City academy norwich sixth form prospectus 2012

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Sixth Form City Academy Norwich Earlham Road Norwich NR4 7NU Art Biology Applied Business Chemistry English Literature Film French Geography Government & Politics History Applied ICT Mathematics Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education Physics Psychology Sociology Applied Travel & Tourism

01603 452 628 sixthform@cityacademynorwich.org

CHOOSE FROM A

www.cityacademynorwich.org

2LE5VELS

Guide to Courses

Your Next Steps

HOW TO APPLY:

Contents 3 5 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22

Welcome Life in the Sixth Form Introducing A Levels Partnership for Success Art Biology Applied Business Chemistry English Literature Film Sixth Form 2012 French Geography Government and Politics History Applied ICT

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23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Mathematics Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education Physics Psychology Sociology Applied Travel & Tourism Money Matters Your Next Steps

Sixth Form Thanks to City Academy’s partnerships, some A Levels may be taught at the City College Norwich Sixth Form.

Applications for Sixth Form are made directly through the ‘Help You Choose’ website.

To apply log onto: www.helpyouchoose.org To request further information about the 6th Form or to arrange a visit please call

01603 452 628 or email

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sixthform@ cityacademynorwich.org

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Think about your future The A Levels you choose determine the higher education courses you can move on to.

Think about the career you have in mind and make sure you pick subjects that will get you onto the course that you need.

Come along for a visit If you’d like to come and look around, or discuss your options with the Sixth Form team then please do get in touch (contact details on the left).

Secure your grades You must meet the entry requirement for Sixth Form so make sure you work hard at your GCSEs so you don’t miss out.

See you in September

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Money Matters

Welcome. . .

USEFUL LINKS: YPLA - Young Peoples Learning Agency www.readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/YPLA /16-19_funding_statement.pdf

Meals

Help with staying on: The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a government funded scheme to support students in Post 16 education. Some students may be entitiled to this support depending on family income.

Help with meals and travel: There is a free meal scheme in the same way as in Year 11, but you need to complete a new form.

If you live more than three miles from the Academy you may also be eligible for help with your travel costs.

Forms for both can be downloaded using the links on the left.

http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/Childrens_services/Schools/School_ meals_and_milk/NCC027124 APPLICATION FORM: http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/ Consumption/groups/public/ documents/article/ncc067241.pdf

Travel http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/Childrens_services/Transport_for_ children_and_young_people/Post_ 16_transport/Applying_for_post_ 16_travel_assistance/index.htm APPLICATION FORM: https://ptweb.norfolk.gov. uk/schooltransport/post16travel application/

I’m delighted that you are considering becoming a member of our Sixth Form.

Studying towards A Levels can give you a great start in life. It gives you opportunities to go on to higher education at university or college and widens your employment possibilities - and your earning potential.

City Academy Norwich Sixth Form is part of a school on the way up with ambitions to be outstanding. We had our best ever results this year and the biggest improvement of any school in Norwich.

As we get set to move into brand new ÂŁ22 million buildings in September 2012 we know that this is the place to be.

We look forward to welcoming you in September 2012.

Mr D Brunton Principal

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Did you know?

If you choose an A Level that is taught at one of our partner institutions, such as City College Norwich, FREE transport will be provided between the two sites.

an amazing r fo 8 e g a p e e S P.S. A - exclusive to offer from the UE ts. ixth Form studen City Academy S

Sixth Form Please call 01603 452 628 if you would like to visit the Sixth Form or speak to the Head of Sixth Form before applying.

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Sixth Form Induction Away Day

Guide to Courses

Applied Travel & Tourism In Travel and Tourism students have the opportunity to explore this ever changing and diverse industry. The aim of the course is to gain a broad understanding of travel and tourism principles and terminology.

and tourism industry to apply key principles and terminology learnt in the classroom.

The skills gained from this course can lead you into many avenues to include employment in the industry or higher education.

You will study three units of work that cover topical issues such as how the industry has developed, the importance of customer service and the range of tourism destinations. This course is assessed through an exam and two portfolios.

“

. . . City Academy Norwich has gone from strength to strength .

“

Norwich Evening News Editorial 11 January 2010

You will bring to the course a passion for the industry and an enquiring mind keen to research and find out more about this fascinating industry. In addition to this, unlike other courses you will actively experience the travel

Entry Requirement

Entry Requirements 5 GCSE’s at grades A* to C including English

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City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Sociology Sociology is the study of society using a range of different theoretical approaches. It will give you an in-depth understanding of how society tackles its needs.

Issues covered on the course include a selection from: Culture and identity, Education, Mass media, Crime and deviance, Sociological theory and methods.

The course will enable you to understand people’s experiences in different social positions and social groups and to become more articulate and fluent in expressing your ideas

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Entry Requirement

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

and opinions.

Sociology is an academically rigorous subject, combining theoretical perspectives and real world problems. To succeed, you will need to enjoy reading and essay writing and should have a keen interest in social issues.

Sociology goes well with other social sciences and humanities subjects and is a good subject for a range of occupations such as medicine, policing and social work.

Assessment is through written exams.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English

What do students wear in the Sixth Form?

There is not a Sixth Form uniform. However, students are required to wear business dress - as if they were working in a professional office.

Do students have to be at the Academy when they don’t have lessons?

6th Form students are expected to be in the Academy every day, even when they don’t have lessons. The 6th Form day is made up of A level lessons, private study sessions, tutorials and leadership opportunities.

All of these sessions are compulsory and registers will be taken.

Did you know?

Life in the Sixth Form Sixth Form is diferent from being in Year 11 in a number of ways.

You will be treated like an adult You will be in the Sixth Form by choice.

That means you have chosen to work hard and succeed. You will sign a Sixth Form Agreement to commit to turning up for all your lessons and completing all the work that is set.

You will have both lessons and independent study periods You will have 4 hours teaching per A level subject per week. In addition you will have timetabled study periods based in the 6th form study room where you will be expected to study independently.

You will have your own Personal Tutor Your Personal Tutor will be your mentor throughout your time in the Sixth Form.

You will meet with them regularly.

Sixth Form students are able to become members of the National Union of Students and apply for an NUS Card which secures you a wide range of discounts.

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Sixth Form Induction Away Day

Guide to Courses

Psychology Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

research studies, be organised and able to recall and use information.

At AS, topics include: Memory and eyewitness testimony, Early social development, Stress, Obedience and independent behaviour, Views of abnormality, Research methods.

Psychology is recognised by universities as an academic subject and one that has links with both humanities and science.

At A2, topics include: Biological rhythms and sleep, Relationships, Eating behaviour, Depression, Addictive behaviour, Advanced research methods.

Norwich Evening News Report 24 August 2010

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Best ever results were reported at City Academy Norwich . . .

The course will suit students who are interested in learning about human behaviour.

To succeed, you will need to work hard, be prepared to read and remember

It is useful if you are planning to work with people in any capacity, such as in the police, social work, teaching or management.

Assessment is through written exams. The first of these are based around short questions; later ones include writing longer essays that include both description and evaluation.

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English. Mathematics is useful but not essential.

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City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Physics This course will develop your understanding of physics and how its different parts link together.

You will be able to apply it to events in the real world and assess its social, environmental, economic and technological impact.

Practical laboratory skills and analysis of data are also an important part of the course.

Topics include: Particles, Quantum phenomena and electricity, Mechanics, Materials and waves, Fields and further mechanics, Nuclear and thermal physics.

This course is suitable for students who can think logically, critically and imaginatively and are willing to work hard to get

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Entry Requirement

the most out of their education. It helps develop skills appreciated by employers and universities, such as numeracy, reasoning, problem solving and research.

Physics combines well with chemistry and mathematics to help you enter careers in science, medicine, engineering and technology. Physics also complements biology well and can be useful if you wish to study environmental science or archaeology. Students with an interest in technical aspects of art or photography will also find physics useful.

You will be assessed through written exams and practical work.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including grade A*-B in Mathematics and either Physics or Science and Additional Science.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBJECTS Choosing from so many subjects can be confusing, but the following tips may help: 1. Choose subjects you are good at and that you are confident you can succeed in.

2. Choose subjects you enjoy – you will be spending a lot of time working on them.

3. Choose subjects that will help qualify you for your future Higher Education course or career.

Did you know?

Introducing A Levels Do I have to study 4 sub-

In thejects Sixth at Form AS? you will study A Levels.

These with are four yoursubpassport Yes. Starting jects gives you your to higher education atbest college or chanceThey to progress on to university. also improve higher education.

You will your employment opportunities.

drop down to 3 subjects at A2 in your second year.

AS Level:

In the first year students study AS Levels, where the standard is between GCSE and full A Level.

A2 Level: In the second year you have the opportunity to move onto A2 and complete the full A Level.

Most students take four AS subjects, three of which they continue to A2.

Assessment: Assessment is mainly through written exams, though some subjects have coursework or practical work as well.

You will need five GCSEs at grades A*-C to take A Levels. These must include English and Maths. You should be aiming for at least a grade B in subjects you wish to study at A Level.

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It’s never too early to start thinking ahead to life after Sixth Form.

Thanks to our unique partnership, the University of East Anglia is offering an exciting opportunity exclusively to one City Academy Norwich Sixth Form student.

A FULL SCHOLARSHIP to a degree course at UEA including all fees and accommodation paid for.

FIND OUT MORE WHEN YOU JOIN THE CITY ACADEMY NORWICH SIXTH FORM. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT UEA: http://www.uea.ac.uk/about/ourcampus

VE EXCLURSITO OFFE DEMY CITY ACHAFORM SIXT ENTS STUD The University of East Anglia (UEA) is an internationally renowned university based in a campus that provides top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 13,000 students.

UEA is ranked amongst the top three for student satisfaction according to the first National Student Survey and in the top 20 in the UK by the Sunday Times.

Located in 320 acres of parkland, the campus includes the University Sportspark, which houses an Olympic sized swimming pool and hosts international sporting events, and the world famous Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

Guide to Courses

Physical Education In A Level PE students are encouraged to develop the skills and techniques needed to improve physical performance.

Students select the role they wish to pursue within the activities: performer, leader or official.

The course has four units.

Participation in Sport & Recreation; the Critical Sports Performer; Preparation for Optimum Sports Performance; and the Developing Sports Performer.

Students will investigate what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and how competitive sport has developed over time.

They will monitor their own personal sporting development and carry out a local, national and international study.

Many subjects combine well with PE, from a wide range of science, business studies, ICT and psychology.

Assessment is by both exam and a digital portfolio of work.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENT: You must be actively involved in a sporting activity to at least local club or school level and be able to provide a portfolio of evidence of previous training and performances.

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English. It is helpful to have studied GCSE PE, but not essential.

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City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Philosophy & Ethics

“The great virtue of philosophy is that it teaches not what to think, but how to think...

Philosophy is, in commercial jargon, the ultimate "transferable work skill". (The Times August 15, 1998)

This course requires you to have an enquiring mind, an interest in controversial ethical issues and a desire to examine some of the biggest questions in the universe!

You will be involved in learning about a range of engaging topics, many of which will be new to you and which will challenge your opinions and thinking.

The course is split into two halves; Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.

The Philosophy side of the course looks at the origins of the idea of God, whether it's possible that such an idea/being could ever exist (or ever not exist!)

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Entry Requirement

The Ethics side of the course examines questions about right and wrong, good and bad. How do we decide what the moral thing to do is in any given situation? We then go on to look at some controversial ethical issues such as genetic engineering, euthanasia and abortion.

Philosophy and Ethics will help to develop skills of reasoning, analysis and communication that will be valuable in any path you choose to take.

Philosophy is one of the only courses which will leave you with more questions than when you started!

Assessment is through two written exams in each year.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and Mathematics.

Courses at City Academy Art Biology Applied Business Chemistry English Literature Film Studies French Geography Government & Politics History Applied ICT Mathematics Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education Physics Psychology Sociology Applied Travel & Tourism The following A level courses are available through our partnership with City College Norwich Drama and Theatre Studies German Law Music Photography Spanish Textiles

Did you know?

Partnership for success To increase the opportunities available to City Academy Norwich students, a partnership has been formed with City College Norwich Sixth Form.

The number of A Levels available to students has doubled as a result of this partnership.

In addition to the subjects taught at City Academy Norwich, students joining the Sixth Form will also have an opportunity to study a wide range of additional subjects at City College Norwich.

Free transport wil be provided to get students to any courses not delivered at the Academy.

All City Academy Norwich Sixth Form students will have access to the full range of facilities at City College Norwich.

As a member of the Sixth Form you will automatically become a member of the City College Norwich Students’ Union and have access to their events and facilities.

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Guide to Courses Guide to Courses

City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Art

Maths

This course requires an understanding of the basic elements of art colour, tone form texture etc, and also have some understanding of the place of art, craft and design in the world that we live - its history and purpose.

Above all you should have an interest in creating and understanding art and the enthusiasm and determination to develop that interest. The mai purpose of the course is to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world and respond to it in a personal and creative way.

The skills you develop will be varied. You will work in two and three dimensions using a broad range of materials and techniques.

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Entry Requirement

You will develop the skills to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings using art, craft and design.

You will develop your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills.

You will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and contemporary society.

As you progress on the course you will have the option to specialise in an area of particular interest to you.

Your work will be assessed by portfolio at the end of the course.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C including Art or a related subject. Without one of these, you will need to present a suitable portfolio of artwork at interview.

When you study A Level Mathematics, you will not only learn new mathematical skills, but will also apply them to problem solving.

You will see how the subject can be used to show what is happening and what might happen in different real life situations.

recommended for students taking Chemistry or Physics A Level.

It is also very well respected by employers and universities.

An AS or A Level in Further Mathematics can also be achieved if you take extra units.

In each year, you will take two core units covering areas such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry and calculus and an option unit in either statistics or mechanics.

The course is challenging but interesting. As well as being worth studying in its own right, mathematics provides a useful support for many other subjects and is especially

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including at least a grade B in Mathematics.

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Guide to Courses

City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Applied ICT This course will enable you to select and use appropriate ICT tools and techniques to help you carry out investigations; capture and handle data; solve problems; make decisions; present and communicate information.

It will increase your awareness of the benefits and drawbacks of ICT and its impact on the way people live their lives. You will learn how to plan and manage projects and work effectively with others.

System Design and Installation; Web Development; and Technical Support.

An A Level in ICT can lead to higher education in ICT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Multimedia, Software Engineering, Computer Networking and e-Business.

Assessment will be through assignments which you will showcase through an e-portfolio.

At AS the focus is on communication and decision-making skills.

You will learn about: The Information Age; The Digital Economy; The Knowledge Worker;

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Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English, Maths and ICT. If you do not have GCSE ICT then you will need to demonstrate an ability and commitment through an electronic portfolio of work.

Biology Biology is the scientific study of all living organisms from the molecular level right through to entire ecosystems.

The study of biology will allow you to appreciate the way in which scientists work, the contributions of science to modern society and the moral and ethical dilemmas that new advances raise.

Essential principles are taught in the context of today’s themes and issues, such as the breeding of high-yielding plants and domesticated animals and the impact of diet and exercise on the incidence of coronary heart disease.

interpret data, solve scientific problems and write in a scientific way.

Biology is not only interesting in its own right, but is also the first step towards careers in fields such as research science, marine biology, healthcare and forensic science, as well as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

Assessment will be through a mixture of written exams and practical work.

You will learn to do practical research,

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including grade A*-B in Mathematics and either Biology or Science and Additional Science.

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City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Guide to Courses

Applied Business

This subject introduces you to the challenges and issues of starting a business and then goes on to explore the management of people, operations, finance and marketing.

The three units cover: Investigating people at work, Investigating business, Investigating Marketing.

The course will enable you to focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world and will provide opportunities to research into topical business issues.

Business Studies goes

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Entry Requirement

well with other subjects and the skills gained will open paths into employment and a wide variety of university courses.

You will need to have an enquiring mind and a general interest in what goes on in the world of work.

Good communication skills and confidence in handling data and numbers are also important.

Assessment is through one exam with data response questions, and through two pieces of coursework.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and Mathematics. It is helpful to have studied GCSE or BTEC Level 2 Business, but not essential.

History This course covers modern European and British history, with themes including nationalism, war and its impact on society, revolution and fascism.

You must also be prepared to read widely and deeply, to work at developing essay writing skills and to think analytically and independently.

The course is academically challenging, and therefore highly regarded by universities and employers alike. It helps to explain our present and collective past as a story, or a series of stories, whose content shifts according to the story-teller. It helps to develop transferable skills and it supports and contextualises many other subjects such as English literature.

Assessment is through exams with essays and coursework.

To succeed you will need to enjoy reading, think logically and be good at solving problems.

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English.

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Guide to Courses

City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Government Chemistry and Politics This course will suit you if you have an interest in political issues and events and want to understand how the political system works, and why and how politicians make the decisions that affect all of our lives.

It looks at where political ideas come from, and how these are put into practice in different nations, both now and in the past – for example, liberalism in the UK today and fascism in interwar Europe.

At AS, the course will cover people and politics and governing in the UK. At A2, it will move on to

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Entry Requirement

introducing political ideologies and ideological development in the UK. To succeed on this course, you will need to keep up-to-date with current events, by reading quality newspapers and watching the television news on a regular basis, as well as doing independent research using the internet and other sources.

Assessment is through written exams in each year, with a mixture of structured, short answer and data response questions.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English.

Chemistry is a fascinating subject because it addresses fundamental questions about what people (and everything else) are made of.

Topics include: The structure of atoms and how they form bonds, Chemical reactions, The periodic table and more in-depth study of groups within it, Quantities and the mole concept, Groups of organic chemicals, Making new chemicals, Analysing the structure of unknown substances.

Chemistry is a key A Level for anyone hoping to study medicine or other careers in the health field, but it is also widely accepted for unrelated degrees such as law and economics.

Students who do well in chemistry are numerate, as there is a lot of mathematical content, but they are also very literate as they need to be able to read questions and extract meaning carefully and reply with precision, using words accurately.

They are logical with clear analytical minds and can think about abstract things that cannot be directly seen.

Chemistry is challenging, so to succeed you must be prepared to work hard and study in your own time.

Assessment is through two written exams and practical work in each year.

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including grade A*-B in Mathematics and either Chemistry or Science and Additional Science.

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City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

Guide to Courses

English Literature This course gives you the enduring pleasure of reading and getting to know in detail a wide range of literary texts and plays, from the Renaissance to the present day.

Social, literary and historical contexts are an integral part of the course and you will also examine some critical responses to literature. You will develop writing skills and the ability to analyse texts logically and effectively. In both the AS and A2 years you will produce coursework that encourages an independent and creative response.

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Entry Requirement

There are plenty of opportunities for theatre visits and other enrichment activities.

An A Level in English Literature is ideal preparation for a wide variety of degree courses, as well as an excellent way to develop the communication and intellectual skills valued by employers.

You will bring to the course a love of reading, a willingness to explore a variety of historical periods as well as curiosity, enthusiasm and creativity.

Assessment is through written exams and coursework.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English.

Geography Geography is the study of the earth’s surface and atmosphere, human responses to them and, increasingly, the effects of human activity upon them.

It will give you an insight into issues that affect your everyday life, from coastal erosion and global warming to food supply and population.

skills to view your world in a different light and teach you a range of transferable skills that are valued by universities and employers alike.

Geography combines well with almost all other AS and A Level subjects.

Assessment is through two written exams in each year.

As well as working in class, you will carry out practical fieldwork, locally and in the Lake District.

You will be encouraged to work in a logical and analytical manner, reaching your own conclusions and answers independently.

The course will equip you with the concepts and

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and Mathematics.

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Guide to Courses

City Academy Norwich Sixth Form

French This course will enable you to communicate at a higher level in French and to study in-depth aspects of contemporary society and culture in France and French speaking countries.

The AS includes reading, writing, listening and speaking. You will develop your ability to discuss many areas already familiar to you at GCSE, such as youth culture and concerns, lifestyle, and the world around us.

The A2 develops these skills further and supplements them with the study of contemporary French texts.

The course content widens to include: Customs, Traditions,

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Entry Requirement

Beliefs and religions, National and international events and the arts.

French can be taken with any other subjects. It will improve your employability, especially with international companies. Modern linguists have consistently greater employment prospects than most other types of university graduates.

To succeed, you will need a keen interest in languages and communication and enjoy learning about other cultures.

Assessment is through written exams and practical tests of speaking and listening skills.

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and A*-B in French.

Film Studying A Level Film will encourage you to analyse films critically.

You will also get the chance to put theory into practice, from writing about films to making them.

You will have the opportunity to produce, direct and edit an assessed film production project. In addition to your assessed film making, the staff will encourage you to produce short films in your own time in order to further develop your creative talent.

We will help you broaden your understanding of the social, historical and artistic importance of film and the film-making process, from the early pioneers through to

modern day mainstream and nonmainstream cinema.

An A Level in Film Studies is suitable for those wishing to take an arts or humanities subject at degree level and can lead to careers writing about or making films.

To benefit from the course, you will need to enjoy watching films, not just for their content but also for the meanings behind them. You should be willing to sample films from the entire history of cinema and be keen to extend your learning about them.

Assessment will be through project work and examinations.

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English.

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City Academy Norwich Sixth Form 2012

City Academy Norwich Sixth Form will move into brand new ÂŁ22 million buildings on the same site in September 2012.