St Mary's Shaftesbury Sixth Form Information Brochure

Sixth Form Information 2018/19

Contents Foreword 1 Introduction 2 From the Head Girl

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Art 7 Biology 8 Business

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Chemistry 10 Classical Civilisation

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Drama and Theatre

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Economics 13 English Literature

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French 15 Geography 16 History 17 History of Art

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Latin 19 Maths and Further Maths

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Music 21 Philosophy, Theology & Ethics

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Photography 23 Physical Education

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Physics 25 Psychology 26 Spanish 27 Notes 28

Sixth Form life is the most exciting part of the St Mary’s journey. It is a time of transition, where the challenges of A level study make significant new demands but bring great rewards. We offer an excellent range of subject options and, being a small school, our Sixth-Formers benefit from genuine one-to-one support, guidance and mentoring.

sixth form. St Mary’s girls excel in their undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and they tell us that the Sixth Form experience here gave them the very best preparation they could have had.

Our aim in the Sixth Form is to open up your horizons, to broaden and deepen your skill-set and to offer you challenges and experiences that will develop you intellectually and socially, helping you to find the right pathway for your future. St Mary’s girls benefit from the school’s strong ethos, which develops confidence, integrity, resilience and empathy alongside increasingly independent academic skills.

Sixth Form life offers many leadership opportunities.

The school has an exceptionally strong service ethic and you can enjoy a diversity of leadership roles within the school community. Good leaders make outstanding university applicants and they go on to be women who are responsible global citizens.

We welcome girls from other schools into the sixth form although places are limited. All Sixth-Formers benefit from being in their own independent accommodation: Mary Ward House. With cooking facilities, attractive communal spaces, a distinct programme of social and academic events and a real sense of community, you begin to have more of an undergraduate experience, which offers outstanding preparation for university and beyond. Friendships made at this time continue on beyond St Mary’s and our alumnae often remark that these lifelong relationships are cemented in the Sixth Form.

The huge range of co-curricular activities at St Mary’s means that you will take part in an enriching programme alongside academic studies, which encompasses sporting, artistic, creative, intellectual, cultural, spiritual activities, community service and much more. Living and working in our beautiful school at the heart of a small country estate within easy reach of Bath, Salisbury and London gives you the best possible conditions to flourish and make the most of your Sixth Form years at St Mary’s.

Relationships with teachers and tutors take on a new, very rewarding and personal dimension. A Level study necessitates a more independent approach to learning, and this process is carefully managed to ensure success. Small classes, workshops, seminars, debates, trips and lectures: all contribute to a vibrant experience of academic life in the

Maria Young Headmistress 1

Introduction In an increasingly crowded marketplace, the top A Level grades will continue to allow our students to challenge successfully for the most competitive courses at the most prestigious universities and to access the best further training and careers. Year after year, outstanding A Level results ensure that the overwhelming majority of our students gain entry to their first-choice

university. This is testament to the hard work and skill of students and teachers alike.

Not all students will achieve these high grades but all will achieve results which reflect their hard work and it is the desire to ensure that all students achieve their potential which is at the heart of our mission statement and ethos.

Choosing your A Level Subjects The Sixth Fom is about finding the subjects that will inspire you to go further, to read more widely, to discuss your ideas and to develop as learners. Trying to pick just three subjects after having such a wide and varied range of courses at GCSE is no easy task, but it is a decision that will be worth thinking very carefully about in order to make the best possible choice. Ask yourself:

You will have lessons in all of your subjects, as well as around four to six hours of self-directed study, each week. This is an opportunity to go into real depth in your chosen subject areas and to explore beyond the confines of the curriculum.

The step-up in expectations and work can seem daunting to begin with, but it’s also a really exciting opportunity.

Which subjects do I enjoy the most?

Although your career aspirations or university choices might help inform your decision, do not forget that these might change during your time in the Sixth Form. You are most likely to enjoy your Sixth Form life and make the strongest progress if you are pursuing the subjects you most enjoy.

Where do my strengths lie?

Are there particular subject combinations that might work well together?

Are there any new subjects that sound particularly appealing?

Which subjects would I really miss if I had to give them up?

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Timetable for Choosing Subjects Throughout the Autumn Term of UV, you will be encouraged to talk to your teachers and form tutors about possible A Level subjects. Following your mock examinations in November, further discussions will take place and you will need to make your final choices at the end of February. At this point, the option blocks will be written for the academic timetable.

Subjects Available Art • Biology • Business • Chemistry • Classical Civilisation • Drama and Theatre • Economics • English Literature • French • Geography • History • History of Art • Latin • Maths and Further Maths • Music Philosophy, Theology & Ethics • Photography • Physical Education • Physics • Psychology • Spanish

Number of Subjects Students at St Mary’s will typically take three full A Levels. In addition to this, we will encourage you to consider taking an extra activity to complement your academic studies. This could be following the highly-respected Leiths cooking course, an Extended Project Qualification, Young Enterprise, or a fourth academic subject.

Facilitating Subjects Biology, Chemistry, Classical Languages, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths and Further Maths, Modern Languages and Physics.

We are sometimes asked to comment on the appropriateness of some A Level subjects as far as they are viewed by leading Russell Group and research-based universities in the UK. The Russell Group has published information on what it terms ‘facilitating subjects’. To ensure a competitive application for these universities, they recommend that at least two of the subjects studied should be from this list which includes:

However, it is important to understand that all the A Level courses we offer at St Mary’s are highly respected by universities and will offer a solid foundation for further study.

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Careers and UCAS Guidance Preparation for applying to university starts early in LVI when we take pupils to the South West UCAS convention attended by most universities across the UK. Here you can talk first-hand to students about their courses and life at university.

At the same time, you are encouraged to do extra-curricular reading based around courses of interest and link it to any relevant Extended Project Qualification being undertaken.

The world of work is constantly evolving and at St Mary’s we ensure our pupils are fully equipped to seize the opportunities available to them.

Whilst university remains the most popular post-school choice, there is growing uptake of the hugely beneficial In-House Training Schemes and Advanced Apprenticeships being offered throughout industry and commerce.

In the Sixth Form, you are personally guided by the school’s experienced Head of Sixth Form as well as your tutor as they develop your thoughts about post A Level options.

We encourage you to complete your UCAS application early in the UVI and regular sessions are held to help finalise your choices and draft your supporting personal statements.

Opportunities to meet and network with business professionals are made available throughout the Sixth Form. This is done via Careers Fairs, talks by experts in diverse fields, helping you to set up work experience placements (increasingly a key feature of successful university application) and facilitating your networking with St Mary’s alumnae across many different careers.

You are given individual advice and support by your subject teachers, tutors and the Head of Sixth Form. Girls find the process highly rewarding and motivating.

General Studies and General RE We offer a General Studies programme of Friday afternoon lectures, designed to stimulate, inform and challenge your thinking. We have speakers from all walks of life and professions, who come to talk on a wide range of topics. Girls often come away moved and hugely inspired.

enrichment - based on discussion but with no final examination. It gives you an opportunity to explore additional and highly relevant topics pertaining to faith and religion, engaging in lively, thought-provoking discussion.

This is a well-respected part of the curriculum that draws on the expertise of teachers and of external speakers.

General Religious Education is a key part of the Sixth Form education experience. It is

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Beyond the Classroom with local schools and the opportunity in UVI to visit ‘The Stick’ at Sherborne as well as local pubs.

Life in the Sixth Form is not just about academic opportunities; it is about taking advantage of the wider range of activities that will allow you to try new things and develop new skills. Whether it is being involved with sport, debating, taking the lead in a school production or participating in one of the many exciting and varied co-curricular clubs available, we want you to experience a vibrant and exciting life outside the classroom.

As part of the weekend Enrichment Programme, Sixth Form girls are given the opportunity to run sessions to develop leadership, planning and presentation skills. You can get involved with debating, critical thinking, Oxbridge Discussion Groups, Medical Ethics, Foreign Film Soc, the Rock Band and Shutterbabes.

There are opportunities in the Sixth Form to exercise leadership and take responsibility for others, through the Prefect and Head Girl systems, as well as by leading committees and societies or mentoring the younger girls in the school. Sixth Formers develop supportive, friendly relationships with staff and are muchvalued by the school community as well as being our best ambassadors.

Girls also get involved in running events and learn about budgeting and event management through being Events and Charities prefects.

They all benefit from our bespoke ‘Life Skills’ programme which includes things like basic car maintenance and driving theory, citizenship issues like politics, managing finances and presentation skills.

Social events run throughout the year exclusively for Sixth Formers. These include the Charity Ball, a Burns Night Supper with reeling and the Walled Garden Festival. In addition, there is an Epicurean Supper and Rock Soc at Sherborne, regular socials

Those who are involved in Chaplaincy can engage with the St Vincent de Paul Society and many go on to join volunteering trips to Lourdes with the Order of Malta, along with young men and women from Catholic schools across the country.

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From the Head Girl Cicely Willis Throughout my time at St Mary’s, I have boarded and loved it all but in the sixth form it is a truly different experience. As a year group, you become much closer, with stronger friendships and a more focused dynamic.

Everyone is taking subjects they love and want to learn, in an environment they care about and want to make the most of, so, naturally, you all want to help each other to achieve the best.

Your relationship with your teachers changes: you have chosen their subjects out of curiosity to learn and they really want to share their interests with you. Being in smaller classes means they know you better, and understand how you work best, giving them the flexibility to use different teaching styles to ensure everyone is doing the best they can. You also feel as though you are very well known by your subject teachers, tutors and Head of Sixth Form, who all care about you.

In the Sixth Form, we are treated more like adults and given responsibilities which are an excellent preparation for life beyond St. Mary’s. In LVI, taking opportunities such as becoming House Captain allows you to practise and master crucial leadership skills such as time management, planning, delegation and public speaking. There are also loads of chances to get more deeply involved with your subjects, which helps to demonstrate your commitment when applying to universities . There are also weekend enrichment sessions teaching us life skills from changing a car tyre to managing finances and organising student loans.

I am a member of most of the sports teams, the Debating Society, Chaplaincy, the Leiths cookery course and the Lifeguarding team and have just completed my Gold D of E.

Cicely Willis plans to study History at university.

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Examining Body

OCR

Art

A Level Fine Art will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the subject and to find areas you wish to pursue within the context of the creative process. You will develop, refine and record ideas through to realisation, whilst demonstrating critical and contextual understanding.

Course Requirements

Alongside this you will write a 1,000 to 3,000 word Related Study.

A GCSE in Art or Textiles

Together these will count towards 60% of your final mark. Your Personal Investigation (96 marks) and Related Study (24 marks) will

OR

be marked separately (120).

A portfolio to show evidence of a high level of drawing skills, creative use of media and techniques and an understanding of

Between February and May you will prepare for your 15 hour exam

artists’ works and, above all, a passion for the subject.

which will be marked out of 80 (40%).

Course Details and Assessment

Degree Courses and Career Choices

The first year of the A Level course focuses on the ‘process’ and

Photography, English Literature, Psychology, History of Art, Maths

you will experiment broadly with ideas, techniques and media. It

and Physics are all A Level subjects which complement the study of

is a teaching and learning year, during which you will build up new

Fine Art.

skills in preparation for the second year including life drawing, screen printing, etching, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography,

An Art Foundation after A Level will give you the opportunity

mixed media, installation art, conceptual art, and many more.

to experience working in a range of areas before you choose a specialist subject to study on a three year degree course at an art school/university.

You will have the opportunity to make your own sketchbooks, stretch paper and canvasses, mount and display work, present and discuss ideas. You will be given short projects to encourage an

If you are certain of your preferred specialism during the A Level

independent and creative approach in which you will be expected

course you can apply directly for degree courses. Students wishing

to take risks and think creatively. Our trips include visits to London

to pursue architecture will also need Maths and/or Physics at A

and Paris which will help to further inform your work.

Level to be accepted onto the degree course.

The A level course work is an in-depth Personal Investigation in

Degree Courses – Fine Art, Set design, Interior Design,

which you will explore, experiment, record and develop ideas

Architecture, Advertising, Graphics, Cinematography, Animation,

through the use of media, techniques, artists’ research and critical

Fashion and Costume design, Tailoring, Jewellery design, to name a

thinking, leading towards a 15 hour outcome.

few.

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Biology

Examining Body

OCR

A level Biology is a great choice if you want a career in health and clinical professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, nursing and forensic science. We also hope that you will want to study Biology because you love the subject and find the natural world and physiological processes fascinating and inspiring.

Course Requirements

MODULE 6 - Cellular control; Patterns of inheritance; Manipulating

A minimum of a grade 6 in either GCSE biology or combined

genomes; Cloning and biotechnology; Ecosystems; Populations and

science is essential. Also, as the assessment of quantitative skills

sustainability.

will include at least 10% of the written examinations at level 2 and above, we would expect that a grade 6 at GCSE Maths (or

Degree Courses and Career Choices

equivalent) would be required for students to be able to cope with

Biology is a required subject for any biological degree course,

this.

including Biochemistry, Psychology or Microbiology. It is also highly recommended for those going on to Medical or Veterinary School.

Course Details and Assessment The list of potential careers within Biology is almost infinite. Here

The A Level content is divided into 6 modules:

are some popular areas: MODULE 1 – Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and Medical Field – Physician, Pharmacist, Nutritionist, Pathologist,

evaluation.

Forensic Scientist MODULE 2 – Cell structure; Biological molecules; Nucleotides and Animal science – Veterinarian, Marine Biologist, Zoologist

nucleic acids; Enzymes; Biological membranes; Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation.

Education – in schools or universities MODULE 3 – Exchange surfaces, transport in plants and animals.

Research – Humans continue to learn new things about how life MODULE 4 - Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the

forms interact, develop and degrade. If you are the inquisitive type

immune system; Biodiversity; Classification and evolution.

who wants to be on the cutting edge of scientific discoveries, you may want to pursue a career in biological research. Research is

MODULE 5 - Communication and homeostasis; Excretion as

typically conducted at universities and requires an advanced degree

an example of homeostatic control; Neuronal communication;

within a more specialised field, like nutrition, medicine and animal

Hormonal communication; Plant and animal responses;

science.

Photosynthesis and Respiration.

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Examining Body

EDEXCEL

Business

Business A level is an excellent subject if you enjoy communicating and explaining ideas, and exploring and presenting alternative courses of action. Throughout the two years, you will develop the ability to think strategically and make decisions. An interest in current affairs is useful as the course necessitates learning about the world of business and trade through research and investigation.

Course Requirements

You will sit three exams at the end of the course:

You do not need to have studied Business at GCSE to study Business A Level as you will be introduced to all core content. The

Paper One: Marketing, people and global businesses (Theme One

course does require an ability to undertake successful mathematical

and Theme Four) - 35%

calculations and the best candidates are those with an interest in business and an ability to put themselves in the shoes of real

Paper Two: Business activities, decisions and strategy (Theme Two

business people. Crucially, you must be willing to make decisions

and Theme Three) - 35%

and explain your reasoning in extended pieces of writing. It is, however, a highly accessible course and it rewards hard work with

Paper Three: Investigating business in a competitive environment .

good results.

This exam paper has a pre-released context. You will investigate an industry or market in which businesses operate before your exam.

Course Details and Assessment

The data response and essay questions in the exam are linked to

The Pearson Edexcel Advanced GCE in Business (A Level) is

the context. The paper lasts 2 hours and represents 30% of the

structured into four themes and consists of three externally

total qualification. The pre-released context is made available in

examined papers.

November allowing significant research and in-class discussion.

Your are not able to take any of your research or investigation data into the examination.

Pupils are introduced to business in Themes One and Two (Marketing and People and Managing Business Activities) during the LVI year through building knowledge of core business concepts

Degree Courses and Career Choices

and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad

Business A Level provides excellent preparation for a career in

understanding of how businesses work.

business and opens up a wide range of opportunities in higher education. Business can be studied with a variety of other subjects,

Themes Three and Four are studied during the UVI; Business

such as languages, sciences and the arts. You will be well equipped

Decisions and Strategy and Global Business. Breadth and depth of

to study a degree in business management, accountancy, tourism

knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range

or international business. Future careers could be in banking, sales,

of contexts and more complex business information are developed,

marketing or entrepreneurship.

leading to a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues.

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Chemistry

Examining Body

OCR

The OCR specification allows us to adopt a flexible approach to the delivery of this content-led A Level Chemistry. Practical work done to support teaching of the content will serve to cover the requirements of the practical skills module (Module 1) which is assessed in written examinations and through the Practical Endorsement.

Course Requirements

MODULE 6 - Organic chemistry and analysis; aromatic compounds;

In order to study A Level Chemistry, you must achieve a minimum

Carbonyl compounds; carboxylic acids and esters; Nitrogen

of a grade 6 in their GCSE, although experience has shown us that

compounds; Polymers; organic synthesis; Chromatography and

grade 6 candidates usually struggle with the rigor of this demanding

spectroscopy (NMR)

subject. It should also be noted that there is a fairly large mathematical component in both the course and the examination

ASSESSMENT

so a natural aptitude in Maths is expected.

Paper 1: 2hrs 15 mins - Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (100 marks)

Course Details and Assessment

Paper 2: 2hrs 15mins - Synthesis and analytical techniques (100

A summary of the content for the A Level course is as follows:

marks)

MODULE 1 - Development of practical skills in chemistry; practical

Paper 3: 1hr 30 mins - Unified chemistry (70 marks)

skills assessed in a written examination; practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement.

In addition to the three externally assessed examinations, the A Level assessment includes the Practical Endorsement, which is

MODULE 2 - Foundations in chemistry; atoms, compounds,

internally assessed by St Mary’s and externally moderated. The

molecules and equations; amounts of substance, acid-base and

Practical Endorsement is reported separately from the overall grade

redox reactions, electrons, bonding and structure.

issued for the A Level, which is determined by performance in the examinations.

MODULE 3 - Periodic table and energy; the periodic table and periodicity; group 2 and the halogens; Qualitative analysis; Enthalpy

Degree Courses and Career Choices

changes; reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

The most common combinations of subjects studied with A Level MODULE 4 - Core organic chemistry; basic concepts;

Chemistry are Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Psychology

Hydrocarbons; alcohols and haloalkanes; organic synthesis; analytical

and Economics, but there is no reason why it cannot be studied

techniques (IR and MS)

in conjunction with History, English, Art or Modern Languages, particularly as an AS. A good grade in A Level Chemistry can lead

MODULE 5 - Physical chemistry and transition elements; reaction

to University courses such as Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry,

rates and equilibrium (quantitative); pH and buffers; Enthalpy,

Land Management, Genetics, Life Sciences, Cosmetic Sciences,

entropy and free energy; Redox and electrode potentials; transition

Archaeological Sciences, Environmental Chemistry, Biomedical

elements

Sciences, Food Sciences, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Nutritional Science and Analytical Chemistry, amongst many others.

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Examining Body

OCR

Classical Civilisation

“Class Civ” takes you on a varied and engaging trip through the Ancient Roman and Greek cultures with their colourful extremes. At St Mary’s we use the new OCR H048 specification.

Course Requirements

COMPONENT 2 – 30%

You can study Classical Civilisation at A level with any combination

Greek Theatre. Forget Mathilda; forget Harry Potter and the

of GCSEs and no prior study is required. As an essay-based subject

Cursed Child; and get back instead to where it all began - Athens.

with an emphasis on factual knowledge and interpretative/analytical

Study the theatres themselves - open air and dish-shaped, and read

skills, a good performance in GCSE humanities subjects would be

three of the very best plays. Sophocles’ famous tragedy about King

advised.

Oedipus, who belatedly realises that he and his wife Jocasta are actually mother and son… !?! He gorily blinds himself out of shame.

Course Details and Assessment

A tragedy by Euripides, The Bacchae, where king Pentheus learns a

For all of the three components which make up the course, there

lesson about the terrifying power of the gods, and a comedy, The

are Latin or Greek texts to read in English; for Greek Theatre and

Frogs by Aristophanes, where an effeminate and timid Dionysus

Greek Religion, there are also some visual sources, these essentially

doesn’t seem quite so impressive as he relies on his much smarter

being photographs either of buildings or of paintings on Greek

slave to get him to the underworld so that he can invite back the

vases. The three components are each examined by one exam at

recently dead Euripides, so depressed is he by the falling standards

the end of Upper VI; this will contain both over-arching essays and

in Greek Tragedy.

shorter questions on extracts from the set texts or on the visual COMPONENT 3 – 30%

sources.

Greek Religion. If you thought that acting in masks was strange, COMPONENT 1 – 40%

wait until you learn about Greek religion, with its impenetrable

The World of the Hero. We start with Homer’s Odyssey, where

oracles and its mystery cults. Find out about the temples, the

Odysseus swims for days on end, cleverly blinds and outsmarts the

different gods, blood sacrifices, the pouring of wine as a libation

one-eyed cyclops, escapes when all around him are killed by Zeus’

and the Olympic Games.

thunderbolt or by rock-throwing giants, dangles from a branch to avoid being sucked into an massive whirlpool and finally takes on

Degree Courses and Career Choices

70-odd suitors in battle, disguised as a tramp.

As a good essay-oriented subject, which is primarily literature-based but does also involve some visual sources, Classical Civilisation

Then we move on to Vigil’s Aeneid, who does get through all sorts

serves as useful preparation for a wide range of degree courses in

of scrapes too. He has a liaison with a queen, but there is more to

English, History, Geography, Sociology, Politics, etc. Most universities

this hero, who has the job of laying the foundations for the future

offer courses in Classical Studies too.

Roman race as instructed by the gods and whose sense of service is being held up as an example for the Romans of Virgil’s day.

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Drama and Theatre

Examining Body

AQA

This highly creative course helps girls to get a real understanding of the skills required to take a written play or a theme, and produce it in an appropriate theatrical style. The students are taken to a range of productions (at some extra cost) so that they can experience the rich diversity of theatrical styles in which they might wish to work.

Course Requirements

This component also includes the analysis and evaluation of live

There is no formal requirement to have studied Drama at GCSE.

theatre productions. Written exam: 3 hours

However, all the practical skills required for performance or design and the associated practice of collaborative working need to be

COMPONENT 2: Creating Original Drama (practical) - 30%

considered alongside a strong desire to create and appreciate

A devised group piece of original drama is researched, developed

Drama and Theatre at a high level. The academic skills of thoughtful

rehearsed and performed. Your contribution in performance is

reflection expressed through a vivid written style are also needed

assessed according to the role that you have nominated; you can

for exam success in this enjoyable and rewarding subject.

opt to be assessed as either a performer, lighting designer, sound designer, set designer costume designer, puppet designer or

Drama and Theatre A level naturally combines well with English,

director. As well as the 20 performance marks, you are also given a

as many of the skills required for analysing characters and their

mark out of 40 for your Working Notebook, in which you will have

motivations can be applied to both subjects. English set works

detailed your devising process and the influence of one influential

may also include plays and other dramatic texts. There are often

theatrical practitioner on the style of your group’s work.

behavioural links between characters and themes in Drama

This is marked internally and moderated by AQA.

and Theatre which can be appreciated by those who also study Psychology, together with links to philosophical, metaphysical and

COMPONENT 3: Making Theatre (practical) - 30%

spiritual ideas where those who study Philosophy and Ethics can

This time choosing to be assessed from up to three specialisms

also make useful connections.

from the previous list of skills, you practically explore and interpret three extracts taken from three plays. The third extract is

As a visually creative subject, Art and Photography are also

performed as a final assessed piece together with a written report,

compatible A levels as well as Music, which Brecht rightly called ‘the

both of which are marked by a visiting examiner from AQA.

Sister-Art’.

Degree Courses and Career Choices

Course Details and Assessment

As well as being the obvious choice for anyone interested in the

Drama and Theatre A level has elements of both practical and

performing arts or the media, the benefits of taking this course

academic work

extend well beyond the world of drama and theatre. You will grow in confidence, not only in your presentation and communication

COMPONENT 1: Drama and Theatre - 40%

skills but also in problem solving and in working with others –

This assesses your knowledge and understanding through the

excellent transferable skills of great value at university and beyond,

study of 2 set plays, one from a list of drama from Greek Tragedy

as independent and confident individuals.

onwards and the other focusing on 20th and 21st century plays.

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Examining Body

OCR

Economics

Economics is a fascinating subject and is the ultimate exercise in democracy, giving you the skills to assess and criticise the seemingly confusing noise, often on the news, of politicians discussing economic policy. It is a dynamic subject that covers recent but crucial events such as the “credit crunch” and “Brexit.” The areas of less developed countries and international trade are also now coming to the fore in economics since Donald Trump announced his “wall between the US and Mexico.”

Course Requirements

reflect the true costs and benefits to society, for example by looking

There is no need to have studied Economics before and there are

at how petrol is taxed to compensate for the user’s contribution

no specific subject skills required. The exam skills needed include

to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Deeper microeconomics

basic mathematics (in particular, calculating percentage changes and

study centres on the labour market, how it can fail and what tools

totals derived from percentages) and those who are good at Maths

the government can use, such as the National Minimum Wage, to

tend to do very well in Economics. The ability to write concise

benefit the wider economy.

and coherent arguments is also essential. Economics is a subject that uses logic to both understand and assess economic ideas.

Macroeconomics is the study of wider economy; inflation,

We work on all these skills throughout the course. Many other

unemployment, economic growth and the current account. In

subjects supplement the study of Economics, which fits well with

this course we also assess the impact and relevance of the budget

humanities, social sciences and Mathematics in a course of A level

deficit that has dominated media and politicians’ discussions, as

study.

well as a wide variety of other policies governments can use to oil the wheels of the economy, such as taxes, education spending,

Course Details and Assessment

interest rates and infrastructure development. Development of this

The Specification consists of two components:

course focuses on the role of economic and political integration, such as the EU and globalisation, on development and sustainable

COMPONENT 1: Microeconomics

economic growth.

COMPONENT 2: Macroeconomics.

The course is a wonderful one to teach and our focus is on ensuring that even the most abstract theoretical ideas are conveyed in a relevant way to you by using real-world issues and events.

There is a further Component 3 that is examined and not taught, which marries together the topics from the previous two Components into synoptic questions. Each Component is examined

Degree Courses and Career Choices

in a 2-hour paper, comprising one third of the total grade.

There is no doubt that Ecnomics is valued greatly in higher education and as a consequence, a good A Level grade opens doors to many courses at the very best universities.

Microeconomics is the study of individual markets and how they work. You will learn how prices are formed and why the government may or may not intervene where the price does not

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English Literature

Examining Body

OCR

We build on what pupils know already from GCSE to help develop valuable transferable skills of sustained research and composition. Pupils are encouraged to develop critical awareness and understanding of individual works of literature, of relationships between texts and of the significance of cultural and contextual influences on readers and writers.

Course Requirements

• the texts must have been first published or performed in 1900 or later

If you are considering taking English Literature for A Level, you should enjoy reading. We recommend a grade 6 at English Literature as a minimum course requirement; however, anyone would benefit from this subject as learning about the world in which we live and how it has changed over time helps us to find our own place in society. Pupils also studying History, Theatre Studies, Classical Civilisation, Psychology, Philosophy & Ethics and History of Art benefit from further understanding and background to close textual analysis.

• at least one of these texts must have been published or performed in 2000 or later

• one of the texts may be a significant or influential text in translation Task 1: close reading (of 1000 words) or re-creative (350-400 words) and commentary (600-650 words); this task is worth 15 marks

Course Details and Assessment There are three components: two examined units of 2 hours, 30 minutes (closed text) and one coursework component. Students are required to study a minimum of eight texts for the complete A Level, including at least two examples of each of the genres of prose, poetry and drama across the course as a whole. This must include at least three texts published before 1900 (including at least one text by Shakespeare); at least one work first published after 2000 and an unseen extract.

Task 2: an essay which explores contrasts and comparisons between two texts. No more than 2000 words; this task is worth 25 marks The total contributes 20% towards the final grade.

Degree Courses and Career Choices English Literature at A Level is recognised as a highly academic qualification and so it is a passport to any university and course.

Likewise, we have known students who having embarked on a degree in English (or some combination), have gone on to study divergent disciplines such as Law and even Medicine.

We often find that coursework is the most popular component, and you should find out from the Upper Sixth the range of topics that they are investigating. A brief outline of the course is below:

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Examining Body

AQA

French

If you want to work towards a feeling of true fluency and understanding in French, then carrying on to A Level is most certainly for you. The course is made up of stimulating content which develops linguistic skills alongside an understanding of the culture and society of the countries where French is spoken. A Level gives passionate linguists the chance to really learn to express themselves in French whilst debating some of the most topical and up-to-date issues.

Course Requirements

Assessment tasks are varied and cover listening, speaking, reading

GCSE results are important if you are considering French A Level.

and writing skills. Across the two-year course you will be assessed

Realistically you may find it hard work to achieve the top grades if

regularly in all four skill areas, and receive twice-weekly speaking

you have not achieved a 7 at GCSE, nevertheless our policy is to

sessions with our dedicated language assistant to truly perfect their

accept all enthusiastic students. There have been occasions when

oral French.

pupils with low grades at GCSE have achieved A and B grades – though this is rare. Some pupils who have not done French GCSE

Year 1 will focus on the key topic areas and your ability to discuss

but have come to us from Francophone cultures or educational

these and decode both written texts and listening passages that

backgrounds will of course be most welcome.

draw from said areas. You will learn to propose and defend your points of view on these matters in order to increase spoken

Course Details and Assessment

confidence.

This is a fascinating and engaging course which encompasses many different disciplines. It also complements other A Levels (like

Year 2 is an excellent preparation for university study as it is

History, Classics or English Literature) extremely well by deepening

devoted more to the literature and film of French culture, and essay

your ability to analyse a broad range of issues all in the Target

writing. The Independent Research Project is a self-driven research

Language. You will study technological and social change, looking

task that can be tailored to your personal passions, and proves a

at the multicultural nature of French society. You will also study

fascinating and engaging way to further develop language skills and

highlights of French artistic culture, including a focus on regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. They will learn

Degree Courses and Career Choices

about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Francophone

An A Level in French, or any language, is a passport to any chosen

world. As well as exploring the influence of the past on present day

career. Linguists have excellent communication skills, confidence

French communities, you will study art, poetry, texts and film and

borne of challenging study and an A Level that all employers and

will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an

universities consider a marker of academic ability. Russell Group

area of their choice.

Universities respect the challenge of a language, and Cambridge and Oxford certainly look upon a language favourably. With an A Level in a language, multiple pathways open up to you.

15

Geography

Examining Body

OCR

Geography A Level will give you an understanding of the complexities of human and physical environments. It addresses contemporary issues and enables you to become an informed global citizen.

The aim of the course is to study the inter-relationships between people and their varied environments, and the questions, issues and problems which arise from these relationships.

Course Requirements

focus on the Coastal systems and landscapes optional module) and

To study Geography, ideally you will have an interest in the world

should be developed by the student. This component will involve a

around you, current affairs and world travel. You should have good

four day residential trip at the start of the UVI year to Nettlecombe

written language skills and an interest in fieldwork. Examiners are

Court, a Field Studies Council centre in North Somerset. Here

always pleased when pupils demonstrate an understanding of what

the girls will undertake a wide variety of geography fieldwork and

is going on in the world, outside the classroom.

collect the data that they will use for their coursework write up.

There will be an additional charge of approximately £250 for this

Course Details and Assessment

compulsory fieldwork course.

COMPONENT 1 – Physical Geography Water and carbon cycles – compulsory module

The investigation is marked by teachers in school, moderated by

Coastal systems and landscapes – optional module

AQA examiners and is worth 20% of the A Level.

Hazards – optional module

Degree Courses and Career Choices

COMPONENT 2 – Human Geography

Geography can be combined with any other subject as it links with

Global systems and global governance – compulsory module

the sciences and the arts. Within Geography there are elements

Changing places – compulsory module

of Economics, Biology, Chemistry, History and Mathematics

Population and the environment – optional module

(specifically, Statistics).

EXAMINATIONS

Geography can lead to a wide range of degree options including:

There are two written papers, one for each of components 1

Geography, Environmental Science, Geology, African/Asian Studies,

and 2. Each paper will be 2 hours 30 minutes and will consist of

Land Management, Travel, Leisure Management. Career choices

a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended answer

that are specifically related include surveying, town planning,

questions. Each paper will be worth 40% of the A Level.

climate change and natural disaster management, environmental science, meteorology, travel industry, teaching, GIS, cartography etc.

COMPONENT 3 – Geographical Investigation

In addition, skills obtained from Geography lend themselves to a

Individual Investigation (coursework) of 3,000 – 4,000 words to

diverse range of career options. Geographers are very employable.

include data collected in the field.

The issue investigated must relate to part of the syllabus (likely to

16

Examining Body

OCR

History

History A level provides you with a core of hard fact that you must learn to master, but also requires you to be deductive, perceptive and imaginative in the way you use facts and frame arguments. Studying History teaches you to compress large quantities of information into clear arguments, to think and write analytically, and to approach a very wide range of important issues with an informed, enquiring and open mind.

Course Requirements

The second year is an excellent preparation for university, as one

GCSE results are important if you are considering History A-Level.

part of it is a personal investigation of 3000-4000 words (Y100),

Realistically you may find it hard work to achieve the top grades if

worth 20% of the total A Level. Unlike the great majority of

you have not achieved a 7 at GCSE, nevertheless our policy is to

other schools, St Mary’s allows pupils to base this coursework on

accept all enthusiastic students. There have been occasions when

any major historical issue that you wish to study. Over the past

pupils with low grades at GCSE have achieved A and B grades –

two years investigations have included: the Aztecs; the French

though this is rare. Some pupils who have not done History GCSE

Revolution; the English Reformation; the Suffragettes; the Indian

take the subject up at A Level and have often achieved excellent

‘Mutiny’; the Vietnam War; the Israel-Palestine crisis, the Fall of the

grades.

Roman Empire; the rise of Islam; and the Slave Trade. The final module (Y310) will involve a study of French history from the end

Course Details and Assessment

of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century, including

In the first year, we study OCR History A (H505). If you are

the savage French Wars of Religion, and the reign of France’s most-

interested in the Humanities, History provides a good combination

loved and most colourful king, Henry IV. This will be tested by an

with Economics, Geography, English or Philosophy and Ethics.

examination of 150 minutes, and is worth 40% of the total A-Level.

Students applying for Modern Foreign Language courses have been recommended to take History A Level by several universities, as

Degree Courses and Career Choices

there are often History modules in the courses. However, many

In recent years, St Mary’s Historians have been offered places to

pupils who wish to concentrate mainly but not exclusively on the

study History at Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh,

sciences find the forensic, fact-based approach of History makes it

St Andrews, York, Leeds, Exeter, Oxford Brookes and SOAS. Many

an ideal choice.

others have done joint courses incorporating History, or closely linked other subjects such as Politics or Anthropology.

In the first year we study two diverse periods, focused on rulers who faced huge problems, and how they succeeded or failed in

History at university opens the way to a rich variety of careers,

their attempts to confront those problems. The first module

including Law (where History is widely seen as a critical

(Y107) consists of the reigns of Elizabeth I of England, and her

requirement), Journalism, Media and Marketing, Public Relations,

immediate forerunners. This is tested by a 90 minute examination,

Politics, Government work - especially in the Civil Service,

and is worth 25% of the total A Level. The second module (Y219)

International Development, Research and Teaching. A large

covers the violent transformation of 20th century Russia from an

number of History graduates also go into the City and Banking.

autocratic empire, to the world’s first Communist state. This is tested by 60 minute examination and is worth 15% of the total A Level.

17

History of Art

Examining Body

AQA

Cambridge Pre-U is a qualification launched by Cambridge University and is an exciting academic qualification for Sixth Formers at St Mary’s. The subject provides an opportunity to learn about all the major steps in the cultural and social development of western art and civilisation. You are offered an opportunity to attend trips to Florence, Rome, Paris, Oxford and London to see the works of art in situ and face-to-face in support of your studies.

Course Requirements

COMPONENT 3: Thematic topic The Nude: The topics addresses the representation of the nude or naked human form which lies at the heart of the visual culture across time and space. It includes themes such as the ‘classical’ Greek nude and its inheritance, religion and the nude and the history of the representation of the female nude in the Western tradition. Examination: 2 hours 15 minutes comprising of three 45-minute answers.

The course requires no previous knowledge of the subject or any practical ability and experience in Art. It is assessed by written examination. An ability to write both descriptively and analytically is an advantage. Learning to construct a successful argument forms an integral part of the course.

Course Details and Assessment Cambridge Pre-U reports achievement on a scale of nine grades: Distinction 1, Distinction 2, Distinction 3, Merit 1, Merit 2, Merit 3, Pass 1, Pass 2 and Pass 3. These are equated to A level grades and UCAS tariff points. Pupils take all four components, which a are assessed at the end of a two-year programme of study.

COMPONENT 4: Personal Investigation This is a written assignment of 3000 words on your chosen topic.

It is designed to allow you to engage in independent research and gives you an opportunity to investigate an artist, art-work or a movement you are interested in personally and apply skills and knowledge acquired through the study of other units to the new topic. You submit a 500-word proposal by October of the UVI year.

The finished personal investigation is then submitted for external marking in February. This will be followed by a 20 minute viva with a visiting examiner when you are engaged in a discussion about your chosen topic. The marks for the viva contribute to the overall mark for the personal investigation.

COMPONENT 1: Analytical Studies For this component you study 36 works of art and architecture in great depth addressing the formal/visual analysis, subject matter, materials and processes, style, patronage, reception and matters relating to the political and historical context.

Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes comprising of three 30-minute answers.

Degree Courses and Career Choices

COMPONENT 2: Historical Topics An in-depth study of two historical topics.

Topic 1. The art and architecture of antiquity: The topics cover Classical art and architecture of the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods.

History of Art provides a firm base for undergraduate study at universities and art colleges and the subject is offered by universities. St Mary’s girls have studied History of Art at major universities such as Exeter, the Courtauld Institute, St Andrew’s, Manchester, Edinburgh and Oxford Brookes. Those who continue with History of Art beyond A Level apply their skills in a wide range of careers including work in art administration, auction houses, publishing and journalism, art conservation and valuing,

Topic 2. Man, the measure of all things: the Italian Renaissance 1400-1600: The topic investigates the development of the Italian Renaissance through the study of the Renaissance art and architecture in the context of its time and society. Examination: 2 hours 15 minutes comprising of three 45minute answers each.

teaching, tourism industries and real estate.

18

Examining Body

OCR

Latin

St Mary’s has a strong record in the Classics. Over the last ten years or so, pupils have gone on from St Mary’s to study Classical subjects at excellent universities, including both Oxford and Cambridge.

Course Requirements

penetrating historian Tacitus, the lofty and patriotic epic poet Virgil

Pupils choosing Latin should have a good pass at GCSE.

and the tongue-in cheek, self-deprecating and insincere love poet Ovid.

Course Details and Assessment The language and literature components account for 50% each of

Through the selection of literature studied, which is predominantly

the total marks available, examined in four papers at the end of the

from the golden era of Rome, you will gain an insight into a period

two year course.

of Roman history and culture that has been an enduringly powerful influence on western civilisation.

In the Language component, you will increase your repertoire of vocabulary and cover new areas of grammar. From the language course, you not only learn to translate harder passages of Latin, but

Degree Courses and Career Choices

also continue to develop more generally as linguist. There is also

Skills learned in the Language component are highly transferable

the challenge of translating Latin verse into English and a particular

to other areas. They can help you to write with greater clarity

focus on rendering the Latin into natural English. In addition, you

in English and to unpick foreign language translations more

will learn to scan Latin hexameter, which will help you both to

systematically. Also, a very logical mind-set comes from applying

appreciate the rhythm of the poetry studied and can also serve as a

the extensive tables of verb, noun, adjective and pronoun endings

useful tool when translating unseen verse.

and from getting to grips with the literal meanings of Latin’s more unusual quirks; Latin is said to be a highly regarded qualification in computer programming.

In the Literature component of the course, the primary emphasis is on understanding the Latin with perfect accuracy and analysing each sentence in great detail to assess how authors exploit technical so

The skills gained from working on Latin Literature are significant.

as to put points across, generate moods or draw characters.

The focus on very close commentary, at the level of paragraphs, sentences and individual words, gives you strong skills in the

The texts are, of course, longer than at GCSE. So are some of the

reading, comprehension and appreciation of any text. Latin A Level

written exam answers; over-arching essays are included, though

pupils learn to spot the methods writers are using, categorise the

the titles are generally straightforward in nature. Options include

words chosen and so evaluate the intended effect of a passage;

the idealistic and verbose speech maker Cicero, the concise,

skills of great use in English Literature, History, and many other fields requiring perceptive reading skills, notably Law.

19

Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Examining Body

EDEXCEL

If you enjoy a challenge, like problem solving and are prepared to persevere, Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics are for you.

Course Requirements

Mathematics is an A Level entry requirement at University for all

Without a good understanding of the work covered at GCSE,

sorts of subjects. Geography, Psychology and Sociology degrees will

students find A Level Maths very difficult so any student wishing

definitely have modules where mathematical techniques are vital

to study this subject must have, at least, a grade 7 GCSE pass. The

to your understanding of the subject. All sciences such as Biology,

main reason for studying Mathematics to an advanced level is that

Chemistry and Physics use so much mathematical technique as they

it is interesting and enjoyable. People like its challenge, its clarity,

progress that an A Level in Mathematics will vastly enhance your

and the fact that you know when you are right. The solution of a

ability to succeed. Even in essay-based subjects such as History, A

problem has an excitement and a satisfaction. If you enjoy tackling a

Level Mathematics can be useful. It teaches you to think in a logical

problem, you will enjoy the course.

way, something which is vital when putting across your argument.

Course Details and Assessment

A qualification in Mathematics can open an infinite number of

The board we use for A Level Mathematics is Edexcel. The

doors to numerous different careers. There are opportunities

previous modular structure is no longer available and AS level

in the obvious ones such as finance and business, science and

qualifications will not count towards any element of the A level

engineering, the environment, but also in sport, health and society

examination. Both A level and AS level Mathematics have a simple

as well as entertainment.

2:1 ratio of pure to applied content.

The Government has produced an excellent website to promote Both AS and A level Further Mathematics have a simple 50:50 split

careers which require a Mathematics qualification http://www.

between compulsory and optional elements, with familiar option

mathscareers.org.uk/ and it is well worth having a look at it before

choices and defined content.

making any decisions.

Degree Courses and Career Choices Mathematics is obviously a natural choice to support the Sciences and Economics, but it is also very useful to support almost every area of the curriculum. Material from the statistics module is used in Geography and Psychology as well as being useful whenever there is the requirement to analyse data.

20

Examining Body

OCR

Music

The A Level Music specification is an exciting and vibrant one, combining all the elements of performance, listening, analysis and composing. Study of the widest possible range of music is encouraged. The course is designed to be accessible to all musicians, whether you want to pursue it post-18 or involve it as part of your overall education. Music is one of the few activities that engages all parts of the brain and is seen as a rigorously academic subject, allied as it is with a strong commitment to creativity. Built into the course is a flexibility of approach, allowing you to play to your strengths. In the performing and composing modules there is a choice of weighting of 25% or 35%; you can choose which of the two units will receive the heavier weighting.

Course Requirements

Listening and Appraising accounts for 40% of the overall marks.

If you wish to take A Level Music, you do not necessarily need to

You will be assessing and evaluating music, both familiar and

have taken it at GCSE, though this would be a distinct advantage.

unfamiliar pieces, analysing set compositions and answering

You should possess a knowledge of musical theory to at least

questions on aural extracts. The prescribed works will include one

Grade V (ABRSM) standard in order that you are able to access the

work drawn from the Western classical tradition as well as pieces

analytical and composing aspects of the course.

from the jazz repertoire.

Course Details and Assessment

Degree Courses and Career Choices

You will need to pursue one of the two following paths:

Music taken as an A Level will enhance any subject and can work equally as an adjunct to the sciences as the arts. There is a strong

Path 1: Performing (35%). A recital lasting at least ten minutes and

correlation, for example, between Maths and Music as well as a

containing a minimum of three pieces on one or more instruments

high instance of musicians within the medical world.

or voice. Composing (25%). You will write two compositions during the course (one to a brief set by the board, the other to a

For those who wish to take the subject further there are two main

brief written by the candidate) lasting four minutes (combined).

options: conservatoire training or a more traditional course at one of the many universities that offer excellent music education.

These institutions offer a wide variety of courses where you can

or

focus on your playing, the academic and the technological, or a Path 2: Performing (25%). A recital lasting at least six minutes and

mixture of all three. The organisation and multi-faceted aspects of

containing a minimum of two pieces on one or more instruments

a music degree not only gives access to jobs in the music industry

or voice. Composing (35%). You will write three compositions

(performance, production, management, charity, education) but is

during the course (one to a brief set by the board, one to a brief

also seen as an important aspect of your CV when you come to

written by the you and three short technical exercises) lasting eight

pursue a non-musical career.

minutes (combined).

21

Physical Education

Examining Body

AQA

Sport is not just a game. It teaches you about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, team cohesion and performance form grass roots to elite. This subject links well with any of the sciences, psychology, business studies and history.

Course Requirements

Non-exam assessment – Practical performance in Sport.

You would normally be expected to have successfully completed a GCSE in Physical Education but this would not exclude those who

Pupils are assessed as a performer or coach in the full-sided version

have not done so.

of one activity.

Course Details and Assessment

Plus: a written/verbal analysis of performance Internal assessment,

Paper 1– Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

external moderation

- 35%

• 90 marks

Paper 2 – Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity

• 30% of A level

and sport - 35% Non-assessment exam – Practical performance in physical activity

Degree Courses and Career Choices

and sport - 30%

A Level Physical Education has been established for many years

Performance analysis assessment (analysis and evaluation)

and is a well-respected qualification recognised by all universities.

Physical Education can lead on to courses at higher education

Paper 1 (2 hour exam)

such as Sport & Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education and

105 Marks

Three sections:

Coaching Science, Physiotherapy, Sports & Materials Science, Sport

Section A = Applied Anatomy & Physiology

& Recreation Management, Sport and Business Management, Sports

Section B = Skill Acquisition

Event Management, Sports Marketing, Sport Photography.

Section C = Sport and Society An A level in Physical Education can lead onto a wide range of

Paper 2 (2 hour exam)

career opportunities, whether it is following a sports scientific route

105 Marks

Three sections:

to become the next Olympic Biomechanics Coach or researching

Section A = Exercise physiology and biomechanics

blood doping in the world of swimming, to the participation side of

Section B = Sport psychology

sport involved in sports development within the community, sports

Section C = Sport and society and technology in sport

psychology, physiotherapy, sports commentary or even the next top sweeper for the GB Hockey squad!

22

Examining Body

OCR

Philosophy, Theology and Ethics

Since the publication of Richard Dawkins’ book ‘The God Delusion’ the ancient arguments concerning the existence of God have rarely been so keenly debated. This course allows you the opportunity to explore the issues in depth and make your contribution. You will also consider the writings of some of the greatest figures in intellectual history: Plato, Aristotle, Darwin, Hume, Russell, Mill, Aquinas, and Kant as well as contemporary ethical and theological thinking. This course is, as one pupil put it, “The most mind-expanding course ever.”

Course Requirements

Religious ethics:

A very good level of English; a good ability to analyse and construct

A study of ethical language and thought; conscience and free will;

arguments; contemporary knowledge of current issues and affairs

the relationship between ethics and religion. Applied theory to

would be desirable, particularly in the fields of medicine, politics

sexual ethics.

and business.

Developments in Christian Thought:

Course Details and Assessment

Significant social and historical developments in theology and

Year 1

religious thought; the relationship between religion and society.

Philosophy of religion: The exam comprises three two hour papers.

Ancient philosophical influences, arguments for the existence of God, the nature and impact of religious experience, and the nature

Degree Courses and Career Choices

of soul, mind and body.

The Russell Group of top universities has made clear that A Level Religious ethics:

RS provides, “Suitable preparation for university generally,” and

Normative ethical theories and its application to business ethics

both Oxford and Cambridge Universities include RS in the top-

and euthanasia.

level list of suitable arts A Levels. One in five students admitted to Oxford to study Maths in 2012 had A Level RS, more than those with Economics, Physics or Business Studies.

Developments in Christian Thought: Contemporary expressions of, and the interconnections of, religious beliefs; sources of religious wisdom and authority; various

The study of Philosophy, Theology and Ethics is a subject ideally

different expressions of religious identity.

suited to a career in Law, Politics, Teaching, Medicine, Charities, Business or Health and Social Care. Complementary subjects

Year 2

include, English, Science (particularly if you are thinking of studying

Philosophy of Religion:

a degree in Medicine); Psychology, Economics, Business and

To include a study of the possibility of life after death; the nature

Geography.

of God and the issues of religious language.

23

Photography

Examining Body

OCR

We have always had enthusiastic groups of students who produce outstanding work, whilst participating in this lively and thought-provoking course. Your portfolio of work is tailored to your future aspirations and supports your university application and interview. The A level offers a diverse range of areas of study: Portraiture, landscape, commercial, still-life, documentary, experimental imagery, editorial, photographic installation, moving image, animation. You explore a variety of techniques and processes: Traditional darkroom practices, printing and developing films, digital technology, the use of a digital/ film SLR camera, specialist equipment and lenses, studio lighting techniques, mixed media art based, and digital darkroom practices and a variety of professional software.

Course Requirements

AS LEVEL

A genuine interest and enjoyment of photography or the arts is

Externally Set Task 100% (80 marks)

essential, combined with a willingness to experiment with a variety

The early release paper will be issued on 1 January and will

of processes. You do not have to have studied GCSE Photography

provide learners with a number of themes, a choice of written and

to apply for the A Level Photography Course. However, a GCSE in

visual starting points. A response will be based on one of these

Photography or an Art & Design subject is an advantage.

options. Students have a 10-hour non-exam controlled assessment (internally assessed and externally moderated).

Course Details and Assessment All work is assessed according to the OCR assessment objectives.

COMPONENT 1: Personal Investigation 60% (120 marks) The Personal Investigation derives from initial starting points determined by the pupil. It has two integrated elements: a portfolio

Degree Courses and Career Choices

of practical work and a related study (1,000 – 3,000 words) which

Subjects which complement the study of Photography are Fine Art,

explores the context in which your chosen practical area of study

History of Art, Psychology, English, Sciences and Business Studies.

exists.

* Please note that there is a termly photography course studio charge of ÂŁ65

COMPONENT 2: The Externally Set Task 40% (80 marks) The paper is released on the 1 February and will provide you with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. You will have a 15-hour controlled assessment to produce an outcome.

24

Examining Body

OCR

Psychology Physics

The OCR A Level specification for Physics contains many fascinating and modern topics including Quantum mechanics, Cosmology and Medical Physics, and yet provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of Classical Physics, allowing you to pursue a degree in Physics, or a Physicsrelated subject at a Russell Group university.

Course Requirements

MODULE 6 – Particle and Medical Physics. The aim of this module

In order to study A Level Physics we would expect you to have

is initially to prepare pupils with a solid grounding in classical field

achieved at least a grade 6 or equivalent in your Physics GCSE

theory and radioactivity. This then gives you the background to

(or 6-6 in Combined Science). Physics is a quantitative science

move into modern Physics, concentrating on the application of

and so it requires a high degree of mathematical competency,

knowledge for Medical Physics and to appreciate how a theory of

with numerical based questions making up 40% of examination

Physics is developed.

questions. The key skills required are the manipulation of equations, standard form and graph drawing. However, it is not

Modelling Physics

2h 15m

100 marks

necessary to study A Level Mathematics to achieve a high grade in

Exploring Physics

2h 15m

100 marks

A Level Physics.

Unified Physics

1h 30m

70 marks

Course Details and Assessment

Degree Courses and Career Choices

MODULE 1 – Development of practical skills in Physics.

Physics is one of the highest regarded A Levels in its own right,

Throughout this module you will develop your planning,

leading to degrees in Physics and Theoretical Physics, Astronomy

implementation, analysis and evaluation of practical work.

and Cosmology, Natural sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Mechanical and Civil engineering, Aeronautical engineering (rocket science),

MODULE 2 – Foundations of Physics. The aim of this module is to

Bioengineering, Medicine, Veterinary science, Mathematics,

introduce you to important conventions and ideas that permeate

Economics, Music, and Philosophy, with many pupils utilising

the fabric of Physics.

the high value of such a facilitating subject to study Law, History, Politics and others.

MODULE 3 – Forces and motion. You will learn how to mathematically model the motion of objects, understand the effect

The problem solving skills, powers of observation and analysis

forces have on objects and appreciate the important connection

developed by studying Physics are a valuable commodity in the

between force and energy.

job market. Future careers are wide-ranging beyond directly working within Physics or engineering. A high proportion of

MODULE 4 – Electrons, waves and photons. The aim of this

graduates go into the finance industry, although careers ranging

module is ultimately to introduce key ideas of quantum physics.

from Architecture and Archeology to Yacht design, are all open to Physicists.

MODULE 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics. The aim of this module is to show the impact Newtonian mechanics has on Physics.

25

Psychology

Examining Body

AQA

Psychologists study human behaviour by observing, measuring and testing, then arriving at conclusions that are rooted in sound scientific methodology.

Course Requirements

‘Research Methods’. In Year 2 of the A Level course, the topics

This course is suitable for everyone who is interested in the

to be covered are ‘Approaches in Psychology’, ‘ Bio-psychology’, ’

scientific study of human behaviour and has a curiosity, drive and

Issues and Debates’, further ‘Research Methods’, ‘Relationships’,

willingness to learn new things.

‘Schizophrenia’, and ‘Aggression’.

All core skills, including psychological essay writing and the

There is no coursework.

mathematical skills needed for the final examination, will be developed during the course through the study of famous and

However, you will be expected to apply knowledge of practical

infamous research throughout the 20th century.

work in the written exams. Therefore, you will be asked to undertake a range of practical research activities during the

Psychology is an exciting A Level choice and is a popular subject.

course of the A Level to gain research experience, learn practical

If you are planning to study Psychology at university, you need to

skills, link theory with practice, and increase your knowledge and

keep in mind that high grades in Mathematics, Science, and English

understanding.

are preferable.

Degree Courses and Career Choices

Course Details and Assessment

Psychology can be combined with virtually any subject, but typical

This is a linear 2-year course with the final A Level examinations

A Levels taken by Psychology students include History, Biology,

taking place at the end of the second year covering all materials

Mathematics, Economics and Business Studies.

covered in both years.

Psychology is of enormous benefit to those going on to any The examination consists of three 2-hour test papers. Research

academic degree and is, more specifically, an excellent support for

methods are tested within each paper and questions are set in

anyone going into criminal law or medicine. However, many St

the context of either real or hypothetical research, which require

Mary’s pupils do continue to undergraduate and postgraduate level

the knowledge, understanding and application of methodology in

in Psychology. They most successfully enter fields such as clinical,

response to specific scenarios.

forensic, educational, occupational, and developmental psychology, or go into criminology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, art therapy, counselling, psychotherapy, sport or health.

The examination also involves the assessment of mathematical skills - 10% of marks will require the use of mathematical skills at the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics.

The topics covered in Year 1 of the A Level course are ‘Social influence’, ‘Memory’, ‘Attachment’, ‘Psychopathology’ and

26

Examining Body

AQA

Spanish

If you want to work towards a feeling of true fluency and understanding in Spanish, then carrying on to A Level is most certainly for you. The A Level course is made up of stimulating content which will enable you to develop your linguistic skills alongside an understanding of the culture and society of the countries where Spanish is spoken. A Level gives passionate linguists the chance to really learn to express themselves in Spanish whilst debating some of the most topical and up-to-date issues.

Course Requirements

between these four disciplines, and essays written are generally

GCSE results are important if you are considering Spanish A Level.

short in length, but rich in content and ideas. Across the two-

Realistically you may find it hard work to achieve the top grades if

year course you will be assessed regularly in all four skill areas,

you have not achieved a 7 at GCSE, nevertheless our policy is to

and receive twice-weekly speaking sessions with our dedicated

accept all enthusiastic students. There have been occasions when

language assistant to truly perfect your oral Spanish.

pupils with low grades at GCSE have achieved A and B grades – though this is rare. Some pupils who have not done Spanish GCSE

Year 1 will focus on the key topic areas and your ability to discuss

but come to us from Hispanic cultures or educational backgrounds

these and decode both written texts and listening passages that

will of course be most welcome.

draw from said areas. You will learn to propose and defend your points of view on these matters in order to increase your spoken

Course Details and Assessment

confidence.

This is a fascinating and engaging course which encompasses many different disciplines. It also complements other A Levels (like

Year 2 is an excellent preparation for university study. It is devoted

History, Classics or English Literature) extremely well by deepening

more to the literature and film of Hispanic culture, and essay

your ability to analyse a broad range of issues all in the Target

writing on these areas. The Independent Research Project is a self-

Language. You will study technological and social change, looking

driven research task that can be tailored to your personal passions,

at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. You will study

and proves a fascinating and engaging way to further develop

highlights of Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish

language skills and

regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. You will learn about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the

Degree Courses and Career Choices

Hispanic world and influence of the past on present-day Hispanic

An A Level in Spanish, or any language, is a passport to any

communities. You will study art, poetry, texts and film and will

chosen career. Linguists can confidently pursue any career path

have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an

after A Level and university. Employers and universities consider

area of your choice.

a language A level a marker of academic ability. Russell Group Universities respect the challenge of a language, and Cambridge

Assessment tasks will be varied and cover listening, speaking,

and Oxford certainly look upon a language as a positive. With an A

reading and writing skills. The skill areas are weighted evenly

Level in a language, multiple pathways open up to you.

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