Hazeley Academy Sixth Form Information Booklet

SIXTH FORM INFORMATION

CHARACTER • CONFIDENCE • CREATIVITY

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You can study one of three pathways in the Sixth Form, which will be dependent on what you want to do when you leave and also your prior attainment at GCSE.

ROUTE A This route allows you to opt for any of the level 3 subjects listed in the prospectus. The entry requirements are 8 GCSEs 9-4 (or equivalent), plus the individual subject entry requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday 31st January 2018. All applications are made online and can be found in the post 16 section of the academy website www.thehazeleyacademy.com.

All received applications will be acknowledged by email.

All subjects in this route require you to achieve a 6 at GCSE in that subject. Apart from: Maths 7; Further Maths 8; all of the sciences require 6 in two GCSE sciences and a 6 in Maths.

Once you have applied you will have a progression meeting to discuss your subject choices and future plans. Conditional offers will then be made, based on the published grades being achieved in your chosen subjects. The acceptance form must be returned to accept this conditional offer. You will then be invited to our induction days in June.

If you have not studied a subject at GCSE but wish to take it as a level 3 subject, your other GCSE subjects will be take into consideration and will be discussed at interview.

Enrolment will take place on GCSE results day, Thursday 23rd August 2018. If you do not achieve the entry requirements, options can be discussed with a member of the Sixth Form team.

ROUTE B

For further enquires about admissions or particular courses, please contact the Sixth Form team: sixthform@thehazeleyacademy.com.

This route you will take BTEC HSC which is a double option plus one of Ethics and Philosophy, Sociology or Psychology. The entry requirements are 5 GCSEs at 9-4 including English literature or Language at level 4 or above.

ROUTE C Through this route you will take Business Studies, IT and Financial Studies. The entry requirements are 5 GCSEs at 9-4, including either English or Maths at Level 4 or above.

Students who do not achieve a 4 in either GCSE English literature or Language or GCSE Maths will have to re-sit these courses. Students who do not achieve a level 5 in GCSE English or Maths will meet with the Sixth Form team to consider whether re-taking the GCSE will be of benefit to them in relation to their pathway.

All applications are considered on merit and everyone is welcomed irrespective of gender, sexuality, disability, race or religion. A copy of our admissions policy can be found on our website.

We are currently working with Shenley Brook End Sixth Form, in relation to joint provision in for some subjects.

There will be a voluntary charge of ÂŁ50 for students who enrol in the Hazeley Sixth Form, this will cover the cost of various enrichment activities and basic stationery required for your studies. If you would like more information, please contact the Sixth Form team: sixthform@thehazeleyacademy.com Please note courses may be subject to change dependent on numbers.

NUMERACY MATHS A LEVEL

FURTHER MATHS A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 9MAO ASSESSMENT: EXAM

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL MEI SPEC CODE: H635 (AS) H645 (A-LEVEL) • ASSESSMENT: EXAM

A level Mathematics provides a framework for students to continue the subject beyond GCSE level. It supports their mathematical needs across a broad range of other subjects at this level. It introduces calculus and other important topics that help prepare students for a very wide range of higher education courses, including mathematics, computing, engineering, economics, finance and physical sciences.

It emphasises how mathematical ideas are interconnected and how mathematics can be applied to model situations mathematically using algebra and other representations, to help make sense of data, to understand the physical world and to solve problems in a variety of contexts, including social sciences and business.

Further Mathematics is designed for students with an enthusiasm for mathematics. It is both deeper and broader than A level mathematics. As well as building on algebra and calculus introduced in A level mathematics, Further Mathematics introduces complex numbers and matrices, fundamental mathematical ideas with wide applications in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computing. Understanding of mechanics, statistics and decision maths is further extended.

CORE MATHS EXAM BOARD: AQA • SPEC CODE: 1350 ASSESSMENT: EXAM This course focuses on using familiar maths concepts as well as a few new ones, in a range of contexts to help prepare students to be competent and confident in using maths in their studies, careers and lives. It provides useful maths skills for students studying courses such as A Level Psychology, Sciences and Geography as well as technical and vocational qualifications.

The content is split into two sections: Mandatory content: Critical analysis, analysis of data, maths of personal finance and estimation.

Optional content (Statistical Techniques): Students will be covering topics such as sampling, correlation and regression, probability, statistical modelling and the normal distribution.

BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXAM BOARD: PEARSON • SPEC CODE: (601/7575/8) This qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level. Students are required to complete 4 units of which 3 are mandatory. There are 2 external units (written exam and database). There are also to coursework units that are initially internally assessed and then posted for external moderation. This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.

COMPUTER SCIENCE A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: OCR • SPEC CODE: H446 ASSESSMENT: 2 EXAMS AND ONE PIECE OF COURSEWORK Throughout the course students will study computing principles, which will explore the characteristics of contemporary processors, software and software development, programming, exchanging data, data types, structures and algorithms, the internet and legal and ethical issues. You will also focus on algorithms and problem solving, specifically the principles of computational thinking, problem solving and programming and algorithms.

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems.

It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

Computer Science values computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

LITERACY ENGLISH LITERATURE A LEVEL

FRENCH A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: AQA • SPEC CODE: 7712 ASSESSMENT: 2 EXAMS

EXAM BOARD: AQA •SPEC CODE: 7652 ASSESSMENTS: 2 EXAMS AND 1 SPEAKING EXAM

English Literature is an exciting course, which allows students to study a range of texts produced in different contexts including poetry, prose and drama. Analytical skills will be applied to students’ reading and interpretations of texts, both unseen and studied in class. An important foundation for the study of English Literature is exploring how a writer crafts their work to create meaning through consideration of language, form and structural devices supported by relevant evidence. Analysing the influence of historical and social factors on both a writer and reader, as well as a range of interpretations over time is a key element.

This course is beneficial to applications for Higher Education due to its analytical base, prestige and the skills it develops. It will appeal to hardworking, well organised students who have a love of reading and a good command of written English.

A level French helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in French and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken.

It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context. This four unit specification requires students to develop their ability to write and speak in French with accurate grammar and syntax for a range of purposes and to understand written or spoken French in a variety of contexts and genres.

Topics covered include: the current trends and issues in Aspects of French-speaking society, Artistic culture in French-speaking society and Aspects of political life in French-speaking society. Studying a foreign language is proven to strongly improve employment potential; according to the Association for Language Learning, a Europe-wide survey carried out in 2015 stated that 67% of employers considered the knowledge of foreign languages to be important when recruiting for their companies.

SPANISH A LEVEL EXAM BOARD: AQA • SPEC CODE: 7692 ASSESSMENTS: 2 EXAMS AND 1 SPEAKING EXAM A level Spanish helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in Spanish and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where Spanish is spoken.

It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context. This four unit specification requires students to develop their ability to write and speak in Spanish with accurate grammar and syntax for a range of purposes and to understand written or spoken Spanish in a variety of contexts and genres.

Topics covered include: Aspects of Hispanic society, Artistic culture in the Hispanic world, Multiculturalism in Hispanic society and Aspects of political life in Hispanic society. Studying a foreign language is proven to strongly improve employment potential; according to the Association for Language Learning, a Europe-wide survey carried out in 2015 stated that 67% of employers considered the knowledge of foreign languages to be important when recruiting for their companies.

SCIENCE CHEMISTRY A LEVEL

PHYSICS A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: OCR • SPEC CODE: H432 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS AND A PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT IN CHEMISTRY

EXAM BOARD: OCR • SPEC CODE: H556 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS AND A PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT IN PHYSICS

The Chemistry A level course covers the full range of Chemistry disciplines – Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical. Students will develop their ideas of these key areas before applying their knowledge and understanding. The emphasis is on application rather than recall of knowledge. Students will have the opportunity to see how classroom knowledge can be developed further into industrial applications. This course requires learners to consider the ethical implications of chemistry and how they affect and are affected by different processes.

Strong numeracy skills are important to help students develop an understanding of chemical analysis. Chemistry combines theory with practical experience, encouraging imaginative, critical and logical thinking for problem solving; useful transferable skills to many future careers. It expands on the foundations built at GCSE level. It is a key subject for many Science based degree courses including Medicine, Veterinary studies, Pharmacy, Forensics, Geology and Biochemistry to name but a few. This course will appeal to those students who are hard working, well organised and have a keen interest in developing their Chemistry knowledge further.

The A level course in Physics provides the tools needed to explore the universe we live in; from the wonders of the quantum world to the staggering scales of planets and galaxies. Physics will stretch your understanding, put your logic and reasoning skills to the test and will ask you to flex your imaginative muscles to grasp some of the more abstract concepts. It is a combination of theory and investigative practical work that brings Physics into the real world.

Physics opens the door to a wide range of opportunities. All Physics university courses (e.g. Astrophysics, Cosmology, Particle Physics, Geophysics, and Theoretical Physics) and almost all engineering degrees will require a good result for A level Physics. University choices do not end there however as a physicists ability for logic and reason, has resulted in some universities looking for students with an A level in Physics for Finance, Computing, Business, Economics, Dentistry, Mechatronics, Motorsports and Veterinary Science, to name but a few.

BIOLOGY A LEVEL EXAM BOARD: AQA • SPEC CODE: 7402 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS AND A PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT IN BIOLOGY The A level course in Biology leads you through the study of all living things. The course takes you from the microscopic world of the cell through to the lifestyle impact on health and disease. Strong numeracy skills will be applied across many biological concepts, helping students to see the role of mathematics in Biology.

The course develops your critical awareness of current social and environmental issues and an understanding and respect for living things. Throughout the course, your analytical, evaluative and synoptic skills will be tested. Biology helps you develop your practical skills, including the ability to plan and manipulate data. Biology can allow you to enter such diverse careers as Sport fitness and Medicine, to Engineering and the Police and Emergencies.

This course will appeal to hardworking, dedicated and well organised students with a good command of written English skills and mathematical skills.

CHARACTER BUSINESS A LEVEL

BTEC BUSINESS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 9BS0 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 601/7155/8 (CERTIFICATE), 601/7159/5 (EXTENDED CERTIFICATE) ASSESSMENT: 25% BUSINESS FINANCE EXAM, 75% CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

Businesses can be studied from a variety of perspectives. This course will require learners to examine a range of businesses to understand the myriad of ways in which they affect and are affected by the world around them.

Strong numeracy skills will be applied in business contexts, helping students to develop powers of analysis and expression. Developing economic understanding is also a fundamental element of the course as learners understand how human behaviour impacts on businesses.

Strategic decision making becomes a key focus in the latter stages of the course where students will be introduced to tools used by organisations to plan future activities.

This course will appeal to hard working, well organised students with a good command of written English.

ECONOMICS A LEVEL EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 9EC0 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS The course will enable students to appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment. Students will develop an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability to use those concepts in a variety of different contexts in order to effectively think like an economist.

The course will appeal to students who have strong analytical and quantitative skills, together with qualities and attitudes that will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.

Students are introduced to business through four units of study.

These are Exploring Business, internally assessed through assignment work; Marketing, which is a synoptic unit with a pre-release case study and exam; Personal and Business Finance, which is an externally assessed exam and Customer Relations, internally assessed through assignment work.

Exploring business focuses on building knowledge of core business concepts and applying these to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work as well as requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues. Marketing focuses on the ability of businesses to successfully make informed choices about the products and services they provide through conducting market research and research analysis, linking to key marketing concepts based around the marketing mix.

Financial knowledge relating to informed personal financial choices as well as how businesses manage their finances is focused upon during the second year of the course as well as linking to customer relations, which will develop a number of transferable skills that will support students in a vocational context. This is whether it is through a part time job or helping to prepare them for further education pathways and job interviews in industry.

POLITICS A-LEVEL

GEOGRAPHY A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL SPEC CODE: LEVEL 3 ADVANCED GCE IN POLITICS-9PL0 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 9GEO ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS AND COMPULSORY RESIDENTIAL FIELDTRIP IN Y12 WITH A WRITTEN REPORT 3000 - 4000 WORDS

Government and Politics is a challenging A level which asks students to engage in a critical discussion with modern global issues. In this course, students will investigate classic political ideology from Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism as well as the structure of UK government and parliament. Students will also undertake a critical enquiry into the changing nature of global politics, examining how modern issues, such as the EU referendum, can have implications for multiple parties.

Government and Politics is a subject that requires a consistent and dedicated student - one who will engage with the news and day to day developments in the world of politics. Students who wish to study this course should have a high standard of formal written English and be interested in the nature of how this country is run and its relationship with others. An A level in this subject will be a clear indication of the dedication of a student and is useful for anyone looking for higher education in Politics, History, Philosophy, Law, Sociology and Economics.

Whilst maintaining a balance between Human Geography and Earth Science, A-Level Geography is more hands-on than GCSE, with a greater focus on fieldwork and learning outside of the classroom.

A-level geography provides a foundation for further study, not only in Geography but in a wide range of other subjects. The knowledge and skills developed by A-level study are also prized by employers, giving these qualifications high value in the job market. In a world of changing climate, it provides an opportunity to learn about, and discuss, the ideas of resource management, urban planning, changing landscapes, and international development. In short, the world needs more Geographers.

CHARACTER HISTORY A LEVEL EXAM BOARD: OCR • SPEC CODE: H505 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS In the first year of your A level Course you will study two topics – Britain 1930 – 1997 and the USA and Westward Expansion in the 18th century. In the second year you will study the Witchcraze of the 16th century and 17th century as well as researching and writing your topic based essay which is worth 20% of your final grade.

This course will also provide you with transferable skills which will allow you to critically evaluate the utility of a large body of material, including evidence from a wide range and variety of sources of evidence to devise your own coherent and effective judgements.

You will also develop the confidence needed to undertake selfdirected learning and become reflective learners.

History gives you knowledge and skills which will prepare you for higher education, and which are also useful in any career. Students who specialise in History can go on to become historical researchers, work in heritage organisations or become teachers. History also supports other career paths, like journalism, politics, law, social work and public services.

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS A LEVEL EXAM BOARD: OCR • ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS SPEC CODE: RELIGIOUS STUDIES: H573 Religion, Philosophy and Ethics is an in-depth critical course that asks students to show focused understanding of key arguments and debates found within the subject. Students will be expected to digest, question and reflect on key areas of discussion and be able to formulate their own responses to these in succinct and well formulated essays. In particular, students will focus on the debate regarding the existence of God and the comparison of this with Ancient Greek views, the question of ‘what is right’ from the world of ethics, and a critical examination of the developments found in Christian Theology from its conception to modern day feminism.

This course is well suited to any student looking to find out more about how we have the views that we do today and what they are based on. All students taking this course should have a firm interest in reading around the subject and enjoy and demands of academic essay writing. This A level is a wonderful step into university study and will teach you the skills necessary for Law, History, English, Politics and Philosophy degrees.

FINANCIAL STUDIES EXAM BOARD: LONDON INSTITUTE OF BANKING AND FINANCE (LIBF) SPEC CODE: DIPFS • ASSESSMENT: 4 EXAMS The LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies contains four units over two years. In year one you’ll concentrate on personal financial capability, and successful completion leads to an award of the Certificate in Financial Studies. In year two you will apply the skills and knowledge learned in year one to a wider examination of the financial services industry.

The CeFS is equivalent to an AS level, graded A-E and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Once the Certificate (first year of the course) is completed, students have the option to progress onto the second year, ifs Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS).

The DipFS is equivalent to an A level, graded A*-E and carries up to 56 UCAS points.

You may decide to continue your studies at university, as LIBF offers unique, specialist full-time degrees designed for students who already know they want a career in financial services. There is a wide range of careers within the financial services industry. This course provides progression to banking, insurance, mortgage consultancy, debt counselling, stock broking or as an independent financial advisor.

CREATIVITY ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN A LEVEL: TWO YEAR LINEAR COURSE

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (PRODUCT DESIGN) A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS • SPEC CODE: QAN 601/4891/3 ASSESSMENT: COURSEWORK (PERSONAL INVESTIGATION) 60% OF OVERALL GRADE, EXAM (EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT) 40% OF OVERALL GRADE.

EXAM BOARD: AQA • SPEC CODE: 7551 ASSESSMENT: 2 EXAMS AND 1 CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

Art, Craft and Design allows students to work within a varied multimedia format. There is an emphasis on the ability to draw.

Component 1: Coursework A major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance and, an extended written element of 1000 words minimum.

Component 2: Exam An Externally Set Assignment launched in February of Year 13 and completed in April. Students choose a stimulus from a set provided

by Eduqas and prepare a portfolio following the same process as for their coursework (minus the written element). The exam takes place over a three - day period of 15 hours. During the exam students produce a final outcome in response to their investigations.

The key elements of a successful coursework portfolio are evidence of ideas developed through informed investigations, supported by experimentations and refinements based on a range of materials and processes. Ideas, observations and insights are recorded in a journal and students then present a final outcome which demonstrates their skills, knowledge and intentions. Along with core practical and analytical skills, Art, Craft and Design enables students to develop in areas such as spacial awareness, an eye for detail, colour coordination and fine motor skills; all of which are key to many and varied careers.

This course will appeal to students who are creative, imaginative and strong lateral thinkers.

A level Design and Technology Product Design (3-D Design) helps students take a broad view of design and technology, develop their capacity to design and make products and appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers especially those in the creative industries.

They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education institutes and employers.

DRAMA AND THEATRE A LEVEL EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL PEARSON • SPEC CODE: 9DR0 ASSESSMENT: 1 EXAM, PERFORMANCE AND PORTFOLIO, GROUP PERFORMANCE AND MONOLOGUE/DUOLOGUE Drama and Theatre is an exciting and thought-provoking practical subject which will engage any student interested in the art form. The course allows students to consider Theatre from a variety of perspectives; a director, designer and actor; allowing them to develop both practical and theatre skills.

Students will study a wide range of current theatre practitioners to encourage them to develop their own theatrical style and interest. It also provides an opportunity to engage with interesting play texts with an aim to develop an interpretation through practical exploration.

Eloquent and well-considered written responses will be produced to support the practical work, allowing students to fully determine the purpose and function of their own theatrical style and interpretations.

The course will appeal to committed students who are enthusiastic about performing on stage and interested in producing responses to current theatrical styles and scripts.

CREATIVITY MUSIC BTEC LEVEL 3/ A LEVEL MUSIC

MEDIA STUDIES

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL/EDUQAS • SPEC CODE: TBC ASSESSMENT: PERFORMING, COMPOSING, APPRAISING, EXAMINATION AND COURSEWORK

EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS • SPEC CODE: 603/1149/6 ASSESSMENT:

Due to specification changes we are as yet unable to confirm whether we will be offering the Eduqas A Level Music or a more vocational A Level equivalent. Each course requires learners to develop their skills in performing, composing and appraising music. Performing to at least Grade 5 on an instrument or singing is an essential skill that will be developed and performance will be used to explore music from different times and cultures.

Dedication to instrumental or vocal practice will be essential and performers should recognise how to produce accurate and expressive outcomes. Composing will further explore the different styles of music studied on the course, requiring learners to identify stylistic features of music and to learn how to structure effective compositions. Listening and analysis skills will be essential for this. Appraising requires a commitment to developing appreciation and understanding of a broad range of musical styles from different times and cultures.

The ability to read music is essential, as is an open mind when appreciating different pieces of music. Good writing skills are required to express an understanding of the style, context and purpose of different pieces of music.

Learners should have a passion for music, good technical performing ability, be able to read and write music notation and demonstrate a good command of written English as well as demonstrating good organisation and time-management skills.

Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes 35% of qualification Component 2: Media Forms and Products in Depth Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 35% of qualification Component 3: Cross-Media Production Non exam assessment 30% of qualification Media Studies is a course which focuses on how media products are produced and their impact. We will be looking at media productions across a wide range of forms and analysing the technical details of their construction, which we then link to representation and audience.

There is also a focus on the industries involved in the production, considering not only production but also distribution, marketing and regulation.

As well as an interest in media it is essential that students have strong English skills as much of the work is essay based, although there are also creative elements. This course will appeal to hard working, well organised students.

CONFIDENCE LAW A LEVEL

PHYSICAL EDUCATION A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: OCR • SPEC CODE: H415 • ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS

EXAM BOARD: PEARSON OCR • SPEC CODE: H155/H555 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS, PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE FOR IMPROVEMENT

The study of Law at A level encompasses a range of topics, focussing not only on how the law is made, and the different forms it takes, but also the application of the law to a variety of topics. Students will have to understand all of the different sources of law, from Acts of Parliament to European legislation and how it works in practise. Students will have to be critical of the existing law and be prepared to suggest ideas for reform and ways to improve the law.

Students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of case and statute law to scenarios which ask them to draw conclusions on liability in criminal and civil law and make reasoned arguments to support their points.

Studying Law at A level provides a strong basis for studying Law at degree level, where understanding of key topics will be expanded on significantly. It not only supports Law at degree level, but will appeal to students who want to know more about the system we live in and who are keen to develop written and analytical skills.

Physical Education at A level has been designed to allow students to get a greater understanding of the wide ranges of principles which affects performers from the grass root to elite levels.

Students will study the main disciplines of: Applied Anatomy and physiology, Physical Training, Movement Analysis, Sport Psychology, Acquisition of movement skills and socio-cultural factors.

Student will also get to apply the theoretical content to practical since they will be assessed as either a performer or coach in their preferred sport. This course is well suited for student who: are interested in sport, would like to study sport and exercise science at university or work in sport, the fitness industry or in education.

CONFIDENCE PSYCHOLOGY A LEVEL

SOCIOLOGY A LEVEL

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 9PSO ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS

EXAM BOARD AQA • SPEC CODE: 7192 ASSESSMENT 3 EXAMS

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour.

Studying Psychology will require learners to examine a range of behaviour from a variety of perspectives.

Students will learn how biological and social factors can influence behaviours such as; aggression, memory, obedience, phobias, child development and mental health. Students will be required to critically evaluate psychological theories and studies and will be expected to apply their knowledge to new material in the exams. As a result students will develop their application and critical thinking skills during the course.

There is also a large emphasis on research methods and students will be required to understand how human behaviour is studied in a scientific manner, including how the data collected is analysed using statistical tests. As a result students will require a calculator for the course.

Studying Psychology at A level provides a strong foundation for continuing it at degree level but would also benefit anyone wanting to work in an industry that involves interacting with people. This course will appeal to students who enjoy science, have good numeracy skills and a willingness to work hard in order to develop their written communication.

Sociology is a stimulating and challenging subject. A simple definition is that it is the study of the world around us. Sociologists however, do not just measure and observe the world; they try to understand how people live and interact in certain ways. In order to achieve this understanding it is necessary to consider the rules and processes that bind and separate people as individuals and groups.

There are various branches of sociology and during the course you will study key pieces of research and topics from a range of areas on family, education, crime and beliefs. Learning will be delivered in a variety ways, typically through discussion, group work, independent study, reading and traditional essays. You will also look at areas of applied sociology where the practical implications of the subject are studied and conducted through research tasks.

This course provides valuable skills and enables students to develop their research skills as well as their ability to answer essay and structured questions, which are vital skills for study at degree level on any course. Students who wish to proceed to higher education can study a wide range of degrees in the social sciences, for example: English, Law, Economics and Humanities. Sociology degrees can also be studied as part of a combined program known as Joint Honours; subjects traditionally paired with Sociology are Psychology, Social Policy, Political Science and Philosophy.

Degrees in these areas prepare students very well for careers in the Criminal Justice System, the Civil Service, Teaching, policy development and working with charity organisations.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE LEVEL 3 BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA EXAM BOARD: PEARSON EDEXCEL • SPEC CODE: 601/7194/7 ASSESSMENT: 3 EXAMS AND 6 PIECES OF CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT Health and Social Care is a vocational BTEC course covering areas of nutrition, health and safety, physiology, public health and care needs with exams in working in health care, human development and research methods. (These units are subject to change to suit the cohort). Students will develop key skills in presentation, discussion, essay writing, research projects and the course requires students to have a good command of English.

The course is varied and can lead onto various health related careers which are explored through our links with local services and higher education institutions. Students will be assisted to develop their organisational skills in order to meet deadlines and manage workload.

Students should have an interest in health news and stay up to date with developments in this field. This course will appeal to those interested in a caring career or teaching.