22 minute read
Course Information
Sixth Form Handbook
Course Information
Art and Design (Fine Art)
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.
Biology
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 • Vet • Clinical molecular geneticist • Secondary school teacher • Nature conservation officer • Marine biologist • Pharmacologist • Dentist • Research scientist
Business Studies
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. • Financial 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 • Charity fundraiser • Digital marketing officer • E-commerce manager • Estate agent • General practitioner (GP) • Wedding planner
Computer Science
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 • Information systems manager • Applications developer • Cyber security analyst • Data analyst • IT consultant • Software engineer • Systems analyst • Database administrator • UX designer • Forensic computer analyst • Web designer • Game designer • Web developer • Games developer
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.
Economics
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
French
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.
Further Mathematics
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.
Geography
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!
History
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 interpretations- Popular culture and the witchcraze of the c.16th-c.17th. Unit 4: Topic based essay- learners 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.
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.
Mathematics
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.
Music
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!
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.
Physical Education (PE)
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.
Psychology
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 • Gender • Schizophrenia • Forensic Psychology 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 • Health psychologist • Counselling psychologist • High intensity therapist • Educational psychologist • Occupational psychologist • Forensic psychologist • Psychological wellbeing practitioner • Further education teacher • Sport and exercise psychologist
Spanish
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.
Notes
Pontefract Road, Ackworth, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF7 7LT
Tel: +44 (0)1977 233600 Email: admissions@ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com
