Sixth Form Prospectus 2023 - Engage Endeavour - William Hulme's Grammar School
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Sixth Form Prospectus 2023 Engage Endeavour Excel
“Teachers have very strong subject knowledge and
use it to ensure that students progress well.”
Ofsted, May 2019
2
Welcome to WHGS Sixth Form from the Principal - Mr P Mulholland
Thank you for your interest in William Hulme’s Grammar School (WHGS) Sixth Form.
At WHGS, we are committed to giving each and every student a fabulous experience which fully prepares them for life beyond school. We are highly
ambitious for our Sixth Form students and believe every single one has the potential to be exceptional. We are committed to doing whatever we can to help
our students achieve their goals – whatever they may be.
As well as high-quality and engaging lessons taught by well-qualified subject specialists, we make a promise to all
Sixth Form students that they will have:
A designated, fully-equipped Sixth Form Centre with excellent study and social areas;
All lessons taught in small teaching groups allowing teachers to fully support students’ learning;
The opportunity to follow a wide range of enrichment courses from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme
to the Bar Mock Trial and the Model United Nations;
Excellent careers advice and support with university or apprenticeship applications;
Visits to universities and lectures;
Specialist support for early applicant courses such as Law, Medicine and Oxbridge;
One week of high-quality work experience.
We also make a commitment to deliver an Education with Character. This means that beyond the
classroom we seek to help students develop their character and become confident, ambitious
and articulate individuals ready to lead successful and rewarding adult lives. WHGS Sixth
Form is much more than a place to gain qualifications; it is a fun, challenging and exciting
place which seeks to broaden students’ horizons and give them the confidence to
believe anything is possible.
We are a high-achieving and inclusive Sixth Form and all applicants are
welcome. Our enthusiastic and dedicated staff take the time to get to know
each student and support them throughout their time here enabling them to
achieve superb results. We hope that you will want to be part of our growing
success and I look forward to welcoming you in September 2023.
3
Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form - Miss E J Kaufman We are proud to welcome you to WHGS Sixth Form and are delighted that you are considering continuing your education with us. Our aim is to provide an exciting Sixth Form experience where all students can reach their potential and achieve their very best, gaining the skills and experience to lead successful lives. At William Hulme’s we offer the best of both worlds, a professional learning environment that combines traditional academic values as well as modern facilities and a range of exciting opportunities designed for study and personal growth. One of our key values is ambition, and our students share high aspirations for the future. We recognise that all students’ goals are different and so we provide a wide range of academic opportunities and a high-quality curriculum. We have a long-standing record of success and we are very proud of our students’ achievements. However, life here is not just about academic success; we give our students the very best possible experience at WHGS through participation in enrichment activities, which develop a range of skills, personal and leadership qualities vital for accessing top professions in a competitive marketplace. You can look forward to a rich and varied programme of enrichment from completing the Duke of Edinburgh, taking part in Model United Nations and the Bar Mock Trial amongst others. We are always open to students developing societies based on their talents, meaning whatever your interests, we have something for you. With over 200 students, we have the optimum number to offer intensive support in your academic studies and an exclusive programme of enrichment, but also the ability to offer individualised first-rate pastoral care. Our Sixth Form is a diverse and inclusive one, and we pride ourselves on being a close-knit community where all students are valued as individuals. Students quickly forge lasting friendships and new students are quickly welcomed into the school community. We have fantastic facilities at WHGS, which give students their own designated area but also allow them to access the support of the whole school community and house system. We also recognise that the transition to Sixth Form can be a daunting experience and we place, therefore, great emphasis on developing trusted partnerships with students and their families. This ensures the transition is a smooth one and we aim to support you at each stage of your application, as well as in your time at the Sixth Form. I am extremely proud to work at William Hulme’s Sixth Form. For me there is nothing better than seeing young people excel in their A-Levels and go on to lead full and successful lives as citizens of the world. We look forward to welcoming you into the Sixth Form and working with you for the next two years to help you realise your potential and fulfil all your ambitions. 4
The WHGS Sixth Form Centre
Following a huge expansion programme, our Sixth Form Centre building opened in September 2017.
This development has allowed us to establish a dedicated Sixth Form area, with the majority of lessons now taught in one building and
ample private study areas for all our students. Among the excellent new features are a bistro-style café, where
students can buy refreshments, and a soft seating area for students to work in groups and relax between lessons.
The Centre offers our Sixth Form students a comfortable and productive area of their own
in which to study and socialise. Importantly, this means
they can enjoy all the privileges we know young adults
deserve while benefitting from an environment
that emphasises hard work, enterprise and
academic achievement.
“There is a tangible commitment to equality and diversity
in the Sixth Form. Students’ differences are accepted and
celebrated. This is a key strength.”
Ofsted, May 2019
5
Positive relationships between Sixth Form students
and staff, with individualised support
6
Curriculum - A-Levels When Do I Choose My Subjects?
The curriculum in our Sixth Form is designed to allow you to choose from a To help us plan for the next academic year we ask all applicants to make
wide range of subjects. This can promote diversity in terms of your subject provisional subject choices on their application forms, which should be
selections or allow you to specialise. Flexibility is the great strength of our submitted by the closing date in January.
academic provision.
We expect the majority of our Sixth Form Students to follow a programme
starting with three subjects in Year 12 and continuing with these subjects in
Making the Right Choices
Year 13. Sixth Form students will also have the opportunity to broaden their In selecting your subjects please remember that you should choose subjects
learning through the Extended Project Qualification. which:
“The Sixth Form curriculum is well planned and teachers You are good at:
sequence learning effectively. Teachers have very strong
Every A-Level course has its own minimum GCSE grade (please see minimum
subject knowledge and use it to ensure that students’ grade page).
progress well.”
Ofsted, May 2019 You enjoy:
How Do I Choose My Subjects? Subject enjoyment, interest, involvement and examination success go hand
in hand. It is difficult to motivate yourself to do well if you do not enjoy the
subjects you are studying.
We would usually expect you to choose three subjects. Occasionally a fourth
subject may be chosen after discussion with the Head of Sixth Form.
You may need for a certain career or
Details about the option blocks will be available with the application form.
For popular subjects, we are able to offer more than one set, which widens
university course:
the range of combinations available.
Although certain subjects may be very ‘useful’, anything less than a C grade
If your ideal combination of subjects does not fit our option blocks, you in even the most useful subject loses its value very rapidly.
will be able to discuss this with the Head of Sixth Form or a senior teacher
when you come for your course discussion in February. If it is not possible to At the provisional choices stage you are not making any final decisions, and
accommodate your particular combination of subjects we will make every you may change your mind later on. We cannot guarantee to accommodate
effort to assist and advise you. changes of subject but we will always do our best to help and advise you.
7
Student Support and Pastoral Care of support from subject teachers. In addition to this, most subjects provide
after school support sessions to enhance learning.
Pastoral care at WHGS is immediate, personalised and sustained.
Alongside support from teaching staff, we run an Academic Mentoring
We regard ensuring our students’ happiness and well-being as our most scheme that allows students to work with fellow Sixth Form students in a
important responsibility. The role of the Sixth Form tutor is absolutely less formal setting.
essential in this. Students will see their tutor at least once a fortnight and
will have the opportunity for individual interviews on a regular basis. Miss
Kaufman (Head of Sixth Form) and Miss Smith (Deputy Head of Sixth Form), Academic Monitoring
both work closely with Tutors and Heads of Year, to ensure that students
maximise the opportunities available to make the most of their talents and We take our responsibility of providing the best educational experience for
realise their ambitions. our Sixth Form students very seriously, and part of that is monitoring the
academic performance of individual students. This is done regularly and
A-Level Study involves collaboration with teaching staff and, where necessary, parents
or carers.
A-Levels are academic qualifications that require a rigorous approach no
matter where they are taken. At WHGS, you will be expected to commit to As well as Form Tutors, there is a Director of Progress and two Heads of Year
your studies both in and out of the classroom. in the Sixth Form with specific responsibility for providing academic support
for students. This is available in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere
Each subject in the Sixth Form is allocated 10 hours of teaching time over a that is designed to get the best out of our students.
two week period. In addition to contact time, you will be expected to work
during private study periods in the Sixth Form Centre, the Learning Resource
Centre or other free classrooms.
In-Class Support
Independent learning is a key ingredient to success at A-Level, and you will As we are a 3 - 18 school, we are very lucky to have a Primary Phase on
be set challenging homework tasks designed to supplement and extend the site that enables Sixth Form students to offer in-class support to primary
learning that takes place in the classroom. If you want to be a successful teachers. Furthermore, we also run a reading support scheme, whereby Sixth
A-Level student, you should expect to complete one hour of private study Form students help develop the reading skills of Year 7 transition students.
for every hour spent in the classroom for each subject.
“Students’ rates of attendance are good. There is a three-
Academic Support year upward trend because leaders effectively ensure that
We provide a wide range of academic support to ensure that students are
students are in school to learn. Safeguarding procedures
making the most of their time in the Sixth Form. At WHGS you can expect to are highly effective.”
be in classes that are smaller than Sixth Form colleges, thus receiving plenty Ofsted, May 2019
8
Access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities,
including a place for every Sixth Form student on the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
9
Early Applicants Support Prefects / Leadership
A number of our Year 12 students decide that they would like to make All Sixth Form students are invited to apply for the positions of Heads of
an application in Year 13 through UCAS to study Medicine, Dentistry or School and Prefects. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop
Veterinary Science. Some students who expect to achieve high A-Level leadership and other essential skills. Heads of School and Prefects are
grades also aspire to make an application to the Universities of Oxford given significant responsibility within the school.
or Cambridge. As these applications are made before the usual UCAS
closure dates, these students are known as Early Applicants.
Peer Mentoring
At WHGS, we have a robust programme of support in place for these
students who will require specialist knowledge and advice in order to make Sixth Form students have the chance to develop and demonstrate so-called
a competitive application. Leading the programme, we have a dedicated soft skills, such as empathy and patience through our peer mentoring
member of staff who can provide individual support for each student. This programme. This enables Sixth Form students to give something back to
is a huge advantage, because this person will get to know you well over the school and have a real impact on the lives of our younger students.
time and tailor the support you receive to your own personal requirements.
We are also part of the Cambridge HE+ Outreach Programme and can
Bar Mock Trial
offer residential Oxbridge visits and academic connections. In addition, Every year, Sixth Form students from WHGS take part in the Bar Mock
we have excellent connections with Nuffield Research Placements, Sutton Trial. This is a competition held at the Crown Courts in central Manchester.
Trust, Social Mobility Foundation, Manchester Medical School and with During the competition, students take on a variety of roles in a mock trial
several other very useful organisations who offer fantastic development performed in front of a real judge. In the weeks prior to the competition,
opportunities for our students to enable them to make the best possible practising barristers come in to school to offer support and advice to
application they can in a very competitive environment. participants.
Curriculum Enrichment Sport
As well as taking A-Levels, Sixth Form students can opt for the Extended There are many sporting opportunities in the Sixth Form. Alongside House
Project Qualification. This is a guided learning qualification that is highly competitions in games, there are numerous sports teams that compete
regarded by universities. Students complete a 5000 word project on a against other schools and colleges.
topic of their own choice.
10Enrichment and Extra-Curricular D of E
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award aims to provide for young people an
Sixth Form students are role models for the rest of the school. Our focus
enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development,
is on developing well-rounded individuals as well as achieving academic
which is of the highest quality and challenges each enrolled student fully.
results, so we encourage all our students to take part in a range of activities
We are able to offer students the opportunity to achieve their Bronze or
which help them grow into confident, independent young adults. We
Silver Awards.
have an extensive volunteering programme that allows all our students to
develop the skills required to meet their career needs.
Charities
Clubs and Societies WHGS has played an important role in Manchester life for over 100 years
and we are proud to continue this tradition through fundraising, work
Below are some of the activities currently available that Sixth Form students experience and welcoming community groups to the academy. Throughout
can become involved with: the year, our students raise thousands of pounds for local charities.
Amnesty International Maths Support Sixth Form Centre / School Campus
Athletics MFL Club
The Sixth Form Centre, with its own café, is a friendly, welcoming place to
Badminton Music be. It is the focal point for social activity and is a place where students can
Book Craft Club Muslim Prayers either work or relax and chat to friends. The atmosphere is good humoured
Chess Open Sport and dynamic. Sixth Form students also have access to the wider resources
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Peer Mentoring of the school. These include a well-stocked Learning Resource Centre and
state-of-the-art ICT equipment, including an interactive whiteboard in every
Computing Poetry Society
classroom, which is used to enhance teaching and learning.
Creative Writing Psychology Support
Cricket Science Support Students also have access to a vast amount of literature and relevant web
sites to help them with their University applications. There is a great deal
Dance Sociology Support of information about Gap Year opportunities. Experienced tutors can offer
Design and Technology Club Table Tennis advice and support through the University application process.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Tennis We encourage all students to stay fit while they are studying. On a weekly
Fitness Sessions Ukulele Orchestra basis all students may take part in games and fitness activities. We have
Football Weights/Gym something to suit everyone, including a sports centre and the school’s well
equipped gym. Furthermore, there are 10 acres of sports fields on site,
including all weather pitches.
11Achievements
If you choose to come to WHGS, you will be working alongside a team of
teachers and students who aspire to achieving the best. We are proud of the
achievements of our young adults, which, as you can see below, compare
favourably with many other Sixth Form schools and colleges.
A-Level Results 2019
99% A* - E Grades
71% A* - C Grades
44% A* - B Grades
In addition to outstanding grades, the A-Level progress at WHGS in 2019
was the highest in Manchester of the non-independent Sixth Form schools
and colleges.
“Across all courses, current students make good progress
from their starting points because of good-quality teaching.”
Ofsted, May 2019
Welcome to the Old Hulmeians
The Old Hulmeians’ Association (OHA) is a committee of volunteers which
helps all former pupils and staff of William Hulme’s Grammar School
reconnect. They meet regularly to organise annual events including an Annual
Dinner every June at the school.
“The Sixth Form has amazing
The current annual fee is £15 and offers the following benefits: support from the teachers so
An annual, high quality, printed newsletter
Sports sections such as golf and cross-country running (lacrosse is I always felt I could ask for
available at Brooklands Sports Club, Sale)
Use of the OH Memorial Ground playing fields in Whalley Range and the help in my subjects.”
Whalley Range Cricket Club facilities
A lifelong connection with the school Student Voice
12Destination of Leavers 2021
The vast majority of our Sixth Form students progress to Higher Education. The table below shows you where our 2021 Leavers went and the courses they chose:
Institution Degree Subject University of Central Medical sciences (Foundation entry)
Aston University, Birmingham International Business and Economics Lancashire Pharmacy
Cardiff University Applied Software Engineering University of Chester Sociology
Pharmacy University of Keele Economics
Keele University Psychology University of Leeds Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
Manchester Metropolitan Accounting and Finance University of Leicester Pharmaceutical Chemistry
University Biology (Single Honours) University of Liverpool Architecture
Biomedical Science University of Manchester Accounting
Business Management Artificial Intelligence
Criminology (foundation) Chemical Engineering with Industrial
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Experience
International Business Management Civil Engineering
Law Computer Science and Mathematics
Primary Education with QTS English Literature and History
Psychology Law
Software Engineering Law with Criminology
Nazarene Theological College Theology (Practical Theology) Pharmacy with a Foundation Year
Nottingham Trent University Biomedical Sciences Physics
Royal Holloway, University of Law Psychology
London University of Nottingham Medicine with a Foundation Year at
Sheffield Hallam University Biomedical Sciences with Foundation Lincoln
Year University of Oxford Medicine
Swansea University Law University of Plymouth Diagnostic Radiography
The University of Law Law with Criminology Optometry
UCL (University College Economics with a Placement Year University of Salford Mechanical Engineering with
London) Foundation Year
University of Bradford Clinical Sciences/Medicine Foundation University of Wolverhampton Pharmacy
University of Cambridge Engineering
13Tuba, Anna, Livingston and Tanweer were our Heads of seeing our students get together in large events, like our leavers
School in 2021/22. Below are their reflections on their celebrations, or in a casual football game, it was always clear that
Sixth Form experience. the college fostered friendships that will last a life time.”
Anna
“As a student who stayed on from the Secondary School, there
were a lot of aspects of the Sixth Form that drew me towards “WHGS Sixth Form prides itself on its balance between academic
it. First and foremost, the small class sizes appealed to me the and social life. The small classes helped ensure that every student
most, as I knew the A-Levels I was going to take were going to gets the right amount of support effectively. This also meant that
be challenging. Smaller class sizes meant I was able to have more no lesson time was wasted, and each lesson was tailored to meet
one-on-one support with teachers within class time. If I could not individual needs
get enough help in class, there were weekly support sessions on
The Sixth Form has a great social atmosphere and has many House
various subjects, such as the sciences and maths, with amazing
activities to get everyone involved and make your time at the
teachers always there to help you.
Sixth Form enjoyable. The students are friendly and very helpful.
This was quite significant due to the rocky start we had to Year 12, The teachers and students come together to create a wonderful
due to us not sitting our GCSEs and having multiple lockdowns community in which you can ensure that you will be ready for the
throughout the year. These lockdowns severely hindered the way future.”
we would address our UCAS applications, as we could not do many Livingston
‘in person’ events. Yet, the school did everything they possibly
“Deciding to stay at WHGS’s Sixth Form made it possible for me to
could; providing us with webinars, PowerPoints and extra teacher
finally achieve my role as a Head of School, as I had always hoped
support to get us through our applications with no problems. The
for. This came with various responsibilities, but what I enjoyed
school had excellent support for early applicant students aiming to
most was enriching and organising the extracurricular activities
apply for medicine, dentistry and Oxbridge, with teachers providing
in our Sixth Form community. Students were able to partake in
important information, tips and taking us through mock interviews
various House sports competitions every fortnight, such as Netball,
to give us the best chance we could have.
Dodgeball, Basketball and Football. As a competitive Leader of my
You may find it daunting starting college but here at the Sixth House, I always made sure as many students were involved and
Form, teachers and students have always been super friendly and strived to win the competitions for our House. We believe that this
it has been an enjoyable experience.” is as important as our academics, and not only to relieve stress,
Tuba but by engaging with students you do not usually talk to; it creates
better connections and friendships within our community.
“Throughout my studies at WHGS, I’ve always felt strongly
supported both in academics and in pastoral care, which is As well as this, we have a variety of other extracurricular
what makes the college so special. I think the staff’s care for opportunities, including the Bar Mock Trial, Model United Nations,
the wellbeing of the students is what has allowed us to be so National Science competitions, Combined Cadet Force and even
successful. Being a Head of School I got to experience the amazing the chance to take part in School Shows and Music Festivals. All
sense of community our college has first-hand, whether it was of this will give you extra experience on UCAS forms and allows
14for individuals to strengthen bonds between students and teachers, which As well as providing advice on the UCAS application process, we offer a
adds to the quality of the UCAS references by teachers. Compared to the range of activities and events to highlight employment opportunities and
large colleges, our smaller classes also help strengthen the bonds through enhance employability skills, including an individual careers interview for
effective one to one support for individuals, and closer communication with each Sixth Form student.
your teachers. The option for this extra support means better outcomes for
success and the grades you want to achieve; alongside the fun and enjoyment
you will experience as part of the Sixth Form community.”
Entry Requirements
Tanweer
Entry into the Sixth Form requires six passes at GCSE Level (Grades 9-5)
including English and at least a Grade 4 in Maths. A GCSE Grade 6 is required
Planning Beyond Sixth Form in a subject if you would like to continue it at A-Level, but a high Grade 5 will
be considered (from Higher Tier examinations only if applicable). Please note
By the end of their studies, a very high proportion of our students progress that Mathematics requires a Grade 7 (a high Grade 6 will be considered) and
onto university courses. The school has excellent links with professional Further Maths also requires a GCSE Grade 7. Please refer to the list on page
bodies and Higher Education establishments to help students make the right 18 showing details of individual course requirements.
choices for the future.
In September 2023, there will be 120 places available overall in Year 12.
Our curriculum allows for flexibility in subject choice, and whilst some students
may select complementary subjects (eg. Maths, Physics and Chemistry), All students, both internal and external, are required to complete an
others may wish to mix complementary and contrasting disciplines (eg. application form, which can be collected from the school or downloaded
Physics, Maths and French). Selecting a contrasting subject can be beneficial from our website.
in that it may demonstrate a wide range of skills and abilities to a potential
university or employer. It is worth thinking ahead to what you might want to Internal Candidates
study at university and ensure that your subject combination will enable you
to meet the requirements of the degree courses in which you are interested. Students who are already on roll at WHGS are entitled to transfer into the
We provide a full programme of support for students who apply to Higher Sixth Form provided that they meet the minimum standards for entry. All
Education institutions through UCAS, including specialist advice from staff students will be offered a course discussion to help them to make the right
within school and visiting speakers. We are able to provide interview practice choices.
for all students should this be required, but in particular those who are
applying for courses such as medicine and dentistry. Internal transfer forms should be returned to the Sixth Form Secretary in the
school office by 6 January 2023 in order to help us determine the number
WHGS also enjoys strong links with Oxbridge colleges, and we are able to of places available for external candidates. Transfer forms received after this
organise trips outside of formal open days, thus allowing students to see date will still be accepted, but subject choices may be more limited because
colleges in their true light. some courses may already be full. Offers of places will be conditional upon
minimum entry requirements being achieved.
15External Candidates
Important Dates
Students who do not yet attend WHGS should submit an external application
form as soon as possible. The closing date for receipt of these is 6 January Options/Open Evening Thursday 20 October 2022
2023. However, late applications will be considered if places are still Closing Date for Forms to be Submitted Friday 6 January 2023
available, although subject choices may be limited because some courses Course Discussions/Applicant Evening February/March 2023
may already be full.
Taster Day July 2023
Those candidates whose predicted GCSE grades meet the minimum level Conditional Offer Letters Spring Term 2023
required will be made a provisional offer. Offers of places will be conditional GCSE Results Day and Enrolment To be confirmed
upon minimum entry requirements being achieved. In the event that a
particular course is oversubscribed, places will be allocated according to the
admissions criteria agreed with the DfE. Under the School Standards and
Framework Act 1998, parents or students have the right to appeal to an
independent appeals panel against the decision of an admissions authority
not to offer a place at a particular school. Timetable for Sixth Form Provisional
Late Applications Offers
A limited number of places may become available in late August 2023.
Closing Date for Applications Friday 6 January 2023
Please contact the Sixth Form Secretary then if you are still looking for a
place in the Sixth Form after 24 August 2023. Year 11 Course Discussions February/March 2023
External Students Applicant
March 2023
Evening
All Provisional Offers Sent April 2023
Deadline for Acceptance of This date will be provided on your
Provisional Offers Provisional Offer Letter
This date will be provided on your
Changes to Course Choices
Provisional Offer Letter
GCSE Results Published To be confirmed
Deadline for Notifying WHGS of
To be confirmed
GCSE Results
Term Begins - Year 12 September 2023
16Course Index
Art German
Biology History
Business Law
Chemistry Mathematics
Computer Science Music
Design Technology Photography
Economics Physics
English Language Politics
English Literature Psychology
“The quality of teaching is high Film Studies Religious Studies
and the class sizes are small, French Sociology
which allows teachers to work Geography Spanish
closely with each student.”
Student Voice
17List of A-Levels Available and Entry Requirements for Each Subject
Art and GCSE Grade 6 if taken (a high Grade 5 will be considered) Geography GCSE Grade 6 required in Geography if taken (a high Grade
Design 5 will be considered) or Grade 5 in English
Biology GCSE Grades 6 - 6 required in Combined Science or GCSE German GCSE Grade 6 required (a high Grade 5 will be considered)
Grades 6 and 6 in Biology and at least one other science. History GCSE Grade 6 required in History if taken (a high Grade 5
To do more than one science a GCSE Grade 7 is highly will be considered) or Grade 5 in English
recommended in at least one science. A GCSE Grade 6 in Law GCSE Grade 5 in English or Grade 6 in History (a high
Maths is required. Grade 5 in History will be considered)
Business GCSE Grade 6 in Business Studies if taken (a high Grade 5 Mathematics GCSE Grade 7 highly recommended, but a high Grade 6 will
Studies will be considered) or Grade 5 in English. be considered
Chemistry GCSE Grades 6 - 6 required in Combined Science or GCSE Music GCSE Grade 5 in Music or BTEC Music Technology. Grade 4
Grades 6 and 6 in Chemistry and at least one other science. or above on your principal instrument/voice
To do more than one science a GCSE Grade 7 is highly
Photography GCSE Grade 5 or above in Art or Photography
recommended in at least one science. A GCSE Grade 6 in
Maths is required. Physics GCSE Grades 6 - 6 required in Combined Science or GCSE
Grades 6 and 6 in Physics and at least one other science.
Computer GCSE Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 6 in Computing if taken
To do more than one science a GCSE Grade 7 is highly
Science (a high Grade 5 in Computing will be considered)
recommended in at least one science. A GCSE Grade 6 in
Design and GCSE Grade 5 in one of the Design Technology subject Maths is required.
Technology areas
Politics GCSE Grade 5 required in English
Economics GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics and Grade 5 in English
Psychology GCSE Grade 5 in a science or 5-5 in combined science and
English GCSE Grade 6 required (a high Grade 5 will be considered) Grade 5 in English
Language
Religious GCSE Grade 6 required in Religious Studies if taken (a high
English GCSE Grade 6 required (a high Grade 5 will be considered) Studies Grade 5 will be considered) or Grade 5 in English
Literature
Sociology GCSE Grade 5 in English
Film Studies GCSE Grade 6 required in English Language or Literature (a
Spanish GCSE Grade 6 required (a high Grade 5 will be considered)
high Grade 5 will be considered)
L3 Core GCSE Grade 5 in Mathematics
French GCSE Grade 6 required (a high Grade 5 will be considered)
Maths
Further Maths GCSE Grade 7 required in Mathematics
Subjects will be offered subject to demand.
18Art Additional information
This course is suitable for:
Which exam board?
Students who wish to undertake further studies in art, craft and design,
AQA (www.aqa.org.uk) usually at art college or further education.
Students who are looking to take up careers for which an art background
What will I study? is relevant. These might include advertising, publishing, architecture,
The main purpose of any course in art, craft and design is to develop your museums, theatre or art gallery work.
ability to appreciate the visual world, respond in a personal and creative way Students who have an interest in and aptitude for the subject, but who
and perhaps even contribute for the benefit of everyone. do not intend to take the subject beyond AS or A-Level.
Students who take this course will develop their photography skills, visit
The skills you develop will be varied. Among them, you will develop a galleries and explore digital media.
working knowledge of materials, practices and technology within art. You
will develop the skills to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings using
art, craft and design. You will develop your imaginative and creative powers
and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills. You will also
develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of
the place of art, craft and design in history and in contemporary society.
A broad-based course exploring practical and critical/contextual work through
a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and media, including photography. There
are two components including Component One 60%: Personal Investigation
and Component Two 40%: 15 hour externally set practical exam. Students
are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept
or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must
be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished
outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. In the 15 hour exam
students must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished
outcomes, informed by their preparatory work.
19Biology Business Studies
Which exam board? Which exam board?
AQA (www.aqa.org.uk) AQA (www.aqa.org.uk)
What will I study? What will I study?
Biology at WHGS is taught during six 100 minute lessons per two-week timetable Year 1 Specification:
cycle, by two different teachers. Lessons are taught between three fully equipped 1. What is business?
laboratories and two standard classrooms. The content is taught by five specialist 2. Managers, leadership and decision making
Biology teachers in three fully equipped laboratories. 3. Decision making to improve marketing performance
4. Decision making to improve operational performance
The A-Level in Biology at WHGS follows the two-year linear format. The course 5. Decision making to improve financial performance
comprises eight topics; four in each year. There is also a series of twelve assessed 6. Decision making to improve human resource performance
practicals, in addition to other practicals, which take place throughout the two
years. There will be questions about these practicals in the internal assessments Year 2 Specification:
and external examinations. The external examinations are sat at the end of Year 1. Analysing the strategic position of a business
13, but internal assessments occur at the end of topics and at the end of Year 12. 2. Choosing strategic direction
3. Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
Year 12
4. Managing strategic change
Unit 1 – Biological molecules
Unit 2 – Cells
Additional information
Unit 3 – Organisms and their environment
Unit 4 – Genetics and variation This course is very popular and will give you an insight into how
businesses operate. It is excellent preparation for anyone seeking to
Year 13
pursue business related courses in Higher Education and those who may
Unit 5 – Energy transfers within and between organisms
be aiming to run a business of their own.
Unit 6 – Organisms and changes in environments
Unit 7 – Genetics, populations and ecosystems
Unit 8 – Control of gene expression
Additional information
Students who wish to study courses such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacology,
life sciences, environmental sciences and many others at university will find that
A-Level Biology is often specified as a required subject at A-Level.
20“Students have access to a wide
range of enrichment activities.”
Ofsted, May 2019
21Chemistry Computer Science
Which exam board? Which exam board?
AQA (www.aqa.org.uk) OCR (www.ocr.org.uk)
How is the course structured? What will I study?
The A-Level course is a linear qualification. This means you will sit all the There are three strands to the course, Systems, Algorithms and the Project.
exams at the end of your A-Level course (2 years).
Component 01: Computer Systems
What will I study? The foundations and implications of Computer Science including:
In both years of study the subject content will be split into the traditional • Hardware: the CPU, input, output and storage devices
branches of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry and will expand • Software and the “agile” development method
on many topics you have covered at GCSE and then cover more complex
• Networks, compression, cybersecurity and encryption
chemistry which will prepare you for further study at university.
• Data types and data structures from binary to stacks, queues and
Who takes this course? graphs
Students with a wide range of interests enjoy the chemistry course and it is • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues such as Artificial
seen by universities as a facilitating subject for many degree courses. Whether Intelligence, eWaste and software piracy
you want a job in chemistry itself, dentistry, medicine, the pharmaceutical Component 02: Algorithms and Programming
industry or finance, chemistry is the solid platform upon which careers are This builds on component 01 to include computational thinking and
built. problem-solving. It covers:
• Thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally, logically
Where will success take me? and concurrently
Over the past few years our chemistry students have gone on to study a • Solving problems with programs in Python, JavaScript and C#
variety of degrees at university such as pharmacy, dentistry, environmental • Modular programming, recursion, Object-Oriented Programming
health, biomedical science, veterinary medicine, chemical engineering and and GUIs
aerospace engineering.
• Computational methods including data mining, backtracking and
decision-making with heuristics
• Standard Algorithms including binary search, tree traversal, quick
sort and Dijkstra’s shortest path
22 Component 03: Programming Project
You will apply your skills to a practical programming project where you
Design Technology - Product Design
will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program
written in Python, or one of four other languages. Many students create Which exam board?
games, others create practical applications for healthcare, education AQA (www.aqa.org.uk)
or the arts. Advanced programmers may use simple game engines like
Defold. This unit is worth 20% of the overall grade. What will I study?
In Year 12 all lessons will be linked to exam theory with many practical mini
Additional information projects done to top up practical skills. 3D software is taught and students get
We also offer the CyberEPQ from the Chartered Institute of Information to use the laser cutter and 3D printer. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) will be
Security, an extended project qualification equivalent to half an A-Level, introduced around Easter time and you will develop a specific brief that meets
which you can study in Year 12 alongside Computer Science. You will the needs of a user, client or market. The brief must be of an appropriate level of
learn about Cybersecurity by completing online study, supervised by your complexity and contain a degree of uncertainty of the outcome so that you can
Computer Science teacher, then do some independent research and present engage in an iterative process of designing, making, testing and evaluating.
it to the class for up to 28 UCAS points. You will produce a final prototype based on the design brief you have
developed, along with a digital design portfolio, which needs to be; an
Links with the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, individual project with genuine real life opportunities for a chosen client.
Manchester Digital and the STEM organisation allow us to provide many
enrichment experiences. Recent events have included an intensive full web In Year 13 work will continue on the NEA portfolio including research,
stack development programme in 2021, and a robotics day at PwC’s offices design, modelling, prototyping, testing and evaluating. Exam theory will still
in Spinningfields in 2019. continue throughout the year.
Many alumni have gone on to top jobs in the technology industry including Additional information
positions with PwC and ARM. The A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design specification has
been designed to encourage you to take a broad view of design and
A GCSE in Computer Science would be helpful but not essential. Strong technology, to develop your capacity to design and make products
mathematical ability evidenced by a good GCSE or equivalent in Mathematics and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials,
is essential. manufacture and marketing.
In order to succeed in Design and Technology, students must be independent
learners and be able to work on projects inside and outside of the classroom.
23Economics
Which exam board?
AQA (www.aqa.org.uk)
What will I study?
Subject content:
Individuals, firms, markets and market failure
Economic methodology and the economic problem
Individual economic decision making
Price determination in a competitive market
Production, costs and revenue
Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
The labour market
The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality
The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in
markets
The national and international economy
The measurement of macroeconomic performance
How the macroeconomy works : the circular flow of income, AD/AS
analysis, and related concepts
Economic performance
Financial markets and monetary policy
Maream Abdelwahab Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
The international economy
Continuing at WHGS was one of my best decisions. I chose difficult
and demanding subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics)
Additional information
and I knew I would need a lot of support to help me overachieve
in them, hence why I chose to stay at WHGS. The environment and A-Level Economics will give you an excellent understanding of how economies
teachers are very friendly and encouraging. The Sixth Form has small allocate their scarce resources to meet the needs and wants of people in the
classes, therefore, the teachers can focus and support all the students. economy.
24You will develop an understanding of the economic problems which face
individuals, firms and governments on a local, national and global level and
English Language
the alternative ways these problems can be resolved.
Which exam board?
You will investigate microeconomic topics such as how individual decisions AQA (www.aqa.org.uk)
impact economic outcomes, the importance of competition,how markets
operate and why they fail and how the distribution of income and wealth What will I study?
is affected. You will also learn about macroeconomics, looking at the ‘big AQA A-Level English Language specification offers opportunities for students
picture’ of how our national economy fits into the global context, the global to develop their subject expertise by engaging creatively and critically with a
impact of financial markets and monetary policy and the operation of the wide range of texts and discourses.
international economy.
Students will create texts and reflect critically on their own processes of
production, while analysing the texts produced by others. The specification
explores the study of English language both as a medium of communication
and as a topic in its own right, with an emphasis on the ability of students
to pursue lines of enquiry, debate different views, and work independently
to research aspects of language in use.
Language is seen as a creative tool for expression and social connection, as
well as for individual cognition. The study of language as a symbolic system
used to assert power in society is also fundamental to the scope of this
specification.
The topics and titles of the subject content reflect a possible trajectory
through the course, with ‘Language, the individual and society’ focusing
on individual and immediate social contexts for language, and ‘Language
diversity and change’ working outwards to consider larger-scale public
discourses about change and variety, drawing on regional, ethnic, national
and global Englishes.
25English Literature received over time and contexts to do with how the text can be interpreted
by readers now. Looking at texts as generic works involves connecting
individual texts with others, as the whole idea of genre is a connective one.
Which exam board? Finally, because genres and their qualities are not fixed, this means that
AQA (www.aqa.org.uk) interpretation is not fixed, and that multiple interpretations are possible.
What will I study? This specification reflects the belief that the assessment objectives (AOs)
This specification has a distinct philosophy which centres on different ways of work best together, producing a rounded and holistic view of English
reading and on the connections which exist between texts. Study of texts is literature. Thus all five AOs are assessed in each question. These are:
enhanced by the study of critical theory in the non-exam assessment. In this
way, students can gain a solid understanding of how texts can be connected AO1: Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary
and how they can be interpreted in multiple ways so that students can arrive texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent,
at their own interpretations and become confident readers. Students are accurate written expression.
equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for both exams and non- AO2: Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts.
exam assessment. AO3: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of
the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
The specification encourages the exploration of texts in a number of different AO4: Explore connections across literary texts.
ways: AO5: Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations
the study of texts within specific genres
the study of texts through engagement with a range of theoretical ideas
writing about texts in a number of different ways.
Genre study is at the heart of English Literature B and the four broad genres
available for study are tragedy, comedy, crime writing and political and
social protest writing. The texts offered are not necessarily classic examples
of established genres and this is reflected in the modifying words ‘aspects of’
and ‘elements of’. Indeed, the specification takes into account the fact that
writers often subvert the genre in which they are writing.
Working with genre involves looking at ways in which authors shape
meanings within their texts. It also involves thinking about a wide range of
relevant contexts, some of them to do with the production of the text at the
time of its writing, some (where possible) to do with how the text has been
26Film Studies Almira Sheikh
A few factors played into my decision to stay at William Hulme’s for
Which exam board? Sixth Form, one example is the smaller class sizes. This meant my
Eduqas (www.eduqas.co.uk) teachers were able to help and support me more with any questions
and concerns I had related to the work. Another is that my UCAS
What will I study? references were tailored more towards me due to my teachers
Within your first year studying Eduqas Film Studies A-Level, you cover the knowing the type of person I have been since High School.
following topics:
Hollywood 1930-1990
American Independent Film
British Film
European Film
Film Production
A-Level students will also study:
Global Film
Documentary
Silent Film
Experimental Film
Short Film
You will study the key elements of film form including cinematography,
mise en scène, editing, sound and performance. You will also study the
contexts of your chosen films and what was happening when the film was
made.
What can the film tell us about history and society at that time? You will
study the films in terms of the representations they present or challenge. The support I have received from staff has helped me to do well in my
Students study the specialist film areas of Spectatorship & Narrative chosen subjects. The atmosphere is calming and welcoming, which is
and engage in the study of Ideology, the Auteur and Critical Debates much needed to help adjust with the jump from High School to Sixth
surrounding Film. Form.
27Dedicated Sixth Form Centre with café facilities 28
Additional information sought after transferable skill in both employment and further study.
Universities don’t see Film as a viable entry qualification
Studying Film: The Myths Versus the Facts
The study of film is highly regarded. Film Studies has been an academic
discipline within universities for over 50 years and is regarded as an academic
You just sit around watching films
subject in its own right. Oxford and Cambridge are now offering Masters
There is so much more to Film Studies than simply watching films. When
and PHD courses in Film Studies and Screen Arts. Russell Group universities
watching a film, we might regard it as relaxation or escapism. However,
accept Film Studies as an appropriate A-Level qualification when prospective
the in-depth study of film involves coming from a very different starting
students apply to study a humanities or arts related discipline.
point. As well as gaining an appreciation of film as an art form in terms
of its visual storytelling, studying film can enhance your understanding of
There are no jobs in Film
the world in terms of competing values, attitudes and beliefs. Our course
Film is one of the most relevant subjects today.
also incorporates a creative production element where you will be able to
put what you have learnt into practice by making a short film or writing a
Did you know that every nine days, as much moving image is uploaded to
screenplay.
YouTube as the BBC has broadcast in its entire history? Employment in the
screen industries has grown by over 20% since 2009 and will substantially
Film Studies is easy
outpace the economy wide increase of 3% if the skills shortages in this
Film Studies is an extremely enjoyable and worthwhile subject to study, but
area are fulfilled. Career paths for students of Film may, of course, include
expect to be constantly challenged and excited by the course. Not only will
practical avenues such as Film-Making, Directing, Producing and Editing but
it change the way you watch film, but more importantly it will challenge you
a qualification in Film Studies also allows you to move into more theoretical
to think in new ways and question or change your perspective on a whole
pathways such as Film Criticism, Journalism, Teaching and Education.
host of issues, for example, representation of race or gender. Studying film
allows you to understand important issues and developments within history,
How will I be assessed?
society and culture, using film as the medium with which to gain a greater
insight into these areas.
There are 2 exams, each worth 35%, and a 30% assessment of production
work.
From Silent Cinema to Contemporary Hollywood, the films on our specification
have great critical reputations. They are films of depth and substance which
The exams at A-Level are 150 minutes long and consist of answering 3
have been purposefully chosen to offer rich and interesting analysis. They
extended response questions on Component 1 and 4 extended response
represent different time periods and different moments in history showing
questions on Component 2.
alternative representations of culture and people.
In addition, the development of deeper critical and creative thinking gained
by studying film can enhance many different career paths and is a much
29Creative Production
There is a creative production element which allows you to showcase the
French
film-making or screenwriting skills you have developed during the course:
Which exam board?
Short Film (video) AQA (www.aqa.org.uk)
Short Film Screenplay (with storyboard)
Evaluative Analysis What will I study?
Social issues and trends
What skills will I develop? • Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
Studying Film enables you to see the world in a different light and develop a • Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
wide range of transferable skills for further education, work and life: Political and artistic culture
• Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
Creative Thinking • Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
Critical Thinking
Literary texts and films
Emotional Intelligence
Film Analysis Individual research project
Textual Analysis • a topic of interest chosen by the student
Communication Grammar
Research skills
Literacy Additional information
Technical competencies (i.e. film editing) In Year 12 students are guided carefully through the transition from GCSE
to A-Level and they are encouraged to adopt a much more independent
Students of Film Studies are the students of the future, gaining the skills approach towards their studies. In Year 13 students develop critical insights
needed to develop successful careers and great academic minds. into the contemporary society and culture of countries where French is
spoken. The development of these skills, together with their knowledge
and understanding of the structure of the language, lay foundations for the
future study of French or of other languages at University.
30Geography Physical Geography (paper 1) Human Geography (paper 2)
Year 12: Water and Carbon cycles; Year 12: Contemporary Urban
Which exam board? Hazards Environments, Changing Places
AQA (www.aqa.org.uk) Year 13: Glacial Systems and Year 13: Global Systems and
Landscapes Governance
What will I study?
The core Physical Geography is built around two main topics, Physical
Landscape Systems and the Water and Carbon cycles. Carbon and water
cycles focus on the inter-relationships between the land, oceans and
atmosphere.
Students also explore one chosen landscape from three options: coastal
landscapes, glaciated landscapes and hot desert landscapes - most likely
to be glaciers - in a systems framework. The choice of a physical option lies
between the study of hazards and ecosystems.
In Human Geography, compulsory core units on Global systems and Global
Governance, and Changing Places are undertaken. The Human Options are
urban environments, population and the environment and resource security.
In each of the options we consider human-physical interactions.
The Non Examined Assessment (NEA) of our studies refers to the completion
of a 3000-4000 word long Fieldwork Enquiry in Y13. There must be an
element of individuality within the work -all students will be involved in
setting the plan for their work and own title. The work will be marked by
teachers and moderated by exam boards, similar to the arrangements which
existed for GCSE Controlled Assessment
In year 12 two topics from each paper will be studied, and the remaining
topic and NEA will be completed through Year 13.
31You can also read
