2019/21 6 Sixth Form Courses - King Edward VI Sheldon Heath ...

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2019/21 6 Sixth Form Courses - King Edward VI Sheldon Heath ...
Sheldon Heath Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 2RZ
T: 0121 464 4428 F: 0121 464 9614
E: enquiries@keshacademy.com W: www.keshacademy.com
                                                           6
                                                      Sixth Form Courses
                                                           2019/21
2019/21 6 Sixth Form Courses - King Edward VI Sheldon Heath ...
Contents
         Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5        LEVEL 3 AS LEVEL/A-LEVEL
         LEVEL 3 BTEC NATIONAL                                           Art and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
         BTEC Applied Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16         Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
         BTEC Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18    Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
         BTEC Health and Social Care . . . . . . . . . . . 20            Chemistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
         Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22      English Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
         BTEC Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24   Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

                                                                         History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy is                                  Mathematics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
committed to developing responsible, aspirational,
                                                                         Further Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
independent, happy and well-rounded young
people with the self-belief to reach their goals. Our                    Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
work is underpinned by our core values and driven
                                                                         Product Design – 3D Design . . . . . . . . . . . 46
by our unequivocal belief in equality and tolerance.
                                                                         Product Design – Textile Design . . . . . . . . 48
We want to ensure our young people fulfil and
exceed their potential, be proud of who they are,                        Psychology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
be committed to lifelong learning and leave                              Religious Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
well-equipped to navigate their way through the
                                                                         Sociology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
challenges of the 21st Century; positively
contributing to society both economically and                            Spanish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
socially.
                                                                         APPLICATION FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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2019/21 6 Sixth Form Courses - King Edward VI Sheldon Heath ...
Welcome
                                                                                   Making the right choice of course at Sixth Form level is
                                                                                   one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
                                                                                   King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy has a
                                                                                   successful, aspirational Sixth Form that focuses on the
                                                                                   individual.
                                                                                   We continue to offer a wide range of courses from
                                                                                   academic A-Levels through to vocational BTEC provision. In
                                                                                   addition we offer a wide range of extra-curricular
    We look forward to welcoming you as a Sixth Form student in September          opportunities and support. We pride ourselves on caring
    2019 in our state of the art building with bespoke Sixth Form facilities.      for the individual and work to provide high quality support
    KESH Sixth Form is very successful; students receive excellent support and     for them. Our new, state of the art Sixth Form facilities
    achieve their personal best. As a result, more than 90% of students            provide a fantastic resource for our students.
    secured a place in university or a high-level apprenticeship after
    completing their studies.                                                      Standards of attainment and outcomes for students are very
                                                                                   good. Many of our students leave to study at university and
    We are passionate about our Sixth Form. If you are already a student at the    all secure appropriate employment or training.
    Academy, you will have a very good idea of what we do. If you are new to the
    Academy, we hope that the information in this brochure will give you a clear   We believe King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Sixth Form is a
    understanding of what we offer. Read it carefully; having a good               good place to be. Our aim is to continue improving and to
    understanding of what each course entails, will help you make informed         strive for excellence.
    choices and select courses in which you will be able to achieve good grades.   If you have any questions please contact the Academy.
    Regardless of your plans for the future, good grades will unlock many doors
    and will help you realise your potential.                                                                            J. P. Allen, Principal

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Reforms                                                                                                           Entry Requirements
                                                                                                                      To study for any A – Level course, you need to:
                                                                                                                      • have achieved at least 5 grades 4s or C grades at GCSE;
    The Department for Education is aiming to raise the
                                                                                                                      • have at least a grade 4 in both English Language and
    standards of GCSEs, A-Levels and BTEC qualifications                                                                mathematics;
    and therefore most of these qualifications have
                                                                                                                      • meet the specific entry requirements for each course you
    recently been revised to enable young adults to
                                                                                                                        choose to study.
    achieve outcomes comparable to those achieved by
                                                                                                                      To study 4 A-Level subjects, you need to:
    the best of the rest of the world.
                                                                                                                      • have at least five grade 7s or A/A* grades at GCSE;
    The main changes can be best summarised as:                                                                       • have at least a grade 6 in both English Language and
    • A-Levels are now linear two-year courses – this                                                                   Mathematics;
      means students need to study for the full two years                                                             • meet the specific entry requirements for each course you
      to get the qualification and that all A-Level                                                                     choose to study.
      examinations will be sat at the end of the two-year                                                             To study 3 A-Level subjects, you need to:
      course.                                                                                                         • have at least four grade 6s or B grades at GCSE;
    • Coursework is being removed in most courses. In                                                                 • have at least a grade 4 or C grade in two additional subjects;
      the subjects where coursework still exists, this                                                                • have at least a grade 4 in both English Language and
      coursework makes a smaller contribution towards                                                                   Mathematics;
      the final, overall mark.                                                                                        • meet the specific entry requirements for each course you
    • A-Levels include more synoptic assessment and a                                                                   choose to study.
      greater variety of questions are asked.                                                                         To study 2 A-Level subjects, you need to:
    • The content of A-Level courses is changing.                                                                     • have at least two grade 6s or B grades at GCSE;
                                                                                                                      • have at least a grade 4 or C grade in three additional subjects;
    • All BTEC courses include externally assessed
                                                                                                                      • have at least a grade 4 in both English Language and
      components; the externally assessed components
                                                                                                                        Mathematics;
      are mandatory units which most often are assessed
                                                                                                                      • meet the specific entry requirements for each course you
      through a written examination.
                                                                                                                        choose to study.
                                                                                                                      To study for any BTEC course, you need to:
      Assessment                                                                                                      • have achieved at least a grade 4 in both English language and
      Although you are expected to sit all your AS exams at the end of Year 12, your AS grade will not contribute       mathematics;
      towards your A-Level grade (achieved at the end of Year 13). This means that at the end of Year 13 you will     • have secured at least a grade C or a grade 4 in three additional
      be examined on what you have learnt during both Years 12 and 13, regardless of the grade of your AS               subjects;
      qualification. However, your AS grade will be a reliable indicator of your A – Level performance that will be   • meet the specific entry requirements for each course.
      very useful when completing UCAS applications.                                                                  In exceptional circumstances, where a student has marginally
      If you are planning to study for BTEC qualifications, these now involve externally assessed units. More         missed one of the entry requirements, we may consider offering
      details can be found on the assessment section for each BTEC course available at KESH Sixth Form.               this student a place on a course. However, the Academy’s
                                                                                                                      decision on this matter is final.
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Choosing a course
                                                                                                                                 Why a BTEC Course?
                                                                                                                                 BTEC courses are career-based qualifications designed to give
                                                                                                                                 students the skills they need to move on to higher education
                                                                                                                                 or go straight into employment. A BTEC course develops a
                                                                                                                                 range of practical knowledge and skills which help students
                                                                                                                                 to prepare for – and progress in – their chosen career. More
    Choosing a course                                              Remember, you need certain subjects for some degree           employers and Higher Education institutions than ever before
                                                                   courses, while some universities have preferred subjects.     are choosing BTEC-qualified candidates for their academic
    If you wish to enrol at KESH Sixth Form, you will receive
    a one-to-one interview to help you make informed               Whether you’ve already decided your courses for next          and practical knowledge and skills.
    decisions. Choosing your Sixth Form subjects is one of         year or you're struggling to decide, here is some advice      Since BTEC courses are designed with employment in mind,
    the first significant decisions in your life where you have    to help you make the right choices:                           BTEC teaching focuses on teaching the specific skills needed
    a major say – enjoy this taste of responsibility! Don’t just                                                                 in a particular subject area to succeed in the industry –
                                                                   • A-levels are a lot tougher than GCSEs, so be prepared
    take a subject so you’ll be in a class with your friends,                                                                    something which is highly attractive to employers.
                                                                     for a big jump in the level of difficulty. There are also
    nor be turned off by one because of what others think                                                                        Furthermore, BTEC courses are largely assessed via
                                                                     big differences in the way you will be taught and
    of it. Equally, do not choose a subject because a certain                                                                    coursework and practical projects, unlike A-Levels, which are
                                                                     what will be expected of you.
    teacher is teaching it – they may not teach the course                                                                       assessed through a large number of exams at the end of the
    for the next two years! When making your course                • Keep your future options wide openby selecting a
                                                                                                                                 course.
    choices, it’s worth keeping the future in mind– what             smart mix of the most commonly asked-for subjects
    subjects or careers might you want to pursue?                    in university entry requirements.                           BTEC courses offer a great route into university; 95% of
                                                                   • Separate “facts” from “myths”– don’t take everything        universities, including Russell Group universities, accept BTEC
    ”It is important that you                                        you hear at face value or based on what a                   students. In fact, a study by London Economics found that:
                                                                     friend/older sibling/girlfriend's hairdresser says. It's
    choose the best course to                                        always worth investigating things yourself so you get
                                                                                                                                 • A higher proportion of learners completing university
                                                                                                                                   degrees through the BTEC route achieve a first class
    reach your career goals.”                                        the full picture.                                             honours degree (12.2%) compared to individuals following
                                                                                                                                   the A Level route (11.4%)
                                                                                                                                 • The employment rate for graduates on the BTEC route
    University study                                               • For a degree in Economics or Business you need                were higher than for those graduates who followed the ‘A’
                                                                     maths, very rarely do you need economics.                     Level route because they better understood the labour
    While entry requirements are often a minimum set of
    criteria you have to meet, a university may view you           • For a degree in Computer Science or Engineering               market.
    differently from another candidate based on your                 you must study maths; a science will be good too.
                                                                                                                                 • BTEC qualifications are strong and established progression
    personal statement or your portfolio if your predicted         • For a degree in Pharmacy you need chemistry, plus             routes onto those university degree courses that are also
    grades just miss the mark. Don't rely on preconceived            at least one from biology, maths and physics.                 acknowledged as being vital for economic growth.
    assumptions or what you hear through someone else              • For a degree in Law you do not need to have
                                                                                                                                 • Specifically, graduates on the BTEC route are more likely to
    from their experience. Double check your facts with the          studied law at Sixth Form but a degree in English or
                                                                                                                                   be employed, and amongst those that are employed, more
    university or department themselves.                             history will be highly advantageous.
                                                                                                                                   likely to be employed on a full-time basis.
    Certain universities will look for specific courses, whilst    • For a degree in Medicine, you must study chemistry.
                                                                                                                                 • Graduates on the BTEC route were on a par with their
    some universities will discourage certain combinations of      For more guidance on what to study at Sixth Form to             A-Level peers in terms of the jobs they subsequently
    subjects. This is really important if you have a particular    go on to particular degree subjects you need to                 secured. More BTEC only graduates were found to be
    degree in mind. Below are a few examples to give you an        research the entry requirements for various courses             working as managers, senior officials, or in associate
    idea of what to expect:                                        (https://digital.ucas.com/search)                               professional roles, compared to A-Level only graduates.

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“Bursaries are available      “Textbooks and revision materials are
                                                                                                for qualifying students.”      provided to all students at no cost.”
    Support
    and guidance
    The level of care, guidance and support offered ensures        commitment. Throughout your studies, they will
    that you will be well placed to realise your future            provide you with regular feedback on your progress and
    aspirations. As soon as you enrol at KESH Sixth Form,          attainment. Regular exam practice will help you prepare
    you will be allocated a form tutor who will help you           for examinations, annual progression interviews (at the
    settle into Sixth Form life and will provide you with          start of Year 12 study and also in September of Year 13)
    advice and guidance on a daily basis. Your form tutor          will help you reflect on your progress and to focus on
    will be the first port of call for any issues you may face.    what you need to do to materialise your aspirations.
                                                                   Your parents will also receive an annual formal report of
    All your lessons will be taught by experienced subject
                                                                   your progress and will be invited to meet your form
    specialist teachers who have outstanding levels of
                                                                   tutors and subject teachers to discuss your progress.

    Making the jump from GCSEs to Sixth Form Study
    Securing the GCSE grades required to progress on              maximum of up to four subjects. Because you'll be
    your chosen Sixth Form courses is a great                     studying fewer subjects, you need to be fully engaged
    achievement! But are you ready for what comes next?           with each of them. All classes will have fewer students
    Many students find the transition from GCSEs to Sixth         than your GCSE classes, meaning that your
    Form study a tricky one to adjust to; teachers at KESH        contribution to group activities and discussions is far
    understand this and will guide and support you in             more valued. Therefore, preparation for classes will be
    making a successful transition.                               key, revising notes from the previous class to refresh
                                                                  your mind, and without being prompted to do so.
    The general culture of KESH Sixth Form is more
                                                                  Prepping for these classes is one worthwhile way to
    relaxed – you will not be expected to wear a uniform
                                                                  use those study periods which you'll have.
    or to be at the Academy for the whole day every day.
    These more relaxed rules put more emphasis on you             Assignments will generally have higher word counts;
    to manage your time and studies effectively and more          to really succeed, you’ll have to sharpen your ability to
    independently and to proactively seek out advice from         form well-structured arguments by drawing on
    your teachers when you need it.                               further examples to support your case, meaning extra
                                                                  reading will also be required of you outside of class.
    Whilst at KESH Sixth Form you will be studying a

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2019/21 6 Sixth Form Courses - King Edward VI Sheldon Heath ...
Yuangeng Zhang / Shutterstock.com
     A successful                                                                                                                                               Taste of University Life
                                                                                                                                                                Each year we organise a residential trip to a university. Over recent

     Sixth Form                                                                                                                                                 years, we have visited University of Birmingham, Cambridge
                                                                                                                                                                University, Aberystwyth University, University of Nottingham and
                                                                                                                                                                University of Central London.
                                                                                                                                                                During each visit, students lead the life of students in higher
                                                                                                                                                                education. We stay in halls of residence, attend sample lectures,
                                                                                                                                                                participate in team building activities and visit local sites of
     KESH Sixth Form is a very successful Sixth Form – we are     employment applications. We have an extensive UCAS
                                                                                                                                                                interest. We also look at the process of applying to university and
     committed in supporting you to achieve your personal         guidance programme in place, that starts in Year 12
                                                                                                                                                                how to decide on the right course to study.
     best, both academically and pastorally. As a result, our     and continues into Year 13, to support students with
     students achieve excellent outcomes and a performance        decisions about university choices, university
     in line with national averages; our Sixth Form is the best   applications, interviews and final decisions.
     performing in the local area (https://www.compare-
                                                                  As part of our UCAS guidance and support, the
     school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/136152/king-
                                                                  Academy has established excellent links with local
     edward-vi-sheldon-heath-academy?tab=ks5-16-to-18).
                                                                  universities and participates in a number of schemes
                                                                  that help students realise their academic aspirations.
     Destinations                                                 Our students participate to the Brilliant Club, where
     We work very hard to support all our students; we            they work with a PhD student on a university level
     encourage them to be successful and ambitious with           assignment and often graduate with top grades; they
     their plans for progression after sixth form. A              visit universities and attend a range of activities to
     considerable effort is made to ensure that our students      support them in writing their personal statements; they
     progress to their intended destinations, whether this is     attend lectures at the University of Birmingham in a
     to university, an apprenticeship or other suitable           variety of subjects and participate in their summer
     employment. Our dedicated team of sixth form pastoral        academic enrichment programmes.
     staff offer guidance and advice on university and

     At times, we participate in programmes like             • University of Oxford    • University of Warwick                                                   University Fair
     MiniMeds and MedSim which help students access
     medical related degrees at University. Subsequently, • University of Birmingham • University of Manchester                                                  We are passionate about encouraging students to consider
     our students are very successful in their university                                                                                                        University studies after Sixth Form. We are keen for students to
     applications to a wide range of institutions including: • University of Sheffield • Aston University                                                        explore opportunities and make informed choices. This year we
                                                                                                                                                                 hosted our fifth University Fair where representatives from 28
                                                                                                                                                                 universities were able to talk to our students about their offer
                                                                                                                                                                 and provide seminars on routes into nursing, engineering,
                                                                                                                                                                 teaching, etc.
                                                                                                                                                                 Students were able to find out about the courses offered, entry
                                                                                                                                                                 requirements and collect prospectuses to study at their leisure.

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Enrichment
     Extra-Curricular Opportunities                             Additional Qualifications and Awards
     The education experience of all Sixth Form students is     All students have the opportunity to study for
     enhanced by a wide range of opportunities. From            additional qualifications that enhance their education,
     residential trips to universities and abroad, to sports    for example First Aid qualifications, Sports Leaders
     activities and charitable events, there is something for   Awards, Student Leadership Awards, UKCATs and BMAT
     everyone.                                                  exams.

     Work Related Learning                                      Student Leadership
     Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide     All Sixth Form students can apply to become Prefects.
     range of work-related activities; visits to places of      Prefects have a whole Academy role and learn key
     interest, fieldwork, guest speakers from the word at       leadership and management skills. Prefects, as role
     work and work experience are a few of the                  models for other Academy students, also organise a
     opportunities available. The amount and type of work       wide range of charitable events to support the chosen
     experience depends on the courses studied. We expect       Sixth Form charity for the year, the most famous of
     that all students will have undertaken work experience     which is the annual Christmas Wonderland.
     relevant to their career aspirations by the end of Year
     12; this will help them make informed choices about
     their future after Year 13.
                                                                   Personal Development
     Careers
                                                                   We offer a wide range of opportunities for personal
     Sixth Form students can further explore their chosen          development. Our aim is to ensure that all students graduate
     career during our annual careers’ fair; this is an event      from our Sixth Form with those skills essential for success
     attended by a high number of professionals from many          whether in further study or the world of work. Personal
     and diverse sectors. All students also have access to an      development sessions focus on supporting students with
     independent Careers Advisor to discuss their options in       university applications as well as with applying for
     more detail.                                                  apprenticeships and jobs. Practice interviews, personal
                                                                   statements, UCAS applications are a few of the topics covered.
                                                                   Students also receive seminars on key youth issues so they have
                                                                   a better understanding of how to stay safe when away from
                                                                   home and how to manage their finances.

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Our students say...                                                                                                         I have studied at KESH Academy since Year 7 and have
                                                                                                                                       chosen to continue studying at KESH for my A-Levels because
                                                                                                                                       of its high standard of education. Judging by the GCSE
                                                                                                                                       grades I achieved at KESH, I can see that KESH is a great place    KESH academy was for me the most obvious choice when
                                                                                                                                       to study. For me KESH was always my first choice of Sixth          selecting a sixth form, partially due to its familiar
                                                                                                                                       Form because of its familiarity; however, I have seen how easy     environment but mostly for the quality of education and the
     I joined the Academy in Year 12. The past year has been one
                                                                     Throughout my time at KESH Academy, there were many               it is for other students to join thanks to the welcoming, polite   staff who provide it. If I had to say what separates KESH from
     of growth for me. I have been challenged both academically
                                                                     times I felt like giving up, however, I was always pushed and     and helpful staff at the Academy. At KESH I feel part of a         any other school, then it would be how far the teachers go
     and socially, transitioning from GCSEs to a much larger and
                                                                     challenged by my caring teachers even in the subjects I           community yet still able to be independent. KESH also has          above and beyond to make sure you are doing your best and
     tougher A-Level workload. Right from the beginning, I was
                                                                     wasn’t too fond of; as I result, I achieved some good GCSE        great facilities to aid me with my work and help me achieve        reaching your full potential. Resources are provided free of
     supported by my teachers who provided me with ample
                                                                     grades. During the 6 years I have been at the Academy, I          my personal best; it also offers me many opportunities             charge. Learning and revision materials, whether that be
     guidance and any revision resources I needed. The study area
                                                                     have enjoyed myself and felt I belonged to the KESH family.       outside as well as within the Academy thus making KESH a           websites, booklets or practice questions are never in short
     and library are both fantastic work spaces that made it very
                                                                     This is because of the ethos and values the school believes in.   great place to study.                                              supply at KESH and the staff will go out of their way to
     easy for me to use my independent study periods effectively,
                                                                     I am about to finish some of the most difficult A-Levels                                                             M Clive, Y13    create or provide them. When in lesson you never feel as if
     while the common room is perfect for socialising at break
                                                                     (Physics, Maths, and Further Maths) and will hopefully                                                                               you can’t ask a question as teachers welcome questions with
     time. The tight-knit community we have at KESH meant that I
                                                                     continue my education as an aerospace engineer in a Russel                                                                           open arms and will support you on anything you don’t
     quickly made friends and felt welcomed into the sixth form. I
                                                                     group university, because of the support I have received. I       I chose to come to KESH Sixth Form because:                        understand. Personally, KESH helped me achieve my goals at
     believe that KESH has a space for every student, our diverse
                                                                     truly would like to thank all staff for believing in me, not                                                                         GCSE level, and is helping me aspire for my best at A-level via
     and welcoming community provides the perfect environment                                                                          • I knew that I would be supported throughout my time in
                                                                     giving up on me and giving me the opportunity to succeed.                                                                            progress monitoring and after school sessions where any
     for any sixth form student.                                                                                                         Sixth Form.
                                                                                                                  I Abdo, Year 13                                                                         queries can be resolved. I would easily recommend KESH to
                                               A Saeed, year 13                                                                        • I was able to talk to teachers in depth about courses and
                                                                                                                                                                                                          anyone who wanted a great environment to learn in, with
                                                                                                                                         chose to study subjects that were right for me.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          amazing facilities and some of the best results academically
                                                                                                                                       • I knew many students who had achieved excellent results –        in the area.
                                                                                                                                         this made me feel confident about my achievement.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       C Berry, Year 12
                                                                                                                                       • I wanted to be a Prefect – I love the opportunity to
                                                                                                                                         organise events and make a difference.
                                                                                                                                                                                     C Sanders, Y13

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Level 3 Courses

     BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in                                                                                  How will I be assessed?

     Applied Science                                                                                                   This course has both internally and externally assessed
                                                                                                                       components.
                                                                                                                       Internally assessed units require students to:
                                                                                                                       • write up the findings of their own research
                                                                                                                       • use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar
     Course Detail                                                                                                       situations
                                                                *We offer BTEC Level 3 National Extended
                                                                 Certificate, National Diploma and National            • carry out projects for which they have choice over the
     The BTEC National course in Applied Science course                                                                  direction and outcomes
                                                                 Extended Diploma in Applied Science. We
     covers the fundamentals of science, working in the
                                                                 also offer the option of studying Forensic            • demonstrate practical and technical skills using
     science industry, perceptions of science, scientific        Science.                                                appropriate equipment, procedures and techniques.
     investigation and practical techniques. You will also
     study mathematics, statistics, human physiology,                                                                  These requirements of the course will be met through a
     microbiology techniques, genetics and genetic              equivalent to 1 A-level.                               variety of assignments which are assessed though
     engineering, medical physics techniques, electrical                                                               presentations, practical tasks and by completing coursework
                                                                The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is equivalent to 2
     circuits, chemical reactions, chemical periodicity and                                                            tasks in controlled conditions. The number of assignments
                                                                A-Levels.
     organic chemistry.                                                                                                that need to be completed varies depending on the number
                                                                The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is          of A-Levels the course is equivalent to.
     If you decide to study the Extended Diploma course,        equivalent to 3 A-Levels.
     you may also be able to specialise in Biomedical                                                                  Externally assessed units vary depending on whether studying
                                                                                                                       the Extended Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma
     science, which prepares you for the world of work in       Where can this course take me?
     the medical industry, or Analytical and Forensic Science                                                          course. However, all external assessment involves written
     which can be your first step towards working within        The Applied Science BTEC is highly valued by           examinations in scientific investigations, physics, biology and
     the field of Science, or Criminology.                      employers and higher education providers. You can      chemistry units.
                                                                progress on to a wide range of degree programs at      If you opt to study the Diploma and Extended Diploma
     If you study a BTEC Diploma and Extended Diploma           university. Possible degrees include foundation        course, you are expected to complete all the work required
     course, you are expected to complete all the work          medicine, biology, zoology, nursing, pharmacy and      for the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate by the end
     required for the BTEC Level 3 National Extended            chemistry. Alternatively you could progress directly   of Year 12.
     Certificate by the end of Year 12.                         into a career within the scientific industry as a
     The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is          technician.                                            Additional Entry Requirements
                                                                                                                       Grades 5-4 in Combined Science
                                                                                                                       GCSE Maths: 4
                                                                                                                       GCSE English: 4
            "This course is highly valued by employers and                                                             One additional GCSE, in any subject, at grade 4 or better.
            higher education providers"

16                                                                                                                                                                                       17
Level 3 Courses

                BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in

                Business
                Course Detail                                             The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is equivalent to
                                                                          2 A-Levels.
                The BTEC Level 3 Business is a vocational course,
                recognised by top universities. The course is             Where can this course take me?
                designed to bring business theory to life, because
                each unit of study is set in a real business context;     BTEC Business opens doors to many opportunities
                the units studied cover key concepts in business          after Year 13. There is an excellent record of
                such as marketing, business environments,                 students joining quality universities, including
                international business and management. The skills         Russell group universities following the completion
                gained, including the ability to work independently       of this course to a high standard. Furthermore,
                or as part of a team, will provide an excellent spring    students have secured apprenticeships with leading
                board onto university or into the world of work.          retailers and Birmingham based businesses.

     How will I be assessed?                                              Externally assessed units:

     This course has both internally and externally assessed              The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma has one written
     components.                                                          exam lasting 2 hours and two externally assessed
                                                                          coursework tasks, each lasting 3 hours.
     Internally assessed units require students to:
                                                                          If you study a BTEC Diploma and Extended Diploma
     • write up the findings of their own research                        course, you are expected to complete all the work
     • use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations       required for the BTEC Level 3 National Extended
     • carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction   Certificate by the end of Year 12.
       and outcomes                                                       Additional Entry Requirements
     • demonstrate practical and communication skills using
                                                                          GCSE Maths: 4
       appropriate presentations and role plays.
                                                                          GCSE English: 4
     The requirements of the course will be met through a variety of
     assignments which are assessed through presentations, role play      Three additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grade 4
     and by completing coursework tasks in controlled conditions.         or better.                                               “The course is designed to
                                                                                                                                bring business theory to life”
18                                                                                                                                                               19
Level 3 Courses                                                                                                       “The perfect choice for a career in the
                                                                                                                                    healthcare sector and beyond”

     BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in

     Health & Social Care                                                                                                How will I be assessed?
                                                                                                                         This course has both internally and externally assessed
                                                                                                                         components; methods of assessment include presentations, role
                                                                                                                         plays and written assignments.

     Course Detail                                                                                                       Internally assessed units require students to:
                                                                                                                         • write up the findings of their own research
     BTEC National Diploma Health and Social Care is a very
     popular and successful vocational course. The range of                                                              • use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations
     units offered allows students to develop their knowledge                                                            • carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction
     and understanding of the broad area of Health and                                                                     and outcomes
     Social Care. The course includes topics such as anatomy,                                                            • demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate
     physiology, public health and working with individuals                                                                workplace values and practices.
     with additional needs. A work placement providing the
                                                                                                                         The requirements of the course will be met through a variety of
     opportunity to explore a role in the health, social and
                                                                                                                         assignments which are assessed through presentations, role play
     early years sectors is an integral part of the course
                                                                                                                         and by completing coursework tasks in controlled conditions. The
     during Year 12.
                                                                                                                         number of assignments that need to be completed varies
     The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is                                                                   depending on the number of A-Levels the course is equivalent to.
     equivalent to 1 A-level.
                                                                                                                         Externally assessed units:
     The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is equivalent
                                                                                                                         • The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate has two written
     to 2 A-Levels.
                                                                                                                           exams, each lasting 1.5 hours.
     The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is                                                                       • The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma has two written exams, each
     equivalent to 3 A-Levels.                                                                                             lasting 1.5 hours and an externally assessed coursework task
     Additional Entry Requirements                                                                                         that lasts 3 hours.
                                                                                                                         • The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma has three written
     GCSE Maths: 4, GCSE English: 4
                                                                                                                           exams, each lasting 1.5 hours and an externally assessed
                                                                Where can this course take me?
     Three additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grade 4 or                                                                 coursework task that lasts 3 hours.
     better.                                                    A BTEC in Health and Social Care will equip you
                                                                                                                         Students in the Extended Diploma course are required to complete
                                                                with the skills required to study a variety of courses
                                                                                                                         up to 100 hours of relevant work experience.
                                                                at university including Nursing, Social Sciences and
                                                                Psychology. Many students will go onto further           If you study a BTEC Diploma and Extended Diploma course, you
       *We offer BTEC Level 3 National Extended                                                                          are expected to complete all the work required for the BTEC Level
                                                                training, for example in Child Care and work as
        Certificate, National Diploma and National
                                                                Social or Care Workers or in the healthcare sector.      3 National Extended Certificate by the end of Year 12.
        Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.

20                                                                                                                                                                                            21
Level 3 Courses
 How will I be assessed?
 This course has both internally and externally
 assessed components; methods of assessment
 include presentations, performances and written up
                                                        BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in
 assignments.
 Internally assessed units require students to:
 • write up the findings of their own research
                                                        Performing Arts
 • use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar
   situations
                                                        Course Detail
 • carry out projects for which they have choice over
   the direction and outcomes
                                                                                                                                Where can this course take me?
                                                        The BTEC National Extended Certificate in
 • demonstrate practical and technical skills using     Performing Arts (Acting) is a practical course that                     Many of students opt to continue their
   appropriate workplace values and practices.          supports students wishing to access further study                       studies at University. The BTEC Performing
                                                        of the Performing Arts at University or enter the                                           Arts can lead to a range
 These requirements of the course will be met           world of work in the Arts.                                                                     of courses including
 through a variety of assignments which are assessed                                                                                                    Theatre Studies,
 though performances and by completing                  The course is taught through units covering a
                                                                                                                                                        Performance Studies,
 coursework tasks in controlled conditions.             range of genres, performance skills and techniques.
                                                                                                                                                        and Community
                                                        Through studying this course, you will:                                                         Performance. Some
 The styles of external assessment used are:
                                                        • work independently and as part of a group to                                                 students progress onto
 • set tasks – learners take the assessment during a      explore a variety of texts, theatrical devices and                                           Arts Apprenticeships
   defined window and demonstrate understanding           topics;                                                                                         or enter the
   through completion of a vocational task                                                                                                                    Performance and
                                                        • explore contrasting genres and the work of key
 • performance – learners prepare for assessment over                                                                                                           Cultural
                                                          theatrical practitioners like Stanislavski, Brecht and
   an extended window and demonstrate skills that                                                                                                                Industries as a
                                                          Artaud;                                                                                                member of
   generate some non-written evidence.
                                                        • participate in practical workshops to explore a                                                        the workforce.
 Some external assessments include a period of            range of rehearsal techniques;
 preparation using set information.
                                                        • prepare performance work for an audience;
 Additional Entry Requirements
                                                        • gain an insight into the business practices of the
 GCSE Drama or Performing Arts at Grade 4 or Merit        Performing Industry through practical application.
 in BTEC Level 2 Performing Arts
                                                        The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is
 GCSE Maths: 4                                          equivalent to 1 A-Level.
 GCSE English: 4
 Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grade 4 or                                                           “An excellent choice of course to demonstrate a
 better.                                                                                                           wide range of skills to potential employers”

22                                                                                                                                                                                 23
Level 3 Courses
                                                                                                                     “The course is aimed at students with a keen interest in a
                                                                                                                    variety of sports who aim to progress to higher education
     BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in                                                                         and ultimately to employment in the sport sector.”

     Sport (Fitness Services)                                                                                                                 How will I be assessed?
                                                                                                                                              This course has both internally and externally
                                                                                                                                              assessed components.

     Course Detail                                             And will also choose                                                           Internally assessed units require students to:
                                                               one optional unit from a                                                       • write up the findings of their own research
     BTEC Sport is an exciting, practical, theoretical and     range designed to support
     exam based subject which involves fitness training,                                                                                      • use case studies to explore complex or
                                                               future career plans.
     professional development and provision of sport. The                                                                                       unfamiliar situations
     course is aimed at students with a keen interest in a     The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is
                                                                                                                                              • carry out projects for which they have choice
     variety of sports, who wish to continue their education   equivalent to 1 A-Level.
                                                                                                                                                over the direction and outcomes
     through applied learning and who aim to progress to       Additional Entry Requirements                                                  • demonstrate practical and technical skills.
     higher education and ultimately to employment in the
     sport sector.                                             GCSE Maths: 4                                                                  These requirements of the course will be met
                                                               GCSE English: 4                                                                through a variety of assignments which are
     In this course you will learn about anatomy and                                                                                          assessed through presentations, role play,
     physiology, professional development int he sports        GCSE PE would be beneficial
                                                                                                                                              practical work and by completing coursework
     industry and fitness training and programming for         Three additional GCSEs, in any subject, at
                                                                                                                                              tasks in controlled conditions.
     health, sport and well-being.                             grade C/4 or better.
                                                                                                                                              Externally assessed units:
                                                                                                                                              • there is one written exam lasting 1.5 hours, and
                                                                                                                                              • two externally assessed set tasks, to be
                                                                                                                                                completed during a defined window.
                                                                                                                                              Some external assessments include a period of
                                                                                                                                              preparation using set information.

       Where can this course take me?                                                                                                         Students need to complete significant and
                                                                                                                                              relevant work experience as part of their course.
       Upon successful completion of the diploma it is possible to progress into higher education to study: Sport
                                                                                                                                              Students on the Diploma and Extended Diploma
       and Exercise Studies; Physical Education Teaching (both primary and secondary); Sport Therapy; Coaching
                                                                                                                                              courses, must complete all the work required for
       Science; Health, Sports Performance and Nutrition; Recreation/Sports Management; Leisure Management
                                                                                                                                              the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate by
       and Sport Development. Past students have gone onto higher education on one of the many sports degree
                                                                                                                                              the end of Year 12 to be able to continue with
       courses available, or have obtained employment within the fitness industry or sports development centres.
                                                                                                                                              their studies in Year 13.

24                                                                                                                                                                                                 25
A-Level Courses
                                                                                                                                                                              How will I be assessed?

     A-Level                                                                                                                                                                  In Year 12 you will complete a personal investigation project,
                                                                                                                                                                              which is practical in nature, leading to a final piece(s). This is

     Art & Design
                                                                                                                                                                              worth 50% of your AS grade, the remaining 50% being from an
                                                                                                                                                                              externally set assignment in which you will need to develop
                                                                                                                                                                              your own personal work on a set theme. The externally set
                                                                                                                                                                              assignment incorporates preparatory studies and a 10 hour
                                                                                                                                                                              period of sustained focus.
                                                                                                                                                                              In Year 13, your personal investigation is worth 60% of your
     Course Detail                                                 understand your areas of strength which you will then                                                      final A-Level grade and needs to be supported by a compulsory
                                                                   develop further. Researching and responding to the                                                         written element that links the work of other artists to the
     The Art & Design (Fine Art) course provides you with          work of other artists, particularly contemporary art                                                       project. The externally set assignment is worth 40% of your
     the opportunity to explore your interest in the subject       practice, is instrumental to the development of ideas                                                      grade and is based on a theme that will be released by the
     through the development of personal responses to              and you will be expected to do so independently.                                                           exam board in February of your final year; it will incorporate
     themes and ideas. During the course you will be taught
     a variety of art techniques to develop a solid skills base;   The course will be delivered through practical             “One of the fastest-growing                     preparatory studies and a 15 hour period of sustained focus.
                                                                   demonstrations, tutorials, group critiques and visits to
     you may choose to work in paint, sculpture, print-
                                                                   exhibitions.
                                                                                                                                        sectors in the UK”                    Additional Entry Requirements
     making, digital arts etc. From this broad basis, you will                                                                                                                GCSE Art or Textiles: Grade 5
                                                                                                                                                                              GCSE Maths: 4
                                                                                                                                                                              GCSE English: 4
                                                                                                                                                                              Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or better.
                                                                                                                                                                              Please refer to the general entry requirements on page 5.
                                                                                                                                                                              All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS
                                                                                                                                                                              exams at the end of Year 12 and the A-Level exams at the end
                                                                                                                                                                              of Year 13. Although the AS grade will not count towards your
                                                                                                                                                                              final A-Level grade, you will need at least a grade D at AS to
                                                                                                                                                                              succeed on this course in Year 13.

                                                                                                                                      Where can this course take me?
                                                                                                                                      There are many career opportunities in Art and Design, and the creative industries, ranging from
                                                                                                                                      advertising to architecture and from fashion to film. It therefore constitutes one of the fastest-
                                                                                                                                      growing sectors in the UK. Through this course you’ll develop transferable skills, such as problem
                                                                                                                                      solving, communication and critical thinking, which will prepare you for further study or the world of
       *You can only study either                                                                                                     work, regardless of the subject or career you wish to pursue. If you want to pursue a career in the
        3 Dimensional Design, or Textiles                                                                                             creative industries, your next step is likely to be a Foundation Degree course followed by an
        or Art and Design at A-Level.                                                                                                 undergraduate degree in fields as varied as Product Design, Fine Art, Fashion Design or History of Art.

26                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 27
A-Level Courses                                                                                How will I be assessed?
                                                                                                      At the end of Year 12 you will be assessed in the first 4
                                                                                                      topics of the course through two written examinations,

     A-Level                                                                                          each lasting 90 minutes and carrying 50% of the AS
                                                                                                      grade.

     Biology                                                                                          At the end of Year 13, you will be assessed in all 8
                                                                                                      topics through three written examinations, each lasting
                                                                                                      two hours. Two of the examination papers will assess
                                                                                                      your knowledge and understanding and will each form
                                                                                                      35% of your final grade. The third examination paper
                                                                                                      will consist of questions on practical technique and
     Course Detail                                                                                    data analysis and will also include an essay question; it
                                                                                                      will form the remaining 30% of your A-Level grade.
     Biology is an exciting, practical based subject that
     uncovers the mysteries in living organisms; it will                                              Additional Entry Requirements
     teach you how the human body works and how                                                       GCSE Biology: Grade 6 or GCSE grades 6-5 in
     organisms adapt and change over time. During the                                                 Combined Science
     course you will be exposed to a wide range of                                                    GCSE Maths: 6
     practical work that will enable you to develop the
                                                                                                      GCSE English: 5
     techniques essential in a scientific career. Furthermore,
     you will develop problem solving and communication                                               Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or
     skills through class and independent study.                                                      better. Please refer to the general entry requirements
     Throughout the course you will be expected to                                                    on page 5.
     analyse factual information and communicate your                                                 All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the
     ideas in writing.                                                                                AS exams at the end of Year 12 and the A-Level exams
     The Biology A-Level has 8 distinct topics:                                                       at the end of Year 13. Although the AS grade will not
                                                                                                      count towards your final A-Level grade, you will need
     • Biological molecules.
                                                                                                      at least a grade D at AS to succeed on this course in
     • Cells.                                                                                         Year 13.
     • How organisms exchange substances with the
       environment.
     • Genetic information, variation and relationships          “You will be exposed to a wide
       between other organisms.                                                                      Where can this course take me?
     • Energy transfers in and between organisms.                   range of practical work that     This course can equip you to go to university where you
     • How organisms respond to changes in internal               will enable you to develop the     can study any aspect of Biology further and ultimately
       and external environments.                                                                    work within many roles including: Doctor, Vet, Nurse,
                                                                        techniques essential in a    Midwife, Physiotherapist, Horticulture, Science Teacher /
     • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.
                                                                                                     Biology lecturer, Forensics and Zoology.
     • The control of gene expression.                                          scientific career”

28                                                                                                                                                                 29
A-Level Courses                                                                                                                        “A unique experience that
                                                                                                                                               bridges the gap between
     A-Level                                                                                                                                 education and commerce”

     Business
     Course Detail
     A-Level Business offers more than just an academic
     challenge. It is a unique experience that bridges the
     gap between education and commerce; it provides
     sound knowledge of core business concepts and
     how they apply to business contexts and thus
     develops a broad understanding of how business
     works. The course provides a foundation for further
     study at university or entry into employment.
     The A-Level Business covers the following units:
     • Marketing and people
     • Managing Business Activities
     • Globalisation
     • Business Decisions

       How will I be assessed?                                  Additional Entry Requirements                            Where can this course take me?
                                                                GCSE Business Studies: 5
       At the end of year 12 you will be assessed through                                                                This course encourages a range of important and transferable
       two written examinations, each lasting 1.5 hours.        GCSE Maths: 5                                            skills such as manipulating data in a variety of forms,
       The overall result will form your AS grade.              GCSE English: 4                                          interpreting results, presenting arguments and making
                                                                                                                         judgments, making justified recommendations, problem solving;
       At the end of year 13 you will be assessed through       Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or
                                                                better. Please refer to the general entry requirements   the work demands and challenges your own assumptions based
       three written examinations, each lasting 2 hours. The
                                                                on page 5.                                               on evidence available. You will study in detail the major
       overall result will form your A-Level grade.
                                                                                                                         functions of a business and perhaps discover areas you would
       All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS exams at the end of Year 12 and the A-Level exams   like to pursue at degree level and subsequent employment. A
       at the end of Year 13. You will need at least a grade D at AS to succeed on this course in Year 13.               qualification in Business can open many doors.

30                                                                                                                                                                                       31
A-Level Courses
     How will I be assessed?
     There will be two written examinations at the end of Year 12
     that will assess you on a subset of the full A-Level content.
     Each exam will last 90 minutes and will carry 50% of the AS
                                                                                                                                                          A-Level
     grade.
     At the end of Year 13, you will be assessed in all topics
     covered through three written examinations, each lasting two
                                                                                                                                                          Chemistry
     hours. Two of the examination papers will assess your
     knowledge and understanding and will each form 35% of
     your final grade. The third examination paper will consist of
     questions on practical technique and data analysis; it will form
                                                                                                                                                           Course Detail                                            The Chemistry A-Level covers:

     the remaining 30% of your A-Level grade.                                                                                                                                                                       • Physical chemistry, for example atomic structure,
                                                                                             “Chemistry is a great stepping                                The A-Level Chemistry course is relevant to real world
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      equilibria, electrochemical cells.
                                                                                                                                                           experiences and is fascinating and engaging to learn.
                                                                                           stone to future study because it                                During the course, you will study the fundamental        • Organic chemistry, for example organic analysis and
                                                                                           will help you develop a wide set                                processes behind a wide range of natural and man-          synthesis, proteins and DNA.
                                                                                                                                                           made phenomena and you will gain a much deeper           • Inorganic chemistry, for example reactions of ions in
                                                                                                    of skills much valued by                               understanding of the world around you. A-Level             aqueous solutions, periodicity.
                                                                                                universities and employers”                                Chemistry is a great stepping stone to future study
                                                                                                                                                           because it will help you develop a wide set of skills
                                                                                                                                                           much valued by universities and employers.

                                                                     Additional Entry Requirements                                                Where can this course take me?
                                                                     GCSE Chemistry: Grade 6 or grade 6-5 in Combined Science
                                                                                                                                                  Chemistry is a very academic subject, and achieving a
                                                                     GCSE Maths: 6                                                                top grade in an A-Level in Chemistry opens many
                                                                     GCSE English: 5                                                              doors. It is a pre-requisite to get into medical school,
                                                                     Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or better. Please refer    but also enables you to move into higher education,
                                                                     to the general entry requirements on page 5.                                 research or a career in any science discipline and
                                                                                                                                                  engineering. The skill set you develop whilst studying
                                                                     All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS exams at the
                                                                                                                                                  chemistry will allow you to pursue any career. It is a
                                                                     end of Year 12 and the A-Level exams at the end of Year 13. Although the
                                                                                                                                                  very current, very academic course, which is a must for
                                                                     AS grade will not count towards your final A-Level grade, you will need at
                                                                                                                                                  all aspirational students.
                                                                     least a grade D at AS to succeed on this course in Year 13.

32                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            33
A-Level Courses
                                                                                                                                         ‘English Literature deepens
                                                                                                                                      your appreciation of literature
     A-Level                                                                                                                               and is brilliant if you love
                                                                                                                                             reading and debating.’
     English Literature
                                   Course Detail                  present day, their contexts and their critics in a deep     How will I be assessed?
                                                                  analytical fashion. Students are exposed to the study of:
                                                                                                                              You will be assessed at AS Level in the summer of
                                  English Literature has long
                                                                  • The works of Shakespeare                                  your first year. This will be in the form of two closed
                                 been acknowledged as a
                                                                                                                              book terminal examinations where you will write four
                                highly valuable and               • Poetry and drama pre-1900 for example Christina
                                                                                                                              essays across three hours and 15 minutes total
                               prestigious A-Level; it is           Rossetti, Coleridge, Ibsen, Webster or Wilde.
                                                                                                                              examination time.
                              formally listed as a Facilitating
                                                                  • a thematic coursework topic on modern literature:
                            Subject for Russell Group                                                                         In the summer of your second year you will be
                                                                    topics include ‘war through time’, ‘invasion’,
                           Universities. The English Literature                                                               assessed at A-Level. This will be in the form of two
                                                                    ‘the city’ or ‘time’.
                          course allows students with a                                                                       terminal closed book examinations where you will
                         passion for reading and analysing        • Contextual study of genres, for example, ‘Dystopia’,
                                                                                                                              write four essays across five hours total examination
                        poetry, fiction and drama to study          ‘Women in Literature’, ‘The Immigrant Experience’ or
                                                                                                                              time. You will also produce a coursework essay worth
                       texts from the 16th century to the           ‘the Gothic’.
                                                                                                                              20% of your final grade.

     Where can this course                             Additional Entry Requirements
     take me?                                          GCSE English Language or Literature: 6 (and grade 4 in the
                                                       other)
     This subject prepares you for the art of
                                                       GCSE Maths: 4
     essay writing at university and is highly
                                                       Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or better.
     valued by admissions officers in all
                                                       Please refer to the general entry requirements on page 5.
     subjects where you will write essays as
     part of your course. Careers including            All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS
     teaching, law, journalism, acting,                exams at the end of Year 12 and the
     publishing, theatre production, TV                A-Level exams at the end of Year 13. Although the AS grade
     production, advertising and public                will not count towards your final
     relations are just some of the options            A-Level grade, you will need at least a grade D at AS to
     open to those studying English.                   succeed on this course in Year 13.

34                                                                                                                                                                                      35
A-Level Courses                                                                                                                                                                   “One of the most employable
                                                                                                                                                                                                   degrees to have…”

     A-Level

     Geography
     Course Detail                                                  knowledge, A-Level geography will also provide
                                                                    numerous opportunities to develop your fieldwork skills,
     Geography helps us understand the world around us,             as changes to the curriculum now ensure that a
     whether that be researching the recent volcanic                minimum of two days fieldwork is completed; one field
     eruption in Chile, evaluating the effectiveness of the         trip will be to an urban area, the other will be a
     recent New Street Station development, or using                residential visit to a coastal environment.
     geographical information systems (GIS) to understand
     how deforestation has affected large areas of South            The Geography A-Level covers both the human and
     America. The work of geographers across the globe is           physical environment, and the complex interconnections
     both exciting and pivotal to the functioning of the            which run between them. Further to this, the knowledge
     planet as we know it. The A-Level Geography will               you gain will be directly applicable to a host of real world
     enable you to develop a specialist knowledge on a wide         settings, helping us understand how our actions as
     variety of contemporary themes; you only need to turn          individuals, and as part of the wider human race,
     on the news to understand how geography plays a                can have a serious and lasting impact on the
     large part in our everyday lives. As well as this specialist   world around us.

           How will I be assessed?                                  Additional Entry Requirements                                         Where can this course take me?
           At the end of Year 12 you will have two                  GCSE Geography: 5                                                     Due to the large number of transferable skills involved in the course. More
           written examinations, each lasting 1.5 hours.            GCSE English: 5                                                       than 90 universities across the UK offer degree courses in Geography,
           The overall result will form your AS grade.              GCSE Maths: 5                                                         ranging from undergraduate level through to Masters and PhD levels of
                                                                                                                                          study. Geography is a highly valued A-Level option, and is often termed a
           At the end of Year 13 you will have two                  Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or better. Please
                                                                                                                                          ‘facilitating subject’. As a result, even if a degree in geography is not your
           written examinations, each lasting 2.5 hours.            refer to the general entry requirements on page 5.
                                                                                                                                          required path, it is an excellent addition to a university application.
           The written examinations will form 80% of
                                                                    All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS exams
           your final A-Level grade; a geographical                                                                                       A geography degree is often perceived as the most employable degree to
                                                                    at the end of Year 12 and the
           investigation assessed through a 3,000 word                                                                                    have and can lead to a vast amount of career paths, ranging from town and
                                                                    A-Level exams at the end of Year 13. Although the AS grade will
           essay will form the remaining 20% of your                                                                                      transport planning, through to accountancy and law, teaching and lecturing,
                                                                    not count towards your final A-Level grade, you will need at least
           final A-Level grade.                                                                                                           astronomy and criminology. The list is endless!
                                                                    a grade D at AS to succeed on this course in Year 13.

36                                                                                                                                                                                                                         37
A-Level Courses

                                                                                                                                                               “A-Level History is
                                                                       A-Level
                                                                                                                                                        well respected by higher

                                                                       History                                                                     education establishments and
                                                                                                                                                            various professions”

                                                                      Course Detail                                               time. Domestic issues such as Northern Ireland and
                                                                                                                                  foreign policy surrounding the wars in Iraq and
                                                                      A-Level History is well respected by higher education       Afghanistan will also be studied. This unit will allow
                                                                      establishments and various professions. During this         you to really understand what shapes the Britain we
                                                                      course, you will study no less than 200 years of            live in today. The third and final unit for the A-Level
                                                                      British and world history. You will learn about the         is a Historical Investigation which will allow you to
                                                                      last Tsars of Russia and the fall of Nicholas II, study     choose a debate from the Tudor period to
                                                                      the causes and consequences of the world’s first            investigate and evaluate.
                                                                      Communist revolution and the rise and regimes of            History is a popular subject to combine with English,
                                                                      dictators Lenin and Stalin. In the second unit of the       social science subjects, other humanities subjects and
                                                                      course, you will get the chance to look at political        languages. Students in the past have also studied
                                                                      and social British history, from the rule of Prime          history alongside maths and science subjects which
                                                                      Ministers such as Macmillan, Heath, Thatcher and            has proved popular with universities upon application
                                                                      Blair, to the fashion, music and subcultures of the         to a variety of courses.

                                                         Additional Entry Requirements                                              How will I be assessed?
     Where can this course take me?
                                                         GCSE History: 5
     In addition to history related courses at degree                                                                               At the end of Year 12 you will be assessed on Tsarist and
                                                         GCSE English: 5
     level, history is the number one subject option                                                                                Communist Russia and on the making of Modern Britain
                                                         GCSE Maths: 4                                                              through two written examinations. Your result from these
     for those students who wish to pursue a career
                                                         Two additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or better. Please        examinations will form your AS grade.
     in Law. The skills that students develop through
                                                         refer to the general entry requirements on page 5.
     A-Level history are key in other professions such                                                                              At the end of Year 13 you will have two further written
     as journalism, politics, civil service and the      All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS exams at     examinations on Tsarist and Communist Russia and on the
     public sector (e.g. teaching and the police         the end of Year 12 and the                                                 making of Modern Britain, each lasting 2.5 hours which will
     force). History is a highly respected traditional   A-Level exams at the end of Year 13. Although the AS grade will not        contribute 80% of your final A-Level grade. A 3,000 word
     subject at both A-Level and degree by many          count towards your final A-Level grade, you will need at least a grade     essay on Tudor Britain will form the remaining 20% of your
     different employers.                                D at AS to succeed on this course in Year 13.                              final A-Level grade.

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A-Level Courses

     A-Level

     Mathematics
     Course Detail                                             The Mathematics A-Level covers:

     The main reason for studying mathematics to an            • Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry;
     advanced level is that it is interesting and enjoyable.     sequences and series; differentiation and integration
     Students like its challenge, its clarity, and the fact      (calculus); trigonometry; logarithms and
     that you know when you are right. The A-Level               exponentials; vectors; numerical methods and other
     mathematics provides not only the generic skills            methods which can be used to solve real-world
     highly sought after by employers but also the               problems.
     mathematical knowledge specifically required for          • Mechanics – the study of forces and motion, as
     certain careers. Mathematics is about logical               revolutionised by Isaac Newton, which allows
     analysis, deduction, calculation and has a pervasive        predictions to be made about how objects behave
     influence on our everyday lives.                            in the real world, from the motion of the planets, to
                                                                 a projectile flying through the air.
                                                               • Statistics – the study of (and search for) patterns in
       Where can this course take me?                            data, how data can be analysed and used to model
       Mathematics is an essential course for many               real world situations and probability theory can be
       university degrees, such as sciences, engineering,        used to make predictions, identify trends and find
       finance/accounting, computer science and even, in         the hidden evidence in situations. Statistics is the
       some cases, medicine. It is also a subject which is       most widely-used of all mathematical applications.
       viewed favourably by University Admissions Tutors
                                                                                                                          How will I be assessed?                                            Additional Entry Requirements
       for many undergraduate courses.
                                                                                                                          At the end of Year 12 there will be two written examinations;      GCSE Maths: 6
       Beyond and aside from university, mathematics is
                                                                                                                          the pure mathematics exam lasts 2 hours and the statistics and     GCSE English: 4
       valuable employment currency in the ever-
                                                                                                                          mechanics exam lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. The overall result will    Three additional GCSEs, in any subject, at grades 4 or better.
       changing and competitive job market, which can
                                                                                                                          form your AS grade.                                                Please refer to the general entry requirements on page 5.
       set you apart from other candidates. Of course, an
       A-Level in mathematics can also be the perfect          “Mathematics has a                                         At the end of Year 13 there will be three written examinations,    All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS
       preparation for undertaking a degree in                                                                            two in pure mathematics and one in statistics and mechanics,
       mathematics, and would be well-accompanied by
                                                               pervasive influence on                                                                                                        exams at the end of Year 12 and the A-Level exams at the end
                                                                                                                          each lasting 2 hours. The overall result will form your final A-   of Year 13. You will need at least a grade D at AS to succeed
       an A-Level in further mathematics.                      our everyday lives.”                                       Level grade.                                                       on this course in Year 13.

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