2019 Sixth Form Prospectus

ASTLEY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

T: 0191 237 1505 E: reception@astleyhigh.org W: www.svf.org.uk Astley Community High School, Elsdon Avenue, Seaton Delaval, Northumberland NE25 0BP /astleyhigh

@astleyhigh

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SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 2019

MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER JOHN BARNES Dear Prospective Student Our Sixth Form is a very dynamic and vibrant place. In the two years that you are with us, you will not only make great progress academically in your chosen subjects, but you will also have opportunities to participate in a range of activities outside the classroom that will develop both your thinking and a broad range of life and leadership skills. When you leave our Sixth Form, our aim is that you will be fully prepared for the next step in your life.

I am sure that you will be looking for an institution which has firmly established structures for supporting students in all aspects of their studies. We guide students through the challenging transition from Key Stage 4 to Key Stage 5, by helping students develop independent study skills and therefore gain the self-confidence and personal discipline necessary to take full control of their learning. This should help them to achieve success in their courses and prepare them for university or continuous professional development in the workplace.

We are proud of the fact our Sixth Form does all of these. For those students who have been with us throughout Key Stage 4, there is the additional advantage that you know the school and the school knows you and understands how to meet your needs as a learner.

have ever experienced in your school life.

In return, we will expect far more from you in terms of maturity and self reliance.

Our outstanding Sixth Form team will do all they can to ensure that your time in our Sixth Form is a successful experience and we hope that you will help us to build upon the success that Ofsted has recognised.

Sixth Form study is a very different experience from the schooling you will have received so far. You will study a smaller number of subjects, and be given more freedom and responsibility than you

I look forward to seeing you all in September 2019 as our new Year 12.

The jump from GCSE to Level 3 study can be quite a challenge but please be assured that in our Sixth Form we shall not leave you alone to flounder. As part of a very supportive environment you will never be just a number, an anonymous individual, but will find lots of personal encouragement and help. I wish you all the best as you embark upon this new and enriching path to success.

Yours sincerely John Barnes

CONTENTS Message From Assistant Headteacher 01 What Parents/Carers Can Expect 02 Financial Support 03 Wider Sixth Form Experience 04 Sixth Form Centre 05 A Message from our Senior Students 06 Choosing Your Pathway 07 A Level Art and Design Biology Chemistry English Literature Geography

09 10 11 12 13

History Maths Further Maths Physics

Psychology

14 15 16 17 18

BTEC Level 3 Applied Science 19 ICT 22 Business

20 Sport 23 Health and 21 Travel and Tourism 24 Social Care

Learners in the sixth form thrive.

They make good progress in lessons and are very well prepared for the next stage of their education.

OfSTED 2018

Level 2 Courses GCSE Resit English/Maths

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It is a national requirement that students who do not achieve at least a grade 4 in English and/or Maths GCSE in Year 11, must continue to study the subject(s) whilst in Sixth Form.

Progressions and Careers

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MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER ADAM IRONSIDE Dear Student Astley Community High School provides excellent opportunities for students wishing to continue their education. We are proud that students in our care achieve academic success and are therefore able to continue into university, apprenticeships, and the world of work. It is because of this provision that every year we attract students to our Sixth Form from many other local schools.

Our Sixth Form has excellent facilities including independent study spaces in the main school building and a dedicated Sixth Form Centre for Year 12 and 13 students to eat, relax and study.

Once you have made your choices, teachers will always be on hand to support you with any help that you need, and this is something that current students really appreciate about Astley.

For many students their decision to remain at Astley is very straight forward. One of the benefits of a smaller school like Astley is that your teachers know you very well and they know how you learn and how to support you to succeed. Students currently in our Sixth Form have chosen to move forward with their A Level subjects with the support of these teachers, for that very reason.

These opportunities include work experience, university visits and preparation, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, educational and cultural visits, voluntary work and the chance to visit Milkhope, our field study centre in the Cheviots. We also encourage all students to develop their leadership skills by supporting younger students in the school, including those at Whytrig Middle School.

We are sure that you will be able to choose courses which are of interest and relevance to you, and suited to your interests and your abilities. You can choose to study a more academic A Level route, or a more vocational BTEC pathway. Some students choose a combination of the two. We are confident that you will leave Astley equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue your dreams.

If you have any questions you would like answered about the Sixth Form please contact either myself, Mrs Gilhooley, Student Progress Leader for the Sixth Form, or Mr Day, Sixth Form Student Support Officer.

Yours sincerely Adam Ironside

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WHAT PARENTS/CARERS CAN EXPECT FROM ASTLEY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL SIXTH FORM • Excellent choice of academic and vocational courses, delivered by teachers who know your child and how he/she learns • Excellent outcomes in both vocational and academic subjects • Strong pastoral support to guide students through the transition to A Levels/BTEC and throughout their education at Astley Community High School • Class sizes which allow personalised attention • High standards and expectations of academic performance, attendance, enthusiasm and behaviour • Quiet and supervised study areas in school to support your child to make the transition from GCSE to AS Level • Academic mentoring and tracking to guide students • A programme for our more able students to work with more able students in other schools • Outstanding ICT facilities to stimulate every aspect of learning

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• Excellent support from our partners including all of the local universities and a programme of visits • A strong career, work shadowing and higher education programme, including a careers interview programme for every student • Regular careers breakfast sessions where students can meet up with adults working in their chosen field • Enrichment programme including the Duke of Edinburgh Award to support wider learning and skill acquisition • A residential visit in tutor groups to our field study centre, Milkhope

FINANCIAL SUPPORT We appreciate that some students find it challenging to meet the costs of continuing to study. Financial support can help fund the costs of travel, course materials, trips and other essentials.

There are two main routes for financial help for 16-19 year olds with a potential total value of up to £1,200 per year.

• A mandatory bursary for students that do not have parental support or receive benefits in their own right.

• A discretionary bursary for students that meet criteria set by the school, such as being eligible for free school meals.

Qualifying students complete a short application form for a bursary at the start of the academic year.

• A work experience placement at the end of Year 12 • Exceptional support in making applications to university, apprenticeship providers or employers • An extra curricular programme of sporting opportunities such as the Rugby Academy led by Mr Carbutt • Our Sixth Form Centre offers a modern space exclusive to Year 12 and Year 13 students to eat, relax and study.

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WIDER SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE In addition to your academic studies in our Sixth Form, we also provide a range of enrichment activities that enable you to play a full role in the life of the school, and the wider community. The skills that you will gain from these experiences will complement your academic qualifications and provide an excellent basis for a potential university or apprenticeship application. These are just some of the opportunities available.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award We are a Licensed Centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and have the exciting opportunity to offer the Silver Award to Sixth Form students. You will enjoy loads of new experiences, discover talents you never thought you had, challenge yourself and work hard as part of a team. Then there’s all the other benefits…

• Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that everyone is looking for, from employers to colleges and universities.

• Being recognised for doing things you want to do and may even be doing already.

• Making a difference to other people’s lives and your community, being fitter and healthier, making new friends and having memories to last you a lifetime.

The Award comprises the following experiences, which will vary in length depending on whether you are aiming for the Bronze or Silver Award: • Volunteering - helping others in some way • Physical - improving personal fitness

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• Skills - learning or developing a personal skill.

• Expedition - a remotely supervised expedition, where you will carry all your personal kit and camp overnight (one night for Bronze, two nights for Silver).

Milkhope Centre Located near Alwinton in the foot hills of the Cheviots, the Milkhope Centre is leased by Astley Community High School for use by the school and its partner organisations. The farmhouse has been part of the fabric of school life for over 25 years and is one of the most memorable student experiences providing a unique opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership skills in the heart of the Kidland Forest.

Sports Facilities In addition to our gym, sports hall, tennis courts and football/rugby pitches, students enjoy the benefits of a fitness room and a 20 metre fully heated swimming pool. Our fully qualified coaches for football, rugby league, swimming and lifesaving continue to develop our offer including competitive sport and the ever-popular Football and Rugby Academies.

Senior Youth Club Northumberland County Council’s Youth Service has a base within the school which offers student ready access to a wide range of advice and guidance. The Youth Service also runs a weekly youth club for 13-19 year olds and many Astley students take part in a range of activities such as regional events and festivals, playing pool or table tennis or simply socialising with friends.

SIXTH FORM CENTRE EAT, RELAX, STUDY Our Sixth Form has an academic ethos, with our main priority being that students excel in their studies.

However, life in our Sixth Form is very different to life in the lower school. Students are given new freedoms and privileges. For example, students can sign out of school during ‘free’ periods, or they can spend time working or socialising in the newly refurbished Sixth Form Centre.

The Sixth Form Centre offers a modern space exclusive to Year 12 and Year 13 students to eat, relax and study.

Eat Café 6 offers an exclusive service for Sixth Form students to eat in the Sixth Form Centre.

Study We provide two attractive and well-resourced study spaces in the main school building for students to use when they are timetabled for independent study. As an alternative to the library during free periods, the centre has additional study space for students to use with free Wi-fi and electric sockets for laptops and mobile devices.

Relax Students can relax in the sofa area and use The Book Exchange or re-focus their minds with a game of pool.

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CHOOSING YOUR PATHWAY

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR STUDENTS Our Senior Students play a vital role in the life of our Sixth Form and the school in general. They work closely with staff and students in the lower school to help improve the school. They are role models and ambassadors for our school, and their positions carry a high level of prestige. Students apply for the positions of Senior Students whilst in Year 12, and go through a rigorous interview and selection process.

Lauren Crossman:

Aaron Gunn:

“Being part of the Sixth Form for the past two years has been a fantastic experience, and the role of Senior Student has been a real honour and a privilege. The teachers at Astley have been invaluable in supporting me through my studies. They are always available after school, and willingly give up their time to help me maximise my potential in the subjects I am studying.”

“I have only been in Sixth Form for seven weeks, but it has been a fantastic decision. Being appointed as a Senior Student was a real honour. I study a mix of A Level and BTEC subjects, and have found being given independent study time has been fantastic in enabling me to manage my time between my studies and out of school commitments.”

Michael Woods:

Amy Willcocks:

“I am so pleased that I made the decision to continue at Astley for my Sixth Form studies. I have a different, more mature, relationship with my teaching staff and they have been very supportive in helping me make the transition from GCSE to A Level. The freedom we have in the Sixth Form will prepare me well for university where I know I will need to be more independent.”

“I joined Astley from another local school after deciding not to stay on in their Sixth Form. I was nervous about this decision initially, but I could not be more pleased with how things have gone. I enjoy all my subjects and the teaching staff have been extremely supportive. To have been chosen as a Senior Student was a fantastic privilege and I look forward to supporting the Sixth Form and lower school.”

Lucy Lawrence: “The support I have been given by my teachers and the Sixth Form Team has been invaluable to me. They have made me aware of opportunities I would never have known about otherwise. My teachers have known me for many years and so have been well placed to write me a fantastic reference to support my university application.”

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A Level Pathway There are a number of different ways in which you can choose to study at Astley Sixth Form. Some students pick a purely academic pathway and choose to study only A Levels. Most students in Year 12 will study four A Levels, and then focus on three in Year 13. A Levels tend to be assessed through exams at the end of Year 12 and at the end of Year 13.

Vocational Level 3 Pathway Other students are keen to take a more vocational route and therefore study Level 3 BTEC or Cambridge Technical Qualifications courses. These are equivalent to A Levels but tend to be assessed through coursework. These courses all run for two years. Some students enjoy studying a mix of both vocational level 3 courses and A Levels.

GCSE English and Maths Resits It is a national requirement that all students must re-sit their English and/or Maths GCSE if they do not achieve at least a grade 4 in Year 11.

Image from left to right: Aaron Gunn, Lucy Lawrence, Amy Willcocks, Lauren Crossman, Michael Woods.

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ART AND DESIGN A LEVEL OVERVIEW Art, Craft and Design This course allows students who would like to take one Art option the chance to work across two or more media areas, such as Textiles and Fine Art, or Graphics and 3D Design.

The work builds on the subjects studied at GCSE. At this stage there is more time and opportunity to explore a greater variety of artistic media and students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and style of working.

There is a written element to the course, beginning with research assignments and homework which will help you to relate your own art work to that of other artists, and culminating in a personal study of an artist or an aspect of Art at A Level.

There is a strong emphasis on developing your own ideas.

Specific Art Options 3D Design; Textiles; Fashion; Graphic Design; Fine Art; Photography.

Students interested in following a specialist course in one of the above areas will be able to select the specific units for their chosen specialism and all final pieces should reflect this choice. The decision to follow a specialist course must be made during the options process for examination entries.

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including Art or 3D Design, although students who have not studied Art or 3D Design at GCSE can still gain a place on the course via portfolio submission.

STUDY UNITS A Level Unit 1: Personal Investigation Candidates develop work in response to an idea, issue, concept or theme of their choosing. Candidates are required to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by 1000 – 3000 words.

Unit 2: Externally-Set Assignment Eight exciting starting points are given by the examboard. Candidates choose one and produce a body of work based upon this theme. Candidates must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time at the end this project, the first 5 hours of which will be consecutive.

ASSESSMENTS Coursework based assessment.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher education: Foundation course or degree course in art and design.

Careers: Directly relevant career choices include graphic design, product design, fashion, photography,marketing and advertising. However A Level Art encourages an aesthetic sensibility which enhances life on a personal level and is also useful for careers in Teaching, Nursing, Occupational Therapy or any job where a creative approach is required.

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BIOLOGY A LEVEL OVERVIEW The course builds on the biological concepts and principles studied at GCSE. The curriculum develops your practical and analytical skills as well as the ability to apply biological principles to complex situations. It also promotes an awareness of social, environmental and economic issues relating to topics such as genetic engineering.

CHEMISTRY A LEVEL STUDY UNITS AS Level Four units of study which encompass the following topics: practical skills; cell structure; biological molecules; cell division; cellular organisation; exchange surfaces; transport in animals and plants; microbes and immunity; classification; evolution and biodiversity.

A Level

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English, Maths and Science to grade 5 or Combined Science to 6-6.

Will comprise the four units of study which form the AS plus two additional units.

The two additional units will include the following topics: homeostasis; excretion; plant and animal responses; photosynthesis; respiration; genetics; cloning; genetic engineering and ecosystems.

Students usually go on educational visits to enrich their biological knowledge. Such visits have included: the electron microscopy suite at the Medical School; an ecological survey at Whitley Bay; genetic engineering at the Centre for Life; Edinburgh Zoo; and a residential field trip.

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ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher education: Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Science, Nursing, Midwifery, Sports Science, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Marine Biology.

Careers: Doctor, Nurse, Midwife, Research Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Drug Analyst, Ecologist in institutions such as hospitals, universities, the government and research organisations.

OVERVIEW This programme of study will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry focusing on the structure and properties of matter, including the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions.

You will learn about Chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve problems, discovering the role that Chemists play in our everyday lives developing new technologies and material for uses in medicines, mobile devices, agriculture and new materials.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including Maths and Chemistry to grade 5 or Combined Science to grade 6-6.

STUDY UNITS AS Level Unit 1: Development of Practical Skills This underpins the whole of the A Level specification and covers the practical skills that students develop throughout both AS and the full A Level course.

Unit 2: Fundamentals in Chemistry Unit 3: Periodic Table and Energy Unit 4: Core Organic Chemistry A Level

ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment. For A Level only there is also a Practical Skills Assessment which is separate to the main grade.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher education: Healthcare such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry as well as the Biological Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Pharmacology Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry.

Careers: Wide range of careers in the chemical, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries and in areas such as forensics, environmental protection and healthcare. The problem solving skills developed are also useful for many other areas, such as accountancy and law.

Will comprise the 4 units of study which form the AS plus two additional units: Unit 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements Unit 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis

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ENGLISH LITERATURE A LEVEL OVERVIEW The focus is on the genres of tragedy and crime. Within these genres you will study a Shakespeare play, a novel, another drama text and a selection of poetry in Year 12.

In your second year of study you will complete an independent study and study theories of Literature. You will also be expected to be able to link texts at A Level rather than study them separately. The genre chosen in Year 12 continues through to Year 13. Some texts carry through as well as new texts being introduced. Two pieces of coursework are also completed in Year 13.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including a grade 6 in English Language and/or Literature.

STUDY UNITS

GEOGRAPHY A LEVEL ASSESSMENTS

AS Level

AS Level

Unit 1: Literary genres: drama Study of one Shakespeare play and one further drama text.

Unit 2: Literary genres: prose and poetry Study of one prose text and one poetry text.

Exam based assessment.

A Level Unit 1: Literary genres: aspects of tragedy Study of three texts: one Shakespeare text; a second drama text and one further text, of which one must be written pre-1900.

Unit 2: Texts and genres : elements of crime writing Study of three texts: one post-2000 prose text; one poetry and one further text, one of which must be written pre-1900.

Examination will include an unseen passage.

Theory and independence (coursework) Study of two full texts: one poetry and one prose text, informed by study of the Critical Anthology.

A Level Exam based assessment and coursework.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher education: This A Level is an excellent basis for further study in the area of English. Specific degrees in subjects such as Comparative Literature are available.

Careers: Study of English Literature develops skills that support a wide range of careers including Teaching, Journalism and Law.

OVERVIEW A Level Geography covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. It will also show the applied side of the subject - how human intervention aspects the environment and how people adapt and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. This is complex and dynamic and varies from place to place depending on people’s resources, technology and culture. There is plenty of room for discussion and extended research which will help you become an independent thinker and learner.

Fieldwork will be an essential part of your A Level course.

STUDY UNITS

ASSESSMENTS

A Level

A Level

Component 1: Physical geography • Water and carbon cycles.

• Coastal systems and landscapes.

• Hazards.

Component 2: Human geography • Global systems and global governance.

• Changing places.

• Contemporary urban environments.

Component 3: Geographical investigation Students will complete an individual fieldwork investigation relating to the A Level course. The work will be marked by your teachers and moderated by the examboard.

Exam based assessment and coursework.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Geography is highly valued by universities; it is one of the facilitating subjects. Higher education routes are wide and varied from Surveyor, Retail Manager, Teacher, Coastal Engineer, Weather Forecaster to Urban Planner.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and Maths. GCSE Geography (5 or above) is preferable but not essential.

Two essays of 1250–1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the Critical Anthology.

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HISTORY A LEVEL OVERVIEW Put simply, History is the study of the past. It is a vitally important subject in the modern world as it is inescapable; we study the past from our present perspective, so connecting us to the past and showing us who and why we are.

It allows us to understand the world in which we live, our personal history, by appreciating the events on a national and international stage that have shaped it.

Understanding this is not simply useful, it is crucial.

Furthermore, through the academic rigour of the subject, students who choose History develop key skills for their future lives, such as communication, presentation, analytical thinking, and decision-making.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and Maths. GCSE History (grade 5 or above) is preferable but not essential.

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MATHS A LEVEL STUDY UNITS Year 12 Unit 1: England 1445–1509 Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII: including Wars of the Roses 1445–1461, Edward IV’s first rule and the crisis of 1470–1471, Edward IV and Richard III 1471–1485, Henry VII’s rule in England 1485–1509, Henry VII’s foreign policy 1485–1509.

Unit 2: Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963 This includes the establishment and development of the Weimar Republic 1919–1933, the establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship and its domestic policies 1933–1939, the impact of World War Two and defeat on Germany 1939–1949, and a divided Germany, the Federal Republic and the DDR 1949–1963.

Year 13 Unit 3: Russia and its Rulers 1855–1964 The nature of government in Russia includes autocracy, the impact of dictatorial regimes on the economy and society of the Russian Empire and the USSR, the impact of war and revolution on the development of the Russian Empire and the USSR, the Empire, nationalities and satellite states. There are also depth studies on Alexander II’s domestic reforms, the Provisional Government, and Khrushchev in power 1956–1964.

Unit 4: Independent research This unit is a non-exam, independently researched essay of 3000–4000 words in length. The work will be marked by teachers. Students will carry out an independent investigation of a historical issue of their personal choice.

ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment and some internal assessment with external verification.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Ancient History, Medieval History, Early Modern History, Modern History, Archaeology, Law, Teaching. History is generally highly valued by universities; it is seen as a facilitating subject for the study of a wide range of subjects.

Careers: Historian, Teacher, Journalist, Librarian, Lawyer, Solicitor.

OVERVIEW If you have a real interest in mathematics, enjoy the challenge of solving problems and can communicate in a logical, efficient manner, then Mathematics could be the course for you.

The content is split between Pure and Applied Mathematics. In Pure Maths, you will develop the algebraic and trigonometric skills you gained from GCSE. You will apply these new mathematical concepts and methods in your Statistics and Mechanics units.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English and Maths. You must achieve the equivalent of grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

STUDY UNITS AS Level Pure Mathematics • Develop your understanding of algebra, functions, trigonometry, sequences and vectors.

• Discover calculus, exponentials and logarithms.

• Understand the concept of proof.

Statistics • Use a range of measures and distributions to analyse and model data.

• Test hypotheses to identify stability or change.

• Deepen your understanding of probability using Venn diagrams.

Mechanics • Discover Newton’s Laws of Motion and use them to model real life scenarios.

• Consider the forces acting on an object.

• Apply your knowledge of calculus and vectors to real problems.

A Level Pure Mathematics Extend your study of AS Level content, including: • Developing methods in calculus for functions not in polynomial form.

• Exploring new types of sequences and series.

Statistics • Consider more sophisticated statistical modelling to enhance AS Level skills.

• Develop an understanding of conditional probability.

Mechanics • Extend your kinematics knowledge to include projectiles.

• Consider how inclined planes and friction impact motion.

• Use moments to solve problems involving equilibrium.

ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment.

A Level examination assesses AS Level knowledge at a higher level of difficulty.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Mathematics, Statistics, Accountancy, Engineering, Computer Science, Education, Economics, Medicine, Dentistry.

Careers: Statistician, Accountant, Systems Analyst or Programmer, Economist, Teacher, Doctor, Dentist. Many of the ideas in Statistics have applications in a wide range of other fields, from assessing car insurance costs to evaluating risk due to natural disasters. Many techniques are used widely in sciences and social science.

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FURTHER MATHS A LEVEL OVERVIEW You can only opt for Further Mathematics if you have also chosen Mathematics.

You will need to have a real passion for mathematics as you will devote half of your learning time to the subject if you choose Maths and Further Maths.

You will extend the breadth of your pure mathematical knowledge by studying recent developments like matrices and complex numbers.

You will gain an insight into how and why objects move as part of the applied units.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English and Maths. Preferred grade is the equivalent of grade 9-7 in GCSE Mathematics.

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PHYSICS A LEVEL STUDY UNITS AS Level Further Pure Mathematics • Discover the world of complex numbers.

• Use matrices to explore transformations.

• Use algebra to prove statements.

• Extend your vectors knowledge into three dimensions.

A second optional unit from pure mathematics, mechanics, statistics or decision maths will also be studied.

A Level Further Pure Mathematics A second further pure unit will develop your knowledge from AS Level by: • Forming links between complex numbers, exponentials and trigonometry.

• Exploring the use of series to approximate functions.

• Discovering polar coordinates and hyperbolic functions.

Two optional units from pure mathematics, mechanics, statistics and decision maths will also be studied.

ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment. A Level examination assesses AS Level knowledge at a higher level of difficulty.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Mathematics, Statistics, Accountancy, Engineering, Computer Science, Education, Economics, Medicine, Dentistry. Further Maths is particularly desirable for study of Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science.

Careers: Statistician, Accountant, Systems Analyst or Programmer, Economist, Teacher, Doctor, Dentist. Many ideas met in Mechanics are essential to such important modern fields of study such as Cybernetics, Robotics, Biomechanics and Sports Science.

OVERVIEW Physics is fundamental to our understanding of how the universe works.

By choosing to take an A Level in Physics, you choose to study an enormously stimulating subject that also sits right at the heart of technology development.

Physics today is a very rewarding and exciting field with new discoveries occurring at the frontiers of human knowledge. Its methods and insights are widely applicable and its practitioners highly sought.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including Maths and Physics to grade 5 or Combined Science to grade 6-6.

STUDY UNITS AS Level Unit 1: Measurements and their errors Unit 2: Particles and radiation Unit 3: Waves Unit 4: Mechanics and materials Unit 5: Electricity A Level Will comprise of the five units of study which form the AS plus four additional units: Unit 6: Further mechanics and thermal physics Unit 7: Fields and their consequences Unit 8: Nuclear physics Unit 9: Astrophysics

ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Physics, Engineering and other Science-related courses.

Careers: While many students go on to careers that use their knowledge and expertise in Physics, others are readily employed in other areas such as computing or electronics. Skills gained through studying Physics, such as problem solving and numeracy, lend themselves to a range of careers including Engineering, Management, Accountancy, Law, Broadcasting and Computing/IT.

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PSYCHOLOGY A LEVEL OVERVIEW Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. You will look at different explanations for the way in which humans (and non-humans) behave.

You will also spend time analysing evidence and theories and comparing research in order to be able to reach conclusions about a variety of topics including schizophrenia, aggression and gender development.

You will look at how ideas and theories in each area of Psychology have developed, learn how to critically analyse evidence, and undertake some practical research.

During your studies, you will have the chance to visit local university psychology faculties, and outside speakers will also visit the school to offer particular insight into different areas of the subject.

APPLIED SCIENCE BTEC LEVEL 3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and Maths.

STUDY UNITS AS Level Unit 1: Social influence, memory and attachment.

Unit 2: Different approaches within the subject including: biopsychology, psychopathology (including phobias, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder), and finally research methods and the scientific process.

A Level Unit 1: Social influence, memory and attachment.

Unit 2: Different approaches within the subject including: • The humanistic and psychodynamic approaches.

• Biopsychology including brain research, scanning and biological rhythms.

• Research methods, including assessment of data and statistics.

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Unit 3: Schizophrenia, cognition and development, and forensic psychology.

ASSESSMENTS Exam based assessment .

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Occupational Psychology, Business Management, Psychiatry and Teaching.

Careers: Police, Nursing, Business Management, Human Resources, Hospitality, Counselling, Social Work, the Prison Service and Criminology.

OVERVIEW The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is intended as an Applied General qualification for post16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied science sector.

The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to give a coherent introduction to study of the applied science sector.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 5 GCSEs 4-9, including English, Maths and Combined Science (or Biology, Chemistry, Physics).

STUDY UNITS Learners will study three mandatory units: Unit 1: Principles and applications of science.

Unit 2: Practical scientific procedures and techniques.

Unit 3: Science investigation skills.

Learners choose one optional unit which has been designed to support choices in progression to applied science courses in higher education. These can include: Unit 8: Physiology of human body systems.

Unit 14: Applications of organic chemistry.

Unit 15: Electrical circuits and their application.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS The requirements of the qualification help learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers.

For example, when studying Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills, learners will develop skills including how to plan investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data and communicating results, all of which are the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, including, but not exclusively, those which are sciencerelated such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, Laboratory Technician, Food Technology or Engineering.

ASSESSMENTS The assessment for this BTEC is a mix of both internally assessed work and externally assessed assessments.

Units 1 and 3 are externally assessed while Units 2 and the optional unit are internally assessed.

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BUSINESS BTEC LEVEL 3 OVERVIEW This course has been designed to provide you with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the main aims and objectives of any business. You will learn the roles and responsibilities of people in business and study how to be successful in many aspects of business planning.

Visits to local businesses will be arranged.

In the past, students have visited local businesses such as Procter and Gamble as well as Alton Towers and Disneyland Paris.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS At least grade 9-4 in GCSE English and Maths. No prior knowledge of Business is required but if previously studied at least a pass in BTEC Business is required.

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HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BTEC LEVEL 3 STUDY UNITS BTEC (QCF) Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business (equivalent to one A Level).

Unit 1: The business environment.

Unit 2: Business resources.

Unit 3: Introduction to marketing.

Unit 4: Business communication.

Unit 5: Business accounting.

Unit 9: Creative product promotion.

ASSESSMENTS The units of work studied from September 2019 will be internally marked by your teacher and moderated by the examination board.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: This course will allow you to progress to higher education, go directly into workplace employment or take up an apprenticeship in the varied aspects of the business world.

Careers: Financial Management, Human Resources, Marketing/Advertising, Website Design, Operations Management.

OVERVIEW This course will provide you with a broad range of knowledge, skills and practice experience for the health and social care sector.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at Grades 9-5, including English, Maths and Health and Social Care.

STUDY UNITS BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Health and Social Care (equivalent to one A Level).

Year 1 • Human lifespan development.

• Effective communication in health and social care.

• Equality, diversity and rights.

Year 2 • Health, safety and security.

• Physiological disorders.

• Nutrition for health.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Midwifery, Nursing, Paramedic Science, Mental Health Nursing, Radiography, Health Care Management, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Social Care and Teaching.

This BTEC is an excellent basis for further study in the area of health and social sciences, or as a useful tool in many areas of employment, including child-minding, home-care, respite-care, youth work, nursery work, and teaching assistants.

ASSESSMENTS The units of work studied from September 2019 will be internally marked by your teacher and moderated by the examination board.

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ICT BTEC LEVEL 3 OVERVIEW

SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EXTENDED CERTIFICATE CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL LEVEL 3 STUDY UNITS

The IT industry is an exciting and constantly changing one with a wide range of opportunities.

BTEC (QCF) Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in ICT (equivalent to one A Level).

Future careers include computer games development, working with robotic systems or supporting scientists in combating global warming.

Unit 1: Communication and employability skills for IT. Unit 2: Computer systems.

Unit 18: Database design.

Unit 28: Website production.

Unit 30: Digital graphics.

Unit 42: Spreadsheet modelling.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS At least grade 9-4 in GCSE English and Maths. Students who achieve at least a Pass in the BTEC Level 2 ICT course are usually able to cope with the demands of Level 3 ICT.

ASSESSMENTS The units of work studied from September 2019 will be internally marked by your teacher and moderated by the examination board.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: This course will allow you to progress to higher education or go directly in to workplace employment or take on an apprenticeship.

Careers: IT Network Manager, Web Developer, Service Technician, Web Designer or Games Designer.

OVERVIEW This qualification is for learners 16 years old or over who want to study sport, leisure or fitness.

This qualification is not just about being able to play sport. It will provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into Higher Education on a sport related programme such as Sport and Physical Education.

The Extended Certificate is an Applied General qualification and takes 360 guided learning hours to deliver which means it is equivalent to one A level.

Taking the Extended Certificate alongside other vocational or academic qualifications would allow learners to study sport and physical activity, or another related sector, in higher education or further study.

STUDY UNITS Unit 1: Body systems and the effects of physical activity.

Unit 2: Sports coaching and activity leadership.

Unit 3: Sports organisation and development.

Unit 9: Sports psychology Unit 17: Sports injuries and rehabilitation.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: Sports and Exercise Development, Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status, Sports Coaching, Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy.

Career: Sports Coaching, fitness training instruction, PE teaching, Police and Fire service and other uniformed services.

ASSESSMENTS There will be two external exams for Units 1 and 3. The remaining units will be assessed by coursework.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English, Maths and PE.

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MATHS AND ENGLISH GCSE RESIT

TRAVEL AND TOURISM BTEC LEVEL 3 OVERVIEW This course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of one of the world’s fastest growing industries. It is an ideal qualification if you want a broad background into the travel and tourism industry.

Visits to travel destinations will be arranged. In the past, students have visited both local attractions and places further away such as Alton Towers, Disneyland Paris and New York.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS At least grade 9-4 in GCSE English and Maths. No prior knowledge of Travel and Tourism is required but if previously studied at least a pass in Level 2 BTEC Travel and Tourism is required.

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STUDY UNITS BTEC (QCF) Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Travel and Tourism (equivalent to one A Level).

Unit 1: Investigating the travel and tourism sector.

Unit 2: The business of travel and tourism.

Unit 3: The UK as a destination.

Unit 4: Customer service in travel and tourism.

Unit 7: European destinations.

Unit 8: Long haul travel destinations.

ASSESSMENTS The units of work studied from September 2019 will be assessed in a number of ways.

Units will be internally marked by your teacher and moderated by the examination board.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Higher Education: This course will allow you to progress to higher education or go directly into workplace employment.

Students in the past have gone on to study travel and tourism at university, while others have secured work placements or apprenticeships within the travel and tourism industry.

Careers: Tourist Information, Tourist Guide, Customer Service Advisor, Resort Representative, Tour Operations, Tele Sales and Hotel Manager.

OVERVIEW It is a national requirement that the resit course for GCSE Maths and GCSE English is a compulsory part of your post-16 study time if you do not achieve at least a grade 4 in one or both of these subjects at the end of Year 11.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students will be required to continue studying English and/or Maths GCSE if they have not achieved at least a grade 4 in Year 11.

STUDY UNITS Maths You will recap and extend your skills in five key areas: Number: Work with integers, fractions, decimals and percentages.

Ratio and Proportion: Calculate with ratio and use it to solve proportion problems in real life context. Combine the use of ratio with fractions, percentages and algebra.

Algebra: Use formulae accurately in a real life context. Solve equations and inequalities. Understand how sequences work and how to find the nth term. Draw and interpret graphs.

Shape: Calculate areas and volumes.

Use Pythagoras theorem to find a missing length on a right angled triangle. Discover angle facts and construct loci.

Data: Compare data sets using average and spread. Display data using a range of diagrams. Explore the concept of chance and probability.

English You will recap and develop your skills in the following areas: Reading fiction and non-fiction: Identifying and interpreting information; analysing language and structuring; evaluating a text and comparing pre-1900 and modern texts.

Creative and non-fiction writing: Writing to describe or narrate and writing to explain points of view.

ASSESSMENTS Maths Exam based assessments.

English A spoken language assessment and two written exams.

PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Most university courses and many apprenticeships require applicants to have the equivalent of grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and for English.

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PROGRESSION AND CAREERS Our Sixth Form students have recently progressed to a wide range of universities and apprenticeship providers including:

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD MERCHANT NAVY

ACCENTURE

DURHAM UNIVERSITY

NETWORK RAIL

BT GROUP

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY

HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS

NHS

UNIVERSITY OF YORK

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

UNVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL 26

AUDI