Master subject information guide booklet 2015

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM 2015

Introduction by the Head Master We hope that the experience and resources of the Sixth Form at King Edward’s will help you to achieve your best as a confident and caring young adult with a commitment to the wider community. You will be able to combine academic achievement with involvement in a wide range of sport and activities and the development of key skills such as effective communication and personal organisation. We also cherish the time and space available in the Sixth Form to allow you to read widely, challenge received thinking and experiment with fresh ideas.

There is a considerable degree of subject choice on offer and a range of possible subject combinations.

The A level modular structure should enable you to be well prepared for the style and approach of most degree courses with the focus on taking charge of your own learning. The results speak for themselves with 83% of grades attained at A*, A or B and over 20% of all examinations taken awarded an A*. Over 40% of our students gained three A grades or more. There is a great deal of specialised advice available at the School to guide you through the complexities of university admissions and subsequent career choice.

Almost all King Edward’s students go on to Higher Education, with over 93% achieving their first or second choice of course and 82% taking up places at the top 25 universities including 7 at Oxford and Cambridge last year (representing 10% of the total application over the past 5 years).

Sixth Form education at King Edward’s has, however, always embraced a great deal more than excellent facilities, high quality teaching in small groups and rigorous preparation for examinations. We value the opportunities for teamwork, leadership and taking responsibility which are available here. Through the extensive range of sporting, cultural and extra-curricular activities, we hope to stretch and challenge you and to offer you the chance to try something new, whether it is through charitable activities such as Summer Camp or the Goedgedacht Project in South Africa, biology field work in the rain forests of Madagascar, involvement in international sporting tours, the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme or expeditions to destinations as varied as Italy, Prague, Nepal and Morocco. Many of you will opt to take further some of the ideas sparked by these experiences and may want to pursue them through a GAP year.

This booklet and the Sixth Form prospectus together provide an introduction to what is on offer at King Edward's after GCSE. I commend it to you.

Government A Level Reform The structure of the new A levels has been much publicised in the media over the last two years.

Principally the full A level will become a two year linear course with more synoptic assessment and all assessment at the end of the Upper Sixth. The new AS course has been entirely decoupled from the A level, so that the marks do not count towards the final full A level grade. This means that any student sitting an AS examination and then continuing on to the full A level will be re-examined on that AS content and the AS exam grade will not count. The AS course will continue to exist as a standalone qualification only with all grades needing to be declared on UCAS forms. At King Edward’s it is unlikely that we will examine any student for an AS examination in the Lower Sixth.

The Government has decided to take a staged approach to reform with a first group of subjects changing in September 2015 and the remaining changing from 2016 and 2017. At King Edward’s we will teach and examine all subjects on a two year linear system from September 2016. It is unlikely that we will externally examine any course at the end of the Lower Sixth, other than those, subjects which change from 2017 and have a practical element (Design Technology, Music, Music Technology, Theatre Studies and Sports Science) These will retain their external assessment in the summer examination season of the Lower Sixth.

The Two Routes for Sixth Form Studies You have a choice between two routes of study in the Sixth Form: a provisional choice is made at the outset of your Sixth Form career and confirmed in the Spring/Summer term of the Lower Sixth year.

Route 1 - Three full Advanced level subjects You choose four subjects to study in the Lower Sixth, then decide in the Spring/Summer term of the Lower Sixth year which three to continue to full Advanced level in the Upper Sixth. If you follow this route, you will leave the Sixth Form with three full Advanced level qualifications.

Route 2 - Four full Advanced level subjects You can opt to follow a potentially more demanding four-subject curriculum through to full A level. All four subjects chosen in the Lower Sixth will be continued to full Advanced level in the Upper Sixth. If you follow this route, you will leave the Sixth Form with four full Advanced level qualifications. It is, however, possible to revert to a three-subject Upper Sixth curriculum in the Spring/Summer term of the Lower Sixth year.

Open Forum, Foundation Studies and the Extended Project These offer opportunities for broadening the Sixth Form education experience at King Edward Vi School.

More details can be found in the following pages.

The Sixth Form Programme in Outline (periods per 2 week cycle)

Lower Sixth



A1



A2



A3



A4



Games



Foundation Studies & Open Forum



Private Study



A1



A2



A3



Games



Foundation Studies, Extended Project & Open Forum



Private Study



A1



A2



A3



A4



Games



Open Forum



Private Study

Upper Sixth Route 1

Upper Sixth Route 2

Private Study in the Sixth Form Your Lower Sixth timetable will be made up as follows: 

11 class periods in each of your 4 A level subjects



4 periods of Games



1 period of Open Forum



2 periods of Foundation Studies



9 periods of Private Study

Five of your Private Study periods will appear as blanks on your timetable, four of them have the subject name, your teaching set code and DS1 or DS2 instead of a teacher or room. DS stands for Directed Study.

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.

The difference between the blank Private Study periods and the subject-designated Directed Study periods is that your teachers will have specific expectations about what you will do with that time. 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 (or in their equivalent in terms of time). 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 periods will help you manage the rest of your Private Study time independently and effectively. 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.

The Extended Project What is it?

The Extended Project offers an opportunity to use timetabled time to explore in depth an area of academic interest to you, leading to an AS level qualification graded up to A*. The qualification begins at the end of the Lower Sixth year with the aim of completing the Project by January of your Upper Sixth year.

Any student can apply to study for the Extended Project, and the School very strongly recommends it for those applying to competitive universities who are not continuing with four subjects in the Upper Sixth.

The EP usually takes the form of an extended essay, or mini-dissertation but it is also possible to base it around a performance or work of art, or an experiment or field study.

There are few restrictions on the subject matter, and the choice is down to the individual student in consultation with their appointed supervisor. Most often students decide to take further an area of one or more of their existing academic subjects. Alternatively the EP 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, Politics or Architecture.

Why should you take the Extended Project?

The EP 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 EP for developing insight, clarity of thought, and analytical ability, and he, along with many senior admissions tutors, encourages candidates to undertake one.

What is involved?

There is a series of taught sessions on issues such as research skills, referencing, evaluating competing arguments, ethical viewpoints, and presentation skills. Students taking the EP attend these in place of Foundation Studies in the Autumn term of the Upper Sixth. In addition, time is put aside to use the excellent facilities at Southampton University library. Students meet regularly with their academic supervisor and are expected to produce an extended piece of writing on their chosen subject and present it to a small audience. The work is marked internally and moderated externally by Edexcel, the awarding body. In the 3 years since the inception of the Extended Project at KES, 42% of students taking the qualification have been awarded an A*, 83% of students have gained an A* - A, 94% of students have gained an A* - B and 100% of have achieved A* to C.

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 leader of the largest all female group to ski to the South Pole Martha Holmes series producer with the BBC wildlife unit in Bristol Mike Hurst guitarist and pop producer Steve Pendleton ex-infantryman on rebuilding his life after a devastating accident Freddie Knoller survivor of Auschwitz concentration camp Martin Taylor stage hypnosis without hypnotism Erwin James former convict now a successful writer and prison reformer Emma Cole living with HIV for nearly 20 years Alan Whitehead local MP Rick Finder 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 Digital Skills Road Ready; a guide to car ownership Applying to University Into work; getting a job 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, first aid, team and leadership skills, model rocketry, robotics, philosophy, power boating, self-defence and video editing.

A Level Subject Options CHOOSE 4 SUBJECTS FROM THE LIST BELOW

Art* or Photography * Biology Business Studies * Chemistry Classical Civilisation Computer Science* Design Technology * Economics * English Language English Literature French Further Mathematics – see note 3 Geography * German History * Latin Mathematics with Mechanics Mathematics with Statistics Music* Music Technology * Philosophy and Ethics * Physics Psychology* Spanish Sports Science * Theatre Studies * NOTES: 1.

2.

3.

4.

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.

You will not normally be allowed to study three new subjects at Advanced 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. Further Mathematics is only to be chosen as a fourth full Advanced level and must be combined with Mathematics [Mechanics]. By choosing it you are committing yourself to following Route 2 and taking four subjects in the Upper Sixth.

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.

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

The School’s policy is that we accept a student to study a subject if he or she has a B grade or higher at GCSE or IGCSE in the relevant subject or its near equivalent unless there are significant mitigating factors.

In a number of subjects such as the sciences, mathematics and modern foreign languages it is the expectation of the school that a student achieves at least an A grade at GCSE or IGCSE. This is to ensure that the student’s knowledge and skills are of a level sufficient to allow access to the subject in the King Edward’s Sixth Form and to offer the realistic prospect of a successful outcome at Advanced level.

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.

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 Mr P Sheppard, Head of Upper School, Mr ND Culver, Director of Sixth Form, Ms RM Greenwood, Director of Student Guidance and Mrs CJ Mandley, Head of Careers.

External Candidates If you have successfully completed your GCSE/IGCSE 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 choices for A level, remember to choose subjects that you enjoy, that you are good at and that are in line with your intentions for higher education.

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.

Offers of Sixth Form places will be made following interviews in March 2016. Your offer may be subject to your obtaining a specified grade in one or more subjects.

Transition from Lower Sixth 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.

Candidates seeking advice from the School are invited to contact: Head of Upper School Director of Sixth Form Director of Student Guidance Deputy Head Academic Assistant Head Registrar

Mr P Sheppard Mr ND Culver Ms RM Greenwood Dr BM Waymark Mrs EL Sheppard

ps@kes.hants.sch.uk ndc@kes.hants.sch.uk rmg@kes.hants.sch.uk bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk els@kes.hants.sch.uk

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 80704561.

Subject Information

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 AS 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. The Art studios are designed to give each student a permanent area 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 A2 studio and a subject specific IT suite.

You will receive continual assessment on your progress and regular informal and formal tutorials. Your final assessment for the AS level award is as follows: Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio (worth 60%) During the first two terms of the course you will have the opportunity to experience drawing, painting, printmaking and photography. This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical 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.

Unit 2: Externally-Set Assignment (worth 40% AS) Preparatory period - from 1 February Following receipt of the paper students should consider the starting points and select one. Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals, models and maquettes.

Following the preparatory period, students must complete 10 hours of unaided, supervised time.

If you choose to continue into the second year to complete the A2 course there are two further assessments: YEAR 2 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: 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.

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

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 ‘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 photographer’s 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. The Department has DSLR cameras as well as a range of film cameras The AS 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. You do not have to have studied Art at GCSE but you will need to be self-motivated as much photography needs in be undertaken out of school time.

During the first two terms of the course you will have the opportunity to experience both digital and chemical photographic processes. This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical project.

Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio (worth 60%) 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.

Unit 2: Externally-Set Assignment (worth 40%) Preparatory period - from 1 February.

Following receipt of the paper students should consider the starting points and select one. Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals, blogs.

Following the preparatory period, students must complete 10 hours of unaided, supervised time.

If you choose to continue into the second year to complete the full A level course there are two further assessments: YEAR 2 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: 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.

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

BIOLOGY We have followed Edexcel’s Salters Nuffield Biology since its inception, KES teachers contributed to the course at its beginning. 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.

For students beginning their A level study in 2016, Biology will be in its second year of linear assessment. We will 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 Emphasise application of knowledge rather that rote-learning Have activities and practical work integrated throughout 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.

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.

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

Paper 1 – covers material from the LVI (AS) course and 2 A level units. “The Natural Environment and Species Survival” Paper 2 – covers material from the LVI (AS) 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-release article. “General and Practical Applications in Biology” 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 £400.

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

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.

The skills you require; 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.

Course structure and content; The course being followed is the AQA Business Specification (7132).

The course covers the following topics: What is business?

Managers, leadership and decision making 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 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.

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 MA Walter maw@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.

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.

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.

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

Some of the topics covered over the two years include: Atomic Structure Bonding Redox Energetics Equilibrium Organic Chemistry Transition Metals Features of A level question papers: Some multiple choice questions Short response questions ( 2 or 3 marks) Calculations ( 20% of total marks) Some ‘extended response’ questions ( 6 marks or more) Questions ramped in difficulty through the paper At AS: two papers covering different topics At A level: Paper 1 and 2 are topic based Paper 3 will assess across the whole subject and have a practical focus ( 15-20% of total marks on practical skills)

Head of Department: Mr RJ Cross rjc@kes.hants.sch.uk

CLASSICS The three Classical Advanced levels that can be studied at the School are Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation. You can do all three of the subjects or just take any one or two of them, if you wish. All the 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 and Classical Greek, you will need to have taken these subjects at GCSE. LATIN (OCR) 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. 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! 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.

CLASSICAL GREEK (OCR) Classical Greek is an extremely well regarded qualification. Few schools are now able to offer the subject at this level, and this will probably be your only opportunity to do it. It is often a shame if those who have made such efforts to gain mastery of the language at GCSE do not continue with it into the Sixth Form, where there is the chance to read magnificent literature, a final reward for all the grammatical pains! If you like being stretched and made to think, it is one of the best subjects to do.

Assessment Unit

Level

Name

Duration

1

AS

Unseen Translation L1+G1

1 hr 30 min

2

AS

Literature

L2+G2

1 hr 30 min

3

A2

Verse

L3+G3

1 hr 30 min

4

A2

Prose

L4+G4

1 hr 30 min

Both the Latin and Classical Greek courses offer 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. If you choose to study Latin and/or Classical Greek 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 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.

AQA Unit

Level

Name

Duration

1

AS*

Classical Civilisation 1

CIV1

1 hr 30 min

2

AS*

Classical Civilisation 2

CIV2

1 hr 30 min

3

A2

Classical Civilisation 1

CIV3

1 hr 30 min

4

A2

Classical Civilisation 2

CIV4

1 hr 30 min

* to be examined in May/June of the Upper Sixth Candidates choose one topic for each unit.

Unit details: 1.

Athenian Democracy, The Life and Times of Cicero, Women in Athens and Rome, Menander and Plautus, Greek Architecture and Sculpture, Aristophanes and Athens

2.

Homer (Iliad), Homer (Odyssey), Athenian Vase Painting, Athenian Imperialism, Roman Architecture and Town Planning, The Second Punic War

3.

The Persian Wars 490-479 BC, Mycenaean Civilisation, Greek Tragedy, Augustus and the Foundation of the Principate

4.

Tiberius and Claudius, Roman Epic, Alexander, Socrates and Athens

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

COMPUTER SCIENCE International A-Level – Cambridge Examinations Board The aim of the Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science is to encourage learners to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science and how computer programs work in a range of contexts.

Studying Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science will help learners develop a range of skills such as thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically.

Students will study topics including information representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database modelling. As they progress, learners will develop their computational thinking and use problem solving to develop computer-based solutions using algorithms and programming languages.

They will also be able to appreciate the ethical issues that arise with current and emerging computing technologies.

Students who have not studied the subject at GCSE are not excluded: however, they should contact the Head of Computing to discuss suitability.

It is comprised of four units with units 3 and 4 being studies in the second year of the course.

EVEL FROM 2015 Unit 1: Theory fundamentals Unit 2: Fundamental problem-solving and programming Unit 3: Advanced theory Unit 4: Further problem-solving and programming skills Each unit is assessed by a written examination.

For further information please go to: http://tinyurl.com/pmudom9

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

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY The AS and A2 courses 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.

Both the full A level and AS courses will be 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

DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES Drama and Theatre Studies at AS and 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 both courses 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!

Please note that the department organise a variety of theatre trips throughout the course, some of which will be compulsory to meet the requirements of the examination. 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.

AS LEVEL Component 1: Interpreting drama Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of total AS marks Section A – one two part question on a given extract from the set text.

Section B – one question on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production seen during the course Component 2: Process and performance (practical) 60% of total A/S Performance of extract (30 marks) Portfolio (30 marks) Marked internally by teachers and externally moderated by AQA Working in groups to develop and present two extracts each from a different play Extract 2 is performed as a final assessment piece Portfolio evidencing interpretive process and evaluation of performance.

A LEVEL Component 1: Written Paper, 3 hours 40% 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 two part question on a given extract from a second set play selected to represent 20 th and 21st century drama.

Component 2: Creating original drama (practical) This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA 30% of total A level marks 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.

Component 3: Making theatre (practical) 30% of total A level marks 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 CL Piggott clp@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).

The course covers the following topics: Individuals, firms, markets and market failure (microeconomics) Economic methodology and the economic problem Individual economic decision making Price determination in a competitive market Production, costs and revenue Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly The labour market The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets The national and international economy (macroeconomics) The measurement of macroeconomic performance How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, aggregate demand/aggregate supply analysis and related concepts Economic performance Financial markets and monetary policy Fiscal policy and supply-side policy The international economy 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 suitable preparation for many degree courses and careers, especially those related to the worlds of finance and business.

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 MA Walter maw@kes.hants.sch.uk

ENGLISH LANGUAGE What is it?

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?

Both the AS and A-Level course will help you to develop a range of skills essential for further education and employment.

As a result of studying English Language you will develop a greater technical understanding of how languages work. You will also consider the relationship between language and the development of ideas, beliefs and attitudes; society and social interaction; and the construction of identity. You will also become a more active and discerning reader as well as a more skilled, confident writer.

Studying English Language at AS or A level is excellent preparation for Higher Education courses in Linguistics, English Literature, Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities and Social Science subjects. It also provides a perfect foundation for careers in Journalism and the Media, Law, Politics and the Civil Service.

Critical awareness of language not only helps you understand how you express yourself, but also how others use language and for what purposes.

What will you study?

At AS level you will complete two examinations, while at A-Level you will complete two examinations and two pieces of coursework.

AS LEVEL Paper One: Language and the Individual This part of the course will introduce you to advanced language study by exploring a range of spoken, written and electronic texts. You will consider how language is used to create and convey meanings and how language is manipulated to achieve a specific effect. You will also explore how ideas, people, places and events can be represented in different ways through language.

Paper Two: Language Varieties This part of the course will enable you to explore how language differs according to different factors such as gender, occupation, social class, age and geographical location. You will also learn about the attitudes to, and debates about, some of the controversial issues relating to language diversity. You will learn to write in a variety of styles by tailoring your language to suit different audiences and purposes.

A LEVEL Paper One: Language, the Individual and Society In this part of the course you will develop your skills of linguistic analysis by exploring a wide range of spoken, written and electronic texts from a range of different time periods and places. You will also study how young children develop both spoken and written language and explore the different ideas and theories about how and why this remarkable process takes place.

Paper Two: Language Diversity and Change For this unit you will study how and why the English language has changed over time and consider how it may continue to change in the future. You will also study language diversity, considering different factors that contribute to variation such as gender, ethnicity, social background, geographical location and profession. Additionally you will explore the contemporary debates surrounding language use today, developing your own views and learning how to express your opinions in both an informative and entertaining manner.

Coursework: Language in Action You will conduct a Language Investigation on a subject of your choice. You will develop a range of research skills and independence by collecting and analysing your own data. In addition you will also create an original piece of writing such as a short story, feature article or blog post.

Head of Department: Mrs JL Gunton jlg@kes.hants.sch.uk

ENGLISH LITERATURE Why Study Literature?

Arnold Wesker described words as ‘a bridge to another land’. Literature is about using words in a special way to communicate ideas and feelings. In Literature classes you will be discussing these ideas and feelings in an open and mature manner and in so doing you begin to understand not only about the text, but about yourself.

Literature is also a facilitating subject, a serious academic discipline that appeals to universities for students intending to study a wide range of degrees.

How is it different from IGCSE? At A level you have the time to really explore texts instead of racing through them as is necessary at IGCSE. 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 do I need to study Literature?

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.

Paper 1: Literary Genres written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes closed book 40% of A-Level 75 marks closed book 40% of A-level 75 marks At KES we have chosen to study:

Option 1A: Aspects of Tragedy (from Hamlet, King Lear, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, The Monk’s Tale, poetry of John Keats, The Great Gatsby*) 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.

Paper 2: Texts and Genres written exam: 3 hours open book 75 marks 40% of A-level

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

Option 2A: Elements of Crime Writing (Ian McEwan, Graham Greene, Charles Dickens, George Browning, Agatha Christie, Samuel Taylor Coleridge*) OR Option 2B: Elements of Political Writing (Margaret Atwood, Khaled Hosseini, Tony Harrison, Jim Crace, Charles Dickens, Henrik Ibsen) Coursework: Theory and Independence 50 marks 20% of A-level 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).

Two essays of 1250 -1500 words. * Individual teachers will choose specific texts and writers.

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

FRENCH Studying French in the Sixth Form can be extremely rewarding. Students combine French with a wide variety of subjects and most aspire to being fluent French speakers by the end of the Upper Sixth. Numbers in the Sixth Form have been rising steadily in recent years as KES students realise the value of a foreign language and appreciate how well French can add to their overall profile. French can improve students’ chances of getting on to a good university course and later into an interesting career.

French classes are relatively small with about ten students in each class, 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 opportunities available to develop linguistic skills, be it in lunchtime workshops or language conferences, by borrowing a DVD of a French film or by taking part in the French trip to Montpellier 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.

The language facilities are outstanding. The classrooms have been refurbished and all have interactive whiteboards. The multi-media centre has the ‘Sanako Study 1200 software’ allowing students to practise and develop their oral and aural skills. All rooms are bright and welcoming.

There are dedicated VLE courses for the Lower and Upper Sixth classes and these are embedded in our teaching enabling all students to access relevant video clips, articles, songs, interactive grammar exercises, power points and much of the teaching material. All students have been signed up to Vocab Express and have their own passwords.

They can practise vocabulary, verbs and tenses through this website. Authentik Interactive is another useful website that we use as part of our Directed Studies course. All students receive the French magazine ‘Chez nous’ four times a year.

French GCE A levels are changing as of September 2016 and so we are currently reviewing the different specifications which have just been released. AS French and A Level French will be standalone qualifications. The subject content for all the examination boards will be similar with students being encouraged to develop their linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries/communities where French is spoken.

The Department of Education has specified two main areas of interest: social issues and trends and political, intellectual and artistic culture. These are divided into sub-themes for both AS level and A level. At the end of the course, there will be three examinations, Speaking, Listening, Reading and Translation and a Critical response in writing.

The A level course places greater emphasis on written style, tone and accuracy. Literary texts and French 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 French is spoken and this will apply to all specifications.

The new courses promise to be stimulating, engaging and challenging. They will allow students to progress and develop into linguists of the highest calibre by testing a wide range of skills and by allowing for a good deal of independent research and choice at A level. Our French students are increasingly leaving us to study French alongside subjects such as business, law, management and in some cases Medicine.

Head of Department: Mrs JV Jones jvj@kes.hants.sch.uk

GEOGRAPHY AS and A Level Geography provides a dynamic, contemporary and exciting 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 specifications have been designed to strengthen geographical and fieldwork skills gained at GCSE 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 (August 2015) “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.”

Specification All examination boards are still awaiting accreditation for the 2016 specifications, and therefore we are still evaluating which is the best option for our students. Nevertheless, we are strongly considering the OCR specification as our favoured option which is detailed below. The examination papers include a mixture of shortanswer, medium tariff and extended response questions.

Physical Systems 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 Human Interactions 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 This involves the study of: Climate Change; Disease Dilemmas; Exploring Oceans; Future of Food; Hazardous Earth Investigative Geography This is a non-examined assessment, which is an independent geographical investigation conducted by each candidate based on primary and secondary data

Head of Department: Miss LJ Grant ljg@kes.hants.sch.uk

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 each teaching five or six periods per fortnight in the Lower Sixth. This includes two periods in a media centre with full access to IT facilities on the School’s network and the internet. In addition, students have one period per fortnight of 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 an exchange programme or a study trip to Berlin, Vienna or another German-speaking city and perhaps making a contribution to the running of the German Magazine Club. Independence and commitment outside the classroom are a great help.

German GCE A levels are changing as of September 2016 and so we are currently reviewing the different specifications which have just been released. AS German and A Level German will be standalone qualifications. The subject content for all the examination boards will be similar with students being encouraged to develop their linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries/communities where German is spoken.

The Department of Education has specified two main areas of interest: social issues and trends and political, intellectual and artistic culture. These are divided into sub-themes for both AS Level and A Level. At the end of the course, there will be examinations to test speaking, listening, reading and translation and writing.

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. There will be a requirement to research an area of personal interest related to the country/communities where German is spoken and this will apply to all specifications.

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.

Head of Department: Mr MG Kukla mgk@kes.hants.sch.uk

HISTORY Candidates take three units for the new linear A level: The first will is an in-depth coursework study. Candidates will produce an independently researched 3000-3500 word essay. This will be done in the UVI year and will be internally assessed.

The second will be an examined “breadth study” from British, European or American history. This will involve the study of a hundred year period for a particular country with questions requiring candidates to demonstrate understanding of the period as a whole.

A “depth study” requiring the pupils to study a period of 60-70 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 academically very satisfying.

There are at least four sets in each of the Sixth Form years; each of the sets studies British, European and American topics from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and some sets will also have the opportunity to study some medieval and early modern history. The topics you study will depend upon the expertise of your teachers.

Topics that are currently being studied include Tudor England, the careers of Pitt, Peel, Gladstone and Disraeli, China c.1930-1997, America 1845-77 and America 1945-80.

Outside the confines of the syllabus, the Department offers regular and structured preparation for the Extended Project and Oxbridge entry. There is also a highly successful, pupil-directed, Senior History Society which meets every fortnight to hear presentations given by members of the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth together with a Sixth Form reading group for the most able A’ level historians.

In the Autumn term half term of 2016, the department will be running a VI form History trip to Eastern Europe to allow pupils to visit some of the most important sites of 20th century history, including Auschwitz.

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

MATHEMATICS Course Structure and Content There are two types of A level Mathematics courses on offer at the School. Both courses follow the Edexcel Modular Mathematics specification.

A level Mathematics A level Mathematics builds from GCSE and IGCSE 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.

This is a two year course requiring you to study six modules. In the first year of this course you will study Core Mathematics 1 and 2 together with one applied module, either Mechanics 1 or Statistics 1. This will gain you an AS qualification. In the second year you will study Core Mathematics 3 and 4 and a second applied module, either Mechanics 2 or Statistics 2 following on from the module studied in the first year. This will complete the A level qualification.

Generally: If you take Mathematics alongside Arts subjects, Economics or Biology in the Sixth Form then you will be advised to study the Statistics units alongside the core mathematics units.

If you take Mathematics alongside Physics or wish to pursue engineering at university then you will be encouraged to study the Mechanics units alongside the core mathematics units.

A Level Further Mathematics Further Mathematics is designed for students with a real enthusiasm for mathematics, many of whom will go on to study for degrees in mathematics, the sciences or engineering. The qualification is both deeper and broader than A level Mathematics introducing ideas such as complex numbers and matrices; these are fundamental mathematical ideas with wide applications in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computing.

This is a double A level course requiring you to study 12 modules. The most common combination is Core Mathematics modules C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1, FP2 and FP3 with five additional applied modules in mechanics and statistics. If you are considering the Further Mathematics course you must not only be very able in Mathematics, preferably having studied Additional Mathematics, or a similar course, but also have a great commitment and enjoyment of the subject.

Modules Core and Pure Mathematics (Units C1, C2, C3, C4, FP1, FP2, FP3) Core and Pure Mathematics include such topics as algebra, trigonometry and calculus. Although many of the ideas you will meet are interesting in their own right, they also serve as an important foundation for other branches of mathematics, especially mechanics and statistics.

Mechanics (Units M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) Mechanics involves learning how to model, mathematically, the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them, from cars moving in the street to ladders resting against walls to colliding snooker balls.

Statistics (Units S1, S2, S3) When you study statistics you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data in order to arrive at a conclusion. You will extend the range of probability problems that you began at GCSE/IGCSE using the new mathematical techniques studied in the core mathematics units.

Head of Department: Mrs KS Platten ksp@kes.hants.sch.uk

MUSIC AS and A level Music offers an enjoyable and logical extension of the elements of Music studied for GCSE; we follow the specification offered by OCR. The details of the course are shown below: AS LEVEL Unit 1 Performing

A recital (6 – 8 minutes) of two contrasting pieces playing as a solo or in an ensemble.

This is assessed by audio-visual recording.

Unit 2 Composing

Exercises in melody and harmony and an original composition. This is Coursework.

Unit 3 Historical Study This includes aural work, studying set works from 18th and 19th Century Orchestral repertoire and from 20th Century Jazz repertoire. This is assessed in a two-hour written examination

A LEVEL

Unit 4 Performing Unit 5 Unit 6 Historical & Analytical Studies

A further recital (6-12 minutes) and the investigation of performances styles and techniques.

Composing Further original composition work and exercises of music written in the styles of earlier composers, as set down by the Awarding Body.

In a 2 hour and 30 minute examination, candidates will answer aural and essay questions on various topics which are studied during the course.

It will be seen that the three elements from GCSE are maintained, and that the Performing and Composing elements are studied and assessed as coursework. Only the Historical Topics papers are assessed as a written examination.

The course will be exciting and challenging, allowing candidates to work to their strengths.

It should also be noted that A level Music is recognised in Higher Education as one of the traditional academic subjects.

It should also be noted that A level Music is recognised in Higher Education as one of the traditional academic subjects.

Head of Department: Mrs H Freemantle hf@kes.hants.sch.uk

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY Music Technology offers the chance to study music production in the context of both MIDI sequencing and Studio Recording. We also look at acoustics and the development of electronic technology. For September 2016, this course will continue to be taught as an AS level followed by the A2 level with examinations at the end of each year.

Both AS and A2 are entirely externally assessed, through in-depth coursework projects and examinations. The specification followed is that offered by Edexcel.

AS LEVEL

Unit 1

Coursework Portfolio 1

70%

Candidates will use Logic on i-macs to generate a MIDI Sequence and Arrangement in the computer lab, and an 8-16

Unit 2

Listening and Analysing

30%

This unit is presented as a 1 hour 45 examination. Each candidate will receive a CD containing 10 excerpts of popular music or jazz and are required to answer short, longer and paragraph essay questions on musical, technical and stylistic features of the music.

A2 L

A2 LEVEL

Unit 3

Coursework Portfolio 2

60%

Students are required to produce a MIDI backing track of a popular or jazz song with audio overdubs. They are also required to produce a 16-24 track professional cover version of a piece of their choice in the recording studio. There will also be a 3-minute composition using audio samples and loops to a brief set by the exam board.

Unit 4

Music Production examination

40%

A 2 hour examination where each candidate is presented with a CD-Rom containing pre-recorded sound files. Students are required to generate a full mix of the files, analyse the data and answer short and longer questions.

Music Technology A level can be taken in conjunction with Music A level. What is learned in Music Technology can be used to great effect in the Music A level course, and vice versa. It is also an excellent companion to Physics, especially for those potentially interested in acoustics. There is no requirement to perform on an instrument but an ability to read music notation is essential.

Head of Department: Miss IM Anderson ima@kes.hants.sch.uk

RELIGIOUS STUDIES: RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS The Advanced level course in Religious Studies allows students to build on areas that they have previously been introduced to during their GCSE course on Philosophy and Ethics and indeed on the Religious Studies GCSE short course. This should allow them to deepen their understanding and develop sound academic skills to equip them for university life and beyond. The A Level is a new course, it is still only in draft form and the proposals from the different examination boards have not been accredited to date. The AS Level and the A Level remain options within this subject and are linear.

Students will examine a specific religion with reference to the Philosophy of Religion. Topics likely to be covered include philosophical issues and questions; the nature and influence of religious experience; problems of evil and suffering; philosophical language; the works of scholars and the influences of developments in religious belief.

Within Religious Ethics, topics which are likely to be covered include significant concepts in issues or debates in religion and ethics; a study of three ethical theories; the application of ethical theories to issues of importance; ethical language; deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars; medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues. There will also be an examination of the religious beliefs of one specific religion, values and teachings; sources of wisdom and authority; practices that shape and express religious identity; social and historical developments; the works of scholars; religion and society and primary texts.

Who should choose to study the Religious Studies course?

The course can work with Arts or Humanities combinations of subjects or complement a scientific combination; the subject matter relates to scientific topics and encourages students to develop excellent skills in the art of academic discussion and essay-writing. It is the utility of Philosophy and Theology that marks them out from other academic subjects. These rigorous disciplines provide the opportunity for students to master academic argument, to defend a case and to think logically, empathetically, skilfully without making assumptions. It is such transferable skills that will form the basis of a student’s dealings with others and their approach to all academic study. The course gives students the opportunity to enter into dialogue, to understand the beliefs and values that underpin their own and other cultures, to challenge beliefs and develop their own convictions and outlook.

University and Job Prospects?

For many, philosophy and theology are studied at both Advanced and Undergraduate level because they provide essential key skills useful in the workplace and at university. Those who have studied these subjects will have developed high levels of logical ability and verbal fluency; they will have the ability to analyse problems, identify solutions and to discuss and argue with clarity. All of this makes them particularly attractive to employers within medicine, law, journalism and information technology to name but a few professions. The demands placed on philosophers and theologians to listen and think mean that students in these areas flourish at jobs where they deal with and manage people.

Head of Department: Mrs HEM Searles hems@kes.hants.sch.uk

PHYSICS Physics is the study of the most fundamental aspects of the world and universe in which we live. Constantly striving to gain a better understanding of how the universe works, it forms the foundations upon which every other science is ultimately built.

A Level Outline The course followed at King Edward VI is the OCR Physics B, Advancing Physics course. 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, Physics or Chemistry in higher education. In addition, all of the physics teachers at King Edward VI are physics specialists and there is a significant amount of experience marking the Advancing Physics A level, while a number also have experience of setting the papers.

Module 1 – Development of practical skills Physics is a practical subject and this module gives the learners many opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data.

Module 2 – Fundamental data analysis Data are of very little use unless they can be interpreted in a reliable and accurate fashion. Embedded throughout the course, this module will allow the learners to practise handling and analysing a wide variety of data, including those they have collected themselves in the laboratory.

Module 3 – Physics in action Imaging and sensing techniques are studied. These can be directly linked to the other half of module 3 – the study of materials and how the macroscopic properties can be linked to the microscopic structure.

Module 4 – Understanding processes Both classical and quantum mechanics are studied, the latter in a fashion inspired by the famous Nobel Laureate, Richard Feynman. The notion of wave-particle duality is introduced, allowing the students to appreciate the fundamental uncertainty inherent in any scientific measurement or model.

Module 5 – Rise and fall of the clockwork universe Many fundamental ideas are examined: from Newtonian Gravity to Thermodynamics and aspects of Cosmology.

Further, the mathematical modelling methods that would serve anyone pursuing a career in physics, engineering or even finance are introduced.

Module 6 – Field and particle physics The final module considers the fascinating world of electromagnetism, the understanding of which has shaped the world in which we live today. Particle physics is also looked at in detail for the first time, and how successive models have been refined over the last 120 years to bring them back into line with the most recent empirical data (of course these could change again during the course of your A levels depending on the results of the latest experiments at CERN).

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

PSYCHOLOGY Course Contents and Aims Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It addresses questions such as: Why do we obey orders?

What causes stress? Why do we remember some things and not others? Is a baby a ‘blank slate’ upon which life experience writes? How can depression be treated? Why do we behave in the way that we do?

A Level Psychology

Lower Sixth: Introduction to Psychology The lower sixth year acts as an introduction to Psychology. The students cover a range of topics that give them an insight into psychological research and theories. The topics covered during this year include social influence – looking at why people conform and obey, psychopathology – looking at the symptoms of a number of mental illnesses along with explanations and treatments for these illnesses, memory – looking at the different theories of why we remember some things but forget others, attachment – looking at the relationships between parents and young children and research methods – learning’ how to do psychology’ and being able to conduct their own psychological research.

Upper Sixth: Psychology

The upper sixth course build on the foundations of the lower sixth topics. Topics covered this year include neuroscience and how the brain and other systems affect behaviour, why some people are more aggressive and more likely to commit crimes than others, a more in-depth look at schizophrenia including the symptoms, explanations and treatments for the mental illness and our cognitive development from birth.

The upper sixth course also addresses current issues in Psychology including the nature-nurture debate, free will versus determinism and ethical implications of psychological research.

We follow the AQA specification. There are three examination papers, all sat at the end of the upper sixth. Students can sit AS examinations at the end of the lower sixth but these do not count towards a final A Level grade if the student continues the subject into the upper sixth.

Skills and Interests Required An interest in ‘people’ is essential to the study of Psychology. The subject allows students to gain an understanding of both the physiological and the psychological aspects of our make-up and investigates both the brain functions and the social stimuli involved in behaviour. Lessons are both experiential and discursive but have a sound theoretical base. Students are expected to be proficient at essay construction and willing to contribute to class discussion. Focus is placed upon analysis, evaluation, interpretation and a critical appreciation of psychological methodologies. A strong performance at GCSE English and Science is highly recommended.

Progression Psychology provides opportunities for those looking to progress to degree level in a number of fields. It can be studied at many Russell Group Universities including Oxford and Cambridge. Psychology provides skills and understanding which are very useful in the workplace and useful for a large number of university courses.

Psychology is a particularly useful subject for those wishing to go into clinical work, such as health and social care services, medicine, research, teaching and human resources. It is essential for Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Counselling-related fields. Other specialist fields include Sports and Criminal Psychology.

Please see the psychology page on the School website for more information: http://www.kes.hants.sch.uk/psychology

Head of Department: Mr JD Tesseyman jdt@kes.hants.sch.uk

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.

GCE A levels are changing as of September 2016 and so we are currently reviewing the different specifications which have just been released. AS Spanish and A Level Spanish will be standalone qualifications. The subject content for all the examination boards will be similar with students being 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. These are divided into sub-themes for both AS level and A level. At the end of the course, there will be three examinations, Speaking, Listening, Reading and Translation and a Critical response in writing.

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 this will apply to all specifications.

The new courses promise to be stimulating, engaging and challenging. They will allow students to progress and develop into linguists of the highest calibre by testing a wide range of skills 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 alongside subjects such as business, law, management, history and English literature.

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

SPORTS SCIENCE

Subject content 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 Assessments Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport What's assessed Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology Section B: Skill acquisition Section C: Sport and society How it's assessed Written exam: 2 hours 105 marks (35% of A-level) Questions Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks) Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks) Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

Head of Department: Mr MG Mixer mgm@kes.hants.sch.uk

SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED 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 Advanced 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 keeps your options open. Take advice as widely as possible and visit the Student Guidance department.

What is meant by AS and full A Level?

AS stands for Advanced Subsidiary and represents the first half of a full Advanced level course, consisting of two or three assessment units. It is an independent qualification in its own right and is worth just below half the UCAS points tariff of a full Advanced level. The full Advanced level course, also consisting of two or three units is a two year linear course and fully examined at the end of the Upper Sixth. AS scores do not count towards this qualification.

What’s the difference between an A* and an A grade?

The A* grade was introduced in summer 2010. It is awarded when you achieve 90% of the maximum uniform mark on the full A level course.

Should I do 3 or 4 full Advanced levels?

Further Mathematics, Mathematics, plus two other subjects is the traditional four-subject combination, but you can take all four of your subjects forward to full A level if you wish, whatever combination you are studying. It is important not to under-estimate the potential demands of any four-subject Upper Sixth course of study, and to take advice as widely as possible. Taking four full Advanced levels generally does not enhance your chances of obtaining a university place and may, in fact, result in your being made a more demanding offer.

Which subjects are the best preparation for university later on?

The School believes that all the subjects offered at Advanced 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 Advanced level subjects are appropriate preparation for their intended course of study at university should consult the website of the university concerned or look at the entry profiles for courses featured on UCAS Course Search.

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

Having chosen four AS 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. It is then that you will be asked to confirm your choice of Route 1 [3 A level subjects] or Route 2 [4 A level subjects]. 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.

SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED We do ask you when making your initial choices to indicate which of the four subjects is likely to be your Lower Sixth only option, if you intend to follow Route 1. The reason for asking this question is that it enables us to create teaching sets in such a way as to maximise continuity of teaching from Lower to Upper Sixth. The Spring term of the Lower Sixth year is when you will be asked to confirm your intentions for the Upper Sixth.

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

You should consider the demands of a four A level courses carefully before embarking on it. If, however, the School agrees that it would be in your best interests to reduce the number of full Advanced level 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, and full A level subjects will be externally examined in June of the Upper Sixth year. In January of the Upper Sixth year, there may be some form of internal assessment arranged by subject departments. There are no external examinations in the January of the Lower or Upper Sixth.

Can I resit units?

No—there are no opportunities to re-sit any examinations 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. For students opting for Route 1, Foundation Studies continues 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