Humanities Course Leaflet 17-18

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Destination: Gap Year

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2017 . 2018

Studied: A Level Religious Studies, Law, Classical Civilisation and L3 Core Maths

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School: Holy Family Catholic School

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If you need the information in this leaflet presented in a different way please contact Erika Montgomery on 01484 652341 or info@huddnewcoll.ac.uk

the best I can possibly be.” environment that challenges me to be academic potential in a supportive “HNC has allowed me to achieve my

Details of all BTEC courses are accurate at time of print. However, some of these courses at Level 3 may be subject to change prior to August 2017 in terms of course title, content and assessment methodology. These changes will be communicated via our website once they have been finalised by the awarding bodies.

Humanities AT HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE The Huddersfield New College Humanities Department is a wellestablished team full of experienced teachers. With a wide range of traditional subject areas and well-respected courses, the department is one of the college’s most popular.

From Geography to Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation to History, the department has something to offer most students. All courses are at Advanced Level, and most are traditional A Level subjects assessed at the end of two years of study.

Considered some of the most traditional subjects in further education, Humanities courses require a high degree of literacy.

Successful students show an ability to articulate a concise written argument, essential for those wishing to progress on to undergraduate degrees.

Our team are well known for their commitment to their subjects and have a broad range of vocational and academic experience in their fields.

Courses are designed to be engaging and we encourage discussion and debate

in order to further understanding and ensure the very best learning outcomes for our students.

MEET THE TEAM • • • • • • •

Claire Forrest Edwina Floyd Scott Townshend Jack Williams Glyn Barker Dan O’Keefe Marie Kidd

BTEC Level 3 Certificate/extended certificate in Applied Law ABOUT the subject A new subject to most, Law offers an insight to the workings of the English Legal System.

Some choose the subject intending to study it at university, some to complement other subject choices and others simply out of curiosity.

Whichever is the case, this course is assessed via a combination of coursework and external assessment, and offers an interesting and often challenging view of English law.

Although not essential, an interest in (or awareness of) current affairs is helpful.

“All my teachers dedicated their time to making sure I knew how to improve and better myself. I really enjoyed the subjects I studied and I achieved higher than I realised I could.”

Humanities Trip - London 2015 Emmeline Pankhurst

ellie barnes

The BTEC Level 3 course in Applied Law gives students the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life and to allow access to employment opportunities in the legal sector. The specification is designed to appeal to those interested in a career in law.

specific entry criteria

School: Mirfield Free Grammar School

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language plus grade C in a traditional written subject, for example GCSE History or English Literature.

Studied: A Level Classical Civilisation, Geography and English Literature Destination: Asia Pacific Studies and International Relations at the University of Leeds

Government and politics LINEAR a level

ABOUT the subject

Government and Politics is an increasingly popular subject at A Level. If you take an active interest in political issues and debates and want to look beyond individuals to understand the British system and analyse the nature of our democracy, the values and beliefs of political parties and the workings of governments, A Level Politics is for you.

As a ‘traditional’ A Level subject, Government and Politics will help you to develop your written skills and is highly valued by top level universities in degree subjects such as History and Law, as well as in Government and Politics itself.

Year 1 The first year of the course will give you a good, all-round understanding of government and politics in the UK. We will examine how we participate in our democratic process, how our votes are reflected in parliament, and how effectively we are represented

by MPs and government. In addition, we will study the roles and powers of parliament and government, as well as evaluating the position of key figures in our political system, such as that of the Prime Minister.

You will be able to engage in debates around these issues, exploring how political processes in the UK operate, and how, on occasions, they go wrong!

Year 2 In the second year, we will develop our understanding of UK government and politics further by considering some of the ‘big issues’ and questions that

face our system, such as: ‘How well are our rights protected in Britain?’; ‘What is our relationship with other nations in Europe?’; and ‘How effective are our democratic processes?’. We will also study US government and politics in the second year, examining how it compares to our own system, and how the USA is developing its role in the modern world.

Classical Civilisation is a mix is of literature and history from Ancient Greece and Rome. It is an increasingly popular subject at A Level because it allows students to study a broad range of topics and texts. The literature and history we study really are ‘classics’ that have stood the test of time and are still relevant to people today. Classics is also a highly respected traditional academic subject that requires students to use high level skills of comprehension and analysis.

We assume that you know nothing about the ancient world when you begin and as the course progresses we encourage you to develop the skills you need to succeed. If you have a genuine interest in the past, are prepared to handle a large amount of information, learn detail and develop an argument, this subject will appeal to you. The course involves a great deal of reading, particularly the reading of classical texts. Classics combines well with other literate subjects and success indicates a good academic ability.

ASSessment As a linear A Level, your assessment will take place by examinations at the end of your second year. In order to prepare for this, however, there will be a regular and developing focus on exam technique.

Specific entry criteria Grade 5 in GCSE English Language plus grade C in a traditional written subject, for example GCSE History or English Literature.

Year 1

Year 2

The first year comprises three mandatory units. The first, Dispute Solving in the Legal System, focuses on the courts and the people working in them. Students will visit the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts in Leeds in support of a largely practical unit.

There will be Q&A sessions with local Magistrates and members of the legal profession in an effort to understand what working in this field is really like.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate offers a broad choice of three from seven options. This year students will study Unlawful Homicide, Aspects of Property offenses and Police Powers and Aspect of the Law of Tort. The options will ensure once again that both civil and criminal halves of the English Legal System are covered.

The second unit, Understanding Law Making, focuses on how the law of England and Wales is actually made, along with the impact of EU law.

Finally, the third unit, entitled Aspects of Legal Liability, is where students get the chance to deal with substantive law for the first time. Both halves of the English Legal System will be studied, for example, both Criminal law and Civil law, as students get to grips with the non-fatal offenses of assault, battery, actual and grievous bodily harm, as well as the more ‘gentle’ tort of negligence!

Whichever options are undertaken, students continue to build upon the knowledge and skills gained during the first year (especially problem solving), and will have the opportunity to participate in visits relevant to their chosen option.

Assessment All six units are assessed by a combination of coursework and external assessment throughout the year, enabling students throughout the course to have a realistic expectation of their final grade.

Each unit will be assessed through the completion of presentations, reports, leaflets, posters and other similar methods.

Classical Civilisation LINEAR A level

ABOUT the subject

course content

course content

specific entry criteria Humanities Trip - London 2015 Houses of Parliament

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language plus grade C in a traditional written subject, for example GCSE History or English Literature.

course content A Level Classics is currently undergoing reform and conversion to a linear system. As such the following content is not definitive and certainly subject to change.

Unit 1: Entitled ‘The World of the Hero’, this unit is a study of classical literature, specifically that relating to the fall of Troy. Two texts are studied, the first being Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ – the tale of Odysseus’ wanderings after the sacking of Troy. This offers us a Greek perspective on the impact of the Trojan war on a personal level; the trials and tribulations of the long suffering Odysseus. The second text that we study is Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’; the tale of the Trojan survivors fleeing Troy before finally founding the city, later to be empire, of Rome.

Unit 2: The second unit focuses upon classical ‘Culture and Arts’. Specifically we will be exploring Greek Theatre; both the tragedies of the Bacchaie, which describes the mother’s murder of her son, and Oedipus Rex, which describes the incestuous relationship of Oedipus and his mother and the inevitable punishment of the Gods. The third play we shall study is a comedy called ‘Frogs’ written by the playwright Aristophanes. We study these plays

in order to look at both the culture and society in which they are written; exploring concepts such as honour, gender, fate and justice.

Unit 3: The final unit that we shall explore is that of classical ‘Belief and Ideas’. This will focus on classical Greek religion – namely that of the Olympians such as Zeus, Athena and Apollo. We shall explore the hidden rituals, cults, how religion is explored in society and places of worship as well as how the Gods and Goddesses are experienced by the mortals of the classical world.

This unit will draw upon previous learning acquired through the study of the prior two, therefore will make up the bulk of the second year.

ASSessment As a linear A Level, assessment will take place through examinations at the end of your second year.

Geography LINEAR a level

If a student embarks on the two year A Level programme they can expect a subject that will excite their imagination, challenge perceptions and stimulate investigative and analytical skills. The topics have been chosen to reflect the world today and the current issues and challenges that face global populations. Time will be devoted to developing fieldwork and practical investigation skills. The areas of study that make up the A Level Geography course are quite diverse and develop the outlined topics in both depth and breadth.

Geography is a subject grounded in the real world, primarily investigating how humans interact with their physical and human environments. Whilst studying Geography, students develop very useful transferable skills such as the ability to research independently, collect and analyse data, undertake practical fieldwork, make presentations, debate topics and work effectively as part of a team.

course content

ABOUT the subject

Geography is also a useful subject for a wide range of possible future careers including pollution analyst, disaster manager, international law and weather presenter, to name but a few. A career that uses Geography does not have to be related specifically to the subject either as the transferable skills are prized by potential employers and universities in all fields.

ASSessment 40% Unit 1 Physical exam 40% Unit 2 Human Exam

Year 1 • Coastal systems and landscapes • Hazards • Changing places Year 2

fieldwork Geography is a very practical subject and one that definitely exists beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

Fieldwork opportunities will be available and will offer the opportunity to extend a student’s classroom knowledge in the field. In the past the Geography Department at Huddersfield New College has offered field visits to York, the Yorkshire Coast, the Lake District, the Jurassic Coast, France, Switzerland and Morocco.

specific entry criteria Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and grade 4 in GCSE Maths plus grade C in GCSE Science (other than Core) or grade C in a traditional humanities/ written subject, for example GCSE Geography.

• The water and carbon cycles • Global systems and global governance • Contemporary urban environments

20% Controlled Assessment Geography Fieldwork Trip 2015

All examinations are taken at the end of Year 13 (2nd year).

Blencathra, Lake District

law linear A level ABOUT the subject A new subject to most, Law offers an insight to the workings of the English Legal System. You will explore the different kinds of UK law, the courts (and the people you will see there), Criminal law and Civil law.

Some choose the subject intending to study it at university, some to complement other subject choices and others simply out of curiosity.

Whichever is the case, the course offers an interesting and often challenging view of English law. Although not essential, an interest in (or awareness of) current affairs is helpful.

ASSessment All assessments will take place at the end of the two year course. These will take the form of three 2-hour written examinations.

specific entry criteria Grade 5 in GCSE English Language plus grade C in a traditional written subject, for example GCSE History or English Literature.

Religious Studies linear A level ABOUT the subject

course content

Year 2 is likely to provide a more detailed overview of Civil and Criminal law. A unit on Criminal Law may focus on offences against the person (murder, manslaughter, assaults and related defences).

Year 1 will introduce the English Legal System, including the fundamental differences between Criminal and Civil law. Units will cover Parliament’s role in law making as well as key concepts within the English Legal System such as Judicial Precedent and Statutory Interpretation.

Year 2

Year 1

Also within this unit are topics such as the courts and the people who work within them: judges, solicitors, barristers, juries and lay magistrates.

Each class will have the opportunity to attend the Magistrates and Crown Court in Leeds during this unit to observe the court in action.

Following the fundamental principles of the English Legal System is substantive content concerning matters in both Criminal and Civil law. Criminal law covers assault, battery, ABH and GBH, whilst Civil law provides an opportunity to study the tort of negligence. This unit may also introduce a new style of exam question – the problem question – where students must advise a character who finds him/herself faced with a legal difficulty.

The Civil equivalent content may focus on a further and more detailed examination of Tort, largely based around the Tort of negligence but likely to include topics such as occupiers’ liability and nuisance.

Whilst Criminal law remains everpopular amongst those wishing to join the police or enter the legal profession, the Civil law units are often preferred by those seeking employment or aiming to study to a higher level in Business, Management or Finance/Accounting.

Whether you are aiming for a career in Law or not, studying the subject will enhance your skills of analysis, evaluation and problem solving.

Effective communication skills (both verbally and in writing) are also key, thereby ensuring that students studying Law gather skills transferable to either Higher Education or employment.

A qualification in Religious Studies evidences the ability to think critically and philosophically as well as demonstrating a capacity to study and research abstract ideas in an academic fashion. Religious Studies will build on your communication skills through debate, giving you the ability to construct clear and concise arguments in both verbal and written mediums.

A Level Religious Studies is a sought after qualification from all universities, especially those in the Russell Group, and sits alongside other subjects including Law, Classical Civilisation, Geography, English, History, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.

ASSessment Being a linear subject, Religious Studies will be assessed at the end of the two years of study with three exam papers; one for each area of study. There is no coursework,nor are there any exams at the end of the first year.

specific entry criteria

course content Religious Studies is now a linear A Level, covering three separate areas of study. In many respects Religious Studies is also a philosophy course, covering ‘Philosophy of Religion’ and ‘Ethics’.

Unit 1: Buddhism In Unit One, the focus is specifically on Buddhism with an emphasis on Buddhist theory and practice. Topics will include the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Samsara and the ‘Three Marks of Existence’ are also studied, allowing for debates around philosophical ideas of existence. Finally we will look at the Buddhist Sangha, and how this affects the life and experience of the Buddhist individual and community. In the second year we begin to look even deeper into Buddhism, analysing specific paths, philosophies and form. We look at Mahayana Buddhism and its many different branches, Buddhist philosophy and ethics and finally different forms and styles of meditation, which may even incorporate some practical work!

Unit 2: Philosophy of Religion

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language plus grade C in a traditional written subject, for example GCSE History or English Literature.

In this unit you will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief including at least three contrasting arguments about the existence or non-existence of God, gods or ultimate reality, including: • Challenges to religious belief such as the problems of evil and suffering • Philosophical language and thought

history linear A level ABOUT the subject History is a popular subject at A Level and is highly regarded by universities and employers as an excellent subject for developing a range of skills in analysing information and formulating strong, evidence-based arguments. You will study a mixture of modern and early modern history; from Tudors to the establishment of modern America and its emergence as a global superpower.

History sits well alongside other subjects such as Government & Politics, Classical Civilisation, Law, English, Sociology and Film Studies.

ASSessment As History is now a linear subject, students will be examined at the end of two years. Both the USA and Tudor topics form 40% of the overall qualification each, with coursework constituting 20% of the overall A Level qualification.

specific entry criteria Grade 5 in GCSE English Language plus grade C in a traditional written subject, for example GCSE History or English Literature.

through significant concepts and the works of key thinkers, illustrated in issues or debates in the philosophy of religion • A comparison of the significant ideas presented in works of at least two key scholars selected from the field of the philosophy of religion, and developments in the way these ideas are applied to issues in religion and belief • How the philosophy of religion has, over time, influenced and been influenced by developments in religious beliefs and practices, ethics or textual interpretation Unit 3: Ethics This component provides learners with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth and broad study of fundamental, ethical themes, ranging from ethical language and thought to freewill and determinism.

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course content Historical interpretations: The USA 1865-1975 There is an age old joke among historians that you could write the history of America on the back of a postage stamp. Although only 240 years old, the United States boasts a dynamic, vibrant and mesmerising history. Join us in 1865 as America crawls from the ruins of a devastating civil war that pitched brother against brother and depleted the economy in the South. Over 110 years we chart the social, political and economic journey of America itself; from reunification to global superpower. Students will address a range of themes along the way; from the struggle for African American equality to the growth and territorial expansion of the United States.

Primary Source analysis: The Tudors 1529-1570 The Tudor dynasty has all the hallmarks of a classic early modern soap opera; religious confrontations, blood-thirsty rebellions and the lengthy marital problems of King Henry VIII himself.

Three normative ethical theories: deontological, teleological or character based ethics The application of ethical theory to two personal, societal or global issues of importance, including religious ethical perspectives How ethical language in the modern era has changed over time; including a study of meta-ethical theories and significant ideas in religious and moral thought such as free will, conscience or authority How the study of ethics has, over time, influenced and been influenced by developments in religious beliefs and practices, the philosophy of religion and/or textual interpretation

This topic offers a unique insight into the mid-Tudor period and the religious, social and economic tribulations that befell the Crown. We focus on the extremely divisive impact Henry VIII and his three heirs Edward, Mary and Elizabeth had on 16th century society as they altered its very fabric to suit their own personal religious views.

Coursework: Irish Freedom: The Struggle for Independence 1800-1922

Religious Studies - London 2015 Lord Rowan Williams

Through the study of change and continuity over a 122 year period, students will study the often bloody and divisive nationalist quest for Irish independence. Students will grapple with themes such as religious persecution, the heavy and often clumsy hand of the British Government, the breakup of Ireland itself, and the evolution of modern terrorism through movements such as the Fenians and the Irish Republican Army. Many will remember the devastation ‘The Troubles’ caused Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and mainland England in the 1970s and 80s. This topic goes back to the root causes of this extremely turbulent period of British History.

Law - Leeds 2015 Magistrates Crown Court