Brookvale Groby Learning Campus Post 16 Course Guide

Brookvale Groby Learning Campus

Here at BGLC we pride ourselves on providing the highest standards of teaching with subject specialists leading our courses. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable Post 16 Team are passionately committed to our students in supporting them to develop their skills and attributes to enable them to be successful in the future.

Our dedicated Post 16 tutor team supports students to develop into independent learners who are able to thrive to reach their future goals. We are proud of our students achievements and the destinations they reach, many securing places at top Universities and Apprenticeship placements across the country.

Alongside the academic support we give our students we also believe that student wellbeing is important and key to the overall success of our students. Our staff are committed to ensuring all Post 16 students are wellsupported and nurtured during their time at BGLC to help them reach their full potential.

In Post 16 students have a study programme which consists of three elements:

Minimum of 3 A Level/ Level 3 BTECs

(see full list overleaf)

PDP Personal Development Programme:

Tutor Time, Assemblies, External Events

Enrichment Awards Programme

The three elements of the Post 16 Study programme together ensure that all students study an academic programme of three subjects minimum, develop their leadership, communication and teamwork skills by engaging in our Enrichment Awards Programme and are encouraged to become independent learners and ready for life after A Levels through our Personal Development Programme.

In this booklet are the subjects we currently offer in Post 16. Further information can be found on our website and on www.ps16.co.uk. You can also get in touch with subject teachers or the Post 16 Team should you have any questions.

We look forward to welcoming you into our Post 16 community and being able to support you through your A Level journey and beyond.

Art A Level

The A Level Art course runs the AQA syllabus which encourages a broad approach and allows students to develop a sound grounding in a range of art based areas. The course includes a variety of skill based projects, with a focus on the application of the formal elements. Students are able to experiment and focus on a range of techniques and processes in-order to develop their skills in drawing, painting, collage, printing, marbling and use of mixed media. Students will have the opportunity to look at a varied range of genres and artistic styles including; contemporary and historical styles. This will lead on to a Personal Investigation which allows students to create a major project based on a theme/ idea/concept of their own. A final exam board set project will complete the course.

Assessment by portfolio and exam at the end of Year 13. Entry Requirements: GCSE Art grade 4 pass is normally required for taking the A Level course, though suitable students who can demonstrate drawing skills and creativity will be considered, although students must have studied Art before as a subject.

Art A Level can lead to various degrees and future career opportunities such as:

• Advertising Designer

• Audio Visual Artist/Designer

• Courtroom Artist

• Museum Artist

• Scene Designer

• Animator

• Art Exhibition Coordinator

• Book Illustrator/Designer

• Cinematographer

• Medical Illustrator

• Set Designer

• Textile Designer

• Web Designer

• Architect

• Art Teacher

• Printing Layout Artist

• Sculptor

• Art Historian

• CAD Designer

• Photojournalist

• Product Designer

Compulsory for ALL ADT subjects:

A payment of £20 is needed to cover the cost of materials for experimentation over the 2 year course. This is to be made in the first term of studying the course via Arbor.

3D Design A Level

The 3D Design EDUQAS syllabus we follow encourages a broad approach which allows students to develop a sound grounding in several 3D areas. It is a very flexible course in terms of outcomes as it is able to accommodate particular areas of interest that you as a student may wish to pursue. The main skills developed through this course include:

• Practical skills using a range of manufacturing techniques and a variety of materials.

• How effective design solutions influence the lives of users.

• Research, analysis, discussion and evaluation of design techniques and products, organisation, selection and communication of ideas.

• Solutions and responses are presented using appropriate presentation techniques.

• The development of specialist terminology related directly to design processes.

Assessment is by coursework portfolio and end of course exam.

Entry Requirements: A GCSE Design & Technology grade 4 pass (or equivalent Art, Design & Technology Subject) is required for taking the A Level course, however students that can demonstrate the necessary skills will also be considered.

Photography A Level

Our Photography runs the EDUQAS syllabus which is a broad syllabus where students are encouraged to develop a sound grounding within Photography whilst also building in skills from across the Art & Design curriculum. It is able to accommodate any areas of interest within Photography from commercial to conceptual work. The curriculum is assessed on the students ability to; Develop ideas through research and investigation, show confidence with experimentation within their creative practice, record insights, reflections and contextual meaning of their work and create a personal and meaningful outcome. Some of the areas of development include:

Graphics A Level

The Graphics A Level uses the EDUQAS syllabus which encourages a broad approach that allows students to develop a sound grounding in several graphic design areas. It is able to accommodate particular areas of interest that you may wish to pursue. As part of the course content there is an experimental unit where students will try such techniques as screen, mono and polyboard printing, lino cutting, embroidery, marbling, pyrography, bleach and sunography printing, portraiture and animation. This will lead on to a Personal Investigation allowing students to do a major project based on a hobby or interest of their own. A final exam board set project completes the course.

Assessment by Portfolio and final exam at the end of Year 13.

Entry Requirements: GCSE Graphic Design or Art grade 4 pass is usually required for taking the A Level course, students that can demonstrate the necessary skills will also be considered.

• DSLR camera and lens functions

• Digital Manipulations

• Formal Photography

• Expressive Recording

• Film Development and Enlargement

• Mixed Media Studies

• Editorial Photography

Assessment by Portfolio and final exam at the end of Year 13.

Entry Requirements: A GCSE Graphic Design or Art grade 4 is usually required for taking the A-level course, due to the requirement for research, contextual analysis and design sketching. However, students that can demonstrate the necessary skills and passion will also be considered.

Photography: In addition to the ADT materials fee, photography students are required to supply their own memory card and card reader and any additional resources they may require for the course.

Compulsory for ALL ADT subjects: A payment of £20 is needed to cover the cost of materials for experimentation over the 2 year course. This is to be made in the first term of studying the course via Arbor.

Business A Level

Our Business course introduces students to the dynamic business environment and the importance of entrepreneurial activity in creating business opportunities and sustaining business growth. The focus of the course is to nurture an enthusiasm for studying business using contemporary contexts, allowing you to develop an appreciation of business issues from a local to global perspective. You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of essential skills required for higher education and employment.

Assessment is fully exam based. There is NO coursework option. The A Level will comprise of written exams, one for each of the three components. Each exam lasts for 2 hours 15 mins and they are all taken at the end of Year 13.

Entry Requirement: A grade 5 in Maths and in English and if studied Business at GCSE/CNAT at least a Grade 5/ L2 Merit.

Information Technology

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Our Information Technology BTEC is equivalent in value to one A Level. It is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT. Learners will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data

Computer Science A Level

Our Computer Science runs the AQA specification which puts computational thinking at its core, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. The key features of the Computer Science course include problem solving using computers, computer programming and algorithms and mathematical skills used to express computational laws and processes e.g. Boolean algebra / logic and algorithm comparison.

Assessment is by end of course exams and an internal assessment.

Entry requirements: There is a much greater emphasis on maths and problem solving for this new specification and students must have at least a grade 6 in Maths or a 6 in Computer Science (If studied) at GCSE. Students should be aware that there is a clear pathway from GCSE computer science to A Level and having gained a GCSE in the subject is an advantage but not necessary.

to support business and using IT to communicate and share information. The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors.

Assessment is through a combination of internal assessment (coursework) and external assessment (exam).

Entry Requirements: Students must have at least a grade 4 in GCSE Maths, grade 4 in English Language and (if studied) a Level 2 Merit in ICT.

English Language A Level

It’s argued that the limitations of our language limit our access to the world, but does language also create our world? We use language to influence others, to communicate, to entertain, to create communities, but language also changes over time, changes as we get older and is sometimes used differently depending on our gender.

In this course we will look at how we acquire language as babies, where does it come from? We will look at how the media uses language to persuade and to inform. We will look at how language changes historically, why does it need to change, and where do new words come from? You will also do a piece of original writing on a topical issue concerning language.

If you love words and language, if you wonder why we use different words in different regions of the country, if you wonder why some words seem to have such power to offend others, if you are interested in people and how they communicate, A Level Language is for you.

Assessment is by two exam components at the end of the course, and of a single coursework component. Entry requirements: Students achieving at least a Grade 5 GCSE in English Language or English Literature will be considered on an individual basis should they be interested in studying English Language A Level. A good English Language grade at GCSE is preferable.

English Literature A Level

Our A Level English Literature course is a two year course that covers prose, poetry, drama and has a coursework component.

On our English Literature course you learn the skills of how to read other peoples’ writing - whether that be from a play, novel or poem - and how to explore your ideas and reactions to that writing through discussion and essay writing. Those skills are at the heart of the whole course; you will prepare for written examination papers and have the opportunity to be assessed by coursework too.

Some students will go on from this course to study English Literature or related subjects; some will begin vocational training in the media or journalism; others take up a wide variety of courses from nursing to Law or Biology. English Literature is a highly regarded course by leading universities and colleges and proves to be an excellent companion subject for all of those across the arts and sciences.

Assessment by a coursework piece and end of course exams.

Entry Requirements: Students will need to achieve a grade 6 or above at GCSE in English, either Language or Literature. Students achieving a Grade 5 GCSE will be considered sympathetically and considered on an individual basis should they be interested in studying English Literature.

Media

OCR Technical Extended Certificate

We are all consumers of the media but very few of us question the way the media delivers information to us and the organisations and the agendas that lie behind the production of media products. Media Studies intends to make you a more questioning and critical viewer, reader and listener; teaching invaluable skills in research and investigation as well as giving you access to the skills necessary in higher education. Media Studies will ‘open your eyes’. If you are inquisitive and questioning and don’t take things at face value, you should do a course in Digital Media.

The key features of this course are:

• Media Products and Audiences

• Pre-production and Planning

• Create a Media Product

• Social Media and Globalisations

• Advertising Assessment is through 3 exams in January and May in both Y12 & Y13 and through two coursework components.

Entry Requirements: Students are required to have grade 4 in both English Literature and English Language or a grade 4 in Media at GCSE.

Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma

This course is equivalent to 1 full A level and is the perfect choice for anyone interested in a career in the Criminal Justice System or the study of criminal behaviour. This qualification looks at the types of crime that take place within our society. How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour? You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society.

The Units for this course include:

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime- Internal assessment

Unit 2: Criminological Theories- External assessment

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom- Internal assessment

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment- External assessment

Assessment is through a combination of internal assessment (coursework) and external assessment (exams).

Entry Requirements: Grade 4 in English.

Geography

A Level- WJEC Eduqas syllabus

Our Geography course runs a modern syllabus that gives you an environmental and global awareness, which is increasingly relevant to many different industries. Geography students are numerate, literate, good team workers, can think analytically and critically and are highly computer literate. Some of the topics covered in the Geography A Level are:

• Contemporary Themes in Geography

• Changing Landscapes - Coasts

• Changing Places

• Global Systems - Water and Carbon Cycle

• Global Governance - of Oceans and Migration

• Independent Investigation - Geographical Non Examined Assessment (NEA)

A compulsory element of the new Geography A Level is a total of 4 days of fieldwork over 2 years. The fieldwork experience can be used to write a 3000-4000 word independent investigation which is submitted to the exam board (worth 20% of your A Level qualification). Students will be carrying out their fieldwork enquiry in a physical and a human environment.

Many Geography graduates follow careers in Law, Accountancy, Administration, Business, Planning, Leisure/tourism industry, Conservation, the armed forces or Teaching (Geography is a National Curriculum Subject).

Assessment by Coursework - NEA - (20%) and end of course examinations (80%).

Entry Requirements: Students should have a grade 5 in a Humanities subject and a grade 5 in an English and a grade 5 in Maths.

Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

This course is equivalent to 1 full A level and is an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career in Health or Social Care. It provides consistency with larger courses, and has been designed so that mandatory units are studied and the course can be ‘topped up’ should you wish to pursue Health & Social Care after Post 16 . The Units for this course include:

• Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development - external assessment

• Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Careexternal assessment

• Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs - internal assessment

• Unit 11: Psychological Perspectives - internal assessment.

Assessment is through a combination of internal assessment (coursework) and external assessment (exam).

Entry Requirements: To study this subject students will need to have gained a grade 4 in English or a Merit in Level 2 Health and Social Care if studied.

History A Level

Our A Level History course that we deliver from the OCR exam board covers the following topics:

● British Period Study and Enquiry. England, 15471603: The Early Tudors. This includes England from the reign of Henry VII and Henry VIII. The Enquiry is source based, and focuses on Mid Tudor Crises, 1547-1558.

● Non British Period Study: Germany, Democracy and Dictatorships, 1919-1963. Germany during the Weimar period, the Third Reich and the post war division of Germany.

● Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations: Russia and its Rulers, 1855-1964. Essays based on drawing links between the different leaders and also, exam questions based on assessing historian’s views of the topic. Depth studies, Alexander II’s domestic reforms, the Provisional Government and Khrushchev in Power, 1956-1964.

A Level History prepares you for degrees in History, Law, Politics, International Relations, Business courses, Journalism, Cultural studies, Anthropology, Archaeology... amongst others. The skills that A Level History teaches are highly valued by universities, and its academic rigour further prepares for university life.

A Level History is highly regarded by employers, and can lead to careers traditionally associated with History (museum curacy, teaching, archivist, historian, heritage industries) as well as careers in the media, law, business, economics, researchers and politics.

Assessment by coursework (20%) and end of course exams (80%).

Entry Requirements: Students should have a minimum of grade 5 in a Humanities subject or English.

Sociology A Level

Our Sociology course will compare theories and different methods of investigation. It will examine topics such as Gender, Social Class, Race, Crime and Deviance, the Family, Health, Social Policy, Religion, Global Development etc. You will learn and understand the main theories and ideas and be able to interpret and evaluate sociological data and apply it to your understanding of the real world. Above all, you will need an enquiring mind and a real interest in human beings. You will need to be open-minded and you will need to enjoy discussion - both as a participant and as a listener. Be prepared to challenge, to be challenged. The main topics covered are:

Psychology A Level

We offer WJEC Eduqas Psychology A Level. This qualification enables you to experience an interesting, diverse and coherent course of study. Throughout the course there is heavy emphasis on the acquisition of independent study skills. It is important to be able to use and apply knowledge in a challenging way, rather than relying solely on factual recall or note learning.

This specification in Psychology is stimulating, distinctive and attractive, providing exciting opportunities for the learners to:

• Study a variety of historical and current psychological approaches

• Study classic and contemporary psychological research

• Study principles of investigating human and animal behaviour

• Apply psychological information to everyday situations

• Explore contemporary issues raised in psychological research

• Work scientifically through their own psychological research

Our students are expected to participate in open and frank discussion activities, which build confidence and understanding. Critical awareness and thinking are vital; an open but analytical mind is essential.

Assessment by end of course exams.

Entry Requirements: Students should have a grade 5 in a Humanities subject or a grade 5 in English, as well as a grade 5 in Maths.

• Education with Theory and Methods

• Families and Households

• The Media

• Crime and Deviance

• Theory and Methods

Sociology can be a good way to keep a broad perspective on life rather than becoming very narrowly subject based. This is due to the evaluative and synoptic skills that the subject offers. As a Social Science it does, of course, combine well with other similar subjectsHistory, Geography, Psychology, English, Performing Arts, etc.

Assessment by end of course exams.

Entry Requirements: Grade 5 in a Humanities subject or a grade 5 in English Language or Literature.

Mathematics

A Level

Mathematics at A-level builds on and develops the ideas studied for GCSE but also introduces many new concepts. The course relies on problem-solving skills and analytical capabilities, and exam questions cover multiple topics in a wide variety of contexts. Therefore a good standard of literacy is also required.

The style of teaching and the way in which students learn will be familiar from the GCSE course, although we expect students to take more responsibility for their own understanding and learning. There will be regular assessments throughout the course.

Students also need to have a more specialised calculator for the final exams, in order to deal with the statistical element of the course. These can be purchased from the college or from elsewhere. (Casio fx-991ex classwiz is the standard version, although other equivalents are available).

A Level Mathematics is an excellent facilitating subject for Science, Medicine, Engineering and social science courses, as well as being an excellent career in its own right. It is also highly valued as an accompaniment to university courses in Law or History, as it helps students develop rigorous arguments and assimilate known facts in order to make projections.

Assessment is by ‘end of course’ exams. There are two Pure Maths papers and one applied paper, consisting of Statistics and Mechanics.

Entry Requirements: At least a grade 6 on the Higher Tier Mathematics GCSE. Good knowledge of algebra and geometry are absolutely crucial for students beginning A Level Mathematics. A good work ethic - A Level Mathematics is not something that most students can naturally just “do”.

Further Mathematics

A Level

A Level Further Maths runs as an additional option to boost those already studying A Level Maths. It cannot be studied alone. It is recommended only to the most able students, who are contemplating a career or a degree course in a mathematical subject, engineering or computer science. Although it is possible to study for a Maths degree without having studied Further Maths, it is not recommended.

Further Maths should be studied as a fourth A Level option. All students are asked to sit the AS Further Maths at the end of Year 12, in order to make an informed decision about continuing into the second year. In Year 2 especially, there is a significant amount of independent study expected of Further Maths students.

We are also able to support students who are considering Maths degrees at the top universities. We run enrichment sessions on preparation for the university admissions tests (TMUA, AEA, MAT, STEP).

Assessments is by end of year 12 AS Further Maths exams (two papers – one Pure, one applied), and aiming for end of course A Level Further Maths exams (two Pure papers and two Applied papers).

Entry Requirements: At least a grade 7 on the Higher Tier Mathematics GCSE and also be studying Mathematics A Level. A real passion for maths - studying maths and further maths will mean 8-9 hours of maths lessons every week, plus independent study!

French A Level

Whilst studying A Level French you will cover many topics; Social Issues and Trends you will study Family Life, Multicultural Society and Crime. In Political and Artistic Culture you will cover topics such as Cultural Heritage, Cinema and Politics and Immigration. French is an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It gives students a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society as well as developing their language knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment is by end of course exams covering Listening, Reading, Translation into English, and into French (50% of final mark), Written exam (2 questions based on a set film and set text) (20% of final mark), Oral exam (Individual Research Project, and discussion of a sub-theme) (30% of final mark).

Entry Requirements: Students need to achieve at least a GCSE grade 6 in French. Students will also need at least a GCSE grade 5 in English Literature due to the demands of the written paper.

German A Level

Whilst studying A Level German you will cover many topics; Social Issues and Trends you will cover topics such as Festivals and Traditions, The changing state of the family and Cultural Life in Berlin, past and present. In Political and Artistic Culture you will cover topics such as Immigration, Germany and the EU, German reunification and its consequences. German is an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It gives students a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society as well as developing their language knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment is by end of course exams covering Listening, Reading, Translation into English, and into German (50% of final mark), Written exam (2 questions based on a set film and set text.) (20% of final mark), Oral exam (Individual Research Project, and discussion of a sub-theme.) (30% of final mark).

Entry Requirements: Students need to achieve at least a GCSE grade 6 in German. Students will also need at least a GCSE grade 5 in English Literature due to the demands of the written paper.

Spanish A Level

Whilst studying A Level Spanish you will cover many topics; Social Issues and Trends you will cover topics such as Modern & traditional values, Immigration and Equal rights. In Political and Artistic Culture you will cover topics such as Modern day idols, Spanish regional identity, Cultural heritage and Today’s youth, tomorrow’s Citizens.

Spanish is an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It gives students a range of transferable skills including communication,

critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society as well as developing their language knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment is by end of course exams covering Listening, Reading, Translation into English, and into Spanish (50% of final mark), Written exam (2 questions based on a set film and set text.) (20% of final mark), Oral exam (Individual Research Project, and discussion of a sub-theme.) (30% of final mark).

Entry Requirements: Students need to achieve at least a GCSE grade 6 in Spanish. Students will also need at least a GCSE grade 5 in English Literature due to the demands of the written paper.

Music

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Our Music BTEC is equivalent in size to one A Level. It is a practical course and is well suited to people who play and perform regularly. It aims to develop your skills as a performer and as an overall musician. It is a good option for people from all musical backgrounds and who really enjoy playing and practising. All students studying Music will perform in concerts on a regular basis to assess their practical skills.

Students would also be expected to participate in extracurricular activities. The units covered in the course are:

• Unit 1 - Practical Music Theory and Harmony

• Unit 2 - Professional Practice in the Music Industry

• Unit 3 - Ensemble Music Performance

• Unit 5 - Music Performance Session Styles

Assessment by portfolio of evidence to demonstrate work for each unit. A portion of this evidence will be written but will also be in the form of video and annotated photographs, diaries and log books. A written exam will also be sat during the 2 years.

Entry Requirements: GCSE grade 4 or BTEC Level 2 in Music is an advantage but not compulsory. Practical Music Grades and/or Grade 5 theory would also be useful but is not essential.

Performing Arts

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

If you enjoy a lot of very practical involvement in the Performing Arts, especially being involved in all aspects of putting on a performance then this is the course for you. It could provide a qualification for going on to a Performing Arts related course in Higher Education, or direct entry to the Performing Arts industry. Students who have already completed the course have been very successful in moving into both areas. You must be prepared to be heavily involved in extra-curricular Performing Arts either in or out of college. Students may specialise in Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre within their qualification.

The units covered in this BTEC are:

• Investigating Practitioners’ Work

• Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

• Group Performance Workshop

• Jazz Dance Technique (dancers only)

• Acting Styles (actors only)

• Musical Theatre Techniques

Assessment by practical assessment, coursework and written exam.

Entry Requirements: Extensive previous experience in one or more PA subjects is essential but you do not necessarily need a GCSE in a PA subject but they must have extensive experience as performers. A Grade 4 in English is essential.

Physical Education

A Level

OCR A Level Physical Education is a very popular qualification taken in thousands of schools all over the country and is well respected by institutes of Higher Education. We offer the full A Level to our students and all exams will be sat at the end of the 2 year course. The components covered in the course are:

• Physiological Factors Affecting Performance

• Psychological Factors Affecting Performance

• Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues

• Performance within Physical Education

Students must have a keen interest in sport and participate in physical activity on a regular basis, playing a sport from the approved activity list at club level. The ability to research different theoretical concepts

is essential, applying practical examples whenever possible. Strong writing skills are advantageous as the exam paper contains questions that require an essay style answer. If you enjoy playing and watching sport, as well as reading about wider sporting issues then this could be the course for you.

Assessment is 70% written exam and 30% Performance (or coaching) in one sport and an EAPI Task. Entry Requirements: Grade 6, including a grade 6 on one of the written exam papers. CNAT Sport Studies/Science: Level 2 Merit, including a Level 2 Merit in the examined unit. Students who didn’t take a PE qualification at Key Stage 4 will be considered, taking into account Maths, English and Science grades. Students must also be competing in a sport from the approved list of activities outside of school. We are happy to consider applications that don’t meet these entry requirements on an individual basis.

Biology A Level

A Level biology encourages students to develop an essential knowledge and understanding of many concepts in biology. The course covers 6 modules over the 2 years and includes topics such as Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease and Genetics as well as developing practical skills. During the course you learn to:

• Develop an understanding of scientific methods

• Be aware of advances in technology, including information technology relevant to biology

• Recognise the value and responsible use of biology in society

• Sustain and develop your enjoyment of, and interest in, biology.

The biology course covers a wide range of material and is good preparation for anybody wishing to study Biology, or related subjects to a higher level. The course has many links with Chemistry, PE and Psychology.

Assessment is by practical assessment and end of year exam.

Entry Requirements: Grade 6,6 from Combined Science and a grade 5 in Maths or a grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry and a grade 5 in Maths.

Chemistry A Level

In our Chemistry A Level course the Year 12 topics extend and develop some of the ideas you have learnt at GCSE and the Year 13 topics build again on Year 12 knowledge. Throughout the course the effect of electron arrangement, energies and structure on chemical behaviour is stressed as key synoptic concepts. You need to be able to learn the fundamental laws and principles of Chemistry and then apply them to unfamiliar situations. The experimental element assesses your practical skills so you need to be good at carrying out experiments, as well as analysing data produced and evaluating the experiment.

As part of the A Level course there are 16 core practicals that cover 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure. The practical elements of the course are required to be passed in order to achieve the qualification and knowledge of the core practicals may be assessed on the exam papers.

Assessment by practicals and end of course exams. Entry Requirements: Grade 6,6 from Combined Science and a Grade 6 in Maths or a Grade 6 in Chemistry and Grade 6 in Maths.

Physics A Level

Our Physics course has been developed for students who wish to continue with a study of Physics after GCSE. Such a course will prepare students to progress into higher education, to follow courses in physics, engineering, one of the other sciences or related subjects, or to enter employment where a knowledge of physics would be useful. The course is made up of the following 6 modules;

• Development of practical skills in physics

• Foundations of physics

• Forces and motion

• Electrons, waves and photons

• Newtonian world and Astrophysics

• Particles and medical physics

Assessment by end of course exams and in course practical assessment. Entry Requirements: Grade 6,6 from Combined Science and a grade 6 in Maths or a grade 6 in Physics and grade 6 in Maths.