Harris Academy Bermondsey - P16 Course Guide 2022

Courseguide

Guidance

Choosing the courses you want to study at sixth form is both exciting and important; getting it right will enable you to gain the appropriate qualifications required to take up a place at the university or employer of your choice. Our subject offer is based on the qualifications that will help you build up a portfolio to move on to university, Higher Level Apprenticeships or employment. This means that from the list, you are choosing the subjects that will prepare you for the next stages in your life. Some degrees (for example Medicine) have strict requirements that you should bear in mind when making your choices. Some degree subjects are less prescriptive in what they want you to study. Specific advice will be available at our Open Evening.

Our Extended Projects will help you balance the desire to test out subjects that sound exciting whilst ensuring that the qualifications you study are both valued by universities and employers and give you the widest variety of options for the future. You will be mentored by a supervisor throughout the project and your Extended Project will be an ideal talking point at university and employment interviews.

The entrance requirements for courses at HAB6 are:

4 A Levels: - 5 9-7 grades at full course GCSE subjects in addition to a minimum of ‘6’ in both English and Mathematics GCSE

Minimum of grade 6 at GCSE in the subjects you are wishing to study at A level

3 A levels: 3 9-6 grades at full course GCSE subjects in addition to a minimum of ‘5’ in both English and Mathematics GCSE

Minimum of 6 grades at GCSE in the subjects you are wishing to study at A Level

CTEC +1 A Level: 3 9-6 grades at full course GCSE in addition to a minimum of ‘5’ in English and Mathematics GCSE.

Minimum of 6 grades at GCSE in the subjects you are wishing to study at A Level

CTEC only: 5 9-4 grades at full course GCSE

Minimum of ‘4’ in English and/or Mathematics GCSE

Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification is equivalent to half an A-Level and provides students with an opportunity to develop their extended writing and research skills which are considered extremely valuable by top performing universities. Students particularly enjoy this qualification as it provides them with an opportunity to research in-depth an area that is of interest to them. At HAB6 if you choose to complete an EPQ you will be provided with a supervisor who will help guide you through the project and will receive teaching by top academics facilitated through ‘Off the Curriculum’ and will participate in lessons taught by Southampton University.

Below are some of the areas students have previously investigated when completing the Extended Project Qualification.

Psychology

Students interested in Psychology and how to analyse experiments can get experience in this field by taking part in the Extended Project. Students will be looking at analysing the difference in memory recall of different ages of women, looking for trends and using data to form conclusions.

Computer Science

You could become a part of the Raspberry Pi revolution, learning programming skills and developing a project that interests you. It might be a project synchronising a lighting show to music or developing your own computer game. Whatever you do you will certainly have a lot to talk about at interview and may even discover a lifelong interest.

Statistics

When choosing a statistics project the potential is huge. Students may either focus within mathematics itself, if students are keen to study Maths at University, or link with other A Level disciplines such as Sciences. The statistical project will be linked to some real life situations that require analysis to further understand real world problems e.g.

• Population dynamics

• Social trends

• Spread of diseases

• Medical survival rates

Biology

Ever wondered why taking paracetamol helps stop those pesky headaches? The world of drug development is more important than ever. See if you can research the new drugs and the process needed to help people recover from diseases such as Cancer, HIV and the most talked about at the moment - Ebola. It will certainly give you a lot to talk about at interview and you may even discover a lifelong interest.

Stem Cells

My Sisters Keeper raised some key issues in science through Hollywood. Be the scientist behind it! What are Stem Cells and what does the future hold for them? Is it ethical to use them or are we playing God? A great project if you are thinking about going into Genetics or medicinal research - it will certainly provide a lot to talk about at interview.

Nanoparticles

Ever wondered how phones are becoming smaller and smaller? Or how the phone in a watch works? Well the answer is nano particles. Through your research try and discover a new way that they can be used - you never know you could become our very own Richard Branson!

The Universe Around Us

So NASA have found a water like substance on another planet? What does that mean for us? Is space exploration a worthwhile cause to spend billions of pounds on? Discover more about the amazing universe around us and have a lot to talk about in your Physics University interview!

Science, Mathematics and Engineering Faculty

CHEMISTRY A Level

If you enjoyed Chemistry at GCSE and would like to delve into it in more depth, then this is the course for you. For the AS assessment, students explore the fundamental principles that form the basis of Chemistry such as atomic structure, bonding, periodicity and an introduction to organic chemistry. Students also look at the applications of these principles. For the A2 assessment, students develop further the concepts and principles introduced at AS through topics including equilibria, polymers, aromatic chemistry, thermodynamics, energetic chemistry and inorganic chemistry.

Why study this course?

Chemistry A Level is a requirement for many University courses including medicine, veterinary science, optometry, nursing, dentistry, sports science, pharmacy, chemical engineering. Chemistry is one of the facilitating subjects which helps students to be successful across many different careers and courses.

PHYSICS A Level

If you enjoyed Physics at GCSE and would like to delve into it in more depth, then this is the course for you. Students learn to understand the mechanics, materials and waves and exciting new topics: particles, quantum phenomena and electricity. In the second year, students are introduced to topics including fields and further mechanics, and choose from options including astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics and turning points in physics. Building upon their existing knowledge, students learn new concepts and develop their laboratory skills and ability to think analytically.

Why study this course?

Physics A Level is a requirement for many University courses including medicine, veterinary science, astrophysics and applied physics, engineering. Physics is one of the facilitating subjects which helps students to be successful across many different careers and courses.

BIOLOGY A Level

If you enjoyed Biology at GCSE and would like to delve into it in more depth, then this is the course for you. Students learn to understand the living world, to sense the wonder of evolution, to catch the excitement of genetic engineering, to think independently, to challenge widely held beliefs, to appreciate the delicate ecological balance that sustains life on Earth and to answer fundamental questions like, ‘what is life?’ Building upon their existing knowledge, students learn new concepts and develop their laboratory skills and ability to think analytically.

Why study this course?

Biology A Level is a requirement for many University courses including medicine, veterinary science, optometry, psychology, nursing, dentistry, sports science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, genetics, zoology, ecology, lots more including of course Biology. Biology is one of the facilitating subjects which helps students to be successful across many different careers and courses.

MATHEMATICS

A Level

A Level Mathematics is probably the most marketable A Level. It allows students to move into a variety of different fields in both higher education and the world of work. It is essential to the expanding fields of science, technology and engineering. It provides a solid pathway into careers in finance, accounting, economics and banking. It is an important aspect of psychology, computing and marketing at degree level. It is difficult to think of any course or career where A Level Mathematics would not be welcomed in combination with other subjects.

Why study this course?

A Level Mathematics can lead to degrees in mathematics, engineering, most areas of physics, computing, accountancy, economics, business, banking, air traffic control, retail management, architecture, surveying, cartography, psychology and, of course, teaching.

PSYCHOLOGY

A Level

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, undertaking an A Level in the subject will allow you to gain an understanding of the six core areas of the discipline: social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, and biological psychology. As part of your studies, you will be expected to study and design experiments to find out what is normal human behaviour and then carry out research into abnormal behaviour. Psychologists then use the information learnt to address social and personal problems.

Why study this course?

A Level Psychology is very versatile, any career that requires a lot of interaction or a grasp of human behaviour and development can benefit from Psychology. Psychology graduates are in high demand in business management, teaching, research, social work, medical and healthcare, even in media and advertising.

SOCIOLOGY A Level

The study of Sociology will help you to gain more of an awareness of how people interact in groups. A level Sociology examines social behaviour from a variety of perspectives: how it originates and then develops, and the ways people are organised into groups according to distinctions such as class, gender and race.

Why study this course?

Sociology is an excellent introduction to careers which involve working with people and this course provides many transferable skills which are applicable to many different career avenues such as teaching, social work, criminology, working as a probation officer, anthropology.

HISTORY A Level

If you have a thirst for historical knowledge, a flair for debating complex interpretations of the past and enjoy critical thinking, then History A Level is for you. Covering at least 200 years of British and World History, the A Level course aims to introduce more ‘stretch and challenge’ into History. It will be taught by Specialist Subject teachers with enthusiasm and expertise. Candidates develop fluency in historical skills and acquire knowledge and understanding through the ability to study a wide range of topics in British, European and American History through to the late twentieth century, dealing with the most vibrant and relevant economies and powers on the world stage today.

Why study this course?

History has been defined amongst the key ‘facilitating’ or ‘hard’ subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group (20 leading UK Universities).

History A Level opens doors in Higher Education and employment and doesn’t close any. Many students progress to University to study a very wide variety of subjects such as Law, Journalism, Medicine, Politics and Economics, Broadcasting and Journalism. In the world of work an A Level History qualification indicates a prospective employee who is literate, self-disciplined and an independent thinker, as well as being able to take and make good decisions.

ENGLISH LITERATURE

A Level

If you enjoyed English at GCSE and would like to delve deeper into Literature, then this is the course for you. Students learn to understand how narrative works, to look at genre and to learn about critical approaches to texts.

Students discover how central narrative is important to the way literary texts work and they are introduced to the different aspects of genre. Encouraging wide and independent reading, the course also considers different types of critical approach and how texts can reflect cultural meanings.

Why study this course?

Students focus on genre and meaning through a variety of interesting set texts. They are encouraged to extend their awareness of critical methods and become independent readers.

Genre and narrative are at the core of this specification. Students see that Literature consists of possible groups of texts which can be categorised, their meaning negotiated in many different ways. They compare how stories can be told to create different realities and convey cultural meanings.

English Literature A Level is highly regarded at top Universities. It is a requirement for many courses including English, Law, Journalism, Media, Social Sciences, History and Politics. Careers directly linked to the study of English are Journalism, Law, Teaching, Writer, Copywriter, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations.

English Literature is a facilitating subject, allowing students to be successful across many different careers and courses.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

A Level

Completing an A Level in English Language will offer opportunities for students to develop their subject expertise by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. Throughout the course, students will engage creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses. As part of the course students will also understand how the study of language can be used as a way to assert power in society.

Why study this course?

By studying English Language, you will gain invaluable skills for life. You will understand how to communicate effectively, critically assess information and challenge assumptions. You’ll also become aware of the wider context and the written form. English Language can you lead into careers such as journalism, teaching, lexicographer, publishing, advertising, linguistics, and many more.

GEOGRAPHY

A Level

If you have a fascination with sustainability, a flair for understanding Physical Geography and its impact on society, then an A Level in Geography is for you. The course will develop an understanding and knowledge of the main components of Physical and Human Geography, the processes operating interactions between them, and the problems and solutions relating to them. A Level Geography aims to take your knowledge and interest to a deeper understanding, providing ‘stretch and challenge’ beyond the scope of GCSE.

Geography is an interesting and varied subject. It has links with a variety of other academic subjects such as Economics, Science, Politics, and studying the topics will lead you to becoming a more diverse person with an open view of the world.

Why study this course?

Geography has been identified as one of 10 recession-proof degree subjects and has been defined amongst the key ‘facilitating’ or ‘hard’ subjects in a guide compiled by the Russell Group (20 leading UK Universities). The A Level will prepare students to follow a degree in Geography or similar at University, or it may lead into related areas such as, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science and Sustainable Development.

FRENCH A Level

A Level French helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in French and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken. It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context.

The course covers the topics of media, healthy living, popular culture, family relationships, environment, multicultural society, contemporary issues and a cultural topic specific to France.

Why study this course?

Languages are an invaluable skill to have, being able to speak a language can increase your salary up to 20%! Language skills give you a head start on other potential employees as by speaking another language you’re vital to any company who does international business. This course enables students to develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE, while enhancing employment prospects and the opportunity to study French further at University. This course can also facilitate foreign travel and provide an insight into another culture and society. Also, a language is a requirement for many courses at University so it is time to think about which University you may want to go to in the future.

SPANISH A Level

A Level Spanish helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in Spanish and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where Spanish is spoken. It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context.

The course covers the topics of 20th Century Spanish history, Latin American politics, popular culture, family relationships, multicultural society, Spanish architecture and students will be provided with an opportunity to study a play and a film.

Why study this course?

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, making it an essential language to have in society today. Languages are an invaluable skill to have, being able to speak a language can increase your salary up to 20%! Language skills give you a head start on other potential employees as by speaking another language you’re vital to any company who does international business. This course enables students to develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE, while enhancing employment prospects and the opportunity to study Spanish further at University. This course can also facilitate foreign travel and provide an insight into another culture and society. Also, a language is a requirement for many courses at University so it is time to think about which University you may want to go to in the future.

DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES

A Level

A Level Drama and Theatre offers an inspiring qualification that will allow you to explore and develop your practical creativity alongside deepening your research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. In the course you will be introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as you explore plays practically, devise and work on performances. You will develop in all areas:

• performers

• designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)

• director

gaining many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand your horizons. You will attend workshops with theatre practitioners, and several live-theatre opportunities will be available to you across the two years. You will interpret plays and perform them for yourselves, you will devise and perform your own work with others, and you will interrogate live performance and texts and write about them in the written exam element. The assessment, and structure mirrors the GCSE in Drama and build logically and creatively on from it. As you progress through the A Level course and learn more advanced skills, you will be encouraged to find ways of developing your own personal style and interests. The majority of students studying Drama and Theatre achieve A-C grades, enabling them to go into Higher Education, or work and apprenticeships, ahead of their peers.

Why study this course?

Higher education institutions (HEIs) value and respect the skills drama and theatre qualifications give students. Many employers want Drama and Theatre students, recognising the confidence, collaborative, leadership and other transferable skills they possess following their studies. The specification we follow at HAB refines students’ analytical thinking and approach to research, empowering students to then make rapid and sustained progress post-19. Students in Drama and Theatre grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making. Whatever the future holds, students of A-Level Drama and Theatre – you – will emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills preparing you for your next steps.

ART A Level

Through A Level Art you will look at the ways other artists and designers have worked and use this understanding to enhance your own artwork. Drawing from observation is an essential part of the course and you will keep sketchbooks to assist in the recording and developing of your ideas. You will also learn various ways of presenting your work for display. As you progress through the A level course and learn more advanced skills you will be encouraged to find ways of developing your own personal style and interests. If you have a leaning towards painting, for example, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in this area. The course will enable you to work to your strengths in painting, print, drawing, mixed media and photography. The majority of students studying Art achieve A-C grades and many students progress to Art Foundation Courses or to Higher Education in a wide variety of fields from Product Design to Fine Art.

Why study this course?

Studying AS and A level Art and Design will help you to develop intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive skills. You will have the opportunity to investigate, experiment, develop practical skills as well as aesthetic understanding and critical judgement. Yet perhaps more valuable than anything, you will enjoy opportunities to develop independence of mind, explore your own ideas, refine your skills and produce personal outcomes. This course is particularly suitable for students who wish to pursue art and design at a higher level but who are not sure which area to specialise in. A good range of practical work is one of the essential requirements for entry into art courses in higher education and institutions are looking for art students who have enquiring minds and an enthusiasm and understanding of all aspects of art and design.

BUSINESS STUDIES

CTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

The CTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma are broadly equivalent three GCE A Levels. The programme aims to provide students with an in depth understanding of the operations and structures of businesses and also to equip students with the skills required to succeed in employment or at university. The course will involve businesses in the public, private and voluntary sectors. You will be assessed continually through practical project work, coursework, written assignments, time constrained assignments and through giving presentations. CTEC L3 Business courses have been designed to be as practical as possible and allow progression to get a good job with an employer or the skills to progress to university. Throughout your course there will be a need to organise, produce assignments and work with others – all using business related materials. Useful information will be gained through the use of up to date real life business scenarios which will help create awareness of the business world around.

Why study this course?

Business covers a broad range of fields, including human resource management, finance, law, marketing, eBusiness and administration. The CTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business can provide a springboard to a university degree or Foundation Degree in an appropriate vocational discipline, or to employment. Businesses create wealth for individuals and the country. Anyone who wants to work for an organisation from a Global company to a small local company; from a public sector organisation to their own business, will gain the skills of how businesses are started, organised, financed and marketed and be able to put these skills into practice.