North Durham Acadmey Post 16 Course Guide

Post 16 Course Guide INCLUSION • PROGRESSION • EXCELLENCE

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 1

AS/A2 Level Courses

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 2

AS/A2 Level Courses

How to Apply

Contents

To apply for a place at North Durham Academy 16+ students should complete the application form available on our website or in this ‘16+ Course Guide’.

AS/A2 Level Courses

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. All applicants will be invited to discuss the course/courses applied for with a senior member of staff to ensure students are selecting the right course/courses. To help with the process we will also look at recent student reports and the attainment information provided by subject staff. Any offer of a place at North Durham Academy may well be dependant on students achieving specified GCSE grades.

BIOLOGY.............................................................................................01

All students offered a place at North Durham Academy will be expected to attend a 16+ Bridging Course in the summer term which will allow students to prepare for life at 16+, meet their Personal Tutor and fellow 16+ students.

ART AND DESIGN..............................................................................01

BUSINESS STUDIES.............................................................................02 CHEMISTRY.........................................................................................02 ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE..........................................03 HISTORY.............................................................................................04 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY........................................................05 LAW.....................................................................................................05 MATHEMATICS....................................................................................06 PHYSICAL EDUCATION.....................................................................06 PHYSICS..............................................................................................07 SPANISH..............................................................................................08 TEXTILES.............................................................................................09

BTEC NATIONAL LEVEL 3 BUSINESS............................................................................................10

ART AND DESIGN

BIOLOGY

Exam Board – AQA

Exam Board – OCR

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in Art.

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in additional science or biology.

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE OUTLINE

At AS candidates are introduced to a variety of experiences employing a range of media, processes and techniques appropriate to the chosen area of study:

At AS Level students’ complete three units of work, the first being a study of cells, exchange and transport focussing on the exchange of materials and communication and co-operation between specialised cells as part of reproduction, growth and repair. The second unit is the study of molecules, biodiversity, food and health focussing on the roles of key biological macromolecules and the role of good diet on the control and prevention of disease. The third unit is study of biological practical skills in terms of qualitative, quantitative, evaluative biological techniques.

• AS Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio • AS Unit 2: externally set assignment

ASSESSMENT Work is initially assessed by the classroom teacher with an external assessment in June.

INTO THE FUTURE… This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study Art and Design or any other creative based subject at university. It is also a valuable qualification for a number of future careers.

ASSESSMENT One examination in January and one examination in June and 3 assessed practical tasks.

INTO THE FUTURE...

This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study biological sciences at university and is well regarded as an academic AS/A2 level by universities.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 1

AS/A2 Level Courses

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 2

AS/A2 Level Courses

BUSINESS STUDIES

CHEMISTRY

Exam Board – OCR

Exam Board – OCR

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

No prior knowledge of the subject is required. The specifications build on, but do not depend on, the knowledge, understanding and skills specified for GCSE Business Studies. It is recommended that candidates have attained communication and literacy skills at a level equivalent to GCSE Grade C in English.

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in additional science or chemistry and Maths.

COURSE OUTLINE These specifications encourage candidates to develop a critical understanding of organisations, the context in which they operate, the markets they serve and the process of adding value through a problem solving approach to study. The opportunity to pursue an area of particular interest exists within the overall framework.

ASSESSMENT

COURSE OUTLINE At AS Level students’ complete three units of work, the first being a study of atoms, bonds and groups focussing on atoms and reactions, electrons, bonding and structure and the periodic table. The second unit is a study of Chains, Energy and Resources focussing on hydrocarbons, alcohols, halogen alkanes and energy resources. The third unit is study of chemical practical skills in terms of qualitative, quantitative, evaluative chemical techniques.

ASSESSMENT

2 examination papers awarded A–E.

One examination in January and one examination in June and 3 assessed practical tasks.

INTO THE FUTURE…

INTO THE FUTURE...

By studying this course, pupils will be able to go into a career in any area. It is particularly useful for those pupils who want to open their own business or work in the finance industry.

This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study chemical sciences at university and is well regarded as an academic AS/A2 level by universities.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

ASSESSMENT

Exam Board – AQA

This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study English or any other Arts or Humanities subject at university. It is also a valuable qualification for a number of future careers, especially those in media and business.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in English.

COURSE OUTLINE At AS Level students complete two units of work, the first of which is examined and the other assessed through coursework. Unit 1 is an ‘Introduction to Language and Literature Study’ and involves reading and understanding a variety of texts in the A Level Anthology. Unit 2 involves the study of two classic novels: ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley and ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote. Students must produce a two-part assignment on these texts, including a creative response to one or both of them.

One examination in June and a two-part assignment on a chosen pair of texts.

INTO THE FUTURE...

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 3

AS/A2 Level Courses

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 4

AS/A2 Level Courses

HISTORY Exam Board – Edexcel

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in English. GCSE History is NOT essential.

COURSE OUTLINE A fascinating look at the modern world through the critical eyes of a social historian. In particular students focus on: 1. Historical Themes in Depth: Students study aspects of the past through periods or themes organised into ‘units’. Each unit requires the student to address two linked themes from a range of perspectives, for example social, religious, political and cultural. An example of a unit is ‘The Expansion and Challenge of Nationalism’.

2. British Depth Studies: Students will study British history in some depth. Grounded in an exploration of source materials in its historical context, this unit enables students to develop an in depth understanding of the attitudes, beliefs and structures of the societies they study. ‘Early Modern British History: Crown & Authority’ is an example topic for this Unit.

ASSESSMENT One examination in January and one examination in June.

INTO THE FUTURE...

History is one of the most respected A Levels. It enables students to progress on to various degree courses. It is also highly respected by employers in law, finance, journalism, media, public relations, social policy and the civil service.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW Exam Board – OCR

Exam Board – AQA

In today’s world, where ICT is constantly changing, individuals will increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a C grade or above in English. The specification builds upon, but does not depend upon having knowledge, skills and understanding specified for GCSE Law.

No prior knowledge of ICT is assumed, although the specifications develop the aims of GCSE specifications in ICT by enhancing and broadening the range and the understanding of the capabilities of applications and information systems studied. The use of a range of tools and techniques is required to solve more extensive and more complex problems.

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE OUTLINE

2. The Concept of Liability

GCE ICT encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding. This could form a basis for progression into further learning, including progression from AS to A2, and/or employment.

The A level is achieved by completing a further two units which cover The Criminal Law. Both of these units are assessed in the form of two examinations, unit 3 lasting 1 hour 30 minutes and unit 4, 2 hours.

ASSESSMENT

At AS level, students complete two units of work, both of which are assessed by a separate examination, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes: 1. Law Making and the Legal System

ASSESSMENT

There are two examination series each year, in January and June.

Four examinations – the examinations for units 1, 2 and 3 can be sat in January and June. The examination for unit 4 is available in June only.

INTO THE FUTURE…

INTO THE FUTURE…

Candidates studying this course will go into a career in IT, whether it be IT teaching, IT technician or something more technical like IT project Managing, Software Testing or IT sales managers.

Law is an academic A Level and is most highly regarded. It is a pathway to many degree courses including Law, Social Work, Education, Journalism.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 5

AS/A2 Level Courses

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 6

AS/A2 Level Courses

MATHEMATICS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Exam Board – Edexcel

Exam Board – AQA

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in Mathematics.

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent.

Ideally pupils should have at least a grade C in GCSE PE or at least Merit in BTEC Sport.

COURSE OUTLINE AS Level Mathematics includes both pure mathematics and statistics. In particular, students learn the essential pure mathematical methods that can be applied to real world scenarios.

Topics include the solving of equations, graphs and transformations, coordinate geometry, logarithms and exponentials, sequences and series, trigonometry and the formation of differentiation and integration.

ASSESSMENT The course is examined via a one and a half hour written examination paper for each module. The modules carry equal weight and there is no coursework. Examinations take place during January and June.

INTO THE FUTURE...

Students who successfully complete this course can go on to become accountants, teachers, engineers and various other professionals. In fact, Mathematics is a highly sought after qualification which is held in high esteem by universities for almost all degree courses.

COURSE OUTLINE At AS Level, pupils will complete two units of work. Unit 1 looks at the opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Unit 2 looks at the analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in an adopted role/s.

At A2 Level, pupils will study a further two units. Unit 3 focuses on optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport. Main areas of focus are the body systems, psychological and social factors. Unit 4 focuses on optimising practical performance in a competitive situation.

ASSESSMENT Unit 1: 2 hour written examination – (84 marks) Unit 2: Internal assessment with external moderation – (100 marks) Unit 3: 2 hour written examination – (84 marks) Unit 4 : Internal assessment with external moderation – (120 marks)

INTO THE FUTURE...

This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study sports related subjects at university. It is also a valuable qualification for a number of future careers in the army, as well as personal training and sports coaching.

PHYSICS Exam Board – OCR

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in additional science or physics and Maths.

COURSE OUTLINE At AS Level students complete three units of work, the first being a study of Mechanics focussing on motion, forces in action, work and energy. The second unit of work is a study of electrons, waves and photons focussing on electric current, resistance, DC circuits, waves and quantum physics.

The third unit is study of physics practical skills in terms of qualitative, quantitative, evaluative physics techniques.

ASSESSMENT One examination in January and one examination in June and 3 assessed practical tasks.

INTO THE FUTURE...

This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study physical sciences at university and is very well regarded as an academic AS/ A2 level by universities.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 7

AS/A2 Level Courses

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 8

AS/A2 Level Courses

SPANISH Exam Board – Edexcel

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in both Spanish and English language. You will develop and reinforce the language skills already acquired at GCSE: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

COURSE OUTLINE The first year of the AS Spanish course covers 4 general topic areas set within the context of the Spanish-speaking world. These are; • Youth culture and concerns • Lifestyle: health and fitness • The world around us: travel, tourism, environmental issues and the Spanish-speaking world • Education and employment

ASSESSMENT Unit 1: Spoken expression and response in Spanish.

Unit 2: Understanding and written response in Spanish.

INTO THE FUTURE...

Speaking Spanish can open a door to a whole new world. As a citizen of the European Union, you have the right to live, work and study in any EU country. This increases competition for jobs both at home and abroad. By studying Spanish, you are likely to impress future employers. Whether on holiday or meeting people at work, Spanish will broaden your horizons and create new opportunities. Many universities provide opportunities to maintain your language skills alongside a wide range of degrees.

TEXTILES Exam Board – AQA

ASSESSMENT AS Level Unit 1: Portfolio 50% of AS level marks

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Unit 2: Externally set exam 50% of AS level marks

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a B grade or above in Textiles.

A2 Level:

COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 4: Externally set assignment 25% of A level

Candidates are required to work in one or more area(s) of Textile Design, such as those listed below:

INTO THE FUTURE...

• fashion • printed and/or dyed fabric and materials • interior design and • constructed textiles They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.

Unit 3: Personal investigation 25% of A level

This course is widely accepted as an entrance qualification to study a variety of textile courses including interior design and fashion as well as other creative based subjects at university. It is also a valuable qualification for a number of future careers.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 9

AS/A2 Level Courses

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 10

BTEC NATIONAL LEVEL 3

BUSINESS Exam Board – Edexcel

ASSESSMENT In BTEC Nationals all units are internally assessed. A grade can be awarded at pass, merit or distinction level.

Students require a minimum of 5 A*– C grades at GCSE or equivalent, including a C grade or above in English and Mathematics. Level 2 BTEC Business qualification would also be ideal.

Learners will be awarded a merit or distinction or distinction* qualification grade (or combination of these grades appropriate to the qualification) by the aggregation of points gained through the successful achievement of individual units. The number of points available is dependent on the unit level and grade achieved, and the credit size of the unit.

COURSE OUTLINE

INTO THE FUTURE...

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 consists of four mandatory units plus optional units that provide for a combined total of 60 credits.

BTEC Nationals are QCF Level 3 qualifications designed to provide highly specialist work-related qualifications in a range of vocational sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Units include: • The Business Environment • The Economic Environment • Business resources • Marketing • Business Communications • Accounting • Managing Business Events

Application Form Personal Details First Name . ................................................................................................Surname......................................................................................................

Home Address............................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................Postcode......................................................................................................

Home Phone Number.................................................................................Mobile.........................................................................................................

Email...........................................................................................................Date of Birth................................................................................................

Which courses are you interested in?

Subject

Level

My course choices in order of preference (choose 3 or 4 qualifications only) 1.

3.

2.

4.

Predicted GCSE / BTEC Level 2 grades Subject

Predicted grade

Subject Teacher

Referees: Please provide the details of two people who will support your application. At least one should be a teacher at your current school.

Please note that referees should not be friends or relatives.

Name.......................................................................................................

Name.......................................................................................................

Job Title....................................................................................................

Job Title....................................................................................................

Organisation.............................................................................................

Organisation.............................................................................................

Address....................................................................................................

Address....................................................................................................

................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................

Email........................................................................................................

Email........................................................................................................

Telephone.................................................................................................

Telephone.................................................................................................

Signature (student)......................................................................................................................................................Date.............................................

Thank you for your application. It will be carefully considered and The North Durham Academy will be in touch soon.

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY 16+ PROSPECTUS | Page 13

Part of New College Durham Academies Trust Š Copyright North Durham Academy Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print (December 2011).

North Durham Academy reserves the right to amend information at any time.