Richard Huish College Prospectus 2016/17

PROSPECTUS 2016/17

Hello and welcome If you are hardworking and ambitious to succeed then you should explore the idea of joining Richard Huish College. Huish is one of the best sixth form colleges in the country and has been consistently ranked in the top 10% when compared to all educational institutions in the country for its students’ added value.

This means that, whatever your level of achievement at GCSE, if you really want to succeed, we provide a combination of excellent vocational and academic courses, professional training and apprenticeships that will ensure you get your choice of career development either at university or in employment.

Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

We are justifiably proud of the high standards we achieve.

We promise to work with you to get the best results you are capable of and we will also provide you with excellent individual support that will help to ensure your success.

Our extensive and flexible enrichment programme, available to all students, will allow you to create a truly flexible study programme that will be both rewarding and provide fulfilling personal development whilst you are with us.

John Abbott Principal

Contents 2/14

At Huish

Yo u ' l l be surpri s at w hae d w e d 0 !t 16/66

Courses

02 / Studying in Taunton

16 / Choosing your courses

04 / Student life

17 / Course key

06 / Your studies 08 / Be happy, be healthy

18 / Accountancy

30 / Geology

10 / International Students

18 / AAT Accounting

47 / German

12 / Applying

19 / ACCA Accounting

37 / Government & Politics

14 / FAQs

24 / A ccess to Higher

64 / Graphic Design

Education Diploma 21 / Apprenticeships

After Huish

15

15 / Where are they now?

24 / A pplied Professional Studies Degree

68 / What is Enrichment?

70 / Performance 72 / Music 76 / Travel 78 / Academic 80 / Challenge

Results 82 / Results 83 / Results Tables

82/83

38 / History (Late Modern) 26 / I nformation Technology

28 / Archaeology

25 / I nstitute of Leadership and Management

55 / Biology

39 / Law

19 / Bookkeeping

43 / Mathematics

22 / Business

43 / Mathematics (Core)

23 / Business BTEC

43 / Mathematics (Further)

24 / B usiness & Management

51 / Music

Degree

74 / Sport

Health Sciences 38 / History (Early Modern)

55 / Applied Science 63 / Art

There’s more 68/81

35 / H ealth & Social Care /

52 / Music Production

56 / Chemistry

64 / Photography

19 / CIMA Accounting

59 / Physical Education

36 / Classical Civilisation

56 / Physics

26 / Computer Science

39 / Psychology

44 / C reative Media

52 / P opular Music & Music

Production 48 / Dance 49 / D rama & Theatre Studies

Production 52 / P opular Music Performance 66 / P rogression Sixth

25 / Economics

40 / Religious Studies

32 / English Language

19 / SAGE Accounting

33 / E nglish Language &

41 / Sociology

Literature 33 / English Literature 29 / Environmental Studies 30 / E xtended Project Qualification

47 / Spanish 60 / S port (Development, Coaching & Fitness) BTEC 60 / S ports Development & Coaching Degree

47 / French

42 / Statistics

29 / Geography

21 / Traineeships

www.huish.ac.uk

01

Studying in Taunton Huish is situated on the edge of parkland overlooking fields and hills, about ten minutes walk from the town centre.

Taunton is the County town of Somerset and is also an important centre for leisure and tourism, and is in one of the most beautiful parts of England. The Quantocks and Exmoor are great places for walking and cycling and Taunton is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The College makes use of cultural venues in and around the town.

Taunton is two hours from London and a short train ride from the local university cities of Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Bath.

If you travel to Taunton there are a number of things that make Taunton a good place to come to study. If you are moving to the area and have brothers or sisters going to school, Taunton has good schools with strong reputations.

We have students who come from local schools and further afield such as Devon, Dorset and even London.

Places where many of our recent students have come from...

Axe Valley School, Axminster Bishop Fox School, Taunton Bridgwater College Academy, Bridgwater The Castle School, Taunton Chilton Trinity School, Bridgwater Court Fields Community School, Wellington Cullompton Community College, Cullompton Haygrove School, Bridgwater Heathfield Community School, Taunton Holyrood Academy, Chard

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Honiton Community College, Honiton Huish Episcopi Academy, Langport The King Alfred School, Highbridge King’s College, Taunton Kingsmead Community School, Wiveliscombe Queen’s College, Taunton Robert Blake Science College, Bridgwater Stanchester Academy, Stoke-sub-Hambdon The Taunton Academy, Taunton Taunton School, Taunton Tiverton High School, Tiverton Uffculme School, Uffculme Wadham School, Crewkerne Wellington School, Wellington West Somerset College, Minehead The Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis

Operators First Bus Hatch Green Coaches Nippybus Stagecoach South West Webberbus Burnham on Sea Highbridge

Wells

Minehead Watchet

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Holford Nether Stowey Williton Hawkridge Kingston Reservoir St Mary Monkton Bishops Lydeard Heathfield Cotford St Luke Wiveliscombe Norton Dulverton Fitzwarren Milverton

West Huntspill Pawlett

Washford

Bampton

Glastonbury Street

Bridgwater North Petherton Creech Heathfield

Othery

Creech St Michael Ruishton

Stoke St Gregory Somerton

Langport Ilchester Curry Rivel Kingsbury Episcopi Yeovil Wellington Ilton Barrington Cannonsgrove Rockwell Green Martock Shepton Blagdon Broadway South Beauchamp Hill Appledore Hemyock Petherton Horton Ilminster Stoke Sub Tiverton Churchinford Merriott Uffculme Buckland Hambdon St Mary Chard Willand Bishopswood Crewkerne Combe St Nicholas Cullompton Honiton North Curry

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Huish is committed to encouraging you to travel to college by cycle, public transport or car sharing where possible. As part of our commitment to being ‘green’ there is a back lane to the College taking you to Vivary Park so that you don’t have to walk or cycle down South Road with all the traffic. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the bus station.

A38

Station Road

5

Obridge Viaduct

Axminster

M5

Tonedale

B3170

Cyclists have plenty of lock up facilities for their bikes and twice yearly there is a free cycle maintenance service available to everyone at college.

Parking Everyone who drives to the College needs to pay for parking but only second year students and staff who live outside TA1 can apply for parking permits.

Full details of the parking permit scheme are available at Registration.

Bus Routes Some services stop at Richard Huish College, others serve Taunton Town Centre.

Travelling by bus The county bus ticket (available for all students to purchase per annum from wherever they travel) is a major incentive from the County Council for students to use public transport. Details are available from County Hall, Taunton or the College. Some students may qualify for assistance with the cost of transport to Huish. Details are available from the Student Services department at the College.

www.huish.ac.uk

03

Student life At Huish we are proud of our extensive range of Enrichment opportunities. Taking part in Enrichment will enhance your personal profile both during your time with us and when you move on, whether to university or employment.

Our students value the skills, knowledge and, most importantly, fun that Enrichment provides through its social, cultural and recreational experiences and it is also a great way to meet new people. Enrichment is a key part of the wider Huish experience we offer and in our provision you should find something to tempt you no matter what your interests, from music, sport, and college musicals to adventure activities.

We also believe that trips and visits are an important part of our students’ experience and development.

We provide a wide range of opportunities from local visits to regional theatre trips, overseas exchanges and overseas cultural visits.

The Student Council also arranges a Freshers’ Fair and social events through the year as well as supporting the student voice by representing the students.

The Student Council has representation on the Governing Body of the College.

Liam Studying: Classical Civilisation Classical Civilisation is very much a subject I enjoy.

My other subjects are Maths, Further Maths, Law and English Literature. I am also hoping to write an EPQ in the summer, and am considering various topics pertaining to Classics.

I truly believe that Huish is a positive, nurturing environment for any budding student, whether they are taking Classics or not. I’d absolutely recommend a student to come here, and would definitely recommend Classics to any student who enjoys their fair share of history, democracy, violence and philosophy!

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THE STUDENT COUNCIL Who are we?

We are full-time students at college, from a range of backgrounds, with a range of interests. We each decided that we wanted to contribute further to college life, that we wanted to stand up for students’ rights and that we were prepared to take on the responsibility of representing our student body on their behalf. We have been elected by students as their representatives and are proud to work hard to achieve as much as possible in our year in office.

There are 9 of us, and each of us has an allotted role.

What do we do?

We aim to provide support and representation for all students at Huish. This can include a variety of selfmanaged tasks, like organising various events throughout the year that are aimed at supporting students. We run a Freshers’ Fair at the start of the year to offer information on a variety of groups, organisations and businesses that are aimed at students.

Our Huish Student Council is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS), and you will automatically be a member. You are entitled to purchase a NUS extra card to give you discounts and privileges at a range of shops and services. The card will give you access to NUS online for the latest news, views and issues affecting the lives of students in the UK. What can you do?

We meet regularly with each other and with the Principal to discuss your views and comments, and to raise issues on your behalf. You can let us know your views by finding us around College or in the Redwood Centre.

You can email us, or you can use the link on the College intranet home page. You will also be able to vote in the annual elections and stand for election yourself.

www.huish.ac.uk

05

Your studies Your studies Your teachers are highly qualified experts in their field and are the primary resource to make your studies successful.

You will be able to have remote access from your laptop or from your home computer to all the online resources.

The Arthur C Clarke Learning Centre (LC) is an excellent place designed to meet all your study needs in a supportive environment.

You will be able to borrow books, films, music, audio visual equipment and computers (including laptops) with lots of helpful guides to help you. The LC staff will provide you with useful tips for searching or writing a bibliography and the team is always available to help you if you have a specific question or need.

The LC offers 2 silent study areas if you prefer to work undisturbed. There are small group study areas and over 50 bookable computer workstations and netbooks. In addition to the LC there are 4 main study centres, one each in Hawthorn, Juniper, Willow and Beech, offering space for quiet group work and additional computer workstations.

Learning Centre Services supporting your studies We want you to achieve your full potential at Huish, both personally and academically; the college offers a range of environments and support for your studies starting with your timetabled classes and teachers. A range of additional study spaces supports this, staff and resources help you focus on your self-directed study time, coursework and revision while you are in college. You are welcome to use your own mobile devices and Wi-Fi access is available while you are in college. When you are off campus you have remote desktop access from your laptop or mobile device.

The LC, situated at the heart of the College, is a supportive study environment providing staffed space and academic resources to help you make the best use of your study time. The LC offers a range of work zones to support the way you work best: a silent study zone, a project zone and a quiet zone. In addition there are a further range of study spaces located across the campus offering a variety of environments ranging from social study space to study centres for revision. In addition to the PCs located in these spaces we also provide self-issue notebooks available from lap safes.

You will be able to access a huge range of resources to support your studies: books, films, journals, PCs, cameras and filming equipment, e-books and online resources, these last two accessible 24/7 from your PC and mobile devices. There are lots of helpful guides available on-line and, if you prefer, paper based. Once enrolled, you can check out our full range of services on our Moodle pages.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

The LC staff will provide you with help and support researching your coursework, tips on getting the best out of the resources, writing bibliographies and the team is always available to help if you have a specific question or need. The LC is your starting point for support outside the classroom.

Academic support Additional support is offered to help meet the individual needs of students.

The study skills programme will help you to improve your organisation, essay or other writing, time-management or general study skills. Additional support can also be arranged through Student Services at any time in your course.

Many students get specialist support in their subjects to help them reach their full potential, including aiming for an A* grade at A level. Subject-based competitions also provide an alternative challenge for students such as Business Young Enterprise or 2.0 – run by the Bank of England for students to decide on interest rate policy.

As well as trips and visits, that are open to anyone, departments may run trips that specifically support their course such as language exchanges, visits and fieldworkrelated trips in the Earth Sciences and Archaeology to develop practical skills.

Many students get support from relevant subject areas when applying to university or for competitive jobs, as well as the extensive range of general progression planning and support that is offered through the tutorial system.

A number of vocational courses arrange work experience with local companies to put theory into practice.

Rory I’m a Government and Politics student who was unsure about taking politics, but eventually grew to thoroughly enjoy it! It is now one of my favourite subjects and I am hoping to do it at university. It’s interesting to follow politics and debate topics during lessons.

I enjoy the independence of life at Huish, it allows me to get on with my own work but still have help whenever I need or want it. The teachers help me directly and make resources accessible, but I still have my independence in every lesson and around college.

www.huish.ac.uk

07

Be happy, be healthy Our commitment to you We aim to do everything reasonably possible to provide information, services and support to make your time at Huish a happy and healthy one.

Huish is a safe place to learn and a place where you can feel comfortable, respected and valued.

As a student at Huish you have the right to expect to be treated with respect by other students and staff. We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour.

Every student and staff member is valued and respected.

We are all different; with different skills, dreams, goals, beliefs, individual characters and backgrounds. It is these differences that help make the world a rich and interesting place to live.

Naturally, we have safeguarding procedures. If anyone is concerned about their own welfare or that of others they should speak to their personal tutor or a member of the Student Services.

Tutorial support You will have a personal tutor who meets you regularly to discuss your progress. Your tutor meets with you to discuss all aspects of college life and he/she is your first point of contact.

If your tutor cannot help you directly he/she will be able to find someone who can.

Your personal tutor is an important person in your life at Huish. He/she will help and support you to have a productive and happy time as well as help you prepare for your future aspirations whether for university or training/employment.

Planning your future While your tutor will work with you to prepare for your future, there is also a careers team available at college to help you. During your time at college you will have the opportunity to attend careers fairs and the careers team is always available and will take you through the process of applying to university or employment/training.

The key strength of the support offered is that it is tailored to meet your individual requirements.

Student Services Specialist support and advice is available for students with: • disabilities • health issues • specific learning difficulties • mental health difficulties Study skills support is also available.

Wellbeing Life can bring some unexpected challenges and there is confidential help and support available to you should you need it: • counselling • personal support • health and welfare support Money matters Impartial information and guidance are available on a whole range of questions to do with money and financial management.

If you are having a difficult time No matter how strong we think we are, there are times when things can get on top of us. It may be circumstances outside of our control that affect how we are feeling.

These things might affect our ability to study and to get on with our lives as we would like to. Whatever the problem, we will work with you on it and if we can’t then we will probably know someone who can.

Your personal tutor is there to support you throughout your time at college and will help you contact the right people if necessary. You can book an appointment with our Student Services staff at any time and we are also able to provide a counselling service.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Alisa Studying: PE, Dance, Psychology, Biology I’m currently studying PE, Dance, Psychology and Biology. I chose this combination because I have an interest in the subjects and they complement each other.

Being involved with Huish Sport has been the highlight of my year, going to netball practice each week is a great contrast to my studies and I have particularly enjoyed getting to know new people in my lessons as well as my free time.

Keeping active There are many types of things you can do to keep you active without having to join in competitive sports. Look out for ‘Active Huish’ when you arrive.

With all the different sports we offer, and the opportunities outside of Huish, there will always be something that you will enjoy and fits with your busy schedule.

We offer a whole range of competitive sports which are open to anyone at any level of ability. All are offered to male and female players except netball and there is a variety of activities for those who do not want to take part in competitive sport under the umbrella of ‘Active Huish’.

What do I do if I have dietary requirements?

At various places around the College we have provision for

students to buy food. You may have specific requirements such as food allergies, gluten intolerance, medical requirements or you may be a vegetarian or vegan. If you would like to chat about your dietary needs contact the Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator.

Some examples of how we can support you at Huish The college offers one to one support with a qualified NHS ‘Support to Stop Smoking’ advisor who will provide friendly confidential advice.

While the College has a zero tolerance policy regarding drug and alcohol misuse we do recognise that there are some students who require support. If you need information or support, or you know someone who might need help we can provide trained professionals in a confidential, non-judgemental environment.

www.huish.ac.uk

09

International Students Richard Huish College offers an elite English sixth form education alongside British students, where the ratio of international students to UK students is 1:50.

We are one of the leading state sixth form colleges in the country, and welcome applications from students around the world.

Richard Huish College has consistently been placed as one of the top Further Education Colleges in the South West of England for A levels. The most recent Ofsted report considered Huish to be outstanding in all areas.

We provide a combination of excellent vocational and academic courses that will ensure you get your choice of career development either at university or in employment.

Options are: OPTION ONE Two year A level or BTEC programme starting in September OPTION TWO One year A level programme starting in September.

Specific entry requirements are needed so please contact the college for more information OPTION THREE Specialist professional Accountancy courses at a range of examination levels: e.g. AAT, ACCA and CIMA OPTION FOUR Foundation Degree (FdA) programmes in Business & Management or Sports Development & Coaching.

BA (Hons) programmes in Applied Professional Studies (Leadership & Management) or Sports Development & Coaching.

Leavers’ statistics for 2014 80% of leavers entered higher education (20% - destination unknown), of these: • 70% progressed to UK universities • 25% progressed to universities in Hong Kong • 5% progressed to universities in Switzerland

Richard Huish College has Tier 4 Sponsor Status with the UK Border Agency.

Over the past 4 years, the international student pass rate has been 99%.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Subjects include: Accounting & Finance

Management

Actuarial Science with a Year in Industry

Management Science and Information

Bachelor of Arts – Language Mechanical Engineering and Business Management Physiotherapy Business Psychology (High Diploma)

Psychology

Civil Engineering

Psychology with Clinical & Health

Engineering

Tourism Management

Law (Bachelor of Laws)

Translation

Law with Business Studies

Wildlife Conservation

Homestay Accommodation Richard Huish College holds a register of homestay families who live close to the College. We will only place our students with families who will regard them as members of their household and will try to integrate students into life in the UK. Living with a UK family will not only provide you with security and the support to settle in to life in the UK, but will also help you to learn a new culture, and improve your English Language skills. Families will provide you with both academic and emotional support and we will visit students and their families once a term at the property to discuss any problems.

In year 2 of your studies, you will have the option to live in our purpose built student accommodation which is located near to the College. You can experience independent living which can help you prepare for university.

Help with English Language All international students will, if appropriate, receive weekly ESOL lessons which include support to further develop their language skills, and work towards improving their IELTS score for university entry. These sessions will include cultural support for students new to the UK. We also offer additional support sessions that can be either 1:1 or in small groups, where students can take work along – this could be essays, coursework, personal statement or anything student would like some English support with.

For further information or an application form: please email international@huish.ac.uk, telephone 00 44 (0)1823 320802, or visit our website at www.huish.ac.uk/international

Countries where some of our recent students have come from...

Bangladesh Japan Russia China Kenya Seychelles Colombia Madagascar South Korea Estonia Malawi Spain France New Zealand Sweden Germany Nigeria USA Hong Kong Norway Vietnam Italy Philippines Zambia Jamaica Poland

“They (Students) get to live with an English family, learn a new culture, and share their lives, day trips, and times out, just a really good experience of English family life. Nicole feels like part of our family, and she is” Linda, Homestay Provider

Yuki Studying: Art, Further Mathematics Studying at Richard Huish College provides a great study environment for me. It offers a broad range of courses which has helped me to discover new interests and to develop my career goals. Huish also provides various activities for international students to help us to adapt to the different culture.

It has been easy for me to settle into Huish thanks to the friendly teachers and students. Huish provides learning materials which have helped me to study in an effective way. Studying here and living with a host family offers a great opportunity for me to improve my English.

“Living in a homestay family with Linda has been wonderful because I can teach her kids Mandarin and they teach me English in return. And when we are free we just talk to each other and she is like my mum, and we have a wonderful relationship”.

Nicole, Student from Hong Kong “I felt like I was home, it felt really good being at Richard Huish College; it’s been a great time” Gonzalo, Student from Spain “You’re not alone even though your away from your family in China, there are so many things going on, you don’t have time to be alone” Donny, Student from China “The people here are really nice and because I am an international student I sometimes used to have a problem to communicate in English, but now I have many friends and am quite happy to be here” Aya, Student from Japan “I would definitely recommend students who want to study in the UK to go to Richard Huish College because the teachers are very helpful, the local students are very nice, and we all get along with each other very well, and more importantly you will have a wonderful host family, they will give you emotional and academic support” Nicole, Student from Hong Kong

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/international

www.huish.ac.uk

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Applying Before you apply find out as much as you can about us Talk to us when we visit your school to speak about the College and the opportunities it can offer you. Come to our Open Evenings. Your school may run an Experience Day with us or you can join our Experience Day in March 2016 by contacting us to book a place.

The paper work Apply on line at www.huish.ac.uk/apply or obtain an application form, either from your school or directly from Huish.

If you are at a local school your careers teacher will collect the application forms to bring to us or if you are not in a local school or are at an independent school, send it in by post. The applications usually come in to us during the spring term.

We like to meet with you…

We shall invite you to Huish for an interview to help you to make the best choices for the future. You can tell us about your aspirations, your successes at school, show us your achievement file and explore your future plans.

We will then be able to help you to choose the most appropriate courses. There are over 50 courses to choose from so our advice and guidance is designed to help you make the right choices.

For some subjects we recommend specific levels of experience or qualification; details of these requirements, where they apply to individual subjects, can be found in our course leaflets.

Any student whose first language is not English will need to have a level of proficiency in evidence such as IELTS level 5 or equivalent.

For courses and training other than A levels and BTECs please read the relevant pages in this prospectus, look on our website or contact the college.

Please call us on 01823 320800 or visit our website at www.huish.ac.uk for further information.

Don’t worry if you want to change your course choices. You can do this up until two weeks after you have joined us in September

Live chat is available on our website for advice and guidance about courses and GCSE results

Our Standard Entry Requirements The standard entry requirement for an Advanced Level course at the college is at least five GCSE subjects at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language. GCSEs in Applied subjects count as two GCSEs. Any other level 2 qualifications such as BTECs count as one GCSE subject: a Pass is equivalent to a C, a Merit is equivalent to a B and a Distinction is equivalent to an A grade. If you require clarification about subjects that are not GCSEs please contact the College for more information.

James Studying: Dance When I first joined Huish, I was apprehensive about doing Dance because I didn’t think I’d be good enough, and I was worried that there would be no other boys. My technique has improved throughout the year through classes and dance groups. Being the only boy hasn’t been an issue, I haven’t felt left out and have thoroughly enjoyed the subject.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Martyna Studying: Psychology I originally took Psychology as an ‘extra subject’; I thought it would be fun to do with my friends.

However, by my second year Psychology had turned into a passion of mine, and I started getting more engaged with lessons and Enrichments including the Psychology Society. I even started reading about the subject in my free time! I now plan to take Psychology at university and eventually become a qualified psychologist, specialising in abnormality.

I think everybody coming to Huish should pick subjects that they find interesting, not just what their friends are doing or what their parents want them to do. Just follow your own intuition and do what feels right!

Step by Step Applying Before you apply find out as much as you can about Huish and the courses that we offer. You will have lots of opportunities to either visit the college or speak to us at your school over the next year, so take advantage of them.

➜

Applying to Huish is simple. You can get an application form from your school or download a copy at www.huish.ac.uk/applying. Follow the timeline below to the start of your Huish journey.

Your pathway to Huish

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCHOOL VISITS We regularly visit all of our local schools to deliver assemblies, careers talks and advice and guidance sessions. If you go to a school that we don’t visit please contact us and we would be pleased to invite you into Huish for a chat.

EXPERIENCE DAYS During year 10 we arrange Experience Days with many of our local schools. This gives you the opportunity to spend a day with us, sampling a range of subject and Enrichment options. If your school doesn’t participate in this programme or you are from an independent school, we run an Experience Day just before the Easter holidays that would be perfect for you. Contact us for more information.

OPEN EVENTS See the whole College, meet our staff and students and experience the Huish culture. Dates for 2015 are Saturday 7th November (10am to noon), Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th November (6.30pm to 8.30pm). Check our website for further dates in March 2016.

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE We are here to give you advice and guidance whenever you need it. If you would like to speak to us aside from the times we are visiting your school, email study@huish.ac.uk, telephone 01823 320800 or use the Live Chat facility on our website.

APPLYING Your school may help you fill in an application form during your school day. They will then send it to us together with the other applications from your school. If the school you attend doesn’t offer this you can contact us for an application form or download one from our website at www.huish.ac.uk/applying. Ideally we would like your application form by March 2016 but can accept it all they way up until the end of August 2016.

INTERVIEWS Within two weeks of receiving your application form, we will send you a date for your interview. A teacher that is relevant to your subject choices will interview you and they will remain your tutor all the way through the application process and your first term with us here at Huish.

OFFER After your interview you will receive a letter confirming your offer of a place and the entry requirements needed.

WELCOME TO HUISH DAYS In the summer term, after your GSCEs, you will be invited to the College for a Welcome to Huish day. This gives you the opportunity to meet your tutor again and sample a lesson from the subjects you have chosen.

GCSE RESULTS If your results are better than you expected or not as good as you had hoped you can contact us on 01823 320800 or use Live Chat on our website for help and guidance about the options available to you.

ENROLMENT After your exam results in August you will attend one of our enrolment days ready for the start of term in early September 2016.

www.huish.ac.uk

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FAQs I don’t know what to choose at A level. Will someone be able to help me?

Our Open Evenings are a good opportunity for you to start discussing your choices, and when you first apply to Huish you will have an initial interview where you will get further guidance. Our Open Evenings this year are on Saturday 7th November 2015, 10am – noon and 9th and 10th November 2015, 6.30 – 8.30 pm. If you are unable to come to an Open Evening please contact us to arrange an alternative visit. Later in the year you will be invited in again to discuss your courses; and there is further advice available when you register and during the first weeks of term. There are advice sessions before you start your courses. School Careers Advisors are also available to help with your choices.

Do you do taster days?

We do taster days but we call them Experience Days, where you actually attend lessons. These are done by appointment. If you would like to experience a day at Huish then see your careers teacher first as they can get in contact with us to arrange a group visit. If you are not in a local Taunton school then you will need to contact us by phone.

How much free time do I get?

Nearly all students are expected to do a full two year study programme. There are seven slots for subjects so, theoretically, you get 3 or 4 teaching slots for personal study time. Each slot (or column as we call it) is 4 hours and 40 minutes of class time split into three separate sessions in the week. You are also expected to put 3 to 4 hours of time into personal study per subject per week outside of college class time.

What if I do not get your entry requirements?

You will need to contact us on results day so we can advise you about what you can do. There are a number of alternatives including training and apprenticeships that we can explore with you.

Do I have to be on campus if I don’t have lessons?

No you don’t, but you are expected to make best use of the learning resources available at Huish and most of what you will need will be here. If you are ill you will need to phone in on the day of absence. If you are ill at college you will need to sign out.

If I don’t like a subject can I change it?

Yes. You choose the courses you would like to do and discuss them with your induction tutor. You can alter your choices anytime up to the end of the first week of term which gives you an opportunity to try the course first before making a final decision.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Can I do a sport even if I am not good at it?

Yes. We have a group of students and staff who run ‘Active Huish’. There are a number of recreational sport activities and you can join in team games as well. Additionally, there are community sports activities in the Sports Hall most evenings and you are welcome to join those at any time.

Do you do courses other than A levels?

We do a whole range of courses. We do A levels and BTECs which are all found in this prospectus. We also do a range of training courses and apprenticeships. We do degrees in Business Management and in Sport. There is some information in this prospectus but you can find out more by phoning the college, or visiting our website www.huish.ac.uk Can I transfer to Huish?

Yes, in most cases you can transfer to Huish. If the exam board is different from ours then you need to call to check that our exam boards will accept your qualification.

You can also find FAQs on the college website: www.huish.ac.uk/faqs

Where are they now?

Richard Huish students have an enviable record when it comes to finding good jobs, whether at 19 or after Higher Education. Look out for the orange pages in this prospectus to read past students’ stories.

Moving on from Huish You will receive accurate and supportive careers advice while at the college.

We provide you with: • guidance on career choice • Higher Education advice • advice and information on employment locally and nationally • information on opportunities within the European Union • assistance with work placements • help with preparation for work – taxation, working conditions, National Insurance etc • interview practice • up-to-date information in the Careers section of The Arthur C Clarke Learning Centre including HE information. Some of this information is available on the IT network • guidance and support for adults Huish delivers these services through: • tutors, who are most often the initial point of contact for advice • the annual Higher Education Fairs and ‘Next Step’ morning – Careers and Higher Education events • visits and courses arranged within the careers programme, and published in the careers area • Education to Employment event for students progressing directly to employment We know that job prospects are a concern to students and parents but it has to be accepted that for this and future generations job security is a thing of the past.

However, job opportunities are actually increasing for young people with the right skills.

Further courses available at Richard Huish College The college offers many part-time courses, including professional courses in the areas of Accountancy (AAT/ ACCA/CIMA) and Management Studies. It also offers degrees in Business Management and Sport. The college also offers a wide range of apprenticeships and traineeships.

For more information read the relevant sections of this prospectus, look at our website or contact the college.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Choosing Courses Choosing your courses within your Study Programme Choosing the right combination of courses is the most important decision for you to take. The decisions you will make will affect the options you will have open to you leading onto your career and employment.

Many factors will influence your choice of courses.

These will include: • your own interests • the subjects you enjoy the most • the subject areas you are good at • the style of working you are best at • any career plans you may have • and your expected achievements at GCSE Take as much advice as you can from people who know your capabilities such as subject teachers, your form tutor and careers staff at school. Discuss everything with your parents. Feel free to talk to us at school parents’ evenings, at our Open Evenings in November, Enrichment Morning in March and when you have your GCSE results.

Use the information in this prospectus as a starting point.

Look on our website and contact Huish direct if you wish to talk to someone as we are happy to deal with your enquiries at any time. Remember, the decisions you make are critical to your future career and getting them right is important.

Learning Styles Each course is taught in a particular way. Some have a great deal of coursework, others require the ability to write good essays and other are more practical. Some subjects will suit your own style of learning better than others. Therefore, it is worth exploring how you learn best, and what skills and experiences you are bringing to Huish. The course

information in this prospectus is only an outline and there are more detailed course leaflets available at Open Evenings or on request.

The choices available at Huish Huish offers a wide range of A level, BTEC, and training courses that make up your two year programme of study. The college also has a range of Apprenticeships and Traineeships on offer and many young people have aspired to continue their training through us and have succeeded in attaining national qualifications and permanent employment. The course index on the following page gives you a quick guide to the number of A level, BTEC, Apprenticeship, Traineeship and other courses available at Richard Huish.

With over 40 A level subjects to choose from, it is important to find out as much as you can about them and how they fit with the factors you need to consider. In brief, some subjects are more scientific and/or mathematical (e.g. Psychology, Computing, Economics) while others require the ability to write in a discursive manner (e.g. History, Classical Civilisation and Sociology). Some subjects are very practical while others are more theoretical. Some have lessons full of discussion and interactivity while others require you to absorb, analyse and think through ideas.

There are also BTEC courses to consider. These are practical, vocational courses and are entirely assessed through ‘coursework assignments’. These can be taken within your Study Programme as an Extended Diploma (worth three A levels) or as an Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A level). The Extended Diploma BTEC’s can be taken as your entire Study Programme or can be taken with an additional A level subject. The Extended Certificate course is taken as one Advanced course alongside two or three other A levels.

Shannon Studying: BTEC Business At Huish, I study Level 3 BTEC Business Extended Diploma. I decided to pick this course because I prefer the vocational side of studying and I like being able to see my grade develop throughout the year. I also study Geography A level successfully alongside my BTEC course.

When I started the Extended Diploma course, I discovered that many different universities accept the qualification and there are a wide variety of different career paths that I can take when I finish college.

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Course key How many courses can I do?

Students enrol on a Study Programme, which consists of a core of three A levels, an Extended Diploma or a combination of A levels and Extended Certificate.

In addition, students will participate in further holistic development such as another A level, a BTEC Extended Certificate, Directed Study Time, Enrichment activities, or qualifications such as Core Maths. All Level Three Courses including A level and BTEC are two year programmes.

From 2015 Linear A levels are no longer modular and as such, at Richard Huish College, there will no longer be an AS qualification available alongside any of our linear A level courses. Linear A levels are designed to be more demanding and with greater subject depth, this depth of study will enable students to have an improved understanding of the subject and be more skilled and better prepared for university and employment.

Enrichment opportunities We strongly encourage students at Huish to take up the opportunity and become involved in the Enrichment activities. These courses can be included with your Study Programme and we recommend that you make the most of the opportunities on offer while you are at College.

Enrichment will help you make friends, enjoy College life and have something to say about yourself when writing personal statements for university or CVs for employment.

There is such a broad range of activities that there will be something to suit you. Many of these activities take place during the College day and full details about them are available on pages 68-81.

Choosing Apprenticeships, Traineeships or Training The College offers a wide range of vocational training courses and apprenticeship opportunities through the School of Business and Creative Industries. As a school leaver you can apply for training courses like the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). You can also apply to Huish if you wish to complete an apprenticeship in the areas we cover (see page 21).

If you are an adult learner and are reading through our prospectus to find out what is on offer for you, there is a wide range of opportunities for you to explore with us.

There is a section in this prospectus about our School of Business and Creative Industries; however it might be better to contact the School of Business and Creative Industries direct and talk to someone personally about your requirements.

Your GCSE results will help you decide which level is right for you. It is important to remember that some courses may require specific grades (science courses for instance).

What do the numbers mean under each course title?

Throughout the prospectus there are numbers under each course. These show the level of the course. Most courses are Level 3 – these are A level and BTEC Extended Diploma courses. Levels above this are Degree courses.

We have a few courses at Level 1 and 2 which lead to specific qualifications. The examination body for each subject is also shown here in brackets.

1 2 3 4/5

LEVEL ONE Our foundation level courses allow you to gain skills that will help you to get a job or qualification. These courses give you a good introduction to a general area of work, and combine practical hands-on activities, project work, key skills and work experience.

LEVEL TWO These courses are intermediate level and are an ideal route into a career or provide an opportunity to get qualifications that prepares you for study at a higher level. Some level 2 courses require no formal qualifications but others requires GCSEs at grade D or above.

LEVEL THREE Entry Requirements: Students who have achieved a least five GCSEs at Grades A* – C (or equivalent BTEC qualifications) are able to choose from the widest range of courses in the area. Study at this level is challenging with courses offering solid preparations for a career or degree level study.

LEVELS FOUR AND FIVE We encourage all students to aim higher and have a range of full and part-time university level courses.

Qualifications on offer include Foundation Degree, BA Honours Degrees, CIMA and ACCA Courses.

Courses are run in collaboration with partner universities and awarding bodies.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Accountancy The range of courses we offer continues to grow in response to requests from employers, individual learners and the local community.

AAT 2 / 3 / 4 / Adults.

Some of these courses are open to school leavers who may be interested in Accountancy as a career and others are designed for people already in employment.

This course is aimed at either those who are currently working or would like to work in accountancy/finance but who do not have any accountancy qualifications.

Whether you are just commencing your studies or seeking to enhance your existing skills to help you with career progression, we are able to help. We cater for all level of learners from those with no prior knowledge or experience up to university level or above.

Our courses are designed to be taught over approximately 37 weeks, with examinations being offered on a modular basis, which means students only have to revise and take one exam at a time.

If, as an employer, you have specific training needs in the area of accounting or management, we can work with you to provide specific training to meet your requirements.

For more information about the accountancy courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Accounting A Level / 3 (AQA).

Accounting, although a vocational A level, is suited to all students who enjoy working with numbers. It is both a basis for further study at university and an excellent foundation for the study of professional examinations which are linked to the workplace. In fact, completion of A level Accounting exempts you from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Foundation Stage.

Many future employers will be very interested in the skills you develop in Accounting as they require highly skilled people who have learned about planning and controlling the use of resources, and the prudent management of money. It is also useful if you wish to set up your own business in the future as it will help you to manage and control the business performance. Accounting goes particularly well with Maths, Business, Economics and any other A levels as it stands on its own as a very practical A level that builds specialist skills.

You will have opportunities to develop your numerical and communication skills throughout the course and you will be well prepared for a future in Accountancy training or university.

You can continue training at Richard Huish College on our professional accountancy programmes. Many of our students continue to university and you will be well supported in order to achieve your aspirations, whatever they might be.

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Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

We offer day release and afternoon/evening study options on all levels (although evening options on the first two levels will run subject to demand). We also offer distance learning on all levels of the AAT. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You do not need any formal qualifications to begin studying for the AAT qualification, although if you have any relevant qualifications from school or sixth form, a degree – or some experience in accounting – you may be able to start studying at a higher level.

FEES We will invoice you or your employer (as detailed on the application form) for the costs associated with the course.

If you are paying for yourself, then the course fees can be paid in instalments by standing order. Students who are 24 or over can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan.

Further details are available from the Course Manager.

APPRENTICES Some accounting apprenticeship vacancies may be available and successful applicants’ AAT studies will be free.

Completing the AAT qualification provides you with a platform to develop your career and is a strong foundation in the fundamentals of Accountancy

Did you know...

Are you interested in numbers and balancing the books? Behind every successful business is a brilliant accountant, so you could get a job just about anywhere. Did you know Accounting even has its own “International Accounting Day” which is celebrated on November 10th!

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

ACCA / 4 / 6 / 7.

CIMA 4 / 6 / 7.

The ACCA is one of the largest professional bodies of accountants and has members working worldwide. The qualification is studied by those working in accounting practice, industry and the public sector.

CIMA is the world’s largest professional body of management accountants and offers the most relevant finance qualification for business. The qualification is mainly studied by those working in industry.

Our taught courses are offered over an afternoon/evening from the skills level of the ACCA qualification upwards with distance learning being available at all levels.

In order to become a member you need to pass 3 levels (each containing three 90 minute computer based exams and a 3 hour case study) and complete a record of practical experience covering at least 3 years. Please refer to the CIMA website for further details (www.cimaglobal.com).

The quality of our ACCA courses has been recognised by the ACCA who have awarded us with Approved Learning Partner Gold Status.

We are also an ACCA Computer Based Exam centre meaning that exams F1 – F4 can be taken at the college.

To commence studying at the Knowledge Level students must have a minimum of 2 A levels and 3 GCSEs or equivalent. If you have higher level qualifications, you may be eligible for exemptions (for example completion of AAT gives exemptions from the Knowledge Level). Details of likely exemptions and how to apply for them can be found on the ACCA website www.accaglobal.com.

ACCA give opportunities to work in different roles up to senior level.

ACCA is flexible, allowing you to balance studying with on the job training.

Our taught courses and distance learning are offered from the Operations level of the qualification upwards.

We also offer distance learning courses for the CIMA’s Certificate in Business Accounting.

The quality of our CIMA courses and pass rates has been recognised by CIMA who have recognised us as a Quality Partner.

There are no formal entry requirements to start studying at the Certificate level. If you have higher level qualifications you may be eligible for exemptions (for example AAT provides exemption from the Certificate level). Details of exemptions and how to apply can be found on the CIMA website www.cimaglobal.com.

We will invoice you or your employer (as detailed on the application form) for the costs associated with the course.

If you are paying for yourself, then the course fees can be paid in instalments by standing order. Further details are available from the Course Manager.

Short Accountancy Courses Levels 1 / 2.

There are short courses available to you if you wish to improve your skills in financial management or work in the financial sector. Further details are available on request or can be viewed on our web-site.

Places are limited on all short courses and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Bookkeeping If you want a stand alone course in the principles of book-keeping, then this is the course for you. You will learn how to record information on all bookkeeping documents and the course lasts 6 weeks. You will be able to use the skills acquired in the work environment and if you are considering studying AAT this course can save you a year of studying.

Hannah Studying: Accounting I moved from New Zealand last summer and had taken Accounting at my school there and loved it, so naturally my first choice subject was Accounting at Huish. I am part of the Accounting Enrichment and through this I have been offered work experience and a mentor who has really encouraged me to continue with it as a career. Anyone should consider Accounting as a subject, there is a large misconception that it’s all about maths, which is not true.

Sage This course covers the creation of documents and accounting for sales and purchases. It also deals with entering initial capital and all ledgers up to the creation of trial Balance Sheets and Profit and Loss Accounts.

This course can be done flexibly and details of the course and its costs are available on request.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Rebecca How apprentice Rebecca proved to be an ‘exceptional asset’ to her employers.

When 21-year old Level 3 Business & Administration apprentice Rebecca Bailey was taken on by Acorn Solicitors, in Taunton, as receptionist and legal secretary they were nervous about giving an apprentice such a key role.

But Rebecca left them in no doubt that they had made the right decision as she excelled in her role. Her biggest achievement for the company was the huge task of managing their office premises move. She has also carried out projects to reduce their stationery and postage costs and helped deliver key areas of their marketing plan that resulted in time saving.

She has since been given permanent employment by the small family run employer and promoted to Assistant Office Manager. Rebecca is also now studying for a Level 5 Diploma in Management and mentoring a new apprentice.

Her employer described her as “highly valued by other staff in the office” and it has led them to recruit more apprentices.

Rebecca won Higher Level Apprentice of the Year at the Somerset Apprenticeship Awards 2015.

David Sinclair, her employer, said: “Rebecca has progressed far quicker and been more valuable than we ever anticipated which has given us confidence to recruit more apprentices in the future.”

Evosite Taunton based Evosite have taken on three Huish IT apprentices in the last nine months after realising the benefit to their company. Evosite are experts in e-commerce solutions and one of their highlights so far was developing Dragon’s Den Deborah Meaden’s media-rich website for her.

Their first Huish apprentice started in June and they were so ‘incredibly impressed’ at how well he got on with the tasks provided that they recruited two more apprentices in November. Evosite are keen to see the apprentices remain within the business and train them in to Website Developer roles.

Evosite said: “The genuine business impact of having apprentices is actually a reality. Once you have invested a few months with the right individual, they are making a difference to your business every day that they are here.”

Evosite recently won the New to Apprenticeships category of the Somerset Apprenticeship Awards.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Apprenticeships and Traineeships TRAINEESHIPS What is a Traineeship?

Is a lack of experience stopping you from securing an Apprenticeship? Traineeships offer motivated young people aged 16-24 the opportunity to get some hands-on experience and work skills training with extra support to help you get an Apprenticeship or a job. You will be supported by the college to develop through a combination of work placement and in-college learning to gain the skills and experience that employers want.

What will I do?

• Work preparation training in college which ensures you are ready and have the confidence to take the first step in your career, such as an Apprenticeship.

• If you do not have GCSE grade A*-C you will receive English and Maths support to help give you the literacy and numeracy skills needed for the workplace.

• A meaningful work experience placement which provides insight and experience of the world of work with content tailored to your career goals.

• One to one support throughout your time at college Why are Traineeships important?

• Employers are at the centre of Traineeships to ensure they give you the skills you need to secure a job and succeed in employment.

• Experience is hugely important to employers with 74% saying work experience is critical or significant when recruiting.

• Traineeships give you the opportunity to build your CV and get that vital employer reference, upgraded maths and English and get a recognised Award in Work Skills.

Is a Traineeship right for me?

Traineeships are the ideal opportunity if you are motivated to get work and: • You are a school/college leaver or out of work and unsure what you want to do.

• You have been unsuccessfully applying for Apprenticeships.

• You lack the skills and/or work experience that employers are looking for.

APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular and Richard Huish College offers you a wide range of choices and quality training and support.

Apprenticeships are seen as a good alternative to university as a way of achieving your career goals without the debt.

There is considerable value to learning your trade on the job, there are no costly student loans to repay, and you will have valuable work experience on your CV and your first steps well underway on your career ladder.

Apprenticeships can usually be started at any point during the year. They are not restricted to an academic calendar. You can apply for an apprenticeship with us before you leave school or when you complete any further studies.

Earn while you learn Apprentices do real jobs for real employers. You are paid while you learn. If you are entering work for the first time, you will start earning from the first day of your Apprenticeship.

Learn on the job – Employment Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. You work towards a work-based nationally recognised qualification. Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need.

Learn off the job – Training Typically you will be working with an employer on a full-time basis (part-time placements could also be available), and you will attend college on a day release to develop your knowledge within your vocational area and work towards your qualifications.

Finding a placement Richard Huish College will help you to find a placement; however competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work both as part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.

What Apprenticeships and Traineeships do you offer?

• Accountancy (AAT) • Medical Administration • Business and Administration • Call Centre Operations • Customer Service • Healthcare • IT user and IT professional • Team Leading and Management (ILM) • Health and Social Care

Apprenticeships can be started with no formal qualifications. Some employers may stipulate prior qualifications.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Business and Economics How do firms become profitable? Why do some firms prosper and grow whilst competitors struggle and decline?

If you are thinking of a commercially based career then there are a variety of business courses that will equip you with essential tools and knowledge that you will need to improve your chances of success.

The practical skills you will learn are essential for successful management and leadership and they combine thorough academic study with relevant ‘real world’ knowledge.

Whether you want to train to work in management, improve your management skills, or think of running your own business, having the skills from doing a qualification is very important in this competitive world.

Please note: due to the different content and methods of assessment you will not be able to study both Business A level and BTEC Business together or switch from the BTEC Business course onto the Business A level after induction so do contact the Course Manager for help to ensure you start on the right course for you.

We also run a full degree programme and you will have the opportunity to continue your studies at Huish after A levels.

For more information about the Business courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Business A Level / 3 (AQA).

This course provides an insight into the many activities a business engages in to grow, increase market share and increase profitability. It develops a range of the essential skills for modern management by looking at the key aspects of a business including the roles of Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and Operations and how they interact, as well as understanding the impacts of the external environment on business performance.

Working with case studies based on real businesses, you are encouraged to develop an independent and entrepreneurial approach to problem solving, business analysis and evaluation.

There is an element of numerical work in the course in order to develop your understanding of the quantitative factors that influence decision making, for example calculating budget variances, break-even and market share.

You will need to be confident with numeracy in order to manipulate data and put forward recommendations to improve a business’s performance.

This A level is excellent preparation for students intending to pursue a business related degree or other academic courses in Higher Education. It is also a useful qualification for those considering a commercial career in business and management.

Did you know...

Every organization needs effective managers and leaders with diverse skill sets and specialised knowledge.

Sam Studying: A level Business Initially I thought that taking Business A level would just be a continuation of my Business GCSE, however, there is a whole new side to Business that you learn and in much greater depth.

In class there is a friendly atmosphere and the work is always interesting. I would recommend this subject to anyone who is considering starting their own business or going into a specific area such as Marketing or Human Recourses.

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Business (Vocational) BTEC Extended Certificate or Extended Diploma BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

The BTEC qualification allows you to develop skills and knowledge that are essential when looking to progress into employment or further study in business. There is the option here to have a really developed focus in Business with the Extended Diploma. This is equivalent to 3 A levels and holds the same UCAS points tariff.

If you are interested in starting up your own business, marketing the latest products or managing others in a fast moving environment then a BTEC in Business is an excellent starting point. There are currently no written exams as the BTEC qualification is structured so that you are assessed continually throughout the 2 years.

You will study numerous topic areas including how a range of businesses work, product research, sourcing, branding and promotion. You will also study how businesses recruit and manage their staff. Other subjects include retail management, merchandising and health and safety in the workplace. This is an augmented vocational approach to learning.

Brooke

It’s all about communication... we investigate and acknowledge how businesses communicate as well as how we get our own messages across (Self-Marketing). We continually develop links with external businesses and recruiters to support our students on this course and we provide an extra qualification in Food Hygiene (CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Retail). All the units chosen on this course are vital for the overall development of the students and their progression; and this course endeavours to provide students with the skills to get ahead in business.

Our unique approach to the topics; the range of facilities, resources and support provided to the individual helps each student aim to achieve their potential.

Studying: BTEC Business I study BTEC Business Extended Diploma. I have a passion for business and this course, along with guidance and support of my tutor, has really helped me understand which aspects of business I prefer and what to pursue in the future.

The course really goes into depth, with a hands-on approach to all the different aspects of business. The lessons are never boring! There is always a wide range of vocational work such as posters to create and presentations to do. Not only is the course itself enjoyable, the trips are great too. We have already been to Cadbury World and Disneyland Paris, which was the highlight of my year!

Did you know...

The CBI’s Education and Skills Survey 2013 revealed self-management, business and customer awareness, team working and problem solving as key attributes that employers look for in potential employees.

Did you know...

Our students teamed up with Taunton based cake manufacturer The Ministry of Cake to pitch a cake idea to high street coffee chain Caffe Nero.

www.huish.ac.uk

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The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma [Business Studies]

Business & Management Degrees

Level / 3 (AptAwards).

Our university Business Management degrees provides practical and working knowledge of modern business, opening up an exciting range of future career options for you. You can live locally and work alongside your studies, saving you the cost of moving away from home and student finance is available. Our fees are considerably less than universities and are highly competitive, whilst still enabling you to get a university degree. Small class sizes enable us to offer a friendly but focused teaching environment, tailored to individual needs.

This Diploma provides the opportunity for those without prior qualifications to gain the entry requirements for Higher Education courses in Business Studies and related subjects. It doesn’t matter what social or educational circumstances may have prevented you from achieving entry earlier in your life – this Diploma opens up the world of university degrees to anyone with the enthusiasm and commitment to work hard and achieve.

The Diploma is taught and assessed over one academic year and delivered flexibly to enable students to study alongside any working commitments. It is very beneficial, and supports the learning and development process, for participants who are working whilst studying (either in paid employment or volunteering). Where possible the College will support those who do not have access to regular work experience to find a placement.

In order to accommodate a range of working patterns, and depending upon demand, each year the College aims to provide a range of attendance options across day-time study, evening courses and weekend pathways. Whatever the agreed method of study, the weekly commitment to attended study is 8 hours plus a further 7 hours of home based work.

Each and every student will have different levels of experience, knowledge and expertise and so this programme does NOT take a one-size-fits-all approach.

Each candidate will undertake learning experiences and individualised levels of one-to-one support designed to meet their specific needs.

The successful candidates will study (and be assessed using a range of practical assessment techniques) across a wide range of modern business topics, as well as undertake units that prepare them for further higher academic studies.

Business topics include marketing, business start-up, law, accounting and financial management, and HR with people management; alongside delivering creative presentations and academic research etc. Assessment is largely through regular coursework which will include writing reports, delivering presentations and constructing business plans.

The Access to HE Diploma can be entirely financed through a Student Loan which does not have to be repaid if the candidate subsequently continues on to successful HE study.

Degree / 4 / 5 / 6 (Marjon).

Foundation Degree (FdA) Business and Management (2 or 3 year programme) You will study a range of practical subjects from marketing to managing people, business law to good financial management. Assessment is largely through coursework; including reports and presentations, and some examinations.

The two-year programme you will study is for two days a week. The three-year programme is run over one afternoon and one evening per week (on the same day) and can be extended on request. This enables you to both work and study.

Past students have progressed on to supervisory management training programmes or studied for a Bachelor’s degree, after which some have progressed on to Master’s degree study.

In 2014, 100% of students passed and 80% of these achieved a Merit or Distinction.

BA (Honours) Degree Applied Professional Studies (Leadership & Management) (9 or 16 months) This ‘top up’ course is for those with a business or management related Foundation Degree or HND and want to achieve a university Bachelor’s Degree. You will study a range of modules designed to prepare you for a managerial or other graduate role. This includes Developing Skills for Business Leadership and a Work Based Study, a practical investigation into an area of your choice.

Study starts in September for one afternoon per week (9 months) or one afternoon and one evening per week (16 months) allowing you to live locally, work and study to achieve a university degree. The programme is entirely assessed through coursework.

Danielle Studying: Leadership & Management Degree Having completed a Foundation Degree at a different local university centre, I wanted to acquire my BA Honours. Attending Marjon University through Huish appeared the most beneficial, enabling me to study a course relevant to all business situations, whilst developing key skills that could be used in my work place and still working full time.

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Small class sizes allow for a very personal and friendly approach to lectures. The lecturers and college staff are always willing to help and support individuals and you have access to a large variety of resources both from the college and university which greatly supports your studies.

Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

Economics A Level / 3 (OCR).

Are public services meeting the needs of society? Is there equality and fairness in the world today? Should airlines pay more tax? How do we make our choices as consumers when we shop? Does foreign aid really help the developing world? If you are interested in these questions, enjoy keeping up with current affairs, are comfortable working with numbers, and are willing to write a number of essays then Economics is for you.

The world has infinite wants and scarce resources; in the first unit you will analyse how and why choices are made.

You will look at the impact of business activity on the environment and the range of possible solutions that are available to change business behaviour. In the second unit, the areas considered are from the perspective of the Chancellor in the making of economic policy. What does a successful economy mean? How and why do we trade with the rest of the world?

Students who study Economics are well equipped, having analytical and problem-solving skills, numerical and computer skills, as well as the ability to work well either alone or within a team. All of these skills are very transferable allowing Economics students to branch into anything from investment banking and financial services, business and public-sector management and research, to working with charities, teaching or the media.

Did you know...

Some universities have A-level Maths as a prerequisite for their Economics degrees.

Did you know...

An Economics graduate typically earns ÂŁ4000 more than the average graduate in their first position.

Levels 2 / 3 / 4 / 5.

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) is the UK’s largest Leadership and Management Awarding Body.

ILM’s broad unit-based qualifications offer unrivalled choice and flexibility, enabling learners the opportunity to choose a course that will gain them the crucial skills and knowledge to improve their performance at work.

Apprenticeships are available at levels two, three and five.

The Apprenticeship framework encompasses a diploma, functional skills for Maths, English and ICT, as well as employment rights and responsibilities and personal learning and thinking Skills.

Alternatively you can enroll independently at any level and study alongside your work commitments.

Courses available: Level Two Certificate and Diploma in Team Leading Level Three Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management Level Four Award, Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management Level Five Award, Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management The courses are delivered through a combination of taught classes and one to one support in the workplace.

Progression is available through the levels from Level 2 to Level 5. You could also progress on to a degree programme such as the Foundation Degree in Business and Management.

All our tutors and assessors are qualified, experienced managers with extensive experience of working in industry and teaching. We are also an ILM accredited centre.

There are no formal entry requirements. The ILM qualification is designed to meet the needs of aspiring and practising managers. You will start at the level best suited to you, your job role and ambitions.

Nick Studying: Economics I chose to study Economics because I have a keen interest in the world around me especially with regards to financial decisions in the UK and other countries.

I have enjoyed increasing my economic awareness and I now have a greater understanding of many current issues facing our country and the world. I have an offer to study Economics at Erasmus University, Rotterdam in the Netherlands from September.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Computing and IT If you want to prepare for work and study in the fast-moving technology sector or are keen to develop strong Computing or IT knowledge and skills that are valued in any industry, then one of these courses is the right choice for you.

For more information about these courses visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Computer Science A Level / 3 (AQA).

Computer Science is about understanding the mathematical, scientific and engineering principles underlying all the computer systems we use, from smartphones and the Internet to systems that can interpret natural language.

Practical: You will write programs in the VB.NET language, progressing to object oriented programming. Many students also explore other languages such as C++, JavaScript and Python. In your second year you will develop a substantial application. Previous examples are a gravity and friction simulator, program to model light phenomena and a projectile simulator.

Theory: You will learn the fundamentals such as binary arithmetic and working with floating point numbers as well studying in depth topics such as networks, security, encryption, Internet protocols, processor architecture and how sound and graphics are stored.

Many of our students continue on to university to study Computer Science or related subjects such as Forensic Computing and Security and Games Technology.

Did you know...

A study by Forbes magazine in 2013 found those who studied Computer Science at university had the second highest average starting salary of all graduates!

Did you know...

The Sector Skills Council, eskills UK, forecast that the IT sector would create 500,000 new jobs between 2012 and 2019.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Information Technology (IT) BTEC Extended Certificate or Extended Diploma BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

IT is a coursework based subject for those keen to prepare for work and study in the fast-moving technology sector or those who are intent on building a strong IT knowledge base using skills that are valued in any industry.

The Extended Certificate course is ideal if you enjoyed IT at school and wish to extend your understanding of topics such as website production with CSS and HTML, animation, digital graphics and computer hardware.

The Extended Diploma in IT (Software Development) is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in IT. In addition to the topics above, you will develop skills in software design and development, programming .NET Windows applications, developing games and gain experience with other web and mobile device programming languages such as JavaScript.

We are now a Microsoft test centre and some current students in their second year of the Extended Diploma are taking exams to become Microsoft Technology Associates, developing HTML5 web and mobile apps.

Recent students have progressed on to higher apprenticeships with employers such as GCHQ and CGI; advanced apprenticeships with the NHS and Somerset County Council; degree courses in Computing and Games Technology at university; and some have entered the job market directly with large companies like RM Education.

Waraa Studying: Computer Science Computing is a complex, yet fascinating subject. I chose to do Computer Science because, as well as having an interest in it, I wanted my future career to revolve around the subject. One of the many things that makes the course so interesting is that there is a wide variety of topics covered, ranging from website design to computer architecture.

Initially, I didn’t have a lot of knowledge or experience with programming, but the intriguing lessons led me to believe that anyone could start from scratch and then evolve to be a great programmer. I really recommend studying computing because it expands and improves your skills in problem solving. With developing technology and the universal use of computers, Computer Science can enable you to access a vast amount of career opportunities.

Ivan Studying: Computer Science The Computing A level at Huish is a dynamic, wellstructured course that has really prepared me well for studying Computer Science at university next year.

The A level explores different areas of computing and introduces them in a fun and challenging way, which has made the move to degree level much easier than it would have been.

At the start I already had strong computing experience but some of my peers did not, however the course caters for all abilities. This is important because no matter what experience you already have you can always advance yourself. The course covers many aspects from simple logic gates to complex programming languages, so there is real variety.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Earth Sciences If you enjoy exploring everything around you and want to find out more about the challenges facing the world today, then earth sciences are for you. Choosing which one suits you best is important so compare what each has to offer.

Some students choose to take more than one earth science and this is perfectly acceptable as long as it fits with your aspirations for the future. Also, you do not need to have done an earth science at GCSE. What we look for is enthusiasm, a love of fieldwork and a sense of humour.

There are many opportunities to do field work and there are local, national and international visits through your time at Huish.

For more information about the Earth Sciences courses available at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Archaeology A Level / 3 (AQA).

Archaeology is for anyone with an interest in their past.

It is a subject that covers a wide range of topics from forensic science to art and architecture from a vast time range. It is essentially a practical subject so there are many field trips and an opportunity to take part in digs and surveys such as Geophysics.

Charles Studying: Environmental Studies I want to work in the environmental field; I am an outdoors and active person and care about the future of our earth and the environment. On this course you have the opportunity to go on trips, I have been to Cornwall and West Hay Moor.

These trips allowed me to be taught outside of the classroom in a very visual and practical way.

Huish is a lovely college with a friendly atmosphere.

I have enjoyed my time here so far.

If you are interested in what burials, monuments and archaeological excavations can tell you about human existence through the ages; and if you would like to know more about famous sites such as Stonehenge, the Colosseum and Pompeii, then you will enjoy this course You will study the evidence for ritual and religious practices from a variety of prehistoric sites. You will also study archaeological methods and techniques used to find sites, excavate them and analyse the results, including dating methods. You will research and conduct fieldwork on a local site, study the social organisation, settlement, technology and economics of past societies from around the world.

Natalya Studying: Archaeology

Did you know...

Archaeologists have been celebrating the 800 year anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta with specially arranged digs around Somerset.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

I chose Archaeology because I love learning about the past and this subject gives me a rich knowledge of past civilisations and humans throughout history.

I love the fact that trips are offered, such as one to Stonehenge. They give us the chance to explore outside of the classroom. The teacher is great and gives you all the relevant knowledge and more in order to get a high grade at this interesting and thought provoking subject. It has helped me understand things that I didn’t even know existed in society today and has given me a great starting point for a career in archaeology.

Environmental Studies

Geography

A Level / 3 (AQA).

A Level / 3 (AQA).

Today we face many challenging environmental problems with potentially disastrous consequences if these issues are not addressed. This is why Environmental Studies is an important area to study and why the green sector is in the top 5 globally for job growth.

Geography is a subject that is highly relevant in understanding some of the global issues we face. It will allow you to explore familiar areas you enjoyed at GCSE in more depth and in a more analytical way, discover new topics and improve your understanding of the fragile relationship between people and the planet. It is not essential to have studied the subject at GCSE. You will find a friendly, hard working atmosphere in class and teachers who are enthusiastic about their subject.

In the first year you will study the unique characteristics of planet earth that allow it to sustain life. You will study the atmosphere, the lithosphere (rocks and soil), the hydrosphere (the watery part) as well as the biosphere (the living part). You will also look at wildlife conservation.

In the second year you then explore energy resources, environmental pollution, as well as the management of biological resources – farming, forestry and fisheries.

You will take part in a number of field trips. Places you visit may include The Eden Project, The National Marine Aquarium, Paignton Zoo and Westhay Moor Nature Reserve where current students are actively involved in habitat restoration. There is also a 3-day residential field trip in the first year.

This subject can be combined with a range of other A levels but it is particularly popular as a combination with Biology and/or other earth sciences such as Geography and Geology.

Environmental Studies is for anyone interested in getting beyond the headlines about environmental issues and discovering the science behind the stories – what’s going wrong and how are we working to protect our environment?

The field work and residential trips are both useful and fun. We feature day trips in the local area to practise field skills and to show you how relevant what you learn in the classroom is to the world around us. You will have the opportunity to go on a residential trip, probably either to Iceland or Italy.

Students need an interest in all geographical issues, both the human and the physical. Rivers, coasts, population change and energy issues are covered and lead on to development and globalisation, plate tectonics and weather & climate. Naturally, you will also sharpen your skills of map reading, graphical interpretation and fieldwork planning etc.

PROGRESSION • Earth science subjects at university – geography, geology, environmental studies, oceanography • Jobs in Environment Agency, local councils, outdoor education, renewable energy companies, UKHO • Other: flood risk assessors, environmental consultants, town planners, farm advisers, accountants, pilots, doctors, vets, estate agents, teachers.

• It is classed as a science subject by universities • It provides you with a large range of transferable skills • Russell Group universities include Geography in their list of facilitating subjects.

Lucy Studying: Geography All my subjects have been challenging, the step up from GCSE was bigger than I expected. The enthusiasm and support of my Geography teacher has allowed me to learn to a higher level and still enjoy the subject at the same time.

I love the field trips; we have been to Lyme Regis, studied Monmouth beach and longshore drift. Getting out in the field and seeing real coastal features first hand is so eye opening. I recommend Geography at A level, it is a perfect mix of physical and human geography topics. I can’t wait for the second year!

www.huish.ac.uk

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Geology A Level / 3 (WJEC).

Ideally you would have an interest in the subject, an ability to work independently and a sense of humour! Geology is a true Natural Science which is, for some, more accessible than others and it gives you the opportunity to make a difference environmentally and economically.

There are many reasons to study Geology, but here are a few that students mention: because you have an interest in the physical aspects of Geography; to complement other science subjects with a practical science which is more accessible to many; as a science subject when a science A level is a requirement for a university course; because you are interested in a career in engineering; because you enjoy fossil collecting and want to know more; because you enjoy fieldwork.

You will look at all the aspects of the subject from plate tectonics, volcanism and earthquakes to the understanding of the processes of rock formation and the use of fossils.

You will also study rocks, fossils and minerals in the field and in ‘lab’.

You will progress to develop concepts and knowledge and you can pursue optional areas of interest such as British Stratigraphy, Quaternary Geology, Lithosphere and Economic Resources.

We visit sites in Devon and Dorset and travel to Spain to do practical fieldwork. You can also go on the Geography trip to Iceland to supplement your experiences of geological wonder.

Extended Project Qualification

Amy

Level 3 Certificate (AQA).

Studying: Geology

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a course available to students in their second year (upper sixth) at Huish. At the end of the course, you will come out with a level 3 qualification – equivalent to an AS (carrying the same number of UCAS tariff points).

Geology isn’t just rocks! It’s the entire history of how the earth was formed. Geology has been the best choice for me. To understand how the world works, in one of the very few colleges in the UK that teaches it, is a privilege. I also study Biology and Chemistry, which I have found very beneficial. I hope to go on and study Geology at university.

The EPQ supports your personal aspirations for higher education and career development. It gives you the opportunity to study a topic of your choice in-depth.

You will improve yourself as a critical, reflective and independent learner, developing skills creatively, demonstrating initiative, decision making and enterprise.

The EPQ may take the form of: • A research based 5000 word written report • A production and written report (e.g. charity event, music or dance performance or sports coaching etc.)

• An artefact and written report (e.g. piece of art, a computer game or realised design) Like many of our students, you may wish to develop a topic you want to study at university. The skills learnt such as time management and the ability to work independently are valued by both universities and employers.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

We’ve been on trips in and around the South West and to Spain. These were both fun and extended my understanding of Geology further. I’ve found the tutoring at Huish to be incredibly supportive and helpful in my studies. Geology is male dominated but us girls show them how to do it!

Where are they now?

Edward I came to Huish from Queen’s College in 2012. I am currently a full time undergraduate student at King’s College London studying International Relations.

I chose to move to Huish because it allowed me to be an independent learner in a much bigger year group, which has been a really useful skill for university.

I studied A level Economics, History, Religious Studies and AS Biology and Critical Thinking. Huish was really strong at debating and I was able to get really involved in national competitions and I helped to launch a bigger Model United Nations team. The highlight of my time at Huish was being awarded the Karen Revans Debating prize.

I looked into the non-uni routes with a view to international business or consultancy. Most of the big city firms such as KPMG and Deloitte offer post A level entry schemes, which I applied for. After completing the testing stages I decided I wanted to go to university instead but it had given me practice at the recruitment process for big firms and I had got my foot in the door.

I applied for three similar courses at King’s College, and got offers for all three. I then did more research, asked people I knew on the courses and made my final decision about which to take. I am now also working as a marketing manager for a start- up social enterprise at King’s, called SleepCoat where we work with partner brands like Google, KPMG and Amazon. I have also done work experience at Blue Rubicon PR and Channel 4, which I organised with no previous contacts, just emails.

Eve I came to Huish from The Castle School in 2008. After A levels I knew I wanted to go to university so Huish’s academic reputation was a major factor for me. I took A levels in Archaeology, English Lit/Lang, Early Modern History and RE at AS level. Initially I wanted to study History at university, as it was my favourite subject at school but I took a new subject, Archaeology, and realised I loved it. It is now my career as I’m a Field Archaeologist working all over Somerset.

I went to the University of Winchester and studied History and Archaeology, I realised after my first year that I wanted to do more archaeology modules so I dropped the history and got a First Class Archaeology BA. I did my masters at Reading University – specialising in Medieval Archaeology.

Taking Archaeology at Huish and having a class that was different from the rest was practical and fun. I learnt archaeological techniques at Huish that I still use every day at work. If you love History at school, if you want to learn about sites all over the world and ones on your doorstep – take Archaeology!! www.huish.ac.uk

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English You will be well suited to an English course if you like arguing your case, enjoy reading and research, and want to write about your opinions or construct your own texts.

For Literature, reading and analysing wide ranging literary texts from Chaucer to modern prose is central to the course and also discussion and argument, both orally and on paper.

If you enjoy discussing both written and spoken language and want to explore the way the English language works over time, then English Language would be a good choice.

However, if you want to maintain both language and literature then you will enjoy studying in the Language and Literature combined course, especially if you enjoy creative writing which makes up 20% of the course in the second year.

For more information about the English courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

English Language A Level / 3 (AQA Spec B).

You will enjoy this course if you enjoy the English language in all its variety (old/new, spoken/written, etc.) and want to explore the way language works across a very wide range of genres, from transcripts to short stories, legal documents to newspaper articles and many other forms. This A-level will provide you with a structured, analytical approach to the study of language, including work on grammar.

You will analyse a wide range of writing and speech: some new (e.g. text messages and social networking), some historical (such as old adverts, old notices), some spontaneous (like a conversation with a friend), and some crafted (e.g. part of a published article or speech). You’ll consider how language is used to show power, how it reflects gender, and the effect of communication technology (email/TV/texting). Language is always changing: studying English Language at Huish puts you in a lively team who enjoy working with many outside groups to watch how English is developing.

PROGRESSION Some study English to take it further – going on to top Russell Group universities to read English Language, Linguistics, Creative Writing, Journalism, Communications, Speech Therapy and Teaching. Others use English as a high-quality analysis subject to get in to Law and the Civil Service. English has very close connections to History, Psychology, Sociology and, of course, Modern Foreign or classical languages.

Huish has close links with the Somerset Heritage Centre (Taunton) which holds a huge collection of old documents.

We work with The English Project (Winchester) taking part in their annual English Language Day; We visit the Oxford English Dictionary, the British Library and BBC TV Centre (London) as often as we can.

Kundai Studying: English Language My experience in English Language has been great; the support from teachers is amazing from the organisation of additional background reading to learning interactively through Moodle and YouTube.

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If you want to learn to think critically and are heading for a profession, which requires you to do so, English Language will definitely help. Just try it!

English Literature A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

You should consider this course if you enjoy reading and analysing literary text in detail and you have lots of views about it, or if you enjoy discussion and argument – both orally and on paper.

In your first year you will look at a very wide range of texts for analysis: novels, poetry and Shakespeare’s drama. You will consider how language is used by different authors and in different social contexts, comparing and contrasting poetry and drama texts. You will study novels and poetry and comparative drama texts in detail for the exams at the end of your two year course, and gain skills for ‘unseen’ analysis. You will also produce your own critical response to prose for coursework (which can reflect your own wide interests) and a post 2000 text.

English Literature students take part in many trips to support their studies. These have included Coleridge Country, Hardy’s Dorset, Oxford and Cambridge, Stratford for Shakespeare research, local and regional theatre trips and much more!

English Language & Literature A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

You should consider English Language and Literature if you enjoyed both these things at GCSE and like reading, analysing and creative writing.

Haylea Studying: English Literature I’ve always enjoyed the analytical side of English, making English Literature a great choice for me. The understandably heavier workload at A level is easy to adapt to. I knew that it would be different to GCSE English but the freedom you are given with your studying allows your independence to improve. The teachers are always enthusiastic about the lesson content, making an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

There is such a variety offered in this subject, from plays to poetry to novels, that it’s hard to find something not to like! English Literature shows you have developed skills for reading between the lines and expressing your views.

You will have the opportunity to study poetry, novels and drama – including Shakespeare – along with non-fiction texts such as autobiographies, travel writing and journalism. In your second year you will produce a folder of original writing – so if you are keen on creative writing, this could well be the course for you!

English Language and Literature is a rigorous and demanding subject which will complement your other courses. It is particularly suitable for students who are keen to study English and its variants at university. This includes traditional English Language and Literature degrees as well as Journalism, Film and Media.

Did you know...

As the world rushes to acquire English - the language of international commerce, diplomacy, and higher education, there are massive teaching opportunities for English teachers abroad.

Jessica Studying: English Literature The skills gained throughout the course are transferable to outside the classroom, you learn to think, form opinions and convictions of your own.

The encouraging teachers at Huish make the step between GCSE and A level much easier; enabling you to thrive in the more independent style of learning and really achieve a love for your subject.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Where are they now?

Philippa I came to Huish from Uffculme School in 2005. I now work as an Emergency Response Coordinator with Save the Children. This means that I deploy at short notice to countries around the world to support humanitarian and development work.

When choosing my subjects in year 10 and 11 my decisions were made partly based on what I enjoyed, partly on what I was good at and partly thinking about subjects that might allow me to work abroad in the future. Also think about other ways you can develop.

I can honestly say that the skills I developed through participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and expedition leaders’ training helped foster my independence, team work skills and leadership, all of which are vital for my current work in emergency response. Walking across Dartmoor for several

days carrying all your gear in the blinding rain may be very different to working on the Ebola response or in Afghanistan, but it helps you develop your resilience and gain a greater understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

By the time I left Huish I knew very clearly that I wanted to have a career that allowed me to work abroad.

With this in mind I decided to study International Relations at university but first took a gap year in order to get some work experience and earn money.

After working for six months I travelled to Central America for three months and North America for a month. I then went on to study International Relations at Aberystwyth University, where I focused on peace, conflict and gender studies. Following that, I did a Masters in Violence, Conflict and Development with a focus on refugee and migration studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

Throughout my university studies I looked for opportunities to get work experience - I did a summer internship at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and participated in UKIERI’s Study India initiative.

During my master’s degree I volunteered to work with refugees and asylum seekers in London. During the summer of my master’s degree I also worked as a Programme Assistant with a peacebuilding organisation called Conciliation Resources. I was able to land a traineeship with Save the Children, where I spent 6 months in their London office and then was deployed to work in Tajikistan for 6 months.

After my traineeship I was asked to join Save the Children’s emergency response team, where I’ve worked for the last two years. I worked in the Philippines on the response to Typhoon Haiyan, on the Ebola response in Sierra Leone, in India on the flood response, in Afghanistan on a girls’ education project and I am just about to fly to Nepal to work on the earthquake response.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care Health Sciences BTEC Extended Certificate or Extended Diploma BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

If you are interested in working in any sort of caring profession, the BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A level equivalent) is a good starting point. The BTEC Certificate (1 A level equivalent) will give you an introduction to key themes in health and social care and would support an application for a career in healthcare settings such as a hospital, residential home, social services or early years.

It will also support a higher education application for nursing, midwifery, social work or teaching.

Although you will study some theory, the emphasis of the course is on applying the information that you learn to real situations. Some of the topics you will cover include developing effective communication in care settings; equality, diversity and rights; and health, safety and security. There are also optional units that are possible to study covering areas like health promotion, nutrition, anatomy and physiology.

There are opportunities for you to experience real life situations in health centres, residential homes, schools, nurseries and hospital departments that will enhance your understanding of this subject. You will need to have at least 100 hours of work experience for the Extended Diploma. Work placement is also recommended to enhance learning on the BTEC Certificate and there will be opportunities to go on a relevant placement.

Harriet Studying: BTEC Health & Social Care I chose to take the BTEC Health and Social Care Extended Diploma because I always knew I wanted to work with people and support them in their personal development. On this course I have been on various placements in different care settings, learning how to put theory into practice. Being on placement has really helped me to decide what I want to do in the future.

Depending on your future career plans you will be able to choose either a Social Care or a Health Sciences pathway.

A Social Care pathway would lead to careers in education, social work, child care or working with older people and people with additional needs. A Health Sciences pathway would lead to careers in nursing, midwifery, health visiting, occupational therapy and speech and learning therapy.

For more information about this course visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Did you know...

The ageing population in the UK is creating a boom in demand for people in caring roles..

Did you know...

Nurses play a vital role in the health and care system.

Estimates suggest there will be more than 400,000 job openings in the profession over the next decade..

www.huish.ac.uk

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Humanities Classical Civilisation A Level / 3 (AQA).

Classical Civilisation involves the study of ancient Greece and Rome in its broadest sense, looking at the history, politics, philosophy and literature that became the foundation of Western Civilisation from the Romans through to our own day. It is about where we come from and who we are and is the basis of our ideas of law, constitution, myth, poetry and theatre, indeed of all our philosophical reflection. We focus on the writings of the ancient Greeks themselves and Romans (both in English translation) and the course will equip you with the critical and conceptual tools to examine these texts and engage with the ideas they contain and their relevance for our culture.

The course covers the development of democracy in Athens in the 6th and 5th Centuries BC focusing on the work of Aristotle, Pseudo-Xenophon, and Aristophanes’ comedy The Wasps. This is followed by a study of Homer’s Iliad, examining the text in detail and exploring the plot, characterisations, the role of fate and the gods, the heroic code and the portrayal of war.

The second year will see you explore the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides where you will discover controversial figures such as Medea and Antigone. You will also get to see how Rome perceived itself at the beginning of the Roman Empire through Virgil’s epic The Aeneid.

PROGRESSION University where you can choose to look at language, history or philosophy. Classical Civilisation A level is also good to supplement subjects such as Archaeology, Psychology, English or Modern History.

Evie Studying: Classical Civilisation Studying Classical Civilisation at Richard Huish has changed my life. I’ve discovered a new academic passion, which I am now applying to study at university. Combining elements of Politics, History, Literature and Art from ancient Greece and Rome really does create an intriguing and multifaceted subject. Not only is the core content intellectually provocative, but the teaching is excellent. We have Greek-style debates, restage battles and for the more literary side of the course, rewrite speeches and laments in our own words. We even performed the play that we were studying!

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Careers include: academia, history and translation as well as giving you the analytical and research skills for fields such as research, teaching, publishing, even politics or creative writing (just as JK Rowling!).

Did you know...

“If a man neglects education, he walks lame to the end of his life”. Plato

Government & Politics A Level / 3 (AQA).

If you follow current affairs, and enjoy reading the newspaper or watching current affairs and news programmes on television, then this course should appeal to you; and you will gain knowledge that will be useful whatever future plans you may have.

You will develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes. The course will give you a knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK and the USA, and how these may differ from those of other political systems. You will develop your capacity for critical thinking as you consider the relationships between different aspects of this subject and view the issues you study in a broader context.

Topics you cover will include different types of election in the UK, electoral systems and voting behaviour, the politics of the UK, the UK Parliament, Prime Minister and Cabinet and political ideas and concepts. You will also study US Government & Politics. The topics covered will include: Presidential elections, Presidential power, the US legislature, the US constitution, US political parties and pressure groups.

You will also have the opportunity to go on two major trips as part of this course. There is a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and a chance to see a debate and a trip to New York and Washington DC to see the White House, the Capitol building, Empire State building, 9/11 memorial and much more.

Most students go on to study a variety of humanities based degrees at university. Then they progress to careers such as – teaching, local government, journalism, the military, Civil Service, management, law etc.

Eddie Studying: Government & Politics I chose Government and Politics A level because I wanted to learn more about the way our country is run and how the decisions made in Westminster affect our daily lives. The subject has great teaching and lively debates, which I feel has helped my confidence and debating skills when speaking in front of my classmates.

The Politics department offers you a wide variety of opportunities. For example, I am the Deputy Member for the Youth Parliament in Taunton Deane and West Somerset and a member of the Politics society.

Did you know...

January 2015 only 22% of all national parliamentarians were female, a slow increase from 11.3 % in 1995

Kate Studying: Government & Politics I chose Government & Politics because I feel that it is important to understand how our government is run.

In order to make a positive change in our society, we must first learn how it works. Government & Politics is an exciting subject to study because it is so relevant to our daily lives. I especially enjoy the weekly debates.

We decide on the topic each week as a class, so they are always on a subject that is interesting. The great thing about studying at Huish is the extent of Enrichment opportunities to complement your studies. Politics Society is held every week and gives you the chance to listen to real politicians speaking.

This is just one of the many ways that Government & Politics develops a greater understanding of the country we live in.

www.huish.ac.uk

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History Early Modern and Late Modern A Level / 3 (AQA).

History is a fascinating and vibrant subject that will give you the opportunity to develop your own ideas and challenge the opinions of others. At Huish we offer a choice of two History courses, both examined by AQA. Our History courses embrace a wide range of human activity and you will have the chance to broaden your interests, examine historical issues, challenge existing orthodoxies and engage with historical debates. There are extensive opportunities for exchanging ideas through debate and discussion and a great deal of support in class with an academic tutor.

HISTORY EARLY MODERN You will study Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598 and Religious Conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570.

Both of these units will be studied over a two year period with an exam in each one in your second year.

An important part of your second year is the study of c100 years of the history of the Portuguese Empire including the voyages of Henry the Navigator and Vasco Da Gama.

You will use this as the basis for your coursework extended essay of c.3500 words.

HISTORY LATE MODERN You will study Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 and The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007. Both of these units will be studied over a two year period with an exam in each one in your second year.

An important part of your second year is the study of c100 years of the history of the British Empire which you will use as a basis for your coursework extended essay of c.3500 words.

Our History students have gone on the study History and other related degrees at Russell Group universities as well as Oxford and Cambridge. History is a good route into careers in research, law, teaching, finance and corporate graduate programmes. It is highly valued by universities and is on the Russell Group’s list of ‘facilitating subjects.’

David Studying: History (Late) It’s great to be able to delve into the past and learn about important events such as the Russian Revolution and the Vietnam War. History at A level goes into a lot of detail and allows you to really understand the people who shaped history and what instigated them to act in certain ways. History genuinely satisfies my desire for knowledge.

History itself also helps develop a lot of other skills.

Since I have been studying History A level my research skills have improved as well as my fluency in writing.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Law A Level / 3 (AQA).

This is a fascinating and varied subject that will give you the opportunity to develop good powers of reasoning. You will cover the criminal courts and magistrates and juries and law making including a court visit: an introduction to criminal law – elements of a crime; non-fatal offences against the person and criminal court procedure. There is also an introduction to civil law based on negligence and the civil courts.

In the second year you will also study criminal law – murder, manslaughter, non-fatal offences against the person, and defences such as insanity, automatism and intoxication.

You will also study property offences and defences such as duress. There is also an emphasis on the Philosophy of Law exploring issues such as justice and morality.

Adrian Studying: Law The Law department offers great support and advice - from exam practice to information about future careers in Law. In my case, a short talk with a Law teacher gave me both the direction and knowledge about what was required to get to university to study Law. Law stands out as a versatile and interesting subject and much of what you learn can be applied to real life. The link between classroom and reality is strong and is one of the reasons why I enjoy Law, and always strive to improve.

Our students go on to do many different things but around thirty each year go on to study Law at degree level. In the last few years this has included universities like Oxford, Bristol, Durham, LSE, Warwick , Cardiff, Liverpool, Southampton etc.

Psychology A Level / 3 (AQA).

If you are interested in researching why people and animals behave the way they do, then this could be the subject for you. Psychology combines both the scientific and theoretical study of the mind and behaviour. The psychological theories and knowledge you will learn are based on relevant, accurate research and form the basis for understanding our lives.

You will look at psychological studies and theories covering social, cognitive, developmental, physiological and psychopathology psychology. There is also a large emphasis on the methodology of Psychology, looking at the ways psychologists conduct their research. You will progress to extend this knowledge and cover a further three areas in depth; aggression, relationships and stress.

Did you know...

That there were over 1,100,000 criminal convictions last year but that this was the lowest figure for many years.

Hannah Studying: Psychology I took Psychology, as I am interested in the different theories around how the mind works.

I am part of the Psychology Society, which is great fun and gives you the chance to expand your knowledge.

We conduct experiments around college and enjoy visiting speakers. It looks great on your university applications if you wish to study Psychology further.

As part of the A level course we watched a series of lectures. We learnt about the science of laughter and some of the visiting students were hypnotised.

It was great fun and I learnt such a lot.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Religious Studies A Level / 3 (AQA).

Religious Studies takes account of developments in the world at large. It is designed for students of any religious persuasion, or none. This course offers a range of academic responses to the most important questions: How do I live? Is there any meaning or purpose to life? Could there be a life after death? Is it reasonable to believe that there is a God? On this course you will have the opportunity to study religion in its contemporary setting. You will study a major world religion, look at the interface between the latest discoveries and religious thinking as well as philosophical responses to the claims that religion makes in its quest for truth. You will assess what belief means today and where it can and may be going. It is a broad-based challenging subject designed for those who want to work hard and engage at the highest level.

You will study Islam, the world’s second largest religion, with emphasis on its scripture, the Holy Qur’an, arguably its most influential text. Following this we will look into Buddhism, a religion of experience rather than revelation.

We visit the East London Mosque and the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery and meet leading practitioners.

Tarrick Studying: Religious Studies I chose to take Religious Studies because I enjoyed taking Ethics and Philosophy at GCSE and I heard the course was similar in some aspects. I also enjoy studying alternative viewpoints and having an insight into other cultures and views on the nature of things.

I think the best part about RS is that you get to have a deeper understanding of what religion is about.

For example, Buddhism is an alternative religion which is not only interesting but helpful in my own life. As part of the course you get to meet a Buddhist Monk, which gives you a fascinating look into the nature of the religion. In the second part of the course you study Islam, which is very topical in today’s world, and this enables you to see the other side of the religion to the one in the media.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Sociology A Level / 3 (AQA).

Sociology is an exciting, dynamic subject that will develop your understanding of people and how they are affected by the world in which they live. You will develop your critical and analytical skills in relation to everyday life. It will challenge your common sense and ‘taken for granted’ assumptions. You will never look at the news, politics, social policy or the criminal justice system in the same light again.

Sociology works its way through a range of topic areas such as the influence of social institutions or agencies of socialisation on individuals and groups of people. You will start by exploring key family and household trends and explanations for such trends. You also explore historical educational issues and theories of inequality.

Did you know...

Many Sociology graduates work in the public sector in a social or welfare role, others go into the public and private sector. Employers include local and central government, industry, commerce, the NHS, education authorities, further and higher education, and charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations.

Joe Studying: Sociology Sociology is a fun and engaging subject which allows you to look at society as a whole and how people shape the way society functions. What makes this subject so interesting is the way that we learn can be applied to real life and current events. Sociology is more relevant to today than any other subject I take.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Maths There are four options for studying Mathematics at A level, to suit students with different levels of interest and background GCSE knowledge. If you are very confident of gaining at least an A grade in GCSE Mathematics and have a very strong interest in the subject you could consider the Further Mathematics course. This will involve studying for two A levels (Mathematics and Further Mathematics) and has twice the number of lessons as a single A level will have.

If you think that you will get an A grade or at least a high B grade at GCSE, you are interested in Mathematics and like doing it, particularly algebra, equations and graphs, then A level Mathematics may be the course for you. If you are mainly interested in “humanities” subjects or even life sciences like Biology or Psychology, you may find A level Statistics more useful to you. Core Maths has been designed to maintain and develop real-life mathematical skills. It can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life.

However, those wishing to do Maths, Engineering or Physical Sciences at university are advised to do either Maths or Further Maths.

For more information about the Mathematics courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Statistics A Level / 3 (AQA).

If you are mainly interested in the humanities or in the life sciences, such as Business, Psychology or Biology and expect to get at least a B grade at GCSE in Mathematics, then Statistics could be a good choice for you. (Students who are interested in the physical sciences such as Physics or Chemistry or in Engineering should consider Maths or Further Mathematics.)

The analysis of data has become increasingly important in the modern world, and an ability to process numerical information accurately to arrive at sound conclusions is much in demand. Many business and corporations employ people with excellent and highly developed data handling skills, and A level Statistics provides a strong foundation for this kind of work. The course looks at a range of techniques, including the use of probability models to test hypotheses. These methods are widely used to assess whether data can justify the conclusions that may be drawn from it – that is, whether the results are “statistically significant”. If you are confident in handling numerical data and want to learn how to process it in ways that are frequently used in the workplace, then this course could suit you very well.

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George Studying: Statistics Statistics is a great course to choose if you like handling data and want to apply statistical ideas to real life situations, for example methods used in quality control. You will meet many different statistical models and learn how to apply them to different situations. I would recommend this course to anyone who is open to new methods and is interested in using Statistics to support another subject at university.

What our students say...

If you are forward thinking, IT savvy, interested in finding practical solutions to problems in the society and the world we live in and you enjoy working with numbers and people, this could be the course for you.

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

If you like solving tricky problems, understanding abstract ideas and are confident using complex mathematical and algebraic techniques, this course could be a good choice for you. You should expect to get a high B grade at the very least at GCSE, and be particularly confident using all the algebraic skills at higher tier. The training that A level Mathematics provides is relevant to many subjects as it equips you with skills such as logical analysis and deduction, problem solving, data handling and mathematical modelling.

Further Maths is a very challenging course, which provides an excellent preparation for further study of Mathematics or closely related disciplines at university. It equips you with skills such as logical analysis and deduction, problem solving, data handling and mathematical modelling – which can be applied in almost any field of work.

You will study Pure Mathematics and its applications. Pure Mathematics is an extension of the skills covered at GCSE particularly algebra and algebraic graphs, but also includes trigonometry and a new area of study called calculus.

You will also develop an understanding of some problem solving techniques using algorithms and networks in an applied maths unit called Decision Mathematics. You will then progress onto either Statistics or Mechanics alongside more advanced Pure Mathematics. Statistics extends the work done at GCSE to cover areas such as data presentation, probability and correlation. Mechanics, which is studied by those taking Physics, covers such topics as Newton’s laws of motion and forces.

By the end of the course you will have gained confidence and proficiency in a wide variety of mathematical concepts and methods and in their application.

The first year consists of a broad programme including Pure Mathematics, Decision Mathematics, Mechanics and Statistics. The topics include those mentioned in the section of this prospectus for the A level Mathematics course. In the second year you will extend your Pure Mathematics knowledge to cover such topics as differential equations, polar co-ordinates, complex numbers and numerical solution of equations, as well as tackling more advanced problems in statistics and mechanics. This will give you a very thorough mathematical grounding in a very wide range of methods used in many university subjects, including Maths, Physics, Engineering and Economics.

At the end of your first year you will have completed a full A level in Mathematics and by the end of your second year you will have a second A level in Further Mathematics.

Did you know...

Mechanical Engineering is a popular career if you have studied Mathematics and Physics. It is key to the UK economy, with British engineers at the forefront of designing everything from better forms of green energy and zero emissions to the latest breed of nuclear power stations.

Core Maths Level 3 Certificate (OCR (MEI) Quantitative Reasoning).

Core Maths is a course for those who want to keep up their valuable maths skills but who are not planning on taking AS or A level Mathematics. At the end of the course, you will come out with a level 3 qualification – equivalent to an AS (carrying the same number of UCAS tariff points). The qualification is assessed by final examination. You will need a grade C or above in mathematics at GCSE to study the subject.

Caitlin Studying: Mathematics Maths is one of my favourite subjects at Huish.

I really enjoyed Maths at GCSE and taking it at A level seemed like an obvious choice.

Maths is a very useful subject for me as it helps with Biology and Geography when questions about statistics occasionally come up. I have also found that Maths has become a lot more interesting at college than it was at GCSE; it has become both mentally challenging and rewarding.

Taking Maths A level has also allowed me to consider a scientific degree at university. I am hoping to take a degree in Natural Sciences, as it will allow me to take Maths to a higher level without taking a Pure Maths degree. Natural Sciences also combine Maths with my other subjects, Biology and Geology.

Core Maths has been designed to maintain and develop real-life mathematical skills. What you study is not purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life and most courses will include a financial maths element.

It will also help with other A level subjects – in particular with Science, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology and Economics.

The skills developed in the study of mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education; studying Core Maths will help you keep up these essential skills. On average, students who study maths after GCSE improve their career choices and increase their earning prospects.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Media Creative Media Production BTEC Extended Certificate or Extended Diploma BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

If you want to go on to university to study Media or Film, or enter the industry then this course is for you. It is also suitable if you have a general interest in British media particularly Television and Film.

This subject can be studied as a Extended Certificate equivalent to one A level or an Extended Diploma equivalent to three A levels. There are no written exams as the BTEC qualification is structured so that you are assessed continually throughout the two years. This assessment will be conducted in a variety of media industry contexts such as written articles, reports, pitch presentations, production documentation, ideas creation and through practical productions.

Taught units for the Extended Certificate include Music Video Production, Factual Programme Production for Television, Advertising Production for Television and Film Studies. Additionally to these units Extended Diploma students will also take units such as Film and Video Editing Techniques, Commercial Production for Radio, Multi-Camera Techniques, Production Management Project, Interview Techniques and Stop Motion Production.

You will develop skills in the use of cameras, editing techniques, writing for different industry contexts, communication, organisation and production management. We aim for you to leave the course with the skills and experience to work as a ‘runner’ in a production company or to go on to further develop your skills in a media degree.

For more information about this course visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses/creative-media-production

Did you know...

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport estimate that the creative industries are worth £36 billion a year and employ 1.5 million people in the UK.

Did you know...

The UK’s creative industries include television and film, publishing and advertising, radio and computer games development.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Jesse Studying: C reative Media Production, Music Production I chose to do an Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production as it fitted best with my ambitions beyond college. I want to be a Music Producer and DJ and after many meetings with the very helpful teachers, I decided on the combination of an Extended Diploma in Media and Subsidiary Diploma in Music Production.

There have been a lot of great opportunities with both media and music production, opportunities to film events in the local area and attend and perform at local gigs too! I’ve been on trips to BBC Broadcasting House, the IMAX cinema, UWE Library and to Clevedon Curzon Cinema, one of the oldest purpose built cinemas in the country.

Where are they now?

Caitlin I came to Huish from Queen’s College in 2008. I now work as a Fundraising and Advocacy Executive at Tomorrow’s Company and am studying for an MSc in Gender, Globalisation, and Development at London School of Economics (LSE).

I didn’t really get on with the environment at Queen’s, so I knew I wanted to move somewhere else for sixth form. My brother had gone to Huish a couple of years before, and it sounded incredible. I knew I wanted to go to university afterwards, but I was still split between sciences and humanities, so I chose a happy mix of Philosophy, English Literature, History, Maths, and Physics.

I learnt that a lot could change in a very short time.

Keep your mind open to different routes and different passions, since it’s pretty likely that you haven’t happened upon a lot of stuff yet. And don’t let people tell you that these choices will define your life from now on. You can still change your mind and change direction – whether that’s in a few months, a few years, or when you’re celebrating your 50th birthday.

I struggled to choose between sciences and arts, but decided to pursue English since it would keep my options a little more open and give me three years to do what I loved: read. I was pretty ambitious, so decided to apply to Cambridge. I was also keen to do some exploring, so I applied on deferred entry and took a gap year.

It’s important not be distracted by what your friends are doing or what they think you should be doing. Just because everyone’s going off to university, it doesn’t mean you should be. Think broader than that: do you want to take a gap year? Do you want to do an apprenticeship? An internship? Do you want to work or study abroad? Equally, if steep university fees are putting you off, look at the bigger picture – you’ll never have such a good loan in your life!

I spent three years working stupidly hard at Cambridge, and doing a bit of life-modelling on the side. Gender and women’s rights loomed large in my daily worries, so in the summer between Cambridge and LSE, I interned for a charity think-tank in London called Tomorrow’s Company. At the end of three months they offered me a permanent part-time job working in Fundraising. In March 2015, I also began volunteering for North London Rape Crisis, working towards an OCN Qualification in working with survivors of sexual violence.

At the moment, I’m juggling my masters, a part-time job, and one day a week volunteering, but I’m also falling in love with London.

Huish was a really important point in my education, a time where everything sort of came together. I’d been pretty unhappy at my previous schools, and I found the freedom and respect to be myself at Huish. This gave me the confidence I needed to go travelling and teaching during my gap year, and the self-belief I needed to apply to Cambridge.

The highlights of my education and career so far have been modest and personal. Many highlights are simply the people I’ve met – supervisors, colleagues, peers – more diverse and brilliant than any I could have conjured up 5 years ago. Other highlights have been simple things, like taking my first call on the Rape Crisis Helpline, or chairing my first meeting, or getting my cartoons printed in the uni newspaper, or posted my workplace’s blog.

Success has never been about big pay cheques or big names for me – it’s this stuff, the little things that happen every day.

After leaving Huish, I went to do a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in Prague for 2 months. After that, I headed to Nepal for an 18-day trek and then headed South into India to teach English for a few months. I rounded up my gap-year working nights at Asda and learning to drive, whilst also getting on top of the hefty reading list for a BA in English at Cambridge.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Mary Studying: German I chose to do German because I always enjoyed it at GCSE. Although it doesn’t entirely fit in with my career choice as I hope to study medicine at university, I am extremely glad that I took it because it is a welcome break from all the sciences! At first, I was quite apprehensive about whether it was the right choice, according to the rumours everyone on the course would be a native speaker and the grade boundaries would be really high! Thankfully, this is not the case.

There is definitely a large jump between GCSE and A level, but this is the same with most subjects, and as long as you work hard the transition will be smooth.

In general, adjusting from school to college can be difficult at first. I was worried about almost everything, and was originally quite apprehensive about choosing Huish as I knew that I wouldn’t know anyone here. But I can now confidently say that I have never regretted my decision. I have settled in well, and Huish has always provided brilliant support with anything I need.

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Modern Foreign Languages Modern foreign language courses at Huish place great emphasis on raising your language skills and giving you the confidence to communicate effectively in speech and in writing. Throughout your time you will not only improve your understanding of grammar and widen your vocabulary but will also be introduced to topical issues of the country whose language you are studying.

The courses fully integrate the best of modern technology into the teaching. The department benefits from a state-of-the-art language laboratory which is used weekly by all students. Access to all material is also available from a home computer. In the classroom the emphasis is on interactive learning and improving language skills using a variety of activities. Students are constantly encouraged to produce language and are exposed to a wide selection of authentic media and sources.

For more information about the Modern Foreign Language courses available at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Did you know...

Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for travelling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even better at English.

Approximately 10% of language graduates obtain their first job after graduation outside the UK. This compares with less than 2% of graduates overall.

French, German, Spanish A Level / 3 (AQA).

Skill in using a modern foreign language is a valuable asset and an advanced language qualification is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

If you already study a modern language at GCSE or have an equivalent experience and wish to take it further, you will find this course stimulating and varied. The topics are entirely different from GCSE and the approach is probably different too. You will split your time between the classroom and the language lab and will also benefit from a dedicated oral session with a native speaker every week.

You will have access to satellite television and will be encouraged to make use of a range of foreign magazines, newspapers and DVDs available for loan. The more you read, listen and engage with the language, the more progress you will make. And for maximum challenge you can take extra classes to prepare you for the UK Linguistics Olympiad or the EU Young Translators competition, where the department has an excellent record of success.

The Spanish study visit to Salamanca is well-established whilst French and German students have in recent years visited Nimes, Lisieux, Plettenberg and Cologne. All of these are designed to develop language skills and to enhance your experience of learning a foreign language.

The first year is arranged around the study of four compulsory areas - media, popular culture, lifestyles and relationships. Literature and further cultural and contemporary topics are introduced in the second year.

By the end of course you will certainly be far more fluent in the spoken language and will be able to read, write and understand so much more.

What our students say...

“A language enables you to communicate with others without seeming arrogant enough to expect them to speak English.”

“If you are travelling around the world, speaking the language is better than shouting.”

www.huish.ac.uk

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Performing Arts Dance A Level / 3 (AQA).

The Dance course involves learning about the performance, choreography and appreciation of dance and the dancer’s body. However, students gain so many more skills which can open up many other opportunities. Students develop how to problem solve, be creative and thoughtful thinkers, to use their initiative, to lead and work in groups as well as be independent learners, to cooperate, negotiate and compromise, to plan a schedule and meet deadlines, to be flexible, adaptable and quick thinkers in response to change and to present themselves clearly and confidently.

So, if you enjoy dancing, like to learn in a practical way and are interested in all aspects of dance then this is the course for you. It is contemporary based and is open to you with or without dance experience. Assessment in both years is tested in two ways: a written paper and a practical exam. The written exams test knowledge, understanding and appreciation of dance with a more in depth study of one company and one set work in the second year. The practical exams test performance and choreographic skills; solo and duo/trio work in the first year and solo and group work in the second year. Past students have subsequently continued their study of dance, choreography and performance related subjects at specialised schools such as LIPA and London Contemporary Dance School and at universities such as Bath, Roehampton, Falmouth and Chichester.

Once you have developed key skills such as discipline, motivation, creativity and team work, your dance craft can be applied creatively in many ways.

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Juliette Studying: Dance If you have a passion for dance, having the chance to take it as an A level is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve always enjoyed dance and being able to get an A level in something you really enjoy is great. The creative aspect of dance is what ultimately made the course stand out for me as it’s clearly something different to sitting in a classroom and allows you to really express your individuality as a choreographer. Although choreography can be the scariest aspect of the course, our teacher constantly offers individual support no matter what stage we are at with our pieces and ensures we stay on track. Going to see performances is one of my favourite aspects of the course. When we saw the Ballet Rambert I realised just how versatile dance is and the freedom you are given with it.

Drama & Theatre Studies A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

Drama & Theatre Studies offers you the rewarding opportunity to develop your individual creativity and to broaden your understanding of the demands of theatre.

This course encourages practical exploration, working as a company alongside expanding your knowledge of performance analysis. You will study a wide range of drama texts and explore the works of contrasting practitioners.

You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of genres including Theatre of Cruelty, Naturalism and Greek Chorus, whilst developing your training as an Actor.

Tom Studying: Drama & Theatre Studies When starting Huish I had no idea you could improve so much in such a short space of time! Every day you are challenged and you learn new skills constantly.

For anyone interested in acting the course is well organised, so you experience a diverse range of genres. You get many opportunities to see live productions and take part in workshops with industry professionals, which help you massively. You are performing all the time and the experience you gain is valuable for the future if you (like me) want to go on to drama school.

If you are interested in studying drama I would thoroughly recommend Huish as an option because the course is fantastic and so are the staff! You also have the chance to take part in Performance Enrichment, which is a great opportunity for anyone looking at performing as a career or even just for fun.

Theatre visits are an integral part of the course. These visits are not only informative but also offer an opportunity for continued theatre experience and sharing of drama performance.

A level Drama & Theatre Studies works well with a variety of course combinations, and although provides an obvious route into Acting and Performance as a career it is also very appealing to universities when applying for subjects outside the Arts such as Law, Nursing, Educational Studies and many more.

Career opportunities include: actor media presenting arts administration playwright arts journalism scriptwriting broadcasting stage management designer technician director theatre management drama therapy theatrical agent education

Did you know...

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport estimate that the creative industries are worth £36 billion a year and employ 1.5 million people in the UK. The UK’s creative industries include television and film, publishing and advertising, radio and computer games development.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Gabriel Studying: Popular Music There is a lot of scope to explore and showcase my musical talents and passions. In addition to gigging as part of my BTEC course there are many other ways of viewing the world of a live performance artist through the huge range of Enrichment on offer. The support from teachers is also brilliant.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Music Courses

Music

Music at Huish is guaranteed to be challenging, varied and exciting. You will find that, whatever your particular interest in music, there will be something to suit you.

Courses offered are in BTEC Popular Music (performing in bands and studying the music industry); BTEC Music Production (using technology to record and manipulate sound); BTEC Popular Music and Music Production (all aspects of music production and performance) and A level Music (performing, composing, theory and analysis). There are single courses in Popular Music, Music Production and a full time course that combines elements of both. In addition, a wealth of Music Enrichment is available to all Huish students, with countless opportunities to perform, both formal and informal, and lessons are available on all instruments and voice.

A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

Advanced Musician’s Scheme If you are on the A level Music course and are interested in a career in Music, this programme is on offer to extend and develop your musical skills. It will prepare you for application to music colleges and university courses, including Choral/ Instrumental Scholarships at Oxford or Cambridge. Within a dedicated block of the timetable, Advanced Musicians receive aural lessons, theory and sight-reading classes and performance master-classes.

There are also public performance opportunities, and students will gain qualifications in Grade 6/7/8 theory and Trinity Advanced Performer’s Certificate. For further information, please contact the College.

For more information about the Music courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

As an A level Music student at Richard Huish College, you can perform, compose and study music in an exciting environment in which each individual can achieve their highest potential. You will undertake a balanced and interrelated course of study covering academic and practical aspects of music.

Year One consists of a 5-6 minute solo performance at Grade 5 standard or above, with regular opportunities to perform in Live Lunch concerts. Composition involves creating your own three minute piece based on a brief set annually by the exam board (previous briefs include ‘Rise of the Machines’, ‘Take your Instrument for a Walk’, and ‘write a song about a meeting’). Musical Understanding comprises the study of set works (including classical, popular, world and film scores) and learning about music theory and harmony. Year Two has a similar structure with more demanding requirements: a 12-15 minute solo performance, two compositions or composing exercises (Bach Chorale or Pop Song) and an exam based on set works and aural perception.

Performance and Composition are assessed as coursework.

Set Works and Theory/Aural will be examined in the Summer term.

This is an academic course which will stretch your theoretical understanding of music in an enjoyable way.

It can lead to studying for a music degree at university or music college/conservatoire, or creatively complements many other college courses. Ideally you will have passed GCSE Music or play an instrument or sing at Grade 5 standard approximately. Students wishing to join the course without these requirements will still be considered in a discussion with the Course Manager.

Joshua Studying: Music A level Music is well structured and the resources and facilities at Huish are plentiful with lots of space.

There are practice rooms for performance and rehearsals and a Mac suite for composing on Sibelius or logic.

I chose Music as I intend to pursue a career in composition. The course has advanced my compositional skills and has strengthened me as an all round musician. The Advanced Musician scheme has allowed me to further my technical ability in performance and theory, which is vital for studying Music at degree level.

Music Enrichment has given me the opportunity to perform in groups at a high level. I participate in both jazz and classical Enrichments, which allows me to be a dynamic musician.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Music Production BTEC Extended Certificate

Popular Music (Performance)

BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

BTEC Extended Certificate

The Music Production course is a vibrant and creative course looking at every aspect of the use of technology to create, manipulate and capture music. Practical work includes writing, recording and producing music, sampling, sequencing, and live sound. There is a dedicated suite of Apple Macs running Logic studio and pro tools software and a purpose built state of the art recording studio to help you achieve the highest possible standards in your work.

If you are either considering a career in the music industry, teaching, or simply use music as a creative outlet, Music Production is an essential course that will give you the necessary musical and technical skills, which will help you realise your musical potential. There will be projects that challenge you both creatively and technically as well as helping you to realise musical ideas. This course embraces a wide range of popular music styles.

The technical aspects of recording, sequencing and synthesis are dealt with both theoretically and practically and you will develop your knowledge of music technology experientially. This includes the basic acoustics of rooms, microphones, mixers and effects in recording systems. You will have the opportunity to take a full part in the Music Enrichment programme of bands, choirs and orchestras.

The course works in partnership with the Popular Music BTEC for recording and producing the college’s pop and rock bands.

Popular Music and Music Production (Performance and Production) BTEC Extended Diploma BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

This course, equivalent to 3 A levels, offers students the chance to completely submerge themselves into every aspect of music making. The course is designed for students with a genuine interest in working in the Music Industry as a performer or producer or in fact any area of the industry.

You will study many aspects of the Popular Music and Music Production Extended Diplomas with additional units in marketing, promotion, production and performance.

Did you know...

The Music sector has a value of almost ÂŁ4 billion in revenue, and employs more than 100,000 people in the UK.

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Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

Are you are a musician that loves performing both in bands and as a soloist? Do you want to develop your skills and grow as a performer? Then Popular Music (Performance) is the perfect course for you. From Rock to Pop, Folk to Fusion, this course is well suited for all types of musicians from drummers to singers, guitarists to keyboard players, in fact anyone interested in gaining the essential skills and knowledge needed for future study, or a career in Popular Music.

The BTEC Extended Certificate in Music is a six unit qualification that is taken over two years and is equivalent to one A level. It involves practical and investigative work centred on the performance of contemporary popular music, and learning about the inner workings of the music industry. As there are no exams, there are regular formal assessments in the form of performances, presentations and creative written work. The key to success in this course is to keep on top of all your coursework and respond positively to the feedback that you will receive from your teachers along the way.

Throughout the course you will be working as part of a production team towards putting on a major music concert at the end of the year. This will involve choosing repertoire, perhaps writing your own songs, designing promotional material and working with a budget. It will give you a real insight into what it is like to put on live music events.

You will also be preparing and performing a 20 to 30 minute set as a soloist, which will take place at the end of the year; perform and research popular music from the 50s to the present day and finally produce a portfolio of marketing materials, interviews with industry professionals and a business projection plan for what could be your first year in the real world.

Tiffany Studying: BTEC Music Production I didn’t know what to expect when I started my BTEC Music Production course. I had no real knowledge of how to produce a piece of music but I’ve learnt so much in the first year. I find that Music Production is a really good creative outlet.

I chose the subject because I was interested in learning about how the music we hear everyday is created and how I could create my own music. I think music production is a fascinating and hands-on way to learn about studios, equipment and the making of music. There are plenty of opportunities to show and record your own sound or to record and help others. I also enjoy the laid back atmosphere which is a good contrast to the more academic subjects.

Jack Studying: BTEC Popular Music Doing Popular Music means that our band gets to play gigs and has timetabled rehearsal time. We have played gigs in and around Taunton and Bristol, it’s a great course for any band.

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Science Courses in the sciences are of high value for potential university applications and for future employers. We aim to maintain excellent results in an approachable, supportive environment. The sciences provide a broad education and science qualifications are highly respected by employers and universities. You will gain an appreciation and understanding of the nature and importance of modern scientific theories and principles. If you enjoy exploring the nature of things physical, chemical or biological then the sciences are for you.

We will introduce you to some of the exciting new advances being made in modern science and you will be developing experimental skills and an understanding of how to plan, analyse and evaluate experimental procedures.

For more information about the science courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk

Did you know...

The UK is currently regarded as a world leader in sectors including renewable energy, space, low carbon, pharmaceuticals, utilities, automotive, agri-food and bioscience.

Tash Studying: Biology The Biology course is very enjoyable, not only because of the practical work, but also because the theory is interesting. At times the content of the course can be challenging, but the teachers are encouraging and are more than willing to help you overcome any challenges you may face. The course is well organised and taught to a high standard. I would most certainly recommend this course to anyone who likes Biology or wants to pursue a career in this subject.

Dalton Studying: Biology When I leave college I want to study Medicine so I knew quite clearly the subjects I needed to take and the grades I need to achieve. I loved science at GCSE and naturally I took this through to A level in the form of Biology and Chemistry. The syllabus is very detailed and a big step up from GCSE but with well-structured lessons and balanced revision at home it is definitely manageable! I take five subjects as well as Academic Enrichment, part of which is Medical Terminology (This is really useful for aspiring medics, dentists and vets). You get to meet people in the same boat as you and receive good advice about how to make the most of your time here at college. If you found Biology fun at GCSE, then A level Biology gives you the opportunity to further your understanding of the natural world around you! It’s definitely one of my favourite subjects!

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Applied Science

Biology

BTEC Extended Certificate

A Level / 3 (OCR).

BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

Biology is a subject that provides you with great enjoyment of and respect for all living things.

Applied Science concentrates on the use of science in vocational contexts with an emphasis on technical laboratory skills. It is ideal for students seeking grounding in all three of the major science disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course will familiarise you with skills and knowledge that an employee in the science industry needs.

The Extended Certificate is a two year course, equivalent to 1 A level in science and, when combined with other suitable A level or BTEC subjects, would be useful for careers or higher education courses that require a knowledge of technical lab skills and, or, an understanding of the scientific method. This course would pair well with Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Archaeology, PE, Psychology and Sociology. Possible careers could include Environmental Management, Geoscience, Food Technology, Nursing, Sports Science, Sports Technology, Clinical Psychology, Social Research and Primary Education.

However, it is not suitable to combine with A level Chemistry, Biology or Physics as many of the topics will overlap.

Assignments will take a variety of forms including written reports, presentations, practical assessments, video presentations, or experiments. You will develop skills in many techniques including quantitative and qualitative analysis, separation techniques, correct sampling methods and estimation of chemical purity as well as learning about organ systems of the human body and how they work together.

It introduces you to some of the exciting new advances being made in modern Biology, including the influence of genes on our development, environmental issues and some of the ethical and technological aspects of the subject. Biology is a practical subject so you will also be developing experimental skills and an understanding of how to plan, analyse and evaluate experimental procedures.

You will study topics as diverse as plant transport systems, the chemistry of biological molecules, biodiversity and evolution. You will also study a range of core biological topics such as ecology, photosynthesis, respiration, the nervous system, hormones, protein synthesis and cellular control as well as ecosystems, sustainability and the application of science in biotechnology and genetics.

There is an opportunity to participate in the Biology Olympiad competition or to develop forensic and biomedical practical skills in the ‘Lab Rats’ programme.

Did you know...

Did you know about 10,000 human cells can fit on the head of a pin?

The BTEC Applied Science is recognised by employers, professional institutions and higher education establishments and is closely attuned to the needs of the employers in the science marketplace.

Did you know...

Skilled technician roles are in demand in a number of sectors including health care, oil, gas, electricity, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport equipment

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Chemistry

Physics

A Level / 3 (AQA).

A Level / 3 (AQA Spec A).

A level Chemistry builds upon topics from GCSE including organic chemistry, rates and reversible reactions and moles calculations. You will use your mathematical skills to solve problems and your imagination to understand how molecules interact and why they react together. You will find out that it is essential to apply your knowledge to new topics and see the importance of identifying links between different parts of the syllabus. You will develop your skills of communicating complex ideas using appropriate chemical terminology. You need to be able to work independently outside of lessons to achieve.

Physics is a valuable, well-regarded qualification showing your ability and intellect to the best. Physics will be of interest if you are curious about the world around you, how things work and the fundamental nature of the universe.

An A level in Physics is of high value for potential university applications and for future employers. As a department we aim to maintain excellent results in an approachable, supportive environment.

Chemistry is an extremely well-regarded subject by universities and employers as it provides a broad education. Chemistry is essential for the application of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine. Alongside these subjects, students who have studied Chemistry have gone on to study Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Biochemistry and Pharmacology.

Although there is a significant theoretical focus of the syllabus, you will also develop your practical skills in analytical techniques, make careful observations in organic and inorganic Chemistry and evaluate the steps taken in a procedure.

We strongly advise you to take another science subject alongside Chemistry.

Some students also participate in Chemistry Enrichment including the Chemistry Olympiad and the practical Enrichment programme Lab Moles.

In Year 1 the course covers mechanics, materials, waves, electricity, particles and quantum phenomena (the behaviour of things on an atomic scale).

You will progress on to study advanced mechanics, fields, electro-magnetic induction, thermal properties, radioactivity and Nuclear Physics in Year 2.

You will also have the choice of two options in the second year. Astrophysics covers the operation of telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. It also includes the evolution of stars, supernovae and cosmology. Medical Physics includes ultrasound imaging, endoscopy, X-rays, CT-scanning and some of the defects and remedies in hearing and vision.

If you wish to study Physics or Engineering at university you must also take Maths A level.

Industries employing physicists are varied and include: aerospace and defence, education, energy, engineering, instrumentation, manufacturing, oil and gas amongst many others.

Louella Studying: Physics I really enjoy A level Physics, particularly the particles unit as we were looking at subjects that I had never studied before. I also helped out at the Physics Enrichment morning and enjoyed telling prospective students about the course and how I planned to use Physics in my future.

I would love to go to university and study Aeronautic Engineering, which is a field you need Physics for.

I only decided that this was the course for me after I had chosen to take Physics. I am also taking Maths, as there are many equations in Physics that you also come across in Maths lessons.

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Benedict Studying: Chemistry Chemistry has been an enjoyable, interesting and worthwhile choice of subject. The A level course explores Chemistry in much more depth than GCSE, which has helped me to better understand concepts that I had only briefly touched on before. We regularly apply the theory we learn to experiments in the lab, helping to improve our practical skills. I would highly recommend Chemistry to anyone interested in science, as the lessons are well planned, and the teaching and support offered is very high quality.

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Archie Studying: Physical Education I am having a great time at college and especially enjoy A level PE. Others told me that there is little practical work done in lessons and I was really unsure if it was an A level for me. However, I am very happy that I chose PE as one of my subjects. The topics are very interesting and the teaching staff are very good. I found some of the topics daunting at first glance, but the methods of teaching made it a much easier task than I originally thought.

One of the main reasons I took PE at GCSE was the amount of practical work involved. At A level there are so many opportunities for sport outside of lessons with Enrichment and Performance Sport.

PE gives you the chance to explore your physical abilities, as well as test your intellectual knowledge, whilst thoroughly enjoying it at the same time.

Did you know...

Experts believe the legacy of the London Olympics has been phenomenal and continues to be a major boost for the sports economy in the UK.

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Sports Huish Sport has an enviable status in the country as it provides excellent courses whose reputation is built on its highly qualified and experienced teaching and coaching staff. Their commitment to, and promotion of, the Huish Sport ethos gives students an extremely enjoyable experience in their sport and dramatically improves their playing ability and prospects for the future.

Students have high standards of personal reliability and commitment to their sport and a significant number of students progress to higher education in sports related courses. You have the opportunity to choose a course that suits you. You can do the Physical Education (PE) A level or a choice of L3 BTEC Extended Diplomas or Extended Certificates in Sport. Our own degree programme in Sports Development and Coaching has proved very popular with students as a stepping stone to success.

There is also a full range of Huish Enrichment Sport to choose from as well as Active Huish which allows you to get involved with a range of activities for enjoyment.

See our Sports Enrichment pages for more information For more information about the Sports courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses

Physical Education A Level / 3 (OCR).

This is the course for you if you enjoy a challenge and are passionate about sport. There are opportunities to get involved in a wide range of sporting activities to develop your skills and have some fun with competitions at local, regional and national levels. You can also complete NGB awards in coaching as well as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. This course provides a solid foundation both practically and theoretically, developing skills in science and the humanities, making it suitable for study with most other subjects. You will learn to critically evaluate sport, develop communication skills and work as a team.

You will investigate the effect of exercise on the human physiology, explore how a performer acquires and develops their sporting skills, discuss topics such as the Olympics and compare British sport to Australian sport in socio-cultural studies. You learn how to train for performance improvement, explore how psychology impacts on this performance and understand how our traditions and ethos have shaped the sport we see today through five case studies. The ability to perform in at least one sport and analyse performance is a key component of assessment.

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Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness) BTEC Extended Certificate or Extended Diploma BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

The BTEC qualification allows you to develop skills and knowledge that are essential when looking to progress into a career or further study in Sport. You will have a wide range of experiences that will be challenging and enjoyable and this particular strand of the BTEC will give you an excellent insight to the different career paths Sport has to offer.

In year one you will gain practical experience of training and exercise and the physiological effects this has on our anatomy. You will build a training program and take on the role of a personal trainer delivering sessions to a peer. You will explore how nutrition impacts on our health and performance and how to manage different types of sporting injuries. Towards the end of the year you will deliver exercise sessions in the community to students at Selworthy School.

In year 2 you will learn how to lead safe and effective activity sessions and develop your ability to coach and teach. You will work in a local primary school delivering either an After School Club or PE lessons. You will have the opportunity to gain experience as an official working alongside SASP at a Primary School Central Venue League.

You will develop an understanding of the more theoretical knowledge required by a coach to improve performance through in depth analysis and consideration of psychological performance. The year will highlight how sport is developed in the UK and the current issues we face in sport today.

Prospective careers include sports coaching, teaching, fitness instructing, personal training, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sport psychology or any other part of the sport, leisure and recreation industry. We will actively signpost you throughout the course to any NGB qualifications that will be of benefit to you.

It is a theoretical course – it is not all practical!

Allows entry onto Sport related university courses

Did you know...

The sector workforce is expected to grow by approximately 11% by 2020, meaning vocational qualifications for the sport sector are vital.

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Sports Development & Coaching Degree (FdA)/BA(Hons) [Validated by University of St. Mark and St. John, Plymouth] Degree / 4 / 5 / 6 (Marjon).

This course is designed for anyone who is interested in increasing participation and achievement in sport and physical activity. Future employment may be related to sporting excellence, encouraging participation for health and fun or using sport to address wider social issues such as education, crime or social integration.

There are obvious advantages in studying for your degree locally. You can study either full or part time depending on your own commitments. Full time courses are delivered over a maximum of 3 days per week so you can continue your employment, ideally in a course related job. Course fees are substantially less than those typical of other HE institutions (and your living costs will be clearly reduced).

The course has been set up to balance ‘real life’ workplace experience with theoretical content. Throughout the course there will be opportunities to take coaching qualifications and to meet and work with potential future employers.

Did you know...

Supporting over 450,000 jobs in the UK, sport has become over the last five years a £20bn industry in the UK and is one of the fastest growing sectors.

Abbie Studying: BTEC Sport I chose the BTEC Sport option as this course suited my learning style better, being continuously assessed rather than examined at the end.

This course is varied and rewarding, and really opens up my choices for the future. It has given me the opportunity to aim for university courses I would never have dared to consider based on conventional exams.

Tyler Studying: Basketball Performance I chose the Basketball Performance programme because I enjoy playing at different levels and want to progress further. I find it really helpful that the training sessions and games are built into your timetable as it means you don’t have to worry about it overlapping with your studies. The fixtures and cups mean you play against a lot of different teams you’ve never played before. This is beneficial to your sporting development both in college and after college, progressing on to higher levels of basketball. The important thing about the programme is ensuring you manage your time well with your other subjects and making sure you maintain that balance.

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Justin Studying: Art I just simply love Art because it is amazing and I wish to study architecture in the future. There are lots of different Enrichments for me to join such as museum visits, life drawing classes and talks by visiting artists.

I particularly enjoyed the trip to the Tate Museum in London, which inspired me a lot. The exhibitions we visit are mostly contemporary art, which can really bring us new ideas about how crazy art is!

Art is a time consuming subject as you need to put so much more time in than other subjects. I have received lots of support from my teachers in the Art department. There are also lots of books and magazines about art in the Learning Centre.

Hester Studying: Art One of the best things about the Art department is the amazing support available. As I journeyed through each project I frequently had one to one meetings with my teacher, who offered helpful advice to keep me on track. I have learnt so many new techniques and the department has fantastic facilities.

I found the Enrichment Life Drawing sessions really rewarding. They gave me an opportunity to improve my drawing skills and add to my portfolio. I was also offered the chance to see art first hand, visiting inspiring exhibitions at the Tate Modern and Royal Academy in London.

I’d definitely recommend Art at Huish despite the big commitment and time you dedicate to the subject.

It’s extremely rewarding and provides an effective creative outlet and break from your other subjects.

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Visual Arts Art subjects are broad-based and provide great opportunities for you to engage with a wide range of practices and materials. An open minded approach will help you develop your powers of observation, experiment with ideas and explore new techniques and processes in a variety of different mediums. Previous experience in the field will be helpful, but a capacity for hard work and enthusiasm will help in all of these creative areas.

Employers value experience as well as qualifications and look for new recruits who are ‘work ready’. We will offer opportunities to meet employers and build up a portfolio of real-life work working for clients, alongside your college projects.

The next step after Huish could be straight to university, or a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design which will lead you to the degree course of your choice. Alternatively you could choose an apprenticeship or employment.

You only need ONE visual arts subject at level 3 to progress to a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or to university; you would be offered a place based on what you show in your portfolio.

Art A Level / 3 (OCR).

Studying A level Art for 2 years will allow you to develop an imaginative, creative portfolio of highly-skilled, multidisciplinary work. With a keen emphasis on drawing from observation and visual communication of ideas, the course will prepare you for your next step towards a wide variety of creative occupations.

Creative thinking, problem solving and an ability to meet deadlines are highly regarded skills that you will develop to a high level through the study of Art. You will learn through making, in both 2D and 3D and will also support your practical pieces with study of the work of established artists.

The course is designed to introduce you to a wide range of materials and techniques, such as printmaking and encourages you to develop your work in unique directions.

Working with visiting artists and regular trips to galleries helps you to make well-informed work at a high standard, setting your portfolio apart from others when you apply for a place at art college or university.

All employers within the Creative Industries value the key skill of drawing! You will increase your skills more quickly if you practise often so why not join one of our Art Enrichment courses?

Creative thinking, project management and problemsolving skills, are highly regarded by all employers and universities; taking an arts subject increases your employability skills.

For more information about the visual arts courses on offer at Huish visit www.huish.ac.uk/courses.

Did you know...

That there are over 1.8 million jobs in the creative industries and this number has increased ahead of other employment sectors (a 10.1% increase since 2011 against 2.4% in other sectors). Studying the arts at Huish is your first step towards turning your dream career into a reality.

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Graphic Design

Photography

BTEC Extended Certificate

A Level / 3 (Edexcel).

BTEC / 3 (Edexcel).

This course equips you with a strong academic qualification and prepares you for employment by developing specialist and transferable skills. Photography and digital imaging form part of Photography and these creative industries are an exciting sector to work in and are experiencing economic growth in the UK.

Graphic Design is part of the Creative Industries, an area of employment growth in the UK. Designers have a keen visual awareness, an eye for an image. They have excellent visual communication skills, they are good communicators in person and on paper. They embrace new technologies and love to experiment. Good designers pay attention to detail but always meet deadlines. Studying BTEC Graphic Design at Huish will allow you to build up an excellent portfolio, give you opportunities to work with clients on live assignments and increase your employability skills.

The 2 year course is practical and hands-on, with all assignments based on realistic workplace scenarios from design and advertising.

You can expect to use drawing to communicate your ideas and increase your attention to detail; to use the Adobe Creative Suite to work-up your sketches into finished designs. You will experiment with a wide variety of techniques, processes and materials so that your finished portfolio stands out from the rest. You will be encouraged to take an individual approach to the projects and to develop your own style but will learn to work creatively within the constraints of the client’s brief. You will develop your own personal presentation and communication skills, working in teams on some tasks.

Caitlin Studying: G raphic Design My ambition is to be a graphic designer and this course is the best route into university and to a future career. You learn something new every lesson and this pushes you to work at the highest level. The atmosphere during lessons is brilliant; you are all designers and can bounce ideas off one another.

I knew the facilities at Huish were good but they surpassed my expectations! There are Apple Macs in the design room and plenty of others around the college available to use. There are also many other design facilities such as the photography studio, specialised materials and printers, so it’s really easy to keep on top of your assignments and produce high quality work assignments.

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We take a creative approach to the subject and teach the technical skills necessary to enable you to express your ideas. We work with film and digital cameras and create images both in the darkroom and using industry standard software. You will be given a theme to explore for every project but as you will always be taking an individual approach, lessons tend to involve different activities for different students. There is still a significant amount of written work and critical thinking required for successful achievement of the assessment criteria.

There are ongoing costs with the study of Photography such as sketchbooks, mounting materials, digital printing, photographic paper and films. Every student is expected to own or have continuous access to a 35mm Digital SLR camera and a 35mm Film SLR. For more advice about cameras please see the website.

Olivia Studying: P hotography I chose to study Photography because I wanted a subject that would allow me to explore my own creativity and really push me artistically. This course has proven to do just that!

I love the amount of freedom I have to work on my own projects and to pursue topics that I’m personally interested in. I have great support, both creatively and technically, from the photography staff, which enables me to feel confident with the work I produce and to reach my potential. I hope to see you in the photography department next year!

Some of the professions where visual arts qualifications are useful: Jewellery designer Accessories designer Advertising photographer Knitwear designer Landscape designer Advertising designer Lighting technician Animator Medical illustrator Architect Motion graphics designer Archivist Museum educator Artist Packaging designer Arts administration Painter Art critic Photojournalist Art editor Picture framer Arts educators Picture researcher Art therapist Portrait photographer Ceramicist Printmaker Community artist Product designer Curator Sculptor Digital re-toucher Set designer Embroiderer Silversmith Fashion designer Sports photographer Fashion illustrator Stylist Fine art restorer Tailor Furniture restorer Textile artist Game designer Video artist Glassmaker Website designer Graphic designer Interior designer To find out more, follow these links creativeskillset.org/creative_industries creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles

Zac Studying: P hotography The first year of my Photography A level was a wonderful opportunity to gain hands on experience in the more practical areas of photography. Huish taught me things I could never have hoped to learn externally, like how to make a “Flashgram” or use continuous studio lighting.

I love the huge range of resources available. A variety of photographic equipment is available to borrow, as well as the latest Photoshop program – experience which is invaluable if you wish to pursue a career in photography.

I’ve been involved in a couple of Open Evenings with the photography department, and have also been on multiple trips. I particularly enjoyed the Weston-superMare trip, where my class had the opportunity to work in groups to shoot for their individual projects.

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Progression Sixth Progression 6th GCSE Resit Course This one year skill development course is for full time, 16 year old students who have taken a full programme of GCSEs over the previous two year period and just missed out on the College minimum entry requirements. Potential students need to have a GSCE profile of D grades with one or two subjects with higher grades. If students have not already studied a GSCE course or have achieved E grades in their GCSEs then this programme is not suitable for progression.

The course develops skills from GCSE study including transferable and employability skills, such as literacy, numeracy, and IT skills, the ability to research information, to do effective presentations and to take part in group discussions. The programme also emphasises the importance of punctuality and attendance which are very important at university, college or in the workplace.

All students study the same set of GCSEs: • English Language • Core Science • Humanities • General Studies • Maths • Statistics Alongside this students also complete a Higher Project Qualification.

Progression Following successful completion of the course you will be able to progress on to either a level 3 programme, (A levels or BTECs), an Apprenticeship/Traineeship or to employment.

Erin Studying: Progression Sixth I like that the Progression Sixth programme not only teaches the basic subjects (English, Maths and Science) but also Humanities and General Studies. Studying these subjects has helped to open my mind to future subjects and careers, beyond the traditional.

Doing the Higher Project Qualification was also fun as I could choose a topic I was really interested in and put together a presentation about it.

At first, I thought I wouldn’t fit in at college as I was home-schooled but I have enjoyed making new friends and being in a classroom environment. The structure of the college has also helped my organisational skills.

Following my exams I’m planning to spend a year abroad through the Rotary Youth Exchange programme and then return to college to take a mixture of A levels and BTECs.

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Where are they now?

Connor I came to Huish from West Somerset Community College in 2010. I am currently in my third year of a Sports Development and Coaching Sciences Degree, which is a placement year. I am lucky enough to have spent it back at Huish as a Sport coordinator and CIS Officer.

When I chose to do my A levels at Huish it was based solely on its reputation as one of the best sporting colleges in England both in terms of the academic studies and sport. I joined the Golf Performance Academy and took BTEC Sport, History and English Literature.

At Huish I had a great experience with sport, both academic and practical. I decided I wanted to further this experience although it wasn’t until I finished my last exam that I considered going to university, which

led to some last minute panics. I was lucky that I made some friends for life at Huish and this has given me the opportunity to return for my placement year.

My time at Huish, both as a student and as a member of staff will always be a highlight simply because of how I was treated like an adult throughout. Huish will always be the best part of my education. For anyone looking to come to Huish, the best piece of advice I can give you is to treat everyone with respect and do your best in lessons and on the sports fields because you never know when you might need to come back!

Rachel I came to Huish from Ladymead School in 2007. I now work as a Staff Nurse in Intensive Care at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. I am also carrying out my Masters in Advanced Practice with Cardiff University.

Initially I thought I wanted to be a PE teacher when I was finishing school as I really enjoyed sport and volunteered as a hockey coach. I left Huish in 2009 with A levels in Biology, PE and Psychology, plus English Language at AS. Hockey at Huish made my experience at Sixth Form, winning the National Cup and going to the National Tournament in Loughborough. The friends I made in that team remain some of my best friends now.

When I started completing my UCAS form for university I thought I was going to apply for a Sports Science degree. During this time I travelled to South Africa for three weeks as part of my Gold D of E. While I was there I helped redecorate a school and met all of its orphaned children. I realised just how much I enjoy helping people. When I returned to England I decided to look into nursing as a career instead of sport.

I went to Cardiff University where I studied Nursing for three years, graduating in 2012. My first job as a

nurse was working at the Bristol Royal Infirmary on the Acute Stroke ward; I then moved to the brand new Intensive Care Unit at Southmead Hospital where I have been for a year. I still remember walking onto my first ever hospital ward as a first year student on my first day and thinking I have no experience and no idea what I’m doing. I was terrified I had made a terrible decision... fortunately 6 years later it was the right decision!

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Enrichment Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something to tempt you in our Enrichment programme.

At Huish we are proud of our extensive range of Enrichment opportunities. Taking part in Enrichment will enhance your personal profile when moving on, whether to university or employment. Students value the skills, knowledge and, most importantly, fun that Enrichment provides through its social, cultural and recreational experiences. It is also a great way to meet new people.

Enrichment is a key part of the wider Huish experience.

In our provision you should find something to tempt you no matter what your interests, from music to adventure.

We will discuss Enrichment opportunities at your interview. Some activities are recorded at this point as they are built into your timetable while others are lunch time or after-college activities and clubs promoted early in the first term. Some Enrichment leads to specific qualifications such as Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, sailing or music exams. Many are undertaken for their own intrinsic value.

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment

Thea Studying: Media Enrichment Being a media enthusiast Media Enrichment has offered me so many experiences that have allowed me to pursue my love for the subject as well as enhance my understanding further.

I have had many opportunities such as filming multi-camera productions in the evenings at award ceremonies and even the opportunity to film for the big screens on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury Festival.

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Kiera Studying: Stage Crafts I love performing arts and have always been a part of whatever show I can be involved in. At Huish I decided I wanted to be part of the college productions from a behind the scenes point of view through the Stagecraft Enrichment. I have been able to take part in the Jazz and Folk evening and Grease. This meant being able to work at the Brewhouse Theatre on a professional stage. You never feel like you are on your own as the teachers are always there if you need extra help.

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Nina Studying: Performance Enrichment In Performance Enrichment I performed in the musical ‘Grease’ at the Brewhouse Theatre. It was amazing to perform in a proper theatre with a large audience.

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When I leave Huish I plan to take a creative career incorporating my love of drama and textiles and pursuing costume design for theatre and film as a profession.

Performance Performance Enrichment gives all students across the college an opportunity to take part in a large theatrical production each year. Working with a professional team of staff and performing arts technicians, students can be part of a full scale musical theatre performance. Students will be able to take part in acting, dancing, singing and Stage Craft which deals with all the back stage and technical needs for the performances.

All students get the chance to work to their strengths and enhance their skills in theatre performing.

Stage Craft is crucial to the success of these Huish productions – from sound, prop-making, lighting, stage management to set design and costume. Many people are not aware of the wide variety of jobs that exist in putting a show together and this course will provide you with the theory, practical knowledge and ‘hands on’ experience.

This Enrichment allows young people to create a community of creativity and perhaps a sense of occasional ‘release’ from the driven study and focus of their other subjects.

Performance Enrichment offers easily transferable skills, so the benefits have longevity after the curtain has come down. Students in interview situations, aspiring managers and anyone just learning to live alongside others, will benefit from this performance opportunity.

It’s not just about the ‘performance’. It also helps develop confidence, physical awareness, handling pressure, working closely with others and taking risks. It also gives the students working towards a career in the arts additional opportunity to develop skills and knowledge, presenting their talents in a process that mirrors that of a professional experience.

Performance Enrichment is open to all from beginners to experienced students.

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/performance

Jemma Studying: Stage Crafts I really enjoyed drama at school and wanted to find a way of carrying it on whilst at college, without taking it as an A level. With Stage Crafts Enrichment you learn the hidden workings that are essential in making a production work such as lighting, sound, set design, costume and stage management.

Stagecraft enhances your teamwork and leadership skills and you meet new friends in the process. The skills that you learn can be put into practice at many college productions and music performances.

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Music If you enjoy music you are guaranteed a challenging, varied and exciting experience at Richard Huish. You have the opportunity to rehearse and perform in an environment where you can achieve your highest potential.

Music Enrichment is open to all students so you don’t have to be doing music subjects to join in. There is a great range of opportunities that will appeal to your interests: there is a Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Huish Choir, Big Band, Jazz Band, Sax Group and Wind Band.

Specialist groups include the String Orchestra, Clarinet Group, Jazz Combo, Folk Group, Rock Choir, Samba Band and Guitar Group. Smaller ensembles include String, Brass and Wind Quartets.

String Orchestra A separate group of violins, violas, cellos & basses join to perform classical, folk & modern music.

Sax Group An ensemble for saxophonists, focusing mainly on jazz but also contemporary arrangements.

Weekly rehearsals take place during the college day in a dedicated part of your timetable and there are regular public concerts throughout the year.

Clarinet Group A fun ensemble exploring clarinet repertoire, from Disney classics to Russian folk music.

If you would like to learn an instrument these are available for all. You need to apply for instrumental lessons and further information about how to apply will be made available to you in your Welcome Pack before you enrol at college.

Jazz Combo A small group of sax, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass & drums (auditioned due to demand).

MUSIC GROUPS: Symphony Orchestra A large group of 50-60 players of string, brass and woodwind instruments. It is open to performers above grade 4 standard, though the repertoire is considerably more difficult (practice copies are available). Recent works include Sibelius’ Karelia Suite and Holst’s Planet Suite.

Chamber Ensembles These small groups consist of any instrumental grouping depending on current students eg String, Brass or Wind Quartets, Trios etc. Specialised weekly rehearsals lead to regular performances.

Folk Group An acoustic ensemble covering traditional English, Irish and Scottish music.

Huish Choir This is the largest college group and is open to anybody who would like to sing in a fun, friendly and challenging environment. The repertoire varies from gospel to motets, and annually includes one large choral work; recent performances have included Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Schubert’s Mass in Bb Major and Mozart’s Requiem.

Samba Band A group for people who have a passion for percussion and Latin rhythms.

Chamber Choir This is an auditioned group of able singers, performing more complex music than College Choir, mostly unaccompanied. Members commit to a challenging programme of vocal training.

Rock Choir A vocal group working on songs in popular styles.

Big Band A large band playing jazz and Latin standards, as well as arrangements of soul and blues. Saxes, clarinets and brass players are welcome, plus an auditioned rhythm section of piano, bass, drums and guitar.

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Wind Band A traditional band consisting of brass and woodwind players, playing a range of different styles. Depending on players, separate woodwind and brass groups work on specialised repertoire including Warlock’s Capriol Suite and Gabrieli’s canzonas.

Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

Guitar Group Guitarists and bassists meet for improvisation workshops with a specialist teacher in blues and rock styles.

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/music

Live music opportunities Symphony Orchestra College Choir Chamber Choir Big Band Wind Band String Orchestra Sax Group

Clarinet Group Jazz Combo Chamber Ensembles Folk Group Samba Band Guitar Group Rock Choir

Chris Studying: Music Enrichment Orchestral Percussion is my principal instrument and I am involved with lots of Enrichments such as Big Band, Orchestra, Jazz Combo, Samba Band, Wind Group, Chamber Choir and Huish Choir. The choice of activities is huge and they are really worth joining as it helps develop your understanding and appreciation of music in a variety of styles. The Music department also frequently runs trips to see orchestral concerts and operas for those students who actively participate in Music.

When I leave Huish I hope to study Music further as I would really like to be an orchestral percussionist, composer or conductor/musical director.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Sport Sport plays a major role in many students’ lives at Richard Huish. You can play a wide range of competitive sports, join a performance development programme or simply take part in activity just for the fun of it through the ‘Active Huish’ programme.

Performance Development Sport Richard Huish College has a long tradition of providing students with opportunities to combine the high standard of academic education with a number of performance development programmes.

Enrichment sport takes place during the college day, and if you express the desire to be involved, your timetable will be designed to allow this. If you play in a college team, you will find that the fixture programme is predominantly on Wednesday afternoons.

Huish currently offers performance development opportunities in a number of sports. Each programme includes a particular combination of specialised coaching; fitness sessions and monitoring; performance video-analysis; sports nutrition workshops; competitive opportunities and physiotherapy access. For further information, or to find out more about the selection process and the costs involved, please contact the college.

Huish Sport Huish Sport runs a comprehensive, wide ranging and extremely successful Sports Enrichment programme. Each year, both teams and individuals achieve significant success and recognition at county, regional and national level. In 2014-15 we competed in 19 different sports, and well over 550 students trained or played competitive fixtures during the year. 37 students qualified across 6 different sports to represent the South West region at the prestigious British Colleges Sport National Championship at the University of Bath, many of these students came home with medals and ensured the region retained the Wilkinson Sword as overall winners of the championships.

Each year the season begins with a pre season training camp. This provides an ideal introduction to the college’s sports programme for new students, with over 250 students participating each year. We have highly qualified, experienced and competent coaching staff across all our sports, whose professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm towards their sport contribute to a comprehensive Enrichment programme.

Active Huish Active Huish offers students the opportunity to participate recreationally and competitively in a wide range of fun and enjoyable activities. The activities are available to everyone, no previous experience required. You can come when you want, bring your friends and get involved.

Activities include intra-mural competitions in sports such as 5-a-side football, dodgeball, fitness, dance, Zumba, martial arts classes and free play sessions. So pick an activity of your choice whether that be badminton, table tennis, Frisbee or many more!

Many of the activities take place in the dome. The dome is a space that is available to everyone to come, relax and socialise and take part in a variety of activities during lunchtimes and in free periods.

Active Huish also provides students the opportunity to develop their leadership and volunteering experience by becoming a Sports Ambassador. Our Sports Ambassador team organises and runs a variety of competitions, activities and tournaments throughout the year.

Molly Studying: Sport Enrichment I am involved in competitive Hockey Enrichment at Huish. This has helped me with the practical element of the PE A level, where we were assessed at training sessions and through match play.

When I leave Huish I plan on taking a gap year abroad to teach hockey in countries that are slowly developing the game for younger children.

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Tash Studying: Sport Enrichment There are plenty of Enrichment opportunities in sport. I’ve taken part in netball, trampolining and rounders, all of which have helped me form new friendships and developed my skills, and ultimately helped me in my practical assessments for A level.

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/sport

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Daisy Studying: Geology In Geology I have learnt a lot about the world around me and gained a lot of practical experience. I chose this subject initially because I was interested in volcanoes and earthquakes but I have discovered that Geology is a very wide subject that opens up a lot of different career opportunities.

This subject is particularly enjoyable because of all the fieldwork we get to do, such as carrying out our coursework in the south of Spain, the tors of Dartmoor and the beach. If you enjoy being outdoors and working through puzzles then you should definitely consider taking Geology at Huish.

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Travel Going further afield There are plenty of travel opportunities at Richard Huish College. They are not just sightseeing trips but an opportunity to explore parts of the world in the context of subjects studied. The college runs a cross-curricular trip each year which is open to everyone. The most recent trip was to Sri Lanka to do voluntary work in the Seenigama village project, teaching and sports coaching.

The Foundation of Goodness was set up in Sri Lanka in 1999 by Kushil Gunasekera to provide essential services to his ancestral village of Seenigama, in a bid to uplift the lives of the less privileged living in the rural communities.

Skill based trips include the biennial Ski Trip, Surfing Morocco and a chance to take the PADI Open Water and Advanced Scuba Diving Certificates, which start in the UK and are completed in the Red Sea.

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/travel

Countries our students have recently visited...

China Greece Russia Croatia Holland Sicily Czech Republic Iceland Slovenia Egypt Ireland Spain France Mexico Sri Lanka Germany Morocco USA

Subject based opportunities enable students to experience the practical elements and enhance their understanding of subjects through a range of trips: Geology uses south-east Spain as a field location; Geography has recently been to Iceland and also to Sicily to look at volcanic hazards; whilst the Historians have visited Russia. Art also uses trips to Europe to enhance the experience by visiting the major galleries in Barcelona and Amsterdam.

Naturally the language subjects participate in exchanges to help develop language skills as well as cultural understanding.

Huish sees such trips as extremely important and works hard to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate.

Holly Studying: Government & Politics I wasn’t sure whether to take Government & Politics, but now I can say it’s one of my favourites. The weekly debates we have during our triple lessons are one of the many highlights and they cover a really wide range of topics, not just political but moral ones as well.

There are also a number of trips you can go on.

Recently we went to Parliament in London and next year I’ll be going to Washington DC and New York.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Academic With Acadenic Enrichment there is a wealth of opportunity to get involved. You can exercise your talents through Creative Writing, the Reading Group, Debating, Public Speaking, Chess Club or Life Drawing. A Language Enrichment programme is available for students who want to develop their conversational skills, for example with Beginners’ Japanese. French culture is explored in the French Book Club. Several societies relate to particular subjects but are open to anyone. You can also learn through societies such as Economics, Philosophy, History, Linguistics or Psychology. You can contribute to an on-line “B-Blocker” newsletter with a focus on environmental and scientific issues. Or join LEAF, an environmental group that promotes green and ethical issues within the College. The Politics Society has regular visits from local politicians including our own MP and the Debating Society is a force to be reckoned with in the national arena.

writing mini-sagas and two sentence horror stories and producing a collaborative mystery ‘novel’.

Huish also offers its own creative writing competition, The Brunner prize, with a deadline of October half term.

The stimulus titles for 2015 are based on food idioms.

It’s a piece of cake!

A thriving group of creative writers meet weekly to do a range of activities. This year these have included students

Olly

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Studying: Psychology

Erin

I soon decided to join the Psychology Society as part of my Enrichment and as a result my understanding and interest in the subject increased. The society has given me the chance to look at what is not on the curriculum and to explore the ‘real world’ of Psychology – thanks to a range of guest speakers, from Psychology undergraduate students to psychic mediums. If you have any interest in figuring out why people behave the way they do, you should definitely consider taking Psychology.

Over my two years at Huish I have been able to get really involved in the Biology department, including Enrichment activities. In the first year, I did Lab Rats which introduced me to the degree course I have applied for – Medical Microbiology. In my second year I was entered into the Biology Olympiad. Although it was really hard, it allowed me to extend my biological knowledge outside the syllabus, which has helped my understanding of the subject as a whole.

Studying: Biology

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/academic

Some of our Academic Enrichments include: Beginners’ Japanese LEAF Chess Club Life Drawing Creative Writing Linguistics Debating Society Philosophy Society Earth Science Society Politics Society Economics Society Psychology Society French Book Club Public Speaking History Society Reading Group

Jenny Studying: Environmental Studies, Geography I take both Environmental Studies and Geography and attend the Earth Science Society. I really enjoy the Environmental Studies course as it covers a wide range of topics from conservation to the atmosphere, so there’s always a topic to keep me interested. The field trips are really good too; there is a residential trip to Cornwall where you visit the Eden Project, which is a great way to get to know other students on the course. Attending the Earth Science Society gives me the opportunity to consolidate content from my lessons, tend to the biodiversity area in college and fundraise for conservation charities.

www.huish.ac.uk

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Challenge For those interested in developing their personal and leadership skills there are several opportunities available, leading to nationally recognised qualifications. These Enrichment choices will take you out of the classroom, and out of college, to test your skills and your commitment.

The students who take up these challenges tell us how much they gain from their experiences.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Few things tell us – and future employers – more about your strength of character than the achievement of a gold award. That’s why we encourage students to take part in this scheme. The scheme is demanding but you will be able to do it. For a gold award you must satisfy the requirements of the following five sections: • Service – anything from conservation projects to life saving • Skills – from fishing to singing • Physical Recreation – from Aikido to skiing • Residential – from Outward Bound to voluntary help with the elderly • Expeditions – Dartmoor to the Andes Each year approximately 40 students participate in the award scheme operated by the college. Students meet once a week and take part in a minimum of three training ventures for the expedition.

The award is open to all students. However, there is a limitation on the numbers we can accommodate on the Expedition Section so these are allocated on a first come first served basis.

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The award scheme demands commitment and self-motivation. Participants must be prepared to give up a large amount of time and to pay towards the cost of the expeditions. In return, participation generates self-confidence, genuine achievement and an award that is internationally recognised by universities and employers.

Basic Expedition Leadership Award This follows on from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Lower Sixth and is ideal for those students interested in teaching, youth work or working in the outdoors. Emphasis is on the skills of leadership, expedition planning, navigation and you will acquire greater awareness of access/conservation issues. The age requirement is 17 years, and the course lasts two terms.

Find out more at: www.huish.ac.uk/enrichment/challenge

Olivia Studying: Challenge Enrichment Aside from A levels I’ve taken part in a range of Enrichments such as my Gold D of E where I learnt to scuba dive, rowing, photography, Amnesty International, archery and the Earth Sciences Society. All were fantastic opportunities to meet new people and find new interests.

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Results Simply as a set of headline figures our advanced level results are usually the best of any college of further education in the South West. More importantly though we ask ourselves a more searching set of questions; based on their starting position did our students gain the grades they might have expected or did they do better than expected during their time at Richard Huish College?

When students do better than expected we are said to add value; the most credible measure of value-added performance in further education is the Alps system.

Alps provides A level, AS level and BTEC Level 3 value added reports which compares the performance of Huish students against every other student studying these qualifications, in all state or independent organisations across the country. In 2014/15 Richard Huish College was ranked in the top 25% for every qualification type.

No wonder OFSTED state that our “Achievement and standards are outstanding. Students enjoy their work and achieve well. The proportion of A or B examination passes is consistently very high. Students make excellent progress based on their prior attainment for the GCSE.”

ALPS A level Grade 2014/15

We analyse our results in many ways and from this we can see we add value to girls, to boys, to students who join us with high GCSE grades, to students who join us with our minimum entry requirements, and to those in the middle of the ability range. We also add value to students from all of the various social and demographic groups, and to those that join us with individual learning needs. Of all of our achievements as a college, it is our ability to deliver this value-added for our students that truly sets the Huish experience apart from other colleges.

1

ALPS grade 1 Outstanding

2

ALPS grade 2 Outstanding

100%

➜

90%

3

ALPS grade 3 Excellent

75%

4

ALPS grade 4 Very good

60%

5

ALPS grade 5 Satisfactory to good

40%

6 25%

7

ALPS grade 6 Below average ALPS grade 7 Less than satisfactory

10%

8

ALPS grade 8 Relatively poor

Bottom

9

Some of our best results

➜

Figures in brackets are 2014 results

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Overall A level pass rate 99% (99%)

Overall AS Level pass rate 90% (88%)

A* – C pass rate 82% (79%)

A* – C pass rate 64% (65%)

A* – B pass rate 57% (55%)

A* – B pass rate 44% (43%)

Richard Huish College | Prospectus | 2016/17

ALPS grade 9 Poor

BTEC pass rate 100%

A level Maths (incl.

Further Maths)

BTEC Business Extended Diploma

77% D* or D only

98% overall pass rate

100% had D* or D in grade profile (includes DMM)

82% D* or D in grade profile (includes DMM)

87% achieved A* – C (80%)

A LEVEL RESULTS

NO. OF % % % Av. SUBJECT ENTRIES A*-B A*-C PASS SCORE1 Accounting 15 40.0 66.7 100 80.0 Archaeology 17 64.7 88.2 100 96.5 Art & Design 26 88.5 100.0 100 113.1 Art & Design Textiles 4 75.0 75.0 100 110.0 Biology 139 63.3 81.3 100 97.4 Business Studies 83 57.8 85.5 100 93.0 Chemistry 134 60.4 85.8 100 93.9 Chinese 20 95.0 100.0 100 107.0 Classical Civilisation 28 42.9 67.9 100 85.0 Computing 18 61.1 61.1 100 90.0 Dance 12 50.0 91.7 100 88.3 Drama & Theatre Studies 15 46.7 93.3 100 90.7 Economics 51 66.7 78.4 100 95.3 English Language 80 56.3 96.3 100 94.3 English Language & Literature 78 51.3 89.7 100 91.5 English Literature 102 63.7 88.2 100 97.1 Environmental Studies 45 40.0 71.1 93.3 81.3 French 17 76.5 94.1 100 104.7 Further Mathematics (Applied) 44 95.5 95.5 97.7 128.6 Geography 97 49.5 73.2 99 86.2 Geology 39 56.4 87.2 100 93.8

NO. OF % % % Av. SUBJECT ENTRIES A*-B A*-C PASS SCORE1 German 4 75.0 100.0 100 100.0 Government & Politics 26 38.5 61.5 100 81.5 Graphic Communication 20 55.0 90.0 100 93.0 History Early 37 56.8 89.2 100 97.3 History Late 109 47.7 78.0 100 89.2 Law 87 64.4 86.2 100 102.1 Mathematics (Applied) 79 64.6 84.8 100 101.8 Mathematics (Mechanics) 65 63.1 83.1 96.9 94.5 Media Studies 36 38.9 77.8 100 84.4 Music 9 77.8 100.0 100 104.4 Photography 22 68.2 95.5 100 100.0 Physical Education 43 62.8 88.4 100 94.9 Physics 87 47.1 72.4 98.9 89.0 Polish 2 100.0 100.0 100 120.0 Psychology 174 49.4 71.3 97.1 85.4 Religious Studies 32 37.5 62.5 93.8 76.3 Sociology 111 42.0 72.3 97.3 84.6 Spanish 24 79.2 91.7 100 103.3 A LEVEL TOTALS 2,031 56.92 81.72 99.12 93.2

BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA RESULTS (Three A level Equivalent)

% % % % %

NO. OF % 2 D* 1 D* % 2 D 1 D % 1 M % SUBJECT ENTRIES 3 D* 1 D 2 D 3 D 1 M 2 M 3M 2 P 3P Health and Social Care 21 71.4 4.8 9.5 4.8 0 0 4.8 4.8 0 Sport Development Coaching and Fitness 53 37.7 11.3 3.8 5.7 11.3 20.8 7.5 1.9 0 IT (Software Development) 15 66.7 26.7 0 6.7 0 0 0 0 0 Business and Marketing 19 73.7 10.5 5.3 0 5.3 5.3 0 0 0 TOTALS 108 54.6 12 4.6 4.6 6.5 11.1 2 1 0 D* = Distinction Star D = Distinction M = Merit P = Pass Merit and above = high grades 99% High Achievers (equivalent to A level A*–B)

BTEC SUBSIDIARY DIPLOMA RESULTS (One A level Equivalent)

NO. OF % % % % SUBJECT ENTRIES D* D M P Health and Social Care 38 92.1 2.6 5.3 0 IT (Software Development) 27 81.5 11.1 7.4 0 Business 10 90.0 10.0 0 0 Pop Music (Performance) 18 44.4 27.8 27.8 0 Music Production 29 37.9 34.5 27.6 0 TOTALS 122 69.7 16.4 13.9 0 D* = Distinction Star D = Distinction M = Merit P = Pass Merit and above = high grades 100% High Achievers (equivalent to A level A*–B)

1 This figure is the average points score per entry based on the following values:

2 For comparison, these are the provisional national figures published by the Joint Council for General Qualifications, as at September 2015:

A* = 140

C = 80

A = 120

D = 60

% A* – B = 52.8%

E = 40

% Pass = 98.1%

B = 80

A level English

A level Music

100% overall pass rate

100% achieved A* – C (67%)

% A* – C = 77.3%

BTEC Sports Development Extended Diploma

BTEC Health & Social Care Extended Diploma

91% had D* or D in grade profile (includes DMM)

90% achieved D* or D only

At the time of publication (Sept. 2015) these figures are only provisional and are subject to change. The final results tables and national comparisons are published toward the end of 2015. Up-to-date figures will be published on our website when available.

BTEC Pop Music Subsidiary Diploma 83% had D* or D in grade profile (includes DMM)

A level Art & Design 100% achieved A* – C (91%)

www.huish.ac.uk

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Index

A. Access to Higher Education Diploma 24 Accountancy courses 18 Accounting 18 Academic support 06 Advice and Support 06 – 09 After Huish 15 Applied Science (BTEC) 55 Applying 12 Apprenticeships 21 Archaeology 28 Art and Creative Courses 62 Art 63 Graphic Design (BTEC) 64 Photography 64 Arthur C Clarke Learning Centre 06 B. Basic Expedition Leadership Award (BELA) 80 Biology 55 Bookkeeping 19 Bus routes 03 Business 22 Business Vocational (BTEC) 23 Business & Management (Foundation Degree) 24 C. Careers (see After Huish) Chemistry 56 Choosing your courses 16 Classical Civilisation 36 Computer Science 26 Contacting the college 12 Courses 16 – 66 Choosing your courses 16 Creative Media Production (BTEC) 44 D. Dance Degree courses Drama & Theatre Studies Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

48, 70 24, 60 49, 70 80

E. Earth Science courses 28 – 30 Archaeology 28 Environmental Studies 29 Geography 29 Geology 30 Economics 25 English courses 32 English Language 32 English Language & Literature 33 English Literature 33 Enrichment opportunities: 68 – 81 Academic 78 Challenge 80 Performance – Drama, Dance and Stage Craft 70 Music 72 Sport 74 Travel 76 Entry Requirements 12 Environmental Studies­­ 29 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) 30

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F. Facilities 06 FdA Business & Management 24 FdA in Sports Development & Coaching 60 Foundation Degrees 24, 60 Business & Management 24 Sports Development & Coaching 60 French 47 Further Mathematics 43 FAQs 14 G. GCSEs (Progression Sixth) 66 Geography 29 Geology 30 German 47 Getting to college 03 Government & Politics 37, 78 Graphic Design (BTEC) (see Art and Creative) H. Health & Social Care / Health Sciences (BTEC) 35 Health and Wellbeing 08 History 38 How to apply 12 I. Important information 02 – 14 International students 10 Interviews 12 IT facilities 06 Information Technology (BTEC) 26 L. Languages: 46 – 47 Enrichment 78 French 47 German 47 Spanish 47 Law 39 Learning Centre 06 Library (see Learning Centre) M. Mathematics courses 42 – 43 Core Maths 43 Mathematics 43 Further Mathematics 43 Statistics 42 Modern foreign language courses 46 – 47 (also see Languages) Money matters 08 Moving on 15 Music courses 50 – 53 Advanced Musician’s Scheme 51 Music 51 Music Production (BTEC) 52 Popular Music Performance (BTEC) 52 Popular Music and Music Production (BTEC) 52 Music Enrichment 72 N. National Union of Students (NUS)

05

O. Open Events

12 – 13

P. Parking 03 Performing Arts: 48 – 53 Dance 48 Drama & Theatre Studies 49 Performance Enrichment 70 Music 51 Music Enrichment 72 Music Production (BTEC) 52 Popular Music Performance (BTEC) 52 Popular Music and Music Production (BTEC) 52 Performance Sport 74 Personal Tutor 08 Photography 64 Physical Education 59 Physics 56 Popular Music Performance (BTEC) 52 Popular Music and Music Production (BTEC) 52 Progression Sixth 66 Psychology 39 R. Religious Studies 40 Results 82 S. Science courses 54 – 57 Applied Science (BTEC) 55 Biology 55 Chemistry 56 Physics 56 Sociology 41 Spanish 47 Sports courses 59 – 61 Physical Education 59 Sport (BTEC) 60 Sports Development & Coaching (Foundation Degree) 60 Sport Enrichment 74 Stage Craft 70 Standard entry requirements 12 Statistics 42 Student Council 05 Student Services 08 Student support 06 – 08 Student Union (see Student Council) Studying in Taunton 02 Support 06 – 08 T. Traineeships 21 Transport 03 Travel Enrichment 76 Tutorial support 08 U. Useful information

02 – 14

W. Wellbeing 08

www.huish.ac.uk

Richard Huish College South Road Taunton Somerset TA1 3DZ T: 01823 320800 F: 01823 320801 hello@huish.ac.uk The college exists to provide routes to higher education and professions through close tutorial support.

For information in other formats please call 01823 320800.

www.huish.ac.uk