Copleston Sixth Form Cousre Guide

COPLESTON SIXTH FORM THRIVES TO GIVE EVERY STUDENT THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULFILL HIS OR HER POTENTIAL. OUR AIM IS TO ENABLE ALL STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND TO DEVELOP AS A YOUNG ADULT.

Time and care is spent on a timetable to suit each individual’s needs. You are treated as individuals who matter, with the highest value placed on your achievements and wellbeing. Tutors and subject staff will encourage you to aim high and assist you in choosing the pathway that is right for you. Each student’s progress is carefully monitored to help them prosper in a friendly, academic environment.

Sixth Formers are the senior students in Copleston. They have privileges as well as responsibilities and we hope that all students will embrace the challenges and opportunities that our Sixth Form offers.

Copleston Sixth Form is a large and vibrant Sixth Form with a wide range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities. Being a member of a vibrant, energetic and hardworking Sixth Form is an exciting and rewarding experience and one in which we hope you will choose to get involved.

WELCOME

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ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGEBeing a Sixth Former is about accepting the challenge to achieve your full potential. As a Sixth Form student you will be expected to take more responsibility for the way you learn. We will support and guide you about the ways to achieve your best but an active role in your learning is the most effective way to improve your grades and experience of Post 16 education.

A successful student not only achieves their full academic potential but also takes an active role in the wider aspects of Sixth Form and school life.

The Sixth Form and its students are expected to make a significant contribution to the school. There are opportunities for all Sixth Formers to get involved in school life by helping out in main school lessons, mentoring younger students and being part of the Sixth Form Forum or the School Council. The School’s Head Boy and Girl are Sixth Form students. There is also a wide range of sporting, music, fundraising and social events that students can get involved in.

We are proud to have fantastic sporting facilities and the Sixth Form encourages all students to follow the sporting ethos of teamwork and getting involved. We are proud of our Sports Academy and the opportunity it provides talented sportspeople to combine their academic studies with high quality training. Commitment at this level will ensure the years spent in the Sixth From are rewarding and will stand each student in good stead for the future.

“THE SIxTH Form HAS A rEALLy FrIENdLy ATmoSPHErE ANd THE rELATIoNSHIP bETwEEN STAFF ANd STudENTS IS SPECIAL.”

INdIVIduALISEd PATHwAySThe emphasis at Copleston Sixth Form is on individual programmes which allow each student to maximise their potential. Each student chooses a combination of subjects and our timetable is constructed to accommodate student options. Once you have made your application to Copleston Sixth Form you will have an interview with one of our specialist team to ensure that your chosen programme is appropriate for your ability, interests and future career aspirations. What you study during your time with us will be pivotal to what you go on to do in the future and it is essential that your programme is fit for purpose.

SuPPorT ANd GuIdANCEStudents who attend Copleston Sixth Form gain academic and pastoral support from a wide range of staff. Form tutors take a keen interest in the progress and welfare of their students and you will have a number of one-to-one interviews within an academic year to enable you and your form tutor to reflect upon your progress and set action targets to help you to improve even further.

The responsibility for the pastoral care and monitoring of student performance lies with the Specialist Director of Sixth Form. Each year group has a Head of Year who oversees the daily care, guidance and support of students. The Head of Year stays with the year group for the two years, and this means that continuity of care and excellent relationships between students, parents and the Sixth Form can be built and maintained.

In addition to the pastoral and academic care of the Sixth Form team, each subject tutor has the responsibility to monitor your performance and provide you with guidance to progress. At the start of your programme you will agree upon realistic but challenging target grades. Your progress will be regularly monitored against these targets, and feedback from your subject staff will help you to improve your performance.

There will be several opportunities during the academic year to discuss your progress with your tutors and parents. Alongside Consultation Evenings we also run a drop-in session every half term for students and their parents to provide an informal opportunity for further advice and guidance about progress and performance.

PrEPArING For HIGHEr EduCATIoN & LIFE bEyoNd SIxTH FormMany of our students choose to go on to Higher Education. Specialist advice and guidance about university and career paths is readily available throughout your time at Sixth Form. In the summer term of Year 12 you will take part in our What Next? day to help you to make decisions about what and where to study at university, and how to prepare for making your UCAS application.

For all students there are opportunities to visit universities, attend career and university presentations in and outside of Sixth Form and work on applications and interview techniques. One-to-one consultations about university and careers are always available from our Careers Advisor, and our Careers Library is well equipped to help you make informed choices about your future pathway.

PSHE is used to support Post 18 progression preparation and we hold a successful Higher Education Evening for parents to ensure that they are fully informed about key information. Employment and Apprenticeship information and preparation is also available for students who wish to take a different pathway at the end of their time at Sixth Form.

ENTry rEQuIrEmENTSBelow are the entry requirements for the different programmes that we offer at Copleston Sixth Form. You can use this information as a starting point to decide which pathway is right for you.

You are recommended to study the following, according to your achievement at GCSE:

• 4 AS levels – at least 5 grade Bs or equivalent in different GCSEs or other Level 2 courses

• 3 AS levels – at least 5 grade Cs or equivalent in different GCSEs or other Level 2 courses

• Level 2 – at least 5 grade Ds in different GCSEs or Level 2 courses

Some courses will also have their own specific entry requirements. In exceptional circumstances, however, we will consider the applications of students who don’t meet the set entry requirements and whose estimated grades indicate that they could cope with the demands of the course. Such requests will be discussed at interview after the application deadline.

We work hard to accommodate as many subject combinations as possible; however, it may not be possible to cater for all. In these circumstances we will endeavour to put together an alternative programme which best suits each student’s aptitude, interests and career aspirations in consultation with the student, parents and appropriate careers guidance.

AQA bACCALAurEATEThe AQA Baccalaureate is an exciting opportunity for students to significantly improve their further learning, education and employment prospects.

The AQA Baccalaureate is an academic qualification which builds on a student’s core A level subjects and adds value through wider learning and enrichment activities. The achievement of an AQA Baccalaureate is a demonstration that a student has gained a fuller, more rounded education with greatly enhanced personal qualities and skills.

With competition rife for place in Higher Education and employment, universities and employers are increasingly looking for students who can demonstrate that they are resourceful, imaginative and, using their own initiative, can work both independently and with others.

Students must study at least 3 A levels, study a further breadth subject of General Studies to at least AS, complete the Extended Project Qualification and participate in at least two different types of enrichment activities totalling 100 hours.

We support students who are interested in completing the AQA Baccalaureate in the following ways:

• The majority of students will sit at least AS General Studies

• Students have the opportunity to complete the Extended Project during the return from AS study leave and October half term

• We offer a wide range of extra-curricular options for students to accumulate their 100 hours of enrichment

Students who wish to opt for the AQA Baccalaureate can indicate this on their application form.

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“THE NEw STudy FACILITIES mAkE THE SIxTH Form Look modErN ANd ENCourAGE STudENTS To work HArd.”

“THE SIxTH Form HAS A dESErVEd rEPuTATIoN For THE SuPPorT IT GIVES STudENTS…”(oFSTEd, 2009)

CoPLESToN SPorTS ACAdEmyWe are very proud to have a number of successful sports academies as part of our Sixth Form. Students who wish to combine a high quality academic experience with the opportunity to develop their talents in sport will be well catered for at Copleston. Our five academies – basketball, dance, football, netball and tennis – are all run by specialist coaches and have had success in sporting tournaments, both at a regional and national level.

Those students who are interested in our Sports Academy can gain more information from Mr Leach, our Sports Academies Director.

16-19 burSAry FuNdINGSince September 2011 a new government system of financial support for Sixth Form students has been introduced. This is intended to target students who are most in need of support through their post 16 education.

Please contact the school for further details.

How To APPLy To CoPLESToN SIxTH Form• Talk with your parents, subject staff and read the course guide to help you to

decide which subjects to take and how many to put in your programme• Researchyourpossiblecareerchoicestofindoutwhichcourse(s)arerequired• Complete the application form enclosed in your course guide. This will need to be

handedintotheYear12officebytheclosingdateofWednesday12December2012

We welcome applications from students from all schools. Please contact the Specialist Director of Sixth Form, Mrs Watkin, to arrange a visit.

Whilst we aim to meet each student’s needs, we may be unable to accommodate every single subject request of subject choices. Where applicable, we will endeavor to put together an alternative programme in consultation with the student, their parents and appropriate careers guidance.

kEy dATESTHURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2012Sixth Form Information Evening

TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER 2012Sixth Form Taster Day (and Parents Evening)

WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2012 Sixth Form Application Deadline

MONDAY 21 JANUARY – FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2013Sixth Form Interviews

TUESDAY 9 JULY 2013Induction Day

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST 2013 Release of GCSE results

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Interviews will take place between Friday 23 August and the start of the new term for those students who need or wish to amend their programme.

ArT ANd dESIGN (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, a C grade in GCSE Art.

Students need to demonstrate that they can:

• Develop ideas through a sustained focus

• Experiment with & select appropriate resources

• Record ideas, observations & insights relevant

to intentions

• Present a personal informed & meaningful response

We offer gallery visits both locally and further afield. We also have

visiting artists come into the school. Students are expected to

build up a body of research based on this work and their own

private visits to exhibitions. Independent learning is an essential

aspect of this course. Analysis and evaluation of artists work

provide stimulus for students own work. We offer new skills and

techniques and the environment within which to develop and

explore individual creativity.

Unit 1: Theme is decided by the Centre. The course is taught by

two members of staff each take different aspects of an overriding

theme.

Unit 2: One theme is given to all students. They each have eight

weeks to prepare for the exam.

Unit 3: This unit involves working with local artists and comparing

their work with more well-known artists and designers. This

research offers a springboard for the students own work.

Unit 4: One theme for all students. Eight weeks to plan and

prepare.

A level Art opens the door to a wide range of courses/careers in

the creative industry: Fine art, graphics, textiles, fashion, digital

media, architecture, museum and gallery work and much more.

“A LEVEL STudy IS CHALLENGING buT rEwArdING.”

COURSE GUIDE

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ANTHroPoLoGy (AQA)

Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade C

in GCSE English Language or Literature. Anthropology

is currently offered to AS level only. It may be taken

either as a main programme subject over a year

or as an enrichment option over two years.

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human in diverse

societies around the world today, and how people interact with,

and change, their environments. Anthropology gives students a

greater awareness and understanding of current debates about

citizenship, diversity and multi-culturalism in the UK and beyond.

Unit 1 - Being Human; Unity and Diversity

Unit Two - Becoming a Person; Identity and Belonging

University graduates of Anthropology have gone on to study and

work in various areas. Anthropologists are employed by various

organisations such as government agencies, museums, historical

sites, universities and laboratories. A-Level Anthropology is also a

good foundation for any university degree or career that requires

critical thinking and analysis.

APPLIEd buSINESS (Edexcel)Centre requirements.

A level Applied Business Studies is an opportunity for anyone

who is interested in the world of business, is able to form their

own judgements, is confident of their own opinions and able to

develop arguments and evaluate opportunities.

In the first year students study 3 units. The emphasis in the

first unit is placed on start-up and smaller businesses and what

factors help them achieve success or result in failure. Students

are introduced to concepts such as the role of entrepreneurs and

business planning through a range of case studies highlighting

the specific needs of small/new businesses. The second unit

requires students to produce business and financial plans for

a new business venture of their choosing and is produced as

a coursework portfolio. Unit 3 requires students to devise a

marketing plan for a new product launch of their choosing.

In the second year there are 3 further units. Unit 8 is an extensive

research study of a business idea. Unit 13 requires students to

plan, stage and evaluate a ‘business’ event such as a school

prom concert or a careers fair while Unit 14 requires students to

produce a business report considering the external threats and

opportunities facing a specific business.

There are many higher education courses which students could

move onto, from accountancy to marketing and management to

human resources. Students could also set up their own business

or find employment.

APPLIEd ICT (OCR)Centre requirements.

The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the

percentage of businesses and households connected to

communication networks such as the Internet grows, so does

the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these

new technologies. As well as the rapid development of new

technologies that gather, organise, and share information, familiar

technologies like television, telephone, and computers are

evolving and being expanded by digitised information, causing a

convergence of technologies.

In this course you will learn about communicating in the ICT

industry, explore working in the IT industry, examine how to

develop computer games, explore website production, examine

interactive media authoring and explore web animation for

interactive media.

This qualification is designed to enable you to enter employment

at an operative or trainee level within a wide range of Information

and Communication Technology environments. The course also

enables students to acquire a sound knowledge of ICT supporting

further progression into University and College Courses.

buSINESS STudIES (AQA)Centre requirements plus at least a C grade in English

and Mathematics.

A level Business Studies is an opportunity for anyone who is

interested in the world of business, is able to form their own

judgements, is confident of their own opinions and able to

develop arguments and evaluate opportunities.

In the first year students study 2 units. The emphasis in the first

unit is placed on start-up businesses and what factors help them

achieve success or result in failure. Students are introduced

to concepts such as the role of entrepreneurs and business

planning through a range of case studies highlighting the specific

needs of small/new businesses. There is also an emphasis on

the financial skills required such as break-even analysis and cash

flow forecasting. The second unit builds on the first by splitting

the functions of businesses into the 4 critical areas of marketing,

finance, personnel and operations, again using case studies of

selected businesses to illustrate the concepts.

In the second year there are 2 further units. Unit 3 broadly carries

on from Unit 2 using the same split of functions to examine in

greater detail the strategic techniques businesses employ, such

as analysing financial ratios, lean production and critical path

analysis.

There are many higher education courses which students may

move onto, from accountancy to marketing and management to

human resources. Students could also set up their own business

or find employment.

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bIoLoGy (Edexcel)

Salter’s Nuffield Biology specification

Centre requirements and, in addition at

least two grade Bs in GCSE Science.

A level Biology is a relevant, exciting opportunity to learn and

explore how biological organisms work. The course centres

around humans and their effects on the environment. The SNAB

Biology specification is based around the biology of both plants

and animals and each of the two years study is composed of

three different but complementary elements.

In Year One students complete three units. The first looks at the

consequences of lifestyle and includes cellular transport. The

major biological principles are covered using storylines as a

scaffold for cause and effect and the consequential moral issues

are discussed. The second topic; genes and health, focusses

on the major role of genes in our development and how genetic

disorders can be detected and dealt with using the latest

techniques in the field. This is followed by a more in-depth look

at the influences of genetics at cellular level and includes; the

cell cycle, how cells differentiate, what controls this and what

happens when it goes wrong. The last topic concerns Biodiversity

and Natural Resources. Here the focus is on how the huge

biodiversity found on Earth came about, how species became

adapted to changes in their environment and what we can learn

from the evolutionary relationships between them. Students also

have the chance to carry out a scientific visit or write an issue

report on a subject that is of particular interest.

In Year Two, students study an ecology unit looking at climate

change, the evidence and its effects. It includes how organisms

interact with their environment and crucially the effects of any

change due to either internal or external causes. The next

unit energy continuity and control, includes an element of

microbiology looking at how microbes cause disease and how

they benefit mankind. ‘Run for your life‘ considers how muscles

work and how the energy is supplied to make it all happen. It also

covers sports injury and the current level of medical technology in

enhancing sports performance. ‘Grey Matter’ on the other hand

deals with brain structure, how it works and the effect of drugs.

Both of these final units deal with associated ethical questions.

Students also have the opportunity to design and carry out an

investigation demonstrating the skills they have been taught over

the past two years of study.

A-Level Biology can lead to a huge variety of interesting careers

covering anything from Animal Husbandry, Forestry to careers

in Medicine, Sports Science, Forensic Science and many, many

more. The study of Biology at this level develops many skills

that are in demand in the job market as a whole and can lead to

more diverse opportunities like Banking, Law or a career in the

Armed Forces.

CACHELevel 3 Diploma for the Children and Young

People’sWorkforce(CACHE)

Centrerequirements,aCriminalRecordBureau(CRB)

check and, in addition, at least a grade C in GCSE

English Language or Level 2 Child Care and Education.

This course requires each student to complete placements with

children and young people of different age ranges – a mandatory

course requirement will be 350 hours placement work.

This qualification has been developed for those dedicated to

a career in childcare as the course gives a broad and detailed

understanding of the principles of child development and allows

students to develop the skills and experience needed to become

a fully rounded childcare practitioner. Students will benefit from

learning in both sixth form and in early years settings as the

course requires students to have experience in the workplace.

The scope of the Diploma is broad; students develop a deep

understanding of how children develop, play and learn. Students

will take responsibility for preparing activities for children and

providing safe and healthy environments in order to complete

the units.

The units cover a range of topics including communication,

personal development, diversity, equality and inclusion,

development of children and young people, safeguarding, health

and safety, developing positive relationships and understanding

relevant policies and legislation. All units will be internally

assessed using a range of methods.

Students planning careers like teaching will need to complete

the Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young

People’s Workforce (CACHE) which has UCAS equivalencies. On

successful completion of the Diploma students will be qualified

to work unsupervised with children and young people in roles

such as; pre-school worker, practitioner in a children’s centre,

practitioner in day nurseries, nursery schools or reception classes

in primary schools, nannies.

CHEmISTry (OCR)Centre requirements and, in addition, two

grade B s in GCSE Science.

A level Chemistry answers many exciting real life questions by

using experiments to find out how accurate theories are, how we

are able to improve the way chemicals are used or find new uses

for them. Chemistry means we have medicines, paints, plastics,

fertilisers and man-made fabrics. You will learn about physical,

organic and inorganic chemistry.

In year one the first unit forms the building block for the other units

and consists mainly of atomic structure, bonding, analysis and

the periodic table. The second unit demonstrates the economic

importance of Chemistry to the pupils by learning about Organic

Chemistry which involves the study of Carbon compounds which

is imperative to Industries such as the petroleum, polymer and

pharmaceutical industries. The final unit consists of developing

practical, analysing and evaluation skills.

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In Year Two, the first unit further develops their understanding of

Organic Chemistry. By the end of this module students should

know how to synthesis, plan and carry out the development of new

or known organic compounds. The final written assessed unit is

about making chemical industries more economic. Understanding

how we can speed up reactions and what transition metals are

and their many uses. The final unit is coursework and develops

the year 12 skills further with internally marked tasks.

A level Chemistry can lead to a variety of interesting careers in

medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, sports science, forensic

science, pharmacy and teaching. The skills developed in the

qualification can also lead into some non-scientific careers

including the armed forces, ICT and even law.

“IT FEELS LIkE wE LEArN NEw INFormATIoN EVErydAy.”

dANCE (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a grade

C in GCSE English and a grade B in a Dance related

qualificationand/ordemonstrateanabilityinthegenre.

The main dance styles studied are contemporary and jazz. The

course includes choreography and performance as well as

critical dance analysis. There will be a mixture of theory and

practical lessons in order to broaden your subject knowledge and

develop your creative approach to dance. The course involves

both practical and written elements and therefore students

should have previous experience in areas such as ballet, jazz,

contemporary or modern dance.

Unit 1 – Understanding Dance: Development of critical skills for

the analysis of choreography and performance within their own

work and in professional repertoire.

Unit 2 – Choreography & Performance: The AS specification

focuses on the development and performance of the candidate’s

own choreography and performance within a duo/trio. Candidates

receive training on technique and the health and safety of

the dancer.

Unit 3 – Dance Appreciation: At A2, candidates develop skills

and develop knowledge and understanding of a specific area of

study related to the development of one of the following: modern

dance, ballet, jazz dance.

Unit 4 – Group Choreography & Solo Performance: The focus of

choreography is shifted towards group dance. Performance skills

will be developed in relation to a specific practitioner. Candidates

continue to receive instruction on technique and the health and

safety of the dancer.

This course prepares students for study at a higher level in

dance at university or specialist dance schools or to work in a

dance profession.

drAmA (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade Cs in

GCSE English Language and Literature and a grade C in

either GCSE Drama, Dance, Music or Performing Arts or a

Merit or above from an OCR National in Performing Arts.

A level Drama is designed to develop and promote creativity

and confidence.

In Year One students complete two units; the first is the study

of two contrasting published plays about which a 3000 word

coursework piece is then produced. The second unit is when

the students take on either the role of an actor or designer and

participate in the successful production of an established play

to an external examiner. In addition students will then have to

perform either a monologue or a duologue to the same examiner

or a presentation of the design they have conceived.

In Year Two, students also complete two units of study. The first

unit comprises of the pupils creating their own theatre company

and creating a performance piece derived from a given stimuli.

Students complete a 3000 word piece of coursework under

controlled conditions. The final unit sees the pupils studying the

text ‘Woyzeck’ by Georg Buchner in preparation for sitting an

externally set examination paper.

Students who wish to go on to study performance will require the

solid foundation that this course gives. In addition, Drama will

help young people to develop the confidence and presentation

skills that employers are increasingly looking for.

dESIGN TECHNoLoGy (rESISTANT mATErIALS) (Edexcel)

Centre requirements and at least a Grade C in GCSE in

either Graphic Products, Resistant Materials or Electronics.

Unit 1 – Portfolio of Creative Design Skills: You are free to choose

any appropriate product(s) that interest you for your product

investigation. This will develop your skills in examining product

performance, materials and components, product manufacture

and quality issues. You will also design products and have the

opportunity to develop many practical skills by using a range

of materials.

Unit 2 – Design and Technology in Practice: You will develop

your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials

and processes used in the field of design and technology. It is

important for you, as designers, to learn about materials and

processes so that you can develop a greater understanding of

how products are designed and manufactured.

Unit 3 – Designing for the future: In this unit you will develop

your knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design

and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues.

Unit 4 – Commercial Design: This is a Resistant Materials project

that requires you to work with a range of manufacturing processes

in order to meet specific design issues and overcome difficulties.

This usually requires working with a client from outside of the

school environment.

Product Design Students often choose to follow on to engineering

apprenticeships or go on to university to study product design or

electronic/mechanical engineering.

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ENGLISH LANGuAGE (AQA Syllabus B) Centre requirements and, in addition, at least

a C grade in GCSE English Language.

A Level English Language Studies is an exciting and challenging

opportunity to explore, based on real life examples, how and

why language is used in different ways for different audiences

and different purposes, and in different situations. There are

opportunities for investigating language areas of your choice, the

fascinating history of how and why language changes and how

we, as people, learn to speak, read and write.

In Year One students complete two units. Unit 1 contains

introductory work on the study of Language focusing on three

specific social contexts: Language and Power, Language and

Gender and Language and Technology. This Unit explores the

ways in which speech and writing varies, and the influence of

context on the Language choices people make. Unit 2 gives

you the opportunity to produce two pieces of writing in different

genres and for different audiences. Each piece of writing must be

accompanied by a commentary in which you explain the reasons

for the language choices you made whilst writing.

In Year Two students study Unit 4 which is an opportunity for you

to investigate an area of your choice. The data to be analysed is

gathered by you and there is huge scope for independent research

and skills development. Under close supervision of one of your

teachers you will produce two pieces: a language investigation

on a topic of your own choice, and an informative media text that

explores the same topic, for a general audience. Unit 3 builds on

AS skills and knowledge and is therefore a synoptic paper. There

is an additional focus on new areas of language study: Child

Language Acquisition and Language Change.

The most obvious route to take after studying English Language

is an English based subject at University, such as Linguistics

or Journalism. However, the study of English Language has

at its heart analytical and writing skills and these sought after

disciplines make it a good foundation for a wide range of degree

courses. Recent successful students have gone on to study

a wide range of degree subjects such as Egyptology, Media,

Forensics, History and American Studies.

ENGLISH LITErATurE (AQA B)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a grade

C in English Literature and English Language.

English Literature is a varied and in-depth course which covers a

diverse range of poetry, prose and drama from the Renaissance

to the present day. Theatre trips and any other extra-curricular

activity that furthers students’ appreciation of Literature are an

integral part of the course.

In Year One students complete Unit 1. You will read two novels

(one post – 1900) and two poetry texts from 1800-1945. The

examination is “open book” meaning the texts are taken into the

examination room. Unit 2 is a coursework unit and focusses on

two comedy texts, one of which must be by Shakespeare. There

are two assignments to be completed totalling a maximum of

3000 words.

In Year Two students complete Unit 3 which is entitled “Elements

of The Gothic”. This fascinating unit involves the close study of

three or more texts of different types, one of which will have been

written before 1800. Unit 4 is an opportunity for you to respond

to four texts and an anthology of critical reading.

Literature A level is a highly valued A Level as it hones analytical

and writing skills. Traditional progression routes are journalism,

advertising, law and teaching. However, the skills learnt are

highly transferrable such as writing for a variety of purposes,

expressing informed and independent opinions and analyzing

meaning in depth.

ECoNomICS (AQA)Centre requirements plus at least a C grade

in GCSE English and Mathematics.

A level Economics is an interesting opportunity for anyone

interested in the economy and why businesses take some of the

decisions they do.

In the first year you will study 2 units: Unit 1 Markets & Market

Failure and Unit 2 The National Economy. The emphasis in the first

unit is placed on micro-economics - understanding theories of

supply and demand and how they impact on business decisions

about price and production. There is also the opportunity to study

how markets work and what happens when they go wrong.

Unit 2 focuses on macro-economics - the nature of the economy.

Students will investigate features of economic cycles, such as

recession, the effects on national income (GDP) and Government

policies in areas such as unemployment, taxation (fiscal policy),

inflation and the use of interest rates (monetary policy) and

exchange rates.

The A2 Unit 3 concentrates on market conditions, how businesses

behave in markets, their objectives and the impact of competition

policy. Students will also study the market for labour, how wages

are determined and the distribution of wealth and income in

society. Unit 4 focuses on national and international economic

issues building on the work of Unit 2.

There are many higher education courses which you could move

onto, from economics to accountancy, financial management

to politics.

ENVIroNmENTAL STudIES (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least

2 grade Cs in GCSE Science and a grade C in

GCSE Mathematics. This is a locality course and

cannot be taken with another locality subject.

This course provides students with an opportunity to study a

range of issues of environmental importance and the scientific

principles and concepts that underpin them. Key aspects include

areas such as wildlife conservation, pollution, the implications of

global climate change and sustainability.

In year one, student study a unit entitled ‘The Living Environment’

which considers why conservation is so important and the

methods employed to sustain biodiversity. In addition, students

will study the unit ‘The Physical Environment’ which examines

how Man exploits and manages the physical resources such as

minerals, soils and water to provide a higher standard of living.

In year two, students examine the future problems of energy supply

and how these may be resolved. A wide range of environmental

pollutions are studied, how they damage the environment and

strategies which may be developed to minimise their release.

Students will also study food production and forestry systems

to identify whether or not our current systems are sustainable in

the current climate.

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This course offers a firm foundation for anyone wishing to

undertake further study or employment in a range of careers

relating to the environment.

FrENCH (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade B

(includingentriesatHigherlevelinallskills)inGCSEFrench.

A level French is the opportunity to further develop linguistic

competence in the language including detailed grammatical

knowledge and improved accuracy. Students will gain a lasting

appreciation of language and learning, the ability to comprehend

French in a wide range of contexts and build fluency of

communication for a variety of purposes:

Media: TV, advertising and communication technology

Popular culture: cinema, music and fashion/ trends

Healthy living/lifestyle: exercise, health and well-being and

holidays

Family/relationships: relationships within the family, friendships

and marriage/partnerships.

Environment: pollution, energy and protecting the planet

The multi-cultural society: immigration, integration and racism

Contemporary social issues: wealth and poverty, law and order

and the impact of scientific and technological progress

Cultural topic: the study of a target language speaking region/

community or the study of a period of 20th century history from

a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a

novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country/

community or the study of a director/architect/musician/painter

from a target language-speaking country/community.

Job prospects for linguists are among the best of any graduates

with obvious career options in Translating , Interpreting, Teaching,

Travel and Business related careers as well the Civil and

Diplomatic services.

Food TECHNoLoGy (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade C

in Additional or Triple Science. This course is a locality

course and cannot be taken with another locality subject.

The growth in the food industry has been phenomenal over the

last 5 years, with approximately 150 new food and drinks products

being launched every week! Studying Food Technology at A Level

is a way into this dynamic, varied and well paid industry.

Unit 1 – Portfolio of Creative Skills: In this unit you will be given

the opportunity to develop your creative, technical and practical

skills through a series of food product investigation, design and

manufacturing activities.

Unit 2 – Design & Technology in Practice: In this unit you will

develop a knowledge and understanding of a wide range of

ingredients, additives and processes used in the design and

production of food products. You will also learn the basic

principles of food preservation and the various techniques

involved.

Unit 3 - Food Products, Nutrition and Product Development:

You will develop a knowledge and understanding of commodity

groups, nutrition and its influence on the diet. You will also

investigate how contemporary lifestyle and sustainability issues

affect new food product development.

Unit 4 – Commercial product design: You are given the

opportunity to apply the skills you have acquired and developed

throughout this course of study, to design and make a food

product of your choice.

Food Technology A level can be used as an entry to a vast range

of higher education courses, both science and business based.

It could lead to careers such as new product development

– designing new foods for supermarkets or multi-national

companies, dietetics, food journalist / photographer or work in

the hospitality industry.

GEoGrAPHy (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at

least grade C in GCSE Geography.

A level Geography is designed to deepen your understanding of

the world today and investigates the issues which will shape our

future. The course covers a range of themes ranging across the

spectrum from Physical to Human Geography but all are based

in real-life challenges facing people around the world. The course

gives students the chance to apply their skills and knowledge in

variety of ways, including problem solving exercises.

In Year One students complete two units; the first, ‘Global

Challenges’, looks at a range of global issues and looks at how

many of the world’s problems are interconnected. It covers

issues from Global Warming to Globalisation – looking at different

approaches and viewpoints. We also address UK based issues

such as the Immigration debate. The second unit, ‘Geographical

Investigations’, is primarily a fieldwork unit. Students will have

the opportunity to carry out real investigative techniques outside

the classroom. The two areas covered in this unit are Coasts and

Rebranding. The Coasts section investigates both the physical

processes at work along our coastlines but also the future of

coastal protection and human interaction. Rebranding takes

the concepts of urban regeneration but takes it a step further –

how do you re-image a place and change people’s perceptions

as well?

In Year Two, students complete another two units. ‘Contested

Planet’ looks at some of the most pressing problems facing our

world today from Energy security to Geographical Superpowers

– which countries will influence the next 50 years of human

development? The second unit ‘Geographical Research’ offers

students an opportunity to look at one topic in more depth.

Currently we study Tectonic Hazards. This unit puts emphasis

on independent research skills and encourages an enquiring

approach looking at the latest research and theories available.

Many of our students have progressed into Geography related

university courses, such as Environmental Risk Management,

Meteorology, Urban planning and Sustainable Development.

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GoVErNmENT ANd PoLITICS (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at

least grade C in GCSE English.

A level Government and Politics aims to develop students’

knowledge and understanding of the decision-making processes

in the UK and USA. This involves a study of government at all

levels in society. It is an ideal course for anyone who is interested

in topical issues which affect the lives of every people in the UK

and the course should appeal to students who enjoy discussion

and debate of controversial matters. Students will continually

assess whether the theories concerning politics in Britain and

America match with the reality of how those countries are

governed.

At AS the first unit introduces students to the key channels

of communication between government and the people.

It encourages them to evaluate the adequacy of existing

arrangements for ensuring representative democracy and

participation and to assess whether Britain is a truly democratic

country. In the second unit students are introduced to the major

political processes within the UK. It encourages them to develop

a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key

institutions, and of the relationship amongst them in the context

of multi-level governance.

In Year Two students examine the same debates that they

encountered in year one but apply them to the American political

system. The first unit assesses the representative processes

of the US political system and considers their adequacy in

terms of popular participation and full democracy. The second

unit examines the institutional framework of US government

and considers the interrelationships between Congress, the

Presidency and Supreme Court and the health of US federalism.

Several of our students have progressed into Politics or

International Relations university courses and others have used

Government and Politics as a support course for areas as varied

as law, teaching, industry and commerce, finance, banking,

leisure and the service sector.

GrAPHICS (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a C grade

in GCSE Graphics or ICT. This is a locality course and

cannot be taken with another locality subject.

Graphics is based on ideas and designs that provoke thought

and interest; there is a natural bias towards commercial intent.

The course is art-based and it is essential that students have

competent drawing skills, although the structure of the course

will help students improve their skills with a disciplined approach.

Students are encouraged to solve creative problems with flair

and imagination. Course components include: drawing, painting,

printing, collage, advertising, digital imaging, packaging,

illustration and typography.

For each unit students will be expected to respond to a range of

design briefs, exploring a variety of media, drawing inspiration

from the work of other artists and designers, considering

commercial production and function.

Students go onto study a range of subjects at University including

marketing, graphic design, architecture and art.

HEALTH & SoCIAL CArE (OCR)

Centre requirements.

Health and Social Care offers students the opportunity to explore

a wide range of issues linked to understanding the diverse nature

of the Health & Social Care sector, examining how professionals

working in this vocational area meet the needs of a wide range

of client groups and how social policy shapes the services we all

use. This course enables students to apply the knowledge and

understanding gained through class activities and independent

study to a variety of work placements and visits, which form a

significant part of the programme.

In Year One students complete three units. Communication in

Care Settings involves developing and applying communication

skills in a vocational setting of the student’s choice. The second

unit is based on designing and delivering a Health Promotion

Campaign. This involves investigating current National

Campaigns, understanding the use of multi-media to promote

Good Health. The third unit Promoting Quality Care is tested,

this involves researching and challenging issues related to equal

opportunities, how professionals in Health, Social Care and Early

Years settings promote quality care in their organization.

In Year Two, there are also three units: Care Practice and Provision,

which investigates how demography informs social policy in the

delivery of Health, Social Care and Early Years services. Secondly,

Mental Health issues are researched gaining an understanding of

a range of conditions and how these are supported by agencies.

Students analyse how the media portrays mental health which is

explored through debate, review and evaluation. Finally, Social

Trends enables students to review how Social Trends documented

in statistical data related to population, family types, migration

and many other features of our social arena have an impact on

the way we function as a society.

Many of our student’s progress onto subject related degree

courses, such as nursing, midwifery, teaching, social work,

physiotherapy, occupational therapy and early childhood studies.

Others progress into the work place or apprenticeships, having

gained sound foundation from this course.

HISTory (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at

least a grade B in GCSE History.

We are all strongly influenced by our understanding of the past.

Studying History offers a way of making sense of it, through

enquiry and the critical use of evidence. A deeper knowledge

of history will enable you to put contemporary thoughts and

actions into longer-term contexts which make them more

understandable.

Unit 1 – Pursuing Life, Liberty and Equality in the USA 1945-68:

This unit examines the struggle for civil rights, focusing on arguably

the most important period of the Civil Rights movement.

Stalin’s Russia: This unit investigates the rise of Joseph Stalin,

one of the most infamous tyrants of the 20th Century.

Unit 2 – Henry VIII: Authority, Nation and Religion 1509-1540: This

unit explores a period of religious upheaval in English History.

Superpower Relations 1944-1990: Students will examine the

causes of the Cold War, the roles of the individuals, the battle of

ideologies, the rise of Communism in China, the Cuban Missile

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Crisis, the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, and the collapse of the

Soviet Union.

Coursework Module – Crime and Punishment: This coursework

unit looks at the changing nature of crime, punishment and

policing from 1829 to 1965. It allows students to develop a

deep understanding of the key issues before offering them the

opportunity to set their own research questions. The first question

asks them to look at a specific event or person and the second to

follow a theme across the whole time period.

Many students go on to study History at University. Others go on

to study Law or other degrees or go into careers which require

analytical and critical thinking skills.

“I FEEL VEry SuPPorTEd by my TEACHErS ANd THE SIxTH Form TEAm.”

ICT (OCR)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a

grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics.

The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the percentage

of businesses and households connected to communication

networks such as the Internet grows, so does the need

for individuals who can master and manipulate these new

technologies.

In this course you will complete a number of practical ICT tasks

and projects using standard application software, learn about what

technologies are available to businesses and how businesses can

use these technologies to become more competitive. You will also

examine how Information & Communication Systems are set-up

to facilitate the day-to-day running of large organisations, learn

about the different component of Information & Communication

Systems and explore the impact of ICT on our society and the

legal implications of the misuse of computers, copyright issues

and Data Protection Act.

You will also examine how some widely used technologies

actually work including the Internet, Mobile Communications and

Mobile Phones, explore the new challenges that ICT is facing

and complete an ICT project for a small organization. You will

find out about the actual needs of “your customer”, design,

implement, test, document and evaluate an ICT system to fulfill

their requirements.

Those with the knowledge and skills to use ICT creatively have

the opportunity to pursue new and exciting careers, with whole

industries emerging around the ICT revolution. ICT is at the heart

of the majority of commercial, industrial, service sector and

scientific organisations.

LAw (AQA)Centre requirements including a grade

C in GCSE English Language.

The study of law helps develop the learner’s analytical ability and

critical thinking. It also develops problem solving skills through

the application of legal rules.

Unit 1 – Law Making and the Legal System: Students will study

the differences between civil and criminal law and discover how

the court system is organised in the UK. Students will learn about

the inter-relationship with Europe and the impact that this has on

the UK Legal System.

Unit 2 – The Concept of Liability: In this unit students will

learn what constitutes a criminal act. They will investigate legal

concepts such as Mens Rea and Actus Reus (the guilty act

and mind). Students will learn about different types of criminal

acts such as murder and common assault and how these are

interpreted by law. There is an introduction to Criminal Law and

the Law of Negligence.

At A2 students will undertake 2 units in Criminal Law covering

crimes against the person and crimes against property. This

will take a more in depth look at criminal activity, the cases that

determine the law and punishments.

Many A level Law students go on to study Law at university, but

this qualification can be used for those who wish to join the Police

Force or the legal profession including the Crown Prosecution

Service or local solicitors. It can also be used by students who

use it to go on to university to study other courses.

mATHEmATICS (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least

a grade B at GCSE Mathematics.

In Year one, students study three modules. Core modules cover

areas such as coordinate geometry, arithmetic sequences,

series and calculus. Students are introduced to differentiation

and integration in the first module. This is further explored in

the second module where students find stationary points and

the nature of these points using differentiation. They also use

integration in the second module to find areas under a curve or

between a curve and a line. The applied module offered to the

students in Year one is Mechanics. Students study the motion of

a particle either with no external forces or under the influence of

external forces acting on it. Students also study the three laws

of Newton and their effect on the motion of an object. They are

introduced to the principle of conservation of momentum and

moments, the turning effect.

In Year Two, students study a further three modules. The core

modules cover areas such as algebraic fractions, exponential

and log functions, transformation of graphs and trigonometric

identities. Calculus is further explored where in students are

introduced to the chain rule, product rule and quotient rule when

differentiating. Integration is further explored with the reverse

chain rule and various methods such as integration by parts, or

by substitution. Students will also be able to use integration to

find the volume of revolution of any solid. The applied module

consists of Mechanics 2 which now talks about the kinematics of

a particle moving in a plane, work, energy and power, collisions

and centre of mass.

Mathematics A level is essential for students who wish to read a

degree in mathematics, engineering and it is considered desirable

for many other courses including areas of business management

and computer science. Mathematics is considered as one of the

three sciences for courses such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary

science or pharmacy.

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FurTHEr mATHEmATICS (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a grade

A at GCSE mathematics. Students must choose A level

Mathematics if they wish to study Further Mathematics.

In Year one, students study three modules. The pure module

covers areas such as complex numbers with an introduction

to imaginary numbers, coordinate geometry of a parabola and

a rectangular hyperbola, matrix algebra, numerical methods,

series and proof by induction. The applied modules offered to the

students in Year one are Statistics 1 and Statistics 2. In Statistics

1, students are introduced to the concept of mathematical

modeling in probability and statistics, dispersion, correlation,

regression and normal distribution. In Statistics 2, they then go on

to look at the different techniques of working out the probability

distributions such as the binomial, and Poisson distribution.

In Year Two, students study a further three modules. The pure

module involves further exploring of complex numbers, dealing

with second order differential equations, Maclaurin and Taylor

series and polar coordinates. The applied modules offered to

students in Year two are Decision Mathematics 1 and Decision

Mathematics 2 or Mechanics 3. Students are given a choice

between Decision 2 and Mechanics 3, depending on the needs

and the strengths of the group. Decision 1 explores algorithms

and algorithms on graphs. Students are also introduced to the

critical path analysis and linear programming. Decision 2 looks

into solutions to various problems such as the transportation

problem, allocation (assignment) problem, and the travelling

salesman problem. Students also delve into further linear

programming. Students are introduced to game theory and

dynamic programming. Mechanics 3 delves further into

kinematics and further dynamics. Students also explore Hooke’s

law to solve equilibrium problems involving elastic strings and

springs. The module also covers motion in a circle using vector

notation and statics of a rigid body.

mEdIA STudIES (OCR)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade Cs in

GCSE English Language and Literature, a grade C in GCSE

Media Studies or a Merit in OCR National in Media Studies.

A level Media Studies is an exciting opportunity to explore the way

the media works. The course considers the way that media texts

are constructed and how they convey meaning to the audience.

The course gives students the chance to put this knowledge and

their practical skills to the test with lots of practical activities.

The first AS unit teaches students about media language and

how to apply this knowledge to real texts. The focus is on one of

the key concepts, representation and how different social groups

are portrayed within television drama. The second part of this unit

is a consideration of the relationship between audiences and the

media industry. Both have power and the modules uses modern

case studies to explore the key issues surrounding the behaviour

of the media and its audiences, such as film production and

the changing nature of the consumption of films by audiences.

Students will produce their own media text, a two minute opening

sequence of a new film. Students will research how film openings

work, narrative theory, characterisation and titles design in order

to create their own text using iMovie.

In Year Two, students explore two debates – Contemporary

Media Regulation and We Media and Democracy. In addition,

students will have the opportunity to further develop their

practical and creative skills by producing a trinity of linked media

texts. Students will master Final Cut Pro to edit their text in order

to extend their practical skills.

Many of our students have progressed into media related

university courses, such as marketing, journalism and media

production. Others have gone onto study courses such as ICT,

History, English and Law, where media skills such as analysis and

interpretation are essential.

muSIC (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a Grade B in

GCSE Music plus the ability to perform at Grade 5 standard.

A level Music provides candidates with the knowledge and

experience required for all forms of further and higher education.

In Year One students complete three units. The first is called

“Influences on Music” and is the study of a set work from the

Western Classical Tradition plus the study of works from one of

the following areas; Choral Music in the Baroque Period, Music

Theatre from 1940 – 1980, British Popular Music from 1960 to

the present day. Students will learn skills connected with critical

analysis of these works. The second unit, “Creating Musical

Ideas,” requires students to compose. The third unit, “Interpreting

Musical Ideas,” requires candidates to perform a programme

lasting between 10 – 16 minutes.

Year two follows the pattern as outlined above but with different

set works, a more advanced composition course-work paper

and a performance in the form of a recital, lasting 10-15 minutes.

Some of our students have gone on to study Music as a specialism

at degree level in universities and conservatoires. Others have

progressed into the teaching profession, where music skills are

a real bonus.

muSIC TECHNoLoGy (Edexcel)Centre requirements and, in addition, either a C

grade or above in Music, or a distinction in OCR

NationalICTorMediaStudies(orequivalent).

A level Music Technology is the perfect course for people who

love music and want to explore new and exciting ways to

create, record and arrange music. The course focuses on three

main areas; recording, sequencing and the study of popular

music history.

At AS there are three pieces of coursework. The recording

task involves students learning the skills needed to work in a

professional recording studio. The first of the sequencing tasks

will get students to create an arrangement of a given song in a

style set by the exam board. The final piece of coursework is a

sequenced composition. In this task students are given some

audio that they have to incorporate into a musical composition.

There is an exam on the history of popular music at the end of

the first year.

In the second year students will carry on looking at the same

strands of learning as in year one. The recording task in the

second year is expected to be a more complex song and

must contain certain instruments set by the exam board. The

sequencing task this year involves recreating a given piece of

music and trying to make it sound exactly like the original. The

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final task is another composition. At the end of year two there is

a computer based exam that tests all the skills the students have

learnt over the two years.

Many students who study Music Technology progress into live or

recorded sound engineering work. Other progressions from this

course include studying media, ICT or Music further and can lead

to a career in one of these areas.

PHILoSoPHy (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a grade

C in both English Language and English Literature.

A level Philosophy is a challenging but rewarding course of study.

Pre-conceptions about how the world is and how we know that

it is will be questioned. Analytical skills will be used to guide

students through two branches of Philosophy – epistemology:

the theory of knowledge and metaphysics which is concerned

with determining what sort of things really exist, ultimate reality

and the relationship between minds and the external world.

AS Unit 1 Reason and experience, Persons, Unit 2 The debate

over free will and determinism and Knowledge of the external

world. In the compulsory theme; Reason and experience

students will consider whether the “facts” that we know about

the world come from our interaction with the world or whether

we can gain knowledge of the world purely through rational

thought processes. In Persons students will be confronted with a

number of possibilities about what a person is. Are only humans

persons? What about the higher animals or those that clearly

display intelligence? Are all humans persons? The debate over

free will and determinism is interesting in itself – do we make free

choices or is free will an illusion? But the ramifications are even

more intriguing, if we are determined then could we ever be held

responsible for our actions?

In Unit 3 two more themes are covered: Philosophy of Mind

where students think about how we can conceive of our minds.

Are mind and body distinct (dualism) or is mind just an aspect

of the brain (monism).The second theme is Epistemology and

Metaphysics – students will look at the problem of scepticism

about the external world and some possible solutions and they

will study the concept of justified true belief. In Unit 4, Problems

of Philosophy students will undertake an in depth study of a

classic philosophical text – probably Descartes’ Meditations and

consider the issues the text poses.

Philosophy is held in high regard by top universities. Whether

students carry on to take a degree in Philosophy or any other

discipline they will be equipped with a superb suite of thinking

skills that is second to none.

PHoToGrAPHy (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least a grade

C in GCSE Art. This is a locality subject and cannot

be taken alongside another locality option.

Candidates will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring

a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. They

will be made aware of both traditional and new technologies.

Candidates will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources

relating to photography and a wider range of art and design, from

the past and from recent times, including European and non-

European examples. This should be integral to the investigating

and making process. Their responses to these examples must be

shown through practical and critical activities which demonstrate

the candidates’ understanding of different styles, genres and

traditions.

Candidates are required to work in one or more area(s) of

photography which include Portraiture, Still-life photography,

Experimental imagery, Landscape photography and Photographic

installation. Students may explore overlapping areas and

combinations of areas.

This course lends itself to a wide range of creative pathways.

PHySICAL EduCATIoN (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least

grade Cs in GCSE English Language or Literature

and a grade C in GCSE Mathematics.

The course offers students the opportunity to explore a multi-

disciplinary approach to sport and physical education. Students

will study a variety of theoretical aspects which when combined

with their practical performance as either a performer, coach or

official will allow them to analyse and improve their own skills or

those of others.

At AS, this specification will develop knowledge and skills to help

understand the opportunities for and effects of leading a healthy

and active lifestyle. Candidates will be given the opportunity

to build on their experience and improve their personal skills/

techniques across a variety of roles in a sport of their choice to

improve performance.

At A2, students are given the opportunity to extend their

knowledge of developing elite level performance and study issues

which affect the modern sporting world at a global level. They are

also expected to develop their own performance in specialist role

for one activity.

Sports Science provides an excellent base for the majority

of degree courses not only in sport and allied subjects, but

in teaching, medicine, physiotherapy, the Armed Forces,

administration, sports journalism and the fitness industry.

PHySICS (OCR B Advancing Physics)Centre requirements and, in addition, at

least 2 grade Bs in GCSE Science.

A Level Physics is an exciting opportunity to explore more about

how the universe is put together. The emphasis of the course is on

understanding the underlying principles involved and being able

to apply these in new situations. We use experiments, computer

software, discussion and research as methods of gaining this

understanding.

In Year One students cover a range of topics from materials (their

properties and their uses) to the digital revolution (imaging, sound

etc.) Pupils will also study work on mechanics and motion as well

as electricity, waves and the weird world of quantum behaviour.

In Year Two, students extend their studies into cosmology and

work on gravitational and electric fields as well as looking at the

latest developments in particle accelerators and particle physics.

Work is also done on radioactivity, gases and nuclear physics.

15

Many of our students have progressed into scientific courses

such as engineering, and medicine. However the problem solving

and analytical skills of physicists are in wide demand in a huge of

careers from the City to the caring professions.

PSyCHoLoGy (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade

C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.

A level Psychology is the study of human mind and behaviour.

It explores how we think, act, react and interact with others.

Psychologists are concerned with all behaviour and what

motivates us to act in particular ways. Psychologists do not

simply seek to explain behaviour but use their understanding to

bring about positive change.

In Year One students complete two units: Human memory,

including eye witness testimony, early social developments,

including daycare effects and psychological research methods.

Unit two studies Stress and stress management, social influence

and obedience and psychopathology and theories

In Year Two, students complete two further units: The first looks

at aggression, relationships and intelligence and learning. The

second considers psychopathology, with an in-depth study of

abnormality, media psychology and psychological research and

scientific methods.

Psychology is an accepted academic subject for a wide range

of degree courses, not just psychology courses. The subject

has particular relevance for careers in social services, education,

clinical or therapeutic practice, journalism and man aspects

of business.

Students in sociology have gone on to a variety of further studies

including; History, Law, Social science, Midwifery, Criminology,

Social Geography and Youth studies. Sociology is also recognised

by employers as a valuable qualification due to is broad skills and

knowledge range.

SoCIoLoGy (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade

C in GCSE English Language or Literature.

A level Sociology is a varied and highly relevant subject. The

course will introduce you to a range of concepts to encourage you

to recognise, understand and evaluate the differing explanations

for social phenomena. Throughout the four units the course has

a strong theoretical foundation which is the corner stone to the

essay based subject.

In Year One students complete two units: Families and households,

which cover the broad range of family structures we live in both

in across the globe, nationally and also throughout time. You will

then develop your understanding of the implications the family

has on society for individuals such as women and children, but

also in terms of social policy, education and crime. The second

unit, education and methods in context, looks at issues in

education such as achievement and educational policy whilst

investigating the impacts of social influences such as gender,

class and ethnicity on your educational experience. You will

also learn the methods used to research sociologically and their

relative uses within the subject.

The first A2 unit is Beliefs in Society, which looks at the changing

role of religion; it explores contemporary issues such as the

decline of religion, the structure and choice within religion and

‘other belief systems’ that exist in society. The final unit is Crime

and Deviance with research methods. The unit explores some of

the patterns in crime through statistics, theoretical understanding

of why people commit crimes and developing an awareness of

the impacts that social factors may have on the levels of crime

in society.

SPANISH (AQA)Centrerequirementsand,inaddition,atleastgradeB(including

entriesatHigherlevelinallskills)inGCSESpanish.

A level Spanish is the opportunity to further develop linguistic

competence in the language including detailed grammatical

knowledge and improved accuracy. The course focuses on

developing oral fluency and conversation skills and covers a

range of stimulating study topics:

Media:TV, advertising and communication technology

Popular culture: cinema, music and fashion/ trends

Healthy living/lifestyle: exercise, health and well-being and

holidays

Family/relationships: relationships within the family, friendships

and marriage/partnerships.

Environment: pollution, energy and protecting the planet

The multi-cultural society: immigration, integration and racism

Contemporary social issues: wealth and poverty, law and order

and the impact of scientific and technological progress

Cultural topic: the study of a target language speaking region/

community or the study of a period of 20th century history from

a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a

novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country/

community or the study of a director/architect/musician/painter

from a target language-speaking country/ community.

Job prospects for linguists are among the best of any graduates

with obvious career options in Translating, Interpreting, Teaching,

Travel and Business related careers as well the Civil and

Diplomatic services.

TrAVEL ANd TourISm (OCR)Centre requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is interested in

travelling to exotic destinations, working in foreign locations or just

day tripping in Suffolk but who also likes to work independently

on their own initiative, can meet extended deadlines and can

think creatively.

In the first year students study 3 units: In Unit 1 students

investigate the nature of tourism, the structure and components

of the industry and the factors which have driven its development

during the last 100 years. The second unit requires students

to investigate how an organisation of their choice meets the

principles of good customer service and how it provides such

service to different types of customers. In addition to studying

a local tourist organisation students are assessed on their

own customer service skills through role play simulations and

producing replies to letters of complaint. Unit 3 requires students

to investigate one long haul and one short haul overseas tourist

destination of their choice, assessing the appeal and attractions

of each location to UK tourists and researching visitor patterns

and numbers.

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In the A2 year Unit 8 enables students to investigate the

principles of tourism development through a series of UK and

world-wide case studies. Unit 10 requires students to plan, stage

and evaluate a ‘tourism’ event such as a sixth form trip to London

or to a theme park while Unit 11 requires students to investigate

the range of guided tours provided for tourists and plan, stage

and evaluate a guided tour of their own.

There are many higher education courses which you could move

onto, from event management to tourism development which

would lead to jobs in both the largest and fastest growing job

sector in the UK.

TExTILES (AQA)Centre requirements and, in addition, at least grade C

in GCSE Textiles or CDT. This course is a locality course

and cannot be taken with another locality subject.

Every good company realises that good design and creativity are

important factors in generating new business. Your creativity is

not only a way of expressing your artistic side, it can open the

door to exciting career opportunities too. This A level is a practical

course that allows you to be as creative as you want to be.

Unit 1: In this unit you will select a theme and create work based

around that theme.

Unit 2 - Externally Set Assignment: This involves working from

a chosen theme to develop a body of research, experimental

developments, pieces of work and outcomes.

Unit 3 – Personal Investigation: Your personal investigation and

practical work based upon a theme will be supported by written

element of 1000-3000 words.

Unit 4: This involves working from a chosen theme to develop

a body of research, experimental developments, pieces of work

and outcomes.

Textiles students may progress on to Higher Education taking

courses related to Textiles such as: Fashion, Surface pattern,

Textiles, Production Management, Product Design, Interior

Design. This can also open up opportunities for exciting career

paths linked to the Textiles Industry.

ONE YEAR, LEVEL 2 COURSES LEVEL 2 AwArd, CErTIFICATE

ANd dIPLomA IN CHILd CArE ANd EduCATIoN (CACHE)Mainly grade Ds at GCSE or equivalent. A CRB check will be

arranged for students by their tutors in line with Copleston

requirements. An interest in working with children is essential.

The learning is specifically developed into ‘bite sized chunks’

where success is recognised through the progression from

Award to Certificate and finally Diploma. Lessons will be varied

including interactive activities, group work, discussions, with

contributions from professionals and placements. Students will

undertake a range of practical placements in children’s settings

to show competence in knowledge and skills.

The units covered will enable students to gain a good knowledge

and understanding of working with children. The units include

an introduction to working with children, developing child, safe,

healthy and nurturing environments for children, children and

play, communication and professional skills.

Successful completion of the course leads to the Level 3 Diploma

in Children’s and Young People’s work force or AS levels. On

completion of this qualification, students can progress to work

as an assistant in many places including nurseries, pre-schools,

parent toddler groups, mothers help/ au pair.

“you’rE NEVEr ALoNE AT CoPLESToN..”

bTEC LEVEL 2 TrAVEL ANd TourISm (Edexcel)

Mainly D grades at GCSE or equivalent.

TheBTECLevel 2Travel andTourismqualificationhasbeen

developed in the Travel and Tourism sector to:

give full-time learners a better understanding of the •

travel and tourism sector which can help them to obtain

employment in this sector or to progress to a Level 3

vocationalqualification,suchastheBTECLevel3National

Travel and Tourism

give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills, •

techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for

successful performance in working life.

Students study a range of modules, including the UK travel and

tourism sector, Developing customer service in travel and tourism,

Holiday planning and Organising a travel and tourism study visit.

On successful completion of this course students may wish to

go on to study A levels or another Further Education course, take

an Apprenticeship or gain employment. In order to study A levels

with us, students must gain at least a merit qualification.

LEVEL 2 SkILLS ENHANCEmENT (Edexcel)

Mainly D grades at GCS or equivalent.

This course has been designed to give students the opportunity

to build upon key areas of skill that are needed for post 16

pathways.

The course will involve the completion of a number of components,

all of which allow a student to demonstrate a range of key skills

needed for work or advanced study, including Health and Safety;

Gaining Work Skills, Level 2 Extended Project and A core subject

such as IT.

There would also be opportunities for retaking English and Maths

at GCSE, or their equivalents.

On successful completion of this course students may wish to go

on to study A levels or another Further Education course, take an

Apprenticeship or gain employment.

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ANTHroLoPLoGyCan be taken as an AS level over two years. Please see the

subject details on page 7.

INTErmEdIATE CErTIFICATE IN CouNSELLING (AQA)

The purpose of the course is to give candidates a ‘taste of

counselling’, its concepts and methods. The course will provide

the candidate with an introduction to basic counselling skills, and

the beginnings of an understanding of counselling practices and

their ethics. Candidates will learn to identify basic counselling

skills defined within this specification.

LEVEL 2 PErSoNAL FINANCE QuALIFICATIoNThis qualification offers students the chance to develop their skills

in managing their personal finances. It is a nationally recognised

qualification that will enable students to be more aware of

economic and business matters.

LEVEL 3 CErTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL STudIESThe Certificate in Financial Studies is designed to enable young

people to make informed and confident decisions regarding their

finances. This course is worth up to 60 UCAS points.

Units covered: Why Money Matters, Risk and Reward in

Personal Finance and Making Personal Financial Judgements

AS LEVEL CrITICAL THINkING (OCR)

This course seeks to bring together the skills involved in thinking

and arguing in a critical and logical way. The aim is to provide

candidates with a framework, which can be applied in a practical

manner to a range of materials, situations, problems and issues.

Areas covered include The Language of Reasoning, Credibility,

Analysing and Evaluating Arguments.

“THE SIxTH Form oFFErS A FANTASTIC rANGE oF ExTrA-CurrICuLAr ACTIVITIES.”

ENRICHMENT

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LEAdErSHIP ProGrAmmEThis is an opportunity to develop leadership skills which can

be transferred onto academic and social scenarios now and in

the future. Students will receive some leadership training before

working in an environment or on a project which would require

them to demonstrate leadership skills. There would also be

a chance to use leadership skills to organise and run an event

of choice.

mENTorINGStudents have the opportunity to gain experience of helping

another student, either in main school or Sixth Form, with pastoral

or academic issues. Students would spend some time developing

their mentoring skills before being allocated to a young person

which would benefit from some mentoring. Students would gain

invaluable interpersonal and leadership skills which are vital for a

range of different careers.

GCSE mATHEmATICSThis is a retake course and will be completed in one year. It will

normally be available only to students who have already gained a

grade D on the intermediate paper.

GCSE ENGLISHThis is a retake course and will be completed in one year. It will

normally be available only to students who have already gained

a grade D at GCSE.

GCSE SCIENCEThe GCSE Science is part of the Twenty First Century Science

suite offered by OCR. It is a single Science award covering

aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The subjects are

set in modern contexts and many of the issues of science and

society are investigated. The course will be completed over one

year. This course is available to students who already gained a

D grade at GCSE.

SPorTS LEAdEr’S AwArdThis award is a recognised level 2 award and as such requires

students to undertake a responsibility for the leading of others

in a sporting context. It will develop a student’s ability to

communicate, plan, officiate and coach younger children through

a very practical method. In order to gain the award students must

attain a first aid certificate which is part of the programme and

undertake 10 hours of community sports leadership.

SPorTThe benefits of regular exercise are well documented. Exercise

reduces stress levels, keeps our bodies healthy and helps us

to concentrate. If you would like to take part in some form of

recreational sport then this option is for you. There are a range

of sports offered from badminton to using the fitness suite. The

choice of sports will change during the year.

VoCATIoNAL or CommuNITy PLACEmENTSRelevant work experience or community involvement can assist

students in being successful when taking the next step after

Sixth Form. Students can nominate non-contact periods in their

timetable on a regular basis to either gain work experience or

help out in some way in the school or wider community. These

hours can be used towards the AQA Baccalaureate qualification.

FCSE SHorT CourSE For ENrICHmENT (SPANISH or GErmAN)This is a level 1 MFL Qualification which is suitable for beginners

or students with some pre-GCSE experience.

Students study 3 This topic areas, which include My World,

Holidays and Leisure, Lifestyle and My Community.

Assessment is in only two skill areas – spoken language and

listening and speaking OR Written language and reading and

writing.

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Copleston Road,Ipswich, Suffolk,IP4 5HD

T. 01473 277267E. [email protected]. www.copleston.suffolk.sch.uk