine art.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Jewellery
  • Portraiture, hands
  • Youth and age, expressions
  • Coursework: The themes for this section are Portraiture, Figurative Studies, Youth and Age, Adornment, Disguise. 

 

 

 

 

  • Personal investigation: The theme for this module is chosen by the student and accompanied by an extended essay, of 1000 to 3000 words. Candidates research the work of an artist, designer or art movement and create a small practical folio of work based on their chosen theme.
  • Externally assessed assignment: The examination themes are set by the board. Students choose one of the themes and develop a small folio of preparatory work, which is concluded by the final exam composition.

 

Exam board:  AQA Art, craft and design. 7201.  A2 level.

Nature of examination:

Coursework=60%, consisting of project work inspired by a variety of thematic starting points.

Externally assessed assignment =a practical project selected from a range of titles provided by the exam board, culminating in a final piece.

The course consists of a coursework unit and an Externally assessed assignment.

Length of paper= For the externally assessed assignment students have a preparatory period of approx. 3 months and 15 hours for the final piece. 40% of the overall grade.

 

 

applied science

Our Applied Science course is designed engage and inspire by showing you how many contemporary issues require a grasp of fundamental scientific ideas. Studying applied science will broaden your understanding of the world around you and will equip you with the skills needed to approach most matters in a reasoned and analytical manner.

The course consists of 2 coursework units and 2 examined units and classes are taught in a personal way that caters for individual needs. We incorporate plenty of practical opportunities which will help you see how the science applies to real life. You will be fully supported in developing your advanced practical skills and you will be allowed the autonomy to plan and carry out your work following the official assignment briefs.

Our Applied Science course is a perfect stepping stone to university, to study anything from natural and environmental sciences, health sciences, medical sciences and physical sciences. They lead into many next steps, including possible options for progression to employment such as:

Nurse

Midwife

Chemist

Science Technician

Forensic Scientist

Vetinary Nurse 

Paramedic

Biomedical Scientist

Pharmacist

Chemical Engineer

Marine Biologist

Biology

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in A-level biology is a stepping-stone to future study, with a specification that allows students to develop the skills that they will need whatever their future aspirations. The subject content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to teach and learn. The specification has been designed to inspire students, nurture a passion for biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine. There is a heavy emphasis on practical work and developing scientific methodology, and students will develop the skills they learned at GCSE to a higher level.

Year 12 Year 13
  • 3.1 Biological molecules
  • 3.2 Cells
  • 3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • 3.4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
 
  • 3.5 Energy transfers in and between organisms 
  • 3.6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 
  • 3.7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 
  • 3.8 The control of gene expression 
 

 

Exam board: AQA A-level biology 7402

Nature of examination:

Paper 1

Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

91 marks

35% of A-level

Questions

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions

15 marks: extended response questions

 

Paper 2

Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

91 marks

35% of A-level

Questions

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions

15 marks: comprehension question

 

Paper 3

Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

78 marks

30% of A-level

Questions

38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques

15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data

 
25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles

 

business studies

This course aims to challenge and develop your business knowledge whether you are new to the subject or have studied this at GCSE the next two years will challenge and stretch your understanding.  ‘Change is the only constant factor in the business world’ will be the key focus over the next two years looking at how businesses not only start up but how they adapt and change in an ever changing climate.  Whether you see yourself as the next great entrepreneur, want a career in marketing, or finance this course will provide a firm basis for a range of next step courses and careers.

Year 12 Year 13
  • What is business?
  • Managers, leadership and decision making
  • Decision making to improve marketing performance
  • Decision making to improve operational performance
  • Decision making to improve financial performance
  • Decision making to improve human resource performance
 
  • Analysing the strategic position of a business
  • Choosing strategic direction
  • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
  • Managing strategic change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Exam board: AQA A Level (7132)

Nature of examination: 

Paper 1

2 hours

100 marks

33.3% of A Level

 

Questions

Three compulsory sections:

  • Section A has 15 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 15 marks.
  • Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks.
  • Sections C and D have two essay questions

              (choice of one from two and one from two) 

              worth 25 marks each.

 

Paper 2

2 hours

100 marks

33.3% of A Level

 

Questions

Three data response compulsory questions worth

approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions.

Paper 3: Business 3

Paper 3

2 hours

100 marks

33.3% of A Level

 

Questions

One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions.

 

 

chemistry

In key stage 5 chemistry students gain a deeper understanding of previously introduced core concepts which are built into several main topics.  The first is physical chemistry where students gain a detailed understanding of, thermodynamics, rates of reaction, electrode potentials and acids, bases and pH.  Next is inorganic chemistry, often referred to as the colourful section, in which students understand the science behind many applications and reactions of transition metals and their complex ions.  Finally, students gain a better understanding of both aliphatic and aromatic synthesis pathways in the organic section of the course.  In this section of the course, they also complete instrumental analysis of synthesis products using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.  The students also have twelve required practical activities, which are AQA endorsed and relate directly to the AQA specification.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Atomic Structure
  • Amount of Substance
  • Bonding
  • Energetics
  • Kinetics
  • Equilibria and Redox
  • Periodicity
  • Group 2 and Group 7
  • Introduction to Organic Chemistry
  • Alkanes and Halogenalkanes
  • Alkenes and Alcohols
  • Organic Analysis
  • Thermodynamics
  • Rate Equations and Kp
  • Electrode Potentials and Cells
  • Acids, Bases and pH
  • Period 3
  • Transition Metals
  • Isomerism and Carbonyl Compounds
  • Aromatic Compounds and Amines
  • Polymers
  • Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA
  • Further Synthesis and Analysis

 

Exam board: AQA A Level Chemistry 7405

Nature of examination: 3 externally assessed examinations and 12 internally assessed practical assessments.

 

Paper 1                                                                   Paper 2                                                           Paper 3

Inorganic and Physical Chemistry          Organic and Physical Chemistry       Synoptic and Multiple Choice

35%                                                                         35%                                                                   30%

2 hours                                                                   2 hours                                                            2 hce

Computer Science

The A Level course gives students a knowledge of all aspects of computing, and an ability to apply the techniques and concepts to create applications which solve problems using technology. Students will also gain an insight into the concepts beneath the workings of computers, networks, the internet, data transfer, cyber security. The theory of computer science aims to teach about the internal workings of a computer, right down the basics of how all data is stored using binary, whether that be numbers, text, pictures or even music. It goes on from there to cover aspects of computer architecture, showing the specifics of exactly how data is accessed from main memory using assembly language instructions and the fetch-execute cycle. As well as covering programming the course aims to promote good programming practices such as avoiding global variables, sensible variable naming, structured programming, good re-use of code through procedures and functions, and proper commenting of code. It also covers higher level concepts such as the social and legal impact of computers, and how to go about breaking down a big problem into individual programmable steps. In the NEA, each student will choose a problem which interests her, she will analyse the problem, design a solution and produce an application which solves that problem.

Year 12 Year 13

Programming in Python

Logic Gates and Boolean Algebra

Number Systems

Coding Systems

Data Representation

Data Structures

Algorithms

Computational Thinking

Computer Architecture

Consequences of Use of Computing

Communication and Networking

Databases

Functional Programming

NEA Project

 

Exam board: OCR Computer Science H446

Nature of examination:

Paper 1: Computer systems

2 hours 30 minutes

Written paper

40% of final grade

 

Paper 2: Algorithms and programming

2 hours 30 minutes

Written paper

40% of final grade

 

Non-exam assessment: Programming project

20% of final grade

 

Dance

A-level Dance is a dynamic qualification which encourages students to develop their creative and intellectual capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. All of these are sought after skills by higher education and employers and will help them stand out in the workplace whatever their choice of career. This specification reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it more relevant, and inspires a lifelong passion and appreciation for dance. We recognise the role of dance in young people’s lives and your students will be able to study a range of dance styles. We’ve set relevant and exciting sources for all choreography and broadened our areas of study. Students can perform and choreograph in a style of their choice for the group work, providing it meets the assessment criteria.

Y12 Y13

Theory:

  • Compulsory Area of study - Rambert Dance Company
  • Compulsory professional set work by Christopher Bruce – Rooster
  • Other professional works: Christopher Bruce- Ghost dances and Swansong, Robert North- Wild life and Pulanella, Richard Alston- Death and the maiden and Lonely town lonely street.
 

Theory:

  • Area of Study- The independent contemporary dance scene in Britain 2000–current
  • Professional set work Sutra by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
  • Other professional works: Sidi Larbi and Akram Khan- Zero degrees, Akram Khan- Rush and Desh, Matthew Bourne- Swan Lake and Nutcracker.
 

Practical:

  • Solo workshops studying; Christopher Bruce, Akram Khan, Matthew Bourne, Robert North and Glen Tetley.
  • Solo
  • Quartet

Practical:

  • Choreography

External moderation:

Solo, Quartet and Choreography

Design and Technology

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in design and technology is creative and thought-provoking, providing students with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a vast array of potential careers. Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Material properties, characteristics and applications – composites, polymers (including biodegradable), timber, metal, smart materials, modern materials, paper and boards
  • Performance characterises of materials
  • Enhancement and surface finishes of materials
  •  Forming, redistribution and addition processes
  • Accuracy and precision
  • Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal (including the 6 Rs)
  • Design influences, styles and movements, and work of others
 
Mathematical skill is a core area of study for A level design and technology. Area, volume, length, ratios, percentages, handling and displaying data, conversions and trigonometry are the main topics covered.  
  • Modern industrial and commercial practice
  • Digital design and manufacture
  • Heal and safety
  • Historical and economic developments in design
  • Responsible design
  • British standards

 

During Y12 students will also complete a major piece of assessed work. The Non-Examinable Assessment (NEA) challenges students to develop a prototype in response to a situation, problem or brief set by the student or an external client.

 

 

Exam board: A Level Design and Technology Product Design (7552)

Nature of examination:

Non-Examinable Assessment 50% of A Level

Exam (two papers) 50% of A Level

Paper name Paper 1 (Technical Principles)

Length of paper 2.5hrs

30% of final grade

Paper name Paper 2

Length of paper 1.5hrs (Designing and Making Principles)

 
20% of final grade

 

drama and theatre studies

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in drama gives students the opportunity expand their knowledge and passion for the subject further, along with like-minded people. The curriculum aims to prepare students for university and the theatre industry, by deepening their knowledge in practitioners, the study of plays, as well as analysing, and evaluating live theatre. Students will have the opportunity to explore theatre as a performer, designer, director and a member of the audience. Students will perform two practical exams, create a portfolio discussing and reflecting on the devising journey, as well as studying two plays, thus giving students a thorough insight into the world of theatre.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Devising and portfolio – Practical internal exam (Component 1)
  • Theatre Makers in Practice – Written exam (Component 3)
  • Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation
  • Section B: Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text - the study of the play “That Face”
 
  • Texts in Performance – Practical exam, examined by a visiting examiner. (Component 2)
  • Theatre Makers in Practice – Written exam (Component 3)
  • Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text – the study of the text “Woyzeck”, alongside a specific practitioner.
  • Section A and B recap.

 

Exam board: Edexcel Drama and Theatre A Level (9DR0)

The course is divided into 3 components:

  • Component 1: Devising – Practical internal exam. Performances are filmed and sent to AQA. Students are required to use an extract of a text as a stimulus to create their own devised performance, in the style of a practitioner. Students may contribute as a designer. Alongside the performance, students must also creating a portfolio documenting the devising process. Practical – 20 marks, portfolio – 60 marks. 40% of the A Level.
  • Component 2: Texts in Performance: Practical exam, examined by a visiting examiner. Students are required to perform a group piece and a monologue/duologue from different texts. Students may contribute as a designer. 20% of the A Level.
  • Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice – Written exam consisting of three sections: Section A – Live Theatre Evaluation, Section B  Page to Stage: Realising a Performance and Section C:  Interpreting a Performance Text. The paper is 2 hours 30 minutes long and is worth 40% of the A Level.
 

 

 

english

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in English aims to strengthen and diversify the skills mastered in GCSE English Language and Literature and offers students a chance to become an expert in a specific field of communication. Our curriculum includes: literature, language, language & literature and media. All these qualifications develop skills universally desirable at degree level study and those with communication courses are often more fully prepared for the academic assessment faced at this level. These courses also offer direct and varied access to more vocational pathways.

Literature
Year 12 Year 13
  • Dracula or Frankenstein
  • The Importance of Being Earnest
  • The Little Stranger
  • Victorian Poetry
 
  • Shakespeare -Othello or King Lear
  • Modern Poetry - student choice
  • NEA – Comparative Investigation
 

 

Exam board: (Edexcel /9ET0)

Nature of examination: 3x written examination, 1x NEA

Component 1 - Drama

2 hours 15 minutes

30% of final grade

Component 2 – Prose

1 hour 15 minutes

20% of final grade

Component 3 – Poetry

2 hours 15 minutes

30% of final grade

Non – Exam Assessment

20% of final grade

 

Overview document 

Prepare for A Level English Literature

 

 

English Language and Literature
Year 12 Year 13
  • Language Frameworks
  • The Handmaid’s Tale
  • Poetry – Browning
  • The Great Gatsby
  • All My Sons
  • NEA – Language Investigation
  • Paris Anthology
  • Recreative Writing
  • Revision and Exam Technique

 

English Language and Literature Exam board: (AQA /7707)

Nature of examination: 3x written examination, 1x NEA

Paper 1 – Telling Stories

3 hours

40% of final grade

Paper 2 – Exploring Conflict

2 hours 30 minutes

40% of final grade

Non – Exam Assessment

20% of final grade

 

Overview document 

Prepare for A Level English Lang/Lit

 
A2 Media
Year 12 Year 13
  • Theoretical Framework
  • NEA
  • Genre
  • Audience
  • Semiotics
  • Close Study Products
  • Industry
  • Representation
  • NEA

 

Media Studies Exam board: (AQA /7571)

 

Nature of examination: 2x written examination, (70%)  1x NEA (30%)

 

Written Papers

 

2 x 2 hour papers - Media One and Media Two

both worth 35%, both worth 84 marks - Together 70% of final grade

 

Media One -Language, industries, audiences and representation

Media Two - In-depth, social and participatory media

 

Non – Exam Assessment – A Cross-Media Production

30% of final grade

 

Overview document 

Prepare for A Level Media

 

 

french

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in French aims to strengthen and diversify the skills mastered at GCSE and offers students a chance to develop their knowledge of the culture and literature of France and the French-speaking countries.  The qualification develops skills which are universally desirable at degree-level study, and those with MFL and communication courses are often more fully prepared for the academic assessment faced at this level. Opportunities to experience another culture first-hand are made ever more accessible with close study of this nature.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
  • Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
 
  • Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
  • Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
 

 

Exam board: AQA A Level French-Specification code-7652

Nature of examination: 

Paper 1-Listening, reading and writing

2 hours 30 minutes

50% of final grade

Paper 2-Writing

2 hours-20% of final grade

Paper 3-Speaking

21-23 minutes (plus 5 minutes preparation)

30% of final grade

 

 

geography

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in geography follows the Edexcel A-Level exam board and builds upon the core knowledge and skills developed during pupils GCSE course. In preparation for component one pupils develop their understanding of physical geographic processes on a range of scales from local to global. Throughout this component pupils will reflect upon human interaction with coastal, tectonic, hydrologic and carbon systems. Through completion of component two pupils will reflect upon their role in an increasingly globalised world as well as the future challenges presented through the world’s changing superpowers, and well as the health and human rights challenges that will be faced during this century. Through their third examination pupils will complete a synoptic assessment that draws across the content learnt throughout the course with a focus upon the themes of players, attitudes and actions as well as futures and uncertainties. In addition to the eclectic knowledge of the human and physical geography developed as a result of the course pupils develop a wide skills set, including extended writing, analysis of graphic and cartographic data sets and evidence based decision making. Finally, through the completion of the non-examined assessment pupils build their independent study skills, designing and collecting data to investigate a geographic issue of their choosing. As part of their A-level course pupils complete a minimum of four days of out of classroom learning.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Tectonic processes and hazards
  • Coastal landscapes and change
  • Globalisation
  • Shaping places including diverse places
 
  • The water cycle and water insecurity
  • The carbon cycle and energy security
  • Superpowers
  • Global development and connections including health and  human rights
 

 

Exam board: Edexcel

Nature of examination:

Three components of examination material (80% of qualification), one component of non-examined assessment through an independent investigation into a geographic issue of a pupils choosing (20% of qualification).

Paper name: Advanced Paper 1

Length of paper: 2 hours 15 minutes

% of final grade: 30%

Paper name: Advanced Paper 2

Length of paper: 2 hours 15 minutes

% of final grade: 30%

Paper name: Advanced Paper 3

Length of paper: 2 hours 15 minutes

% of final grade: 20%

 

 

Psychology and Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care:

Health and social care is a vocational based subject which allows students to study alongside completing work experience. With the majority of assessment being coursework based it allows students to dedicate time to learning at their own pace. The study of health and social care includes an understanding of job roles and practices as well as specific treatments for health disorders.

Year 12 Year 13

Health and Social Care:

Psychological Perspectives

Life Stages

 

Health and Social Care:

Meeting Individual Needs

Working in Health and Social Care

Exam board: Edexcel

Health and Social Care:

Pearson

Two 1 ½ hour exams, one sat at the end of year 12, one sat at the end of year 13.

 

Psychology

Psychology:

Psychology is a fascinating subject which develops the understanding of the mind. Psychology aims to enhance students understand of others and the behaviours that individuals display. Psychology also develops skills of analysis and evaluation.

 

Year 12 Year 13

Psychology:

Memory

Attachment

Psychopathology

Social Influence

 

 

Psychology:

Research Methods

Aggression

Schizophrenia

Issues and Debates

Relationships

Biopsychology

 

 

Exam board: Edexcel & AQA

Psychology:

AQA

THREE 2 hour exams sat at the end of two years

 

history

If you are hungry to find out about the past, History is the subject for you. Studying History provides students with skills that are transferable and applicable to the future. Skills of analysis are invaluable in many jobs and the ability to analyse and then prioritise information in vital for decision making. History is also really relevant, in order to understand current affairs we must understand the past as everything that is happening around us has been influenced by History. A History A level can help students better understand the way people act the way they do. This subject will show employers and universities that a student is culturally aware, academic and analytical.

Year 12 Year 13

NEA: African American Civil Rights

  • The role of the President
  • The role of black leaders
  • The role of conflict
  • The role of women
  • The role of black nationalism

 

Nazism and Democracy

  • Weimar Germany

The Tudors

  • Henry VII / Henry VIII
 

Nazism and Democracy

  • Who voted Nazi?
  • Nazi propaganda
  • Nazi society
  • Holocaust and the racial state
  • The impact of War

 

The Tudors

  • Mid Tudor crisis
  • Elizabeth’s ‘Golden Age’
  • Rebellions and riots
  • Tudor foreign policy
 

 

Exam board: AQA 7042

Nature of examination:

1 x NEA – 4000 words (20%)

2 x written examinations

 

Paper name Democracy and Nazism

Length of paper 2 hours 30 minutes

% of final grade 40%

 

Paper name Tudor England

Length of paper 2 hours 30 minutes

 
% of final grade 40%

 

LAw

BTEC in Applied Law. This qualification is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the legal sector. It covers areas of Criminal Law and Civil Law including the system and procedures as well as covering a range of Criminal offences and Civil torts and the associated defences.

Year 12 Year 13

Unit 1: Dispute Solving in Civil Law

A Civil dispute resolution 

A1 Features of civil law

A2 Structure and jurisdiction of the English civil courts

A3 Alternatives to the courts in civil dispute resolution Situations for use:

A4 Legal skills

 

B Enforcement of civil law

B1 Sources of advice

B2 Sources of funding

B3 The cost of taking legal action

 

C How precedent works

C1 Precedent

 

D Application of the law of negligence

D1 Duty of care Three stage test:

D2 Breach of duty

D3 Damage

D4 Damages

D5 Burden of proof and res ipsa loquitur

 

 

Unit 2: Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System

 

A: Explore how statutory rules are made and interpreted

A1 Legal skills

A2 Influences on Parliament

A3 The law-making procedure in Parliament

A4 How statutes are interpreted by the courts The rules of statutory interpretation:

 

B: Examine how legislation is made outside of Parliament

B1 Delegated legislation

B2 The European legislative process and its institutions

 

C: Explore the various legal personnel involved in a criminal trial

C1 The legal profession

C2 Financing advice and representation in a criminal trial

C3 Lay people

C4 Judiciary

 

D: Apply the key elements of crime and sentencing in non-fatal offence case studies

D1 Elements of a crime

D2 Non-fatal offences

D3 Aims of sentencing

D4 Factors involved in sentencing

D5 Types of sentences

 

 

 

Unit 3: Applying the Law

 

A The laws relating to homicide: murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter

A1 Murder

A2 Voluntary manslaughter

A3 Involuntary manslaughter

 

B The laws relating to corporate manslaughter

B1 Corporate manslaughter

 

C An introduction to offences against property: theft, robbery, burglary, fraud and criminal damage

C1 Theft: Section 1–6 of the Theft Act 1968

C2 Robbery: Section 8 of the Theft Act 1968

C3 Burglary: Section 9 of the Theft Act 1968

C4 Fraud by false representation: Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006

C5 Criminal damage: Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971

 

D Introduction to general defences in criminal law

D1 Duress

D2 Intoxication

D3 Self-defence

D4 Insanity and automatism

 

E An overview of police powers

E1 Stop and search

E2 Arrest

E3 Detention, interviews, searches and samples

 

 

Unit 7: Aspects of Tort

 

A: Examine the principles of tort and liability in negligence for psychiatric harm

A1 Objectives of the law of tort

A2 Law relating to duty of care, breach and damage

A3 Psychiatric harm

A4 Aim and calculation of damages

 

B: Explore liability for economic loss and negligent misstatements

B1 Economic loss

B2 Negligent misstatements

 

C: Investigate the law on occupiers’ liability and vicarious liability

C1 Occupiers’ liability

C2 Vicarious liability

 

D: Explore liability for private nuisance and Rylands v Fletcher

D1 Private nuisance

D2 Rylands v Fletcher liability

 

Exam board: Pearson

Year 12

Exam for Unit 1: Dispute Solving in Civil Law

Coursework for Unit 2: Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System

Year 13

Exam for Unit 3: Applying the Law

Coursework for Unit 7: Aspects of Tort

 

Mathematics

Mathematics is a versatile qualification, well-respected by employers and is a “facilitating” subject for entry to higher education. People who have studied mathematics are in the fortunate position of having an excellent choice of career. Whilst the number of young people studying A level mathematics and Further mathematics is increasing there is still a huge demand from science, engineering and manufacturing employers. The reason why so many employers highly value mathematics qualifications is mathematics students become better at thinking logically and analytically. Through solving problems you develop resilience and are able to think creatively and strategically. The writing of structured solutions, proof and justification of results help you to formulate reasoned arguments. For progression to many courses at university it is important to have strong mathematics skills. For most STEM degree courses A level mathematics is a requirement. A level mathematics is an interesting and challenging course which extends the methods you learned at GCSE and includes applications of mathematics, such as statistics and mechanics.

Year 12 Year 13

Pure Mathematics:

Algebraic expressions

Quadratics

Equations and inequalities

Graphs and transformations

Straight line graphs

Circles

Algebraic methods

Binomial expansion

Trigonometric ratios

Trigonometric identities and equations

Vectors

Differentiation

Integration

Exponentials and logarithms

 

Statistics:

Data collection

Measures of location and spread

Representation of data

Correlation

Probability

Statistical Distributions

Hypothesis Testing

 

Mechanics:

Modelling in mechanics

Constant acceleration

Forces and motion

Variable acceleration

 

Pure Mathematics:

Algebraic methods

Functions and graphs

Sequences and series

Binomial expansion

Radians

Trigonometric functions

Trigonometry and modelling

Parametric equations

Differentiation

Numerical methods

Integration

Vectors

 

Statistics:

Regression, correlation and hypothesis testing

Conditional probability

Normal distribution

 

Mechanics:

Moments

Forces and friction

Projectiles

Applications of forces

 
Further kinematics

 

Exam board: GCE Edexcel 9MA0

Nature of examination:

Two exams covering Pure mathematics. One exam covering both Statistics and Mechanics

Paper name : Pure Maths 9MA0/1, Pure Maths 9MA0/2, Statistics&Mechanics 9MA0/3

Length of papers: 2 hrs each

 
Each contributing 33.33 % of the final grade

 

Further mathematics

Further Mathematics builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for mathematics and the subject content for the A Level Mathematics qualifications. External examinations are designed to reward students for demonstrating the ability to provide responses that draw together different areas of their knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study. Problem solving, proof and mathematical modelling will be assessed in further mathematics in the context of the wider knowledge which students taking A level further mathematics will have studied. The A Level in further mathematics consists of four externally-examined papers. Students complete all assessments in May/June in Year 13.

Y12 Y13

Core Mathematics:
Proof
Complex numbers
Matrices
Series
Volumes of revolution
Further algebra and functions
Further calculus
Vectors 

Core Mathematics:

Polar coordinates

Hyperbolic functions

Differential equations

Further complex numbers

Further vectors

Decision Mathematics:

Algorithms and Graph Theory

Algorithms on graphs

Critical path analysis

Linear Programming

Further Mechanics:

Momentum and Impulse

Exam board: GCE Edexcel 9FMA0

Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1

Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2

Each paper is: 1 hour and 30 minutes, written examination 25% of the qualification

Paper 3: Further Mathematics Option 1: written examination, 1 hour and 30 minutes 25% of the qualification

Paper 4: Further Mathematics Option 2: written examination, 1 hour and 30 minutes 25% of the qualification

Elastic strings and springs

Elastic collisions in one dimension

Elastic collisions in two dimensions

 

music

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in music will give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in music and express themselves as a performer, composer, arranger and event organiser. BTEC music at Level 3 provides opportunities for students to engage with real-life, careers-based activities and scenarios. BTEC music is more vocational and has an increased practical element compared to A Level music. It is designed to prepare students for taking part in the world of work in the music industry, whereas A Level music is more theory based. BTEC music is a solid foundation for further and higher education and is a pathway to university degrees, as well as apprenticeships and jobs in the music industry.

Year 12 Year 13

BTEC Music:

  • Unit 1- Practical Music Theory and Harmony (90 credits)
  • Unit 2- Professional Practice in the Music Industry (90 credits)
  • Unit 3- Ensemble Music Performance (120 credits)
  • Unit 6- Solo Music Performance (60 credits)

A Level Music:

  • Composition 1
  • Set work study: Vocal Music
  • Set work study: Instrumental Music
  • Set work study: Music for Film
  • Set work study: Fusions
 

BTEC Music:

  • Unit 2- Professional Practice in the Music Industry (90 credits)
  • Unit 3- Ensemble Music Performance (120 credits)

A Level Music:

  • Composition 2
  • Performance recital
  • Set work study: Popular Music and Jazz
  • Set work study: New Directions
 

 

Exam board: Edexcel: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music

Nature of examination:

BTEC Music Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music is separated into four units of different weightings. There are two externally assessed elements: Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry and Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance. Either Unit 1 or Unit 6 will also be moderated by a Standards Verifier from Edexcel.

A series of composition tasks, an arrangement, a project plan for an event and ensemble and solo performances combine to formulate the assessments for the four units.

 
Component 3- appraising (30%): assessing 8 set works – 1 hr 45 mins examination

 

Physical Education

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in physical education is made up of A-Level PE. To support their studies a range of competitive opportunities are offered locally and against other GDST schools nationally. The provision of a fitness suite within the 6th form house enables students to keep physically active. Swimming is also available to pupils to enhance their physical well-being.

Year 12 Year 13

Applied anatomy and physiology

Diet and Nutrition

Skill Acquisition

Sport and Society

 

Energy Systems

Injury Prevention

Biomechanical Movement

Sport Psychology

Sport and Society

The role of technology in physical activity and sport

 

 

Exam board: AQA/7582

Nature of examination: A Level Physical Education is comprised of 2 exam papers, a practical component and coursework. Students must have video footage of them participating in a fully competitive situation in one sport. They must also evaluate and analyse this performance in two different areas to complete the written coursework. The practical element and coursework combined makes up 30% of the final grade.

Paper name: Factors affecting participation in physical activity in sport

Length of paper 2hrs

35% of final grade

Paper name: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity in sport

Length of paper 2hrs

35% of final grade

 

 

physics

The key stage 5 curriculum in A-level physics leads to the completion of a facilitating subject that opens the door to many degree courses at the very best universities. It is a specific stepping-stone to future study in courses such as engineering, natural sciences and medicine. The AQA specification allows students to develop the skills that they will need if they pursue a science based future career. The subject content develops on the skills built during GCSE and further nurtures the links between the different key areas of physics. We explore particles in more detail and look at wave-particle duality. We explore motion in a circle and compare this to linear motion studied at GCSE. The option modules allow us to tailor the course to the needs to the students studying it and allows them to have a greater say in what they learn.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Particle Physics
  • Electricity
  • Waves
  • Mechanics
  • Materials
 
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Electric Fields
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Capacitance
  • Thermal Physics
  • Option module:
    • Turning Points in Physics
    • Astrophysics
    • Medical Physics
 

 

Exam board: AQA A-level Physics 7408

Nature of examination: Linear

Paper 1

written exam: 2 hours

85 marks

34% of A-level

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

 

Paper 2

written exam: 2 hours

85 marks

34% of A-level

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

 

Paper 3

written exam: 2 hours

80 marks

32% of A-level

45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.

 
35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

 

Production Arts

Production Arts is designed for those who are interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ of the theatre and film world. For those who want to go on to work in the creative industries this course offers an exciting chance to learn the tricks of the trade. Offering practical hands-on experience students learn specialist techniques including theatrical hair and make-up design, prosthetics and special effects. The course currently covers 6 units, 3 per year. Units offered include costume design, make-up application skills, stage design, assistant stage management, technical stage operations, and arts administration.

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts is the equivalent of 1 A Level.

It consists of two mandatory units and 4 optional units that provide for a combined total of 60 credits, for the completed qualification.

The current units we study are:

Year 12

Year 13
  • Unit 2 – Production Arts Workshop
  • Unit 86 – Mask Making in the Performing Arts
  • Unit 83 – Developing Costume Design Skills
  • Unit 93 – Make-Up Application Skills and Creative Uses in Performance
  • Unit 95 – Special Effects Make up
  • Unit 87 – Puppet Design

 

politics

The A-level government and politics specification is designed to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics. Students acquire knowledge of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the United Kingdom and are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how other political systems may differ. Students develop the following vital skills;

  • the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret political information
  • analyse and evaluate political knowledge 
  • identify connections, assess similarities and differences between the areas studied 
  • select relevant material and construct and communicate arguments clearly and coherently using appropriate political vocabulary.
Year 12 Year 13
  • Democracy and participation
  • Political parties, electoral systems
  • Voting behaviour and the media.
  • Conservativism, Liberalism, socialism
 
  • UK constitution
  • Parliament - Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.
  • Multiculturalism
 

 

Exam board: Edexcel

Nature of examination:

3 x written examination papers

Paper name: UK politics

Length of paper 2 hours

% of final grade 33.3%

Paper name: UK government

Length of paper 2 hours

% of final grade 33.3%

Paper name: Comparative politics: global politics

Length of paper 2 hours

% of final grade 33.3%

 

 

PSHE

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in PSHE is focused on helping students as they mature into adulthood. Our course is focused on a variety of ethical issues in society such as organ donation and consent. We also examine political and global issues as part of our discussion based programme. We offer students an opportunity to reflect on cultural and religious differences and what they can offer us; such as meditation in Buddhism. There is also a focus on planning for the future with financial planning, revision technique and how to succeed at interviews.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Organ donation
  • Trafficking
  • Consent and responsibility
  • Moral responsibility
  • Learning from the past
  • Revision technique
  • Learning from religion: Buddhism Mindfulness

One drop down day which focuses on the future:

  • Preparing for interviews
  • Sexual health
  • Living independently
  • UCAS support

 

Religious Studies

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in religious studies is focused on the key skills necessary for university. Students study 3 components of philosophy, ethics and the development of Christian thought. The focus of the examination is on how students develop a thesis; how they can create a line of argument and use a variety of scholars or schools of thought to strengthen their argument. Students must reflect upon criticisms of these key ideas and judge their success, they must then defend their line of argument against these criticisms. The focus of the A level course is for students to adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion.

Year 12 Year 13

Philosophy

  • Arguments for God’ existence-cosmological, teleological, onto logical
  • The relevance of inductive arguments for God’ existence
  • Problem of evil
  • Religious experience

Ethics

  • Divine Command theory
  • Virtue theory
  • Ethical egoism
  • Natural Law and its development from Aquinas
  • Situation Ethics
  •  Utilitarianism

Christianity

  • Jesus’ birth and resurrection
  • The Bible as a source of authority and wisdom
  • Trinity
  • Atonement
  • Key moral principles of Christianity
  • Baptism and Eucharist; the differences amongst practice
  • Diversity of festivals
  • Was Jesus a Messiah or a revolutionist?
 

Philosophy

 

  • Miracles
  • Challenges to God’s existence; Freud, Jung and New atheism
  • Religious language

Ethics

  • Meta Ethics

  • Freewill and determinism

Christianity

  • Social developments in religious thought to wealth and migration.
  • Feminist theology
  • Challenges of pluralism and diversity
 

 

Exam board: OCR A Level in Religious Studies (H573)

Paper 1 (01) Philosophy of religion

120 marks

2 hour written paper

33% of total

Paper 2 (02) Religion and ethics

120 marks

2 hour written paper

33% of total

Paper 3 (03)  Developments in religious thought: Christianity

120 marks

2 hour written paper

33% of total

 

 

Sociology

The AQA course offers an engaging introduction to Sociology. Students will gain an understanding of human behaviour and the workings of society, in addition to considering how sociological theories and research can change and develop social policies. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. Students are encouraged to apply knowledge of current affairs when studying the different topics and to engage in class debates and small research projects.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Education
  • Families and Households
  • Research Methods
 
  • Crime and Deviance
  • Beliefs in Society
  • Theory and Methods
 

 

Exam board: AQA Sociology 7192

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods

2 hour written exam

33.3% of final grade

 

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (Families and Households, Beliefs in Society)

2 hour written exam

33.3% of final grade

 

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

2 hour written exam

33.3% of final grade

 

 

spanish

The Key Stage 5 curriculum in Spanish aims to strengthen and diversify the skills mastered at GCSE and offers students a chance to develop their knowledge of the culture and literature of the hispanic world.  The qualification develops skills which are universally desirable at degree-level study, and those with MFL and communication courses are often more fully prepared for the academic assessment faced at this level. Opportunities to experience another culture first-hand are made ever more accessible with close study of this nature.

Year 12 Year 13
  • Aspects of Hispanic society
  • Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
  • Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
  • Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world
 

 

Exam board:  AQA A Level Spanish -7692

Paper 1-Listening, reading and writing

2 hours 30 minutes

50% of final grade

Paper 2-Writing

2 hours-20% of final grade

Paper 3-Speaking

21-23 minutes (plus 5 minutes preparation)

30% of final grade