Sixth Form Handbook 2021-22

2021/22

Sixth Form Handbook

Contents 6 Academic Life at Ackworth Sixth Form

13 Practise independent living in School Farm Lane

A truly International community

7 Quality teaching and small class sizes

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Benefits of boarding

Digital learning

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Sports at Ackworth

8

Broaden your horizons

17 Leavers

Practical skills and support

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Careers resources

9

Leadership opportunities

Work experience

aking a community M difference

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Oxbridge Pathways Programme

Projects Abroad

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Sixth Form courses guide

Sixth Form entry requirements

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Course Information

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You are an individual

Quaker heritage

12 Day in the life of an Ackworth Sixth Form student

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A Message from the Head

Welcome to the Sixth Form at Ackworth School, an innovative, diverse, and supportive educational community underpinned by Quaker values. This is a local Sixth Form like no other, with individual support that is second to none and staff going the extra mile to help and guide you towards results you may not yet realise you are capable of. In their own words, our Sixth Form students benefit from ‘positive interactions with tutors in smaller class sizes’, whilst learning with ‘friends who are equally committed to academic and personal achievement’.

This is an important, transitional stage of your academic career. The goal of our exceptional teaching staff is to prepare students for life beyond school; providing you with the skills to become a resilient, confident, respectful individual, well prepared to make a positive contribution to society.

Together with outstanding academic learning, our students also gain important life skills. School Farm Lane is a unique, onsite schoolhouse that facilitates the practicalities of university residential life, giving students the opportunity to live, cook, clean and study together.

Ultimately, we want our Sixth Form students to leave Ackworth ready to question, enquire and to make a discernible difference where they can. We are proud of our traditions and family values, and equally proud of our innovative approach to education. With a broad subject offering, and openings for both day pupils and boarders, we look forward to seeing where your Ackworth Sixth Form journey will take you.

Anton Maree Head

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Why choose Ackworth Sixth Form?

• Extensive support to unlock your academic potential • Personal iPads and Apple Pencils • Small class sizes • International travel and community projects • Independent residential skills programme • Oxbridge Pathways Programme and careers advice

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Welcome

from the Head of Sixth Form We’re delighted that you’re interested in joining us for your A levels and/or CTechs. You will be welcomed into an environment of strong traditions and exciting innovations, joining an established community that puts the emphasis on individual abilities and nurturing academic potential. I am sure that we share common values, hopes and loyalties.

Non Sibi Sed Omnibus is at the heart of our educational experience and comes to the fore at A level.

Although your academic achievement will be our primary concern as you enter the Sixth Form at Ackworth, we know that it is never enough or healthy to be solely focused on this.

Our extensive co-curricular and super curricular programme, from performing arts, elite and recreational sports, to Projects Abroad, enable our students to discover other passions and talents.

Choosing Ackworth means that you will be choosing a instituition that appreciates your transition into being a young adult. Sixth Form is a hugely important bridge between school and university. Relationships with staff are reflective of this and we strive to build a positive learning and working environment where you can achieve your academic potential and thrive socially. Our bespoke careers programme uses our years of experience, key staff and well-established university links to gain the very best university place for you.

You will become a more independent learner, and we will guide and support you with skills workshops and our excellent tutor programme. This guidance is designed to future proof your education and help you to become the global citizen with all the skills required for the new workplace.

Alexandra Collingwood Head of Sixth Form

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“ At Ackworth it’s not about being the best, it’s about being your best.”

Eleanor, Head Girl 2019

Academic Life at Ackworth Sixth Form Upon joining Ackworth Sixth Form you will become part of a small form group and together you will begin an intensive and exciting period of study.

Ackworth’s highly skilled, passionate teachers will stretch, support and empower you to reach your potential. As you academically adjust, you will have access to 24-hour wraparound support, and the reassurance, stability and

continuity of a structured school day. We will help you to manage your workload and use your independence to take risks, make mistakes, to become more resilient and thrive as a happy, young person with greater autonomy. You can choose to make use of and create any opportunity that you believe will help you on your academic journey.

You are an individual Ackworth’s Sixth Form is built upon the belief that a student’s quality of character is as important as intellectual growth and your form tutor will work with you to guide your progress. The individual learning experience you will receive is underpinned by outstanding pastoral care, to give our students emotional, spiritual and academic support. Teaching staff will help you to discover and nurture your talents, and instil self-belief and confidence.

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You will have access to a diverse peer group support network and have the time to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, your aspirations, and receive any support you may need. Your Sixth Form experience at Ackworth School will be personalised, flexible, dynamic and collaborative and you will be encouraged to question, challenge and take ownership of your progress.

Quality teaching and small class sizes In the Sixth Form you will find that class sizes will become noticeably smaller and that there is space for more discussion and informality than is the case for younger pupils. Learning and teaching is customised to your group, to encourage intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to follow their interests and engage with their lessons. Sixth formers frequently say that what they enjoy most about Ackworth School is the positive interaction they have with teachers.

They can put forward their own thoughts and ideas in lessons and have mature conversations without fear of ridicule from their peers. Students learn to express themselves coherently and passionately.

Small class sizes in Ackworth School allow each student to benefit from valuable one to one time with teachers. You will be encouraged to think and reflect critically on what you have been taught

and consider how you can improve. All Ackworth students actively help each other to achieve more in lessons.

‘Our students find their voices very quickly because of the high level of pastoral care and the excellent rapport they establish with their teachers and peers. Small class sizes also contribute to this, and even the most retiring pupils soon achieve high levels of confidence.’ Anton Maree, Head.

“ As a school we are quite small, and class sizes are small; it really feels like a community with a lovely support network. It is so easy to make friends and settle in.”

Maisie, Head Girl 2020

Digital learning On your first day in Ackworth’s Sixth Form, you will receive your very own iPad and Apple Pencil. They will be your constant companions throughout your A level studies. Ackworth’s technology revolution has seen the whole school, from Year 5 upwards, integrate a digital-first approach to learning in the classroom. Using Microsoft Teams, you can receive and submit work to your tutors, send a message to your project group, and receive updates from the Head of Sixth Form about upcoming events. The Apple TV’s that adorn the walls in every classroom mean you can share your work with your peers and collaborate on big ideas. With this technology at your fingertips, the limit to what you can do at Ackworth Sixth Form is your imagination.

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Broaden your horizons By introducing a variety of methods to assist with your knowledge gathering, we will help you to gain a greater understanding of who you are and what you hope to be. Ackworth sixth formers have access to a variety of enrichment lectures and workshops, designed to expand their intellectual, moral and cultural awareness. We purposefully push you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to safely engage with subjects you may know little about. Experts in their field visit the school and share their knowledge in a university style seminar/ lecture environment. You will be encouraged to engage with debate, ask questions and practice public speaking. For some students, these events are some of the most impactful moments of their time at Ackworth.

Other enrichment opportunities include: Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): This qualification helps students develop and demonstrate their project management skills and provides opportunities for extended writing, both of which are highly valued for progression to higher education and employment.

Oxbridge Pathways Programme: The Ackworth School Oxbridge Pathways Programme supports our Sixth Form students with a pathway to some of the most competitive placements at UK universities.

Duke of Edinburgh Award: A nationally recognised award, providing opportunities for students to develop their resilience, sense of responsibility, teamwork and organisational skills.

Practical skills and support “ It has been difficult in terms of the workload, but enjoyable in terms of the freedom and independence given.”

Aaron, Upper Sixth student

Health and wellbeing are at the core of everything that we do at Ackworth, and you will quickly establish positive academic relationships. We deem it our responsibility to keep a close eye on our Sixth Form students, and they tend to keep an eye on each other too. Students are listened to and have described the

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feeling of having an invisible safety net during their time at the school. We will be there when you need us, and we will leave you alone when you don’t. From personal organisation to note taking, from active engagement to using feedback, you will be equipped with the tools you need to confidently face any situation.

If by working together with students we recognise that further individual support is required, we have a number of interventions designed to help those students overcome whatever challenges they may be facing. These include academic reviews, increased supervision and folder checks.

Leadership opportunities Ackworth School encourages all students to nurture their individual talents and have confidence in their own abilities. Upon entering the Sixth Form, students are given multiple opportunities to practise leadership skills. There are specific roles within the Sixth Form that carry additional responsibilities including Head Boy and Head Girl, Heads of House, Sixth Form Council and Sports Leaders. These roles give students the opportunity to acquire valuable life and workplace skills such as multifaceted organisational and communication capabilities, interpersonal

strength by working alongside the school’s Senior Management Team and public speaking with confidence.

Charity Week is organised by members of the Sixth Form and, each year, large sums of money are raised for two charities chosen by the students. The Charity Week student committee must operate as a functioning charitable organisation with a variety of roles. Students are required to proactively volunteer, choosing a role in support of their higher education study choices and/or desired vocation.

Making a community difference Sixth Form Service enables students to make a tangible difference in the community, to increase confidence and to gain employability and life skills. This service may be local (supporting students in the school’s Autism Resource Unit); it may be national (volunteering for the Wakefield Christmas Hamper appeal); it may be international (raising money to take part in charity projects in Ghana). It may occur regularly (in which you work as a primary school’s learning mentor each week) or the service may be a unique one-off event (where you organise and conduct events for the Sixth Form’s annual Charity Week). These voluntary activities form an integral part of a wider education and provide invaluable experiences.

Projects Abroad The Projects Abroad initiative enables Ackworth Sixth Form students to participate in youth volunteering opportunities overseas. Trips are tailor made to suit the needs of both the students and the school and fit in with the interests of the chosen group, whether it is working on a care and community

project in rural Africa or on a conservation programme in South America. The projects are ideal for students who are looking for something to add to their UCAS form. Each trip is planned to provide an educational travel experience that helps students develop confidence, selfawareness as well as a global perspective.

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“ I will cherish all of the time I spent at Ackworth, however I will look back most fondly on my time in Sixth Form. In addition to receiving a fabulous education, Sixth Form has been a transformative experience for me personally, having instilled a greater degree of personal confidence and our intimate class sizes have meant that my teachers have brought the very best out of me.

I have no doubt that I am leaving Sixth Form equipped with the skills to deal with further education and the world ahead of me, and I will forever be in thanks to Ms Collingwood and the Sixth Form team for creating such a great community which not only maximises our academic ability but makes it a joy to come to school every day.”

Oliver, Upper Sixth student

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Quaker heritage While only a small proportion of our school is Quaker, the values and practices of a Quaker education underpins what we do. Your voice is valued, you will understand your potential to effect peace and social justice, and the importance of being yourself and speaking the truth. As a member of the Ackworth community you will have both a personal and a social responsibility, to act with integrity, trust and respect, not just for yourself but for others.

“The foundation of your education must be rooted in hope and imagination: hope, to believe that you can change the world you live in; and imagination, to find ways of doing so.” Janet Galbraith, Poet and Writer.

“ You can feel the Quaker ethos throughout the school. Everybody is equal and I love that about the school. We have moments of silence throughout the day; in the morning or before we eat lunch. It gives us time to reflect on our day.”

Abrielle, Upper Sixth student

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Day in the life of an Ackworth Sixth Form student Students will usually share a study room with another sixth former, and there are common areas for socialising outside school hours. You can enjoy the same facilities as the rest of the school, including Ackworth’s extensive library, excellent fitness centre and sports facilities.

Guidance is always on hand to help you learn how to structure your time effectively and balance the demands of academic,

social and domestic life. This is a discipline you will use throughout your adult life.

Our Sixth Form students are required to wear business attire and set an important example within our school community. Managing and relishing this new responsibility provides students with a useful lesson in leadership, encouragement, and sensitivity to others.

“ In a morning we go into our form rooms and it is a lovely opportunity to mix with everyone including those you are not in lessons with, and those in the year above as the forms are made up of half lower sixth and half upper sixth. It is a good opportunity to talk to your tutors and get a good start to the day. Then we have three lessons before a break, then two lessons before lunch. Some of those lessons may be a free period depending on your subject choices.

Lunch is a good opportunity to mix with different year groups as we all eat together. After lunch there are three more lessons after which you can go home or join an array of extracurricular clubs. There are over 50 clubs to choose from, from Harry Potter Club to Chess, Maths, Sports, Choir, Musicals, all providing the chance to meet new members of the school community.”

Abrielle, Upper Sixth student

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A truly International community Ackworth Sixth Form gives students the opportunity to interact with peers from all over the world. You will become part of a ready-made global community with exposure to multiple languages and cultures. Ackworth Sixth Form students are inevitably outward looking and aware of other perspectives and cultures, which is an essential skill in the modern workplace.

We see lasting international friendships develop year after year which often become the foundations of important networking opportunities. We have many examples of students making ‘friends for life’; holidaying together, setting up businesses and even starting a family.

Practise independent living in School Farm Lane School Farm Lane is a unique opportunity for Ackworth Sixth Form students to experience the realities of independent living in a university house share.

Situated on the school campus, School Farm Lane is a recently updated, detached former schoolhouse. All students will have the opportunity to live, cook, clean and study together in the property as a small group for a whole week. This is a real point of difference for students and demonstrates Ackworth’s commitment to delivering an innovative, all-round education that equips students for the realities of a transition from school life into adulthood. It is a residential school initiative unlike any other!

“ For me, two years studying at Ackworth School as a Sixth Form student have been brilliant. The school staff have been wonderful in helping me to adapt to an environment that is new to me. I love studying in Westwood or taking time out in the Sixth Form Centre.

If get demotivated, my teachers and friends always encourage me and cheer me up.”

Trang, Vietnam

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Benefits of boarding Since its foundation in 1779, Ackworth has always been a mixed boarding school and currently about one third of the senior school boards. There are separate boarding houses for boys and girls, each with comprehensive care, guidance and support appropriate to the age of the pupils.

Incredible facilities Ackworth School has a state-of-the-art fitness suite, sports hall, swimming pool, tennis courts and music centre with 10 Steinway pianos set in picturesque 18th Century grounds. Sixth Form students have everything they need to excel at their chosen A levels and take part in extracurricular activities to enhance their well-being and skill set.

Close-knit family feel We maintain a real family community and as we are non-selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students to mix with people from all different backgrounds, countries and cultures. Boarding helps build and nurture life-long friendships and encourages social growth. It is a home away from home.

Support and pastoral care Boarding could be the best way for you to thrive and flourish, both academically and pastorally at Ackworth Sixth Form. It is particularly popular with our international students who describe the school as feeling like home.

Sixth Form boarders have shared studies, as well as their bedrooms, and some day-scholars switch to boarding in the Sixth Form. They do this partly to take full advantage of the facilities for study and social interaction offered by the school and partly to gain a degree of independence to prepare them for university life.

Bolsters academic growth Sixth Form boarders have access to tutors ‘out of hours’ during designated prep (study) time. Even outside of prep time, thanks to our digital learning approach, advice from teachers and tutors is only a message or email away.

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We make it our responsibility to ensure that all students have a positive environment to learn in as we believe this has a direct impact on whether they perform to the best of their abilities. Boarding at Ackworth provides the right balance of support and freedom, allowing students to ease into adult life, knowing the safety net is still there if they need it.

Flexi-boarding Ackworth has developed a flexible approach to boarding in response to parental and student needs. By prior arrangement, our Sixth Form day students can take advantage of the boarding provision if at any time it suits their academic, extracurricular, or home life commitments.

“ Coming to Ackworth Sixth Form feels like you are leaving your home family for your school family. The environment feels so safe and welcoming. If you have never been to the school prior to the Sixth Form, like me, don’t worry. I have been here a few weeks and I feel like I have been here for years. Everyone is so supportive; students, staff and teachers.”

Abrielle, Upper Sixth student

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Sports at Ackworth Sports and physical and mental wellbeing are very important to all Ackworth students and provide a positive foundation for successful academic work.

talented students to train under world class coaches in tailor made programmes. Those in the academies often go on to compete at county and even international level.

Ackworth has a proud reputation of sporting success, showcased in our academies. Sport can expose a student to self-discipline, practice and preparation, teamwork, goal setting, success and failure, and resilience.

Our sports academies offer the chance for

In addition to the sports academies, Sixth Form students have access to a newly built fitness suite, indoor swimming pool, athletics field and cross-country course, tennis and squash courts, cricket pitch and multiple extracurricular sports and well-being clubs.

“ The facilities here are second to none with an emphasis on all sports, especially the football academy, squash and table tennis academies.”

Harry, Head Boy 2020

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“ Our students leave the Sixth Form to go to some of the best universities in the country with a sense of purpose and confidence that neither they, nor their families, ever dreamt of.” lexandra Collingwood, Head of Sixth Form, A Head of History

Results and leavers’ destinations Great results following a tough year As a non-selective school, true to our Quaker values, we help all children to do their personal best. We are extremely proud of our 2020 Sixth Form graduates. With their chance to demonstrate their ability in the normal way removed as a consequence of the pandemic, teachers were asked to provide Centre Assessed Grades that were a fair reflection of what they would have achieved in their A level examinations. They have done very well, and their results are deserved.

• • • •

36.7% of grades were A*-A 61.7% A*-B 83.3% A*-C 100% A*-E

Our 2020 leavers destinations and courses include: Dentistry at Kings College London Economics and Finance at Wofford College, South Carolina, USA Economics and Politics at the University of Edinburgh Medicine at Hull York Medical School Modern Languages at Warwick University Spanish at University of Oxford

“ This was a year group required to deal with far more adversity than any other. They have responded admirably to this challenge in a way that defines them, and we will all miss their spontaneity and humour whilst regretting their missed chances to shine during all the moments that accompany the final year at school.”

Anton Maree, Head ackworthschool.com

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Careers guidance Careers education and guidance form an essential part of the programme of self-awareness and development that all Ackworth School pupils experience; from the fifth form right through to the post A level results period.

Subject choice, employment and training opportunities, work experience, and guidance about further and higher education, all form part of the programme of individual careers guidance. Students are exposed to a wide array of careers as early as can be effectively delivered, which is validated by visiting experts.

The Careers Department have a dedicated library housing a wide range of careers information, along with prospectuses for UK Higher Education institutions (and some for study abroad), information regarding student finance, and advice on other options such as gap years and apprenticeships. Students are granted lifetime access to Morrisby’s online careers guidance and advice – a leading educational careers service which specialises in assisting pupils in making the correct subject choices. The results from Morrisby assessments are used as the basis for individual one to one careers interviews with the Head of Careers in Sixth Form.

This helps students to decide which post 18 option is right for them.

In the Summer term of the lower sixth we host our UCAS preparation week.

Students are introduced to the online UCAS application system and work on their Personal Statement, supported by their Form Tutor, the Head of Careers and the Head of Sixth Form. We are hopeful that a visit to a Higher Education Fair can be organised the whole year group, and students are encouraged to attend university Open Days, both virtually and in person.

In the upper sixth, completion of the UCAS application is carefully and individually monitored. There is advice available for those students who wish to follow an alternative path to Higher Education, or who wish to apply to a Higher Education Institution outside of the UK. Students are entitled to as much individual support as they feel they need and can make appointments with the Head of Careers as required. Assistance is offered to students who wish to pursue higher education at a sought-after institution. Ackworth School’s Oxbridge Pathways Programme supports students in their applications to some of the top universities in the country.

Most of our students go on to study at their first-choice university and enjoy productive careers. Former pupils routinely return to talk to us about their working life and to support their old school. The Ackworth Old Scholars’ Association is a flourishing organisation which arranges regional events and gatherings, reuniting the Ackworth ‘family’.

Work experience This academic year, work experience is being offered virtually, with new opportunities being published on a weekly basis. Work experience helps to support students who are applying to competitive

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courses and provides them with invaluable employability skills that shine through on college and university applications. Further information regarding work experience will be provided in the Spring term.

Ackworth School is the best-performing school for Value Added amongst our local competitors, with an above average progress score of 0.54.

(Source: www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk)

Oxbridge Pathways Programme The Ackworth School Oxbridge Programme supports our Sixth Form students with a pathway to some of the most competitive placements at UK universities. With the top courses becoming increasingly more sought after, it is well known good grades form just one part of a successful application.

The Oxbridge Pathways Programme is designed to support pupils in their applications to their chosen universities, whether it be a Russell Group university such as Oxford or Cambridge, or any other competitive course.

• E xtended Project Qualification programme, allowing students to focus on skills required by higher education institutions and explore a topic of their choosing.

The extensive two-year programme teaches students the essential skills needed to succeed not just in moving onto their chosen course, but also after graduation.

• R egular group meetings, discussions and debates from all academic areas to improve confidence and public speaking.

What is involved?

• O ne-to-one support in preparing your application, personal statement, admissions test and interview.

• D iscussions with Oxbridge Admissions Tutors.

• M onthly seminars by the Oxbridge Coordinator covering all topics relevant to acceptance.

• F ocused support for medicine and dentistry candidates

• E xclusive visits to the Oxbridge Regional Conference, and to Oxford and/or Cambridge Colleges.

• D irect contact with current students and Old Scholars, to gain insights into the Oxford or Cambridge student experience.

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Sixth Form courses guide This guide gives a brief description of the courses available. These descriptions are designed to give you a flavour of each subject. It should be used in conjunction with advice from Careers staff, your teachers and your family..

We expect students to choose three A levels, for study in both lower and upper sixth. Students will sit internal school examinations at the end of the lower sixth year, taking the final A level examinations at the end of the upper sixth.

It may be possible to timetable Further Maths as a fourth subject and we offer a ‘Maths for Scientists’ course for those

students who wish to study three Science subjects. Students should discuss these options with us at the earliest opportunity.

University entry requirements It is important to research whether the universities and colleges you are interested in attending have any entry requirements.

Some courses demand specific subjects; for others there is a wider choice. We will try to meet your subject choices and combinations depending on the study timetable. If there is a problem with your choices, we will contact you to discuss a way forward.

Sixth Form Open Evening The Sixth Form Open Evening gives you a good opportunity to find out more information about the range of courses available and ask any questions about life in the Sixth Form.

If you are thinking of coming to Ackworth from another school, please contact our Admissions team to find out more at admissions@ackworthschool.com or +44 (0) 1977 233 600.

Sixth Form entry requirements The normal entry requirement for Ackworth School Sixth Form is three ‘9-6’ GCSE grades and two ‘9-5’ grades or the international equivalent.

‘6’ grades are required in the subjects a student wishes to study to A level.

Progression from the lower to the upper sixth is dependent on a minimum of three pass grades [grade E] at end of year internal examinations.

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Sixth Form entry requirements for international students Additionally, international pupils for whom English is an additional language, are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.0.

Entry procedure Please see the Admissions Guide for information on how to apply to Ackworth School Sixth Form.

Sixth Form Handbook

Course Information ackworthschool.com

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Course Information

Art and Design (Fine Art) Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: AQA

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Art and Design or equivalent (Grade 6 or above)

What will be studied?

You will produce one extended portfolio project (60% of your final grade) and one externally set assignment (40% of your final grade) during this period, both developed in response to a theme. You will evidence the journey from the initial starting point to the final piece/s. You will demonstrate your observational drawing skills, your knowledge of other practitioners’ work and your ability to create in-depth visual research. You will also submit a research-based essay that is linked to the artists you have been studying for the portfolio component.

What’s next?

The skills learnt throughout the course will equip you for a future career in a creative industry, such as architecture, fashion design, film, stage set design, photography, graphic design, to name just a few. The course will also provide you with the solid foundations for other, less obvious, careers where the ability to think differently, creatively and ‘outside the box’ will give you the edge on the competition.

Did you know?

Art provides valuable experiences for all aspects of future life and you may be surprised to learn that there are numerous famous individuals who studied Art at university before embarking on their future careers. These include Freddie Mercury, Noel Fielding, Florence Welsh, Alan Rickman and David Bowie.

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Course Information

Biology Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: AQA

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Science and Maths (Grade 6 or above)

What will be studied?

During the A level Biology course, we will study eight topics using a variety of mathematical and problem-solving skills. We also consider the moral and social issues raised by new biological technologies.

Topics: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8. The control of gene expression Practical work is a vital part of Biology and you will work towards a separate practical endorsement which is assessed by observation as you complete the required practicals and other activities, including an ecology field trip. These practicals will give you the skills needed to investigate how living things behave and work, ensuring that if you choose to study a Biology-based subject at university, you’ll have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree.

What’s next?

Biology makes a tremendous contribution to society, improving medicine and agriculture. Studying Biology A level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. It opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers which could lead to you becoming a: • Doctor • Clinical molecular geneticist • Nature conservation officer • Pharmacologist • Research scientist

• Vet • Secondary school teacher • Marine biologist • Dentist

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Course Information

Business Studies Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: WJEC

What is needed to study this course?

Three ‘9-6’ GCSE grades and two ‘9-5’ GCSE grades

What will be studied?

The A level course is linear which means that the A level is assessed after two years. The subject is based around the concept of choice and decision making. Students need to consider factors such as objectives, risk, costs, returns, constraints and ethics to decide what to do in any situation.

Decisions will include: • Marketing decision such as what markets to target, how best to position the business, how to communicate effectively and distribute in a digital world.

• F inancial decisions such as how to raise finance, how to manage cashflow and how to increase profitability, operational decisions such as how to increase efficiency, how to improve quality and how to improve productivity, human resource decisions such as how to manage employees effectively, how to motivate and build employee engagement.

• Strategic decisions such as how to compete abroad, how to compete digitally, whether to act socially responsibly and how to manage growth Students needs to understand theory, they need to know various studies and models and then they need to apply this knowledge to a particular situation.

Component 1: Business Opportunities and Functions, 2 hours and 15 minutes Component 2: Business Analysis and Strategy, 2 hours and 15 minutes Component 3: Business in a Changing World, 2 hours and 15 minutes

What’s next?

• • • • • •

Accountant Advertising media buyer Arts administrator Bank manager Barber Business adviser

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• • • • • •

Charity fundraiser Digital marketing officer E-commerce manager Estate agent General practitioner (GP) Wedding planner

Course Information

Computer Science Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: AQL

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Maths and/or Science at a grade 6 or above. This will be a necessary requirement due to the advanced content of the course.

What will be studied?

In the lower sixth pupils will demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamentals of the subject, focusing on programming, data structures and algorithms as well as the hardware and software aspects of Computing and the social and economic consequences of Computing, including: data representation, computer organisation and architecture, communication and networking.

1. Fundamentals of programming 2. Fundamentals of data structures 3. Software development 4. Theory of computation 5. Fundamentals of data representation 6. Fundamentals of computer systems 7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture 8. Consequences of uses of computing 9. Fundamentals of communication and networking The upper sixth focuses on computational thinking, what can be computed, programming and problem-solving including communication and networking as well as building in a systematic approach to problem solving as well as knowledge of the hardware and software aspects of Computing, the social and economic consequences of Computing and an understanding of ‘Big Data’, databases and functional programming.

What’s next?

Jobs related to studies in computer science can lead to: • • • • • • • •

Application analyst Applications developer Cyber security analyst Data analyst Database administrator Forensic computer analyst Game designer Games developer

• • • • • • •

Information systems manager IT consultant Software engineer Systems analyst UX designer Web designer Web developer

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Course Information

CTEC Level 3 in Sport and Physical Activity Qualification: CTEC – equivalent UCAS points to an A level Duration: 2 Years – one year half course can be completed (1/2 an A level) Examination Board: OCR

What is needed to study this course?

Experience in PE, English and Science

What will be studied?

Body systems and the effects of physical activity – you will gain an understanding of the structure and functions of the key body systems and how these impact performance in sport and physical activity. Sports Coaching and Activity Leadership – looking at the theory behind what makes good sports coaches and activity leaders. Students will explore roles and responsibilities of coaches. You will also plan, deliver and review a series of sports sessions. Sports organisation and development – you will gain an understanding of the organisations involved in sport in the UK, their roles and responsibilities and how they work together. Two additional units.

What’s next?

Higher education, apprenticeship or employment in areas such as sports science, sports coaching, teaching, nutrition, sports centre manager, personal trainer.

Did you know?

You don’t need to be a top athlete to become a top coach, think about Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.

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Course Information

Economics Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: WJEC

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Mathematics

What will be studied?

Economics at A Level is a discussion-based subject which requires students to form opinions on the world around and much use is made of resources including the internet, newspapers and magazines. Students should have a good grasp of English and Mathematics. (Students who proceed to study Economics at University may require A Level Mathematics.)

Students are encouraged to get involved in the ‘wider world’ of economics outside the classroom; competitions such as the IFS Student Investor and the RES essay competition are very popular.

The subject content is divided between micro and macroeconomics.

Paper 1 Markets and Market Failure; 33.3% of A Level, 2 hour written exam Paper 2 National and International Economy, 33.3% of A Level, 2 hour written exam Paper 3 Economic Principles and Issues, 33.3% of A Level, 2 hour written exam

What’s next?

Careers in economics can include employment in: • • • • •

Banks Charitable and not-for-profit organisations Consultancies Insurance and accountancy firms Government departments and think tanks

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Course Information

French Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: AQA

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE/IGCSE French

What will be studied?

The A level French course will build on the skills which have been acquired in IGCSE. It is intended to deepen students understanding of the French language as well as their cultural knowledge. Studying a foreign language gives students an overview of the language and culture of the country so they will experience the history, literature and films of France and French speaking countries during the two years. The French A level course provides a comprehensive study of all major aspects of French grammar, developing a varied vocabulary is also an essential part of the course. Students will study a variety of topics including: • Stereotypes, equality and gender • Issues relating to the modern world • Law and order • Immigration and racism • Aspects of political culture Students will have the opportunity to study authentic literary and non-literary texts as well as film in the target language. Students will also research an area of personal interest in preparation for the oral examination. Students with a genuine interest in French and France will find this a challenging and stimulating course. We hope that they will become a student of French rather that somebody who is just doing French A level. The final A level assessment will be made up of: • A comprehension paper to include listening reading and translation tasks • A written paper including essays on film and text studied and an additional translation task • A speaking paper including the discussion of a text and a presentation of an individual research topic

What’s next?

At the end of the course students should have the skills and confidence to live or work in a French-speaking country. The new A2 course also provides a good grounding for university study, many of our students go onto study languages as part of their degree.

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Course Information

Further Mathematics Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: OCR (MEI)

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Mathematics (Grade 7 or above) To be studied alongside Mathematics A level

What will be studied?

As well as building on the knowledge introduced in Mathematics A level, Further Mathematics introduces you to the concepts of complex numbers and matrices, which have wide applications in mathematics, engineering, and computing. There is a little more flexibility compared to standard Mathematics, with three routes through the course. Each route contains the mandatory Core Pure content and alongside this, students choose whether to major in Mechanics or Statistics and study a minor option, which gives greater depth of knowledge, or study three minor options, to gain greater breadth. The minor options are: Mechanics Minor; Statistics Minor; Modelling with Algorithms; Numerical Methods; Extra Pure; and Further Pure with Technology. The Core Pure, Mechanics, and Statistics content is covered within lessons, and students can choose to study any of the other options independently. The course is assessed through several examinations at the end, with the number dependent on the route taken.

What’s next?

Further Mathematics prepares students for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines. Many degree courses list A level Further Mathematics as a desirable subject to study - Accounting, Computing, Economics, Engineering, Physics, and Statistics to name but a few, and it is fast becoming a core requirement for many courses with a high mathematical content.

Did you know?

If you look at the underlying symmetry in a wallpaper pattern, mathematicians have proven there are only 17 possible types. You can change the colour and decoration but you will still only find 17 different possible symmetries.

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Course Information

Geography Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: OCR

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Geography or similar (Grade 6 or above)

What will be studied?

OCR Geography is a combination of human and physical units, including Glaciation, Water and Carbon cycles, Inequality and Place Perception, Disease Management, Migration, Tectonics and Geopolitics. We combine current affairs with up-to-date theory to investigate the world around us, and develop diverse skills including data analysis, digital mapping and essay writing. With small class sizes, we take A level Geographers out to investigate real-life Geography in settings from city centres to the Lake District, building up to an independent investigation, worth 20%, on a topic of their choice.

Geography is at the centre of what’s happening in the world right now, and Geographers have the skills to take an active role in what happens in the future.

What’s next?

Geography is recognised as providing a diverse and flexible skill-set and is one of eight subjects recognised by Russell Group universities as a ‘facilitating subject’.

Geography A level goes hand-in-hand with other subjects such as Biology and Economics, and fits well with both science and arts options, providing flexibility for the future. In fact, Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment. Geography can lead to a wide range of careers. Some are obvious, such as environmental consultant or city planner, but geography links well to politics, journalism, the armed forces and police, charity work and the law and finance sectors (to name just a few!) Recent Ackworth A level Geographers have gone to university to study International Business, History of Art, Veterinary Science, History, Law, Biology and, of course, Geography.

Did you know?

There is a stadium in Brazil in which the midfield line lies exactly on the Equator, meaning each team defends one hemisphere!

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Course Information

History Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: OCR

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE History Grade 5

What will be studied?

Unit 1: British period study- Early Stuarts and the English Civil War Unit 2: non British period study- Russia 1894-1941 Unit 3: Thematic study and historical interpretationsPopular culture and the witchcraze of the c.16th-c.17th. Unit 4: Topic based essaylearners choice of essay 3,000-4,000 words.

What’s next?

Skills learnt at A level History are transferable and future proof. These include: Problem solving, patience, organisation, analytics, communication, literacy and interpersonal skills. History can be useful in many job families including those linked with law, journalism and publishing, marketing, sales and advertising, arts, design, broadcast media, performing arts, leisure, sport and tourism, as well as education and training. Students have progressed to study both History, Classic, Archaeology and Law at very prestigious universities.

Did you know?

History is inclusive and diverse: The future king Prince Charles has a History degree, as does comedian, actor and writer Sacha Baron-Cohen. Olympic World Champion Dina Asher-Smith also read History at university.

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Course Information

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Qualification: Academic IELTS (Levels 1-9) | Duration: 1 or 2 Years Examination Board: Cambridge

What is needed to study this course?

Intermediate level of English +

What will be studied?

You will prepare for all four components: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, covering a variety of stimulating topics of an academic nature which encourage critical thinking as required in the test. The necessary skills and strategies are taught to enable students to reach their required band score in all parts of the test. You will receive systematic training and detailed analysis of all task types. IELTS is internationally focused in its content. All standard varieties of English are accepted in candidates’ responses in all parts of the test.

What’s next?

The IELTS Academic test is suitable for entry to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and also for professional registration purposes. It assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training in an environment where English language is used, and reflects some of the features of language used in academic study.

Did you know?

Over 3 million IELTS tests are taken each year.

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Sixth Form Handbook | 2021/22

Course Information

Mathematics Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: OCR (MEI)

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Mathematics (Grade 6 or above)

What will be studied?

A level Mathematics extends and deepens the knowledge you acquired at GCSE level, and emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and can be applied to modelling real life situations. You will learn how to make sense of data, to understand how the physical world works and to solve problems in a variety of contexts. The course has three overarching themes - mathematical argument, language and proof; problem solving; and modelling. The content is then split into the following three strands: Pure mathematics - proof, algebra, functions, graphs, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, calculus, numerical methods, and vectors. Mechanics - kinematics, projectiles, forces, Newton’s laws of motion, and moments. Statistics - includes working with data from a sample to make inferences about a population, probability, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing. It is assessed through three two hour examinations at the end of the course.

What’s next?

Mathematics is traditionally seen as complementing the sciences, however, there is relatively little in life that is untouched by this powerful subject. It prepares students for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines. Many degree courses list A level Mathematics as a highly desirable, if not essential, subject to study - Accounting, Computing, Economics, Engineering, Medicine, Physics, Statistics, Teaching, and Veterinary Science, to name but a few.

Did you know?

If you shuffle a deck of cards, it’s more than likely that the order of the cards you get has never been seen before in the history of the universe - there are more ways to arrange the deck than there are atoms on Earth.

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Course Information

Music Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: ACQ

What is needed to study this course?

Grade 5 standard proficiency, taking instrumental/vocal lessons, ability to read music, understanding of music theory.

What will be studied?

Students will study a wide variety of music from three areas of study: Western Classical music, and two optional areas of study, including popular music, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary world music. Students will develop their listening skills, being able to recognise different musical features of the particular styles from the chosen areas of study. They will also develop their analytical skills, studying a number of pieces of music in detail, in order to gain a contextual understanding of the pieces. (40%) In addition, students will develop their practical music-making skills, through performance and composition. Students will be required to perform a selection of pieces as a soloist and/or as part of an ensemble. Students can select their instrument and choice of repertoire. (35%) Students must also compose two pieces of music, one of which will be in response to a brief set by the exam board. (25%)

What’s next?

A level Music is a unique course that combines rigorous academic study with highly creative opportunities, harnessing skills that are required for both further study and employment. It is a highly regarded subject that complements both other creative courses, such as Drama and Art, as well as Science, Maths and other academic courses. The most obvious pathway is to study Music at degree level either at a university or conservatoire. This can open the door to a number of exciting careers, including music education, professional musician, sound technician/engineer, music therapy, arts administration, arts and events management, and music journalism and publishing. Even if you are not wanting to pursue music as a career, the transferable skills developed during the A level course are crucial for success in any HE course or career. These skills include being able to work both independently and as part of a group, analytical thought and essay-writing, presentation skills and confidence, creativity and self-expression.

Did you know?

Listening to music and playing a musical instrument utilises the entire brain, including areas such as the cerebellum (in charge of muscle memory and co-ordinating movement), the hippocampus (the emotion centre of the brain), and the occipital lobe (which processes what we see – sheet music – into action). As a result, research has shown that musicians have higher IQs than non-musicians!

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Course Information

OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Applied Science Qualification: CTEC – equivalent UCAS points to an A level Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: OCR

What is needed to study this course?

5 GCSEs (Grade 5 or above) to include GCSE Maths and Double Science

What will be studied?

Designed with the workplace in mind and provides a high-quality alternative to A level sciences. 360 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are the equivalent to one A level. You will study science concepts and experimental procedures whilst developing communication, analytical, evaluative and research skills. There are five units.

Science Fundamentals (90 GLH) Covers key scientific concepts, including the structures of biological systems, understanding chemical reactions, structures of atoms, bonding and material properties, energy transfer systems and electrical systems, and the principles of electricity.

Laboratory Techniques (90 GLH) Introduces a variety of laboratory equipment and techniques, including titration, colorimetry, calorimetry, chromatography, calibration procedures and safety.

What’s next?

Control of Hazards in the Laboratory (60 GLH) Understanding the most common hazards encountered in typical research labs will help you maintain a safe work environment. It also links to other units and you can apply skills in the context of other practicals. Microbiology (60 GLH) Learn about the commercial use of microorganisms in food production and medical microbiology. Develop a range of practical manipulative skills, including aseptic technique and those used in bacterial identification, enabling you to work safely and competently in a microbiology laboratory.

Product Testing Techniques (60 GLH) Considers how consumer products are rigorously tested and regulated both before being allowed to be sold and after sale.

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Course Information

Physical Education (PE) Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: ACA

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE PE Grade 5, GCSE Science Grade 4

What will be studied?

The A level PE course is 70% theory and 30% practical performance and coursework.

There will be two examinations at the end of the two year course both equally weighted at 35%. The course will cover the following areas: Paper 1: Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Skill Acquisition; Sport in Society. Paper 2: Biomechanics; Sport Psychology; Technology in Sport. Practical Performance and written analysis of performance (NEA).

What’s next?

A Physical education and sport lends itself to a range of careers in sports and fitness as well as other industries that you may not have considered before.

For example, did you know that many nutritionists, physical therapists and chiropractors have a degree in PE? Some careers that you could consider doing with A level PE include: Sports science; PE teacher; Physiotherapist; Professional sportsperson; Sports coach/consultant; Sports policy at local and national level; Diet and fitness instructor; Personal trainer; Journalist ; Sports Psychologist; Sports analyst; Technology development.

Did you know?

The UK Sports Industry is worth £23.8 billion and holds nearly 1 million jobs.

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Sixth Form Handbook | 2021/22

Course Information

Psychology Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: AQA

What is needed to study this course?

Three ‘9-6’ GCSE grades and two ‘9-5’ GCSE grades

What will be studied?

Students will also have the chance to undertake practical work, recreating those studies which are deemed ethical by today’s standards, alongside designing their own study, recruiting a small number of volunteers to take part in trials, and presenting their findings.

Psychology equips students with skills transferable to any degree or career area, but our links with universities will give students the opportunity to find out if studying Psychology beyond Sixth Form is right for them.

We follow the AQA Psychology A-Level Specification, with three examinations taken at the end of the two-year course: Paper One – Introductory Topics in Psychology • Social Influence

• Memory

• Attachment

• Psychopathology

Written examination 2 hours in length. 96 marks in total, worth 33.3% of the A-Level grade.

Paper Two – Psychology in Context • Approaches in Psychology

• Biopsychology

• Research Methods

Written examination 2 hours in length. 96 marks in total, worth 33.3% of the A-Level grade.

Paper Three – Issues and Options in Psychology • Issues and Debates in Psychology • Forensic Psychology

• Gender

• Schizophrenia

Written examination 2 hours in length. 96 marks in total, worth 33.3% of the A-Level grade.

What’s next?

Studying psychology in Sixth Form and at university can lead to a variety of jobs including: • • • • •

Clinical psychologist Counselling psychologist Educational psychologist Forensic psychologist Further education teacher

• • • • •

Health psychologist High intensity therapist Occupational psychologist Psychological wellbeing practitioner Sport and exercise psychologist

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Course Information

Spanish Qualification: A level | Duration: 2 Years | Examination Board: AQA

What is needed to study this course?

GCSE Spanish (Grade 7 or above)

What will be studied?

The A level course examines a wide range of topics, encompassing aspects of Hispanic society, artistic culture in the Hispanic world, multiculturalism in Hispanic society and political life in Hispanic society. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where Spanish is spoken, as well as rapidly improving their language skills. They will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in Spanish. Students also study one book and one film from the lists in this specification. They must appreciate, analyse and be able to respond critically in writing in Spanish to the work they have studied. Additionally pupils will research a topic of their choice for presentation and discussion in the oral examination.

What’s next?

Many pupils who have studied Spanish at A level have gone on to study the subject at university. The ability to speak Spanish is a valuable skill in the modern workplace.

Did you know?

43 million Americans speak Spanish as their first language.

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Notes

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Pontefract Road, Ackworth, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF7 7LT Tel: +44 (0)1977 233600 Email: admissions@ackworthschool.com

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