KES Sixth Form Guide 2021-22

KING EDWARD VI SOUTHAMP TON

Sixth Form Guide 2021-2022

Contents

From the Director of Sixth Form 4 Admission 5 The Academic Curriculum 6 The Lower Sixth Timetable 7 The Extended Project Qualification 8 Open Forum and Foundation Studies 9 Educating for the Workplace 10 A Level Subject Options 11

Curriculum 12 Curriculum FAQs 13 Art and Design - Fine Art 15 Art and Design - Photography 16 Biology 17 Business 18 Chemistry 19 Classics - Latin 20 Classical Civilisation 21 Computer Science 22 Design and Technology 23 Drama and Theatre Studies 24 Economics 25 English Language 26 English Literature 27 French 28 Geography 29 German 30 History 31 Mathematics & Further Mathematics 32 Music 33 Philosophy 34 Physics 35 Politics 36 Psychology 37 Spanish 38 Sports Science 39

Co-Curriculum 40 Beyond the Classroom 41 Participate 42 Think 43 Compete 44 Lead 45 Serve 46 Express 47 Explore 48 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 49 Key Dates 50

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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From the Director of Sixth Form

The Sixth Form years are such an exciting and formative time, and it is a real pleasure to lead students through these years and see them develop into confident, well-informed and well-rounded young adults, ready to move on to the next stage of their lives.

In terms of the curriculum, so many students blossom when they are able to choose and concentrate on the subjects that really light their fire. We offer a full range of 26 subjects in the Sixth Form at King Edward’s, all academically rigorous, and all taught in small groups of around ten students by specialist teaching staff. For some students narrowing the choice of subjects is difficult, whilst for others the choice is clear. All students are encouraged to make their choices against the three touchstones of enjoyment, ability, and fit with future higher education and career plans.

The academic curriculum is enriched at King Edward’s through the Foundation Studies programme in which all students participate.

It combines a core set of life skills in areas such as politics, personal finance, presenting and public speaking, road-readiness for young drivers, and university and career planning, with optional courses in areas such as cookery, travel safety, art appreciation, and even powerboating and drone building.

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Time spent in the classroom is not the only vital part of the King Edward’s Sixth Form experience.

Time and again, former pupils tell me that some of their most enduring and fondest memories are from participating on the sports field, school trips and expeditions, charitable endeavours, performing on stage or in the concert hall, leading assemblies or helping younger students develop academically and socially.

These experiences are fun and enriching for their own sake but, in addition, employers increasingly tell us that in a crowded field of graduate applicants, it is the skills and character formed in opportunities outside the classroom that mark out the most highly prized employment candidates.

Edward’s we aim to provide a rich diet that allows you to reach your academic potential, but also to learn to win with grace and lose with dignity, to establish the characteristics of confidence with humility, and the desire to contribute to the wider communities in which we live.

I hope you like what you see in this guide, and I look forward to meeting you and talking more about what we’re doing in the Sixth Form at King Edward’s to ensure it remains a fun and rewarding place to be.

Mr ND Culver

Our annual Careers Fair, networking lunches and work experience opportunities all contribute to our students’ understanding of the careers marketplace and the skills and attributes needed to succeed.

The Sixth Form is a time for growth and development both in and out of the classroom. Here at King

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

Admission

Internal Candidates If you have successfully completed your GCSE/IGCSE courses of study in the Upper School here, we expect you to be able to make the transition to our Sixth Form.

However, in making your A Level choices, remember to choose subjects that you enjoy, that you are good at and that are in line with your intentions for higher education.

All students must have at least six GCSEs (including a minimum of 3 A/7, and 3 B/6 including English Language and Mathematics).

New subjects: If you intend to take a new subject in the Sixth Form, you should have done well at GCSE/ IGCSE level in an equivalent subject.

The School’s policy is that we would normally expect a student to have a B/6 or higher at GCSE or IGCSE in the relevant subject or its near equivalent unless there are mitigating factors. An A/7 is preferable, however, and in a number of subjects such as Biology, Chemistry,

Physics, Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages it is the expectation of the school that a student achieves at least an A/7 at GCSE or IGCSE. This is to ensure that the student’s knowledge and skills are at a sufficent level to allow access to the subject in the King Edward’s Sixth Form and to offer the realistic prospect of a successful outcome at A Level.

Advice: Talk to your subject teacher before committing yourself to a particular A Level, and talk to your tutor about your intended combination of Sixth Form courses. Other sources of advice are Dr Thomas, Head of Upper School, Mr Culver, Director of Sixth Form, Mrs Millar, Director of Higher Education and Mrs Mandley, Head of Careers.

Studentships (financial support) are available: Please contact the Bursar for more information.

External Candidates If you have successfully completed your GCSE courses of study at your present school, we expect you to be able to make the transition to our Sixth Form.

However, in making your A Level choices, remember to choose subjects that you enjoy, that you are good at and that are in line with your intentions for higher education.

All students must have at least six GCSEs (including a minimum of 3 A/7, and 3 B/6 including English Language and Mathematics).

New subjects: If you intend to take a new subject in the Sixth Form, you should have done well at GCSE level in an equivalent subject.

The School’s policy is that we would normally expect a student to have a B/6 or higher at GCSE in the relevant subject or its near equivalent unless there are mitigating factors. An A/7 is preferable, however, and in a number of subjects such as Biology, Chemistry,

Physics, Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages it is the expectation of the school that a student achieves at least an A/7 at GCSE. This is to ensure that the student’s knowledge and skills are of a sufficient level to allow access to the subject in the King Edward’s Sixth Form and to offer the realistic prospect of a successful outcome at A Level.

Senior members of staff and subject specialists will interview Sixth Form candidates at the beginning of March. As a result of these interviews, and on the basis of a candidate’s potential GCSE results, either conditional or unconditional offers of a Sixth Form place may be made. A limited number of bursaries are available and these are dependent on family financial circumstances. There are also some non means-tested scholarships for students from the maintained sector who plan to study either Chemistry or Biology.

Transition from Lower to Upper Sixth The continuation of a subject into the Upper Sixth is dependent on achieving a pass grade in the Lower Sixth examinations. Students must study a minimum of three courses to full A Level.

General queries about the Sixth Form curriculum should be addressed to Dr Waymark either by emailing bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk or by calling 023 8070 4561.

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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The Academic Curriculum

All students study three or four A Level subjects in the Lower Sixth, with the option to continue all four into the Upper Sixth. Alternatively, Upper Sixth students can focus on three subjects for A Level examination which form the basis of nearly all university offers.

A Level study is very different to GCSE, and starting with four subjects not only allows for greater breadth of study, but ensures that students can cherry-pick the right combination of three subjects to continue through to the Upper Sixth. Beginning Lower Sixth with three subjects reduces options available to the student, should the A Level subject not match their expectations from GCSE, but is available as an option with additional time spent in supervised study.

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The majority of students opt to focus their energies on three subjects in the Upper Sixth. Very few university courses require four subjects, although students taking Further Mathematics, which is recommended for the most competitive Mathematics and Engineering courses, will need to continue all four to allow for sufficient academic breadth.

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

The Lower Sixth Timetable

Your Lower Sixth timetable will be made up as follows:

• 11 class periods in each of your A Level subjects • 4 periods of Games • 1 period of Open Forum • 2 periods of Foundation Studies • 5 periods of Private Study • 9 periods of supervised study for those on 3 subjects

The aim of Private Study is to provide time for you in School to build on what you do in class in a relatively independent manner - by reading around your subjects, researching topics in depth or preparing written or other assignments. Of course it’s not expected that you will spend every minute of every such period working: you need to take time to have a break and have a coffee, read the paper or talk with friends. But you will be expected to manage your time sensibly and organise your independent work effectively. You will find the Sixth Form study area and the Library & Resources Centre are good places for this kind of study. It may be possible to use other areas, eg Art, DT, Music or IT facilities by arrangement with the appropriate staff.

They may set you particular pieces of work to be completed in those periods or expect you to have done some reading or research in them. The key thing is that they - and you - will expect there to be an outcome, which might be a completed piece of work or evidence that you have increased your knowledge or skills.

The teacher-guided nature of the Directed Study for those taking three subjects will help you work on additional subject specific skills. If you are uncertain about how best to manage your Private Study time, your tutor and subject teachers will be able to give you good advice.

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The Extended Project Qualification

What is it?

In addition to the core A Level subjects, students are encouraged to undertake an Extended Project, especially when students drop down to three subjects. The Extended Project Qualification offers an opportunity to use your study periods to explore in depth an area of academic interest to you, leading to an AS level qualification graded up to A*. Students can start researching ideas for an EPQ at any point, but will receive an introduction in January of their Lower Sixth year. From this point they are encouraged to work independently, guided by online

resources and lunchtime or after school workshops. In the Upper Sixth year curriculum time of two periods per week, supported by an EPQ Supervisor, is made available and the final deadline is the February half term of the Upper Sixth year.

Any student can apply to study for the Extended Project, and the School strongly recommends it for those applying to competitive universities who are not continuing with four subjects in the Upper Sixth. The EPQ usually takes the form of dissertation but it is

also possible to base it around a performance, work of art, experiment or field study. There are very few restrictions on the subject matter, and the choice is down to the individual student in consultation with their appointed supervisor or the EPQ coordinator.

Most often students decide to take further an area of one or more of their existing academic subjects.

Alternatively the EPQ is an excellent way of proving interest in an area that a student wishes to study at university but that is not being taken at A Level, for example Law, Medicine or Architecture.

Why should you take the Extended Project Qualification?

The EPQ will allow you to research an area of interest in some depth, give you a foretaste of undergraduate study and also demonstrate to universities that you have many of the skills and aptitudes they require.

For example it shows admissions tutors that: • You are interested in your subject and academic work in general

• You are willing and able to take on additional study • You have developed important undergraduate study skills: research skills, independent study, planning, critical thinking, reflection / self evaluation The Director of Admissions at Cambridge has praised the EPQ for developing insight, clarity of thought, and analytical ability,

and he, along with many senior admissions tutors, encourages candidates to undertake one.

Some universities will also make modified Higher Education offers to students, for example accepting a lower than usual grade in an A Level subject when accompanied by a strong EPQ result.

What is involved?

During the Lower Sixth year students will have specific Foundation Studies lessons in reading, research and academic referencing. From January students will have access to online resources and be guided through independent tasks to help choose a suitable project. In the autumn term of the Upper Sixth, students are assigned a supervisor and

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attend EPQ sessions in place of Foundation Studies. Students are expected to work independently towards specific deadlines set by their supervisor. On completion of the project all students also deliver a short presentation, usually to a small group of peers. The work is marked internally and moderated externally by Edexcel, the awarding body. 100% of students have

achieved A*-C in the time the project has been running; since the project requires high levels of personal interest and motivation to undertake it, the majority of students who complete the project achieve grades of A*-A.

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

Open Forum and Foundation Studies

Open Forum Open Forum is a programme of presentations, usually given by guest speakers, to the entire Lower or Upper Sixth: these take place in the Dobson Theatre throughout the autumn and spring terms. The Open Forum guest list is continually updated every year to

provide a mixture of reliable favourites and exciting new speakers. Informative, entertaining and inspiring, Open Forum provides students with the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of some extraordinary individuals.

Recent speakers include: Felicity Aston Martha Holmes Mike Hurst Francis Benali Steve Bull Martin Taylor Erwin James Emma Cole Jeremy Hunter Rick Finder

Leader of the largest all female group to ski to the South Pole.

Series producer with the BBC wildlife unit in Bristol.

Guitarist and pop producer.

Saints legend.

Olympic Sports Psychologist.

Stage hypnosis without hypnotism.

Former convict now a successful writer and prison reformer.

Living with HIV for nearly 20 years.

Life in North Korea.

War photographer.

Foundation Studies The Lower Sixth Foundation Studies programme consists of a series of short courses designed to equip students with the key skills necessary for Sixth Form success and to help prepare them for life after school.

The sessions include: • Presentation Skills • Exploring Health and Social Issues • Finance and Budgeting • Introduction to Politics • Reading for pleasure and research • Road Ready; a guide to car ownership • Applying to University • Into work; getting a job • First Aid • Living Sustainably

In the Upper Sixth, Foundation Studies is less about the delivery of what we judge to be vital key skills and is more about offering students the chance to learn something new whilst enjoying a break from academic work. Depending on other timetable commitments, students may undertake as many as five Foundation Studies courses in the Upper Sixth year. Each course usually takes place over a period of four Tuesday afternoon sessions in the autumn and spring term.

Students choose courses from a wide range; some are practical in nature and some more intellectual, but they all are intended to be stimulating and fun.

The courses on offer this year include cookery, dance, digital photography, team and leadership skills, model rocketry, robotics, philosophy, power boating and self-defence.

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Educating for the Workplace

We believe that as well as preparing students for Higher Education, it is important to help them prepare for the world of work.

We aim to support students so that they make informed choices about what is best for them after they leave KES and to provide appropriate skills and capabilities as they prepare for life at university and in employment.

The skills we seek to engender are: good communication – verbal and written, teamwork and interpersonal skills, resilience, effective leadership and management, self-management, drive, motivation and time management, planning and research skills, flexibility, relevant work experience and commercial awareness.

We endeavour to achieve this with a varied and thorough programme of events; the academic and co-curricular programme throughout the school does much to support students to acquire necessary skills in effective teamwork, leadership, presentation, time management, prioritisation, future planning, IT, etc. The school, of course, provides opportunities for students to learn about professional etiquette through observation and role-modelling. Independence and personal accountability increases throughout the Sixth Form.

In Foundation Studies sessions, all Lower Sixth Formers are shown how to research for suitable university courses and other HE routes such as apprenticeships. They also attend workshops on understanding the UCAS application process, writing their personal statement and on how to make their final UCAS application. Work experience is undertaken in the Sixth Form across an array of possible careers whilst vocational societies provide students with the opportunity to meet those working in various sectors of industry (MedSoc, LawSoc, Economics Soc) and develop new skills (public speaking, teamwork, leadership, networking). Project management and fund-raising experience is also gained through involvement with school clubs and activities.

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Sixth Form Careers’ lunches provide students with the opportunity to meet people in different occupations (medicine, law, IT, engineering, science, finance, media, etc) and begin networking whilst The Foundation Studies programme of short courses offers insight into different aspects of preparation for life after KES such as presentation skills and basic budgeting.

Open Forum is a programme of lectures to provide students with the opportunity to hear from speakers about a range of life experiences, including what it takes to succeed in a range of professions and how to manage stress and mental health. Students also listen to individuals with motivational, thought-provoking and extraordinary stories to tell.

The annual HE and Careers Fairs provide the chance for students to meet potential universities and employers, and the Careers Day for all Lower Sixth Formers offers external support for building CVs and a digital work profile. All members of the Sixth Form will undergo a ‘work-place’ practice interview and more tailored practice interviews are offered to all those requiring them for university applications or work experience.

Gap year opportunties are also available that enable students to be involved in the workplace.

Basic IT skills are developed mainly through using Word, Powerpoint, Excel and webpages throughout students’ A Level research and studies and the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) offers students the opportunity to enhance their research, referencing, time-management and extended writing skills.

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

A Level Subject Options

Choose four subjects from the list below Art and Design - Fine Art Art and Design - Photography Biology Business Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science Design and Technology Drama and Theatre Studies Economics English Language English Literature French Geography German History Mathematics Further Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Politics Psychology Spanish Sports Science

Notes 1. You may study the subjects marked* whether or not you have taken them as GCSE courses. It may be helpful to talk to the head of department about such a choice.

3. F urther Mathematics must be combined with Mathematics.

By choosing it you are committing yourself to taking four subjects in the Upper Sixth.

2. You will not normally be allowed to study three new subjects at A Level; in many cases it may be advisable not to choose more than one subject (to follow to full A Level) which you have not previously studied at GCSE.

4. The availability of subjects is dependent on sufficient uptake, and the School reserves the right to make such amendments as necessary, in response to demand and in the light of practical considerations. We cannot guarantee that all subject combinations will be available.

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Curriculum Guide

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King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

Curriculum FAQs

How do I choose my subjects for the Sixth Form?

You will be studying a much narrower range of subjects than in the past and spending more time on each of them, so it certainly makes sense to choose subjects you know you enjoy! Equally, your results in these subjects will be your passport to Higher Education, so they should also be subjects in which you can reasonably expect to achieve good results. A combination of subjects offering a degree of variety of study is often a good idea.

If you have clear future intentions for university and beyond, check if you should take certain subjects at A Level. If you are not sure what you want to do beyond the Sixth Form, it’s best to choose a range of subjects that keep your options open. Take advice as widely as possible and visit the HE and careers centre to talk to our dedicated HE staff.

Should I do 3 or 4 subjects?

Our advice is to start the Lower Sixth on four subjects and consider reducing to three mid-way through the year or at the start of the Upper Sixth. Further Mathematics, Mathematics, plus two other subjects is the traditional four-subject combination, but you can take all four of your subjects forward to A Level if you wish, whatever combination you are studying. It is

important not to underestimate the potential demands of any four-subject Upper Sixth course of study, and to take advice as widely as possible.

Universities are generally looking for the three best A Level grades, and focusing on three subjects can increase your chances of obtaining the highest grades.

Which subjects are the best preparation for university later on?

The School believes that all the subjects offered at A Level have good academic credentials and are suitable for study by Sixth Formers intending to enter Higher Education. Some HE courses have specific subject requirements, very many do not.

Students who are concerned whether their A Level subjects are appropriate preparation for their intended course of study at university should consult the websites of the universities concerned or look at the entry profiles for courses featured on UCAS Course Search. The HE and careers department can also offer guidance and advice.

When do I have to decide which subjects I want to carry on to full A Level?

Having chosen four subjects for your Lower Sixth year, you don’t have to decide which three you will carry on with in the Upper Sixth until the spring term of the Lower Sixth year, or after the Lower Sixth exams in the Summer term.

Requests to change your choice of subjects after that will be considered but will be subject to considerations such as staffing, set numbers and timetabling implications. Internal exams held at the start of the summer term in the Lower Sixth will help you with this process.

Deputy Head (Academic): Dr BM Waymark - bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

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Curriculum FAQs

Can I drop my fourth A Level subject in the Upper Sixth?

If you decide to keep with four subjects in the Upper Sixth, this is fine.

You should consider the demands of four A Level courses carefully before embarking on this route. If, however, you later decide to reduce to three subjects,

you will be allowed to drop the fourth subject.

Making such a change in the Upper Sixth year itself may, however, involve changes of teaching set.

Will I have the same teachers in both years in the Sixth Form?

Continuity of teaching cannot be guaranteed, as we will need to make some rearrangements to teaching sets in the light of choices for Upper Sixth, but we will do our

best to provide continuity for as many sets and students as possible.

Will subjects be examined in both the Lower and Upper Sixth?

Yes. All subjects will be examined in the summer term of the Lower Sixth year internally. In January of the Upper Sixth year, mock examinations are arranged by subject

departments and A Level subjects will be externally examined in May of the Upper Sixth year.

Can I resit units?

No. There are no opportunities to re-sit individual papers following the A Level reforms.

What are Open Forum and Foundation Studies?

In the Lower Sixth year every student will enter the Foundation Studies programme and attend a series of weekly sessions designed to equip students with key skills and to extend their education beyond the examined curriculum, in the Upper Sixth year where it becomes a series of five short courses chosen from a wide ranging list.

Full details of these will be made available in the spring term of the Lower Sixth year. In addition, all Sixth Form students will attend Open Forum, a series of weekly presentations by staff and guest speakers, intended to interest, inspire and broaden the experience of all students.

Any questions you might have which are not answered above should be addressed to Dr BM Waymark - Deputy Head (Academic) 023 80704561 bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

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Deputy Head (Academic): Dr BM Waymark - bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

ART AND DESIGN - FINE ART

‘ Others have seen what is and asked why.

I have seen what could be and asked why not.’ - Pablo Picasso The AQA Fine Art course at KES offers the step up from GCSE into a world where you will experiment and try new ways of working, hopefully to broaden your approach to the subject. This might be through our life drawing classes or simply working on a scale never attempted before.

The Lower Sixth course is experimental in design and leads to a more specialised approach at full A Level. Flair is vital as is a willingness to try new things and a broad minded approach to the creative process.

We have had recent students going to study Architecture with Art obviously being one of their main subjects. Students go on to study at local foundation courses and then on to degree courses at Falmouth, Bath, Leeds and Brighton studying fine art, illustration, film making and game design, as well as to London.

The Art studios are designed to give each student a permanent area in which to work and individually tailored resources. The department has a huge library with over 3,500 art and design titles as well as a dedicated A Level studio and a subject specific IT suite, kiln, darkroom and printmaking facilities.

You will receive continual assessment on your progress and regular informal and formal tutorials.

Lower Sixth

Upper Sixth

During the first year of the course you will have the opportunity to experience drawing, painting, printmaking and photography.

This phase provides the basis for one extensive experimental project.

Alongside this work you will be expected to build up evidence of your critical awareness of the wider context of art within culture to complement and inform your practical work.

The second year allows for a continuation of the work begun in the first year but with a greater opportunity for, and emphasis on, an increased level of ambition, depth, complexity and sophistication.

If you choose to continue into the second year to complete the full A Level course there are two assessments:

Unit 1 Personal investigation (worth 60%). This is a practical investigation supported by written material.

Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.

The aim is to produce a significant ‘body of work’ such as you might produce for a gallery exhibition.

Unit 2 Externally-Set Assignment (worth 40%). Preparatory period - from 1 February. Your response to externally set questions.

This involves a preparation period and 15 hour supervised time.

Head of Department: Mr GL Piggott - glp@kes.hants.sch.uk

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ART AND DESIGN - PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is all around us and has documented the world around us and how we interact with it for 170 years.

The American documentary photographer Dorothea Lange wisely said ‘The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera’.

The AQA Photography course will certainly try and do this as well as looking at the social, cultural and artistic context of photography. We have an extensive art and design library with over 3,500 titles. Trips are arranged so that photographers’ work can be seen in context. The department has its own IT suite running Adobe Creative Suite as well as an A1 printer and dedicated film scanner. There are also DSLR cameras as well as a range of film cameras including a 5x4 plate camera and a small darkroom.

Lower Sixth The Lower Sixth course is experimental in design and leads to a more specialised approach at full A Level.

You do not need your own digital or 35mm film camera although both would be useful. It is not a requirement that you have studied Art at GCSE but you will need to be self-motivated as much photography needs to be undertaken out of school time.

During the first year of the course you will have the opportunity to experience both digital and chemical photographic processes and explore and understand the different genres. This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical project. Alongside this body of coursework you will be expected to build up evidence of your awareness of the context of photography within culture to complement and inform your practical work.

Upper Sixth The second year allows for a continuation of the work begun in the first year but with a greater opportunity for, and emphasis on, an increased level of ambition, depth, complexity and sophistication.

Unit 1

Unit 2

Personal investigation (worth 60%). This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.

Externally-Set Assignment (worth 40%). Preparatory period - from 1 February.

Your response to externally set questions. This involves a preparation period and 15 hour supervised time.

The aim being to produce a significant ‘body of work’ such as you might produce for a gallery exhibition.

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Head of Department: Mr GL Piggott - glp@kes.hants.sch.uk

BIOLOGY

This is a course that has been kept up-to-date, dealing with topics in ways that are easily seen as relevant to everyday life.

We teach Edexcel Biology A, which maintains the best of the Salters Nuffield approach.

The course aims to: • Use topical contexts which will motivate and excite students • Be accessible, with use of clear language, yet intellectually demanding

Practical work is fully integrated into the units, with the use of living materials as a central focus of the activities. It includes practical study of a wide variety of living organisms, including humans and other animals, plants and micro-organisms. The approach mirrors the aims of the course, where investigation and process are emphasised rather than prescriptive methods. With the removal of practical coursework from A Level it is worth noting that every other exam board has now adopted the idea of ‘core practicals’, which has been a hallmark of our A Level for many years.

• Emphasise application of knowledge rather that rote-learning • Have activities and practical work integrated throughout the course • Make use of a full range of teaching and communication approaches • Use student-centred and novel activities that show how biologists think and work in their professional lives Each student has an individual account with ‘snabonline’ which allows you to work at your own pace, using interactive resources. Students can easily follow interests using the links and resources provided.

The department also uses a range of data-logging equipment to go along with more traditional practical work, including dissection.

The Edexcel A Level course In the Edexcel A Level course there are now three final examinations, each worth 100 marks.

Paper 1 Covers material from the Lower Sixth course and 2 A Level units.

“The Natural Environment and Species Survival”

Fieldwork remains an important aspect of Biology and several core practicals require it. We complete a residential course at the end of the Lower Sixth.

You will be expected to attend this field trip and there will be a cost for accommodation, meals and transport which is around £160.

Paper 2 Covers material from the Lower Sixth course and 2 A Level units.

“Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination” Paper 3 Covers material from the whole course and includes questions based on a pre-released article.

“General and Practical Applications in Biology”

Head of Department: Mr ST Aellen - sta@kes.hants.sch.uk

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BUSINESS

Business is a subject that is centred in the world around you: in the news, in the choices you face when shopping and when searching for, or working in, a job.

The provision of this course should enable you to develop a critical understanding of the internal workings of a business, and of its role in the economy and broader external environment. You will become aware of the effects of business behaviour from a range of perspectives and a variety of organisations.

Course structure and content

The skills you require

• Managers, leadership and decision making

During the A Level course you will be introduced to a number of business theories and models and you will be expected to apply them to real world examples and case studies. You will require a range of skills including decision making and problem solving and, where appropriate, the quantification and management of information. You will be expected to read around the subject matter, and to build up a portfolio of examples of current business behaviour.

The ability to construct logical arguments and to write essays will necessitate sound analytical and evaluative skills. The mathematical and data handling aspects of the course require no more than a competent performance at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.

The course being followed is the AQA Business Specification (7132).

The course covers the following topics: • What is business?

• Decision making to improve marketing performance • Decision making to improve operational performance • Decision making to improve financial performance • Decision making to improve human resource performance • Analysing the strategic position of a business • Choosing strategic direction • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies • Managing strategic change

Assessment Paper 1 2 hours - multiple-choice questions, short answer questions and 2 essays from a choice of 4 titles.

Paper 2 2 hours - data response questions.

Paper 3 2 hours - questions based on a business case study.

All three papers can cover all aspects of the course content.

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The material studied in the Business course will be suitable preparation for a range of degree courses and careers, especially those related to the worlds of finance and business.

Business draws material from a range of academic disciplines and with its emphasis on applying knowledge to the real world it adopts a more practical approach than many subjects. The subject has a relevance to our lives that makes its study both accessible and useful.

Head of Department: Mr P Sheppard - ps@kes.hants.sch.uk

CHEMISTRY

Why study Chemistry?

There’s much more to Chemistry than white coats, men with beards, stinky laboratories and explosions.

From the moment you are born, and throughout your life, you are surrounded by Chemistry - the air you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear are just a few examples.

These practicals will cover a variety of experimental techniques and should allow you to gain confidence in your ability to manipulate apparatus and handle hazardous substances.

Chemistry is the study of substances; what they are made of, how they interact with each other and the role they play in living things. If you have a passion for discovering how things work, using logic and analytical skills, then Chemistry may be the subject for you.

Topics covered over the two years include: • Atomic Structure • Bonding • Redox • Energetics

A Level Chemistry A Level Chemistry gives you the opportunity to develop your appreciation of the topics that you were taught at GCSE/IGCSE level and a chance to find out about new themes and ideas that may have significant impact on society today.

Like all A Level subjects, the two year course will be demanding and rigorous but this should allow you to develop a genuine in-depth understanding of this fascinating science.

• Organic Chemistry • Transition Metals • Equilibrium • Kinetics • Analytical Techniques • Amount of Substance

The specification that we teach at KES is neatly organised into topics with ‘core practicals’ embedded into the teaching.

Assessment Paper 1 Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (30% weighting)

Paper 2

Papers 1 and 2 are topic based. Paper 3 will assess across the whole subject and have a practical focus.

The three papers will contain the following types of question:

Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry (30% weighting)

• Multiple choice

Paper 3 General and Practical Principles in Chemistry (40% weighting)

• Extended response (5 marks or more)

Science Practical Endorsement (internally assessed and externally moderated)

• Short response (2 or 3 marks) Calculations will make up about 20% of the whole A Level assessment. 15-20% of the total marks will be on practical based questions.

Head of Department: Miss LA Downing - lad@kes.hants.sch.uk

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CLASSICS - LATIN

The two Classical Advanced levels that can be studied at the School are Latin and Classical Civilisation. You can do both of the subjects, if you wish. Both subjects are highly regarded academic qualifications, and you are by no means excluding yourself from the modern world by choosing to study the classical one!

To study Latin, you will need to have taken the subject at GCSE.

Each text is translated and discussed in class, to develop an understanding of the language, style, background and historical context, as well as to test your own reactions to it as literature. Study of the text spans out into details of history, society and mythology, and it is far from the narrow study that some assume it to be. It has rightly been said that it is an excellent subject for those who are interested in everything!

Latin (OCR)

Each text studied has a useful commentary to help you, and you are encouraged to read more widely in translation around the text to broaden your experience of the Classical World. You will be surprised at how relevant it is to the world today. Do not imagine that universities or employers will be unimpressed by this Advanced level. The real situation is quite the reverse.

Latin offers a variety of work, which some students find a relief from solely essay-based subjects. Essays are written, but less frequently than in some subjects, and students often like the more self-contained assignments such as translations or preparation of the text. Such assignments train you in a variety of skills which are highly valued: they refine your linguistic ability, stimulate logical thought and sharpen your perceptions in response to the literature.

Assessment The new linear A Level gives an opportunity for broader reading of texts, both in the original and in translation to aid background understanding.

Unit

Name

Study Required

Duration

% of Mark

1

Unseen Translation

Texts by a range of prose and verse authors for language practice / grammar teaching

1 hr 45 min

33

2

Prose Composition / Comprehension

Texts by a range of prose and verse authors for language practice/grammar teaching

1 hr 15 min

17

3

Prose Literature

Two prose literature texts in depth / additional literature in translation

2 hr

25

4

Verse Literature

Two verse literature texts in depth / additional literature in translation

2 hr

25

The Latin course offers you an interesting and challenging way to develop your language skills and your appreciation of the literature of the Classical World, acquiring in the process some understanding of the culture, politics and social life of Rome and/or Greece at significant periods in their history.

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If you choose to study Latin at Advanced level you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of our own civilisation and heritage, and the skills acquired communication, working with others, problem-solving and improving learning and performance - will be of great benefit, whatever career you may follow.

Head of Department: Mrs JM Meredith - jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

This is a wide and interesting Advanced level, good for those who enjoy literature and would like to read some of the greatest works ever produced which has had such an influence upon later writers, and good also for those with an interest in Ancient History.

A wide range of material is read, all in translation.

This is a flourishing subject and we have been greatly encouraged by the response it has received since its introduction. A considerable number of students have chosen to continue this subject at University. Several have been surprised to find that something so old can be so lively and so relevant to the study of humanity, which remains remarkably unchanged over a few thousand years!

Classical Civilisation can be taken by anyone from scratch, since no knowledge of the classical languages or any previous study of the Classical World is necessary.

The course offers you the opportunity to study the archaeology, architecture, art, history, literature, philosophy, politics, social history and religion of the Classical World.

OCR Component

Percentage of Total

Duration

World of the hero: Homer’s Iliad Virgil’s Aeneid

40%

2 hr 20 min

Culture and the Arts Greek Theatre Imperial Image

30%

1 hr 45 min

Beliefs and Ideas: Politics of the Late Republic

30%

1 hr 45 min

We like to broaden our students’ experience of the ancient world wherever possible, taking trips to plays and museums and using a wide range of other exciting multi-media material.

There is the opportunity to attend the London Festival of Greek Drama, which happens every year in March, lectures organised by the Southampton branch of the Classical Association and Classical performances at Oxford or Cambridge.

Head of Department: Mrs JM Meredith - jmm@kes.hants.sch.uk

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COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Computer Science specification will above all else be relevant to the modern and changing world of computing.

OCR 2 Year A Level The specification will: • Focus on programming, building on IGCSE Computer Science and emphasise the importance of computational thinking as a discipline.

• Put computational thinking at its core, helping to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence.

• Have an expanded maths focus, much of which will be embedded within the course.

• Allow you to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging manner.

1. Computer Systems

2. Algorithms and Programming

3. Programming Project

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices

• Elements of computational thinking

• Analysis of the problem

• Problem solving and programming

• Implementation of the solution

• Software and software development

• Algorithms

• Exchanging data • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues Mix of question types: including short-answer, longer-answer, and banded mark-scheme-type questions.

Section A: Traditional questions concerning computational thinking.

Section B: Scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm but will involve problem solving.

• Design of the solution • Evaluation Candidates and / or centres select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve.

This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the assessment objectives.

Mix of question types including short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of mark-scheme-type questions.

Assessment Component

Assessment

%

Marks and Duration

1. Computer Systems

Externally marked question paper

40%

140 marks / 2 hr 30 min

2. Algorithms and Programming

Externally marked question paper

40%

140 marks / 2 hr 30 min

3. Programming Project

Internally assessed, externally moderated

20%

70 marks

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Head of Department: Mr PJ Mapstone - pjm@kes.hants.sch.uk

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The A Level course in Design and Technology will offer any student the chance to develop a wider range of both academic and practical problem solving skills along with project management.

Design Technology is recognised as providing an opportunity to broaden all academic and personal skills, however, an Advanced level qualification in the subject is considered a distinct advantage when applying for; design, engineering, architecture, fashion or costume design or a foundation year or other similar courses.

The course aims to develop and stimulate creativity, and innovation in all areas of design and technology.

Students will be expected to exercise initiative, imagination and resourcefulness in both design and manufacture.

The A Level course is available to all pupils who have studied a GCSE in Design and Technology, regardless of the individual specialism (Resistant Materials, Textiles, Graphic Products or any other course available).

Students who have not studied the subject at GCSE are not excluded: however, they are subject to interview with the Head of the Design and Technology Department.

Head of Department: Mr SH Barker - shb@kes.hants.sch.uk

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DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES

Drama and Theatre Studies at A Level offers you the opportunity to study a course which is vibrant, creative, challenging and stimulating.

It also allows you to develop and hone important life skills such as negotiation, cooperation and time management and to improve your abilities in public speaking, presenting information in varied and engaging ways and commanding the attention of an audience. Past pupils have gone on to study subjects at degree level including Medicine, History, English and Philosophy as well as Drama at university and top drama schools.

The skills you require.

During the course you will undertake practical performance work, as well as studying significant plays through the ages, and you will develop your ability to analyse contemporary productions from the perspectives of actor, director and designer.

For the A Level course as well as performing from a script you will devise and perform your own unique piece of theatre. You will acquire production skills such

as lighting, set and costume and make-up design and you will become familiar with a variety of theatrical styles and practitioners. We prefer you to have a good grade at GCSE Drama to take this course but we do not insist on it. More important is that you have an open and enquiring mind, a genuine interest in theatre, a good sense of humour and that you are prepared to have a go at any challenge we throw at you!

A Level Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

Written Paper, 3 hours 40% of total A Level marks

Creating original drama (practical) This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA 30% of total A Level marks

Making theatre (practical) 30% of total A Level marks

Section A Answer one question from a choice of set plays selected to represent significant drama through the ages.

Section B Answer one three part question on a given extract from a second set play selected to represent 20th and 21st century drama.

Section C Answer one question on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production.

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Working in groups to develop and present a devised drama, performed in the theatrical style of their choice. Research into a theatrical style chosen by the group for their practical work. There is also a working notebook that is assessed as well as the performance.

Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each taken from a different play.

Methodology of a prescribed practitioner is applied. Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessment piece. Please note that the department will organise a variety of theatre trips throughout the course, some of which will be compulsory to meet the requirements of the Unit 1 examination, and to which the students will be asked to make a financial contribution. It is also our expectation that Theatre Studies students will visit the theatre as often as they can in their spare time and will be prepared to read widely around the subject.

Head of Department: Mrs LA Gilmour - lag@kes.hants.sch.uk

ECONOMICS

Economics is one of the social sciences: a group of subjects that study various aspects of human behaviour.

It concentrates on how we behave when faced with the economic problem that the world has too few resources to produce enough goods and services to satisfy all the wants of all of its people.

Given this economic problem, choices have to be made about what, how and for whom to produce goods and services. Economists study how people, businesses and governments make choices and the consequences of their decisions.

The skills you require: During the Advanced Level course you will encounter the underlying models and theories of Economics and be expected to apply them to various real world situations. In addition to acquiring a sound knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, you will also need to develop your powers of logical analysis and evaluation. To be successful, you will have to read widely and keep abreast of current affairs.

The statistical and data handling aspects of the work require no more than a competent performance at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.

Course structure and content The course being followed is the AQA Economics Specification (7136) and covers the following topics:

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure (microeconomics)

The national and international economy (macroeconomics)

• Economic methodology and the economic problem

• The measurement of macroeconomic performance

• Individual economic decision making

• How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, aggregate demand/aggregate supply analysis and related concepts

• Price determination in a competitive market • Production, costs and revenue • Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

• Economic performance • Financial markets and monetary policy

• The labour market

• Fiscal policy and supply-side policy

• The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality

• The international economy

• The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

Assessment Paper 1 (2 hours) Microeconomics data response and essay questions.

Paper 2 (2 hours) Macroeconomics data response and essay questions.

Paper 3 (2 hours) Multiple-choice questions and a case study covering all aspects of the course content.

Economics is a contemporary, thought-provoking and evolving subject. It is always in the news, unearthing new problems and proposing new remedies.

The challenge of learning about something that exerts a significant influence over your behaviour and life should be given serious consideration.

Head of Department: Mr P Sheppard - ps@kes.hants.sch.uk

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE

The English language is the most influential language in the world.

As a subject, English Language offers an opportunity to develop a detailed analytical understanding of the way language works, the way it is used and the ways in which it is closely intertwined with social values.

What skills will you gain?

The A Level course will enable you to develop a range of skills essential for further education and employment. As a result of studying English Language you will acquire a greater technical understanding of how languages work. You will consider the relationship between language and the development of ideas, beliefs and attitudes; society and social interaction; and the construction of identity.

Critical awareness of language not only helps you understand how you express yourself, but also how others use language and for what purposes. You will become a more active and discerning reader and listener, as well as a more skilled, confident writer.

Studying English Language at A Level is excellent preparation for Higher Education courses in Linguistics, English Literature, Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities, the Social Sciences and Information Technology. It provides a perfect foundation for careers in journalism and the media, ICT, law, politics, the civil service, teaching and research.

What will you study?

During this two year course, you will prepare for two examination papers and undertake two different pieces of coursework.

A Level Paper 1

Paper 2

Coursework

Language, the Individual & Society

Language Diversity & Change

In this part of the course you will develop your skills of linguistic analysis by exploring a wide range of spoken, written, electronic and multimodal texts from different time periods and places.

This part of the course explores the two inter-related strands of Language Diversity and Language Change. You will develop your understanding of how language varies according to factors such as gender, ethnicity, social background, geographical location and profession.

Language in Action The coursework element of English Language is vital in enabling you to pursue your individual interests and refine your research and writing skills.

You will consider how language is used to create and convey meanings; how language is manipulated to achieve particular aims, and how ideas, people, places and events can be represented in different ways through language.

You will also study how young children develop both spoken and written language, exploring the different ideas and theories about how and why this remarkable process takes place.

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For Language Change, you will study how and why the English language has changed over time and consider how it may continue to change in the future. Additionally, you will learn about attitudes to controversial issues relating to language diversity and change, and explore contemporary debates surrounding language use today: you will develop your own views through discussion and debate and learn how to express your opinions in writing, in both an informative and entertaining manner.

There are two projects: the Language Investigation and Original Writing. You will design and conduct a Language Investigation on a subject of your choice, collecting and analysing your own data independently. In addition, you have the opportunity to create an original piece of writing such as a short story, feature article or blog post, reflecting on your expertise in the analytical commentary.

Head of Department: Mrs HK Arnold - hka@kes.hants.sch.uk

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Reading literature increases knowledge in an active, intellectually challenging way that other more passive activities cannot do.

A thorough grounding in literature automatically provides knowledge of our literary heritage while at the same time increasing the student’s awareness of cultural values, history, sociology, psychology, and almost every branch of human knowledge.

Literary study expands our capacity to sympathise with other human beings, enhances our ability to see and imagine human complexity, and broadens our intellectual horizons by enlarging our power to experience life vicariously.

How is it different from IGCSE? At A Level you have the time to explore texts in depth.

You are also with other like-minded students, people who have chosen to do the subject because they enjoy it, which makes the level of debate more intense.

What qualities do I need?

You need to have an interest in words, an enquiring mind, and be prepared to share your thoughts with others in the class. An enjoyment of reading is obviously going to be an advantage. You will learn more about texts within genres and cultural contexts.

At KES we have chosen to study AQA Literature B Specification.

A Level Paper 1

Paper 2

Coursework

Literary Genres written exam 2 hours 30 minutes closed book 40% of A Level.

Texts and Genres written exam 3 hours open book 75 marks 40% of A Level.

Coursework: Theory and Independence 50 marks 20% of A Level.

75 marks closed book 40% of A Level 75 marks.

Study of 3 texts. Exam will include an unseen passage.

Option 1A: Aspects of Tragedy

Option 2A: Elements of Crime Writing

Study of two texts: one poetry and one prose text, informed by study of the Critical Anthology (students have a free choice of one poetry and one prose text).

(from Othello, King Lear, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, The Monk’s Tale, poetry of John Keats, The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman, Richard II*)

(Ian McEwan, Graham Greene, Charles Dickens, George Browning, Agatha Christie, Samuel Taylor Coleridge*).

Two essays of 1250-1500 words.

Section A One passage-based question on set Shakespeare text.

Section B One essay question on set Shakespeare text.

Section C One essay question linking two texts.

* Individual teachers will choose specific texts and writers.

Head of Department: Dr AJ Schofield - ajs@kes.hants.sch.uk

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FRENCH

Studying French in the Sixth Form is extremely rewarding.

Students can combine French with a wide variety of subjects and will explore Francophone culture and its rich language through a range of topics and sources.

French can add to the overall profile of a student and French can improve students’ chances of getting onto a good university course and later into an interesting career. Over the last few years many KES students have gone on to study French at university or to combine French with an additional subject, ranging from business and economics to management and law.

opportunities available to develop linguistic skills, be it in lunchtime workshops, borrowing a French DVD or book, or by taking part in the Sixth Form trip to France in April.

The French Department is a lively and welcoming place to be and the French teachers are dedicated and positive in their approach to students, offering their time generously.

French classes are relatively small with about ten students, allowing for considerable individual attention and a great deal of lively interaction. Each class has a team of teachers and each individual student has a 25 minute lesson with one of our two French assistants every week. There are numerous

The language facilities are outstanding. The classrooms have interactive whiteboards and there is a multi-media centre where students can practise and develop their oral and aural skills. Students work with their own iPads or laptops and use these in lessons to have access to their digital courses for

years 1 and 2 and a wide range of additional information and resources to help support their studies. Students are encouraged to keep up to date with what is going on in the French-speaking world and all Sixth Form students receive the French magazine Chez Nous five times a year.

AQA specification We follow the A Level AQA specification and students take the A Level examination at the end of the Upper Sixth.

The two main areas of study are; social issues and trends and political, intellectual and artistic culture. These are divided into sub themes for A Level. In addition, literary texts and French films are studied and there is a requirement to research an area of personal interest related to the country / communities where French is spoken. At the end of the course there will be three papers which will

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test a wide range of skills; summary skills in response to spoken and written French, essays on a film and text, reading comprehensions, translations from English into French and from French to English and a speaking examination where students will need to talk about the themes they have studied as well as their individual research project.

The course is varied and extremely stimulating and students will leave KES as linguists of the highest calibre.

Head of Department: Mrs KM Clement - kmc@kes.hants.sch.uk

GEOGRAPHY

A Level Geography provides a contemporary and dynamic opportunity for students to engage with the world around them.

The aim is to inspire a love of Geography for lifelong learning, drawing on issues that are relevant to a student’s own learning of the subject in a variety of contexts. The A Level specification has been designed to strengthen geographical and fieldwork skills gained at IGCSE and delve more deeply into content.

Who should choose to study Geography for A Level?

Geography can be taken in combination with either Arts or Science subjects and it is not necessary for students to have studied the subject to GCSE/IGCSE level, although such study does convey certain advantages.

Geography offers students the opportunity to develop their debating and discussion skills, and their statistical and analytical skills as well as applying an evaluative approach in extended writing. There are numerous transferable skills gained through Geography which can be utilised by students across all subjects as well as in their future careers.

University and Job Prospects Geography is studied by many in order to develop an array of skills, and a depth of knowledge and understanding, which prove essential in the workplace and at university. Students who have studied Geography will have the ability to compose a logical argument and debate issues with confidence and determinism. They will approach problems in an investigative and analytical manner, allowing them to look at all aspects of the issue, before drawing supported conclusions, whilst also evaluating any limitations encountered. Those who continue to study Geography as an undergraduate are able to develop these skills further and more than 60% of geography graduates are in full-time employment within six months of graduating, with the most popular areas of work including marketing, the environment, management consultancy and business analysis.

As quoted in The Guardian: “ Geography: it’s the must-have A Level… it is inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who can work across the physical and social sciences… Geography’s all the rage.”

OCR Specification & Assessment (H481) There are 3 examination papers which include a mixture of short-answer, medium tariff and extended response questions. There is also an internally-assessed & externally-moderated independent investigation.

Physical Systems

Human Interactions

1 hour 30 minutes - 22% This involves the study of: Landscape Systems: Coastal, Glaciated or Drylands.

Earth’s Life Support Systems: Tropical Rainforests and Arctic Tundra and the importance of water and carbon to life on earth.

1 hour 30 minutes - 22% This involves the study of: Changing Spaces; Making Places: Contrasting places at a local scale and understanding economic change and social inequality.

Global Connections - Global Systems: Trade in the contemporary world or Global Migration; Global Governance: Human Rights or Power and Borders.

Geographical Debates 2 hour 30 minutes - 36% This involves the study of two of the following debates: Climate Change; Disease Dilemmas; Exploring Oceans; Future of Food; Hazardous Earth.

Investigative Geography 3,000-4,000 words - 20% This is an internally-assessed and externally-moderated assessment, which is an independent geographical investigation conducted by each candidate based on primary and secondary data. This element of the course includes a compulsory residential field trip.

Head of Department: Mrs LJ Gibbs - ljg@kes.hants.sch.uk

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GERMAN

The German Advanced level course at King Edward’s is aimed at keen, successful IGCSE students who wish to develop their existing knowledge of the language to a high degree of fluency and to explore a wide variety of aspects of the modern culture of German-speaking countries.

There is a strong emphasis on fluency and oral competence and authentic materials are used on topic areas that are chosen to be relevant to young people in a social, vocational, educational, literary or political context.

Students receive tuition from two teachers in the Lower Sixth. There is full access to IT facilities on the School’s network and the internet.

In addition, students are given time for Directed Study in which they are expected to undertake independent research. There is also a weekly lesson on an individual basis with a

language assistant to enhance oral competence. These arrangements allow for thorough coverage of all skill areas and flexibility in meeting the varied needs of the individual student.

The more complex grammatical structures required for the Lower Sixth Year are supplied in an intensive structured programme especially designed to bridge the gap between the less rigorous nature of GCSE/IGCSE and the demand for independence expected of the more mature student.

The successful Advanced level student will make full use of our excellent facilities and resources and will embrace all opportunities available in School: borrowing DVDs or library stock, taking part in study trips and perhaps making a contribution to the running of the Lower School German Club.

Independence and commitment outside the classroom are a great help.

AQA specification We will be following the AQA specification for A Level German.

Students will be encouraged to develop their linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries/ communities where German is spoken.

There are two main areas of interest: social issues and trends and political, intellectual and artistic culture. These are divided into sub-themes and at the end of the course, there will be examinations to test speaking, listening, reading, translation and writing.

research an area of personal interest related to the country/ community where German is spoken and this will be discussed in the final speaking examination.

The German Advanced level course is recommended for a variety of students: not only those who wish to make languages the focus of a Higher Education course but also for those who wish to study German in combination with other disciplines.

For interested students this is a rewarding and stimulating Advanced level choice.

The A Level course places greater emphasis on written style, tone and accuracy. Literary texts and German films are studied in preparation for the final examination units.

Students will be required to

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Acting Head of Department: Miss MJ Gorbat - mjg@kes.hants.sch.uk

History

Each set in the Sixth Form studies a chronological and geographical spread of subject matter.

Pupils from 2021 onwards will study, firstly, a paper on the British Empire from 1857-1967 and, secondly, another on modern American history. These topics have been chosen to allow pupils to get their teeth into some absorbing political issues, to meet some fascinating historical characters, and to develop the capacity for analysis across topics and timeframes.

In addition to this, the American topics fit in well with the US section of the Politics A Level “and the British Empire topic has never been more relevant to the present day, given the current Black Lives Matter protests and the debate over the Empire that this has created.”

Pupils also complete a 4,500 word coursework piece. The intention is to have it done by the end of the Autumn term of the Upper Sixth to prevent it from distracting students in the lead up to the final examinations.

Outside of the syllabus, the Department offers regular and structured preparation for the EPQ and Oxbridge entry. There is also a popular, pupil-directed Senior Historical Society add “, now known as the Coundley Historical Society,” which meets every fortnight to hear presentations given both by members of the Sixth Form and external speakers there is also a very popular series of evening lectures on a range of topics, offered by leading university academics. To broaden pupil experience of different topic areas, we run a Sixth Form reading group for the most able A Level historians that meets every term to discuss a book on an issue not covered in the normal A Level themes. In addition, the department runs regular trips to places such as Canterbury, Hampton Court, and the Tower of London.

Candidates take three units for the linear A Level Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

An examined ‘breadth study’ from British history. This will involve the study of the British Empire from 1857-1967, allowing students to investigate issues such as the development of the British Empire throughout the world and the process of decolonisation in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Pupils will be required to demonstrate understanding of the period as a whole.

A ‘depth study’ requiring pupils to study a period of approximately 50 years in depth. This unit allows pupils to immerse themselves fully in the history of a particular country or issue in a manner that is very satisfying academically.

Pupils will study aspects of modern American history here.

An in-depth coursework study.

Candidates will produce an independently researched 4,0005,000 word essay. This will be completed by Christmas in the Upper Sixth and will be internally assessed.

Head of Department: Mr NJ Diver - njd@kes.hants.sch.uk

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MATHEMATICS

There are two types of A Level Mathematics courses on offer at the School; both courses follow the OCR B (MEI) linear specification.

These courses have been developed by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) and are assessed by OCR. This is a well-established partnership that provides a firm foundation for curriculum and qualification development.

The specifications; • Encourage students to develop a deep understanding of mathematics and an ability to use it in a variety of contexts.

• Encourage students to use appropriate technology to deepen their mathematical understanding and extend the range of problems they can solve.

• Use pre-release data in statistics to enable students to develop an understanding of working with real data to solve real problems.

• Include mathematical comprehension in the assessment to prepare students to use mathematics in a variety of contexts in higher education and future employment.

A Level Mathematics OCR A Level in Mathematics B (MEI) builds from GCSE and IGCSE Level Mathematics and introduces calculus and its applications. It emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and how mathematics can be applied to model situations using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business. It prepares students for further study and employment in a wide range of disciplines involving the use of mathematics.

This is a two year linear qualification with no optional content.

The course can be slit into three main areas: Pure Mathematics includes proof, algebra, graphs, sequences, trigonometry, logarithms, calculus and vectors.

Mechanics includes kinematics, motion under gravity, working with forces including friction, Newton’s laws and simple movements.

Statistics includes working with data from a sample to make inferences about a population, probability calculations, using binomial and normal distributions as models and statistical hypothesis testing.

Assessment takes place at the end of the course in the form of three two hour examinations.

A Level Further Mathematics OCR A Level in Further Mathematics B (MEI) is both deeper and broader than A Level Mathematics. It is designed for students with a real enthusiasm for Mathematics. As well as building on the algebra and calculus introduced in A Level Mathematics, the A Level Further Mathematics core content introduces complex numbers and matrices, fundamental mathematical ideas with wide applications in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computing.

This is a double A Level course requiring you to commit to continuing with four A Levels. A Level Further Mathematics prepares students for further study and employment in highly mathematical disciplines that require knowledge and understanding of sophisticated mathematical ideas and techniques. If you are

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considering the Further Mathematics course you must not only be very able in Mathematics, but also have a great commitment and enjoyment of the subject.

The qualification comprises of one mandatory Core Pure examination of two hours and forty minutes which makes up 50% of the total marks. The non-core content includes different options that can enable students to specialise in areas of mathematics that are particularly relevant to their interests and future aspirations. These include additional mechanics, statistics or pure options as well as numerical methods and modelling with algorithms. Candidates have the choice of one major and one minor optional paper or three minor papers giving them the choice between breadth or depth.

Head of Department: Mr GA Eyssens - gae@kes.hants.sch.uk

MUSIC

The A Level Music course imaginatively explores the three musical disciplines: performance, composition and analysis. It is tailored to your strengths as coursework is weighted to the skills you most enjoy.

We follow the OCR specifications with 60% coursework and 40% examination. It ranges from classical to jazz and covers diverse musical interests. Instrumentalists and singers Grade 6 and above are well suited to this course regardless of having taken the subject at GCSE. A Level Unit 1 Performing

Unit 2 Composing

Unit 3 Historical Study

You will give a recital in your Upper Sixth year. The duration of this ranges from either 6 to 12 minutes depending on your coursework weighting. For candidates applying the minimum 25%, recitals are required to be 6 minutes, the maximum 35% will be 12 minutes.

Your recital can be solo or include ensemble works giving you the best experience. The recital is assessed by audio-visual recording.

Over the course you will complete two compositions as coursework as 25% of the A Level. For those wanting to showcase their composition, you can include an additional technical exercise with a 35% coursework weighting. You have dedicated composition lessons throughout the course teaching you the techniques of composing.

This is the only aspect of the A Level taken as an examination (40%).

You study a range of music, your first focus is 20th century jazz and jazz musicians. Your second focus is programme music of the 19th century. You also study 2 set works, one classical and one jazz.

It provides invaluable insight and analytical skill that is of huge benefit to performing musicians.

Music Scholarships

successful candidates who will be taking A Level Music.

Sixth Form Music Scholars reflect the most able and highest achieving of our performers here at King Edward VI School. Scholars gain a wealth of benefit unique to King Edward VI as we prepare young musicians for performance careers and university study. Scholarships are awarded on audition to

Destination of A Level musicians and Scholars have included: Birmingham Conservatoire (Jazz Performance), Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, KCL, Brunel and Bristol.

Head of Department: Miss CE Forsey - cef@kes.hants.sch.uk

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Philosophy

“ Many people would sooner die than think; in fact they do so.”

Bertrand Russell The religious and philosophical questions of mankind remain as important today as ever. Through the exploration of theology, philosophy and the world’s major religious traditions, a deeper understanding emerges of culture, humanity and of ourselves.

The questions that philosophy investigates are the most profound questions that we can ask. It investigates the deepest aspects of what it means to be human.

• Are we simply animals that have evolved, or do we have a spiritual dimension that will survive the death of our bodies?

• Does God exist, and if so, what does God expect of us?

• What can we know about the world we live in, and is certainty important?

• Is there one moral code for all people to live by, or is right and wrong ‘simply’ a matter of culture?

• How far can you take this idea – could it really ever be right to sexually abuse someone, whatever your culture says? Whether you study these questions in a religious context or not, they are questions that get to the heart of our existence.

Students at King Edward’s will be studying the AQA A Level in Philosophy and this means that students will be schooled in the art of thinking critically. Studying this subject is not simply about learning a body of knowledge, it is also about learning an invaluable skill - how to recognise, evaluate and construct arguments, whether on the page or in classroom debate.

The syllabus moves logically on from the GCSE RS syllabus which we also teach at King Edward’s but is also open to all regardless of whether they have studied Religious Studies or not. The only prerequisite to the A Level course is a willingness to engage in debate and to have one’s views held up for scrutiny.

The department aims to promote honest and robust discussion and to provide students with a stimulating, enjoyable and academically rigorous study of philosophy.

Why study Philosophy?

Philosophy is a rigorous and demanding academic discipline in its own right. It develops critical thinking and rigour in the search for truths in uncertain fields.

An A Level in Philosophy can be extremely valuable. An understanding of ethical issues is required in many professions such as Law, Chartered Accountancy, Banking, Medicine (particularly the Medical Ethics unit) and the Armed Forces. It is also an excellent subject for any pupil who wants to go on to work with people. If you are interested in studying medicine, the examination of medical ethics and the question of the sanctity of life in relation to abortion, genetic engineering and euthanasia would be invaluable.

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Head of Department: Mrs CA Lane - cal@kes.hants.sch.uk

PHYSICS

Physics is the study of the most fundamental aspects of the world and universe we live in. Ultimately, it forms the foundations of every other scientific field.

A Level Outline King Edward VI follows the OCR Physics B (Advancing Physics) course

Year 1

Originally developed in conjunction with the Institute of Physics, this course embraces some of the new and exciting applications of Physics, while providing a sound footing in the main areas, which will underpin any study of Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics at higher education level.

During the first year, students study the fundamental aspects of Physics. This is a good way to help students adapt to the increased demands of A Level study as well as new areas of study including Quantum Physics.

Students will recognise links with these exciting new areas and their previous studies at IGCSE level.

Students will also learn how to model the motion of objects according to Newton’s laws, a skill that could be applied to areas as diverse as computer game design to climate study.

In addition, according to a Russell Group study, Physics is one of the top A Levels that keeps more doors open to a variety of degree subjects. It is therefore an ideal choice for those still uncertain as to future degree study.

Physics in Action and Understanding Processes

Development of practical and data analysis skills

Year 2

Physics is a practical subject and thus gives students many opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data. Students practise handling and analysing a wide variety of data, including those they have collected themselves in the laboratory. Students work independently to design and undertake their own practical experimental investigation.

Students will encounter some of the ground-breaking work done by some of the world’s most famous scientists. Newton’s universal law of gravitation is covered in detail, and Einstein’s work on special relativity is covered including counter-intuitive consequences such as time dilation.

These skills are essential for any future study or career in science, but such transferrable skills of data analysis are highly sought after and can be applied to many disciplines.

Curriculum trips and other activities The course includes visits to University of Southampton and the opportunity to go to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, to tour the facilities of the Large Hadron Collider. We also have many students who compete successfully in the British Physics Olympiad.

Rise and Fall of the Clockwork Universe and Field and Particle Physics

Final areas covered include the fascinating world of electro-magnetism, which underpins much of modern life, from electricity generation and transmission to mobile phones. Along with the areas of radioactivity and particle Physics, illustrating how successive models have been refined over the past 120 years to give us the understanding we have today.

Students learn how to model physical phenomena using simple mathematical models, skills which could be applied to areas such as finance or preventing the spread of disease.

Head of Department: Mr RS Simm - rss@kes.hants.sch.uk

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politics

Traditionally, Politics A Level has gone hand in hand with History A Level, with the two subjects offering both clear overlap in terms of the technical skills and methods of thinking required to do well and, often, clear connections between the topics being studied.

That said, Politics stands as a respected subject in its own right and combines very effectively with a wide range of other subjects.

On both sides of the Atlantic, politics in recent years has reached new levels of excitement, interest and relevance and it is hoped that this course, focusing as it does on both British and American politics, will appeal to anyone who has found themselves absorbed by the dramatic recent events in both countries. In addition, it is anticipated that the Political Ideas unit will appeal to those interested in the ideological underpinnings of the political battle.

This two-year linear course consists of three units with no coursework requirement:

The Government and Politics of the UK • Parliament • The Prime Minister and Cabinet • The Judiciary • Devolution • Democracy and Elections • Political Parties • Pressure Groups • Britain and the European Union

The Government and Politics of the USA • The US Constitution • The Congress • The President • The Judicial Branch • Elections and Political Parties • Pressure Groups • Civil Rights

Political Ideas All candidates will make a study of liberalism, conservativism, socialism and one of multiculturalism, anarchism or feminism.

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Subject Coordinator: Mr RK Potter - rkp@kes.hants.sch.uk

PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology A Level teaches students to ‘analyse like a scientist and reason like a lawyer’.

An interest in ‘people’ is essential to the study of Psychology. Lessons are interactive and students are expected to develop their skills in constructing logical arguments on paper, as well as being willing to contribute to class discussions. Critical evaluation is a key skill which students will practise throughout the course. We help students to structure their notes and practise exam skills by providing workbooks for each topic. We use the excellent OUP textbook series, and provide students with the accompanying Revision Guides co-authored by the Head of Department, Ms Moody, who is also an AQA Examiner for Psychology.

Course structure and content The first year of the course gives a broad introduction to Psychology, and students start to evaluate evidence and theories. Topics include: • Social influence – why people conform and obey, and how social change can occur.

• Psychopathology – looking at the symptoms of three common mental illnesses, along with explanations and treatments.

• Memory – different theories of how memory works and how we can improve the accuracy of eye-witness testimony.

• Attachment – why it is so important for babies to form good attachments with their parents.

In the Upper Sixth, topics are studied in more depth, including: •F orensic psychology – why people commit crimes and how society should deal with criminals. During the Upper Sixth we visit the Royal Courts of Justice to take part in a mock trial.

•S chizophrenia – symptoms, explanations and treatments.

•G ender – how our biology and experience influence gender identity.

•P hilosophical debates relating to Psychology nature-nurture, free will versus determinism, and issues of gender and culture bias in Psychology.

• Neuroscience - how the brain affects behaviour.

• Research methods – how psychological research works. Students will experience the processes of planning experiments or observational studies, collecting and analysing data.

Assessment

Progression

We follow the AQA specification. There are three examination papers, all taken at the end of the Upper Sixth. They include a mixture of multiple choice, short and longer questions, with the longest requiring about 500 words of writing. There is no assessed coursework but students undertake their own psychological research, with guidance, during the Lower Sixth.

This includes a day of animal observation at Marwell Wildlife, group projects throughout the year, and an individual project in the summer. Some students have successfully developed these into an EPQ.

Psychology is recognised by universities as a rigorous and demanding Science A Level, and is valuable for students who may wish to progress to degree courses in clinical subjects (medicine, physiotherapy, veterinary sciences, nursing), social work, and education.

A Psychology degree is essential for Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology and Forensic Psychology, and can lead to many other specialist fields such as Sports Psychology and Human Resources. It is also very useful for other careers such as business, journalism and law.

Students can succeed in Psychology if they have strengths in Science or Humanities subjects, as it incorporates skills from both areas.

Head of Department: Ms RJ Moody - rjm@kes.hants.sch.uk

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SPANISH

Spanish in the Lower Sixth builds on the foundations laid at IGCSE. Familiar topics form the basis of the first parts of the language course, but a lot of new vocabulary is added.

You should aim to begin the course with a firm knowledge of the major verb tenses and forms for both regular and irregular verbs.

A working knowledge of the bulk of IGCSE vocabulary will also be assumed.

As the language course progresses, more advanced structures are introduced, and these require a sound understanding of the more basic structures if they are to be effectively added to your linguistic armoury.

By the end of the first term, you should find yourself beginning to cope successfully with understanding and communicating in genuinely advanced Spanish. By the end of the two-year course to A Level, our best students achieve near-native fluency in a wide variety of topics and situations.

Work will be done mainly in Spanish. Your teachers will speak to you in Spanish for the great majority of the time and you will be expected to conduct yourself, even for the most routine issues, in Spanish. You will be expected to undertake a good deal of independent work as well as the work set.

A lot of the language work is based upon the reading of a variety of texts and listening to recorded authentic material, often from internet sources.

All you do will improve your ability to communicate in speech and in writing, develop your ability to construct a convincing argument and use evidence appropriately, and as you do so, you will also gain confidence in defending your arguments against those of others.

All these skills are needed when performing successfully at an advanced level.

The department offers students the opportunity to travel to Salamanca during February half-term. The week-long trip involves staying with families (normally in pairs) and attending daily culture and language classes at a local language school (4 hours/day). Although this is not a compulsory trip, it is highly recommended as it helps greatly with fluency, comprehension skills, confidence and gives a real insight into Spanish life and culture.

AQA specification In A Level Spanish students will be encouraged to develop their linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries/ communities where Spanish is spoken. The Department of Education has specified two main areas of interest: social issues and trends and political, intellectual and artistic culture. At the end of the course, there are three examinations; Speaking; Listening; Reading and Translation and a Critical response in writing.

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The A Level course places greater emphasis on written style, tone and accuracy. Literary texts and Spanish films are studied in preparation for the final examination units. There will be a requirement to research an area of personal interest related to the country/communities where Spanish is spoken.

and by allowing for a good deal of independent research and choice at A Level.

Our Spanish students are increasingly leaving us to study Spanish at university alongside subjects such as business and economics, law, management, history and English literature.

The course is stimulating, engaging and challenging. It allows students to progress and develop into linguists of the highest calibre by testing a wide range of skills

Head of Department: Mrs EM Ladislao - eml@kes.hants.sch.uk

SPORTS SCIENCE

Subject content includes: 1. Applied anatomy and physiology 2. Skill acquisition 3. Sport and society 4. Exercise physiology 5. Biomechanical movement 6. Sport psychology 7. Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Paper 1 Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport Section A (35 marks)

Section B (35 marks)

Section C (35 marks)

Applied Anatomy and Physiology Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Skill acquisition Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Sport and Society Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Paper 2 Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport Section A (35 marks)

Section B (35 marks)

Section C (35 marks)

Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Sport Psychology Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Sport and Society and Technology in Sport Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

Non-exam assessment Practical performance in physical activity and sport Internal assessment, external moderation. (90 marks) Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity.

Subject Coordinator: Mrs C Kelly - ck@kes.hants.sch.uk

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Co-Curriculum Guide

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King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

beyond the classroom

If you’ve been at King Edward’s for a few years, you’ll know how important and valuable we think it is to pursue a range of activities outside of the classroom.

In the Sixth Form, these thoughts don’t change; but the opportunities available to you do.

By the end of your two Sixth Form years, we will send you out into the world of higher education and work and we want you to go on that journey with confidence and experience, excited and prepared to relish even more of life’s opportunities.

We want you to have a sense of pride in what you have already achieved, knowing that you made the most of your time here at KES.

Participate Think Compete Lead Serve Express Explore

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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Participate

Get involved, because that’s what it’s all about.

It can also break up the hard work and inevitable pressures that Sixth Form life sometimes brings.

It allows you to get to know people outside of your regular social groups, to try new things and can empower you with a host of new skills that might, in some cases, be hobbies for the rest of your lives.

And let’s face it, it makes you a much more interesting character and will give you something to talk about at parties (and, dare we say it, interviews…).

Academic, cultural, sporting, charitable, thought-provoking… the list goes on. So what can you get involved in? Have a look at the range of clubs and societies on offer on the website.

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King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

Think

Academic societies Nearly all subjects offered at the School (and some that are not) have an academic society that is run by Sixth Formers. You choose the topics, the speakers and even the biscuits.

Where a society doesn’t already exist we will support you in setting it up. In recent years student initiative has led to the formation of, among others, Diversity Society, Politics Society and even a Harry Potter Club!

Academic trips You will be invited to attend lectures locally and, further afield, you might even find yourself re-treading the path of existentialist philosophers in Paris or watching a solar eclipse in the Faroe Islands.

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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Compete

Raise the bar. It’s important to learn what it feels like to win.

We also think that it’s imperative to have followed a path of commitment, preparation, hard work and adrenaline. It is also essential to learn how to deal with second place.

At King Edward’s, there are opportunities in all spheres to step up to the plate.

In sport, rugby, netball, girls’ and boys’ hockey, cricket, rounders, football, tennis and basketball all have competitive fixtures against other schools. Young Enterprise, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Linguistic Olympiads, as well as other subject-based essay competitions, are run within departments allowing you to see how you fare on a national scale.

The School enters local and national debating competitions through the Senior Debating and Public Speaking Society.

Internally the House system’s Allen Grant trophy affords numerous chances to compete against your peers. What’s on offer at this level? Hockey, badminton, rugby, football, the House Quiz, netball, the Ready Steady Cook event, basketball, rounders and music competitions.

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King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

Lead

Throughout the Sixth Form, students have the chance to build and practise leadership skills.

There are both formal positions of responsibility and numerous less formal opportunities to assume a leadership or mentoring role with younger students or your peer group.

Leadership positions such as Head and Deputy Heads of School, Senior Prefects (known as ‘Prepositors’), Lower School Prefects, and Heads of Houses are open to all by application. Different roles have different responsibilities attached, and all students are encouraged to put themselves forward for those roles where they think they can build skills, add value, and have some fun.

Some Prepositors will be attached to specific year groups in the school, working closely with staff to support and mentor younger students as well as helping organise events such as Parents’ Evenings.

Other Prepositors take a leadership position in a whole school area, such as Charities, Partnerships, Sustainability, or Creative Arts.

Lower School Prefects join in and lead group base activities for younger students and may accompany them on team building trips. Heads of House take responsibility for galvanising the House, picking teams, and encouraging participation in the best spirit.

All Sixth Formers in positions of responsibility get to work closely with teaching staff; including regular meetings with senior staff to provide a student voice in the school’s decision making process.

Sixth Formers also take the lead in a host of activities, from heading up academic societies to helping run and organise school events. Training days take place for those with formal leadership positions, and all students benefit from developing a range of soft skills during their time in the Sixth Form.

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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Serve

The student-led Charities Commission is a huge part of school life, with a flourishing number of members at any one time, and the entire school being involved in fundraising activities.

It runs a myriad of events and in recent years has been tipping the £25,000 mark. It is a part of school life in which everyone gets involved, but where the Sixth Form take the helm.

Every year a charities team either go to the Goedgedacht Project in South Africa or run an in-house project with Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association. Both of these projects create unforgettable memories. And for both projects it’s not just what happens in the summer holidays; it’s a two year commitment to doing the best This trip is paid for entirely from fundraising done by they can for the young people that they encounter.

KES and events such as the ‘Battle of the Bands’ are a Summer Camp also runs each July. A team of Sixth highlight in the school calendar.

Formers take a group of young carers, aged between All of these projects have selection processes with 8 and 12, on a week-long activity-packed holiday in application forms and interviews.

Swanage. Summer Camp is a chance for these young people to be relieved of their daily level of responsibility Partnerships that run with local schools also form and to have some well-earned time off, and fun. a large part of life at KES. We have many current activities up and running, with additional workshops in art, computing and music happening intermittently.

We run an annual partnership scheme with a local primary school to our Rural Study Centre on Dartmoor, where Sixth Formers mentor primary pupils in a residential setting, and have a brilliant time.

Have a look at the Clubs and Societies list on the website for details of what is running now and what you can get involved with.

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King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

EXPRESS

With busy and successful music, drama, art and dance programmes, both those who really excel at, and those who simply enjoy, creative arts can get involved.

Our plays give students the opportunity to act, stage manage and become involved in design and front of house responsibilities.

Sixth Form students can also sign up for training in stage make-up at lunchtimes and there is usually a Sixth Form play in the spring, produced and directed

by Sixth Formers themselves. A team of enthusiastic and energetic Sixth Formers assist with the running of Junior Drama Club each week and any member of the School can choose to put on a half hour performance at lunchtime in our state-of-the-art Dobson Theatre.

Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, Rock Academy, Choir or simply jamming… there is something for all Sixth Formers in the busy Music Department where regular concerts are staged throughout the year. There is the opportunity for talented musicians to lead and conduct groups such as Music Tech Club and Sixth Form musicians regularly stage their own concerts for charity and many use their musical activities for their Duke of Edinburgh Award skills section.

Concert visits in Southampton and beyond, playing side by side with visiting professional workshop musicians, community projects, charity concerts, orchestras, the Carol Service and Spring Concert are just some of the highlights of what is on offer.

Music tours abroad also occur with regularity.

If you are a dancer, there are many opportunities to use the purpose-built dance studio. Musical theatre, tap, ballet, contemporary dance and Zumba classes are open to all.

Sixth Form artists get heavily involved in the photography and design of programmes for concerts, plays and charity events. There are also opportunities for regular life drawing classes and trips to galleries, as well as trips further afield. The Partnerships Art Club lets older artists pass on their enthusiasm to others, and the art rooms are open at lunch times and after school for independent work.

Creative Sixth Form students play an important role in the biennial Arts Festival where they join the management team and help plan and run the festival.

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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Explore

We don’t want you to do all of your learning on the Hill Lane site and each year we travel to all corners of the earth, as well as getting around Hampshire and the UK. In the last few years: Real science in the Faroe Islands and CERN, and in Madagascar, Indonesia, Honduras, and Mexico with Operation Wallacea.

German trips to Mutterstadt and Berlin, charity work in South Africa and Swanage as well as language exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Sports tours to Holland, the Caribbean, South Africa, USA, Canada, Sri Lanka, Spain and Ireland and skiing in Europe and North America.

Expeditions to India, Thailand and Cambodia, Norway and Alaska along with classical tours of Greece, Italy, Turkey and music tours in Paris, Prague, Austria and Italy. Duke of Edinburgh’s award expeditions in Dartmoor, the Lake District and Elan Valley, museum, gallery and theatre visits in Greece, Rome, Brighton, Bath, Yorkshire, Manchester, Exeter, Weymouth, Oxford, London and, finally, Southampton!

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King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

D of E is incredibly popular at KES, with expeditions taking place from Easter to November.

We currently have about 100 students in the Sixth Form working towards the five sections of the Gold Award: skill, service, physical recreation, residential and volunteering sections. It is undeniably hard work but totally worth it.

At KES our kit store houses all of the tents, rucksacks and sleeping bags that you might need, as well as other bits and bobs, meaning that if you’re short on kit the only thing you will need is boots and clothes.

We also don’t put a quota on how many people can get involved, so if you already have Silver you can start immediately! If you don’t, the Silver option is still available to you as a Sixth Former.

www.kes.hants.sch.uk

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Key Dates

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Sixth Form Information Evening

Thursday 22 October 2020

Sixth Form Tea

Tuesday 1 December 2020

Closing date for Applications

Friday 29 January 2021

Sixth Form Interviews

Saturday 6 March 2021

Sixth Form Results mailed

Friday 12 March 2021

Deadline for Acceptances

Wednesday 24 March 2021

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ

www.kes.hants.sch.uk