Sixth form prospectus 2016 17

Your next step

Sixth Form Prospectus 2016|17 Arrive with a dream Leave with a future

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Open Evening

Sixth Form induction days

Tuesday 15th November 2016 5.00pm-7.00pm

Tuesday 11th July 2017

The opportunity to talk to our staff and students and find out all you need to know about studying in our Sixth Form.

Get expert advice and guidance about course and career options. Parents/ carers welcome.

Students who have accepted their place will be invited to start life in our Sixth Form by attending an induction day where you will meet other students and prepare for the step up to higher level study.

Individual course guidance meetings for CGA students

Enrolment begins

November – December 2016

If you have accepted a conditional offer from us you will have an admissions meeting following collection of your GCSE examination results. Please bring your examination results to this meeting.

One-to-one advice given from members of the Sixth Form team.

Deadline for external student applications Friday 27th January 2017 After you apply to our Sixth Form you will be contacted with a date for an individual admissions meeting and course guidance in February or March 2017.

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Thursday 24th August 2017

THE ACADEMIC CURRICULUM The subjects in this course guide give an indication of the courses we offer but the list is not exhaustive. Please contact the Director of Sixth Form if the subject you are interested in studying is not listed.

Additional courses of classics and textiles are taught in conjunction with the Sixth Form at Our Lady’s Convent High School.

Every effort will be made to run all the courses on offer in this course guide, however, courses may have to be withdrawn if there is not enough take up.

CONTENTS Welcome 3 Results 4 Why CGA? 5 Destinations 6 A typical year 7 - 8 Developing your skills 9 - 10 Leadership opportunities 11 Clubs & societies 12 Supporting you 13 How to apply 14

Courses

Applied Science – BTEC National Level 3 15 Biology 16 Chemistry 17 Physics 18 Art & Design 19 Drama & Theatre Studies 20 Business Studies – BTEC National Level 3 21 Economics 22 Health & Social Care – BTEC National Level 3 23 ICT 24 English Literature 25 French 26 Spanish 27 Mathematics 28 Further Mathematics 29 Government & Politics 30 History 31 Psychology 32 Religious Studies/Philosophy & Ethics 33 Sociology 34 Product Design 35 Geography 36 Travel information 37

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WELCOME Message from the Headteacher Welcome to our wonderful, high-attaining Sixth Form which has a vibrant, friendly and supportive atmosphere where everybody is made to feel special and your unique qualities are given an opportunity to flourish.

At Clapton Girls’ Academy, we have a distinctive focus on promoting the talents and aptitudes of young women because we want you to leave with the confidence to enjoy and influence the world.

We offer an exciting range of academic, vocational and extra-curricular opportunities and your learning is supported by our unique environment of challenge and support: elements which are crucial to achieving those high grades and the success you deserve.

We will ensure that you have the very best experience, ready for that very bright future ahead.

Ms A Feltham Headteacher

Message from the Sixth Form Team Clapton Girls’ Academy Sixth Form attracts students from all over east London into Year 12 each September.

A diverse mix of newcomers and established Clapton Girls’ Academy students give this Sixth Form a character of its own.

Excellent teaching and highly motivated students ensure the ‘Outstanding’ status of the academy is reflected at post-16. Targeted intervention ensures that every student is monitored and supported to achieve their optimum goal.

We care passionately about the education of girls and young women and we set high standards within a supportive and friendly environment. Our students feel safe and secure and yet, are encouraged to take risks in their learning in order to achieve their best.

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2016 RESULTS Pass rate

99% A-level

57% A*-B

85% A*-C

Subjects Business Studies French Economics English Literature Geography History ICT

Physics Religious Studies Spanish Turkish

100% A*-C

BTEC

Level 3 Science

100% DISTN

100%

MERIT OR ABOVE

Level 3 Health & Social Care Level 3 Business

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WH Y C HO O S E OUR SI XTH F ORM? 1. Our excellent results and teaching (find out more on page 4)

(find out more on page 11)

2. Our university progression rates (find out more on page 6)

“You get so much extra.”

Studied religious studies/ philosophy & ethics (A*), history (A*), EPQ (A), art & design (B)

Taking a gap year as a young MP for Hackney whilst reapplying to Oxford University

“It’s like a family.”

Studied history (A*), French (A) and English literature (A)

Now studying French & Arabic at Oxford University

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3. Our leadership opportunities 4. Our support for students (find out more on page 13)

“Students really encourage each other.”

Studied English Literature (A*), maths (A) and history (A)

Now studying English literature at Warwick University

“The teachers really push you to achieve.”

Studied government & politics (A), religious studies/philosophy & ethics (A), history (B)

Now studying politics & philosophy at Sheffield

“There are so many opportunities to lead.”

Studied chemistry (A), mathematics (A) and biology (B)

Running after-school clubs at Clapton Girls’ Academy in a gap year before university

“You get so much help and support.”

Studied geography (A*), biology (A*) and chemistry (A)

Now studying medicine at Kings College, London

DESTINATIONS 2015 2015 saw a record number of Clapton Girls’ Academy Sixth Form students with places at Russell Group universities and many other students going on to some of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.

We have strong partnerships with Clare College, Cambridge; Goldsmiths, University of London; the University of East London; SOAS and Queen Mary which have helped prepare our students for life as an undergraduate.

2016 destinations will be updated in November 2016.

Destination Anglia Ruskin Arts University Bournemouth Bradford Brunel Buckingham City

De Montfort Exeter Glasgow Goldsmiths

Greenwich Hertford Kent Kings

London Metropolitan London South Bank Manchester Metropolitan Middlesex

Northampton

Course Midwifery Costume design Health and social care Business management and marketing Police studies Law; radiotherapy; radiography; child nursing; sociology; optometry Biomedical science Philosophy & history English & politics English & history; education; psychology; English; culture & education; drama & theatre studies Criminology; biology Law; psychology Politics Computer science; French & English; psychology; medicine; geography Art foundation course Nursing; child nursing; education studies Marketing management Primary education; education studies; early years education Psychology and dance

Destination Nottingham Oxford Oxford Brookes Queen Mary

Royal Veterinary College Sheffield SOAS

St Mary’s Sussex UCL University Campus Suffolk UEL Plymouth Art College Warwick Westminster

Apprenticeship

Course Environmental science; politics French and Arabic English and creative writing Mathematics; psychology; business management; biology Veterinary science Philosophy & psychology International relations; linguistics; history; law; business management; international management; management Primary education Economics History; chemistry Social work; child nursing Public health Art foundation course English literature Psychology; English literature; business management; law; sociology; pharmacology Child care; adult care; Step Forwards programme; personal trainer; catering; human resources; business; marketing

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A TYPICAL YEAR Throughout the year Support Every Sixth Form student receives support from their tutor and Head of Year, in which targets are set and monitored closely. This targeted intervention continues throughout the Sixth Form experience to ensure the success of every student.

Revision courses Students also attend revision courses – both in school, and at universities to widen their subject knowledge and understanding.

Clubs and societies There is the opportunity to attend a range of after-school clubs and societies which both enhance studies and involve students in the wider life of the academy through for example, a sports team or drama performance.

Work experience All students have work experience placements where they experience an invaluable insight into the world of work in their chosen field.

July Induction

Year 12 students are introduced to the Sixth Form during a Sixth Form induction programme which includes taster sessions for all subjects.

Preparation for Year 13

After AS examinations, A-level courses and UCAS preparation begin immediately for Year 12 students.

August Selected Year 12 students attend university summer schools and work experience placements.

September Welcome Year 12 Year 12 students begin with an exciting induction programme, going off site for team building activities. A Sixth Form Welcome evening is held for students and their parents/carers.

Students also attend presentations by universities and are informed about alternative progression routes, including apprenticeships and employment opportunities and start the enrichment activity they have chosen to follow throughout the year.

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UCAS applications Year 13 students have careers interviews to guide them through the transition to higher education or employment and begin to compile their UCAS forms online, with guidance from a specialist team including the Head of Year 13 and their form tutors.

Leadership & additional opportunities Senior prefects are elected and assist at many academy events. Some students participate in professional mentoring by solicitors from Linklaters Law Firm and participate in the Pathways to Law programme. Other selected students are given the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which provides further UCAS points and an excellent knowledge base for university learning.

October Oxbridge applications Prospective Oxbridge, law, dentistry and medicine students complete UCAS applications.

December Deadlines for university applications

January Pre-public examinations (mock) February Years 12 & 13 Parent Consultation Evening March Pre-public examinations (mock) May AS & A-level examinations begin June AS & A-level examinations end Graduation For Year 13 school ends with a poignant celebration.

All applications are sent by the end of the Autumn term.

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DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS Year 12 students choose from an exciting range of enrichment courses that will broaden interests and experiences giving more opportunity to impress potential universities and employers and develop transferable skills.

Drama enrichment Engage with your creativity whilst devising pieces and performing on stage with professional directors and actors attached to the Almeida Theatre, one of our partners. The Silver Arts Award worth 35 UCAS points is completed in Year 12 and you can go on to complete the Gold Arts Award in Year 13.

Debating

Envision

Gain the ability to clearly articulate your point of view and demonstrate the value of your opinion in controversial and complex issues. Debating not only improves skills in essay writing and public speaking but also impresses future employers and potential universities.

This nationally recognised charity aims at encouraging you to become involved in the local community through fundraising initiatives and volunteering projects.

Sports Leadership Learn skills such as organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through being a sports leader.

Previous sports leaders have prepared primary school pupils to perform in a major dance show and then led in a variety of ways during the event.

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Young Enterprise In collaboration with other students, develop your initiative and leadership skills, whilst exercising business acumen as you run your own profit-making company. Your team will get to keep any financial gain generated.

EPQ Supported by local universities, explore and research in greater depth a subject you are interested in with the two year Extended Project Qualification, equivalent to an AS level. You will present an extended piece of work such as a dissertation, presentation or a performance/piece of art.

Teaching Assistant programme Intensive training is given before going to work in the academy’s classrooms once a week as a teaching assistant.

With this programme you can also opt to take a level 2 accreditation.

Wings of Hope Award Be in a team of students devising fundraising campaigns to raise money for primary schools in Malawi and India. If your group is successful you will get to present your ideas in the House of Lords.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Learn new skills, take part in expeditions, maintain a healthy lifestyle and volunteer in the local community through this internationally recognised scheme.

Employers, universities and colleges often look for this qualification on applications and CVs.

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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES As a member of the Sixth Form you will be given leadership opportunities to help you develop clear values and high standards, as well as gain skills in effective communication, teamwork and managing change to prepare you for life beyond school.

You can take a lead in programmes for students in years 7 to 11 which include mentoring and support, running clubs or helping to organise drama productions.

You could be elected to the School Council where you talk and plan strategies with staff to shape your Sixth Form.

Using your voice in interactive discussions and feedback allows you to share your own ideas and represent your student colleagues.

If selected to be a senior prefect in Year 13 you will be a positive role model for other students and act as form representatives.

You will guide guests on tours of the academy at key school events and give presentations speaking about your experiences at Clapton.

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES As well as focusing on your academic success in after-school revision classes you can take part in an exciting programme of student development and fun activities to help you broaden your experience, encourage your interests and support your well-being.

Some examples of the activities you could get involved in are:

Music & Performance Band Brass ensemble Choir Guitar Keyboard

Music media Orchestra String ensemble Whole-school performances

Other Manga/anime Debating Global intelligence New views

Sports Athletics Badminton Basketball Cardio tennis Dance Football Handball Indoor tennis

Judo Rowing Running Strength & conditioning Swimming Tennis

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SUPPORTING YOU The pastoral system is a great strength of our Sixth Form. You will be allocated to a tutor group and your tutor is the first point of contact for any concerns from either you or your parents or carers.

You will be expected to attend all lessons for all of your courses and your progress, both academic and personal will be monitored closely by the Heads of Years 12 and 13.

Parents are given regular progress updates through profiles and parent consultation meetings.

If additional support is needed it is available through supervised study time in the dedicated Sixth Form study area with the Sixth Form Learning Assistant. Confidential counselling is available via specialist mentors and external agencies.

Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) is delivered for one hour every two weeks through alternative curriculum days during the year. You will receive talks on the subjects of universities, apprenticeships and financial guidance. Workshops on personal health issues and community campaigning are also provided.

Preparing you Careers and university guidance is crucial and begins in Year 12 with a series of activities, guest speakers, preparation events, and a visit to the UCAS convention. You will be given a guidebook aimed at providing relevant information on issues such as the UCAS application process, financial implications and undergraduate student life. A careers library is also available, providing up-to-date information on courses and university open days. Undergraduate study and mentoring in a range of subjects is provided through: the Access Project; Goldsmiths Progression Scheme; Hackney University Extension Programme; K+ Programme (King’s College London); Uni-link Programme (UCL) and Global Scholars (SOAS).

In Year 13, you are guided by your tutor through the UCAS application process. Students applying for medicine, law or Oxford and Cambridge receive extra tuition in preparation for the BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT and HAT admission examinations.

Russell group universities come to Clapton to work with you on UCAS applications throughout your time in the Sixth Form. Visits are also arranged to universities, including Clapton Girls’ Academy partners Clare College, Cambridge; Goldsmiths and the University of East London.

If you decide to look for employment or further training on completion of your studies personal careers guidance, advice and support is arranged with the Clapton Girls’ Academy Careers & UCAS Coordinator.

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HOW TO APPLY A Level reforms A-levels will be taught and delivered differently from 2015. In a number of subjects the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) that was previously sat in order to continue on to A2 in Year 13 will become a stand-alone qualification, and will no longer be worth half the A-level. To gain a full A-level all exams will now be sat at the end of two years of study.

The future impact of this change is that students only select 3 A-levels that they will specialise in from Year 12. However, we are at present continuing to ask students with the appropriate course entry qualifications to select four subjects, one of which will be dropped at the end of Year 12.

How to choose The table below gives the requirements necessary for studying A-level and BTEC courses.

Please check the minimum entry requirements for specific courses you wish to study and consider your GCSE predictions/results before making your choice.

GCSEs achieved 8 A*-C

Year 12 4 x AS levels

Year 13 3 x A-levels

Alternatively

5 A*-C (mainly Cs)

3 AS levels

3 x A-levels

Level 3 BTEC

4 A*-C (inc English & Maths)

Level 3 BTEC Level 3 BTEC

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APPLIED SCIENCE BTEC Level 3 Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course Minimum C grade in GCSE English, GCSE Maths and GCSE Science.

What will I learn?

This two year course uses a combination of assessment styles to give students confidence that they can apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace and have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career.

The range of vocational assessments, both practical and written, means students can showcase learning and achievement to best effect. This award is equivalent to 3 A-levels.

The course consists of 13 units that are continually assessed through presentations, assignments, practical work and examinations. These are: principles & applications of science I & II; practical scientific procedures & techniques; science investigation skills; laboratory techniques & their application; investigative project; contemporary issues in science; microbiology & microbiological techniques; genetics & genetic engineering; diseases & infection; forensic evidence collection & analysis; mathematical techniques for science.

Students will complete a period of work experience. The course also has a strong trip element with numerous opportunities to visit specialists from the scientific industry.

What next?

The BTEC course is highly respected by many universities and is a fantastic choice for students considering careers in science such as nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, biochemistry, forensics or more traditional science subjects.

Women of achievement Mary Cronk MBE: British midwife active in midwifery politics Dora Akunyili: pharmacist, was Director General of National Agency for Food & Drug Administration in Nigeria

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Typical careers Midwife Biochemist Pharmacist Nurse

BIOLOGY AS/A-level Exam board – OCR Qualifications needed for this course At least B grade in GCSE Core and GCSE Additional Science and B grade in GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

Biology is at the forefront of many of the most exciting, innovative and controversial issues that concern us all and frequently are in the headlines. Stories concerning genetic engineering, epidemiology, stem cell research, environmental concerns, MRSA, cancer research and forensic science continue to make biology one of the most debated and interesting fields in science.

Through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, the study of A-level biology will enable students to make informed comment and decisions on these and many other aspects of biology. In addition, A-level students have the opportunity to develop their in-depth knowledge of the subject, alongside their practical, numerical, problem-solving and communication skills, thus further equipping them to pursue their studies in a plethora of disciplines.

Candidates will take units of assessment which include aspects of plant and animal responses, cellular biology, health and disease, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, biotechnology and ecology.

What next?

A-level biology prepares candidates to progress into further or higher education. Biologists may also enter fields such as climatology, ecology and genetics. Investigative skills gained make the candidate particularly skilled at interpreting and analysing data.

Women of achievement Rosalind Franklin: her work resulted in the finding of the DNA double helix Flossie Wong-Staal: first scientist to genetically map the HIV virus, a major step in proving HIV as the cause of AIDS

Typical careers Microbiologist Lawyer Research scientist Veterinary surgeon

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CHEMISTRY AS/A-level Exam board – OCR Qualifications needed for this course At least B grade in GCSE Core and B in GCSE Additional Science and B in GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

Chemistry at A-level builds the foundations for university study. The thinking skills employed in lessons allow students access to learning for the future in key areas such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering and biochemistry.

Chemistry understanding is taught through contemporary issues, investigative skills and theoretical knowledge. The ability to apply ideas is an asset that is continually utilised within the course. Students will think through practical investigations and use their creativity, mathematical skill and logic to find solutions.

As a challenging yet rewarding and respected A-level, students will be fully supported through their growth in ability by a variety of support activities. Students taking the A-level course will be introduced to in-depth chemical knowledge that will aid their university progression. Physical, inorganic and organic chemistry are fully introduced and embedded in the curriculum.

What next?

The skills gained in chemistry allow candidates access to a range of options, the most popular being medicine. However, many chemistry students enter into careers that require critical and analytical thinking such as law and business management.

Women of achievement Irène Joliot-Curie: Nobel Prize in chemistry for finding artificial radioactivity

Professor Farida Fortune: Dean of Dentistry & Oral Health at Queen Mary University of London

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Typical careers Analytical chemist Chemical engineer Forensic scientist Toxicologist

PHYSICS AS/A-level Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course A*-B grade in GCSE Double Science or GCSE Physics and B grade in GCSE Maths. Ideally a C grade minimum pass at AS to continue to A-level.

What will I learn?

Physics is an exciting yet challenging subject which aims to explain how things work from the smallest to the largest of scales; from quantum physics to theories of the universe.

An A-level in physics suits students with an inquisitive mind and is highly respected by universities and employers. Physics provides valuable transferrable skills such as problemsolving, analytical thinking and synoptic skills that are useful in many areas.

The course is suitable for students who have an interest and enjoyment of physics and maths. During the physics course both AS and A-level students will study forces and motion, electricity, waves and particle physics; the topics which form the foundations of all physics.

The A-level course may introduce more specialist topics such as medical physics, astrophysics and nuclear physics.

What next?

Physics candidates progress most popularly into courses in engineering. Physics is well integrated with knowledge of other sciences such as chemistry, geology and mathematics and is an excellent choice if you are interested in pursuing a career in physics, engineering, maths or finance or if you want your application to stand out to a university.

Women of achievement

Typical careers

Kalpana Chawla: first Indian woman in space

Geophysicist Finance & banking Game programming Meteorologist

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell: Astrophysicist who discovered the first radio pulsars

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ART & DESIGN A-level Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course A*–C grade in GCSE Art.

What will I learn?

This course promotes an adventurous and enquiring approach to visual communication.

There is a focus on exploring ideas and concepts through research, investigation and practical experimentation.

Students are encouraged to develop and refine practical skills whilst extending their knowledge and understanding of the practice of other artists through workshops, visits and independent study.

Students are introduced to contemporary and historical approaches to art and design, and work in a wide range of media. Personal responses to the set themes are encouraged through tutorials and class discussions with an emphasis on analytical review.

What next?

An A-level in art can lead to further study at art college or university. It is useful for a range of careers including advertising, marketing, architecture, engineering and media, as well as specialist careers such as designer or artist.

Contemporary art is more popular now than it has ever been, with some artists becoming ‘stars’ very quickly. Social media and online exposure can also contribute to this.

Women of achievement Zaha Hadid: British architect, designed buildings internationally and currently working on centrepiece of 2020 Tokyo Olympics Sarah Burton OBE: creative director of fashion brand Alexander McQueen

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Typical careers Photographer Architect Illustrator Fashion Designer

DRAMA & THEATRE AS/A-level Exam board – OCR Qualifications needed for this course It is useful to have taken GCSE Drama, but not essential.

What will I learn?

This is a brand new specification for 2016 and offers students a natural progression from the OCR GCSE drama qualification already being taught at Clapton Girls’ Academy.

This qualification in drama and theatre has been designed to be a practical, engaging and creative specification for students to study. It will provide opportunities for students to examine drama and the work of others, to explore a range of drama as a practical art form, and to work independently to create their own drama performances making informed artistic choices. The qualification allows students to study drama and theatre in an academic setting, interrogating this art form and applying their knowledge and understanding to the process of creating and developing drama and theatre and to their own performance work.

A-level students will cover four different components over the two years of study. These are: practitioners in practice; exploring texts for performance; analysing performance; deconstructing texts for performance.

What next?

This course can lead to a degree or other further study in drama, theatre studies and performing arts at university or drama school. It may lead to a career in the performing arts industries or a wide range of careers which utilise communication and presentational skills. The course will help create independent students, critical thinkers and effective decision-makers.

The music, performing and visual arts sector is undergoing an employment boom. The UK’s films, music and other artists are currently celebrated around the world.

Women of achievement

Typical careers

Katie Mitchell OBE: English theatre director and Associate of the Actor Royal National Theatre Choreographer Screenwriter Bonnie Greer OBE: American-British playwright, novelist and critic TV/film presenter

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BUSINESS STUDIES BTEC National Level 3 Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade C in GCSE English and GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

This two year qualification is wide-ranging and equivalent to 3 A-levels. There are seven mandatory units covering exploring business; developing a marketing campaign; personal and business finance; managing an event; international business; principles of management and business decision-making. In the final third of the qualification students complete at least six optional units: human resources; accounting; marketing; law; customer service and retail and work experience in business.

Students will be able to apply their business understanding to real life organisations and be able to identify how a successful business should run as well as ways of improving the performance of a business.

Students will need to be self-motivated, be able to work independently and be a confident user of ICT. They will need to be able to research effectively and be organised in order to meet coursework deadlines.

What next?

The qualification meets admission requirements to many relevant courses. Students can also progress directly to employment in a range of entry level roles, higher apprenticeships or ‘school leaver’ industry on-the-job training programmes leading to professional qualifications in areas such as business administration, marketing, accounting, sales or enterprise.

Women of achievement Dame Anita Roddick: businesswoman best known as founder of the Body Shop Nisreen Shocair: President of Virgin Megastores MENA (Middle East & North Africa)

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Typical careers Legal executive Recruitment consultant Insurance broker Bank manager

ECONOMICS AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course B grade in GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

A level economics looks at current affairs and analyses the interactions between individuals, businesses and the government.

In A-level economics you will look at the fundamental forces which affect our lives, such as employment, prices, international trade and poverty. Economics concerns the allocation of society’s scarce resources amongst the many alternative uses to which they could be put. Students will be taught both micro and macro principles and will be assessed on their application, analysis and decision-making skills.

The course will be taught at A-level specification, and consist of two units: individuals, firms, markets and market failure and the national and international economy.

What next?

Careers in economics are very diverse, with job roles covering everything from food and agriculture to business and banking. The qualification could also be valuable in a career like marketing, law, journalism or teaching.

Depending on the area of interest, an economics degree will help develop specialized analytical skills, enabling entry into multiple industries as a professional economist, or as another type of professional with an eye for economics.

Women of achievement Dame Katharine Barker: noted for her roles at the Bank of England and for advising the government on social issues Dambisa Moyo: international economist & author who analyses the macroeconomy and global affairs

Typical careers Risk analyst Accountant Financial consultant Investment banker

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HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE BTEC National Level 3 Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade C in GCSE English.

What will I learn?

This two year qualification is wide-ranging and equivalent to 3 A-levels. Students will study human lifespan development; working in health and social care; anatomy and physiology in health and social care; enquiries into current research in health and social care; meeting individual care and support needs; work experience in health and social care; principles of safe practice in health and social care; promoting public health; sociological perspectives; psychological perspectives; supporting individuals with additional needs; assessing children’s needs and development; nutritional needs.

The qualification gives students experience of the breadth and depth that will prepare them for further study and employment in the health and social care sector. Students will apply their health and social care understanding to real life organisations by completing 100 hours of compulsory health and social care work experience in settings that work with infants, elderly and people with learning disabilities.

Students will need to be self-motivated, be able to work independently and be confident users of ICT. They will need to be able to research effectively and be organised in order to meet coursework deadlines.

What next?

The qualification meets admission requirements to many relevant courses and students have gone on to study degrees in social policy, sociology and psychology. Students can also progress directly to employment in a range of entry level roles, higher apprenticeships or ‘school leaver’ industry on-the-job training programmes leading to professional qualifications in careers such as nursing, midwifery, counselling, social work and childcare.

Women of achievement Mary Ezra Mahoney: first African-American woman professional registered nurse Clara Barton: pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross

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Typical careers Midwife Psychotherapist Speech & language therapist Nurse

ICT AS/A-level Exam board – OCR Qualifications needed for this course At least grade C in GCSE ICT and GCSE English.

What will I learn?

This course encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding which can be applied in a world which now requires technological and information literacy skills.

There are two units studied at AS level: Unit G061 information, systems and applications and Unit G062 structured ICT tasks.

There are two units studied at A-level: Unit G063 - covering communications between computers and interactions between humans and computers and Unit G064 which allows students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills of ICT. Students choose a well-defined client-driven problem that enables them to demonstrate their skills to analyse a problem, design a solution, develop the software solution, test the solution against specific requirements, document the solution and evaluate it.

What next?

The A-level is an ideal qualification for those students who want to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding. Progression through A-level will provide a suitable basis for further study in related subjects in higher education as well as valuable preparation for careers in any area of ICT. Technology is fast-moving. The opportunities for career advancement, self-development and financial reward is excellent.

Women of achievement Margaret Whitman: Chairwoman, president and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Lucy Bradshaw: PC game developer, previously General Manager of Maxis, produced video games The Sims and SimCity

Typical careers Computer games tester IT trainer Software developer Web designer

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ENGLISH LITERATURE AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course B grade in GCSE English and GCSE English Literature.

What will I learn?

This course aims to develop informed and independent readers who are confident in drawing meaning from texts through close analytical study. It also relies on knowledge of the context of the text and of other possible meanings. This is a course which provides the reader with maximum opportunities for both coursework and open text examination papers. Such opportunities promote research on the one hand and close focus on the texts on the other. The course is designed to develop enjoyment and appreciation of English literature and will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success at AS/A-level.

At AS & A-level students study literature on the topic of ‘Love through the Ages’. In addition at A-level students study texts on the topic of ‘Modern Times: Literature from 1945 to the Present Day’.

What next?

English literature A-level complements many A-level combinations and is a useful entry requirement for many degrees. The major strength of those who have studied English literature is the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The skills gained are marketable in most career areas such as journalism, law, publishing, human resources, teaching and many others.

Women of achievement Carol Ann Duffy: Britain’s first woman Poet Laureate Mishal Husain: main anchor for the BBC World News

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Typical careers Editor Marketing, advertising & PR Journalist Librarian

FRENCH AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course A*-A grade in GCSE French.

What will I learn?

Students will develop awareness of social, political and cultural issues in the countries where French is spoken, as well as develop their communication and thinking skills at a higher level.

The themes studied at AS are media, healthy living, relationships and communication technology.

The themes studied at A-level are immigration, the world nowadays, the environment and two cultural topics; this can be a French-speaking film, the life of a French-speaking painter, an area of France, etc.

Both AS and A-level will be assessed on your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills.

What next?

Modern foreign languages are ‘facilitating’ subjects and so the best universities are always looking for students who have taken a foreign language at A-level. Language skills are in demand and there are many professions where languages are a necessary skill; finance, law, sales and marketing, transport, tourism and leisure, publishing and translations, teaching and the civil services as well as businesses that trade internationally.

Women of achievement

Typical careers

Condoleeza Rice: former US Secretary of State and Soviet affairs specialist, speaks English, French & Russian

Interpreter/translator Teacher Diplomat Multi-lingual PA

Emma Watson: UN Ambassador advocating for gender equality, and talented actress with the ability to speak French

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SPANISH AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course A*-A grade in GCSE Spanish.

What will I learn?

Students will develop awareness of social, political and cultural issues in the countries where Spanish is spoken, as well as develop their communication and thinking skills at the higher level.

The themes studied at AS are media, healthy living, relationships and communication technology.

The themes studied at A-level are immigration, the world nowadays, the environment and two cultural topics; this can be a Spanish-speaking film, the life of a Spanish-speaking painter, an area of Spain, etc.

Both AS and A-level will be assessed on your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills.

What next?

Modern foreign languages are ‘facilitating’ subjects and so the best universities are always looking for students who have taken a foreign language at A-level. Language skills are in demand and there are many professions where languages are a necessary skill; finance, law, sales and marketing, transport, tourism and leisure, publishing and translations, teaching and the civil services as well as businesses that trade internationally.

Women of achievement Maya Angelou: author, poet and civil rights activist who spoke English, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic & Fanti Gwyneth Paltrow: actress who also writes and advocates for better living, speaks fluent Spanish with a perfect Spanish accent

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Typical careers Broadcast journalist Marketing Linguist Tour guide

MATHS AS/A-level Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course A*–A as predicted grade in GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

The A-level award consists of six teaching units (four core mathematics units and two applied units), three at AS and three at A-level.

AS units in Year 12 Core 1: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration.

Core 2: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; sequences and series; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; integration.

Statistics 1: Mathematical models in probability and statistics; representation and summary of data; probability; correlation and regression; discrete random variables; discrete distributions; the Normal distribution.

A-level units in Year 13 Core 3: Algebra and functions; trigonometry; exponentials and logarithms; differentiation; numerical methods.

Core 4: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane; sequences and series; differentiation; integration; vectors.

Statistics 2: The Binomial and Poisson distributions; continuous random variables; continuous distributions; samples; hypothesis tests.

What next?

Studying maths helps you develop skills in logical thinking and statistical or strategic knowledge, which are valued by employers. Higher education courses or careers that require mathematics or are strongly related include; economics, medicine, engineering, accountancy, psychology, architecture, physics, computing, teaching and ICT.

Women of achievement Margaret Downes: first female member and first female president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Maryam Mirzakhani: first ever woman to receive the Fields Medal, sometimes described as a Nobel prize for mathematics

Typical careers Actuary Operational researcher Research scientist Statistician

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FURTHER MATHS AS/A-level Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course A*-A as predicted grade in GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

AS units in Year 12 Further Pure 1: Series; complex numbers; numerical solution of equations; coordinate systems; matrix algebra; proof.

Mechanics 1: Mathematical models; vectors; kinematics; dynamics; statics; moments.

Decision 1: Algorithms; graph theory; route inspection problem; Critical Path Analysis; linear programming; matchings.

A-level units in Year 13 Further Pure 2: Inequalities; complex numbers; differential equations; Maclaurin & Taylor Series; polar coordinates.

Mechanics 2: Kinematics; centres of mass; work & energy; collisions; statics.

Statistics 3: Combinations of random variables; sampling; estimation & confidence intervals; goodness of fit and contingency tables; regression & correlation.

What next?

Studying maths helps you develop skills in logical thinking and statistical or strategic knowledge, which are valued by employers. Higher education courses or careers that require mathematics or are strongly related include; economics, medicine, engineering, accountancy, psychology, architecture, physics, computing, teaching and ICT.

Women of achievement Farmida Bi: banking partner at international legal practice Norton Rose Susan Howson: first woman to win the Adams Prize, awarded annually by the University of Cambridge

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Typical careers Accountant Corporate investment banker Quantity surveyor Aerospace engineer

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS AS/A-level Exam board – Edexcel Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade C in GCSE English.

What will I learn?

This course offers a structured foundation of political knowledge on which to develop skills for citizenship and further study whilst providing a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for those who do not progress to further study in the subject. For those who wish to continue it offers four routes through the A-level programme, giving students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of aspects of the subject at a higher level.

The course gives an emphasis on contemporary politics and current areas of constitutional concern, and will focus on the UK and US governments. It aims to integrate conceptual ideas with a more descriptive approach, to be accessible to all students and to stimulate a more analytical approach at A-level. The specification contributes to an understanding of the nature of politics by giving students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the context of the politics of the UK, including its local, national and global dimensions.

The AS consists of the following units: people and politics (unit 1) & governing the UK (unit 2). The A-level consists of the following units: representation in the USA (unit 3) and governing the USA (unit 4).

What next?

The study of government and politics is highly valued by universities and is suitable for a range of careers including those in the areas of law, business, economics, politics (local and national) and international relations.

Women of achievement Amal Clooney: lawyer, activist & author specialising in international law, international criminal law and human rights Baroness Sayeeda Warsi: life peer & shadow minister for community cohesion

Typical careers Government officer Politician’s assistant Public relations officer Charity officer

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HISTORY AS/A-level Exam board – OCR Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade C in GCSE English.

What will I learn?

History may be about the past, but it is a key subject which helps us to understand opinions about the rapidly changing world in which we live today. The A-level course involves studying important historical developments, including why countries go to war, rise of dictatorships, political and religious struggles. This course is ideal for anyone interested in analysing, debating and discussing the causes of particular historical events, and assessing the impact of the past upon present situations. History students will also develop their essay writing skills, as well as their ability to analyse and interpret historical materials in a variety of ways. You will receive lots of support on this course but you must be prepared to work hard and read widely.

The units studied are: England 1547-1603, the Later Tudors (Unit 1); The Cold War in Asia 1945-1993 (Unit 2); Britain and Ireland 1791-1921 (Unit 3). Unit 4 consists of coursework. AS students study units 1 & 2 and & A-level students study all 4 units.

What next?

History combines well with other subjects politics, sociology, philosophy, English literature, economics, anthropology, and social psychology, and is highly regarded amongst both universities and employers. The analytical and communicative skills developed in history are a key to success in today’s challenging and competitive work environment. Historians follow a variety of career paths including the legal profession, local government, and management in business, education and the armed forces.

Women of achievement Lucy Worsley: currently joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces but best known as a presenter of BBC television Winifred Mary Beard OBE: Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge

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Typical careers Museum education officer Journalist Teacher Solicitor

PSYCHOLOGY AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade B in GCSE Maths.

What will I learn?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Psychology explores people’s thoughts, emotions and motivations. This is a two year course where students sit three exams at the end of the second year of study.

In the first year, students will cover topics such as memory, psychopathology and research methods. The second year will include these topics as well as covering more advanced topics such as schizophrenia and psychological explanations of stress, eating patterns and gender.

Throughout the two year course there is a consistent emphasis on research methods psychologists use to carry out their research and the statistical data and testing they employ.

What next?

Psychology is a popular degree to take at university and, due to the applied nature of the subject, can enhance prospects in many different careers such as clinical psychology, counselling psychology, educational psychology and research.

Women of achievement Susan Sutherland Isaacs CBE: educational psychologist and psychoanalyst who promoted the nursery school movement Brenda Milner: regarded as the ‘founder of neuropsychology’, made many landmark discoveries in the study of memory

Typical careers Educational psychologist Clinical psychologist Careers adviser Human resources officer

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RS/PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS AS/A-level Exam board – OCR Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade B in GCSE English.

What will I learn?

A-level religious studies will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE. Students will be introduced to a more advanced, complex approach to religious studies, and will develop a deeper understanding of the beliefs, teachings and philosophy they study.

All learners will study three components; philosophy of religion (01) studying the philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief; religion and ethics (02) where students study ethical theories and key ethical concepts, as well as developments in the way these ideas apply to significant issues in religion and belief; developments in religious thought (03 – 07) which provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of one religious tradition chosen from the five available options, Christianity (03), Islam (04), Judaism (05), Buddhism (06) or Hinduism (07).

What next?

A religious studies qualification is ideal preparation for further study in a range of both science and social science and humanities subjects such as philosophy, sociology or politics. This subject is popular with universities as it equips students with a working knowledge of difficult philosophical concepts and critical thinking skills.

In addition to further research and study, graduates from this course have progressed to careers in a broad range of sectors including media, education, police force, public policy, law, the charity sector, medicine and science. The skills developed are highly favoured by employers.

Women of achievement Riazat Butt: the Guardian’s religious affairs correspondent Aung San Suu Kyi: Nobel Peace Prize winner, Burmese politician and chairperson for the National League for Democracy

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Typical careers Local government officer Psychotherapist Health service manager Marketing executive

SOCIOLOGY AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade C in GCSE English.

What will I learn?

Sociology is the study of societies, people and their behaviour. Sociologists are interested in the way in which institutions such as the family, education and religion shape who we are and how we behave. How much of who you are is shaped by the society in which you live? The sociology course examines contemporary society where students will study many aspects of life in modern Britain. The AS will require students to look at the sociology of education and families and households, whilst A-level will stretch students’ sociological understanding further with in-depth analysis of crime and deviance in addition to the AS units.

This is a two year course where students sit three exams at the end of the second year.

Students will be encouraged to be interested, independent, active learners; expected to produce logical written and verbal arguments; required to participate in discussions as a class and in groups; expected to keep up-to-date with current issues; able to reflect on their own experience and the social world in which they live.

What next?

Students with AS/A-level sociology often go on to do degrees in subjects such as psychology, history and law. A qualification in sociology is useful for a wide range of careers. It is of particular value to anybody wanting a career which involves working with people and communities for example, the police force, social work and teaching.

Women of achievement Beatrice Webb: co-founded the London School of Economics Baroness Uddin: Chair of the government’s taskforce championing minority women’s participation in public life

Typical careers Social researcher Youth worker Police officer Social worker

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PRODUCT DESIGN AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course A*-C grade in GCSE Product Design.

What will I learn?

A-level product design helps students take a broad view of design and technology, develop their capacity to design and make products and appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.

The specification provides students with the opportunity to design and make a product or in the case of AS, a number of smaller products, in both years of the course.

The course has fifty per cent coursework in order to recognize the importance of practical work within this subject.

What next?

An A- level in product design is useful in a wide range of creative careers. These include design itself but also architecture, engineering, business and many careers in film, theatre and the performing arts.

Women of achievement Cath Kidston MBE: fashion designer, businesswoman & author whose company sells home furnishings Bethan Gray: designer of some of the bestselling furniture on the high street, won Best British Designer award in 2013/14

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Typical careers Industrial/product designer Exhibition designer Purchasing manager Sales executive

GEOGRAPHY AS/A-level Exam board – AQA Qualifications needed for this course Minimum grade B in GCSE Geography.

What will I learn?

Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. You may already be thinking ahead to potential university and career choices so it is worth bearing in mind that g eography is a broad based subject that really fits well for your future progress.

Our Exam board at Clapton Girls’ Academy is AQA and we will study a wide range of topics including; Hazards, Coasts, Water & Carbon cycles, Glaciers, Political Geography, Urban Environments and Population. You will be expected to produce your own individual piece of coursework on a topic of your choosing that will emerge from our fieldwork visits and trips. In 2015 The Guardian identified Geography as the “must-have A Level.”

You will learn in a wide variety of ways such as by using maps, GIS skills, data analysis, photos, videos, podcasts, as well as attending lectures and study days. You will be encouraged to frame your own questions using higher level thinking skills and showing your grasp of complex issues through essay writing.

What next?

Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. The Russell Group report published in 2011 names geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. This is a subject most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options open to you at university. The skills gained in geography A Level will allow you to go into careers as diverse as medicine, veterinary science, law, journalism, marketing and Publishing as well as many others.

Women of achievement Mother Theresa – Taught geography in India to children in the orphanages.

Dame Ellen MacArthur – Yachtswoman.

Typical careers Lawyer Journalist Finance Medicine

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TRAVEL INFORMATION Buses 38, 48, 55, 56, 106, 253, 254, 308, 425, 488

Trains The nearest station is Clapton Station on the Chingford to Liverpool Street line. Trains run every 15 minutes.

The nearest overground station is Hackney Central with regular trains running from Richmond and Clapham Junction through to Stratford.

Clapton Girls’ Academy is an approximate 8 minute walk from either of these stations.

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Laura Place, London E5 0RB T: 020 8985 6641 F: 020 8986 4686 E: sixthform@clapton.hackney.sch.uk www.clapton.hackney.sch.uk

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