Radnor House Sixth Form A-Level Information booklet

A-Level Information

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Contents Welcome Life beyond Radnor House The subjects Art and Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classical Civilisation Drama & Theatre Studies Economics English Literature French Further Mathematics

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Geography Government and Politics History History of Art Latin Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics Psychology Spanish Degree Information

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Welcome to Radnor House Sixth Form This handbook outlines the A-Level courses available to those entering the Sixth Form at Radnor House. The range of subjects on offer has been developed to assist you in choosing a combination that suits your talents, tastes and aspirations. Contained here are brief summaries of the A-Level courses on offer at Radnor House that will ensure you are well prepared for university entry and future employment.

Typically, you are expected to choose four courses to study throughout your Lower Sixth year as AS Levels before continuing with three A2 courses into the Upper Sixth.

In determining your choices, it is important to consider the following: • If you are aware of the University degree that you wish to apply for, you should consider any requirements or preferences that the course demands.

This information is available in University prospectuses or online and a summary is included at the back of this handbook.

• Similarly, if you have a particular career path in mind, consider how your A-Level subjects might facilitate your future aspirations. Particular A-Levels develop certain skills that may be of use to you in the future.

• It is also important to consider the subjects about which you are passionate and that interest you.

A-Levels require a lot of independent

study and this is made easier if you enjoy your subject. This is particularly important if you are undecided as to your future plans as yet and will help give you a range of options.

Additionally, you will have a meeting with the Director of Sixth Form to go through your selection in the first half of the Easter Term and you are welcome to seek advice from the Director of Sixth Form, the Careers Department or the relevant Head of Faculty.

A-Levels are a wonderfully exciting part of your education where you have real freedom to explore your interests and passions.

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Preparing for life beyond Radnor House The Sixth Form at Radnor House will provide you with outstanding opportunities to develop your talents to the full. It will give you the confidence to express independent thought and to be enquiring, creative and distinctive as you move towards further education and beyond.

The main focus of the Radnor House Sixth Form is to prepare you for University and the world of work. There are a number of ways in which this is achieved.

Our choice of A Level subjects will provide a broad and balanced, stimulating and forward-looking education, combining expert schoolbased teaching with a stimulating variety of extra-curricular activities. Our small class sizes and highly motivated teaching staff ensure that lessons are dynamic, stretching and inspirational.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will help you prepare for the rigorous study required for success at leading universities. Developing independent research skills, the ability to summarise and analyse different texts and produce extended pieces of work are highly valued by leading academic institutes.

All Sixth Form students at Radnor House follow a course in Critical Thinking which will provide you with the tools to evaluate and present arguments logically and coherently and allow you to engage more fully with the content of your chosen subjects. You will become better able to look beyond an issue with which you are presented and respond on several levels, adding greater depth to your knowledge and understanding.

You will be encouraged to give considerable thought to your future career during your Sixth Form years. Whilst many young adults might still be deciding which path to take in life, it is important that you are prepared for entering an increasingly competitive job market.

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You will receive guidance in CV writing, attend mock interviews, attend networking evenings and hear from a range of professionals through our ‘Reflections’ Lecture Programme. This is an enhancement programme of lectures and seminars that takes place weekly during the Autumn and Spring terms; it provides the Sixth Form with the opportunity to listen to visiting speakers who present challenging and thought provoking topics in different subject areas ranging from the world of business, sport and the arts.

We expect you to aim high; we will help you apply for Russell Group Universities, the best Art Colleges or specialist institutions and achieve outstanding results in your courses.

If you wish to study at Oxford or Cambridge, or wish to apply to read Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Sciences, you will receive special support for your applications.

Opportunities for you to develop leadership skills and take on responsibility are abundant in the Sixth Form; allowing the students to work with their peers, younger students or a combination of both.

Every student in the Sixth Form is encouraged to choose from a varied programme of co-curricular activites, including Young Enterprise, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award scheme, Debating Society, a Sixth Form expedition, British Schools Exploring Society, supporting the School Charities, Computer Programming, Model United Nations as well as music, drama and a wide choice of sports.

This academic and extra-curricular programme is underpinned by outstanding pastoral support in the Sixth Form. It will ensure that the current and future needs of students are met. In the Sixth Form your individual needs will change as you prepare for the challenges of University and beyond.

We have high expectations, but also give each student the pastoral and academic support they require to fully achieve their potential. We want the young men and women who leave us to be well-rounded, with a desire to succeed in their chosen field coupled with a passion for enquiry.

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Art and Design Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2200 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio – portfolio of work set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA. Unit 2: AS Externally Set Assignment – 5 hour supervised assignment set and marked by the centre and moderated

by AQA. Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Personal Investigation – personal art study supported by a written element of 1000-3000 words, set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA. Unit 4: Externally Set Assignment – 15 hour supervised assignment, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 25% of A-Level Unit 2 - 25% of A-Level Unit 3 - 25% of A-Level Unit 4 - 25% of A-Level Skills acquired

A-Level Art and Design provides students with opportunities to develop personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures in practical, critical and contextual forms.

This four-unit specification allows students to develop their ability to show a range of skills including an interest and enthusiasm for art and design, the experience of working with a range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies and an awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art and design practice.

Useful for the following degrees Architecture; Art History; Art Therapy and Psychology; Computer Game Design; Creative Technologies; Design; Design Engineering; Fashion Design; Fine Art; Graphic Communication; Graphic Design; Illustration; Illustration and Animation; Industrial Design; Interactive Design; Interior Design; Motion Graphics; Photography; Product Design; Textiles; Video; Visual Communications; Visual Effects and Animation

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Biology Exam Board: Edexcel Course Code: 9BI01 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills Unit Summary A2

Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Coordination Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 20% of A-Level Unit 2 - 20% of A-Level Unit 3 - 10% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level Unit 5 - 20% of A-Level Unit 6 - 10% of A-Level Skills acquired

Studying Biology opens students to a range of ways of thinking such as analysis of observations, problem solving, spotting trends and patterns and practical skills.

Students learn to analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and processes and assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information. For this reason the subject provides transferable skills for many careers outside science such as accountancy, law and management as well as within science.

With issues such as stem cell research, cloning and genome sequencing becoming ever more relevant in our lives, there has never been a better time to study Biology in order to help us make informed choices and understand the world around us.

This course looks closely at the ethical issues associated with these technological advances and helps students to appreciate how society makes decisions about biology-related issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society.

Useful for the following degrees Dentistry; Forensic Science; Marine Biology; Medicine; Nursing; Optometry; Pharmacology; Physiotherapy; Veterinary Science; Zoology

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Business Studies Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2130 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business – this unit covers the issues involved in a business start-up, such as research and planning, as well as the factors that determine success.

Unit 2: Managing a Business – this unit focuses on how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions at a functional level.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Strategies for Success – focuses on larger businesses which may be trading in international markets, and how managers might measure the performance of the business. This unit considers functional

strategies that larger businesses may adopt to achieve their objectives.

Unit 4: The Business Environment and Managing Change – this unit assesses the external factors that can act as catalysts for change, and considers these in relation to a range of businesses. This unit also examines the ways in which businesses can manage change successfully when responding to external stimuli. Both A2 units are synoptic.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 25% of A-Level Unit 2 - 25% of A-Level Unit 3 - 25% of A-Level Unit 4 - 25% of A-Level

Useful for the following degrees Accounting; Economics; Finance; Law; Management; Maths; Politics

Skills acquired

Students will develop skills in critical and analytical thinking; essay-writing; identifying problems and proposing solutions; conducting research and challenging assumptions.

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Chemistry

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 17% of A-Level Unit 2 - 23% of A-Level Unit 3 - 10% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level Unit Summary AS Unit 5 - 20% of A-Level Unit 1: Foundation Chemistry Unit 6 - 10% of A-Level Unit 2: Chemistry in Action Unit 3: Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Chemistry Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2420

Unit Summary A

Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry Unit 6: Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Chemistry

Skills acquired

Logical thinking and problem solving skills are developed continuously through both practical and written tasks. In addition, written and verbal communication skills are developed in a variety of ways including the formulation of equations and mathematical problem solving. Practical activities provide an opportunity for team work and the ability to analyse data critically is central to the course.

Useful for the following degrees Chemical Engineering; Dentistry; Material Sciences; Medical Sciences; Medicine; Veterinary Science

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Classical Civilisation Exam Board: OCR Course Code: H041 (AS) & H441 (A2) Unit Summary AS

CC2 (F382) Homer’s Odyssey and Society CC3 (F383) Roman Society and Thought Unit Summary A2

CC7 (F387) Roman Britain: life in the outpost of the Empire CC10 (F390) Virgil and the world of the hero Mark Breakdown

CC2 - 25% of A-Level CC3 - 25% of A-Level CC7 - 25% of A-Level CC10 - 25% of A-Level

Skills acquired

The aims of the Classical Civilisation A-Level are to encourage candidates to develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the classical world. In addition, students will acquire knowledge and understanding of selected aspects of classical civilisation and develop awareness of the continuing influence of the classical world on later times and of the similarities and differences between the classical world and later times. Students will apply analytical and evaluative skills to a range of sources and make informed, personal responses to the material studied.

Prior attainment of a GCSE qualification in a classical subject is not required.

Useful for the following degrees Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Classics; English; History; Law; Modern European Languages; Philosophy; Politics

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Drama & Theatre Studies Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2240 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play – 1 ½ hour written examination Unit 2: Presentation of an Extract from a Play Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Further Prescribed Plays including Pre-Twentieth Century Study of two further set plays – 2 hour written examination.

Unit 4: Presentation of Devised Drama – performance by a group of devised drama.

The assessment also includes candidates’ preparatory and development work and supporting notes.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 30% of A-Level Unit 2 - 20% of A-Level Unit 3 - 30% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level

Studies can help you secure your future in many fields.

Useful for the following degrees Art and Design; Dance; English Literature; Journalism; Media Studies; Music

Skills acquired

A-Level Drama helps students develop knowledge and understanding of a range of practical drama skills, collaborative skills with others, technical understanding and abilities and confidence and teambuilding skills.

Drama offers many key skills essential to a wide range of employers. This is why graduates of Theatre Studies are some of the most likely to be in employment.

Theatre students think outside the box, work well in a team and are able to demonstrate a huge amount of confidence both at interviews and in board rooms. So whether you are thinking about a career on the stage or not, Drama and Theatre 11

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Economics Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2140 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Economics: Markets and Market Failure - Candidates will be required to acquire knowledge and understanding of some basic microeconomic models and to apply these to current problems and issues.

Unit 2: Economics: The National Economy - Candidates will be provided with opportunities to use the knowledge gained to explore recent and current economic behaviour. They should understand, and be able to analyse and evaluate macroeconomic policy.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Economics: Business Economics and the Distribution of Income - This Unit builds on the knowledge and skills

candidates have developed in Unit 1. It will require candidates to use and evaluate more complex microeconomic models.

Students will also learn about the labour markets.

Unit 4: Economics: The National and International Economy - Candidates should be able to analyse and evaluate the causes of changes in macroeconomic indicators in greater depth than expected at AS Level. There is an emphasis in Unit 4 on the consequences of changes in macroeconomic indicators.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 25% of A-Level Unit 2 - 25% of A-Level Unit 3 - 25% of A-Level Unit 4 - 25% of A-Level Skills acquired

Students will develop skills in critical and analytical thinking; essay-writing; conducting research and challenging

assumptions; identifying problems and proposing solutions. They will also appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment and develop an understanding of a range of economic/ social concepts and acquire an ability to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts. Students will use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist. Finally, the course develops skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.

Useful for the following degrees Accounting; Business; Economics; Finance; Geography; History; Human Geography; Law; Management; Maths; Politics; PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics)

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English Literature Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2745 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative – assessed in a 2 hour open-book exam Unit 2: Dramatic Genres – coursework Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Texts and Genres – assessed in a 2 hour closed-book exam Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading – coursework Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 30% of A-Level Unit 2 - 20% of A-Level Unit 3 - 30% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level

Skills acquired

The A-Level English Literature course will develop the ability to make contrasts and comparisons between different texts and understand how texts are categorised and how this links to the way meaning is constructed. Reading and analysing texts independently encourages students to evaluate the critical reception of texts and appreciate different perspectives and critical views and form one’s own. Students will learn to structure and write extended analytical essays involving editing and re-drafting, write formally and eloquently to express their views and write creatively in order to demonstrate their understanding of texts.

Useful for the following degrees Anthropology; Classics; Creative Writing; Drama and Performing Arts; English Literature; Film Studies; History; Journalism; Languages; Law; Librarianship; Linguistics; Media and Communications; Philosophy; Theatre Studies; Theology

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French Exam Board: Edexcel Course Code: 8FR01 (AS) & 9FR01 (A2) Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Spoken Expression and Response in French – assessed in an 8-10 minutes oral exam. In Section A, students will be required to respond to set questions on a stimulus related to their chosen topic area.

In Section B, the examiner will engage the student in a discussion loosely related to their chosen area.

Unit 2: Understanding and Written Response in French – assessed in a 2 ½ hour written exam involving listening, reading and writing tasks.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Spoken Expression and Response in French – assessed in an 11-13 minutes oral exam. Students will present a stance on an issue, defend and justify it and will then be engaged in a spontaneous discussion on a minimum of two unpredictable areas.

Unit 4: Research, Understanding and Written Response in French – assessed in a 2 ½ hour exam involving English to French translation, a discursive or creative essay in French and a research-based essay in French on a prepared topic area.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 15% of A-Level Unit 2 - 35% of A-Level Unit 3 - 17.5% of A-Level Unit 4 - 32.5% of A-Level

Skills acquired

The A-Level French course will enable students to develop language skills that enable them to communicate effectively, accurately and confidently in French language writing, transfer meaning from French into English, and understand spoken and written French. Students also develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of grammar and structures and enhance their research and presentation skills.

Useful for the following degrees Beginner Language degrees (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese); Business; Economics; English; History; Law; Modern Foreign Language; Politics

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Further Mathematics Exam Board: OCR Course Code: 7892 Unit Summary

Students must sit FP1 and FP2 Further Pure Mathematics 1: Summation of series; Mathematical induction; Roots of polynomial equations; Complex numbers; Matrices.

Further Pure Mathematics 2: Rational functions and graphs; Polar coordinates; Hyperbolic functions; Differentiation and integration; Numerical methods.

restitution and impulse; Energy, work and power.

Mechanics 3: Equilibrium of rigid bodies in contact; Elastic strings and springs; Impulse and momentum in two dimensions; Motion in a vertical circle.

Statistics 2: Continuous random variables; The normal distribution; The Poisson distribution; Sampling and hypothesis tests.

Statistics 3: Continuous random variables; Linear combinations of random variables; Confidence intervals and the distribution; Difference of population means and proportions; 2χ tests.

Decision Mathematics 2: Game theory; Flows in a network; Matching and allocation problems; Critical path analysis; Dynamic programming.

And a selection from FP3, M1, M2, S1, S2, D1 and D3 Further Pure Mathematics 3: Differential equations; Vectors; Complex numbers; Groups. Mark Breakdown Mechanics 2: Centre of mass; Equilibrium All units are worth 16.6% of the total of a rigid body; Motion of a projectile; A-Level Uniform motion in a circle; Coefficient of

Skills acquired

The aim of the A-Level is to encourage students to develop abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs and extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems. Students will also develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected and recognise how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between ‘real world’ problems and other mathematical models and how these can be redefined and improved.

Useful for the following degrees Accounting and Finance; Computer Science; Economics; Engineering; Mathematics; Statistics 15

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Geography Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2030 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Rivers, Floods & Management; Hot Desert Environments and their Margins; Population Issues; Energy Issues – assessed in a 2 hour written paper.

Unit 2: Geographical Skills – assessed by fieldwork carried out in the autumn term, in which basic geographical skills such as cartography, GIS and graphical presentation of data will be tested.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Plate Tectonics and associated hazards; Ecosystem; World Cities – assessed in a 2 ½ hour written exam.

Unit 4: Geographical Skills – an investigation based on primary data

collection and in which, as for AS, basic geographical skills will be tested.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 35% of A-Level Unit 2 - 15% of A-Level Unit 3 - 30% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level

the broadest and most diverse skill set to candidates and is therefore highly desirable to future employers.

Useful for the following degrees Biology; Ecology; Economics; Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Marine Biology; Natural Sciences; Town Planning; Zoology

Skills acquired

Students will develop the ability to structure an essay so as that it presents a balanced and geographically sound argument. Geographers will also have the opportunity to undertake statistical analysis of primary data and use number of statistical tests, including Chi squared and Mann Whitney-U. Students will gain an understanding of a wide range of graphical and cartographic techniques to represent geographical data and experiment with different Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technologies. Geography is considered to provide students with

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Government and Politics Exam Board: Edexcel Course Code: 8GP01 (AS) & 9GP01 (A2)

Unit 4: ‘Global political issues’ The topics within the unit are: conflict, war and terrorism; poverty and development; environmental issues; human rights.

Mark Breakdown

Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: ‘Political Structures’ The topics within the unit are: democracy and political participation; party policies and ideas; elections; pressure groups.

Unit 2: ‘Governing the UK’ The topics within the unit are: the Constitution; Parliament; the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Judges and Civil Liberties.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: ‘Structures of global politics’ The topics within the unit are: approaches to global politics [i.e. ideas and theories of how politics operates in the world]; world order [who has power in the world, and how that works]; global governance; the European Union and regionalism.

Unit 1 - 25% of A-Level Unit 2 - 25% of A-Level Unit 3 - 25% of A-Level Unit 4 - 25% of A-Level

engagement with, contemporary politics.

Furthermore, opportunities for reading and assimilating large volumes of information, displaying evidenced argumentation, essaywriting abound.

Useful for the following degrees Economics; English; Geography; History; Law; Management; Politics; PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics); SPS (Social & Political Sciences)

Skills acquired

Students will have the opportunity to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes, to acquire knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK, and how these may differ from other political systems. In addition, students will acquire knowledge and informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual and encourage an interest in, and 17

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History Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2040 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: ‘Change and Consolidation’. For this unit, we will be studying ‘Tsarist Russia 1855-1917’.

Unit 2: ‘Historical issues: periods of change’. For this unit, we will be studying ‘The Campaign for African-American Civil Rights in the USA 1950-1968’.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: ‘The State and the People: Change and Continuity’. For this unit, we will be studying ‘The Triumph of Elizabeth: Britain 1547-1603’.

Unit 4: ‘Historical Enquiry’. This is a 3500 word essay produced over an extended period of time. This essay will relate to change over a 100 year period, and will

involve independent research, and the creation of your own historical study.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 25% of A-Level Unit 2 - 25% of A-Level Unit 3 - 30% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level Skills acquired

Students will have the opportunity to develop a body of knowledge related to the History of Britain and other countries and to acquire informed understanding of the lives of people, the structures and actions of government, and significant beliefs and movements of the past.

In addition, students will become competent in reading and assimilating large volumes of information, producing evidenced arguments, comparing and critically evaluating sources, essay-writing and causational analysis and complex explanation.

Useful for the following degrees Ancient History; Classics; Economics; English; History; Law; Politics; PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics); SPS (Social and Political Science); Theology

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History of Art Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2250 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Visual Analysis and Interpretation – assessed in a 1 hour written examination.

Questions on images provided in the paper test knowledge and understanding of formal aspects and how they contribute to meaning.

Unit 2: Themes in History of Art – a 1 ½ hour written examination assessing knowledge and understanding of significant art historical themes.

Unit Summary AS

Unit 3: Investigation and Interpretation (1) – a 1 ½ hour written examination.

Candidates may choose to write on Art and Architecture in 13th and 14th Century Europe; 16th Century Europe; 18th Century Europe; or Europe and the USA 1900-1945.

Unit 4: Investigation and Interpretation (2) – a 1 ½ hour written examination.

Candidates may choose to write on Art and Architecture in 13th and 14th Century Europe; 16th Century Europe; 18th Century Europe; or Europe and the USA 1900-1945.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 20% of A-Level Unit 2 - 30% of A-Level Unit 3 - 25% of A-Level Unit 4 - 25% of A-Level Skills acquired

researching, investigating and analysing and use of evidence; and how works are interpreted and evaluated. Students will explore and analyse subjects and genres; materials, techniques and processes; form and style; historical and social contexts; patronage; social and cultural status; gender, nationality and ethnicity.

Useful for the following degrees Architecture; Cinematics and Photography; Design Studies; English Studies; Fine Art; Gallery and Curatorial Studies; History of Art; Journalism; Media Studies; Psychology

This specification requires students to develop their ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding of art historical movements, practitioners and works, considering the way that these change and evolve within chronological and other frameworks. It also builds understanding of the relationship between society and art; art historical terms, concepts and issues; methods of 19

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Latin Exam Board: OCR Course Code: H039 (AS) & H439 (A2) Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Latin Language – Latin to English translation. Assessed in a 1 ½ hour written examination.

Unit 2: Latin Verse and Prose Literature – assessed in a 1 ½ hour examination requiring essay responses to prescribed prose and verse texts.

Unit summary A2

Unit 3: Latin Verse – a 2 hour exam consisting of an unprepared verse translation and comprehension and an essay and commentary on a prescribed verse text.

Unit 4: Latin Prose – a 2 hour exam involving an unprepared prose translation and comprehension and commentary and essay on the prescribed prose text.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 25% of A-Level Unit 2 - 25% of A-Level Unit 3 - 25% of A-Level Unit 4 - 25% of A-Level Skills acquired

The aims of the Latin A-Level are to encourage candidates to develop an appropriate level of competence in the Latin language and a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally.

Students will also develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the classical world whilst at the same time acquire knowledge and understanding of selected aspects of classical civilisation.

Useful for the following degrees Latin can be a useful subject for many degrees, for example: Ancient History; Anthropology; Archaeology; Classics; English; History; Law; Modern Languages; Philosophy; Politics

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Mathematics Exam Board: OCR Course Code: 7890 Unit Summary

Students must sit C1-C4 Core Mathematics 1: Indices and surds; Polynomials; Coordinate geometry and graphs; Differentiation.

Core Mathematics 2: Trigonometry; Sequences and series; Algebra; Integration.

Core Mathematics 3: Algebra and functions; Trigonometry; Differentiation and Integration; Numerical Methods.

Core Mathematics 4: Algebra and graphs; Differentiation and Integration; Differential equations; Vectors.

And a selection from M1, M2, S1, S2, D1 and D3 Mechanics 1: Force as a vector; Equilibrium of a particle; Kinematics of motion in a

straight line; Newton’s laws of motion; Linear momentum.

Mechanics 2: Centre of mass; Equilibrium of a rigid body; Motion of a projectile; Uniform motion in a circle; Coefficient of restitution and impulse; Energy, work and power.

Statistics 1: Representation of data; Probability; Discrete random variables; Bivariate data.

Statistics 2: Continuous random variables; The normal distribution; The Poisson distribution; Sampling and hypothesis tests.

Decision Mathematics 1: Algorithms; Graph theory; Networks; Linear programming.

Decision Mathematics 2: Game theory; Flows in a network; Matching and allocation problems; Critical path analysis; Dynamic programming.

Skills acquired

The aim of the A-Level is to encourage students to develop abilities to reason logically and extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques. A-Level Mathematics also allows for students to understand the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and society in general.

Useful for the following degrees Accounting and Finance; Computer Science; Economics; Engineering; Mathematics; Medicine; Statistics

Mark Breakdown

All units are worth 16.6% of the total A-Level 21

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Music Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2270 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Influences on Music – 1 ¾ hour written examination Unit 2: Creating Musical Ideas – externally assessed composition coursework Unit 3: Interpreting Musical Ideas – 10-15 minutes internally assessed performance Unit Summary AS

Unit 4: Music in Context – 2 ¼ hour written examination Unit 5: Developing Musical Ideas – externally assessed composition coursework Unit 6: A Musical Performance – 10-15 minutes externally assessed performance

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 15% of A-Level Unit 2 - 15% of A-Level Unit 3 - 20% of A-Level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level Unit 5 - 15% of A-Level Unit 6 - 15% of A-Level Skills acquired

A-Level Music provides the opportunity for students to acquire advanced musical skills, knowledge and understanding through listening and analysis, composing and performing. It encourages students to build on the knowledge and experience gained at GCSE and in their musical activities outside the curriculum. This specification helps students develop aural, theoretical and analytical skills and enables them to explore a significant set work and an area of study selected to suit their preferences.

They can choose to study compositional techniques, to create music which draws on

their own experience and enthusiasm, or to arrange a given piece of music. In their performances, students can present solo and ensemble pieces and can work with musical technology.

Useful for the following degrees A good pass in A-Level Music is usually needed in order to study it at a higher level. For many course you have to pass a performance test and/or offer a pass at a high level in the Associated Board grade examinations. You can take a Music degree at university, where you will be studying alongside students in other disciplines, or at a Music college or Conservatoire, which caters only for music students. Two examples of the latter are the Royal College and the Royal Academy of Music.

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Physical Education Exam Board: OCR Course Code: H154 (AS), H554 (A2)

Unit 4: The improvement of effective performance and the critical evaluation of practical activities in Physical Education.

Mark breakdown

Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: An introduction to Physical Education; Anatomy & Physiology; Acquiring Movement Skills; Socio-cultural studies relating to participation in physical activity.

Unit 2: Acquiring, developing and evaluating practical skills in Physical Education.

Unit Summary A2

Unit 3: Principles and concepts across different areas of Physical Education. Pupils must choose to answer from three of five categories. The categories are either socio-cultural (historical or comparative studies) or scientific (sport psychology; biomechanics; exercise and sport physiology).

Unit 1 - 30% of A-Level Unit 2 - 20% of A-Level Unit 3 - 35% of A-Level Unit 4 - 15% of A-Level Skills acquired

Candidates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical activity and to apply this to the development of their practical skills in Physical Education. They will also acquire analytical skills to critically evaluate physical activity.

Useful for the following degrees Biomedicine; Coach Education; Equine Sports Science; Physiotherapy; Sport Development; Sport & Exercise Nutrition; Sport Management; Sport Psychology; Sport Rehabilitation; Sport Science; Sports Therapy

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Physics Exam Board: AQA Course Code: 2420 Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity Unit 2: Mechanics, materials and waves Unit 3: Investigative and practical skills in AS Physics Unit Summary A2

Unit 4: Fields and further mechanics Unit 5: Nuclear and thermal physics Unit 6: Investigative and practical skills in A2 Physics Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 20% of A-Level Unit 2 - 20% of A-level Unit 3 - 10% of A-level Unit 4 - 20% of A-Level

Unit 5 - 20% of A-level Unit 6 - 10% of A-level Skills acquired

Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental science. Discoveries in Physics have been at the heart of most advances in technology. It is an exciting and challenging subject to study, requiring an enquiring mind and clear thinking.

The rewards of Physics include a deeper understanding of the universe and the development of skills that are highly sought after both by universities and employers.

Through studying Physics students will be given the opportunity to improve and develop their problem solving skills. They will learn how to analyse and understand scientific data and perhaps most importantly, students will learn to ask the question ‘Why?’

Useful for the following degrees Architecture; Astrophysics; Computer Sciences; Electronics; Engineering; Finance; Material Sciences; Mathematics; Medicine; Physics

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Psychology Exam Board: Edexcel Course Code: 8PS01 (AS) & 9PS01 (A2) Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Social and Cognitive Psychology.

The unit is divided into two parts - Social Psychology: obedience and prejudice and Cognitive Psychology: memory and forgetting. Within each part there is a requirement for students to conduct a short practical investigation.

Unit 2: Understanding the Individual.

This unit introduces the psychodynamic, biological and learning approaches to Psychology. Students will again conduct a short practical investigation.

Unit Summary AS

Unit 3: Applications of Psychology. This unit looks at the vocational contexts in which an appropriately trained psychology

graduate could operate. Students must select two of the following four options: criminological psychology, child psychology, health psychology and substance misuse, sport psychology.

Unit 4: How Psychology works. This unit focuses on debates between approaches within contemporary clinical psychology, including the different explanations and treatments of mental health issues.

Students will develop an understanding of how to use theories and evidence from different areas of psychology and apply them to issues.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 20% of A-Level Unit 2 - 30% of A-Level Unit 3 - 20% of A-Level Unit 4 - 30% of A-Level

Skills acquired

Psychology A-level provides an all-round education. It is a practical, research-based subject founded in the scientific method and develops skills of literacy, numeracy and the analysis and evaluation of data.

It also develops abilities in argument construction and presentation and encourages students to evaluate material from different perspectives.

Useful for the following degrees Archaeology; Business Studies; Criminology; English; Forensic Psychology; International Relations; Languages; Law; Management; Medicine; Nursing; Philosophy; Physiotherapy; Psychology; Social Work

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Spanish Exam Board: Edexcel Course Code: 8SP01 (AS) & 9SP01 (A2) Unit Summary AS

Unit 1: Spoken Expression and Response in Spanish – assessed in an 8-10 minutes oral exam. In Section A, students will be required to respond to set questions on a stimulus related to their chosen topic area.

In Section B, the examiner will engage the student in a discussion loosely related to their chosen area.

Unit 2: Understanding and Written Response in Spanish – assessed in a 2 ½ hour written exam involving listening, reading and writing tasks.

Unit Summary AS

Unit 3: Spoken Expression and Response in Spanish – assessed in an 11-13 minutes oral exam. Students will present a stance on an issue, defend and justify it and will then be engaged in a spontaneous discussion on a minimum of two unpredictable areas.

Unit 4: Research, Understanding and Written Response in Spanish – assessed in a 2 ½ hour exam involving English to Spanish translation, a discursive or creative essay in Spanish and a research-based essay in Spanish on a prepared topic area.

Mark Breakdown

Unit 1 - 15% of A-Level Unit 2 - 35% of A-Level Unit 3 - 17.5% of A-Level Unit 4 - 32.5% of A-Level

Skills acquired

The A-Level Spanish course will enable students to develop language skills that enable them to communicate effectively, accurately and confidently in Spanish language writing, transfer meaning from Spanish into English, and understand spoken and written Spanish. Students will also develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of grammar and structures and develop their research and presentation skills, as well as knowledge of Spanish culture.

Useful for the following degrees Beginner Language degrees (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese); Business; Economics; English; History; Law; Modern Foreign Language; Politics

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Degree Information Degree Options

Subjects required or preferred

University Course

Accountancy & Finance Mathematics preferred and Geology

normally required Archaelogy and No specific requirements, History Anthropology essay-based subjects useful Architecture Mathematics or Physics often required, History of Art

Art is useful Art & Design Art required with a portfolio of work Law Biological, Medical & Biology and Chemistry required Mathematics Animal Sciences Business Business studies or Economics preferred Medicine

Chemistry Chemistry and Mathematics required, Modern Languages

additional Sciences useful Chemical Engineering Chemistry and Mathematics required, Music

Physics preferred Classics Latin Philosophy Computer Sciences Mathematics Physics Dentistry Biology and Chemistry Politics

Economics Mathematics required, Economics useful Psychology Engineering Mathematics and Physics Sports Science

English English Literature required, Theology

an additional language may be of use Geography Geography normally required Veterinary Science

Subjects required or preferred Two Sciences preferred History normally required History of Art helpful but not essential Essay-writing subjects are advantageous Mathematics required, Physics preferred Chemistry and Biology required, Mathematics and Physics preferred First Modern Language in main area of study, a Second Modern Language is preferred Music required Essay-based subjects useful Mathematics and Physics required No specific requirements, Government and Politics helpful Biology and Psychology helpful Physical Education required, Biology helpful but not essential Essay-based subjects useful Chemistry and Biology typically required, Mathematics and Physics often required 27

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Radnor House Pope’s Villa Cross Deep Twickenham Middlesex TW1 4QG Telephone: 0044 (0)208 891 6264 Email: info@radnorhouse.org Online: www.radnorhouse.org Twitter: @radnorsixth Designed and produced by www.communitas-pr.co.uk

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