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LIST OF SUBJECTSArt and Design Information & Communication Technology
The following subjects are available only at Rugby High School. Lawrence Sheriff School students are reminded that they may only study 1 subject at Rugby High School. GCSE entry requirements have to be met for each of these subjects and places are limited on some courses. AS and A Level AS level students have to produce one unit of coursework and a final eight hour practical examination unit. Alongside this students complete a programme of critical and historical studies and produce a work journal. At A level students produce one problem solving unit of their choice which includes practical work as well as a dissertation of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 words. They conclude their A-Level by completing a final twelve hour practical examination unit and a work journal. Previous candidates have achieved direct entry onto Further Education courses such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Product & Transport Design, Graphic Design and Fine Art. Others enrol onto Foundation courses which lead them onto BA (Hons) Degrees in various Art and Design fields. Past students have won the LTI National Taxi design competition and have had work displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. back to top AS and A Level The department follows the Edexcel specification (8040/9040) for A level Biology. You will find us well resourced for, and enthusiastic about recent changes we have made to the course. Although the majority of examination boards offer courses with option modules, we are convinced that the Edexcel course offers a well balanced ‘core’ and option modules that will appeal to the majority of students who choose to stay or join us for A level Biology at LSS.
AS units (completed in year 12)
Assessment: 3 written papers + coursework investigation. A2 units (completed in year 13)
Assessment: 4 written papers. (The third written paper is a synoptic assessment of the A level course and the fourth assesses investigative and practical skills). Coursework assessment forms 15% of the AS Level course
Teaching Although the amount of practical assessment has been reduced, you will find that practical work still plays an important role in reinforcing theory covered. The department is well resourced in terms of both equipment and an extensive library. We also encourage students to subscribe to a journal aimed at AS and A level Biologists.
Careers
If you have further questions about this course, please contact Mrs Costello at LSS.
AS and A Level AQA
What will I learn on this A Level course?
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
• a grade B at English GCSE is required and a grade B at Maths is also desirable. What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? AS AS is short for Advanced Subsidiary. This is the first half of the A Level course. It is a stepping-stone to the full A Level qualification. You can take just the AS on its own, if you and your teacher agree that this is best for you. You can even decide at the end of the AS course whether to continue to take the full A Level qualification. An AS course consists of three units of assessment.
A Level
How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this course? Communication; Application Of Number; Information Technology; Problem Solving; Working With Others; Improving Own Learning and Performance.
What could I go on to do at the end of my course? Business Studies combines well with a range of Social Science, Humanities and Mathematics subjects to lead to University subjects in such areas as Business, Economics, Law and Accountancy. An AS or A Level in Business Studies will also combine well with GNVQ Advanced Single and Douuble Awards. You will gain a valuable insight into the business world which will add value to your vocational studies. AS and A Level EDEXCEL
Edxcel A Level Chemistry is an excellent course leading directly on from GCSE Double Award Science. It is taught in discrete modules which can be cashed in either at the end of Year 12 for an AS or Year 13 for an A Level. We aim to provide a course that is stimulating and enjoyable. The uptake of the course was particularly pleasing in 2005. We hope to continue the recent trends of rising pupil numbers and an increasing percentage of candidates gaining A and B grades, currently 65%. It is required that our students will have achieved the minimum of a Grade B in Chemistry or a Grade BB in Science (Double Award). Grade B in Mathematics at Intermediate or Higher Tier would be an advantage.
The AS Level Chemistry course content:
The A Level Chemistry course content:
The course is delivered in a semi-lecture style, with the theory supported by the hands-on practical work essential to both the understanding of principles and the development of necessary laboratory skills. The teaching of each group is shared between two members of the Chemistry staff, both of whom are available to provide support and assistance to all students within the department. We have two specialist laboratories which are well-equipped to deliver the requirements of the AS and A Level specifications and are serviced by a full-time technician. In addition, students have ready access to a well-resourced Chemistry section in the School Library as well as to a smaller one within the department. Numerous Chemistry CD-ROMS are available, as is access to the Internet and Chemistry software on the school’s computer networks. Each pupil is given a CD-ROM that contains notes, presentations, links, software, problems and numerous past papers.
An Advanced Level qualification in Chemistry provides entry to careers which include medicine and related disciplines, polymer chemistry, forensic science and chemical engineering. Moreover, the investigative and problem-solving nature of A Level Chemistry opens the doors to careers other than those of a purely scientific nature, such as philosophy and law. We look forward to welcoming you. COMPUTING Whilst this course has some overlap with Information Technology, the emphasis is different. Knowledge of common application packages is required in both courses, but the Computing course concentrates on the technical aspects of computing, including programming, advanced database implementation, operating systems, technicalities of hardware operation and networking.
Aims of the course A and AS • Develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers; A level – also: • Develop an understanding of the main principles of systems analysis and design, methods of problem formulation and planning solutions using computers, and systematic methods of implementation, testing and documentation; Outline of the course and assessment: In year 12 students will cover (AS)
In Year 13 students will cover (A2)
Good communication and analytical skills are essential. It is recommended that students should have gained a grade B or above in both Mathematics and English at GCSE , as well as demonstrating an interest in Information and Communication Technology. Whilst GCSE ICT is not essential it is helpful if students are already familiar with the basics of word-processing, spreadsheets and databases. The course is suitable for those wishing to go on to follow a career in programming, systems design or business.
AS LEVEL AND A LEVEL Critical Thinking is becoming recognised as one of the ‘Core Skills’ that is needed for the study of other subjects. Developing the skill can help students improve their performance in the other subjects that they study.
Critical Thinking is concerned with arguments and the way that people try to show that their opinion is superior to someone else’s. The early lessons guide students through the stages of examining reasoning and looking for underlying assumptions in an argument. They learn to identify strengths and weaknesses in arguments and how to improve their own.
We sometimes read in the newspapers or hear on the news about an incident which is expected to excite the interest of the public. The incident is invariably reported in several different ways by different media. In Critical Thinking we examine the evidence provided by bystanders and other witnesses to the event. We try to draw a conclusion based on the credibility of the evidence we have access to.
In the second year of study we tackle issues which raise dilemmas which need to be resolved. Examples from the recent news are the arming of the police force or the availability of organ transplants to patients with self-inflicted illnesses.
The subject is taught as an option in the sixth form enrichment period. One lesson is teacher led and students are expected to develop skills in their own time.
Essential entry requirements for the course are the determination to engage in constructive thinking, usually assessed through the achievement of approx 50 GCSE points in the top 8 GCSEs for each student. Students planning a career in medicine or the law, and students contemplating applying to Oxbridge to further their studies are advised to study Critical Thinking as it is highly valued as a differentiating subject between high-scoring candidates. A former student has commented that "the skils learnt studing Critical Thinking contributed to my success in my Oxford University Interview".
AS and A Level EDEXCEL Product Design
AS (Advanced Subsidiary)
There are two units of assessment, one unit is assessed by internal marking and external moderation and one unit is externally assessed by examination. Units of assessment
Assessment for Unit 1: Product Development
• This unit results in the development of an appropriate supported by a design folder. The folder, which should include ICT generated images where appropriate, must be submitted on A3 paper only and is likely to be between 26 and 30 pages long. • This unit is internally marked using the generic coursework assessment criteria and externally moderated by Edexcel. A copy of the coursework assessment criteria can be found in the appropriate Unit description section in this specification. • Centres must submit a Coursework Assessment Booklet (CAB) for each student. Each CAB should include photographic evidence of the final product. All CABs are submitted to and retained by Edexcel. Copies of the CAB can be ordered from Edexcel publications or downloaded from the Edexcel website (www.edexcel.org.uk ). Assessment for Unit 2: Knowledge and Understanding of Product Design
• Unit 2 will be assessed through an examination set and marked by Edexcel. • There will be a 2-hour examination paper. • The examination will be available in the summer of each examination series. • The paper will be a question and answer booklet. A2
There are two units of assessment, one unit is externally assessed by examination and one unit is assessed by internal marking and external moderation.
Units of assessment
Assessment for Unit 3: Further Study of Product Design
Unit 3 will be assessed through an examination set and marked by Edexcel. • There will be a 2-hour examination paper. • The examination will be available in the summer of each examination series. • The paper will be a question and answer booklet. Assessment for Unit 4: Commercial Product Development
• Students should be familiar with a range of industrial applications and commercial working practices in order to fulfil the requirements of this unit. This unit results in the development of an appropriate product supported b a design folder. The folder, which should include ICT generated images where appropriate, must be submitted on A3 paper only and is likely to be between 26 and 30 pages long. • This unit is internally marked using the generic coursework assessment criteria and externally moderated by Edexcel. A copy of the coursework assessment criteria can be found in the appropriate Unit description section in this specification. • Centres must submit a Coursework Assessment Booklet (CAB) for each student. Each CAB should include photographic evidence of the final product. All CABs are submitted to and retained by Edexcel. Copies of the CAB can be ordered from Edexcel publications or downloaded from the Edexcel website ( www.edexcel.org.uk ). AS and A Level This course is suitable for those students who have an interest in drama and also enjoy the performance element. There are a number of key skills covered over the course of the year.
The individual is enriched by the workshop sessions which allow students to develop their own ideas and work within a group. There is scope for developing communication skills and confidence-building.
The course also includes ‘theatre studies’ and this means it has a greater overall focus on the written element within some units.
There will be a number of trips to see theatre productions in the local area; students should only opt for the course if they are willing to take an active role in this programme of theatre visits.
STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE :
AS Level
Unit 1 Practical – Devised Drama This is a practical paper, focussing on devised drama. It constitutes 40% of the total AS marks and 20% of the total A level marks. This paper will require a performance by a group of a devised piece of drama that is inspired by work covered in workshop sessions. Although this unit is moderated by the teacher, it will also be seen by and moderated by an external examiner.
Unit 2 This element makes up 30% of the AS as a whole, 15% of the total A marks and is a one and a half hour written paper. Students will study two set plays and the examination is then externally set and assessed. The focus of this paper is to explore performance ideas from the point of view of the actor/director/designer.
Unit 3 This paper contributes 30% of the final AS marks and 15% of the total A level marks. It is again a one and a half hour written paper. There are two sections within this paper; section A is a study of one theatre practitioner, such as Stanislavski, and section B is a theatre review, in response to live theatre seen during the course.
A Level
Unit 4 This is a performance by a group of an extract from a play text. This module constitutes 20% of the total A level marks, is internally assessed and externally moderated. Unit 5 This unit is the equivalent of the AS Unit 2 and is worth 15% of the total A level marks. After a study of two further set plays, an examination of one and a half hours is taken. This is externally set and assessed.
Unit 6 A two and a half hour long paper which contributes 15% of the total A level marks. Section A is the study of one theatre practitioner, such as Brecht, and this is applied to productions seen or candidates’ own practical productions. Section B is a response to an extract from an unseen play for potential performance. The focus is on the candidates’ own interpretation of the extract. Again, this unit is externally set and assessed.
Mr Harris is very happy to discuss the course during the open evening or at any other time. AS and A Level EDEXCEL
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? You do not need to have studied Economics at GCSE in order to take an AS or A level course in the subject although some topics that feature in GCSE syllabuses will be developed at AS and A level. It is important that you have an interest in economic affairs and a desire to explore why and how the study of Economics contributes to an understanding of the modern world.
What will I learn on this A Level course? How to apply economic concepts and theories in a range of contexts and to appreciate their value and limitations in explaining real-world phenomena; How to analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of government within it; How to participate effectively in society as a citizen, producer and consumer.
What kind of student is this course suitable for? A grade B in Maths is also desirable. This course will appeal to students who: Wish to pursue a career in an economics-related profession; Have completed a GCSE course in Economics and wish to further their study; Enjoy studying a subject that affects their own everyday lives; Want to keep their options open – Economics can be combined with a wide range of social science and humanities subjects.
What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? AS AS is short for Advanced Subsidiary. This is the first half of the A Level course. It is a stepping-stone to the full A Level qualification. You can take just the AS on its own if you and your teacher agree that this is best for you. You can even decide at the end of the AS course whether to continue to take the full A level qualification.
A Level The full A Level comprises all of the AS plus units 4, 5 and 6 (units 4, 5 and 6 together are known as A2). The unit 5 option studies economic development in the third world. How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this course?
What could I go on to do at the end of my course? Collecting and analysing economic information from different sources; Development of written communication skills; Development of problem-solving and evaluation skills.
These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers, universities and colleges as being of great value. Economics combines with a range of social science and humanities subjects to lead to University courses in such areas as Law, Business, Accounting, Politics and, of course, Economics.
The electronic age is upon us! No matter what your proposed career you will invariably be using electronics in some form whether it is a computer, communications or instrumentation.
Electronics is taught in a practical ‘hands on’ manner with theoretical work being backed up with extensive and integrated practical work. We do not use electronic kits and worksheets. All circuits are made on prototyping boards with actual components that give you a feel for ‘real’ electronics. This also gives you the opportunity to develop your own ideas and to extend and modify many standard circuits. We have a range of microprocessor and circuit simulation software so that circuits and software can be developed and tested before the systems are built.
Don’t be put off if you have not done any electronics before. Many students start this subject in year 12 and the teaching takes account of the fact that there will be those starting from scratch. However, after a few weeks you will be designing and building complex circuits with confidence. If you have an interest in electronics or you fancy a change from the more traditional school subjects you studied at GCSE then electronics could be the subject for you. This subject delivers real challenges and rewards but most of all its fun!
The AS course consists of 3 units: Foundations of Electronics, Signal processing and a 15hour project. Foundations of Electronics covers basic logic gates, counters, adders and displays. Signal Processing is more focussed on analogue electronics with amplification and filtering being studied. The 15 hour project is an exciting challenge and many innovative and original circuits have been produced including electronic clocks, ultrasonic and infra-red alarm systems, random number generators and musical effects. A concise but detailed folder of work of approximately 2000 words with appropriate diagrams is required along with a fully working circuit. Students are fully supported and given clear guidance as and when required. The project counts as 30% of the final marks.
The A2 course consists of three units Communication Circuits, Control Circuits and a 20 hour project. Communications Circuits covers bi-polar and MOSFET amplifiers and radio and TV technology. Control Circuits covers microprocessor structure and programming and the interfacing of microprocessors to external systems. A different project from that undertaken in Y12 is required to complete the A2 course. Again, the project is worth 30% of the final marks.
There are no minimum GCSE requirements or students wishing to study electronics as long as students fulfil the sixth form entry requirements. The approach taken to electronics avoids complex mathematics and, although those students studying physics and maths may find that these subjects support the work we do in electronics there is no requirement to study either of them if you wish to take this subject.
AS and A2 AQA Specification B
The English language is fascinating and the more you find out about it and how it works, the more interesting it gets. If you are interested in learning more about the structures and functions of language and about language change and variation, this is the subject for you. You will need to be good at and enjoy taking a ‘scientific’ approach, as your study of language will involve collecting, describing, classifying and analysing data, and testing how things work. You will have to learn a lot of new terminology, concepts and frameworks for the study of language.
(English Language A level is quite unlike GCSE English or GCSE English Literature. At GCSE level in English you will have learnt to be an effective user of language, but English Language A level involves the systematic study of written and spoken English, something that is hardly touched on at GCSE level. If you enjoy reading fiction and want to study the language used in novels, poetry or drama, A level English Literature would be a better choice. Of the two A levels, A level English Literature is the most like GCSE.)
This will be a demanding subject to take up in year 12 and will only be available if you have at least a B grade in English and English Literature. High levels of attainment in other subjects such as science and foreign languages would also be an advantage.
Two teachers will share the teaching of the group.
AS level Unit 1 Introduction to the Study of Language (35% AS, 17.5%A level) 1 hour 30 minute exam taken in June 2008 This Unit is a general introduction to the study of the functions and structures of language, using a variety of texts. You will be introduced to the central concepts and the elements of language study so that you can identify, describe and discuss the diversity of uses and contexts for both written and spoken language in a systematic way. Unit 2 Language and Social Contexts (35% AS, 17.5%A level) 1 hour 30 minute exam taken in June 2008 This Unit builds on Unit 1 and focuses on the interconnection between features of language in use and two different specific social contexts, such as Dialects of the British Isles , Language and Technology and Language and Occupational Groups. Unit 3 Original Writing (30% AS, 15%A level) Coursework:final selections submitted in Spring Term 2008 This Unit develops your expertise as a writer, writing for different specified purposes and audiences. You can choose tasks that reflect your own interests, to produce two pieces of original writing for real audiences, accompanied by a commentary showing your understanding of the issues and concepts relating to language use in your work.
A level Unit 4 Investigating Language (15%A level) Coursework:investigation submitted Spring Term 2009 In this Unit you apply your knowledge of conceptual frameworks, gained in Units 1 and 2, to a research project of your own choice, completing a detailed investigation of a variety of language data.
Unit 5 Editorial Writing (15%A level) 2 hour 30 minute exam taken January 2009 This Unit develops your ability to construct a new text from a variety of sources It is an editorial exercise in writing for different audiences and purposes, building on the skills acquired in Unit 3.
Unit 6 Language Development (20%A level) 2 hour exam taken in June 2009 This synoptic Unit focuses on two specific areas of language study: Language Change and Language Acquisition.
AS and A2 AQA Specification A This course will appeal to those who enjoy the study of prose, poetry and drama texts. You will not only enjoy reading, but will also be interested in exploring how writers communicate with readers and how readers respond to texts. We would like everyone to have attained at least a B grade in GCSE English and English Literature before starting the course, as these grades suggest that you should be able to cope with the reading, analysis and writing required.
Two teachers share the teaching of each of the groups.
Each year the exam board offers a choice of texts for each Unit of Study. Your teachers select the texts to be studied at this centre, according not only to their own areas of expertise and interest, but also using their experience of what will appeal to and be accessible to our students.
AS level Unit 1 The Modern Novel (30% AS, 15%A level) Exam: January 2008 You will study one 20 th century novel in detail and in the one hour ‘closed text’ exam will answer one of two questions in essay form.
Unit 2 Shakespeare (30% AS, 15%A level) Exam June 2008 You will study one Shakespeare play, not studied before at KS3 or GCSE, and in the one hour exam will answer one question in essay form. This is an ‘open text’ exam; you will take your annotated text into the exam and use it when writing your essay, so you will not have to remember quotations off by heart.
Unit 3 Texts in Context (40% AS, 20%A level) Exam: June 2008 You will study one drama text and one collection of poetry; one of these texts will be a 20 th century text and one pre-20 th century. In the two hour exam you will answer one of two questions on each text. This is an ‘open text’ exam; you will take your annotated texts into the exam and use them when writing your essays, so you will not have to remember quotations off by heart.
A level Unit 4 Texts in Time (15%A level) Exam: January 2009 You will study one drama text written before 1770 and one collection of poetry written before 1900. In the two hour ‘closed text’ exam you will answer one of two questions on each text studied.
Unit 5 Literary Connections (15%A level) Exam June 2009 You apply what you learnt in Unit 1, about how to study a novel, to a pair of novels that you will compare aspects of in a one and a half hour open text exam. Unit 6 Reading for Meaning (20%A level) Exam in June 2009 This three hour exam paper tests all the skills and knowledge acquired over the two year course by requiring you to answer one question, in two parts, on a selection of about five poems and extracts from prose and drama texts, which you will see for the first time in the exam. These poems and extracts will be selected from those written during or about the First World War and we prepare for this paper by looking at a wide variety of text types from different periods, but you are expected to do a lot of reading and research on your own too.
At AS and A level we study relatively few texts, compared to GCSE for example, in a great deal of detail, so this course should appeal to you if you want to explore every aspect of a text and get to know it very well indeed. Another major difference between AS level and GCSE is the amount of time and effort you will have to put into your studies. Much of your success will depend on your being interested enough to go away and do your own research, wider reading and investigation, to supplement the taught lessons. In this subject you will need to articulate your own well-informed opinions about texts, arguing your case with close reference to the evidence in the texts, so discussion and debate are a central part of lessons, in addition to written work.
The department has a very good record of preparing students for further study of Literature and related subjects at some of the country’s most highly esteemed higher education institutions. However, the subject is obviously not tied into any narrow career choices. The skills of close accurate reading, analysis and the ability to argue a case and debate are invaluable in most careers at some point or another, not to mention the social and personal benefits arising from an intimate knowledge of at least some of what literature has to offer.
AS Level Unit 1:Content: Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities Written Paper 1¼ hours 1/3 of the total AS marks This unit assesses Module 1 of the AS Subject Content. It consists of an objective test component (Question 1) and a structured writing component (Question 2).
Question 1 Material for comprehension, analysis and evaluation in objective test format drawn from one or more of the topic areas in AS Module 1. Question 2 Structured questions requiring written responses and based on the subject matter of the Question 1 material Unit 2:Content: Science, Mathematics and Technology Written Paper 1¼ hours 1/3 of the total AS marks 50 marks
Question 1 Material for comprehension, analysis and evaluation in objective test format drawn from one or more of the topic areas in AS Module 2. Mathematical problems for solution (requiring multi-stage calculations) in objective test format. Unit 3:Content: Society, Politics and the Economy Written Paper 1¼ hours 1/3 of the total AS marks 50 marks
A single structured writing component assessing the Unit 3 subject content.
Students who have already done an AS level in General Studies have the opportunity to complete the two year course by sitting the A2 examination, which is valued by universities as showing a desirable breadth of skills and knowledge. A2 Level Unit 4: Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities Written paper, 1 1/2 hours (45 marks) Question1:Objective test questions testing comprehension of a foreign language. Question 2:an essay based on the Unit 4 subject content.
Unit 5: Science, Mathematics and Technology Written paper, 1 1/2 hours (45 marks) Question 1: Objective test questions (with extracts and diagrams provided) on a spatial and mechanical relations. Question 2: an essay based on the Unit 5 subject content.
Unit 6:Society, Politics and the Economy Written paper, 1 1/4 hours (60 marks) Questions based on Case Study source material, examining a major issue drawn from the Unit 6 subject content.
back to top A Level Students are expected to have a grade C at Geography GCSE and a genuine interest in the subject.
Unit 1 AS (2680) (20%) The Physical Environment 1 hour 15 mins examination. Structured questions. Four Compulsory Sections: • Hydrological Systems Unit 2 AS (2681) (15%) The Human Environment 1 hour examination. Structured questions. Two compulsory Sections: • Population Unit 3 AS (2682) (15%) Geographical enquiry, skills and techniques. 45 mins examination. Structured questions and submission of a 1,000 word pre-prepared fieldwork report.
Unit 4 A2 (2683) (15%) Options in Physical and Human Geography 1 hour 30 mins examination. Essay style questions. One physical option from: • Coastal Environments One human option from: Agriculture and Food Supply Unit 5 A2 (2684) (20%) Synoptic Geography: People and Environment Options (two from four) 1 hour 30 mins examination. Essay style questions. Two options from: • Geographical Aspects of the European Union (EU) Unit 6 A2 (2685) (15%) Personal Investigative Study 2500 words based on fieldwork – Marked by OCR
This subject is available as an A2 course in year 12 and is only available to students who took the AS Government and Politics Course in Years 10 and 11 at Lawrence Sheriff. Both AS and A2 Politics are available at Rugby High School for those students who have an interest in taking the AS course in year 12.
A2 Government and Politics at Lawrence Sheriff follows the AQA Specification and consists of 3 modules:
Gov 4 – Comparative UK/USA Government Gov 5 – The Politics of the USA Gov 8 – The Synoptic Module AS and A Level Aims of the Course The aims of History at AS and A Level are to provide students with the opportunity to study History in length and breadth as well as in depth, develop expertise in a variety of historical skills, promote knowledge and understanding of periods and events and communicate this through effective oral and written work.
Career Opportunities History is a highly respected academic discipline for university entrance and leads on to a wide variety of career options. History AS and A Level provides skills useful in any career – including scientific ones – and especially so in the legal profession, the media, the civil service and local government, the armed forces, librarianship, museum and archival services, teaching and almost any career that involves a management capacity. Of course, History is also interesting for its own sake and one of the best reasons for choosing it is because a student has genuine interest in the subject.
At Lawrence Sheriff, the entry requirement to AS and A Level is at least a B grade in the subject at GCSE.
Course Outline The course centres around English, British and european History, considering continuity and change over time with a depth study from a range of historical perspectives. It is based around 6 modules of study, 3 at AS and 3 at A2 (the latter is required for the full A Level).
AS Level The first 3 modules taken in Year 12 cover the AS segment of the course and cover two main periods of dramatic change and development affecting English and later British History and European and World History: 1 A Period Study in English History: 2 A Document Study: The English Civil War 1637 – 1649 (40%) 3 A Period Study on European History: Europe 1890 – 1945 : Russia 1894 – 1917 (30%)
Assessment All 3 modules are examined in June. The length of the examinations are 45 minutes each for the period study modules and 1 hour for the document study module.
Completion of the modules leads to the AS Level. This also accounts for 50% of the marks towards the full A Level for those who continue on to A2.
A2 The second 3 modules taken in Year 13 for A2 (and the full A Level) offer a more varied and flexible approach which builds on the studies at AS and allows the candidate to pursue a personal interest within broad guidelines: 4 A Historical Investigation - A depth study of a key personality or event in English or European History: Assessment The historical investigation and the themed study modules are both examined in June and are both 1 hour 30 minutes examinations. The independent investigation module is produced in the candidate’s own time and submitted to the board for external marking.
Completion of the A2 course leads to the full A Level qualification.
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY GCE Applied ICT
The Applied ICT course offers a vocational approach and leads to an AS and A level in Applied ICT. There is an emphasis on portfolio work. It is an ideal course for those students who want a broad background in Information and Communication Technology which will allow them to progress to further or higher education, training or employment. Students should have good basic ICT skills, but no other prior knowledge is required.
Aims of the course To develop: • an understanding of the impact of information and communication technology on society and organisations • an awareness of the economic, social and ethical implications of the use of information and communication technology • the ability to analyse critically the use of information technology systems • the ability to analyse problems that could be solved or tasks that could be completed with the use of information and communication technology, and to identify how information and communication technology can be used to solve these problems • problem solving skills through the practical application of information and communication technology • interpersonal skills necessary for communicating and working with others • the ability to reflect critically on the effectiveness of solutions created and personal performance • the ability to adopt standard ways of working • the ability to work independently.
Outline of the course and assessment: In year 12 students will cover
In Year 13 students will cover
Introduction
Careers using Mathematics Some of the areas of employment with a significant mathematical content include:Accounting; Actuarial work; Architecture; Computer Science; Economics; Electronic Data Processing; Engineering (all disciplines); I.T.; Medicine; Operational Research; Sciences;Statistics; Teaching. Assessment
Introduction
The Further Mathematics course leads to two A2 levels and is the most worthwhile course you can choose as part of your A level studies.
The course
We offer the Edexcel course and you will study the modules described in the Mathematics course as well as three Further Pure modules and three more applied modules.
MATHEMATICS A2 with FURTHER MATHEMATICS AS Level Mathematics has always been one of the most popular subjects at AS and A2 Level, however it is a very challenging course that does not suit everyone. It assumes a knowledge of the whole GCSE course, including the material which leads to the A* grade. The language of mathematics is algebra and you will need to be fluent. MATHEMATICS A2 Levels Studying Further Mathematics is almost a pre-requisite to following courses in these subjects at university. The course is designed to allow specialisation in the subject by the study of a wide range of topics, as well as a more sophisticated approach to some topics that are included in the Mathematics A level. The Further Mathematics course leads to two A2 levels and is the most challenging and worthwhile course you can choose as part of your A level studies. Expectations at entry to course
Studying mathematics can be broken into two parts: understanding new concepts and techniques as they are explained to you and being able to apply them on your own. To succeed you must be able to solve problems that involve several stages of logic by yourself. This requires practice. You should be prepared to spend an average of one hour per night practising these skills. In addition to this you will be expected to prepare for lessons and continually review your work. The course
We offer the Edexcel AS level in Mathematics and the A2 level in Mathematics. In both years 12 and 13 you will study two pure maths modules and one applied maths module. The AS level consists of C1, C2 (C stands for core) and a Statistics module. For the A2 you will study C3, C4 and a Mechanics module further to a successful AS level. You will have six lessons of tuition per week. Pure Mathematics (the core modules): This area of mathematics builds on the work covered at GCSE. To understand pure maths you have to understand algebra.
Mechanics: This module applies pure maths to understanding the motion of particles and rigid bodies that can be regarded as particles. Mathematical models use algebra to describe these motions. Problems that involve velocity, acceleration and force are all part of Mechanics.
Statistics : This is not only concerned with the collection and representation of data (e.g. tables and graphs) but also with the study of the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics. You will study probability, how to describe and compare frequency distributions and bivariate data.
A Level Welsh Board (WJEC)
Television, radio, newspapers and film are the four key media at the heart of the A level course we offer here. First introduced as an A level subject at Lawrence Sheriff School in 1993, Media Studies is an increasingly popular choice and results have been excellent, with over 50% of students obtaining A or B grades and many going on to pursue media degree courses. There are two A Level sets and each contains a substantial number of girls from Rugby High School . 40% of the syllabus is assessed through coursework, which includes practical newspaper work and video film-making, as well as a research-based essay on a topic of your own choosing.
Summary of Assessment
ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (June 2007)
ME1 Beginners' textual analysis Two compulsory questions based on either audio/visual or print material. Media effects and audiences One compulsory question based on stimulus material and a second question from a choice of two which will have a series of short answer questions. A portfolio consisting of one piece of pre-production work and one production piece. ADVANCED LEVEL (June 2008) ME4 An individual investigative or analytical essay on a text(s) of your own choice. Contemporary British Media A choice of essay questions is set for each of the media industries. Candidates have to answer two questions, each on a different medium. Advanced textual analysis, with set genre and forms e.g. Documentaries, crime movies Two compulsory questions, one based on audio/visual material, one on print-based material Although it is designed to follow on from GCSE Media Studies, the course is self-contained and there is no requirement to have undertaken previous study of the media. However, those students who wish to take the subject in the sixth form but have not taken it for GCSE are required to complete a simple research assignment before starting the course, as evidence of genuine interest in, and commitment to, the subject. This assignment should be undertaken after your GCSE exams and delivered to the school by the end of term. Candidates are also advised that, because this is a communications subject entailing extensive reading and analytical writing skills, you should not begin the course unless you have at least a B grade in GCSE English Language.
Media Studies is a wonderfully challenging and stimulating subject, which the great majority of our students thoroughly enjoy. Driven primarily by current affairs, it enables students to draw upon a wide range of other disciplines, including language, economics, sociology, law, history and technology. It is by no means a "soft" option: you must expect to do a great deal of very hard work, but we are confident that if you choose this subject for good reasons you will find it immensely satisfying. We look forward to seeing you.
AS and A Level French and German NB The Modern Languages Specifications follow the same pattern for both French and German. BACKGROUND
THE COURSE The language is studied via topics and the choice of these is very wide indeed. All work is done in the target language studied and all Listening, Reading and Video material is authentic. Thus the performance of an A grade candidate is much like that of the native speaker. A bilingual dictionary is allowed in the written coursework at A2 to assist the non-native candidate, as is a monolingual dictionary. All candidates will need to buy their own dictionary for use at home and in private study. Please consult staff for further information . Students are also encouraged to go on an arranged ‘Work Experience’ abroad, lasting between 1 and 2 weeks.
Students are encouraged to subscribe to “Etincelle” or “Authentik” - French or German - which are bi-monthly publications giving access to extracts from French/German newspapers and radio broadcast. The exercises in these publications are invaluable in preparing the student for the type of skills assessed at AS and A Level. The annual subscription costs about £14.00 which includes the newspapers and a cassette for each edition.
The Library currently subscribes to several language magazines “Etincelle” “Authentik” and “le Figaro” which students are expected to make use of on a weekly basis to supplement work studied in class. The school offers French and German at AS and A Level. You can therefore study either or both for one or two years. Italian and Spanish may well be available as enrichment options, but those languages are not offered to AS or A Level. French and German use the OCR exam board, so the courses are identical. One lesson per week is usually spent following self-study listening exercises in the language lab. The AS exams (all taken in Spring/Summer of Year 12) comprise a Listening, Reading and Writing exam (40%), a Reading and Writing exam (30%) and a Speaking exam (30%), involving an extended role play, an oral presentation and a discussion of the topic chosen. If you choose to study a language to A2 Level, 50% of your overall mark will come from your AS score, therefore,it is very important to do well as possible in Year 12. It is possible to retake any of the AS modules in January or Spring/Summer of Year 13, but only if the AS grade has not been cahed in. Cashing in only takes place when a candidate chooses not to continue with a subject into Y13.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
It is obvious, therefore, that without an A or B grade at GCSE, the student is unlikely to cope with AS and A Level. Visits to a French or German speaking country are essential in the preparation of some oral topics. Work experience exchanges exist and students following AS and A Level French or German are strongly encouraged to participate.
Full details of the AS + A2 courses are available at the Open Evening in February or by contacting Mr P Neale (Head of French) or Mr H Trevers (Head of German). We follow the OCR specification in both subjects at AS and A level. A copy of the specification can be viewed on the OCR website.
Careers • The Professional Linguist: Translator, interpreter etc (requiring a degree and further specialist training).
Syllabus: EDEXCEL The new Music specifications allow a gentler transition from the standards of GCSE through to A level.
The course comprises 6 units: Units 1 to 3 (the AS units) may be assessed after 1 year of study and qualify for an AS level award; Units 4 to 6 (the A2 units) ‘top up’ the AS units to qualify for a full A level - these are assessed after a further year of study ie Year 13, alternatively all 6 units may be assessed in Year 13.
SUMMARY OF UNITS Unit 1: Performing - 30% of AS (15% of A) a) Short externally assessed performance, approximately 5 minutes. b) Coursework performing – internally assessed – submission of 4 logged performances.
Unit 2: Developing Musical Ideas – 30% of AS (15% of A) a) Internally assessed exercises on composing techniques. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
