Sixth Form
PROSPECTUS
Learning with Courage and Compassion
Our Head’s Welcome
As a Sixth Form student, you are on the brink of adult life, and new opportunities and challenges lie ahead in whatever path you choose to take afterwards.
We offer a broad range of Level 3 qualifications, taught by committed and caring subject specialist teachers in smaller class sizes. These form part of our overall innovative and challenging Sixth Form programme, which aims to prepare you as fully as possible for your individual future, so that you will thrive.
Our aim is to lead and coach you during these critical, formative years, so that you may leave us at the end of Sixth Form having achieved the best you can academically with a clear sense of who you are as a person and how you can go on to make a positive difference in our world - with courage and with compassion.
Mr Craig Jenkinson Head
MISSION
Mission and Aims
We are committed, within our safe and caring community, that each one of our pupils will become the best that they can be, and have the self-belief to go forward into this changeable world with courage and with compassion.
We pursue our whole College mission, guided by three defining and aspirational aims: SELF, SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY
SELF
Each pupil cares for their mental and physical wellbeing; learns and achieves to their individual potential; and is content, comfortable and confident to be who they are in our diverse and inclusive College.
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICE
Each pupil makes a positive difference to the lives of others in our College, as well as in our local and in wider, global communities.
The Abbey Gate College Diploma
ABBEY GATE COLLEGE DIPLOMA
At Abbey Gate College, we have always encouraged and celebrated the breadth and depth of both our students' academic studies and the wide-ranging excellence of their co-curricular activities, alongside their well-rounded characters and leadership potential. Recent surveys have confirmed our thinking as both a Higher Education Institute report and a Times Educational Commission report stated what we have always thought - that breadth of study is the best preparation for university and the workplace.
The Abbey Gate College Diploma builds on the A Level subjects for our students study together with the Extended Project Qualification.
Likewise, we want to recognise the way in which our students engage with the many co-curricular and leadership opportunities on offer at the College in developing such a rich and diverse array of skills. The Abbey Gate College Diploma celebrates the unique contributions of each student to the wider College life through our Self, Service and Sustainability Agencies.
Abbey Gate College Diploma will be awarded to students who achieve the following:
Abbey
Gate College
DIPLOMA
3 A Levels Service or Leadership Role
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Leadership Programme
Why choose our Sixth Form?
What is different about Sixth Form at Abbey Gate College? Our experienced, passionate and expert staff are subject specialists who teach a broad choice of A Levels. Led by experienced tutors, we offer small class sizes, personalised progress monitoring, a flexible approach to independent study and support with important career decisions.
“I chose Abbey Gate College Sixth Form because I get on well with my teachers and felt they would support me to excel in my A Level studies. If ever I need help they happily assist me with any issues.
There are also plenty of co-curricular activities available that enrich my Sixth Form experience.”
Our excellent pastoral care focuses on developing pupils emotionally and intellectually.
Our learning environment is welcoming and the development of a culture in which self-confidence, mutual respect and hard work is created throughout the College.
The exclusive use of the Sixth Form Centre ensures a calm and conducive environment for study, with well equipped study rooms plus a kitchen area with coffee machine and Common Room where students can relax.
All students are members of a Form, and Pastoral Time is built into the timetable to enable each Form Tutor to get to know their students and to monitor both academic and social progress.
The House System is also an important aspect of the students’ lives at Abbey Gate College as this encourages healthy competition between students and staff as well as enhancing the sense of community.
“My motivation to continue my studies into Sixth Form at Abbey Gate College was founded in the exceptional Music Department.
In addition, I really liked the outstanding individual teaching styles which target each student rather than focusing on the group all the time.”
Our Sixth Form students are expected to take an active role in College life, and are relied upon as role models for younger pupils and ambassadors for the College. Community support opportuni ties, Senior Prefect and mentoring roles, foster the sense of community at Abbey Gate College,
“I chose Abbey Gate College Sixth Form because you feel part of a community and have a support system, not only from friends but teachers as well.
I’m grateful for the opportunities the College has offered me. As a Senior Prefect, I have developed leadership skills and have been able to be part of a team working alongside teachers.”
Joining Abbey Gate College Sixth Form
Applicants for the Sixth Form will be accepted on the basis of their GCSE results and, in the case of external applicants, a formal interview.
In terms of GCSE grade entry requirements, you must achieve a pass in all GCSEs and a grade 9 to 6 at GCSE in the subjects you wish to continue at A Level (or a related GCSE subject in the case of a new A Level subject).
Please be aware that you are more likely to make a smooth transition to A Level studies in a subject if you have attained grade 9 to 7 at GCSE.
“I chose Abbey Gate College Sixth Form due to the small class sizes. Coming from a school with over 30 people in each class, only having smaller classes of 10 to 15 people has been extremely beneficial for me. I’ve also been able to speak to each of my teachers individually, consolidating any work I may not have completely understood.”
Breadth of Curriculum
At Abbey Gate College, we recognise that each student's post-16 journey is different. We are delighted to be offering new courses to post-16 students, including A-Level Film Studies and a BTEC qualification in Sports. We now also offer the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification in Year 12, allowing our students to focus on their final exams in Year 13. Broader, more diverse choices reflect the individual approach we take to each student's journey.
Subjects we offer are as follows - more information for each can be found in our comprehensive online Sixth Form prospectus by scanning the QR code:.
Art and Design
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Design and Technology
Drama
Economics
English Literature
Film Studies
Further Mathematics
Geography
Mathematics
Modern Foreign Languages
-French
-Spanish
Medicine and Healthcare
Modern History
Music
Physics
Psychology
Sport
Oxbridge/Medicine & Healthcare
EPQ
Art and Design
AQA
Why study this at A Level?
Many graduate employers seek to recruit people who are lateral thinkers and creative problem solvers.
These qualities are natural to artists and designers and therefore make them an attractive asset, particularly to the UK creative industries sector.
This sector relies on people who can think differently, formulate questions and solve problems.
Course Content and Assessment
The Art Department welcomes visiting artists into the classroom and the students have the invaluable opportunity to work alongside a range of practitioners, extending their knowledge of techniques and applying new skills.
They will also have the opportunity to go on organised gallery visits.
Skills obtained
•Imagination and creativity
•Critical awareness of self and external factors and the ability to be reflective
•Interpersonal and social skills
•An appreciation of diversity
•Creative problem solving
•Teamwork
•Independent working skills
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Art Foundation at Manchester Met, Fashion Foundation at Manchester Met, Fashion Marketing, Knitwear at Manchester Met, Fashion Design Central St Martins.
Assessment
Component I - Personal Investigation
•No time limit
•96 marks
•60% of A Level
Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment
•Preparatory period+ 15 hours
supervised time
•96 marks
•40% of A Level
Biology AQA
Why study this at A Level?
Biology is one of the most popular subjects. It is a rewarding and challenging course which will enable you to:
Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how they sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12
•Biological molecules
•Cells
•Organisms exchange substances with the environment
•Genetic information variation and relationships between organisms
Skills obtained
•Problem solving skills
•Manipulation Of practical equipment
•Analysis of biological data. including statistical analysis
•Teamwork
•Presentations/presentational skills
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry.
Year 13
•Energy transfers in and between organisms
•Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
•Genetic Populations, evolution and eco-systems
•Control of gene expression
Assessment
Assessment is three exam papers of 2 hours, which cover content from both Year 12 and Year 13
Scan for course info on AQA
Business
Pearson Edexcel
Why study this at A Level?
Business is a dynamic subject. You will learn about the diverse nature of business enterprise.
You will explore business success and business failure, investigate local, national and global business markets, and understand how businesses need to adapt and respond strategically to the changing environment in which they operate to survive and grow. This constant process makes business a fascinating subject.
Course Content and Assessment
Paper 1: You will tackle data response and essay questions on marketing, people and global businesses – this is the content you study in Theme 1 and Theme 4 (Marketing, HR and Global Business).
Paper 2: You will tackle data response and essay questions on business activities, decisions and strategy – this is the content you study in Theme 2 and 3 (Finance, Operations and Business Strategy).
Skills obtained
You will become skilled in making decisions, solving problems, applying numerical skills (including understanding finance and working with data) and understanding the business environment.
You will also develop commercial awareness.
Our students have gone on to pursue business management, accountancy and finance, marketing, tourism management and international business. Business students can also progress to a wide range of careers, such as banking, sales, product management and general management, to working in public sector
Paper 3: You will have a research task before the exam. The questions in the exam – data response and essay questions – are linked to the context you will research. All themes assessed.
Scan for course info on Edexcel
Chemistry
AQA Why study this at A Level?
From the moment you entered this world, Chemistry has been part of your life
It helps us to understand the world in which we live and underpins a wide range of science-based degree courses and careers. Chemists understand how materials are made and work and, in this way, can shape the world we live in.
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12
•Physical chemistry: including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding and kinetics.
•Inorganic chemistry: including periodicity, Group 2 and Group 7
•Organic chemistry: introducing isomerism and nomenclature, alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes, alcohols and organic analysis.
Assessment: 3 papers, 2 hours each, all test relevant practical skills.
•Paper 1. Physical and inorganic content.
•Paper 2. Physical and organic content. 105 marks. 35% of A level.
•Paper 3. Any content. 90 marks. 30% of A level.
Skills obtained
•The course covers at least 12 major practicals across the 2 year course and students will gain skills to link theory, with practise deepening their understanding and knowledge. The pupils, if deemed competent, will receive a practical endorsement at the end of the course acknowledged by universities.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Medicine, Animal science, Biochemistry, Organic chemistry, Chemical engineering, Natural sciences, Equine Science and Sports Performance and many more
Year
13
•Physical chemistry: including thermodynamics, rate equations, electrode potentials and electrochemistry.
•Inorganic chemistry: including properties of Period 3 elements, transition metals and reactions in aqueous solutions.
•Organic chemistry: including optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acid derivatives, aromatic chemistry, biochemistry, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy and chromatography.
Scan for course info on AQA
Design and Technology Product Design
Why study this at A Level?
Suitable candidates for this course are students who enjoy designing and making or would like to know more about this process and are thinking about a possible career in the creative industry.
The course will provide you with all the skills and technical knowledge to design and manufacture ideas into the real world.
Course Content and Assessment
The course content consists of non-exam assessment coursework which is built over one academic year culminating in 2 end of year exams.
In tandem, the exam theory is covered during the student’s investigation (NEA coursework) of a topic or product identified as needing improvement or redevelopment. NEA coursework is then assessed on the student’s ability to research, design, make and evaluative their product.
Skills obtained
Students will learn how to use a rich supply of machinery and software within the workshop to realise designs during manufacture of their NEA.
The NEA project develops a student’s ability to think flexibly to create solutions to real world problems, making choices built upon technical knowledge taught culminating in two exams.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including BA Graphic Design, BA Product Design, BA Computer Aided Design & Architecture, BA Automative Design, BA Set Design & Model Making, BA Interior Design, as well as a variety of apprenticeships with direct pathways to employment.
Drama and Theatre
AQA
Why study this at A Level?
The skill set Drama refines is attractive and transferable to a vast range of careers both inside and outside of the industry.
The A Level will challenge you to practically explore the methodology of a range of influential practitioners, as well as develop your analysis and evaluative skills to support your other A level choices.
This course is exciting, challenging and cross-curricular in nature.
Course Content and Assessment
Component 1 - Set Text A and Live Theatre
•Assessed in Upper Sixth Year
•1 x 3 hour exam
•Component 1 is worth 40% of the overall A Level
Component 2 - Creating Original Drama and Working Notebook
•Developing and performing devised theatre
•Written NEA documenting your process
•Component 2 is worth 30% of the overall
Skills obtained
•Communication
•Creativity
•Problem solving
•Motivation
•Commitment
Scan for course info on AQA
•Time management
•Independence
•Respect for others
•Adaptability
•Resilience
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university and drama school courses, including Acting, Musical Theatre, Actor Musicianship, Digital Design & Production, Performance Design, and Production Arts. Career pathways are numerous, with many students also going on to study subjects such as Geography, Law, and Modern Foreign Languages.
A Level Component 3 - Making Theatre and Reflective Report
•Process of developing and performing scripted work
•Written NEA documenting your process
•Component 3 is worth 30% of the overall A Level
Economics
Pearson Edexcel
Why study this at A Level?
Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other.
It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families to the structures created by governments and firms.
An economic way of thinking can help you make better choices.
Course Content and Assessment
In Theme 1 and Theme 2 you will be introduced to the nature of economics, how markets work and why they fail.
You will also consider the role of government and the UK economy.
In Themes 3 and Theme 4 you will explore how businesses grow and compete, the labour market and how the government intervenes to make markets work better.
You will also explore international trade, inequality within and between countries, emerging and developing economies, and the public finances.
Skills obtained
Studying economics will help you develop transferable skills that will prepare you for studying at university or moving into the world of work.
These include skills in data interpretation and essay writing.
Our students have gone on to pursue economics degrees or degrees in applied economics such as environmental economics, labour economics, public sector economics or monetary economics. You might choose to study business economics, econometrics or a business and management degree. Economics students can follow a wide range of careers in industry, commerce, finance and the civil service.
Assessment
The course is assessed by three exam papers
English Literature
OCR
Why study this at A Level?
In choosing to study English Literature, an enjoyment in reading becomes a wholly rewarding subject that will develop you as an empathetic and critical learner.
English Literature is an excellent choice for a surprisingly wide range of careers and is highly regarded by employers and universities.
This is not surprising as it develops skills of judgment, argument, analysis and articulation.
Course Content and Assessment
Component 1:
•Drama and Poetry pre-1900
(Shakespeare’s The Tempest or Hamlet, the poetry of Christina Rossetti and one further drama text to be selected according to the group).
Component 2:
•Close reading, comparative and contextual study from the chosen topic area of Dystopia (The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, 1984 by George Orwell)
Skills obtained
•Comprehensive written and spoken communication skills
•Ability to frame informed arguments
•Critique and analyse a broad range of materials
•Development in leadership and collaboration skills
•Excellent written communication skills
•Correct use of academic citations and referencing.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including English Literature, Law, Politics and Film Studies. Career pathways are numerous including law, management, human resources, publishing, journalism and education.
Component 3:
•Close reading OR re-creative writing piece with commentary and comparative essays (texts selected according to the group).
Assessment:
Component 1 - 2 hour exam worth 40%
Component 2 - 2 hour exam worth 40%
Component 3 - Both pieces are worth 20%
Film Studies
OCR
Why study this at A Level?
Film Studies is a way to understand how and why films make us feel the way we do, and why we think some films are better than others.
Film is an indicator of social context, technological development and artistic expression.
Studying Film will deepen your awareness of how cinematography, editing, sound and performance work together to create meaning for audiences.
Course Content and Assessment
Component 1 (Film History)
This unit covers US Cinema from the Silent Era to 1990 (Sunrise; Vertigo by Hitchcock; E.T. by Steven Spielberg). European Cinema includes experimental surrealist films and the German expressionism of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.
Component 2 (Critical Approaches)
This unit covers Contemporary British and US films such as Skyfall and The Dark Knight Rises. Documentary and Ideology are also covered including films such as The Hurt Locker and District 9.
Skills obtained
•Problem solving skills
•Manipulation Of practical equipment
•Analysis of biological data. including statistical analysis
•Teamwork
•Presentations/presentational skills
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including English Language, English Literature, Film Studies and careers within broadcasting, editing and digital content creation.
Component 3 (Course Work)
Students produce an individual short film or an equivalent screenplay with digitally photographed storyboard.
Assessment:
Component 1 - 2 hour exam worth 35%
Component 2 - 2 hour exam worth 35%
Component 3 - Course work worth 30%
Further Mathematics
Edexcel
Why study this at A Level?
The main reason would be because you love Mathematics. Further Maths provides a wider and deeper understanding of the ideas covered in A Level Mathematics, while introducing new concepts as well.
You also have the opportunity to choose additional topics that suit your strengths and interests.
Unsurprisingly, Further Mathematics is highly regarded by universities and employers.
Course Content and Assessment
Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics fall into two categories of content:
Core Pure
•Complex Numbers, Matrices, Vectors, Hyperbolic Functions, Polar Coordinates, Differential Equations
And choice of two optional papers from the following:
Further Mechanics, Further Stats, Further Pure and Decision
Skills obtained
•Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills, which are considered valuable in a broad range of subject areas.
• Careers in finance, medicine, engineering, and business are all open to people with a background in Mathematics.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Engineering, Economics, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Geography, Actuarial Science and, of course, Mathematics
Assessment
The A level course is assessed in its entirety at the end of Year 13 through a total of four papers:
•Two consisting of the Core Pure content, One for each of the Optional papers.
Each of the papers is 90 minutes in length.
Abbey Sixth Form Gate College
Scan for course info on Edexcel
Geography
AQA
Why study this at A Level?
Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future.
The Russell Group of leading UK universities identifies Geography as a facilitating subject i.e. a subject that prepares students well for Higher Education and beyond.
It bridges the Humanities and Science subjects - both in terms of its content and also in the variety of transferable skills that it develops.
Course Content and Assessment
Human Geography
•Changing Places - place marketing and perception
•Population and the Environment - the geography of population, wealth and disease
•Global Systems and Global Governance - how the world is governed by global organisations
Coursework Project
Skills obtained
Fieldwork is a vital part of the subject, where data collection, presentation and analysis skills will be developed as students will attend a residential fieldtrip and complete their own coursework project.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including BSc Geography, BSc Physical Geography, BA Human Geography, Bsc Environmental Science, BA Global Development
Physical Geography
•Natural Hazards – causes, effects and management of earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical cyclones and wildfires
•Coasts – landforms and management
•Water and Carbon Cycles – the workings and management of our climate and ecosystems
Assessment
Human Geography: 40% of overall grade
Physical Geography: 40% of overall grade
Coursework: 20% of overall grade
Scan for course info on AQA
Mathematics
Edexcel
Why study this at A Level?
By taking Mathematics at A Level, you will develop the ability to solve problems and develop analytical thinking that can be applied in many different areas of life.
Studying Mathematics also gives you access to a wide range of university courses and careers.
Most importantly, Mathematics is fun and rewarding and can give you a great sense of achievement.
Course Content and Assessment
Edexcel A Level Mathematics fall into two categories of content:
Pure Maths
•Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, Vectors
Applied Maths
•Statistics (Data Representation, Modelling Distributions, Hypothesis Testing) and Mechanics (Kinematics, Forces, Moments, Projectiles)
Skills obtained
•Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills, which are considered valuable in a broad range of subject areas.
• Careers in finance, medicine, engineering, and business are all open to people with a background in Mathematics.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Engineering, Economics, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Geography, Actuarial Science and, of course, Mathematics
Assessment
The A level course is assessed in its entirety at the end of Year 13 through a total of three papers:
•Two consisting of Pure content
•One consisting of Applied content.
All three papers are two hours in length.
Scan for course info on Edexcel
French AQA
Why study this at A Level?
‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.’ Nelson Mandela
Language learning opens a world of opportunities. Not only is speaking another language vital in an international world but it enhances communication skills, provides better opportunities for employment, raises cultural and self-awareness and provides a more dynamic skill set.
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12
•Social Issues and Trends – family, cyberspace, voluntary work
•Artistic Culture – heritage, Francophone music and cinema
•A Literary Text or Film – analyse and critique a literary film with strong roots in French culture
Assessment
•1x Listening, reading and translation exam 160 marks, 40% of qualification
•1x Writing exam – 90 marks, 30% of qualification
•1x Speaking exam – 60 marks, 30% of qualification
Skills obtained
• Proficiency in an additional language other than English
•Communication and problem-solving skills
•Cultural awareness
•An area of expertise which can complement any job or degree course
•Improved cognitive ability
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including French and Italian, French and Spanish, French with Business, Spanish with Business, Spanish and Portuguese
Year 13
•Current Issues – diversity, how criminals and marginalised people are treated
•Aspects of Political Life – teenagers and political commitment, demonstrations, immigration
•A Literary Text or Film – analyse and critique a literary text with strong roots in French culture
•Individual Research Project – a project of your choice linked to one of the subtopics studied throughout.
Spanish AQA
Why study this at A Level?
‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.’ Nelson Mandela
Language learning opens a world of opportunities. Not only is speaking another language vital in an international world but it enhances communication skills, provides better opportunities for employment, raises cultural and self-awareness and provides a more dynamic skill set.
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12
•Social Issues and Trends – family, cyberspace, equal rights
•Artistic Culture – modern day idols, Spanish regional identity, heritage
•A Literary Text or Film – analyse and critique a literary text with strong roots in Hispanic culture
Assessment
•1x Listening, reading and translation exam 160 marks, 40% of qualification
• 1x Writing exam – 90 marks, 30% of qualification
•1x Speaking exam – 60 marks, 30% of qualification
Skills obtained
• Proficiency in an additional language other than English
•Communication and problem-solving skills
•Cultural awareness
•An area of expertise which can complement any job or degree course
•Improved cognitive ability
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Spanish and Business, Spanish and French, Spanish and Portuguese
Year 13
•Multiculturalism – immigration, racism, integration
•Aspects of Political Life – today’s youth, monarchies, republics, dictatorships, movements
•A Literary Text or Film – analyse and critique a literary film with strong roots in Hispanic culture
•Individual Research Project – a project of your choice linked to one of the subtopics studied throughout.
Scan for course info on AQA
History
OCR
Why study this at A Level?
Modern History is a stimulating and academic A Level that is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.
It combines elements of Psychology, Sociology, Religious Studies, Politics and Economics in a single qualification recognised as falling in the top 8 subjects yielding post graduate employment (ahead of Maths and Physics and behind a handful of specialist degrees).
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12:
You will look at 20th Century German and 16th Century British History. This involves coverage of diverse topics ranging from the rise of Hitler in the 1930s, to the succession of Mary 1st of England in 1553 and the execution of Lady Jane Grey shortly thereafter.
Year 13
You will investigate Russian history between 1855 and 1964. Tsarist and communist regimes are compared for both change and continuity in an empire that has undergone more than its fair share of revolution, war and political terror.
Skills obtained
Modern History's emphasis on research, argument, analysis and the evaluation of evidence and opinion provides a training that enables you to hear, be heard and persuade.
There are few more important attributes than these in the world today - both in professional and personal life.
This is why the subject is held in such high esteem.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Modern History, Law, Politics, International Relations, Finance, Criminology, Business and Marketing, Journalism and Media, Medicine, Archaeology, Conservation, Heritage Management.
Assessment
3 public examinations and an individual coursework essay on a topic of your choice. Please note that this course may be subject to change for the next academic year.
Music
EDUQAS
Why study this at A Level?
Music is all around us in various forms and barely a day goes by when we do not encounter music of some sort.
Throughout our lives our taste in music will change.
Studying Music as an A level can begin to develop an enquiring mind and an insight into this vast subject.
Course Content and Assessment
There are three components:
Component 1: Performing 35% of the course total, performance 10-12 minutes
Component 2: Composing 25% of the course total, Two compositions lasting a combined time of 6-8 minutes.
Skills obtained
Scan for course info on EDUQAS
In a Music A level you obtain skills in performing as well as creativity, listening to music, critical analysis, essay structure and writing.
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Music, Music Performance (Conservatoire), Combined Music and Physics, Music Tech and Production, Film and Video
Component 3: Appraising
This accounts for 40% of the A Level. It is a written exam lasting 2hr 15 minutes. It is divided into three parts:
1.The Western Classical Tradition
2.Area of Study – Musical Theatre
3.Area of Study – into the Twentieth Century
There will be some set works to look at for each area of study.
BTEC Level 3 Extended
Certificate in Sport
Pearson
Why study this course?
The Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport offeres a broad basis of study for the sport sector.
A variety of assessments and methods of teaching – different to A Level, with external units and two internal coursework units to meet the individual needs of every learner and sports performer.
This creates direct progression into university courses or the workplace with experience and practice ready to go into the next steps.
Course Content and Assessment
•Anatomy and Physiology - skeletal muscles, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and energy systems (External exam).
•Sports Psychology – How the mind works during sporting events, psychological theories and the impact of the mind (Coursework).
Assessment
As above, the assessment is a combination of external exams, coursework and a portfolio of internal evidence
Skills obtained
•Excellent time management and planning skills with coursework
•Good communication within teams and leadership through portfolio based practice
•Further knowledge and information in human biology and how the body works
•A further love and interest in sport/ health and wellbeing
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related pathways including Sports psychology, Sports anatomy and physiology, Sports analyst ,PE Teacher
Personal Trainer and Entrepreneurs in the sports industry
•Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being – Health and fitness programmes, nutrition and the wider health industry (External Synoptic Exam with 4 pages of A4 notes taken into the exam)
•Professional Development in the Sports Industry – skills audit, real life application to jobs in the sporting industry, interview practice (Portfolio internal evidence).
Scan for course info on Pearson
Abbey Sixth Form Gate College
Physics
AQA
Why study this at A Level?
The subject content within the Physics A Level is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to learn.
The course will nurture a passion for physics and lay the groundwork for further study in science or engineering.
Skills obtained
•Intellectual skills
•Communication skills
•Organisational and interpersonal skills
•Research skills
•Numeracy
•Computing skills
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aviation Studies and Automotive Engineering
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12
Particles and Radiation, Waves, Mechanics and Materials, Electricity
Year 13
Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Fields and their Consequences, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics - Option
Assessment
The full A level is taught over two years with three exams of 2 hours each at the end of the course.
Abbey Sixth Form Gate College
Scan for course info on AQA
Psychology
AQA
Why study this at A Level?
Studying Psychology will give you an understanding of why people think and behave in certain ways.
Throughout this inspiring and stimulating course you will consider how psychologists seek to understand and modify behaviours using scientific methods.
Studying Psychology will challenge the way you perceive the world and encourage you to think differently.
Course Content and Assessment
Year 12
•Social Psychology – including conformity, obedience, minority influence
•Memory – studying models of memory, forgetting and eyewitness testimony
•Attachments – investigating caregiver-infant interactions, explanations for attachments and the influence of attachments on childhood and adult relationships
•Approaches in Psychology – studying the learning, cognitive, biological approaches
•Psychopathology – including the characteristics, explanations and treatments of phobias, depression and OCD
Skills obtained
•Describe various psychological studies and theories
•Evaluate with relevant strengths and limitations
•Analysing arguments and evidence
•Testing hypotheses and making informed judgements
•Knowledge and understanding of research methods
•Understanding of ethics in psychological research
Our students have gone on to pursue a number of related university courses including Psychology Criminology, Sociology, Counselling and Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Psychology and Business and Clinical Psychology
Year 13
•Biological Psychology
•Issues and Debates in Psychology
•Relationships
•Schizophrenia
•Aggression
Assessment
Assessed – 100% examination
three A level exams, each accounts for one third of the A level
Each exam is 2 hours and worth 90 marks
Super Curricular
Why study this course?
This course will offer advice on super-curricular opportunities to develop subject interests and opportunities.
Regular input to reflect on key themes e.g. Medical Ethics, contemporary practice.
Key UCAS guidance to ensure all students are on track to submit a highly competitive application by the deadline.
Course Content and Assessment
•Detailed programme of sessions to prepare for application process.
•Programme of discussions to hone critical thinking and debating skills.
•Crash courses on relevant topics (e.g. NHS Core Values, ) which will be vital for the application process.
•Current affairs catch-up, keeping our students up to date on the latest medical news.
Skills obtained
•Bespoke support with Entrance exams e.g. UCAT
•Regular interview practice - including Multi Mini Interviews with both school staff and external interviewers.
•The Medicine and Healthcare programme prepares students for the demanding application process.
This course is available to those students applying for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Midwifery, Paramedicine and Healthcare courses.
•Specialist talks on Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine.
•Debates on medical ethic and seminars from alumni.
Sixth Form Gate College
Oxbridge Programme
Super Curricular
Why study this course?
This course offers advice on super-curricular opportunities to develop subject interests and opportunities.
Key UCAS guidance to ensure all students are on track to submit a highly competitive application by the deadline.
Course Content and Assessment
•Visiting Speakers from Oxford & Cambridge Link Colleges.
•Visit to Oxford & Cambridge Student Conference.
•Visit to Cambridge Open Day.
•Detailed programme of sessions to prepare for application process.
•Frequent individual Personal Statement advice and feedback sessions.
Skills obtained
•Programme of discussions to hone critical thinking and debating skills.
•Regular interview practice with staff and visiting experts.
•Bespoke support with Entrance exams e.g. LNAT, ELAT, HAT, MAT, PAT, STEP, Cambridge entrance exams etc.
Our students have gone on to pursue university courses including: Natural Sciences - Cambridge French & German - Oxford Mathematics - Oxford Music - Oxford Modern & Medieval LanguagesCambridge Psychological & Behavioural SciencesCambridge Chemistry - Oxford Archeology - Cambridge
Extended Project Qualification
Super Curricular
Why study this course?
EPQ is a qualification designed to extend and develop students' ability beyond their A-level courses and prepare them for university or their future career.
By taking responsibility for the choice, design and decision making of an individual project, students:
• Become more critical, reflective and independent learners
•Develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
•Increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
• Learn to apply technologies confidently
•Demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise.
Course Content and Assessment
An EPQ involves 30 hours of guided lessons and 90 hours of independent research, culminating in the completion of either:
•A 5000 word independently researched and referenced dissertation on a subject chosen by the student.
Skills obtained
An EPQ earns the student invaluable life skills including time management and critical thinking, skills that are highly sought after by universities and employers, and of course prized UCAS points.
If there is an area of study you really love - whether it is engineering, languages, sport or art-based - an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge.
An EPQ is applicable for all apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and university courses.
•Or the production of a researched artefact, together with a 1000 word dissertation.
Abbey Sixth Form Gate College