Culford School Sixth Form Booklet

Culford

A-Level Subject Options

Challenging Enriching & Fun Culford Sixth Form

Culford Sixth Form

Introduction A level results matter so you must choose wisely, right from the start. While some students enter Sixth Form with a decided career path, you may be unsure at the moment what career you would like to pursue in the future. If this is the case, then do take the time to talk to people before you decide; and choose subjects which you already enjoy and have clear reasons for studying.

The A level courses which Culford offers include: Art and Design Business Studies Classics Design and Technology Economics English Literature Geography History Latin Mathematics Modern Languages: French, Spanish Music Music Technology Physical Education Psychology Religious Studies Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics Theatre Studies English as an Additional Language

Most pupils will study four subjects at AS level in the Lower Sixth and then continue with three in the Upper Sixth.

It is possible to take five AS Levels and four A Levels; pupils considering this should discuss their options with the Deputy Head.

Culford teachers have an abundance of experience in advising people on the best combination of subjects to take. Of course, if you already attend Culford then you will have plenty of opportunity to discuss your subject choices in detail.

However, those new to Culford will be able to explore their preferred subject options as part of the interview process.

Other subjects apart from those listed may be offered from time to time.

Please contact the Admissions Office on: +44 (0)1284 385308.

For more information about the Sixth Form at Culford, please see our Sixth Form Prospectus, Challenging, Enriching & Fun.

Art & Design

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

ABOUT THIS COURSE

AS LEVEL

If you have an aptitude for art, if you are creative and have an interest in creating and understanding art, this course is for you.

There are 2 units to the AS course.

Unit 1 – Coursework Unit 2 – Externally set assignment

The skills you develop will be varied and will determine to some extent the area of study you choose. However, whether you see yourself as a painter, printmaker, ceramist, textile designer or photographer the same skills apply.

A LEVEL (A2)

If you have a particular interest in the field of textiles or 3 dimensional studies, you can incorporate this into your AS/A2 course.

There are a further 2 units to the A2 course.

Unit 3 – Art & Design coursework, practical work, personal study Unit 4 – Externally set assignment

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 60% coursework, 40% examination 8 hours timed test A2 assessment 30% coursework, 20% timed test 12 hours timed test

Art & Design EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION Edexcel AS 8030 & A2 9030 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Regular study days are arranged to galleries and exhibitions. Overseas study tours have included visits to New York, Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona, and local artists visit the department to discuss their own work.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES There are many careers in art, craft and design. At present most students wishing to take art and design further will go on to do a one year Foundation course before applying for a degree course in specialist areas of art and design. Students have successfully applied to Central St Martins, Kingston and Chelsea School of Art, De Montfort University, Kent and Norwich Institutes for Art and Design, and closer to home, Cambridge.

Culford Sixth Form

Business Studies ABOUT THIS COURSE

AS LEVEL

This course examines the way in which businesses operate by breaking them down into functional areas and examining each in detail.

There are 6 syllabus areas: • Marketing • Accounting and Finance • Operations Management • Human Resource Management • External Influences • Objectives and Strategy Examination is by unseen case-study questions.

It concludes with a discussion of the external environment within which they operate.

Please note Economics and Business Studies are quite different. Seek guidance if you are unsure which of these subjects is more suitable for you.

A LEVEL [A2] The same 6 syllabus areas are covered, but at a higher level of difficulty. This gives a logic and coherence to the whole course. Assessment is by unseen case-study questions and through a pre-released research topic examined by unseen questions.

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 100% examination [2 papers] A2 assessment 100% examination [2 papers]

Business Studies EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION AQA AS 1131 & A2 2131 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Participation in the national share trading IFS Student Investor Challenge is encouraged. The pupils are also encouraged to be entrepreneurial and contest for the School’s internal prize for Enterprise. Field trips to local manufacturing facilities are planned for the future. Pupils are also encouraged to report back on the experiences they gain through internships and holiday jobs.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Studying Business Studies gives students an insight into the world of commerce, and an understanding of business is useful, whether students go into the commercial sector or not. For example medicine, engineering, fashion, ICT, the sports and leisure sectors, education and art and design now operate within a competitive environment, and those with business skills are always at an advantage.

Classics

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

NOTE

AS LEVEL

Both Classical Civilisation and Ancient History can be studied as separate subjects at AS and A2. From September 2008, one unit of Classical Civilisation and one of Ancient History at AS or A2 can be studied to produce an AS or A2 in CLASSICS. The units of Latin / Classical Civilisation / Ancient History taught will be the ones selected by the majority of students.

We can offer the following units of which you choose two: Six Classical Civilization units and Two Ancient History units

ABOUT THIS COURSE You will study aspects of the civilisation and history of the Greek and Roman world. No prior knowledge is necessary, and there is no necessity to study the languages. There is a heavy emphasis on primary sources but literary ones are studied in translation. You will compare and contrast the classical and modern worlds and also look at the influence of the classical world on later times. The examinations consist of commentary questions on primary sources as well as essays.

A LEVEL [A2] We can offer the following units of which you choose two: Four Classical Civilization units and Two Ancient History units

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 100% examination A2 assessment 100% examination

Classics Culford‘s performance of Sophocles’ Antigone

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION Classical Civilisation: OCR AS H041 & H441 Ancient History: OCR AS H042 & A2 H442 Classics: OCR AS H038 & A2 H438 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B in English Language

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM There will be opportunities to visit museums, exhibitions, theatre productions and study days.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Classical Civilisation involves a wide range of arts-based skills since it deals with a whole culture and therefore is an excellent subject to have if you are applying for any arts course or wish to show your wider interests in the context of other disciplines. Ancient History provides a strong training in the use of primary material which is readily accessible at this level and success using it proves that you can evaluate documents and deduce your own conclusions.

The study of these subjects in the Sixth Form will assist entry into university to continue with their study and/or read in closely related areas such as Archaeology and Medieval History. They can also be studied together with another arts subject, such as English, History, Modern

Languages, Philosophy, History of Art, Theology, Drama, Oriental Languages and Linguistics. They can even be combined with a range of other subjects including History of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Music, Technology, Anthropology, Business Studies, Politics, Sociology, Environmental Studies, Film/Media Studies and Psychology at degree level.

With reference to employment, apart from the obvious strong links with careers such as archaeology, both these subjects are well regarded for any field in which mathematical, scientific or technical skills are not required. Ancient History in particular provides excellent training for a career in law.

Design and Technology ABOUT THIS COURSE The Design and Technology specifications are designed to offer candidates the opportunity to study, propose and realise prototype solutions closely linked to the real world of product manufacture in a range of material areas.

Recognising the routes that are pursued at GCSE, these specifications provide candidates with the opportunity to continue their studies either exclusively, or as a combination of focus material areas. These include engineering, manufacturing, resistant materials and systems and control.

Culford Sixth Form

The specifications encourage candidates to: • initiate design solutions, develop, test and trial working models and prototypes; • develop and sustain imagination, innovation and flair when working with concepts and materials; • develop an understanding of contemporary design and technological practices and consider the uses and effects of new technologies and modern materials; • develop thinking skills, financial capability, enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.

Culford School is an approved Arkwright Scholarship Centre. Arkwright’s aim is to encourage and stimulate high ability 15 and 16 year old students to take up engineering or technological careers. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office or at www.arkwright.org.uk

Design and Technology

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

AS LEVEL

A LEVEL [A2]

The AS GCE is made up of two mandatory units, which form 50% of the corresponding four-unit Advanced GCE.

The Advanced GCE is made up of two mandatory units at AS and two further mandatory units at A2.

F521: Advanced Innovation Challenge. Candidates take part in a timed design challenge based on a pre-released theme, under examination conditions. The challenge consists of a workbook, a modelling exercise and a written paper. The challenge is held in the centre and is marked externally by OCR.

F523: Design, Make and Evaluate. Candidates are required to produce a portfolio and product. The project is marked by the teacher, internally standardised within the centre and externally moderated by OCR.

F522: The Product Study. Candidates should carry out an in-depth product analysis resulting in suggestions for improvements. This is a coursework component that is marked by the teacher, internally standardised within the centre and externally moderated by OCR.

F524: Product Design. This is a written paper that consists of two components. Candidates are able to select questions across the focus material areas if they wish.

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 60% coursework, 40% examination A2 assessment 60% coursework, 40% examination

Design and Technology EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

OCR AS H053 & A2 H453 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in a design & technology subject at GCSE

Many of our students go on to read Engineering or a design-related discipline at university. Design and Technology will equip students with a wide range of skills and capabilities; this prepares them for careers in many areas which may not at first seem obvious:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM We visit local industrial and commercial activities to broaden and expand your awareness of the subject in the wider context. We attend several lectures each year and invite designers and engineers to Culford when appropriate.

Students also have the opportunity to get involved in the Engineering Education Scheme activity as well as the normal DT-related activities on offer. Lower Sixth students are also encouraged to take part in the Headstart Scheme.

We have achieved a good level of success in designrelated events over the past ten years, a tradition we intend to continue.

Mechanical Engineer Chemical Engineer Car Designer Electronics Engineer Civil Engineer Architect Systems Engineer Fashion Consultant Fashion Designer Furniture Designer Landscape Architect

Production Engineer Quality Controller Advertising Food Technologist Naval Architect Product Designer Production Worker Graphic Designer Interior Designer Teacher

A design element in education helps students to clarify purposes and tasks, carry out effective research, propose a range of alternative ways of achieving your purpose, make presentations, select the best way forward, take action, and evaluate at all stages of the process.

Culford Sixth Form

Economics ABOUT THIS COURSE

AS LEVEL

Economics aims to answer the apparently simple question: “Who gets what in Britain, and in the wider world?” The aim of Economics is to show how society uses the scarce resources at its disposal. The behaviour of firms and the role of the government are amongst the topics studied. Given that this question is at the centre of almost all world events, whether it be who is going to benefit from Iraqi oil reserves, or who is going to pay for the care of an ageing population in the UK, a strong interest in current affairs is a must. It should be noted that you will not be able to study Economics and Business Studies together.

There are 2 units studied in parallel: • Competitive Markets. How They Work and Why They Fail • Managing the Economy

Please note that Economics and Business Studies are quite different. Seek guidance if you are unsure which of these subjects is more suitable for you.

Examination is by data-response and supported multiple choice questions.

A LEVEL [A2] There are a further 2 units of study which build on the work studied in the AS course: • Business Economics and Economic Efficiency • The Global Economy The examinations contain data-response and supported multiple choice questions plus an essay.

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 100% examination [2 papers] A2 assessment 100% examination [2 papers]

Economics EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION Edexcel AS 8EC01 and A2 9EC01 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry Requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The pupils are encouraged to participate in the Bank of England’s Interest Rate Challenge competition and to take part in the national share trading IFS Student Investor Challenge. Field trips to the Bank of England are often planned. The pupils are also encouraged to complete an extended project focused on development economics between the AS and the A2 courses.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Economics offers excellent career prospects. It can either be studied on its own at university, or in conjunction with other subjects.

The basic analytical tools economists use to study resource allocation also have applications in Geography and History.

Economics is also a numerate subject, so those interested in a career in engineering, mathematics and actuarial sciences will also find it useful. Most importantly, however, as a social science it bridges the Arts/Science divide, and therefore complements almost all other subjects.

English Literature

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

ABOUT THIS COURSE

A LEVEL [A2]

If you enjoy reading a range of literature and like the idea of studying some of the great writers, A Level English Literature is for you. This course is highly regarded by universities. You will learn how to express yourself succinctly and how to construct a persuasive, cogent argument. Along the way, you will experience some of the great works of English Literature across a range of historical periods, from the Medieval to the present day.

There are 2 further units to the A2 course: • Drama and Poetry pre-1800 – You will take a 2 hour closed text examination. The first question will be on a Shakespeare play. The second question will ask you to explore connections and contrasts between one drama text and one poetry text.

• Texts in Time – You will produce a coursework folder containing one essay of 3000 words. This is an extended literary study where you make comparisons and connections between texts grouped by theme, genre or historical period.

AS LEVEL There are 2 units to the AS course: • Poetry and Prose 1800-1945 – You will take a 2 hour closed text examination. You will answer one question on a poetry text and one question on a prose text.

• Literature post-1900 – You will produce two essays: one of 1,000 words and one of 2,000 words for your coursework folder. The first essay will be either a close critical analysis of a set text or a piece of re-creative writing based on a studied text. The second essay will explore connections between texts informed by other readers’ interpretations.

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 60% examination [1 two hour paper] 40% coursework A2 assessment 60% examination [1 two hour paper] 40% coursework

English Literature EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION OCR AS H071 & A2 H471 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE English Literature

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM English Literature students have the opportunity to attend talks by visiting writers and academics (recent talks have been on G.K. Chesterton, Wordsworth and Shakespeare) and we regularly visit the theatre, most frequently the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds and the Cambridge Arts Theatre, but also at Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and London. Recently we have seen Top Girls, The Madness of King George and Henry V.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Many of our students go on to read English at university.

However, even if you do not, English provides an excellent platform for further study or for a whole range of careers from teaching to communications to personnel work to journalism. Even if your other A Level subjects are not arts-based, a qualification in English will be seen as evidence of communication skills and intellectual discipline by universities and employers.

Culford Sixth Form

EAL – English as an additional language If English is not your first language and you do not have English GCSE grade C or equivalent, you will be required to attend three EAL lessons or an activity each week during your first term. Here your English level will be assessed and you will follow an IELTS preparation course.

IELTS IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is administered in this country by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations Board. If you plan to attend a UK university you will need to gain an IELTS score, the level depending on the course you hope to take.

ABOUT THIS COURSE This IELTS preparation course will help you improve both your English language skills and your ability to study efficiently in English. We take a topic-based approach and you will find the skills you learn, such as strategies to help you cope with reading and processing large amounts of academic data, will help with your other A level subjects as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate level. Another skill we focus on is writing reports and essays using appropriate academic language and style. The topics are both informative and relevant to the experiences of young adults today and generally stimulate lively classroom discussion.

LENGTH OF COURSE The qualification in recognised by universities and employers in most countries.

The length of time you need to prepare for IELTS depends upon your existing experience and ability, and the requirements of the particular undergraduate course you decide to apply for. At every stage, you will be given personal advice by your EAL teacher.

EAL – English as an additional language TAKING THE EXAMINATION You will take the IELTS exam at a centre in Cambridge and you can do one or more retakes if necessary.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can take IELTS at a test centre in your own country. Where you take it makes no difference to the final outcome.

The test is divided into four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking and you will be rewarded a grade between 1 and 9 (the highest) for each part, as well as a final overall grade. You will receive your test result 14 days after taking the exam.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM We encourage you to be an active learner of English.

Listening to radio and television news and documentary programmes will help your fluency, as will socialising with English friends, watching DVDs in English, reading newspapers, magazines and news websites, and taking part in activities after school and at weekends.

Geography

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

ABOUT THIS COURSE

A LEVEL [A2]

The world we are living in is rapidly changing. Geography A level is designed to help understand these changes. The course will enhance communication skills, literacy, spatial awareness, problem solving, team work and environmental awareness.

The A2 course consists of topics about how the world is contested. Practical research skills are introduced. There are two units to the A2 course: • Unit 3: Contested Planet – In this unit students will consider five key world issues and within the sixth topic discuss possible technological solutions to the problems: Energy Security, Water Conflicts, Biodiversity Under Threat, Superpower Geographies, Bridging the Development Gap and The Technological Fix • Unit 4: Geographical Research – This will allow students to develop investigative skills gained at AS level. The unit is also designed to help prepare students for the demands of higher education or employment. Students will choose one topic from six options: Tectonic Activity and Hazards, Cold Environments, Life on the Margins, The Food Supply Problem, The World of Cultural Diversity, Pollution and Human Health at risk and Consuming the Rural Landscape

AS LEVEL The AS course concentrates on studying global themes including Globalisation and Climate Change. There are two units to the AS course: • Unit 1: Global Challenges – In this unit students will study a range of topics such as Global Hazards, Climate Change and Future Global Challenges.

• Unit 2: Geographical Investigations – Students are given an opportunity to undertake geographical research, including fieldwork. Two topics will be studied in depth, one of Extreme Weather or Crowded Coasts (physical geography) and one of Unequal Spaces or Rebranding Places (human geography)

Geography ASSESSMENT

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

AS assessment Unit1 exam – 1hr 30 minutes. 60% of AS Unit 2 exam – 1hr exam. 40% of AS A2 assessment Unit 3 exam – 2hrs 30 minutes. 60% of A2 Unit 4 exam – 1hr 30 minutes. 40% of exam

Edexcel AS 8GEO1 & A2 9GEO1 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE Geography

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The Geography Department is a member of the Royal Geographical Society and the Geographical Association.

The department organises a residential fieldtrip every year which students are expected to attend.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES There are not only many interesting university Geography degrees but there are also many related degrees such as Environmental Science, Geology, and Tourism and Leisure. Employers recognise the skills gained by geographers at A Level. This is especially true for their wide-ranging knowledge of current issues and their ability to plan and make decisions from given data.

History

Culford Sixth Form

ABOUT THIS COURSE The focus of the course is on 19th and 20th century British, Russian and European history.

At AS level, the British focus is specifically on the decade of the 1960s, which provided us with perhaps the greatest societal change of recent times. The decade gave us liberalising legislation, scientific advances, rising multiculturalism and racial tensions as well as seeing traditional moral values questioned by the ‘permissive society’. At A2 level, the study of British history is widened to take in more recent events, allowing students an insight into the political world into which they are emerging. Thatcherism and New Labour will be covered, as will foreign affairs and the ‘special relationship’ with the USA.

History

The History department has enjoyed teaching Russian history for many years. The period of the Russian Revolution is one of great historical interest; it is, quite simply, a fantastic story. The AS course will cover the mystery of the reign of the last Tsars, from Alexander II to Nicholas II, through the extraordinary events of 1917 and the horrors beyond.

Finally, A2 coursework offers students a free choice of topic, as they are able to construct their own question on areas of their own personal interest. In the past, students have undertaken successful work on a wide variety of topics, including witch hunts, the Romans, genocide, the Scottish Wars of Independence, civil rights campaigns, Victorian women and many more.

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

AS LEVEL There are 2 units to the AS course.

• Tsarist Russia, 1855-1917 – tested by a 1.5 hour written examination paper.

• A Sixties Social Revolution? British Society 19591975 – tested by a 1.5 hour written examination paper.

A LEVEL [A2] There are a further 2 units to the A2 course.

• The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007 – tested by a 1.5 hour written examination paper.

• Historical Enquiry – tested by a 3500 word piece of coursework

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 100% examination [2 papers] A2 assessment 60% examination [1 paper], 40% coursework

History EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AQA (2040); AS 1041, A2 2041 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE History

The skills you will gain from studying history are many, and are readily accepted in a wide variety of professional arenas. History places particular stress on the development of independent thought and analytical skills, and requires excellent communication skills, high levels of literacy and oral presentation. Consequently, students studying History will be expected to do a great deal of independent work and independent thinking.

You have to present, in clear, literate and analytical accounts, the results of research both in essay work and in the context of group discussions.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM We endeavour to investigate the wider context of the periods and events studied. We will take you to lectures by experts in the relevant fields. The department will invite guest lecturers to visit, as well as organise trips to relevant cultural events such as plays, comedies, or even simply film viewings at Culford itself. The department is committed to providing the opportunity for overseas trips, having in the past visited Russia and China.

The need to come to terms with unfamiliar periods and areas facilitates reflective and adaptable skills, empathy and imaginative insight within critical and practical limits. The skills which you will develop in History will be highly transferable and will give you a great opportunity for a wide range of courses and vocations after AS/A Level. Successful history graduates include individuals as diverse as Lord Coe, Sacha Baron Cohen, Salman Rushdie, Chris Martin and Lord Sainsbury.

Culford Sixth Form

Latin NOTE

AS LEVEL

One unit of Latin (or Greek) can be combined with one of either Classical Civilisation or Ancient History to produce an AS or A2 in CLASSICS. The units of Latin / Classical Civilisation / Ancient History will be the ones selected by the majority of students.

Most of the grammatical work is completed in the first year of the course so that you will be well prepared for the prose unseen translation paper, for which there is a defined vocabulary list. You have the choice of translating a few sentences into Latin. You will also work on two set texts, one from the great Roman orator Cicero and the other from the poet Ovid. In the literature examination, passages are set for comment, and a short essay is written.

ABOUT THIS COURSE The grammar and vocabulary of the language are studied at greater depth so that by the end of the course, you will be able to read many of the major authors from the first century BC and the first century AD independently. You will also have been introduced to principles of translation and how to assess an author’s motives and methods. The history, politics, philosophy and religion of the Romans are covered with reference to the set texts which are also studied as works of literature in their own right.

A LEVEL [A2] Two other set texts will be studied and you will be able to choose from the literature options according to your interests. You will study the books in their historical and social context; in the examination, passages for comment will be set, together with a short essay. Reading in Latin in both prose and verse will be wider in order to prepare for the unseen translation and comprehension. The prescribed authors for unseen translation are Livy and Ovid; the comprehension passage will be set from any prose author.

Latin ASSESSMENT

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AS assessment 100% examination A2 assessment 100% examination

In the 21st Century, proof of competence, particularly at Sixth Form level, remains a great asset on a CV. It would be a mistake to think that having studied Latin to this level will restrict your job opportunities; it is likely to increase them. Further study at this stage will also have a major impact on your ability to communicate in English with precision and elegance. Additionally you will be in a very strong position to learn another language quickly and independently. Those who have studied Latin to an advanced level put themselves into an excellent position for careers in law, accountancy, merchant banking and the Civil Service, but equally are to be found in a huge variety of professional and sometimes unusual careers.

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION OCR AS H039 & A2 H439 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE Latin

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM An A Level Latin Study Day is arranged each October by the University of Cambridge. You will be able to attend lectures run by the Cambridge branch of the Classical Association and each December there is an inter-schools recitation competition. You will be encouraged to take part in theatre trips of classical interest and study days in London which are occasionally held on set texts.

Latin can be combined at degree level with a range of other subjects including History of Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Music, Anthropology, Business Studies, Politics and Psychology.

Mathematics ABOUT THIS COURSE Previous experience shows that the GCSE grade is not always an accurate predictor of performance at A Level, but as a general rule we would normally expect you to have obtained at least a grade B at the higher level at GCSE. The best assessor of A Level prospects is, of course, your teacher who can give you the most accurate assessment of your capabilities.

AS AND A2 LEVEL There are three different courses: • Mathematics & Further Mathematics (as two separate A Levels) • Mathematics (as one A Level) • Mathematics AS Whichever course you are considering we ask that you consult carefully with your mathematics teachers before making a final choice. We follow the OCR modular A Level course. All students study Pure Mathematics –

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

algebra, trigonometry, co-ordinate geometry, calculus and numerical methods. In addition to Pure Mathematics, Mechanics or Statistics modules are studied. In the second year, two more Pure Mathematics modules are studied as well as one more Applied Mathematics module (Mechanics or Statistics; Decision Mathematics may also be an option).

This covers the requirements of the A Level Mathematics qualification. Twice as many modules in mathematics are studied in the two years to prepare for the Further Mathematics qualification. There are no coursework requirements for this specification.

The modular nature of the course may mean that you can take 3 modules at the end of the first year to get an AS qualification and 3 further modules at the end of the second year to get an A Level in mathematics. Further mathematicians usually complete their A Level in the first year (Year 12) and their Further Mathematics A Level in second year (Year 13). These arrangements may vary from time to time so please check before making a decision.

Mathematics ASSESSMENT

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AS assessment 100% examination in each of 3 modules A2 assessment 100% examination in each of 3 modules

Mathematics is the language of science and technology as well as being an endeavour in its own right. It is essential to all types of engineering. Modern physical theories such as Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and String theory are all expressed in terms of mathematics.

Financial institutions view mathematics as providing a good grounding in the thinking skills required in their domains. Professions such as that of the Actuary or Accountant have large components of mathematically based work. Mathematics is a core language in computing and increasingly medicine and biotechnology.

Many of the top degrees in psychology require a thorough grounding in statistics since much of the research undertaken in this area is couched in statistical vocabulary.

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION OCR AS 3890 & A2 7890, 7892 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirement: Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM All sixth form mathematicians can take part in the National Senior Mathematics Challenge and some go on each year to the Olympiad designed for the most able mathematicians in the UK. There is a trip to Greenwich every other year. Suitable speakers are invited in the Spring term to talk on mathematical topics.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY TO OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE? If you are intending to read a mathematics, engineering or mathematics based degree at a top university such as Cambridge, Imperial College, Oxford or Warwick we would strongly recommend you also study Further Mathematics as well. Please discuss with the Head of Mathematics if you need more details.

Culford Sixth Form

Modern languages ABOUT THESE COURSES

AS LEVEL

A Sixth Form modern languages course is not only useful to aspiring linguists. A language is an important asset in many careers and can be an adjunct to most university courses, e.g. law, the sciences, economics, business studies, humanities or engineering.

The aim is to enable you to read foreign journals or literature with increasing ease, to understand the gist of foreign language radio and television to converse comfortably and to write authentically on a variety of topical issues as well as matters of personal taste and interest. The AS Level topic areas are:

Courses at AS and A2 level build on GCSE skills but deal with social and political matters, requiring a more objective evaluation of issues and abstract concepts.

• • • •

Youth culture and concerns Lifestyle, health and fitness The world around us Education and employment

In comparison with the GCSE treatment of such topics, the emphasis at AS is a more sophisticated, more objective expression of opinions, more abstract concepts and aspects of the topics beyond your personal experience.

Modern languages: French Spanish

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

A LEVEL [A2]

ASSESSMENT

The A2 level topic areas include those studied at AS plus:

AS Level Unit 1: 2 hour 30 minutes, Listening, Reading and Writing examination involving the comprehension of contemporary oral and written tests on the syllabus topic areas and a written response to one of them Unit 2: 10 minute Oral examination involving presentation and discussion of a research topic, followed by general conversation on an unrelated topic from the specification

• • •

Customs, traditions, beliefs and religions National and international events Literature and the arts

You will also study one cultural module: • either one work of literature • or one specific topic related to French/German/Spanish history, geography or culture

A2 Level Unit 3: 13 minute Oral examination involving discussion of current affairs and issues, including a 5 minute debate on a chosen issue from the specification Unit 4: 2 hour 30 minutes Listening, Reading and Writing examination. This will involve long answers, a translation into the target language, a research based essay and a discursive essay.

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Edexcel 8FR01, 8SP01 and A2 9FR01 & 9SP01 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE French/Spanish

Each of the languages has its own relevance to contemporary society, commerce and culture. Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world, the lingua franca of over 400 million people; as the language of most of Latin America it offers enormous potential to the business person. French is the lingua franca of 5 countries in Europe and territories in Asia, Africa and America, as well as continuing to play its traditional rôle in international affairs.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM You will be able to develop your linguistic skills through reading, hearing or watching foreign language media using the Internet as an inexhaustible mine of material, through attendance at ‘language events’ such as plays and lectures, and through visits to the appropriate country.

We are able to give help in arranging exchanges, paying guest visits and work experience schemes abroad. The French exchange is now operating on a Sixth Form level and is an integral part of the AS level French course.

In the global job market monolingual Britons are finding themselves at a disadvantage. Since languages are therefore an increasingly essential adjunct to many careers, the courses should prove useful to students aspiring to study sciences, engineering or humanities at university, as well as being a springboard for those considering a university course involving, as a major or minor component, linguistics or a language, both European and non-European. In addition they inculcate particular academic skills of wide ranging application in tertiary education.

Music

Culford Sixth Form

ABOUT THIS COURSE The courses have been designed to cater for anyone who is capable of achieving the required standard. It is therefore not essential to have taken GCSE Music, but you should be able to operate at a level of practice and understanding equivalent to that required for one of the higher grades in GCSE Music. You should also be able to perform on an instrument at a standard roughly equivalent to a pass in a Grade 5 practical examination.

Music is a practical, intellectual and creative subject, which involves skills in both performing and writing music as well as understanding and appreciating music of different historical periods and ethnic backgrounds.

This course develops practical skills by adopting specialist pathways in Performing and Composing.

Music

It also recognises that we live in an age of cultural diversity and the areas of study therefore cover a wide range of music: classical music, world music, popular music and jazz.

If you wish to continue to study music when you leave school you will find the course of obvious benefit. It is also helpful if you are hoping to pursue a career for which a music background is valuable. Students who enjoy music and who can perform competently, but who do not wish to take the subject beyond the AS or A Level, will also enjoy this course.

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

AS LEVEL

ASSESSMENT

This is the first half of the A Level course. It is possible to take AS Level Music on its own. It comprises three units and is taken in the first year of the Sixth Form.

These units are Performing, performing a short programme in an ensembles or as a soloist; Composing, creating a three-minute piece and a sleeve note; and Developing Musical Understanding which focuses on listening to music and on understanding how it works.

AS Assessment: Unit 1 (Performance) is marked internally and externally moderated. Unit 2 (Coursework) and Unit 3 (Written paper) are marked externally.

A LEVEL [A2] The full A Level qualification comprises the three AS units as above, plus 3 more studied at a higher level. The units are an Extended Performance of about 15 minutes as a soloist or as part of an ensemble; Composition and Technical Study leading to the creation of compositions or pastiche studies; and Further Musical Understanding where you will learn how to compare and contrast pairs of musical excerpts, contextualise music, and identify harmonic and tonal features.

Music EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION Edexcel AS 8501 & A2 9501 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirement: Grade B or above in GCSE Music or equivalent

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM If you are studying A Level Music you will naturally take a practical role in music making at School. Solo performances, singing in choirs, and playing in orchestras and chamber groups cannot fail to enhance your general musicianship, knowledge of a period, and the ability to write music in different styles.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES There are generally two paths open to students who wish to continue their musical studies after A Level.

Students who have developed performing skills to a high degree and have an innate sense of musicality may wish to study at a music college or conservatoire, where the main emphasis is upon performing and teaching performing skills. Students who wish to have a more general musical education leading to an academic degree in music may prefer to take music at university either as a single subject or in combination with another subject in which the student excels.

A2 Assessment: Unit 4 (Performance) is marked internally and externally moderated. Unit 5 (Coursework) and Unit 6 (Written paper) are marked externally.

Music Technology

Culford Sixth Form

ABOUT THIS COURSE You will enjoy this course if you are interested in the technical side of music production and in the use of computers for music making. The main areas of study are sequencing music on computers and recording techniques. Although not essential, keyboard skills are extremely useful for sequencing tasks. The course is in four parts.

AS Level

A Level (A2)

Unit 1 Music Technology Portfolio 1 You will learn to use a variety of music technology skills including sequencing and arranging and mult-track recording utilising a range of different microphones.

Unit 3 builds on skills acquired in Unit 1 plus a composition task, involving detailed study of Area of Study 3: The Development of Technology based Music.

You must complete three tasks which together make the Music Technology Portfolio 2: • Task 3A: Sequenced Integrated Performance • Task 3B: Multi-track Recording • Task 3C: Composing using Music Technology

Unit 2 Listening and Analysing You will study the development of popular music styles from 1910 through to the present day. Two special focus styles will be selected each year for more in-depth study.

In Unit 4 you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of music and the principles of music technology through a series of written commentaries, manipulations and production tasks using material provided on an examination paper and recorded on an audio CD.

Music Technology ASSESSMENT Unit 1: An audio CD will be produced containing all 3 pieces of work, plus a logbook containing details of equipment used and the tasks completed, will be externally assessed.

Unit 2: This unit is externally assessed by means of a listening examination lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Unit 3: You will be assessed on the three tasks 3A, 3B and 3C plus a logbook which will provide information on the resources used in each task.

Unit 4: The examination will test your musical understanding and your ability to manipulate and correct recorded music together with your ability to write commentaries on technological processes. You will also have to produce a balanced stereo mix under exam conditions.

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION Edexcel AS 8MT1 & A2 9MT1 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 1 year for A2 Entry requirement: Grade B or above in GCSE Music or equivalent

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

You will naturally take a practical role in music making at Culford. Solo performances, singing in a group or playing in a band cannot fail to develop your general musicianship and your ability to write music in different styles.

This course provides a useful qualification for people who are interested in working in any of the performing arts as an engineer or technician. You may go on to qualify as a recording engineer, as a technician in radio or television, or work backstage in the theatre.

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

Physical Education ABOUT THIS COURSE

A LEVEL [A2]

If you are considering taking this subject at AS or A Level, it is important that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in physical education, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

G453: Principles and concepts across different areas of Physical Education This unit has two sections with five options. Candidates study three of the five possible options, at least one option must be from Section A. Section A: Socio-Cultural options (Historical Studies & Comparative Studies) Section B: Scientific options (Psychology of Sport, Exercise & Sport Physiology & Biomechanics) G454: The Improvement of Effective Performance and the Critical Evaluation of Practical Activities in Physical Education

AS LEVEL G451: An Introduction to Physical Education Sections include Anatomy and Physiology, Acquiring Movement Skills and Socio-Cultural studies relating to participation in physical activity. Candidates appreciate the role of the cardiovascular system, understand the nature and development of motor skills and explore contemporary sporting issues.

G452: Acquiring, Developing and Evaluating Practical Skills in Physical Education Candidates gain an appreciation of the nature of performance, its evaluation, and what can be done to improve it. They record their observations as part of their coursework.

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 60% – 2hr written paper, 40% – practical (50% total Advanced GCE marks).

A2 assessment 35% – 2.5hr written paper, 15% – practical.

Physical Education EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION OCR G451, G452, G453 & G454 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirement: A good set of GCSE passes and grade B or above in English and Biology

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Culford provides a high quality coaching programme for each of the major games. You will regularly have the chance to go on national and international tours. In addition to study at AS and A2 level you will have two games sessions each week and the opportunity to choose two further sporting options within Culford’s Activities Programme.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES You could go on to read sport or leisure related courses at university. Students of AS or A Level physical education learn and use a variety of transferable skills throughout the courses. These include collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating your findings in different ways and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers, universities and colleges as being of immense value.

Psychology ABOUT THIS COURSE Literally ‘science of the mind’, psychology is the scientific study of thought, behaviour and experience.

Psychology is a fascinating subject and this course is based on the application of psychology to real-life events.

AS LEVEL This course encourages you to: • study psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts, studies and methods.

• develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

• develop an understanding of different areas of psychology.

• design and report psychological investigations, and analyse and interpret data.

• develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology.

• promote an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity.

Psychology

Culford Sixth Form

To this end we will study: G541 Psychological Investigations Candidates become familiar with four techniques for collecting/analysing data: self-report, experiment, observation and correlation. Candidates will conduct their own small investigations and make a record of their activities to facilitate their understanding of the performance, analysis, strengths and weaknesses of each technique G542 Core Studies Candidates build knowledge and understanding of 15 psychology studies covering the five approaches to the study of psychology, these being: Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Psychology of Individual Difference.

Students will learn to demonstrate evaluation skills and develop an appreciation of wider psychological

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

approaches/perspectives, theories, issues and debates.

Candidates make comparisons and distinctions between core studies and examine the broader context of general debates within psychology.

A LEVEL (A2) G543 Options in Applied Psychology Candidates study 2 areas of applied psychology – Forensic Psychology – Health and Clinical Psychology This is an opportunity to learn about applications of psychology and how theory is used in real life situations.

G544 Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology This unit is made up of two parts: a) research methods (design of a practical project) and b) structured overview bringing together approaches, perspectives, methods, issues and debates covered throughout the course.

ASSESSMENT AS assessment: 100% examination; candidates will sit two papers: G541 Psychological Investigations – 30% of the total AS GCE marks (1 h written paper) G542 Core Studies – 70% of total AS GCE marks (2 h written paper) A2 assessment: 100% examination (AS Units together account for 50% of total Advanced GCE marks) G543 Options in Applied Psychology – 25% of the total A2 GCE marks (2hr written paper) G544 Approaches & Research Methods in Psychology – 25% of total A2 GCE marks (1.5hr written paper)

Psychology EXAMINATION BOARD AND SPECIFICATION OCR AS H168 & A2 H568 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B in GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Biology; good grades at English and Mathematics.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Gaining an insight into the nature of human behaviour will require a good deal of reading and critical evaluation of seminal work in this absorbing field (self-knowledge comes at a price). There will also be an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of giants by performing psychological investigations of your own.

For each of the studies students will be tested on: • the background (context) to the studies; • theories on which studies are based; • other research pertinent to the studies; • the information in the studies; • the methods used in the studies; • the way the results are analysed and presented; • the conclusions that can be drawn from the studies; • strengths and limitations of the studies; • the general psychological issues illustrated by the studies; • evaluations of all of the above.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES This course will provide an excellent foundation to further study at university, opening a path to a career in psychology (clinical, health, occupational, educational or forensic). Aspects of the course will also facilitate entry to many professions, including: Advertising, Public Relations, Personnel Training, Marketing, Secret Service, Police, Military, Teaching, Occupational Therapy, Sales and Recruitment.

Culford Sixth Form

Religious studies ABOUT THIS COURSE

AS LEVEL

The course studies the philosophy of religion and religious ethics. The main concern of philosophy is to frame the right questions about life.

This can be the first half of an A Level (A2) or a course in its own right. The two units are assessed at the end of the first year.

No previous biblical or religious knowledge is assumed by the course, but those of you who have taken religious studies at GCSE will have gained useful insights into ethical issues and the Christian understanding of God.

Unit 1 Philosophy of religion G571 These four elements will give you the foundational knowledge needed for the course: • Ancient Greek influences on Philosophy of Religion – You will consider and evaluate the provocative ideas of two of history’s most influential philosophers – Plato and Aristotle.

• Judaeo-Christian influences on Philosophy of Religion Ideas that have given rise to the Christian faith will be under review.

• Traditional arguments for the existence of God. You will analyse attempts to prove and disprove the existence of God. • We will investigate challenges to Christian belief created by the presence of evil in the world and the challenge of science to religious beliefs.

You will gain an insight into the history of ideas and some of the big debates that continue to puzzle humanity and shape lives today … does this sound farfetched? Not at all.

Excited … argumentative … thoughtful … profound … you will be!

Religious studies

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

Unit 2 Religious Ethics G572 Ethical Theories. You will be introduced to various ethical theories which people have constructed. Among these ideas that affect our lives are moral relativism and natural law. Applied ethics topics. You will look at a variety of ethical topics like euthanasia and genetic engineering and will examine them using a variety of ethical theories

A LEVEL [A2] Two additional units will give you the full A Level qualification. The examination standard is higher.

Unit 3 Philosophy of Religion 2 [G581] How can we really talk about God – what language is really adequate? Do religious experiences really point to the existence of God? What is God really like? Lastly, what constitutes a ‘miracle’ and are miracles proofs for the existence of God?

Unit 4 Religious Ethics 2 [G582] You will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of ethical ideas such as free will and determinism. What role does the conscience play, if any, in ethics? What is ‘Christian Ethics’? On what is it based? You will also look at the different ways that moral philosophers have understood the words ‘good’ and ‘bad’. You will also explore virtue ethics, the theory that good people do good things!

You will explore practical ethics in relation to the environment, sex and relationships, war, peace and justice.

The synoptic aspect harnesses that exciting development in learning. For example: • You will consider whether the conscience, or a sense of moral responsibility, can provide evidence for the existence of God. • You will explore the relation between ethical language and religious language.

You will question the extent to which God can be held to know the future and the implications of this for human responsibility.

Religious studies ASSESSMENT

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

AS assessment 100% examination in 2 papers: Ethics and Philosophy A2 assessment 100% examination in 2 papers: Philosophy and Ethics and Synoptic Aspect (combining Philosophy and Ethics).

OCR AS G571, G572 & A2 G581, G582 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE Religious Studies

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM As with all Sixth Form study, self-motivation is essential.

Wide reading is vital. But don’t panic, guidance will be given about what sort of things to read. Critical thinking and discussion are key aspects of the course, and, inevitably, essays. All assessment is through examinations, so of course there will be examination preparation too.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES This exciting course offering AS and A Level study is stimulating. It is also widely recognised by universities as beneficial in developing ‘critical thinking’, transferable skills and key interests. Careers in Law, Medicine, Teaching and Business would all be enhanced by having studied Religious Ethics and Philosophy.

Culford Sixth Form

Science – Biology ABOUT THIS COURSE

This course is designed to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of biological concepts and principles, with an emphasis on studying these concepts in interesting contexts, and considering the associated social and ethical issues.

AS LEVEL

A LEVEL [A2]

AS biology will also help you develop problem solving skills, powers of analysis and deduction and the ability to work independently.

Some of the more ‘difficult‘ topics are covered in the second year. There is more emphasis in the written examinations on analysis and evaluation, application of knowledge, and the bringing together of your knowledge and understanding from the whole course (the synoptic component).

There are three units: • Biology and disease (including pathogens and lifestyle, immunology, heart function and disease, cells, enzymes, and digestion) • The variety of living organisms (including DNA, genes, molecular and cell differences, biodiversity, adaptations for gas exchange and transport) • Assessment of investigative and practical skills

A further three units are studied for an A level qualification: • Populations and environment (including practical ecology, gene pools, photosynthesis, succession, respiration) • Control in cells and in organisms (including nervous system, skeletal muscles, homeostasis, gene expression) • Assessment of investigative and practical skills

Science – Biology ASSESSMENT

EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

80% by written examination and 20% by assessment of investigative and practical skills.

AQA Specification A AS 1411 & A2 2411 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B in GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Biology

The objectives behind these assessments are to test: • Your biological knowledge and understanding • Your ability to analyse and evaluate information and apply it • Your understanding of How Science Works

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM There is a short non-residential ecology field course at the end of the lower 6th year (start of A2 course). You may have the opportunity to go on other visits or attend conferences.The 480 acre Culford Park provides rich resources for fieldwork and is a source of biological material throughout the course.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES If you plan to study nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biotechnology, agriculture or a related discipline at college or university, or follow a career in one of these fields, an A Level in Biology is either essential or desirable. However, the skills you will develop over the two years of study are useful and marketable whatever you choose to do afterwards.

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

Science – Chemistry ABOUT THIS COURSE The course is designed so that essential chemical ideas are reinforced by practical work that you carry out in the laboratory. Your programme of study is based upon the AQA AS and A2 Chemistry text books and student guides. You will also be supplied with a good general A-level Chemistry text book and a Book of Data.

During the course, you will: • learn that chemistry is an enjoyable and rewarding activity • carry out experiments and interpret your results • use and develop powers of critical and imaginative thinking about chemical problems • discover that chemistry makes sense because there are unifying ideas linking together a wide range of facts. These include the Periodic Table, the concept of amount of substance, ides of structure and bonding, equilibrium and rates of reactions. Most of these ideas are introduced early in the course and then revisited and further developed in later topics.

You will also: • develop your ability to communicate in a variety of ways: discussion, writing, summarising, using chemical formulae and equations, graphs and calculations • learn to select, organize, present and interpret data • develop your appreciation of the social, economic, environmental and technological importance of chemistry.

The qualification is suitable for you if you: • have an interest in and enjoyment of chemistry • enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative logical and critical thinking • want to use chemistry to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies.

Science – Chemistry EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION AQA AS & A2 2420 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B in GCSE Additional Science or GCSE

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM You will be encouraged to use Culford’s intranet resources as well as the web to enhance your learning.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Most of our students go on to study a science or engineering based course at university: • a degree course in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, medicine, veterinary science and pharmacy, where chemistry is essential • a degree course where chemistry A level helps underpin those subjects as well as providing a broad based foundation at this level – all types of engineering courses, biological sciences • a degree course where chemistry A level provides the analytical and processing skills – all types of business management courses, archaeology, Law.

/ Continued overleaf

Science – Chemistry

Culford Sixth Form

AS LEVEL

A2 LEVEL

Here you are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. We introduce the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules that provides an understanding of their structures. The development and use of the Periodic Table is explained. You will undertake Practical Skills Assignments (PSA) so that you can gain credit for work done in routine class practicals.

At A2 Level we develop the concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS. You will study kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds. As in AS level, you gain credit for work done in routine class practicals.

The A2 specification has 3 units:

The AS specification has 3 units: Unit 1 Foundation Chemistry • Particles, composition of the nucleus, isotopes and use of mass spectrometer • Calculating the amount of substance • Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces • The construction of the periodic table • Organic chemistry • Alkanes from crude oil.

Unit 4 Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry • Acids and bases • Nomenclature and Isomerism in organic chemistry • Compounds containing the carbonyl group • Amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties • Polymers • Organic synthesis and analysis.

Science – Chemistry ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes Weighting: 33% of total AS Level marks 16% of total A Level marks 4-6 short answer questions plus one or two longer structured questions.

Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks 6-8 short answer questions plus one or two longer structured questions.

Unit 2 Chemistry in Action • Collision theory and effect • Definitions of oxidation and reduction • Redox properties of halogens and halide ions • The extraction of Metals • Haloalkanes and alkenes.

ASSESSMENT Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes Weighting: 46% of total AS Level marks 23% of total A Level marks 6-8 short answer questions plus two longer questions.

Unit 3 Investigative and Practical Skills – Internal Assessment • Making observations and measurements • Analysing and evaluating results.

ASSESSMENT Internal Assessment 20% of total AS Level marks Weighting: 10% of total A Level marks Teacher assessment of practical skills (PSA) 12 marks.

Teacher assessment of investigative assignment (ISA) 38 marks.

Unit 5 Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry • Thermodynamics • Periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements • Redox equilibria • General properties of transition metals.

ASSESSMENT Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks 5 to 7 short answer questions plus two or three longer structured questions.

Unit 6 Investigative and Practical Skills – Internal Assessment • Making observations and measurements • Analysing and evaluating results.

ASSESSMENT Internal Assessment 10% of total A Level marks Weighting: Teacher assessment of practical skills (PSA) 12 marks.

Teacher assessment of investigative assignment (ISA) 38 marks.

Science – Physics ABOUT THIS COURSE From things smaller than the nucleus of an atom, to the giant scale of the galaxies, from events that take place in less than a billionth of a second to the age of the universe, you will study a range of topics in a practical way. The course emphasises the importance of practical work to support your understanding and allows you to explore your own interests. This course would suit anyone with an interest in how the universe works and covers a range of core physics topics and some novel, up-to-date applications.

AS LEVEL There are 3 units to study in the AS course. These build on the GCSE science courses.

• Mechanics – you will take a 1 hour examination on motion, forces, work and energy • Electrons waves and photons – you will take a 1 hour 45 minute examination covering waves, electricity and quantum physics • Practical skills in physics – this unit is carried out in the classroom and consists of a series of practical

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

tasks which test skills of observation, measurement and evaluation

A LEVEL (A2) There are a further 3 units for A2.

• The Newtonian world – a 1 hour 15 minute examination tests material on Newton’s laws and momentum, circular motion and oscillations and thermal physics • Fields, particles and frontiers of physics – this is examined with a 2 hour paper on electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, nuclear physics, medical imaging and cosmology • Practical skills in physics (2) – assessed in the same way as the AS practical skills unit

ASSESSMENT AS assessment 80% examination (2 papers), 20% coursework A2 assessment (AS 50%) 40% examination (2 papers), 10% coursework

Science – Physics EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION OCR AS H158 & A2 H558 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A Level Entry requirements: Grade B in GSCE Additional Science or GCSE Physics

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The William Miller Science Centre is equipped with all the latest technology to allow students to carry out practical work in unrivalled surroundings. You will be encouraged to attend lectures on topics of current interest, which are arranged every term in Cambridge. If you are really enthusiastic you may want to compete with the country’s top young scientists in the national Physics Olympiad.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Many of our students go on to read Physics or engineering related courses at university. Physics, however, leads on to a wide range of careers and professions. It is valuable in science, medicine, engineering and biotechnology. Physics students are also well grounded in problem solving and analysis of complex systems.

Theatre Studies

Culford Sixth Form

ABOUT THIS COURSE This is an enriching and rewarding academic course, which focuses both on the critical analysis of plays and on developing theatre performance skills. Although there are practical elements at both the AS and A2 level, written analysis is also extremely important.

Students can expect to develop a wide range of personal and interpersonal skills, acquire detailed knowledge about the forms, literature and skills of theatre, and apply that knowledge in performance. The theory of the course involves studying the history of theatre and different theatrical approaches, including Greek theatre, Naturalism, Physical Theatre, and Epic Theatre. The theory will inform the students’ study of the set texts and their practical examination pieces. Students will also study all aspects of making a production including lighting, sound and set design.

Theatre Studies

For the practical side of the course, students develop their ability to devise and perform.

Students will explore a variety of approaches to acting, directing and playwriting, and work in detail on all aspects of production skills: design, staging, interpretation, movement, voice and character. They learn the language of theatre, the nuances and subtleties of language and body language, and develop a heightened awareness of mood, sub-text, tempo, emotions, energy levels, space, stillness, movement, silence and pause. Theatre trips will form an important part of the course, after which students will be required to analyse the director’s interpretation, the actors’ performances, and technical elements and set design.

Challenging, Enriching & Fun

AS LEVEL

A LEVEL (A2)

There are 2 units to the AS course.

There are 2 further units to the A2 course.

Unit 1 Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play • Candidates response to live theatre seen during the course • Interpretation of a set play from a performance perspective

Unit 3 Further prescribed Plays including Pre-Twentieth Century • Study of a set play with a choice from a variety of pre-twentieth century plays • Study of a set play with a choice from a variety of twentieth century plays or contemporary drama

Unit 2 Presentation of an Extract from a Play • Working in groups to develop and present an extract from a published play chosen by the candidates • Study of an influential director, designer, theatre company or other practitioner, linked to the candidate’s practical work.

Unit 4 Presentation of Devised Drama • Working in groups to develop and present a devised drama, performed in a theatrical style of their choice.

• Research into a theatrical style chosen by the group for their practical work.

Theatre Studies EXAMINATION BOARD & SPECIFICATION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

AQA AS 5241 & A2 6241 Length of course: 1 year for AS and 2 years for A2 Entry requirements: Grade B or above in English or Drama

Theatre Studies develops many of the most sought-after, transferable skills in the market place: critical evaluation, literacy, negotiating, organising, planning, teamwork, working to deadlines, people management and communication, research and presentation skills.

Students learn self-discipline, creativity, good project management and excellent interpersonal skills. It is therefore not surprising that Theatre Studies students go on to pursue a very wide range of careers, such as broadcasting, the media, business management, public relations, sales and marketing, personnel, public service management, education and law.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Students will have the opportunity to perform in a broad range of productions throughout the year. Recent Culford productions have included Antigone, Fiddler on the Roof and Find Me at the Edinburgh Festival.

AS and A2 students perform their practical exam pieces in the Studio Theatre. There is also the opportunity to get involved with the House Drama Festival. Students can also expect to attend professional Drama workshops to further develop their theatre skills. Previous theatre trips include Top Girls, Teechers, The Improvised Musical and The Trial.

Theatre Studies is also of course very relevant for those who go on to become professional actors, directors, or theatre administrators; and for those who go into film, television or the creative arts.

Culford Sixth Form Challenging Enriching & Fun

Culford Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX Tel: 01284 728615 www.culford.co.uk Registered Charity No: 310486 Administered by Culford School Trustee Company Ltd No: 5609905

The information in this A Level Subject Options brochure was correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. It does not form part of any contractual agreement between parents or guardians and the School.