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ENTERING  THE  SIXTH  FORM  2013                    A  MESSAGE  FROM  THE  PRINCIPAL      Welcome   to   the   Monkton   Senior   School   A   Level   prospectus.     Entering   the   Sixth   Form   is   an  important  and  exciting  opportunity  to  study  a  small  number  of  courses  that  you  have  specifically  chosen.    We  hope  that  you  will   find  this  booklet  helpful   in  guiding  you  on  the  choices  that  you  will  make.    Choices  of  A  Level  subjects  are  very  important,  so  you  will  need  to  take  your  time  and  think  through  the  various  options  carefully;  talk  to  your  Tutor,  parents  and  current  sixth  formers  to  ensure  that  you  are  as  well  informed  as  possible.        There   is  greater  choice   in  the  Sixth  Form,  ranging  from  what  you  wear  at  school,  opportunities  for   extra-­‐curricular   activities,   to   options   for   games,   and   there   are   also   now   opportunities   to  study  new  subjects,  and  even  new  qualifications  (such  as  EPQ,  or  Pre-­‐U  English  Literature).    You  will   find   that   you   spend   much   more   time   working   with   your   new   tutor   in   monitoring   your  progress,  setting  targets  and  applying  to  Higher  Education.  You  will  have  had  a  significant  input  in  the  selection  of  your  tutor  and  will  need  to  build  up  a  good  working  relationship  with  him  or  her.    If   you  are   joining  Monkton  at  16   from  another   school  or   college,   there  will   be  a   great  deal   to  assimilate  in  a  short  time,  but  over  a  quarter  of  Year  12  students  join  the  school  after  GCSEs  and  settle  in  very  quickly,  so  don't  worry!    The  Sixth  Form  is  a  new  start  with  new  challenges  and  new  responsibilities.  The  quality  of  life  in  the  Sixth  Form  depends  very  much  on  the  enthusiasm,  self-­‐motivation  and  self-­‐discipline  of  the  students.  We   hope   that   those   who   enter   the   Sixth   Form   respond   positively   to   both   the   new  freedoms   and   demands   which   it   entails,   not   least   in   preparation   for   life   after   school.     Many  pupils  find  that  the  Sixth  Form  is  the  best  part  of  school  –  we  hope  you  do,  too!                R  P  Backhouse  

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CONTENTS        

  Page  Number  A  message  from  the  Principal   1  Contents   2  A  Level  Options  –  Timetable  of  Discussion   3  Sixth  Form  Curriculum   4  Frequently  Asked  Questions   5  University  Entrance   7      

A  Level  Subjects  Art   10  Biology   11  Business  Studies   12  Chemistry   13  Classics  and  Latin   14  Design  and  Technology   15  Drama  and  Theatre  Studies   16  Economics   17  English  Language   18  English  Literature   19  Pre-­‐U  Certificate:  Literature  in  English   20  French   21  Geography   22  History   23  Mathematics   24  Further  Mathematics   25  Music   26  Photography   27  Physical  Education   28  Physics   29  Psychology   30  Religious  Studies   31  Spanish   32  

 Other  Courses  

Critical  Thinking   33  Extended  Project  Qualification  (EPQ)   34  IELTS   35  CV  Writing  and  Interview  Techniques   37  The  Choices  Form  –  Guidance  Notes   38  AS  Subject  Choices  Form  (Perforated)   Last  page  

 

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A  LEVEL  OPTIONS    TIMETABLE  OF  DISCUSSION          Michaelmas  Term  2012    November     Entering  the  Sixth  Form  booklet  available  to  parents  and  students    Fri  16  Nov     Introduction  to  Year  12  (12.15pm  Assembly  Hall)         Academic  departments  outline  nature  of  A  Level  courses    Thurs  1  Dec     Deadline  for  return  of  Choices  Form  to  Deputy  Head  (Academic)      Lent  Term  2013    January       Option  blocks  published    January       Year  11  Tutors  hold  individual  discussions  with  tutees    Mon  18  Feb     Deadline  for  return  of  Option  Forms  via  Tutors      Summer  2013    August   Change  of  subjects  can  be  made,  numbers  permitting,  following  

publication  of  GCSE  results  by  emailing  Deputy  Head  (Academic)  on  morleyjb@monkton.org.uk  .  Deadline  is  Monday  26  August  2013.  

 

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THE  SIXTH  FORM  CURRICULUM      Most  students  study  5  subjects  (including  Critical  Thinking)  at  AS  Level  in  Year  12,  reducing  to  3  subjects  at  A2  Level  in  Year  13.    Whilst  a  complete  A  level  consists  of  the  AS  and  A2  courses  in  a  particular   subject,   a   free   standing   AS   course   is   a   useful   qualification   in   its   own   right.     It   is  sometimes  possible  for  students  to  take  a  new  AS  course  in  Year  13,  timetable  permitting.      AS  and  A2  courses  in  all  subjects  are  modular;  the  courses  are  broken  down  into  sections  which  are  separately  examined  with  the  so-­‐called  “uniform  mark”  from  each  component  added  to  give  the  total  score  for  the  end  of  the  course.    An  A  Level  or  AS  grade  is  then  awarded  on  the  basis  of  this   summation   according   to   the   table   below.     Students  may  opt   to   re-­‐take  modules   to   boost  their   scores   on   a   particular   component;   the   highest   recorded   mark   is   included   in   the   final  summation.     Head   of   Department   can   advise   students   on   the  wisdom   and   timing   of   re-­‐taking  modules   and   some   information   on   this   rather   involved   subject   is   included   in   each   subject  synopsis.     The   results   from   each  module   examination   are   always   expressed   as   the   number   of  uniform  marks  gained,  rather  than  as  a  grade  for  that  paper.    

Two  Modules   Four  Modules  AS  Qualification   A  Level  Qualification  

Minimum  Number  of  Uniform  Marks  

AS  Grade   Minimum  Number  of  Uniform  Marks  

A  Level  Grade  

    320   A*  (min  180  at  A2)  160   A   320   A  140   B   280   B  120   C   240   C  100   D   200   D  80   E   160   E      Entry   to   Year   12   is   not   automatic   and   is   normally   dependent   upon   your   having   achieved   a  minimum  of  at  least  five  GCSE  grades  A*-­‐C,  together  with  normally  an  average  score  of  6.0  in  all  the  GCSE  subjects  that  you  have  sat.    At  GCSE,  an  A*  grade  in  a  subject  scores  8,  an  A  grade  7,  a  B  6,  a  C  5,  a  D  4  and  an  E  3.    If  your  average  score  is  just  below  6.0  but  it  is  agreed  that  you  should  proceed  into  the  Sixth  Form,  we  shall  in  the  first  instance  offer  you  a  one-­‐year  course  to  AS  level  to  judge  how  well  you  cope  with  more  advanced  work.        In  order  to  progress  to  Year  13,  at  least  two  AS  subjects  must  be  passed  at  D  grade  or  better.    A  minimum  of  a  D  grade  at  AS  level  is  normally  expected  in  any  subject  which  a  student  wishes  to  study  to  A2.      Before   entering   Year   12   you   should   choose   the   subjects  which   you  would   like   to   study   to   AS  Level.  You  may  wish  to  revise  your  choice  of  subjects  later,  but  we  need  to  know  your  intentions  in  order  to  construct  next  year’s  time-­‐table,  and  provide  adequate  staffing.      

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 FREQUENTLY  ASKED  QUESTIONS      1.   "How  do  I  decide  what  subjects  to  take?"  

 There  are  two  things  to  ask  yourself  when  thinking  about  this:  

    (a)    "Have  I  a  real  interest  in  the  subjects  I  am  considering?"  Remember  that  A-­‐level  work  

is   as   much   concerned   with   learning   as   it   is   with   being   taught;   active   enthusiasm   is  essential.  

 (b)   "Do   the   subjects   I   am   thinking   of   go  well   together?"     Unless   you   are   already   clear  about  your  choice  of  University  or  career,  keep  as  many  options  open  as  possible.    Before  choosing  your  subjects  you  must  consult  your  parents  and  your  Tutor.  Extra  help  can  be  given  by  Heads  of  Department  or  the  Careers  Staff.    

2.   "What  shall  I  do  in  the  Sixth  Form  besides  my  AS  and  A2  level  studies?"    

Monkton  Lectures:    These  are  provided  by  some  stimulating  and  inspiring  speakers  on  a  range  of  subjects  approximately  once  a  fortnight.  All  Sixth  Form  students  are  required  to  attend  and  parents  and  friends  of  Monkton  are  warmly  invited.    

   3. "Will  GCSE  grades  be  a  good  guide  in  choosing  AS  level  subjects?"    

In  general,  yes;  provided  that  you  also  have  a  genuine  interest  in  your  chosen  subjects.  Consult  your  Year  11  subject  teacher  and  your  Tutor.  

 4. "If   I   find   I   have   failed   to   get   a   grade   C   or   better   in   GCSE,   can   I   reasonably   take   the  

subject  at  AS  level?"    

No!    

5. “English  is  not  my  first  language.    Will  I  study  an  extra  course?”    

ESL  students  will  generally  need  to  take  an  IELTS  course.    (Please  see  section  on  page  33.)    

6. "Need  I  have  studied  a  subject  at  GCSE  to  choose  it  at  AS  level?"      

In  many  cases   it   is  unwise  to  do  an  AS   level  without  having  taken  the  subject  at  GCSE.  Consult   the   Heads   of   Department   if   you   want   to   find   out   if   this   applies   to   particular  subjects.   In   some   subjects,   such   as   Economics,   Business   Studies   and   Psychology,   no  previous  knowledge  is  expected.    

   

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7. “What  subjects  are  necessary  for  careers?”    

 (a) A  combination  of  Mathematics,  Physics  and  Chemistry  keeps  most  doors  open  

in  Science  and  Engineering.    Entry  to  Engineering  at  any  level  beyond  the  Sixth  Form   usually   demands   Mathematics   and   Physics   studied   to   A-­‐level.     These  subjects  can  often  be  combined  to  good  effect  with  an  Arts  subject.  

 (b) For  Medicine,  Dentistry  and  Veterinary  Science,    A  Level  Chemistry  is  essential.  

A  minimum  of  AS  Biology  is  essential  for  some  medical  schools  and  an  A  level  is  required  by  several  others.  Many  medical  schools  like  the  third  A  level  to  be  an   Arts/Humanities   subject   such   as   English,   History   or   a  Modern   Language.    Mathematics  or  Physics  will  also  be  accepted  as  a  third  A  level.  

   

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UNIVERSITY  ENTRANCE      This   brief   guide   sets   out   the   timetable   for   university   application   and   explains   some   of   the  procedures  and  terms  used  in  the  admissions  system.  This  material  forms  the  basis  of  the  Higher  Education   Conference   at   the   end   of   Year   12.     Further   information   on   this   complex   subject   is  available  on  request  from  the  Deputy  Head  (Academic)  and  the  Director  of  Higher  Education.    All   university   applications   are  made   through   the   Universities   and   Colleges   Admissions   Service  (UCAS)  with  students  choosing  five  courses,  usually  at  different  universities.  UCAS  produces  lists  of   typical  academic   requirements   for  each  course;   teaching  quality,   cost  of   living,  geographical  location  and  the  type  of  university  are  other   important  factors  to  be  considered.  For  Medicine,  Veterinary  Medicine  and  Dentistry  students  may  apply  only  for  four  courses.    Students  also  write  a  personal  statement  of  around  500  words,  designed  to  encourage  a  university  to  offer  a  place;  the  statement  includes  an  explanation  of  the  student’s  motivation  to  read  the  subject  together  with   academic   skills,   helpful   character   traits   and  a  description  of   extra-­‐curricular   interests   and  any   relevant   work   experience.   Tutors   and   the   Director   of   Higher   Education   assist   students   in  making   their   subject   and   institution   choices   and   with   editing   their   personal   statement.   This  individual   attention   increases   a   student’s   chances   of   obtaining   a   place   at   their   first   choice   of  university.    The   course   choices,   personal   statement,   other   personal   information   and   GCSE   results   are  dispatched   to   UCAS,   together   with   a   school   reference   and   A   level   forecast   grades,   in   the  Michaelmas  term  of  Year  13.  Students  applying  to  Oxford  and  Cambridge  or  those  hoping  to  read  Medicine,   Veterinary   Medicine   or   Dentistry   must   apply   by   the   beginning   of   October;   other  students  should  apply  before  half-­‐term.  All  students  apply  electronically  using  the  ‘Apply’  system  on  the  UCAS  website,  removing  any  postal  delays.  Students  are  assigned  a  password  that  allows  them  to  track  the  progress  of  their  application.        UCAS  passes   the   information   to   the   relevant   faculties   in   the  chosen  universities  and  maintains  records  of  an  applicant’s  progress.  Universities  may   then   invite  applicants   for   interview  before  making  an  offer  of  a  place  or  declining  the  application.  These  offers  may  be  couched  in  terms  of  A   Level   grades;   an   example   would   be   an   offer   of   AAB   to   include   an   A   grade   in   Chemistry.  Alternatively,  the  offer  may  be  expressed  in  terms  of  a  point  score;  the  table  below  shows  how  grades  at  AS  Level  and  at  A  Level  convert  to  points.  A  typical  offer  of  this  type  would  be,  say,  280  points.   This   could  be   reached,   for  example,  by  gaining  grades  of  BCD  at  A   Level   and  a  C  at  AS  Level  in  a  fourth  subject.    AS  Grade   UCAS  Points  Score   A  Level  Grade   UCAS  Points  Score  

      A*   140  A   60   A   120  B   50   B   100  C   40   C   80  D   30   D   60  E   20   E   40      Other  achievements,  such  as  Music  Examinations,  now  have  an  associated  points  score  for  some  courses  and  can  be  included  with  academic  qualifications.    In   the   Lent   term   of   Year   13,   after   receiving   offers   from   each   university,   students   choose   to  accept  a  Firm  offer  and  an  Insurance  offer  and  to  reject  the  rest.    Normally  the  Firm  offer  has  a  higher  grade  requirement  than  the  Insurance  offer.  When  the  A  Level  results  are  known  in  the  summer   of   Year   13,   students   obtaining   the   grades   for   their   Firm   offer   will   be   automatically  

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accepted.  Students   failing   to   reach   the  necessary  grades  may   still  be  accepted:   if  not   they  will  automatically  be  considered  for  their  Insurance  offer.  Students  still  unplaced  after  this  stage  may  find  a  course  through  the  Clearing  system;  the  Deputy  Head  (Academic)  and  Director  of  Higher  Education  will  be  available  to  offer  advice  and  assistance.    Students   interested  in  any  area  of  Art  and  Design  can  apply  through  UCAS  but  many  choose  to  take  a  one  year  Foundation  Art  Course  to  hone  their  skills  and  broaden  their  artistic  experience  before  progressing  to  university.    Students   interested   in   Music   or   Theatre   can   apply   for   some   courses   through   UCAS   although  many  other  courses  are  also  available  at   institutions  that  are  not  members  of  UCAS.  The   latter  will  have  their  own  application  and  audition  procedures.    Students   intending   to   take   a   Gap   Year   between   school   and   university   can   either   apply   for   a  deferred  place  initially  or  may  contact  the  university  after  offers  have  been  made  and  request  a  deferment.  Such  requests  are  usually  looked  upon  positively.    Applicants   for   Oxford   or   Cambridge   Universities   follow   the   same   procedure   and  may   have   to  take   an   additional   test.   These   students   will   also   receive   extra   support   from   subject   tutors  through  preparation  for  a  series  of  demanding  interviews.    Applicants   for   some   courses   must   take   additional   tests   and   most   of   these   are   listed   below  together  with  some  supplementary  information.      1.  The  UKCAT  test  must  be  taken  at  a  national  test  centre   in  June,  July  or  August  and  students  must  enter  themselves  through  the  website.  

 UKCAT   is   a   test   of   reasoning   ability   and   must   be   taken   by   students   hoping   to   apply   to   read  Medicine  at  the  following  universities:    University   of   Aberdeen,   Brighton   and   Sussex   Medical   School,   Cardiff   University,   University   of  Dundee,  University  of  Durham,  University  of  East  Anglia,  University  of  Edinburgh,  University  of  Glasgow,  Hull  York  Medical  School,  Keele  University,  King’s  College  London,  University  of  Leeds,  University   of   Leicester,   University   of   Manchester,   University   of   Newcastle,   University   of  Nottingham,   Peninsula   Medical   School,   Queen   Mary,   University   of   London,   University   of  Sheffield,   University   of   Southampton,   University   of   St   Andrews,   St.   George’s,   University   of  London.    UKCAT   must   also   be   taken   by   students   hoping   to   apply   to   read   Dentistry   at   the   following  universities:    Cardiff  University,  University  of  Dundee,  University  of  Glasgow,  King’s  College  London,  University  of   Manchester,   University   of   Newcastle,   Queen   Mary,   University   of   London,   University   of  Sheffield.    More  details  about  the  test  may  be  found  at  www.ukcat.ac.uk    

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2.    BMAT  is  a  test  of  scientific  and  reasoning  abilities  but  also  requires  students  to  write  a  short  essay  on  an  ethical  topic.  The  test  must  be  taken  by  students  hoping  to  apply  to  read  Medicine  at  the  University  of  Cambridge,  Imperial  College  London,  the  University  of  Oxford  Medical  School  or  University  College  London.  It  must  also  be  taken  by  students  hoping  to  read  Veterinary  Medicine  at   the   University   of   Bristol   Veterinary   School,   the   University   of   Cambridge   or   the   Royal  Veterinary  College.    More  details  about  the  test  may  be  found  at  www.bmat.org.uk    3.    LNAT  is  a  test  of  reasoning  ability  and  must  be  taken  by  students  intending  to  apply  to  read  Law  at   the   following  universities:  University   of   Birmingham,  University   of   Bristol,  University   of  Cambridge,  Durham  University,  University   of   East  Anglia,  University   of  Glasgow,   King’s   College  London,  Manchester  Metropolitan   University,   University   of   Nottingham,   University   of   Oxford,  University  College  London.    More  details  about  the  test  may  be  found  at  www.lnat.ac.uk      The  main  UCAS  website  at  www.ucas.com  is  the  best  objective  source  of  information  about  university  courses.  The  website  offers  the  facility  to  search  for  courses  by  subject,  university  or  geographical  region.  Each  course  has  an  entry  profile  that  details  the  likely  A  Level  grades  or  point  scores  and  personal  attributes  required  for  a  successful  application.    The  course  entry  will  also  give  details  of  the  cost  of  the  course  together  with  any  bursaries  or  scholarships  that  may  be  available  as  well  as  providing  links  to  the  website  maintained  by  the  relevant  university  department.  The  web  site  also  contains  many  pages  of  useful  information  about  all  aspects  of  the  application  process  and  the  financial  considerations.    From  2012,  most  English  universities  will  charge  tuition  fees  of  up  to  £9000  per  year  for  UK  students;  money  will  also  be  needed  for  maintenance.  Local  Education  Authorities  offer  means-­‐tested  grants  to  help  with  the  latter.    Welsh  and  Scottish  universities  have  slightly  different  arrangements  for  their  own  nationals.  The  website  www.tqi.ac.uk  contains  information  about  the  quality  of  teaching  at  each  university  and  the  calibre  of  student  whilst  www.universityadvice.co.uk  gives  an  overview  of  university  study  and  some  useful  help  for  parents  and  students.  

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Subject:     ART  Exam  Board:   AQA  Art  and  Design  –  http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/art.php  for  the  latest  PDF  file  specification  Head  of  Department:   Mr  T  F  Hardisty      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  Art  is  offered  to  candidates  who  demonstrate  ability  in  the  subject,  a  C  grade  or  above  at  GCSE,  or  a  portfolio  of  work.      What  will  I  learn?  Students  all  work  on   individual  projects,   ‘creating  visual  meaning   through  Art  by  an  expressive  response  to  a  personal  context  or  social  issue’.    Drawing  -­‐  is  the  fundamental  skill.  Sketchbooks  form  an  integral  part  of  the  development  of  the  work  and  life-­‐drawing  classes  are  compulsory.  Painting   -­‐   acrylic,   oil,  watercolour,   tempera,   household:   gives   the   students   the   opportunity   to  express   their  personal  concerns  and  emotions,  while  recognising  the  use  of   tone,  composition,  the  context  and  genre  of  their  work.  Printmaking   –   planographic,   relief,   intaglio,   monoprinting:     gives   the   students   the   chance   to  exploit  the   innate  characteristics  of  the  discipline  –   layering,  working   in  multiples  or  a  series  of  related  images.  They  are  expected  to  demonstrate  high  levels  of  technical  competence  as  well  as  being  experimental  in  their  approach.    Sculpture  –  carving,  modelling,  casting,  construction,  installation:  deals  with  the  issues  of  mass,  space,  form  and  volume.  Also,  a  high  level  of  technical  ability  must  be  shown.  Mixed  Media  and  Photography  -­‐  deals  with  a  multi-­‐faceted  approach,  often  involving  a  number  of  the  previous  disciplines.  It  also  deals  with  digital  printmaking,  collage,  montage  and  light  sensitive  emulsions.    How  is  the  course  structured?  To  complete  the  course  at  AS  level,  one  unit  of  work  is  required,  plus  an  externally  set  assignment  with  5  hours  un-­‐aided  work.    For  the  A2,  one  more  further  unit  is  required,  with  another  externally  set  assignment  with  15  hours  of  un-­‐aided  work.  The  total  marks  of  these  and  the  AS  are  combined  for  the  final  grade.    To  take  the  course  at  A2  level,  the  minimum  of  a  D  grade  is  required  at  AS,  although  it  is  recommend  that  the  student  has  at  least  a  grade  C.    

 What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  be  useful  for?  Many  former  students  have  gone  on  to  Art  Foundation  courses  and  then  on  to  related  courses  at  

university.  Take  a  look  at:  http://www.artschools.com/careers-­‐jobs/  to  get  some  ideas.    

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Subject:                    BIOLOGY  Exam  Board:    AQA    http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/science/biology_overview.php  Head  of  Department:      Mr  M  B  Abington    Almost  daily  we  read  of  scientific  advances,  many  of  which  are  rooted  in  the  biological  sciences.    Biology  and  its  related  disciplines  are  making  an  increasingly  big  impact.    By  studying  Biology  at  A-­‐level,  not  only  will  you  be  equipped  to  pursue  a  multitude  of  careers,  but  you  will  also  have  the  potential  to  make  a  difference  to  the  lives  of  many  people  and  other  living  things.    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  The  minimum  entry  requirements  are:  

• Grade  A  in  Biology  GCSE  if  taking  the  Separate  Sciences  or  Grade  A  in  the  Biology  components  of  Science  and  Additional  Science  GCSE.  

It  is  also  very  important  that  you  are  confident  in  Chemistry  and  Maths.    You  are  required  to  gain  at  least  a  Grade  B  in  Mathematics  and  also  Grade  B  in  the  Chemistry  components  of  Science  and  Additional  Science  or  in  Chemistry  GCSE.    What  will  I  learn?  The  A  level  Biology  course  includes  a  strong  practical  element.    Pupils  are  required  to  have  a  good  understanding  of  practical  techniques  as  well  as  of  How  Science  Works.    These  components  underpin  the  theory  of  each  topic  and  will  be  examined  both  via  the  written  papers  and  the  coursework.    The  AS  course  covers  two  theory  units:      • Biology  and  Disease  in  which  pupils  learn  about  the  digestive  and  gas  exchange  systems  

and  also  how  these  systems  may  be  affected  by  disease.  • The  Variety  of  Living  Organisms  in  which  pupils  learn  about  genetics,  variation  within  a  

species,  adaptations  and  how  variation  at  the  biochemical  and  cellular  level  show  similarities  and  differences  across  the  different  kingdoms.  

The  A2  course  covers  two  theory  units:      • Populations  and  Environment  which  explores  ecology,  energy  transfer  and  nutrient  cycling  

and  how  human  activity  affects  the  ecological  balance.    The  teaching  of  this  Unit  includes  a  fieldtrip  which  all  students  taking  A2  Biology  are  expected  to  attend.    The  field  trip  takes  place  over  five  days  at  the  very  start  of  the  October  half  term  break.    The  cost  of  the  field  trip  is  subsidised  by  the  school  with  parents  paying  the  remainder.  

• Control  in  Cells  and  in  Organisms  in  which  pupils  learn  about  the  biology  of  the  nervous  and  endocrine  systems  as  well  as  homeostasis.    Genes  and  genetic  expression  within  cells  are  also  studied.  

 How  is  the  course  structured?  The  AS  year  will  include  school  based  assessment  between  March  and  May,  (the  EMPA  –  Externally  Marked  Practical  Assignment),  and  two  exams  in  the  Summer  Term.    The  pattern  in  A2  is  similar  but  will  include  exam(s)  in  January  as  well  as  June.      What  degree  courses  and  careers  use  Biology?  Courses  that  usually  require  A-­‐level  Biology:          Agriculture,  Biochemistry,  Dentistry,  Life  Sciences,  Medicine,  Physiotherapy,  Veterinary  Science    Courses  that  strongly  recommend  A-­‐level  Biology  (or  at  least  2  Sciences):          Environmental  Science,  Geology,  Pharmacology,  Physiology  

 There  are  many  other  careers  that  will  be  open  to  you  if  you  have  completed  a  degree  in  the  life  or  medical  sciences  at  university.    Universities  often  have  different  entrance  requirements  so  it  is  essential  that  you  check  with  them  first  for  full  details  before  applying.  

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Subject:                              BUSINESS  STUDIES  Exam  Board:     OCR  AS/A  levels  (H030  and  H430)    www.ocr.org.uk    Head  of  Department:    Mr  R  C  F  Campbell      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  No  prior   knowledge   of   this   subject   is   required   before   studying   it   at   this   level.     A  GCSE   in   this  subject   is   helpful   but   not   essential.    We   do,   however,   hope   that   students   have   an   interest   in  current  affairs.        What  will  I  learn?  It  is  hoped  that  students  will:  • Investigate   different   types   of   organisations   in   various   business   sectors   and   environments  

recognising  that  they  face  varying  degrees  of  competition;  • Identify  business  problems;  • Plan  appropriate  investigations  into  such  problems;  • Promote  a  holistic  understanding  of  business  and  enterprise;  • Make   justifiable   decisions   using   both   qualitative   and   quantitative   methods,   taking   into  

account  opportunity  cost.    How  is  this  course  structured?  AS   level  consists   of   two  units:   F291  An   Introduction   to  Business   and   F292  Business   Functions.    F291   considers   the   way   in   which   businesses   operate   and   the   effect   of   the   external   business  environment.     It   considers   the   strategic   importance   of   clear   objectives   and   how   the   business  environment   provides   opportunities   and   imposes   constraints   on   the   pursuit   of   short   and   long  term  objectives.    F292  builds  on  the  knowledge  and  skills  acquired  in  the  study  of  Unit  F291.        A2  level  includes  F294  Accounting  and  F297  Strategic  Management.    F294  assesses  in  a  context  that   refers   to   specific   business   situations.   Students   have   to   show   critical   awareness   of  performance  measures,  criteria,  concepts,  theories  and  decision  making  tools  and  to  use  them  to  solve  problems  and  make  decisions.    F297  involves  choosing  and  justifying  strategy  and  as  such  students   are   expected   to   demonstrate   analytical   and   evaluative   skills.   They   also   will   learn   to  devise   and   evaluate   strategies   which   aim   to   anticipate,   respond   to,   and   manage   change.    Students  are  also  required  to  demonstrate  their  integrative  understanding  of  the  subject  and  to  be  able  to  approach  situations  from  the  perspective  of  different  stakeholders.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?      Business  related  subjects:  Management,  Finance,  Law,  Marketing,  Human  Resources,  Operations  Management  etc.  

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Subject:       CHEMISTRY  Exam  Board:     http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/chemistry/Pages/default.aspx  Head  of  Department:    Mr  D  M  Merricks      What  do  I  need  to  know  or  be  able  to  do  before  taking  this  course?  The  qualification  builds  on  the  knowledge,  understanding  and  process  skills  inherent  in  GCSE.  It  is  expected  that  you  will  have  achieved  a  minimum  of  Grade  A  in  GCSE/IGCSE  Chemistry  or  AA  in  Science  Double  Award   (Co-­‐ordinated)  with  an  acceptable  performance   in   the  Chemistry  paper,  although   B   grades   do   not   necessarily   preclude   entry.   The   qualification   integrates   theory   and  relevant  practical  work,  which  are  developed  at  different  levels  throughout  the  course.  You  will  need   to   be   able   to   communicate   effectively,   research   and   think   critically   about   chemical  problems.  This  qualification   is   suitable   for   students  who  have  an   interest   in,  and  enjoyment  of  chemistry,  enjoy  carrying  out   investigation  by  the  application  of   imaginative,   logical  and  critical  thinking   and   want   to   use   chemistry   to   support   other   qualifications   or   progress   onto   further  studies.    What  will  I  learn?  Chemistry  touches  almost  every  aspect  of  human  life,  from  such  basics  as  food,  fuel  and  clothing,  through   building   materials,   metallurgy   and   colour,   to   medicines,   forensic   science   and   the  sequencing  of   the  human  genome.   In   the  broadest   sense   it   is   the   study  of   the   composition  of  substances   and   the   changes   that   they  undergo,   and   is   rooted   in   our   inquisitiveness   about   the  environment  in  which  we  live.   It   is  both  intellectual,  but  at  the  same  time  thoroughly  practical,  and  experimental  investigation  is  at  the  heart  of  the  subject.    You  can  expect  to  complete  at  least  one  practical  every  week.    How  is  the  course  structured?    AS  -­‐  The  units  in  Year  12  are:  

• Structure,  Bonding  and  Main  Group  Chemistry;  • Introductory  Organic  Chemistry,  Energetics,  Kinetics,  and  Equilibria.  Applied  Chemistry;  • Laboratory  Chemistry  1  

A2  –  the  units  in  Year  13  are:  • Energetics,  Periodicity,  Quantitative  Equilibria  and  Further  Organic  Chemistry;  • Transition  Metals,  Quantitative  Kinetics  and  Applied  Organic  Chemistry;  • Laboratory  Chemistry  2.    

What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  • AS   –   Students’   laboratory   skills  will   be   tested   through   a   number   of   separate   activities  

which   are   spread   throughout   the   course.   The   following   skills   are   assessed:   General  Practical   Competence;   qualitative   observation;   quantitative   measurement   and  preparative  Chemistry.  

• A2   –   A   similar   pattern   to   AS   is   followed   except   that   a   multi-­‐stage   experiment  (approximately  4  hours  lab  time)  can  be  substituted  for  the  latter  two  skills.  

 What  degree  course  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  Whether  sights  are  set  on  degree  level  study  in  Chemistry,  a  career  in  Medicine,  or  entry  to  one  of   many   other   courses,   for   example   Biological   Sciences,   which   require   or   prefer   A   Level  Chemistry,  the  qualification  is  widely  appreciated  by  university  admissions  tutors  and  employers  alike.   Successful   completion   shows   not   only   an   ability   to   master   factual   material,   recognize  patterns,  and  understand  and  explain  complex  principles,  but  also  indicates  an  ability  to  analyse  and  present   factual   data,   and   communicate   clearly.  A   good  measure  of  practical   dexterity   can  also  be  inferred  from  success!  

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Subject:     CLASSICS    Exam  Board:   OCR    HO38  –  042    Head  of  Department:    Mr  T  J  Dewes    It  should  be  noted  that  it  is  possible  to  take  a  variety  of  options  within  the  general  Classics  framework.  However  the  preference  of  the  Head  of  Department  is  that  at  least  some  of  the  modules  selected  should  involve  the  study  of  Latin.    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?    For  Ancient  History  and  Classical  Civilisation  modules,  there  are  no  special  requirements.  If  you  want  to  take  Latin,  at  least  an  A  grade  at  GCSE  is  essential.    What  will  I  learn?    Latin    If  you  study  Latin  you  will  improve  your  ability  to  understand  how  the  language  works.    This  will  then  enable  you  to  study  literature  and  to  appreciate  the  way  the  authors  write.    It  is  as  you  do  this  that  you  can  really  engage  with  the  subject  in  greater  depth  than  ever  before.    Ancient  History  (F391)    We  study  the  period  of  Greek  History  during  which  Athens  became  great,  and  from  which  much  of  the  famous  literature,  art  and  architecture  derives.    It  is  fascinating  to  see  how  the  Athenians  achieved  this.    Classical  Civilisation  (F383)    We  get  to  know  the  Romans  via  four  of  their  most  famous  authors:  Pliny,  Petronius,  Juvenal  and  Horace.      We  discover  how  their  society  worked  and  we  try  to  make  comparisons  with  modern  day  culture.    How  is  the  course  structured?  There  are  two  modules  for  AS  and  another  two  for  A2.    Is  there  coursework?  No.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  It  will  lead  naturally  to  a  variety  of  courses  in  Classics  and  Archaeology  at  university.  It  will  also  provide  excellent  back-­‐up  to  a  variety  of  other  A  level  options:  a  good  grade  in  a  Classics  A  level  is  still  seen  by  many  universities  as  an  excellent  discriminator.    A  Classics  degree  is  a  good  platform  for  a  career  in  Law,  Accounting,  Civil  and  Diplomatic  Service,  and  many  other  areas.    

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Subject:       DESIGN  and  TECHNOLOGY  Exam  Board:     AQA  2550    Head  of  Department:    Mr  S  Gent    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?    It  is  helpful  but  not  necessary  for  pupils  to  have  studied  GCSE  Design  &  Technology  before  commencing  the  course.    What  will  I  learn?  This   course   will   inspire   pupils   to   develop   their   innovative   and   creative   capacities   through  designing   and  making   high   quality   products.   It  will   give   pupils   an   appreciation   of   the   complex  relations  between  design,  materials,  manufacture  and  marketing.  Students  will   learn  about  and  engage  with   a  wide   range   of  manufacturing   techniques   and  will   be   expected   to   communicate  their   ideas  effectively  through  written  graphical,   ICT  and  3D  media.  Uniquely,  the  course  offers  pupils  the  opportunity  to  project  manage  the  design  development  and  manufacture  of  their  own  products.  AS  specification  outline  At  AS  level  candidates  develop  an  understanding  of  a  broad  range  of  materials,  with  emphasis  on  the  life  cycle  of  products,  manufacture  and  final  disposal.    A2  specification  outline  At  A2,  the  specification  offers  candidates  the  opportunity  to  further  develop  the  knowledge  and  practical  skills  from  AS.  Candidates  will  continue  to  develop  a  body  of  coursework  alongside  an  understanding  of  the  processes  and  procedures  of  commercial  production  and  manufacture.    How  is  the  course  structured?  AS     A2  Unit  1:  Portfolio  of  Creative  Skills    60%  of  AS,  30%  of  A  Level  Coursework  –  Externally  moderated  90  marks  

Unit  3:  Further  Study  of  Product  Design  40%  of  A2,  20%  of  A  Level  2  hour  written  exam  –  Externally  marked  70  marks  

Unit   2:Design   and   Technology   in   Practice    40%  of  AS,  20%  of  A  Level  1½  hour  written  exam  –  Externally  marked  70  marks  

Unit  4:  Commercial  Design  60%  of  A2,  30%  of  A  Level  Coursework  –  Externally  moderated  90  marks  

 What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  the  coursework?  AS:   The   coursework   element   begins   at   the   beginning   of   the   year   and   takes   place   during   the  double   lessons.     This   unit   is   divided   into   three   discrete   areas   of   study:   product   investigation,  product   design   and   product  manufacture.   Each   of   these   areas   is   unique   and   not   linked   to   or  dependant   on   the   other   two,   so   students   can   give   their   full   attention   to   a   set   task   without  considering  limitations  outside  that  activity.   A2:   Students   must   adopt   a   commercial   design   approach   to   their   work,   reflecting   how   a  professional  designer  might  deal  with  a  design  problem  and  its  resolution.  The  choice  of  design  problem  should  have  a  real  commercial  use,  in  that  it  should  be  useful  to  a  wider  range  of  users  beyond   an   individual   unless   commissioned   as   a   ‘one-­‐off’.   A   client   or   user-­‐group   should   have  input  into  decision  making  at  various  stages  of  the  design  and  make  process    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  The  experience  gained  in  this  A  level  will  be  useful  for  most  higher  education  course,  however  it  is  directly  relevant  to:  Mechanical,  Civil,  Electrical,  Chemical  and  Manufacturing  Engineering,  Architecture  and  all  design  based  degrees  such  as  Product  Design,  Industrial  Design  and  Textiles.  

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Subject:     DRAMA  and  THEATRE  STUDIES  Exam  Board:   AQA    www.aqa.org.uk    Head  of  Department:    Mr  S  R  Harris      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  If  students  have  taken  Drama  at  GCSE  this  is  often  a  useful  lead  in  to  the  work  in  this  subject  at  AS/A2  level.  However,  it  is  not  a  necessity  and  many  students  tackle  to  subject  for  the  first  time  at  this  level.  A  genuine  interest  in  the  subject  and  a  real  enthusiasm  for  plays,  performance  and  the  world  of  the  theatre  is  the  main  requirement.    What  will  I  learn?  Candidates  will  gain  a  knowledge  and  understanding  of  theatre  practice  through  detailed  study  and   a   wide   range   of   practical   exploration.   You   will   develop   performance   skills   as   well   as  production   and   technical   skills   related   to   the   hands-­‐on   production   of   live   theatre.   You   will  improve  in  your  abilities  to  think  independently,  to  make  judgments  and  refine  work  in  the  light  of   research   undertaken.   You   will   also   gain   the   ability   to   analyse   the   ways   in   which   different  production  and  performance  elements  are  brought  together  to  create  theatre.    How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  The  work  in  this  subject  is  very  varied.  Much  practical  exploration  is  engaged  upon  as  well  as  a  detailed  study  of  plays  and  practitioners.  The  history  and  philosophy  of  theatre  will  be  covered  and   range  of   theatre  practice  will  be  explored  and   this  will  be  done  alongside   regular   visits   to  both  local  theatres  and  ones  further  afield.  Students  may  be  assessed  on  acting  if  they  wish  but  they  may  also  chose  from  a  wide  range  of  skills  including  directing,  set  and  costume  design  and  technical  areas  such  as  lighting  and  sound.    There  are  two  units  of  work  at  AS  and  A2:    At  AS:    Unit  1.  (One  and  a  half  hours)  requires  two  essays  to  be  written.  Firstly  a  response  to  live  theatre   seen   during   the   course   and   secondly,   an   essay   from   a   set   text   studied.     Unit   2.   is   a  practical   exam  where   the   group   will   rehearse   and   perform   an   extract   from   a   published   play.  Students   will   also   be   required   to   produce   supporting   work   including   preparatory   and  development  work.    At  A2  Unit  3.  comprises  two  essays  based  upon  the  study  of  two  further  set  texts.  Unit   4.   is   the   practical   element   where   the   group   will   be   required   to   devise   and   perform   an  original  theatre  piece  backed  up  by  written  development  work  and  supporting  notes.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  The  practical  work  at  AS  will  be  undertaken  in  an  eight  week  period  during  the  Lent  term.  The  A2  practical   work   will   also   take   place   during   the   Lent   term   and   but   will   be   given   a   10   week  preparation  period.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  Drama  and  Theatre  Studies  is  accepted  by  all  universities  and  has  been  one  of  the  fastest  growing  ‘A’  levels  in  the  country  for  a  number  of  years.  It  is  ideal  for  all  those  intending  to  go  forward  to  degrees  in  Drama,  English,  the  arts,  Media,  Journalism  and  the  humanities.  

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Subject:     ECONOMICS  Exam  Board:   OCR  AS/A  levels  (H061  and  H461)    www.ocr.org.uk  Head  of  Department:    Mr  R  C  F  Campbell      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  No  prior  knowledge  of  this  subject   is  required  before  studying   it.    We  do,  however  expect  that  students  will  have  an  interest  in  current  affairs.    What  will  I  learn?  It  is  hoped  that  students  will:  • Develop   an   understanding   of   economic   concepts   and   theories   through   a   critical  

consideration  of  current  economic  issues,  problems  and  institutions  that  affect  everyday  life;  • Select,  interpret  and  use  appropriate  data  from  a  range  of  sources;  • Analyse,  explain  and  evaluate  the  strengths  and  weaknesses  of  the  market  economy  and  the  

role  of  government  within  it;  • Develop  a  critical  approach  to  economic  models  and  methods  of  enquiry;  • Study  economic  choices  and  markets;  • Study  the  national  and  international  economy.    How  is  this  course  structured?  AS   Economics   consists   of   two   units:   F581   Markets   in   Action   and   F582   The   National   and  International   Economy.     F581   provides   an   introduction   to   why   economic   choices   have   to   be  made,  the  market  model,  how  markets  can  be  efficient  and  also  how  they  can  fail.    F582  provides  an   introduction   to   how   the   level   of   macroeconomic   activity   is   determined   and   to   key  macroeconomic  indicators,  problems  and  policies.    A2  Economics   consists  of   two  units:  F584  Transport  Economics  and  F585  The  Global  Economy.    F584  focuses  on  the  economic  principles  and  context  underlying  a  range  of  transport  problems  and   issues.     It   considers   transport   provision   in   terms   of   the   models   of   market   structure,  especially   in   the   context   of   contestability   in   such   markets.     F585   provides   the   conceptual  framework   for   the   understanding,   analysis   and   evaluation   of   macroeconomic   performance   in  national,   regional  and  global   contexts.     It   considers   the  causes  and  consequences  of  economic  growth   in:   developed   economies,   such   as   the   UK;   regional   blocs   such   as   the   EU;   developing  economies;   and   the   wider   global   economy.     It   emphasises   the   ways   in   which   individual  economies   and   regional   blocs   are   interdependent   through   trade,   the   process   of   economic  integration  and  the  increasing  globalisation  that  characterises  current  economic  activity.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework.    What   degree   courses   and   careers   will   this   course   be   useful   for?     Economics   (and   related  courses),  Management,  Finance,  Politics  and  careers  such  as  journalism.  

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Subject:     ENGLISH  LANGUAGE  Exam  Board:     AQA    www.aqa.org.uk    Head  of  Department:    Mrs  H  K  Wilkinson      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  We  would  recommend  a  minimum  of  a  B  grade  at  GCSE  for  English  Language.      What  will  I  learn?  You  will  analyse  language  in  detail.  We  will  ask  questions  about  the  power  of  language.  How  do  politicians   manipulate   language   to   suit   their   purposes?   How   do   adverts   work?   What   power  struggles  are  happening  every  time  you  hold  a  conversation?  By  looking  at  language  in  context,  we  will   explore  whether   language   is   sexist  or  biased.  How  do  we   tailor  our  use  of   language   in  different   contexts   and   for   different   audiences?   How   has   technology   influenced   the   English  Language?  Is  language  change  a  bad  thing?  Is  our  language  ‘in  decline’?    You   will   also   develop   your   own   personal   writing   expertise   through   individual   coursework   by  writing  to  entertain,  persuade,  inform  or  instruct.      How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  There  are  two  units  of  work  at  AS  and  A2:  

At  AS    Unit  1:  ‘Categorizing  Texts’  (1½  hours  exam  –  2  questions)  60%  of  total  AS  /  30%  of  total  A  Level  marks  This  unit  covers  the  introductory  aspects  of  the  study  of  language,  using  a  variety  of  texts  for  the  basis  of  this  study.  In  addition  it  focuses  on  three  specific  social  contexts:  Language  and  Power,  Language  and  Gender  and  Language  and  Technology.  Unit  2:  (Coursework)    40%  of  total  AS  /  20%  of  total  A  Level  marks  In   this  unit  candidates  are  encouraged  to  develop  their  own  writing  skills,  producing  writing   in  different  genres  for  different  audiences  and  purposes.  

At  A2    Unit  3:  Language  Development  (2  hour  exam  –  2  questions)  30%  of  total  A  Level  marks  Exploring  Language  Change  and  Language  Acquisition  Unit  4:  Investigating  Language  20%  of  total  A  Level  marks  Exploring  and  analysing  language  data;  data  collection  methodology;  analysis  and  interpretation  of   data   using   appropriate   linguistic   methods   and   techniques;   evaluation   and   investigative  conclusions.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  The  coursework  at  AS  &  A2  will  usually  be  undertaken  during   the  Lent   term.  Both  coursework  topics  dovetail  with  our  study  of  the  other  units.    For  what  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful?  English   Language   A   Level   is   accepted   by   all   universities   and   has   become   recognized   as   a  prestigious   qualification   in   recent   years.   It   is   ideal   for   all   those   intending   to   go   forward   to  degrees  in  English,  the  arts,  Media,  Journalism,  Drama  and  the  humanities  but  would  also  serve  as   a   valuable   additional   ‘fourth’   AS   subject   alongside   Science   and/or   Social   Science  (Geography/Economics  etc.)  subjects.  

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Subject:     ENGLISH  LITERATURE  Exam  Board:   OCR    www.ocr.org.uk    Head  of  Department:    Mrs  H  K  Wilkinson    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  The  requirements  for  this  highly  popular  course  are  a  minimum  of  a  B  grade  at  English  Language  and  English  Literature  at  GCSE  and  a  willingness  to  read.      What  will  I  learn?  Through  the  texts  you  study,  you  will  be  encouraged  to  ask  some  fundamental  questions  about  what  you  read,  how  you  read,  why  you  read  and  –  quite  a  challenging  one  –  who  you  are.  There  will  be  questions  like:     What  is  literature?       How  is  it  different  from  other  forms  of  writing?         Is  there  such  a  thing  as  good  and  bad  writing?           If  there  is,  how  do  you  tell  one  from  the  other?             Why  do  some  writers  last  whilst  others  fade?           Where  did  the  novel  come  from?         Who  wrote  the  first  plays?       Why  do  people  bother  to  write  sonnets?     Does  laying  out  the  notes  this  way  make  them  poetry?    How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  At  AS  F661:  ‘Poetry  and  Prose  1800  to  1945’  (Closed  Text)  (1  ½  hour  exam  –  2  questions)  60%  of  total  AS  /  30%  of  total  A  Level  marks  Two  questions  –  one  on  a  poem  and  the  other  on  a  set  text  F662:  Literature  Post  1900  (Coursework)    40%  of  total  AS  /  20%  of  total  A  Level  marks  Task  one:  based  on  one  text,  produce  a  close  reading  of  a  passage  Task  two:  an  essay  on  two  linked  texts  At  A2  F663:  Drama  and  Poetry  pre-­‐1800  (closed  text)  30%  of  total  A  Level  marks.    Section  A:  Shakespeare,  Section  B:  Drama  and  poetry  pre-­‐1800  Section  A:  Shakespeare;  Section  B:  Drama  and  poetry  pre-­‐1800  F664:  Texts  in  Time  (Coursework)  20%  of  total  A  Level  marks  An  extended  essay  of  3,000  words  maximum  in  which  you  are  required  to  make  a  comparative  analysis  of  three  texts.  Texts  can  be  selected  from  any  period  and  across  periods.  

 What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  The  coursework  at  AS  &  A2  will  usually  be  undertaken  during   the  Lent   term.  Both  coursework  topics  dovetail  with  our  study  of  the  other  units.    For  what  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful?  It  is  possible  to  study  English  Language  as  well  as  English  Literature  to  A  Level  for  those  students  intending  to  apply  to  read  English  at  university.    The  skills  that  you  will  refine  -­‐  oral  and  written  communication,  presentation  and  justification  of  an  argument,  critical  analysis  and  synthesis  of  data  –  are  highly  regarded  for  entry  into  a  wide  range  of  top  universities.  It  is  ideal  for  all  those  intending  to  go  forward  to  degrees  in  English,  the  arts,  Media,  Journalism,  Drama  Law,  Business,  Management  and  Finance,  Medicine  and  the  human  sciences.  

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Subject:     Pre-­‐U  Certificate:  Literature  in  English  Exam  Board:   CIE    Head  of  Department:    Mrs  H  K  Wilkinson      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  The  requirement  for  this  is  an  A*  grade  in  English  Literature  (and  preferably  English  Language)  at  GCSE  and  a  willingness  to  read  –  a  lot!  Only  the  top  students  for  English  Literature  will  be  considered  for  this  course  and  so  it  is  possible  that,  in  some  years,  the  subject  might  not  be  viable  to  run.    What  will  I  learn?  The  Pre-­‐U  equips  students  with  the  knowledge  and  skills  they  need  to  make  a  success  of  their  undergraduate  studies:  •  a  solid  and  coherent  grounding  in  English  Literature  at  an  appropriate  level  •  the  ability  to  undertake  independent  and  self-­‐directed  learning  •  the  ability  to  think  laterally,  critically  and  creatively  and  communicate  effectively    How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?    Students  take  all  four  components  in  the  same  session:  Duration  Weighting  Type  of  assessment  Paper  1:  Poetry  and  prose  -­‐  2  hours  (25%)  Written  paper,  externally  set  and  marked.  Paper  2    Drama  -­‐  2  hours  (25%)  Written  paper,  externally  set  and  marked.  Paper  3    Comment  and  analysis  (unseen)  2  hours  15  mins  (25%)  Written  paper,  externally  set  and  marked.  Paper  4    Personal  investigation  (25%)  Externally  marked  project.    Examinations  take  place  at  the  end  of  the  two-­‐year  course.  A  single  grade  is  awarded.  Individual  components  cannot  be  retaken.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework  although  paper  4  is  internally  set  and  externally  marked.    For  what  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful?  The  top  grades  at  Pre-­‐U  are  considered  to  be  ‘beyond  A  Level’.  Success  on  a  Pre-­‐U  course  should  give  you  a  distinct  advantage  when  applying  to  university  since  it  is  a  well  recognised  and  challenging  course  to  complete.  The  emphasis  is  on  independent  learning  and  the  linear  nature  of  the  course  is  increasingly  popular  with  many  universities.  The  Cambridge  Pre-­‐U  Literature  in  English  certificate  is  a  stand-­‐alone  qualification  attracting  a  rewarding  UCAS  tariff.  It  is  compatible  with  A  Levels  and  may  be  taken  in  combination  with  them.

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Subject:     FRENCH    Exam  Board:   AQA    www.aqa.org.uk    Head  of  Department:    Mrs  L  M  Vaughan      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  Before  starting  the  course  it  is  essential  that  you  have  at  least  a  B  in  French  at  GCSE,  an  A  would  be   even   better!   We   hope   that   you   will   have   visited   France,   and   have   some   ideas   about   the  culture.  If  you  have  been  on  an  exchange  you  will  be  at  an  advantage.  We  recommend  that  you  spend  at  least  part  of  one  holiday  with  a  French  family.  You  also  need  to  have  an  opinion  about  everything!    What  will  I  learn?  In  the  first  year  you  will  study  a  variety  of  topics.  Grammar   is  an   important  part  of  the  course,  but  we  try  and  make  it  as  pain  free  as  possible.  Pupils  will   learn  to  express  themselves  fluently  and  accurately  in  French.  They  will  be  encouraged  to  speak  French  at  all  times  in  class.      How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  The   course   is   divided   into   two   units   at   AS   and   two   at   A2.     At   AS   pupils  will   study   the  Media,  Popular   Culture,  Healthy   Living   and   Family   and  Relationships.  Unit   1   exam   is   a   2   hour  written  paper.  Candidates  will  answer  a  range  of  questions  based  on  approximately  5  minutes  of  heard  material  and  on  a  selection  of  written  stimulus  texts.  They  will  also  respond  to  a  question  based  on  one  of  the  AS  topics.  Unit  2  is  a  Speaking  test,  lasting  approximately  20  minutes.  This  will  take  the  form  of  a  conversation  about  all  the  topics  covered  on  the  course.  

At  A2   the   course  will   cover   the  Environment,   the  Multi-­‐Cultural   Society,   Contemporary   Issues,  and  a  Cultural  Topic.  Unit  3  exam  is  a  2  hours  30  minute  exam  and  is  a  more  complex  version  of  the  Unit  1  paper.  Unit  4  is  a  Speaking  Test.  

The   classes   are   conducted   in   the   Target   Language,   but   the   more   complex   structures   will  generally   be   explained   in   English.   There   are   7   lessons   a  week,   and   usually   a   class  will   have   2  teachers,  each  teaching  3  or  4  lessons.  There  is  a  great  emphasis  on  class  participation,  research  and  presentations.      Every  other  year  there  is  a  cultural  and  educational  4  day  visit  to  Paris.  We  visit  the  theatre  and  cinema,  as  well  as  the  usual  tourist  attractions.          What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework  in  French.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  There  are   language  courses  at  all  universities.  We  have  had  many  pupils  who  have  gone  on  to  study   French   and   other   languages,   as   diverse   as   Thai,   Mandarin   and   Italian,   at   university.  Language  graduates  are  sought  after  and  highly  employable.      

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Subject:     GEOGRAPHY  Exam  Board:   AQA  (2030)    www.aqa.org.uk  Head  of  Department:   Mr  A  W  R  Glasgow      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  Grade  C  or  above  at  GCSE  in  both  Geography,    English  Language  and  Mathematics  as  well  as  fulfilling  the  requirements  for  entering  Year  12.    What  will  I  learn?    A  full  study  of  issues  affecting  people  and  their  environment  with  the  opportunity  to  carry  out  some  fieldwork  tasks.      How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?    Unit  1  -­‐  Physical  and  Human  Geography:  Assessed  by  structured  data  response  questions  with  opportunities  for  extended  writing.    The  Physical  Environment:  Topics  to  be  covered  are  Rivers,  Floods  and  Management,  Arid  and  Semi-­‐arid  Landscapes,  Cold  Environments  and  Coasts.    The  Human  Environment:  Topics  to  be  covered  are  Population  Change,  Food  Supply,  Energy  and  Health  Issues  in  both  developed  and  less  developed  countries.      Unit  2  -­‐  Geographical  Skills:  Assessed  by  structured  data  response  questions.  Topics  to  be  covered  include:  analysing  photographs  and  maps,  the  use  of  sketches,  overlays  and  G.I.S.  A  key  element  in  this  unit  is  the  ability  to  understand  your  own  fieldwork.    Both  the  units  will  be  supported  with  field  days  to  areas  like  Weston-­‐Super-­‐Mare,  Lyme  Regis,  Bath,  Bristol  and  rural  Somerset.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework  in  Geography.    What  will  I  study  at  A2?  Conflict,  World   Cities,   Tectonic   and   Climatic   Hazards.   These   are   assessed   by   two   end   of   year  exams.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  Geography  is  an  environmental  science  and,  as  such,  gives  support  to  a  full  range  of  degree  subjects  as  well  as  Geography  itself.  Most  Geography  graduates  will  re-­‐train  in  some  form  or  other  but  they  are  well  placed  in  the  current  job  market:  http://www.getsmaart.com/student-­‐guides/index.php/career-­‐news/geography-­‐as-­‐a-­‐career...-­‐a-­‐landscape-­‐of-­‐opportunity.      

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AS   ENGLISH   TOPIC;   F   961;Post  War   Britain   1951-­‐94.   This   is   assessed   in   one   paper   where  pupils  have  two  essays  to  answer  out  of  a  choice  of  three.    1½  hour  paper.

AS  EUROPEAN  TOPIC;  F  964;  Luther  and  the  German  Reformation.    This   is  assessed   in  one  paper  where  pupils  have  compulsory  source  questions  to  answer  based  on  five  documents.  1½  hour  paper.

Subject:     HISTORY  Exam  Board:       OCR    www.ocr.org.uk    Head  of  Department:    Mr  D  R  Bowden    What   do   I   need   before   starting   the   course?      History   is   about   research   and   enquiry,   forming  arguments  and  reaching  balanced  judgements  based  on  evidence  –  it  is  a  great  way  to  improve  a  number  of   skills   that  universities  and   future  employers  place  great   value   in.   It   is  preferable   to  have  at   least  a  B  grade  at  History  GCSE  for  entry   into  the  AS  Course  but  every  year  candidates  achieve  top  grades  even  if  they  have  not  followed  the  GCSE  course.  A  good  indicator  regarding  aptitude  would  be  a  B  grade  in  English.    What   will   I   learn?    We   study   topics   from   the   Early   Modern   and   Modern   Period   of   English,  European  and  American  History.    This  allows  for  a  rich  and  varied  study  of  history  at  this  level  –  something   that  university  admissions   tutors  have  become   increasingly  aware  of.   The  15th  and  16th   century   topics   offer   pupils   a   fascinating   insight   into   a   crucial   period   in   European   history.  Similarly   the   two   modern   units   of   study   –   American   civil   rights   and   post   war   Britain   –   help  students   to   appreciate   links   to   the   contemporary   world.   As   well   as   widening   the   historical  experience   the  course   is  designed  so   that  pupils  may   fully  benefit   from   investigating  colourful,  formative  and  decisive  periods  of  change  that  have  had  vital  implications  for  the  world  they  find  themselves  in  today.  Ultimately,  history  at  Monkton  is  a  challenging  but  an  immensely  rewarding  subject  to  study.    How  is  this  course  structured  and  assessed?    The  modular  approach  has  given  flexibility  and  the  usual  structure  will  be  that  at  AS  Level  the  English  topics  will  be  taught  in  half  of  the  lessons  by  one  teacher  and  the  European  topics  the  other  lessons  by  the  other  teacher.  The  same  pattern  is  repeated  at  A2.  The  examinations  and  resits  are  taken  in  the  summer.    

         

           What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?    History  is  still  very  popular  at  University  and  it  is  therefore  competitive  -­‐  AAA  or  AAB  at  top  places.    Joint  honour  courses  with  Politics,   French  or   Philosophy   for   example   are  often   slightly   easier   but   can  be   very   rewarding.  History  still   commands  respect  because  of   the  emphasis  on  clear  expression,  precise   judgment  and  persuasive  argument.  Historians  often  use  their  skills  to  pursue  successful  careers  in  law,  the  diplomatic  corps  and  journalism.  

A2  AMERICAN  TOPIC;       F966;  Civil  Rights   in   the  USA  1865-­‐1992.This   is   the   synoptic  paper  that   has   to   cover   100   years   of   History.     It   is   assessed   in   one   paper  where   pupils   have   to  answer  two  out  of  a  choice  of  three  essays.  2  hour  paper.  

A2  EUROPEAN  TOPIC;  F  965;  Philip  II  of  Spain.  Pupils  will  complete  two  2,000  word  essays  as  coursework,  moderated   by   the   examination   board.   There   is   scope  within   this  module   for  doing  one  essay  on  a  topic  of  your  choice.  There  is  no  further  examination  paper.  

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Subject:     MATHEMATICS  Exam  Board:     MEI  OCR  http://www.mei.org.uk/syllabuses/syllabus04.shtml  Head  of  Department:  Miss  Victoria  Armand  Smith      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?    A  grade  at  GCSE  or  equivalent.    What  will  I  learn?    The  course  comprises  of  6  modules.  4  modules  deal  with  Pure  Mathematics,  including  Calculus,  Trigonometry,  Graphs,  Algebra,  Vectors,  Lines  and  Planes,  and  Co-­‐ordinate  Geometry,  1  module  deals   with   Statistics,   including   Discrete   Random   Variables   and   the   Normal   Distribution,   and   1  module  deals  with  Mechanics,  which  cover  the  use  of  Newton’s  Laws.    How  is  this  course  structured  and  assessed?      The  course  is  structured  such  that  students  take  3  modules  in  Year  12  and  3  in  Year  13.  Typically  students  take  Core  1,  Core  2  and  Mechanics  in  Year  12,  Core  3,  Core  4  and  Statistics  1  in  Year  13.  The   course   is   assessed   by   examination,   taken   in   sessions   in   January   and   in   June.   Each  examination  is  one  and  a  half  hours  long  and  is  out  of  100  UMS  marks.  80  or  above  is  an  A  grade.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  Coursework   is   undertaken   at   the   end   of   Year   12.   It   is   a   detailed   investigation   of   Numerical  Methods  for  solving  problems  not  easily  solvable  using  more  common  methods    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?    Maths,   Accounting   and   any   related   financial   subjects,   Engineering   and   any   related   Science  subjects,  Medicine,  Law  etc.    

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Subject:     FURTHER  MATHEMATICS  Exam  Board:     MEI  OCR  http://www.mei.org.uk/syllabuses/syllabus04.shtml  Head  of  Department:     Miss  Victoria  Armand  Smith      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?    A  solid  A*  grade  (90%  or  above)  at  IGCSE  or  equivalent.    What  will  I  learn?    The   course   comprises   of   12   modules.   Students   will   take   the   same   six   modules   as   single  mathematicians  and  in  addition  to  this  a  further  six.  This  six  will  comprise  of  2  modules  studying  Pure   Mathematics,   including   Complex   Numbers,   Matrices,   Hyberbolic   Functions   and   Power  Series,  and  four  modules  chosen  at  the  discretion  of  the  class  teacher   liaising  with  the  Head  of  Department.  Typically  students  study  four  modules  from  Mechanics  2,  Mechanics  3,  Mechanics  4,  Statistics  2,  Statistics  3  or  Decision  2.    How  is  this  course  structured  and  assessed?      The  course  is  structured  such  that  students  take  6  modules  in  Year  12  and  6  in  Year  13.  Typically  students   take   Core   1,   Core   2,   Core   3,   Core   4,  Mechanics   1   and  Mechanics   2   in   Year   12,   thus  gaining   a   full   A   level   in   one   year.   In   Year   13   students   take   a   further   6  modules.   The   course   is  assessed  by  examination,  taken  in  sessions  in  January  and  in  June.  Each  examination  is  one  and  a  half  hours  long  and  is  out  of  100  UMS  marks.  80  or  above  is  an  A  grade.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework  in  Further  Mathematics  however,  students  will  complete  the  Numerical  Methods  Coursework  in  the  Single  Mathematics  syllabus      What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?    Further  Mathematics  is  required  by  most  top  universities  as  a  prerequisite  to  read  Mathematics.    Also  useful   for  accounting  and  any   related   financial   subjects,   law,  engineering  and  any   related  science  subjects.  

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Subject:     MUSIC  Exam  Board:     Edexcel  8MU01  (AS);  9MU01  (A2)    www.edexcel.org.uk      Head  of  Department:    Mr  G  Bevan  Head  of  Academic  Music:  Mrs  A  Bryson      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  It  is  desirable  but  not  essential  to  have  taken  Music  at  GCSE,  as  much  of  the  background  material  needed   for   AS/A2   would   have   been   studied   at   this   stage.   A   reasonable   proficiency   on   an  instrument  is  needed,  with  a  standard  equivalent  to  Grade  6,  and  it  will  also  be  advantageous  to  have  passed  the  Associated  Board  Grade  5  theory  exam.    What  will  I  learn?  Candidates  will  gain  a  knowledge  and  understanding  of  music  as    a  performer  and  a  composer,  and  will  gain  an   insight   into  putting  music   into   its  historical  and  social  context   through  specific  set  works.      How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  There  are  three  units  of  work  at  AS  and  A2.    AS:  Unit  1:  Performing  music.  This  unit  gives   students  opportunity   to  perform  as   soloists  or  as  part  of   an  ensemble   in  a   five-­‐six  minute  assessed  performance.    Unit  2:  Composing.     This  unit  encourages  students  to  develop  their  composition  skills  leading  to  the  creation  of  a  three-­‐minute  piece  in  response  to  a  chosen  brief.  They  also  need  to  write  a  CD  sleeve  note  to  describe  aspects  of  their  composition  and  show  how  other  pieces  of  music  have  influenced  it.    Unit  3:  Developing  Musical  Understanding.  Set  works  from  an  anthology  provide  the  focus  for  the  first  two  sections  of  this  unit;  in  the  third  section,  candidates  use  a  score  to  identify  harmonic  and  tonal  features,  and  then  apply  this  knowledge  in  the  completion  of  a  short  and  simple  musical  passage.    A2:  Unit  4:  Extended  Performance.  As  the  name  implies,  this   is  an  extension  of  Unit  1,  where  a  12-­‐15  minute   recital   is  now  prepared  and  assessed.    Unit  5:  Composition  and  Technical   Study.  Students  have  a  choice  to  produce  two  compositions  following  on  from  Unit  2,  or  two  technical  studies  based  on  a  continuing  awareness  of  harmony,  or  one  of  each.    Unit  6:  Further  Musical  Understanding.   This   unit   focuses   on   listening   to   music,   familiar   and   unfamiliar,   and  understanding  how   it  works.  This   is  again  based  on  the  Anthology  used   in  Unit  3,  where   there  will  be  two  compulsory  Areas  of  Study.    Assessment   in   the   performance   units   is   done   by   the   centre   and  moderated   by   Edexcel;   other  units  are  marked  by  Edexcel.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  Coursework  performing  can  be  undertaken  at  any  time  during  the  course,  and  could  form  part  of  one  of   the   school’s   informal   concerts.   The   stimulus   for   composition   coursework   is   available   in  September  of  each  year.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  As  an  established  subject,  Music  is  accepted  by  all  universities,  and  is  ideal  for  those  going  on  to  study  music  as  part  of  a  university  course  or  at  a  conservatoire  in  music.    

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Subject:     PHOTOGRAPHY  Exam  Board:   AQA  Art  and  Design  (Photography)  Look  at  this  link:  http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/art.php  to  download  the  PDF  links  for  the  specification.  Head  of  Department:   Mr  T  F  Hardisty    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  Photography   is   offered   to   students   who   show   an   aptitude   in   the   subject.   An   Art   GCSE   is  recommended,  (but  it  is  not  a  pre-­‐requisite)  .    PUPILS  WILL  NEED  A  DIGITAL  CAMERA  AND  A  FILM  SLR  CAMERA.    What  will  I  learn?  The  emphasis  of  the  AS  course  is  the  learning  and  practice  of  investigative  skills  -­‐  the  process.  In  the  A2  course  while  the  process  is  still  important,  the  quality  of  the  product  has  greater  emphasis.  To  take  the  course  at  A2  level,  a  minimum  of  a  D  grade  at  AS  is  essential  but  a  C  is  recommended.      The   Year   13   pupils   all   work   on   individual   projects,   ‘creating  visual   meaning   through   lens   based   media   by   an   expressive  response  to  a  personal  context  or  social  issue’.      Students  will  be  expected  to  demonstrate  their  skills  in  the  following:  

o Explore  elements  of  visual  language,  line,  form,  colour,  pattern  and  texture  in  the  context  of  Photography;  

o Respond  to  an  issue,  theme,  concept  or  idea  or  working  to  a  brief;  o An  appreciation  of  viewpoint,  composition,  depth  of  field  and  movement;  time  based,  

through  such  techniques  as  sequence  or  ‘frozen  movement’;  o The  appropriate  use  of  the  camera,  film,  lenses,  filters  and  lighting  for  work  in  their  

chosen  area  of  Photography;  o An  understanding  of  techniques  related  to  the  developing  and  printing  of  photographic  

images,  presentation,  layout  and  mounting    Students  will  also  be  expected  to  show  a  knowledge  and  understanding  of:  

o How  ideas,  feelings  and  meanings  can  be  conveyed  and  interpreted  in  image  in  the  context  of  their  chosen  area(s)  of  Photography;  

o The  historical  and  contemporary  developments  and  different  styles  and  genres  in  their  chosen  area(s)  of  Photography;  

o How  images  and  artefacts  relate  to  social,  environmental,  cultural  and/or  ethical  contexts,  and  to  the  time  and  place  in  which  they  were  created;  

o Continuity  and  change  in  different  styles,  genres  and  traditions  relevant  to  Photography;  o The  working  vocabulary  and  specialist  terminology  that  is  relevant  to  their  chosen  

area(s)  of  Photography.    How  is  the  course  structured?  To  complete  the  course  at  AS  level,  one  unit  of  work  is  required,  plus  an  externally  set  assignment.    For  the  A2,  a  further  unit  is  required  plus  another  externally  set  assignment.  The  total  marks  of  these  and  the  AS  are  combined  for  the  final  grade.    

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Subject:   PHYSICAL  EDUCATION  Exam  Board:   OCR    www.ocr.org.uk    Head  of  Department:   Mr  P  R  Wickens    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  Students  normally  should  obtain  at   least  a  grade   ‘B’   in  PE    at  GCSE.    Students   joining  Monkton  from   schools   that   do   not   offer   GCSE   PE   are   exempt   from   this   requirement.   In   exceptional  circumstances,  Monkton  students  who  get  a  grade  ‘C’  will  be  accepted  if  they  can  demonstrate  excellent   practical   abilities.   All   students   should   be   accomplished   sports   performers   to   at   least  school  team  level  in  a  minimum  of  two  sports.  An  interest  in  reading  about  sport,  watching  sport  and  discussing  sport  are  mandatory.    What  will  I  learn?    The  course  focus  is  on  ‘participation  and  performance  in  physical  activity  as  part  of  a  balanced,  active  and  healthy   lifestyle’.  The  specifications  are  designed   to  allow  candidates   to  develop  an  understanding  and  appreciation  of  the  factors  that  enable  both  them  and  others  to  be  physically  active   as   part   of   a   balanced,   active   and   healthy   lifestyle.   The   factors   studied   will   include  physiological,  psychological  and  socio-­‐cultural  aspects  that  have  an  impact  on  participation  and  performance  in  physical  activities.    How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?    There  are  two  units  at  AS  and  two  at  A2.    AS  units:  An  introduction  to  Physical  Education  –  60%  of  AS  marks.  The  practical  component  is  internally  assessed  [externally  moderated].  Students  have  to  choose  2  sports  [from  different  activity  profiles]  40%  of  total  AS  marks.  The   assessment   can   be   either   performing   two   chosen   sports   and   evaluating   and   planning   of  performance   or   performing   one   sport   and   coaching/leading   another   plus   evaluating   and  planning   performance   or   performing   one   chosen   sport   and   officiating   another   plus   evaluating  and  planning  performance.    A2  units:  Principles   and   Concepts   across   different   areas   of   PE   including   Socio-­‐cultural   options   and  Scientific   Options.     50%   of   the   final  mark   [50%   from  AS]   is   available   from   one   2½   hour   exam  which  involves  elements  of  synoptic  assessment.  This  paper  is  externally  set  and  marked.  This  is  worth  70%  of  A2  marks.  Acquiring,  developing  and  evaluating  practical  skills  in  PE  [Practical  performance].    The  practical  component   is   internally   assessed   [externally  moderated].   Students   have   to   choose   one   sport.  The  assessment  is  otherwise  the  same  as  at  AS  level.  This  is  worth  30%  of  A2  marks.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  Units   G452   and   G454   are   continuously   assessed   during   Year   12   and   Year   13   respectively.  Students  perform,  coach,  officiate  and  evaluate  performance  in  a  number  of  sports  not  just  in  A2  lessons,  but  also  in  games  sessions  and  out  of  school  clubs.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?    One   of   the   fastest   growing   A   level   courses,   universities   recognize   the   academic   rigour   of   this  course   and   its   versatility   in   examining   a   number   of   academic   disciplines   within   its   subject  boundaries.  It  is  therefore  comparable  with  ‘traditional’  academic  subjects  when  students  apply  through  UCAS.  Recent  Monkton  students  have  chosen  the  following  sports-­‐related  courses  at  Higher  Education  institutes   in   the   UK:   Sports   Science,   Sports   Studies,   Sports   Management,   Sports   Coaching,  Physiotherapy,  PE  Teaching,  Sports  Journalism  and  Sports  Psychology.  

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Subject:     PHYSICS  Exam  Board:     Edexcel  

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/physics/Pages/default.aspx  Head  of  Department:   Mr  S  L  Chillcott      What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  The  most  important  requirement  is  a  passion  for  understanding  how  the  world  works,  and  a  drive  to  master  the  key  concepts  governing  the  physical  world.  On  a  more  pragmatic  level,  in  order  to  keep  pace  with  the  increased  demands  of  A  Level,  students  should  have  at  least  a  A  grade  in  Science  and  Additional  Science  or  Physics  GCSE  if  taking  the  separate  sciences.  In  addition,  students  need  an  A  grade  or  above  in  Mathematics  GCSE  and  are  strongly  advised  to  continue  with  Mathematics  to  at  least  AS  Level.      What  will  I  learn?  Physics  is  fundamental  in  explaining  how  the  world  around  us  works,  from  the  structure  of  the  proton  to  the  movement  of  the  galaxies.  It  illuminates  our  understanding  of  why  the  sun  turns  red  in  the  evening,  how  we  can  speak  across  continents  and  why  some  bridges  fall  down.    A  key  emphasis  at  A  Level  is  to  base  learning  on  personal  investigations  of  the  physical  world  using  practical  work  as  much  as  possible.  Increasingly,  Information  Technology  is  playing  a  crucial  role  in  revolutionising  Physics  research.  Hence,  ICT  is  used  extensively  in  the  course,  from  data-­‐logging  to  simulations  through  to  analytical  packages.    Finally,  it  is  also  of  paramount  importance  that  students  get  the  chance  to  experience  cutting  edge  research  and  to  meet  leading  scientists.  Therefore,  the  department  runs  regular  trips  to  institutions  such  as  CERN  in  Geneva,  the  largest  particle  accelerator  in  the  world,  and  JET  in  Oxfordshire,  currently  the  largest  nuclear  fusion  reactor  in  Europe.    How  is  this  course  structured?  There  are  3  modules  in  Physics  in  both  the  AS  and  A2  years,  with  one  of  the  three  modules  devoted  to  practical  skills.  In  the  AS  year  students  analyse  how  and  why  things  move,  wave  behaviour,  the  principles  of  electricity  and  quantum  theory.  In  the  A2  year,  students  analyse  the  four  fundamental  forces  of  nature,  the  nature  of  fields,  cosmology  and  particle  physics.    What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  Students  take  coursework  in  the  Lent  Term  of  both  sixth  form  years.  Students  write  a  report  on  an  experiment  which  will  be  based  on  a  Physics  related  visit  or  a  case  study  on  an  application  of  Physics.      What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  Taking  Physics  at  A  Level  provides  the  student  with  a  wealth  of  opportunities  to  develop  the  career  of  his  or  her  choosing,  and  will  prove  to  be  in  demand  from  many  different  fields,  be  it  Scientific  research,  Engineering  (of  the  civil,  mechanical,  aeronautical,  electronic  or  chemical  varieties),  Astronomy,  Information  Technology  or  Medicine.  In  addition,  employers  in  the  financial  and  commercial  world  value  the  analytical  and  logical  mind  of  the  Physicist.      

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Subject:     PSYCHOLOGY  Exam  Board:   AQA,  Specification  A      www.aqa.org.uk    Head  of  Department:   Mr  P  Carter    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  As  Psychology   is  not  available  below  AS   level   the  main  entry   requirements  are  good  grades   in  English   and  Maths   at   GCSE   level;   a   good   level   in   Science   is   also   a   benefit;   however   the  main  requirement   is   a   genuine  desire   to   increase  your  understanding  of  how  humans   (in  particular)  think,   act   and   are   motivated.   Psychology   will   be   enjoyed   by   thoughtful   students   who   are  interested  in  why  people  behave  as  they  do.  If  you’re  someone  who  already  watches  television  programmes   about   such   topics   as   how   the   brain   works,   parenting,   hypnosis,   sleep,   criminal  behaviour,  stress  and  how  it  affects  people,  you  will  find  much  to  interest  you  in  this  subject.  If,  in  addition,  your  eye  is  drawn  to  such  topics  in  the  newspaper,  so  much  the  better.    What  will  I  learn?  Psychology  is  the  science  of  behaviour  and  experience.  Studying  behaviour  involves  focusing  on  what   people   (and   other   animals)   actually   do.   Behaviour   includes   thinking,   remembering   and  forgetting,   growing  up,   being   kind  or   aggressive,   obeying  or  disobeying  orders,   being   a  parent  etc.   In   studying   experience,   psychologists   are   interested   in   what   it   is   like   to   be   the   person  exhibiting   the   behaviour:   how   it   feels   to   be   them   and   why   they   behave   as   they   do.      In  one  way  you  are  already  a  Psychologist  as  you  have  opinions  about  why  some  people  behave  as  they  do.  But  Psychologists  go  beyond  the  common  sense  approach  in  that  they  are  concerned  to   examine   closely   the   evidence   on  which   such   opinions   are   based.   They   consider   alternative  explanations  and  conduct  research  to  test  theories.  To  this  end  they  employ  a  range  of  research  methods,   ranging  from  tightly  controlled   laboratory  experiments  to  observation  studies,   to  the  construction  of  detailed  case  studies.  A   range  of  methods   is  needed  because  Psychologists  are  interested  in  a  great  many  issues  and  some  are  more  amenable  to  one  method  of  study  than  to  another.    You  will  learn  about  the  most  common  methods  and  simple  analytical  procedures.    How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  The  two  year  course  is  examined  by  four  modular  examinations;  two  of  which  come  at  the  end  of  AS  studies  and  a   further   two   in   the  A2  year.  AS  modules  consist  of   several   short  answers  with  one   or   two   longer   essay   type   questions;   A2   is   assessed   primarily   through   longer   essays.   You  should  expect  to  sit  both  AS  papers  at  the  end  of  year  12,  one  A2  paper  in  January  of  year  13  and  the   final   paper   in   the   summer  of   year  13.   There   is   no   coursework  but   there   is   a   great  deal  of  emphasis   on   the  way   research   is   carried  out  with   the  opportunity   to   complete   small   research  projects.      What  is  the  nature  and  timing  of  coursework?  There  is  no  coursework  in  Psychology.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  Psychology  is  one  of  the  fastest  growing  subjects  at  degree  level.  If  you  choose  to  study  Psychology  at  university  you  will  find  a  large  number  of  courses  to  choose  from,  some  of  them  covering  the  traditional  areas  of  the  subject  and  some  with  a  narrower  focus.  Aspects  of  Psychology  are  also  incorporated  in  a  range  of  other  degree  programmes,  for  example,  Education,  Sports  Science,  Management,  Business,  and  Medicine.  After  graduation  many  avenues  are  open,  both  in  specialist  areas  of  Psychology  and  in  the  wider  market  place.  Clinical,  Educational,  Counselling,  Occupational  and  Health  Psychology  are  just  some  of  the  specialist  fields  into  which  Psychology  graduates  may  go.  Others  go  into  Advertising,  Marketing,  Sales,  Market  Research,  Personnel,  General  Management,  the  Media  –  Psychology  graduates  turn  up  everywhere!  

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Subject:     RELIGIOUS  STUDIES  Exam  Board:     OCR  Head  of  Department:  Mrs  R  Chillcott    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  A  mind  which  wonders  why  we  call  certain  things  ‘right’  or  ‘wrong’  and  is  interested  in  discussing  possible   answers;   a   mind   interested   in   many   of   the   issues   facing   society   today:   genetic  engineering  and  other  aspects  of  medical  ethics,  euthanasia,  abortion;  a  mind  ready  to  ask  some  of  life’s  ultimate  questions:  can  you  prove  the  existence  of  God?  Has  science  rendered  obsolete  the   need   for   God?   Does   atheism   make   more   sense   and,   if   not,   how   do   we   respond   to   its  challenge?  A  mind  such  as  this  is  the  basic  requirement  to  enjoy  and  make  a  success  of  AS  and  A  Level   Religious   Studies.   There   is   no   need   to   have   GCSE   Religious   Studies,   or   to   have   any  particular  ‘faith’  in  order  to  study  this  subject  at  AS/A2  level.        What  will  I  learn?  You  will  study  Ethics  and  Philosophy;  that  is  the  Ethics  of  Religion  and  the  Philosophy  of  Religion.    At   AS   Level   in   the   Ethics   module   you   will   study   four   major   normative   ethical   theories:  Utilitarianism,  Natural   Law,  Kantian  Ethics  and  Situation  Ethics.    You  will   then  apply   these   to  a  variety  of  moral   issues,   including  abortion,  the  right  to  a  child,  euthanasia,  genetic  engineering  and  warfare.  In   the   Philosophy  module   you   will   study   some   of   the  major   philosophical   questions   asked   of  religion,  and  will  consider  the  answers  given  by  some  of  the  leading  thinkers  in  history.    You  will  also   look   at   ancient   Greek   and   Judaeo-­‐Christian   influences   on   the   philosophy   of   religion,  including  the  contributions  of  Plato  and  Aristotle.  At   A2   Level   in   the   Ethics   module   you   will   explore   ethical   issues   surrounding   free   Will   and  determinism   as   well   as   conscience,   and   you   will   study   a   further   two   ethical   theories:   Virtue  Ethics  and  Meta  Ethics.    You  will  then  apply  these  theories,  in  addition  to  the  theories  studied  at  AS  Level,  to  the  issues  of  sexual,  business  and  environmental  ethics.  In   the   A2   Philosophy  module   you   will   explore   issues   surrounding   religious   language,   religious  experience,  the  nature  of  God,  life  and  death  and  the  soul.      You  will   ultimately   learn   about   yourself   as  well,   as   you  uncover   the   reasons   behind   your   own  thinking  and  decision  making  processes:  what  causes  you  to  think  and  behave  in  the  way  you  do?      How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  The  course  has  2  units  at  AS  and  2  units  at  A2.  There   is  an  Ethics  and  a  Philosophy  module  at  both  AS  and  A2  Level.  The  two  units  studied  at  AS  are  a  foundation  for  the  units  studied  at  A2.  There  is  no  course  work  component.  At  AS  Level,  there  is  a  written  exam  of  1  hour  30  minutes  on  each  unit  (total  3  hours).  In  each  of  the  two  units,  you  will  answer  two  essay  questions  from  a  choice  of  four.  Each  unit  accounts  for  50%  of  the  total  AS  marks  and  25%  of  the  total  A  Level  marks.  At  A2  level  there  are  two  exams  of  1  hour  30  minutes  (total  3  hours).   In  each  of  the  two  units,  you  will  answer  two  essay  questions   from  a  choice  of   four.    Each  unit  accounts   for  25%  of   the  total  A  Level  marks.    What  degree  courses  and  careers  will  this  course  be  useful  for?  Religious  Studies  is  accepted  by  all  universities  and  is  an  increasingly  popular  A-­‐Level,  as   it  can  lead   into   so   many   different   courses   and   careers.   Theology   or   Philosophy   would   be   obvious  choices;  however,  RS   lends   itself   to  any  humanities  degree  as   the  skills  you  acquire  are  easily  transferable.  Religious  Studies  students  in  recent  years  have  entered  all  sorts  of  careers,  such  as:  the  Media,  Journalism,  Teaching,  the  Legal  profession  and  even  the  Church!          

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Subject:     SPANISH  Exam  Board:     AQA  http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/languages/spanish_noticeboard.phpp  Head  of  Department:   Mrs  S  Vercher    What  do  I  need  before  starting  this  course?  You  need  to  have  achieved  GCSE  standard  in  the  language  before  embarking  on  the  AS  course.  It  is  advisable  to  have  at  least  a  grade  B  at  GCSE.      What  will  I  learn?      You  will  gain  an  insight  into  Spanish  language  and  the  culture  of  the  Spanish  speaking  countries.  You   will   also   acquire   skills   and   understanding   for   practical   use,   for   further   study   or   for  employment.    How  is  the  course  structured  and  assessed?  The  course  is  divided  into  four  units,  two  of  which  are  studied  at  AS  level  and  two  at  A2.  At  AS  topics  such  as  the  media,  popular  culture,  healthy  living  and  family  relationships  are  studied.  At  A2  the  environment,  the  multicultural  society,  contemporary  issues  and  cultural  topics  form  the  basis  of  study.      The  four  units  are  assessed  in  the  following  way:    Unit  1  at  AS  (2  hours):  This  paper  tests  the  listening,  reading  and  writing  skills  through  a  range  of  questions.    Unit  2  at  AS  (35  minutes,  including  20  minutes  preparation  time)  assesses  the  speaking  skill.  Here  you  have   to  discuss   the   issues   raised   in  a  stimulus  card  and  then  hold  a  conversation  with   the  examiner  about  three  further  topics  studied  on  the  course.    Unit  3  at  A2  (2  and  a  half  hours)  assesses  the  listening,  reading  and  writing  skills.  In  the  writing  section  candidates  have  to  refer  to  the  cultural  topic  studied  on  the  course  (it  could  be  a  novel,  films,  a  region,  a  famous  architect  etc.).    Unit  4  at  A2   (35  minutes   including  20  minutes  preparation   time)   tests   the  speaking  skill   and   it  consists  of  a  discussion  of  a  stimulus  card  and  a  conversation  on  the  two  cultural  topics  studied  on  the  course.    You  have  to  be  ready  to  participate  actively  in  lessons,  as  there  is  a  strong  emphasis  on  the  use  of  the  language  orally.  Debates,  presentations  and  research  on  the  different  topics  are  common  elements  of  the  course.    There  is  no  coursework.    What  can  I  do  afterwards?    With  a  language  at  A  level  you  can  continue  to  study  it  at  university  or  you  can  combine  it  with  any  other  degree.  A  language  will  always  open  doors,  no  matter  what  you  study.  It  will  provide  you  with  skills  that  you  will  be  able  to  apply  in  many  walks  of  life  and  it  will  show  you  a  different  way  of  understanding  and  organising  the  world.    Spanish   is   the  world’s   third  most   spoken   language   after   English   and   Chinese,   therefore   being  able  to  speak  it  will  always  be  an  asset  for  you.  

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OTHER COURSES

Subject CRITICAL THINKING Exam Board OCR Head of Dept Mrs Mucheru

What do I need before starting this course? All Year 12 students at Monkton take an AS in Critical Thinking unless receiving extra tuition for linguistic reasons or already attempting 5 AS subjects. There are no GCSE requirements for this course. How is this course structured and assessed? Two exam papers: Level Unit Title of Exam Paper Duration Exam sat

in % AS

AS 1 F501 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1 hour 30 January 50% AS 2 F502 Assessing and Developing

Argument 1 hour 30 June 50%

There is no coursework. What do students get out of Critical Thinking? Learning to think critically enables students to create and justify their own opinions and to judge the opinions of others. These are valuable skills that can be applied to your other A level subjects, university studies, and life beyond higher education. Critical Thinking carries the same UCAS points as any other A level subject. Students can choose whether to certify their final grade and many find it useful in university applications alongside their other subjects. For students who do not wish to certify their final grade, the course still holds much value in equipping them to deal with the real world and engage with current political and social issues. For more information about the course visit www.ocr.org.uk    

What will I learn in the course?

• How  to  create  and  recognise  effective  argument  • An  understanding  of  current  affairs  and  issues  of  

citizenship  and  ethics   We use a workbook to cover the various skills required for the course and then apply this knowledge to current affairs and ethical topics from a range of media sources.

Is this subject of use when applying for degree courses and careers? Critical Thinking hones skills in debate, analysis and evaluation of argument. These are highly transferable across any subject and are therefore of interest to universities whatever course you consider taking consider taking.

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  OTHER  COURSES    Subject:     EXTENDED  PROJECT  QUALIFICATION  (EPQ)  Exam  Board:   EDEXCEL  Head  of  Department:     Miss  Victoria  Armand  Smith    The   Extended   Project   is   a   qualification   that   gives   a   pupil   the   chance   to   explore   a   subject   that  truly   interests  and   inspires   them.   It   is  equivalent   to  an  AS   level   in   terms  of  UCAS  points  and   is  highly  valued  by  universities  as  it  prepares  pupils  extremely  well  for  both  the  type  and  depth  of  study  expected  at  undergraduate  level.      At   Monkton   Year   12   pupils   are   given   the   opportunity   to   write   the   5,000   word   EPQ   Level   3  dissertation   from   January   through   to   the   end   of   the   Michaelmas   Term   in   Year   13.   The  dissertation  is  characterised  by  the  use  of  critical,  analytical  thinking  skills  as  well  as  a  high  level  of  independent  research,  writing,  analysis  and  presentation  skills.  Pupils  will  develop  and  explore  the  central  idea  of  their  project,  discussing  the  different  aspects  with  supporting  reasons  for  the  choices   they   have   made   during   project   development.   The   project   will   show   evidence   of   the  development   of   lines   of   argument   and/or   consistent,   sustained,   reflective   discussion   on   the  direction   the  project   is   taking.  There  should  also  be  a  critical  awareness  when  handling  source  material   or   data   and   they   should   be   able   to   relate   their   project   to   a   wider   social   or   ethical  context.      At  Monkton  all  pupils  considering  applying  for  Oxbridge  are  required  to  take  the  EPQ  -­‐  although  this  course   is  open  to  other  pupils  as  well.    Pupils  will  be  assigned  a  tutor,  who  will  meet  with  them   fortnightly   throughout   the   year.   In   addition   to   this   pupils   will   have   the   highly   valuable  opportunity   to   conduct   research   at   the   University   of   Bath’s   central   library   during   Year   12  Activities  Week.      Example  EPQ  titles  are:  The  Optimisation  of  Equipment  used  in  Space  Laboratories;  The  Analysis  of  the  Character  of  Satan  in  Milton’s  ‘Paradise  Lost’;  Is  it  Ethical  to  Engineer  Babies  for  Designer  Purposes?      

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OTHER  COURSES    Subject:     IELTS  Course  (English  as  a  Second  Language)  Exam  Board:   IELTS    www.ielts.org    Head  of  Department:     Mrs  C  S  Morley      Students  entering  the  Sixth  Form  with  English  as  a  second  language  will  take  a  two-­‐year  English  Language  programme  leading  to  an  IELTS  test.     If  students  have  already  attained  a  high  level  in  all  English  skills,  they  will  be  invited  to  take  the  IELTS  test  at  the  end  of  Year  12.      What  is  IELTS?  IELTS   stands   for   International   English   Language   Testing   System,   which   is   a   test   of   English  language   proficiency.   It   is   jointly  managed   by   University   of   Cambridge   ESOL   Examinations,the    British   Council   and   IDP   Education   Australia.   IELTS   offers   two   different   exams;   the   Academic  Module  and  the  General  Training  Module.  The  course  at  Monkton  leads  to  the  Academic  Module  which   is   intended   for   those  who  wish   to   enrol   in   universities   and   other   institutions   of   higher  education.    Why  should  I  take  an  IELTS  course?  If  a  student’s  first  language  is  not  English,  the  enhancement  of  all   language  skills  on  this  course  will  equip  them  to  perform  at  a  higher  level  in  their  AS  and  A2  courses.    If  ESL  students  wish  to  enter  higher  education,   they  will  need  to  prove  they  have  a  competent  level  of  English  appropriate  for  this  level  of  study.    The  IELTS  will  provide  them  with  a  certificate  of  their  level  of  English  recognised  by  all  British  Universities  and  many  overseas  institutions.        What  is  assessed  in  the  IELTS  Test  and  how  is  it  graded?  The  IELTS  tests  the  ability  to  communicate  in  English  in  each  of  the  four  language  skills:  reading,  writing,  speaking  and  listening,  and  gives  a  result  for  each  of  these  as  well  as  a  composite  level.  Each   level   corresponds   to   a   descriptive   statement   giving   a   summary   of   English   competence.    There  are  nine  levels,  the  top  six  of  which  are  described  as  follows;      

Level   Label   Descriptive  statement  Level  9   Expert  User   Has   fully   operational   command   of   the   language:  

appropriate,   accurate   and   fluent   with   complete  understanding.    

Level  8   Very  Good  User   Has   fully   operational   command   of   the   language   with   only  occasional   unsystematic   inaccuracies   and   inappropriacies.  Misunderstandings   may   occur   in   unfamiliar   situations.  Handles  complex  detailed  argumentation  well.    

Level  7     Good  User   Has   operational   command   of   the   language,   though   with  occasional   inaccuracies,   inappropriacies   and  misunderstandings   in   some   situations.   Generally   handles  complex  language  well  and  understands  detailed  reasoning.  

Level  6   Competent  User   Has   generally   effective   command   of   the   language   despite  some   inaccuracies,   inappropriacies   and  misunderstandings.  Can   use   and   understand   fairly   complex   language,  particularly  in  familiar  situations.    

   

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Level  5   Modest  User   Has   partial   command   of   the   language,   coping   with   overall  meaning   in  most   situations,   though   is   likely   to  make  many  mistakes.  Should  be  able  to  handle  basic  communication  in  own  field.    

Level  4   Limited  User   Basic   competence   is   limited   to   familiar   situations.   Has  frequent  problems   in  understanding  and  expression.   Is  not  able  to  use  complex  language.    

 Is  there  an  entry  requirement  for  the  IELTS  course?  There   is   no   entry   requirement.     If   a   student   has   sufficient   language   to   commence   an   AS  programme  at  Monkton,  he  or  she  can  take  the  IELTS  course.    Even  when  students  have  attained  the  highest  grades  in  GCSE  English  or  IGCSE  ESL,  the  IELTS  course  will  still  help  them  to  develop  and   strengthen   their   English   skills.     This   would   be   particularly   important   for   language-­‐based  courses   like   Law   and   Journalism.   At   the   beginning   of   year   12,   students   start   the   course   at   a  variety  of  different  levels,  but  most  commonly  at  around  levels  5  to  6.    How  many  lessons  are  taught  on  the  IELTS  course?  Students  preparing  for  the  IELTS  have  five  lessons  a  week  in  Year  12  and  four  lessons  a  week  in  Year  13.    One  of   these   lessons  will   be  devoted   to  developing  and   strengthening   reading   skills.  Intensive   and   extensive   reading   skills   are   strengthened,   alongside   specific   skills   required   to  perform   well   in   the   reading   section   of   the   IELTS   test   which   is   notorious   for   being   the   most  challenging  aspect.      Where  and  when  can  I  take  the  IELTS  test?  The   IELTS   test   is   most   commonly   taken   in   the  May   of   Year   13,   at   Bath   University.   Very   able  students   may   be   ready   to   take   the   IELTS   test   at   the   end   of   Year   12.   All   applications   and  transportation  is  organised  by  the  School.        What  IELTS  level  will  I  need?  As  universities  vary  in  their  requirements  it  is  best  for  students  to  decide  which  course  they  want  to   take  and  at  which  university.    They  will   then  be  able   to  discover   from  that  university  which  IELTS   level   is   necessary   for   entry.     Generally   speaking   a   Level   7   is   required   for  most   courses,  though  some  mathematical  courses  may  only  require  a  6.5.      

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OTHER  COURSES      Subject:     CV  WRITING  AND  INTERVIEW  TECHNIQUES  i/c:       Mr  D  J  Coulson      CV   writing   and   interview   techniques   are   vital   skills   that   you   will   need   as   you   move   on   from  Monkton.    To  help  you  to  prepare  for  future  university  or  job  interviews,  we  run  an  intensive  CV  and   interview  course  for  members  of  Year  12   in  the  Lent  Term.    Our  plan   is   for  each  of  you  to  attend  seminars  on  interview  techniques  and  planning  and  writing  a  CV,  leading  to  you  compiling  your  own  CV.    This  would  then  be  passed  to  one  of  a  panel  of  external   interviewers.    Based  on  the   information   contained   in   the   CV,   you   would   undergo   a  mock   interview.     The   interviewer  would  provide  some  immediate  verbal  feedback,  to  be  supported  by  a  written  report  that  would  be   sent   through   to   Tutors.     Individual   Tutors  would   then   go   through   these   reports  with   their  tutees   in  more  detail.    We  believe   that   the  opportunity   to  practise   these  key  skills  will  benefit  you  hugely  and  give  you  the  extra  confidence  and  self-­‐awareness  you  need  when  you  apply  for  higher  education  or  direct  employment  in  the  next  few  years.      

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ENTERING  THE  SIXTH  FORM  

AS  SUBJECT  CHOICES  FOR  2013      

In  the  light  of  preferences  expressed  in  December  2012  by  current  pupils   in  Year  11  and  potential  entrants  to  the  Sixth  Form,  the  Blocks  have  now  been  established  as  follows:  

   

 Block  A  

 

 Block  B  

 Block  C  

 Block  D  

 Block  E  

Further  Maths   English  Literature   Biology   Geography   English  

Maths   Economics   French   Physics   DT  

History   Photography   Classics   RS   Spanish  

Drama   Chemistry   Art   Business  Studies   Maths  

Psychology     Music     ESL  

    PE      

    ESL      

   Please  enter  on  the  enclosed  form  your  choice  of  1  subject  from  a  maximum  of  4  of  the  option  blocks.  

 Please  note:    

• Further  Mathematics  includes  Mathematics;  • AS  Critical  Thinking  is  a  compulsory  part  of  the  Sixth  Form  curriculum  for  most  pupils;  • ESL  pupils  will  study  ESL  as  an  additional  subject.  

   

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ENTERING  THE  SIXTH  FORM    

AS  SUBJECT  CHOICES  FOR  2013      

Candidate  Name:    ……………………………………………………………………………..      Candidate’s  signature:    ………………………………………………..……………………..      Parent’s  signature:    .……………………………………………………….…………………..      Tutor’s  signature  (internal  candidates  only):    …….…………………………………..….        I  have  chosen  1  subject  from  a  maximum  of  4  of  the  option  blocks  and  my  choices  are:        

 Block  A  

 

 Block  B  

 Block  C  

 Block  D  

 Block  E  

     

       

 Please  make  every  effort  to  ensure  that  these  are  your  final  choices.  

   For  internal  candidates,  please  return  this  form  to:    Mr  J  B  Morley,  Deputy  Head  Academic,  Monkton  Combe  School,  Monkton  Combe,  Bath  BA2  7HG    For  external  candidates,  please  return  this  form  to:    Mrs  I  Hartnell,  Registrar,  Monkton  Combe  School,  Monkton  Combe,  Bath  BA2  7HG    

 Please  return  this  form  as  soon  as  possible  –  by  Monday  18th  February  latest