make the grade! - sandwell college · sixth form for the west midlands make the grade! ... if you...

An AspirAtionAl sixth form for the

West miDlAnDs

Make the Grade!

RATED GOOD BY ofsted

Choose CentrAl sixth for your future

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CentrAl sixth WEST BROMWICHAn AspirAtionAl sixth form FOR THE WEST MIDLANDSif you want A level results that will get you into a good university course and the career of your choice, start by choosing Central sixth for your sixth form experience.Our objective is simple: to enable the sixteen year-olds of today to become the actors, lawyers, politicians, doctors, nurses, vets, teachers, personnel managers, stage designers, accountants, chemists, writers and IT consultants of the future. Central Sixth has moved into the iconic building which formerly housed The Public arts centre. The stunning transformation is now complete, creating an inspirational learning environment.

open eventsThe best way of discovering more about us is to come to one of our open events. There, you will be able to talk to our senior staff about whether A Levels are the right choice for you, and you can find out which subjects are the best mix for your future aims. You can also meet the lecturers for your preferred subjects and ask about what each course involves.

thursday 15th october 5pm – 8pm Sixth Form onlythursday 19th november 5pm – 8pm thursday 14th January 5pm – 8pm thursday 21st April 5pm – 8pm thursday 23rd June 5pm – 8pm saturday 25th June 10am – 2pm *Dates and times may be subject to change. Please check our website for the latest details.

please be aware: we received over 1,500 applications for Central Sixth last year for 300 places. Whilst we intend to expand this highly successful sixth form, we will only accept students who meet our entry standards and we shall offer places first-come-first-served.

College, pArents AnD stuDents in pArtnershipStudents do well when there is a close and supportive relationship between the students, tutors and the parents. We believe that successful students need to have stretching targets that will maximise their potential.Our experienced staff, many of them examiners for A Level awarding bodies, have high expectations for our students. They will:

■ set targets for students that will stretch them ■ ensure that students develop high aspirations ■ rigorously monitor the progress of every student ■ provide detailed progress reports to parents ■ provide strong tutorial and pastoral support

You only have one chance to get a good A Level education; choose a college where you will be pushed to succeed!

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WELCOMEWelcome to sandwell College, one of the newest further education colleges in the uK. it’s an honour and privilege for me to have been appointed to lead the college in its next phase of development in such a magnificent learning environment.We have fantastic resources second to none and our students speak with real passion about the college. We can help you achieve your goals and take your next step, whether that be further progression with us, Higher Education, or employment and training.

Our objective is to give young people the best possible transition from school to college and get them into top universities and careers. Our staff and governors are very proud of our students’ success with their A Levels. The success is a growing sign of improving standards in the borough and that young people have access to high quality education in local schools and colleges without the need to travel out of the area.We can offer you first class guidance and support and we will do everything we possibly can to help you succeed, driving innovation and quality forward.I hope you will join us on our journey to making Sandwell College truly outstanding.

graham penningtonPrincipal, Sandwell College

Welcome to Central sixth where aspiration meets inspiration. Central sixth is the A level centre for sandwell College. With our home in an iconic, dedicated sixth form centre in the centre of West Bromwich, Central sixth offers high quality and inspirational education to the students of the region.Central Sixth combines an adult ethos with a safe and supportive environment. We help students every step of the way to make the transition from school to university and employment. The students who join us are ambitious to do well and we work with them to ensure that they meet their full potential.

A Levels are challenging and stretching qualifications and they require hard work and dedication. With the help of our team of specialist A Level lecturers we work with young people and their parents to bring out the best from our students. All the staff are experienced and dedicated A Level lecturers with a track record of getting good results.We are rightly proud of our results. This year we had a 100% pass rate in 20 different subjects and 99% of our students successfully passed their A Levels, with many achieving top grades. The number of our students successfully progressing to university was way above the national average at 91%.Choose Central Sixth as your next step on the ladder to success.

Dr. matt lambDirector of Central Sixth

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91% of our students got straight into university

you will be taught by a team of dedicated A level lecturers who are highly experienced, highly qualified and approachable. All of our teaching staff are A level specialists with a track record of success and most are experienced examiners.

We will give you impartial advice on which A Levels are the right choice for you and what subjects to take for university entrance and the best career prospects.

you’ll study in an outstanding building with state-of-the-art facilities. We attract students from right across Birmingham and the Black Country.

You will be studying with like-minded people who want to succeed in their studies and get on in life.

Central sixth is run separately from the rest of sandwell College, so that our students will enjoy a distinctive sixth form experience.

We offer a very wide range of different academic subjects, all on one site. The choice is yours.

our students are treated like adults. this isn’t a school sixth form but a college sixth form, where we help you to develop confidence, independence and responsibility.

You will be supported every step of the way by a personal tutor who will make sure you are achieving your goals.

Central sixth has an extensive Advice and guidance team to help you with university and career choices as well as with study and personal support.

We will provide additional support for students who are considering universities such as Oxford, Cambridge or the Russell Group, or challenging careers such as medicine, dentistry, law and veterinary science.

top 10 reAsonsto Come to CentrAl sixth

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WHY CHOOSE CentrAl sixth? rivalling any other sixth form centre in the region and the whole of the uK, Central sixth has cutting edge seminar and breakout learning environments, unique creative art spaces, specialist science labs and state-of-the-art it suites with an open plan it learning hub and touchscreen technology.This year’s phenomenal set of A Level results saw star performing students score a 100% pass rate in 20 different subjects and a 99% pass rate overall. Pass rates were above the national average in 20 subjects including maths, English, chemistry, physics and biology. Just over 90% of our students got university places, and are now studying Medicine at Birmingham, Pharmacy at Nottingham, Mechanical Engineering at Aston, Law at Keele and Aerospace Systems Engineering at Coventry, as well as Sound Engineering, Television Production and Fine Art.

ALL ABOUT A levels A levels are academic qualifications that are recognised by employers and universities in the uK and throughout the world. Whether you want to go to university or you hope to go straight into a career such as Accountancy, A levels are for you.One advantage of A Levels is that you can combine a range of different subjects rather than focus on just one. So, you could study Film Studies and Drama and Theatre Studies alongside English Language and Psychology; or you could study History and Art alongside Law and Environmental Studies; the choices are almost endless.If you haven’t studied a subject before, it doesn’t mean that you cannot do so at A Level. All students are admitted to college on probation, which means you can change subjects in the first few weeks. We want you to be doing the subjects that you enjoy.

hoW Are they orgAniseD? A Levels are two-year qualifications. In the first year, students take AS Levels, usually studying three subjects. In certain circumstances students can take four subjects.In the second year students take either three or four A2 Levels. Our most notable students will be given the opportunity to increase their chances of getting into top universities by completing the Extended Project which is worth 70 UCAS points.

WhAt grADes Do i neeD to get in? To study A Levels, students must have a minimum of five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. We will count Level 2 BTEC Diplomas towards this total but only merits and distinctions will be counted and each diploma will count as one GCSE. Most subjects have specific additional entry requirements.‘Academic subjects’ exclude short courses, Childcare, PE, CDT, Resistant Materials, Home Economics, Leisure and Tourism, Drama, Graphics, Textiles, Level Two Diplomas below merit.

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ALL THE HELP YOU’LL NEED TO suCCeeDWe will support you every step of the way through your A level journey. Central sixth will arrange visits to local universities as well as providing detailed advice as to degree choices, universities, the uCAs (university and College Admissions service) application process and how to get into the institution of your choice.We offer additional support and guidance for those students seeking entry to competitive courses at prestigious universities, including advice on personal statements, help on entrance exams for subjects such as Law and Medicine and coaching on interview techniques.

HOW WILL I BE supporteD?you will be taught by a team of experienced and professional lecturers who are passionate about their subjects and equally passionate about using exciting and innovative ways of communicating the subject to their students.You will also have a personal tutor who is there to provide you with advice, guidance and encouragement and to help you stay on track with your studies. As part of a comprehensive induction all students are set target grades according to their GCSE profile, but are also encouraged to set their own stretching ‘aspirational’ targets setting out what they want to achieve. If we ever feel that you need extra help, this will be provided.We are also very keen to involve parents and guardians in the education of their children. We positively welcome parents who take an active interest in their sons’ and daughters’ progress and we offer regular parents’ evenings to keep them informed.

WHAT CAN I DO After A levels?most students go on to university after completing their A levels. however, it is not the only route. other students go straight into employment, take up an apprenticeship or take a gap year as they plan their next move.

HOW TO get hereWe’re right next to West Bromwich bus station and metro station, and clearly visible from the m5. Birmingham city centre, Dudley, harborne and great Barr are all only four miles away. Direct bus routes to Central Sixth:4, 4H, 4M, 5, 19, 30, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 47A, 48, 49, 53, 54, 54A, 64, 66, 74, 74A, 75, 75E, 79, 80, 83, 121, 129, 226W, 289.

Free bus travel for EVERY full-time 16-18 year-old student*Financial support and Free meals for Disadvantaged StudentsFree and subsidised activities, trips and social events.*See website for conditions and details.

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WE TREAT YOU As An ADultyou’ll find that Central sixth is quite different from school. We’ll treat you as an adult and work alongside you to help you get the grades you deserve. We’ll observe your progress and ask your parents along at regular intervals to let them know how you’re getting on. We have the right balance of academic study and enrichment activities to ensure you get the best results possible and have fun along the way.

GET involveDfor when you’re not studying we offer a whole range of enrichment activities which are not only good fun but help you make friends, develop new skills and add to your Cv and university applications. there are trips and visits to bring your studies to life, and you can get involved in sport, the Duke of edinburgh award scheme, debating and many other activities.On top of everything you’ll get from the Central Sixth campus, you will also benefit from Sandwell College’s amazing facilities at the £77 million Central Campus. You’ll have access to the four-court sports hall and be able to work out in the fitness suite. You can also take advantage of our special offers on manicures, nail art and hair colours and treatments at the college’s Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon.All students at Central Sixth are automatically members of the Students’ Union. Members can obtain an NUS Extra card which entitles you to discounts at many shops and online outlets. New Square opened last year right next to Central Sixth, featuring big high street names River Island, H&M, Nando’s, Subway and a five-screen Odeon Cinema. There is even more shopping available at Queens Square – which has just undergone a multi-million pound transformation – the nearby Kings Square and Astle Park. A brand new £12 million leisure centre boasting a 25-metre six-lane pool has opened and there are plans for an ice rink on the multi storey car park site.

stuDent governors AnD surveysAs a student at Central Sixth, you have an opportunity every year to tell us what you think about your course and the College, so that we can keep improving. You could stand for election to the Board of Governors, and represent our students, right at the top of the organisation.

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MEET THE tutorsDr. matt lambDirector of Central Sixth and Lecturer in PoliticsDr. Matt Lamb has been successfully managing A Level provision for more than 10 years. He has taught A Level Politics for over 15 years achieving consistently excellent results. Matt was educated at universities in Bristol, Birmingham, London, Worcester and Oxford and has a BA (Hons) in Politics and History, a Masters Degree in International Relations, a Masters Degree in History, an MBA, a PhD in Political Science, a Postgraduate Certificate in History and a PGCE. Matt has taught in colleges and universities, is a senior examiner for Edexcel and has practical experience of politics as a local councillor and cabinet member.

Dr. David Craik A Level Studies Team Leader and Lecturer in History and SociologyDr. David Craik leads the pastoral care and tutorial programme for our A Level students and is an experienced lecturer in History, Politics and Sociology with a track record of inspirational teaching. David has a very firm commitment to the values of A Level teaching in colleges and to excellent standards of teaching, and driving students towards their potential, regardless of their backgrounds. He has a degree in Politics and History, a Masters Degree in American Politics and History, a PhD in American Political History and a PGCE. David is an experienced examiner and is also known as a BBC broadcaster on politics and current affairs.

gill Kendrick A2 Team Leader and A Level English Subject LeaderSince completing her degree at Worcester University Gill Kendrick has taught English in High Schools and Sixth Forms within Herefordshire and Worcestershire. She has particularly specialised in the delivery of AS and A Level English courses during the past 20 years and has a reputation for enabling learners to achieve to the very best of their ability. Gill is an examiner for WJEC.

muhammad Javed Lecturer in Biology and ChemistryMuhammad Javed has a Masters Honours Degree in Bio Science, an MBA and PGCE in Science. He was educated at Nottingham, Preston and Birmingham universities. Muhammad has over 10 years’ teaching experience of Biology and Chemistry to A Level students having success in developing creative teaching strategies to achieve target grade levels on state-wide exams. He also has nine years’ industrial experience in Agro-chemicals Industry and Food Industry. Muhammad is also a STEM Ambassador to create opportunities to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through a variety of activities such as clubs, careers talks, helping with school events, lessons and competitions, and much more.

paul healy Lecturer in Media Studies, Film Studies and Drama and Theatre StudiesPaul Healy has been successfully teaching at A Level standard and higher for over 20 years. He trained specifically for further education and has a BA in English and Philosophy, and a Masters Degree in Performing Arts. He has been a member of the AQA senior examining team for over 10 years and helped to develop the current specification.

michaël lacoult Lecturer in FrenchMichaël Lacoult has been successfully teaching A Level French to young people and adults for over 10 years in Worcestershire, Solihull and Staffordshire. He graduated from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne in France and worked for two years as a research and development engineer in the West Midlands and internationally, making good use of his language skills. He then completed a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at the University of Birmingham. As well as lecturing French at Sandwell College, he is Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s Sixth Form.

sonia Jassal Lecturer in Business StudiesSonia Jassal was educated at Birmingham City University and achieved a BA (Hons) degree in Business and Finance. She successfully completed a Graduate Training Programme (GTP) in Education from the University of Birmingham, and has specialised in the delivery of A2/AS A Level, BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies courses. During the past eight years she has built a reputation for enabling learners to achieve to the very best of their ability. She has taught in schools in Wolverhampton and Halesowen. Sonia has also been an examiner for Edexcel exam board for the past eight years and has excellent awareness of assessment and examining procedures.

navjot Kaur Lecturer in Psychology, Sociology and Health and Social CareNavjot Kaur has taught A Level Sociology and Psychology for the past five years achieving consistently excellent results in this short period. Navjot was educated at the University of Wolverhampton and has a BA (Hons) degree in Sociology and a PGCE (M) PCE which allowed her to complete her Masters too. Navjot is an examiner for the AQA board for Sociology and has excellent understanding of assessment and examining procedures. Navjot has links with the University of Wolverhampton who provide taster university days in her specialist subjects. She also has strong links with various charities who allow students to be involved in research, visits or have specialist talks and debates within the college. Navjot has links with Wolverhampton Crown Court; visits and court sittings are regularly arranged to aid practical studies of crime and deviance in both Sociology and Psychology.

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pinkeyben patel Lecturer in LawPinkeyben Patel has a LLB (Hons) Law degree from the University of Leicester and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice attained at the College of Law in Birmingham. Using her experience of working within the legal sector, Pinkeyben has taught across the AS and A2 Level Law courses and also teaches English to Speakers of Other Languages. With a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Wolverhampton she has been awarded Qualified Teacher Learning Skills Status from the Institute for Learning, and is an AQA examiner.

Dermot shaughnessy Lecturer in AccountingDermot Shaughnessy has almost 25 years’ experience teaching Accounting and Finance. Teaching primarily at A Level but also on HNC/HND Business and Finance programmes Dermot has an established record of achieving excellent results. He has also taught Accounting modules on first year degree business degree courses and on Access to HE programmes. Dermot has an honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, a PGCE from the University of Wolverhampton and a Diploma in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Birmingham. Dermot has also worked closely with new lecturers providing support for graduate trainee teachers of A Level Accounts.

Krystina forder Lecturer in Art and DesignKrystina Forder has a BA (Hons) degree in Ceramics from the University of Wolverhampton and a PGCE in Art and Design from Birmingham City University. As former Head of Art at The Grange School, Stourbridge, and Willingsworth High School, she has considerable experience of successfully planning and delivering Art and Design courses such as GCSE Art and Design, Applied Vocational Art and Design, BTEC Level 2 & Level 3 Art and Design, IB Art and Design and AS & A2 Art and Design. Krystina has enjoyed an excellent track record of examination success with her students during her teaching career with many past pupils going on to degree courses in Art and Design and then into Art-based careers such as Fashion Design and Silver Jewellery Design and Production.

parvinder Kaur Lecturer in Information, Communication and Technology – ICTParvinder Kaur has been teaching ICT for the past eight years, coordinating and building upon the new AS and A Level curriculum. She has experience in all exam boards since 2007, including her most recent A Level results in the AQA exams at 100% pass rate. Educated at Newman University, Parvinder has a BA (Joint Honours) in ICT and Education Studies, a PGCE in Secondary ICT and a Masters Degree in ICT and Education Studies from the University of Leeds. Parvinder also has over 10 years’ experience in education, teaching at local community centres in and around the Birmingham area.

Desmond rakhaly Lecturer in Religious Education and PhilosophyDesmond Rakhaly has been a successful lecturer, teaching a wide range of humanities-based subjects such as Sociology, Philosophy, Religious Education and Twentieth Century History, with good results. He was educated at the University of Wolverhampton and has a BA (Hons) degree in Sociology and Philosophy and also has a PGCE in Further and Higher Education. Desmond has gained extensive teaching experience in both secondary and further education over the course of 10 years and was an AQA Sociology examiner. He is a member of the British Philosophical Association.

Keith norfolk Lecturer in Physics and MathematicsKeith graduated in Physics from the University of York and later took a PGCE and an MBA at the University of Warwick. He also holds qualifications in astronomy and cosmology. Over the last 25 years, Keith has split his career between teaching, educational outreach and developing educational resources. During this time he has worked for the European Space Agency and studied particle physics at CERN in Geneva, home of the Large Hadron Collider. He also has a long history of teaching GCSE Astronomy. When not in the lecture room, Keith can often be found on the amateur stage, performing works varying from Shakespeare to Alan Bennett, via the musicals of Stephen Sondheim.

Zoe lewis Lecturer in Psychology, Health and Social Care and SociologyZoe Lewis has been successfully teaching Social Science subjects to young people and adults for over 15 years. She trained specifically for Further and Higher Education and has gained a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Sociology, a PGCE and a Masters Degree in Education Management. She is also an examiner and coursework moderator for Edexcel Health and Social Care and has an excellent understanding of assessment and examining procedures.

tom Callen Lecturer in Politics, History and SociologyTom Callen graduated from the University of East Anglia with a BA (Hons) in Politics and later went on to obtain an MA in political science from the University of Birmingham. He gained his DTLLS from the University of Warwick before starting his teaching in Worcester College of Technology. Experienced at AS, A2 and Access courses, he has taught Politics, History and Sociology at these levels with excellent results, helping students to gain the qualifications they need to go to university. He also has a keen interest in philosophy, security studies and the history of warfare, as well as a more general interest in both modern and pre-modern history. He is also an examiner for Edexcel.

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helen White Lecturer in Drama and Theatre StudiesHelen White has been teaching Drama to young people and adults for over 15 years within schools, colleges and the wider community. She has a BA (Hons) degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in Creative Arts with specialism in Drama and a PGCE in Drama from Birmingham City University. She has successfully taught Drama in secondary schools in the West Midlands, being Head of Drama for a number of years. For the past five years she has specialised in teaching at post-16 level, with consistently high results from A Level Drama and Theatre Studies (both AQA & Edexcel specifications) and Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts. Helen has also been a senior examiner for Edexcel for the past nine years, examining the group performance pieces and individual monologues, giving her an excellent understanding of the assessment criteria for the course.

susan hobster Lecturer in SociologySusan Hobster has a degree in Sociology from the University of Leicester and an MA in Cultural Studies and a PGCE in Social Science, both from Keele University. She has specialised in teaching Sociology at A Level for over 20 years, mainly in Sixth Form Colleges. Susan has wide experience in Sixth Form and was Head of a large Sociology department for almost 10 years. She has also mentored Associate Teachers from Keele for most of her time as a teacher. Susan has examined and moderated Sociology for AQA for 20 years.

Chantelle mcKen Lecturer in Business and EconomicsChantelle McKen studied at the University of Wolverhampton and achieved a BA (Hons) degree in Business Management. She has taught A Level Business Studies and Economics in schools and colleges in the West Midlands area and Liverpool. She has direct links to the University of Wolverhampton as a recent Senior Support Ambassador for students. She has also achieved her PGCE in Post Compulsory Education qualifying her as a Lecturer.

helen Barker Lecturer in EnglishHelen Barker has been teaching English to young people and adults in the West Midlands since 1988. She has also taught at the University of Wolverhampton and De Montfort University. She has a BA (Hons) in English and Politics from the University of Liverpool and a PGCE for Further and Higher Education from the CNAA. Working for AQA, she has been an A Level examiner since 1992, an A2 moderator and subject adviser since 2009, and a GCSE exam team leader since 1997.

Azeem mohammed Lecturer in GeographyAzeem Mohammed is a talented individual who has achieved highly throughout his career and has had a passion for Geography from an early age. He studied Geography and Archeology at the University of Nottingham and later went on to complete his PGCE at the same institution. Azeem brings 12 years of teaching experience at secondary school level, teaching students in Year 7 through to Year 13. Of these, six years have been spent working hard as an inspirational Head of Department, and over the last four years Azeem has been an examiner for the AQA examination board. Azeem has a passion for mountain-climbing, conquering several challenging mountains including Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mt Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo and Mt Toubkal in Morocco.

paul ferguson Lecturer in ChemistryPaul Ferguson graduated from the University of Hull with a BSc in Chemistry and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Paul has 28 years’ experience both as a lecturer and as an examiner and has a track record of achieving excellent results. Paul has huge experience of teaching and assessment including A Level Chemistry, A Level Environmental Science, BTEC National Diploma Science and NVQ laboratory operations in science-based industries.

Kalbinder Berrick Lecturer in PsychologyKalbinder Berrick graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Psychology from the University of Reading. She attended the University of Wales College in Newport for her PGCE. She has been teaching for 14 years, and her teaching career has involved lecturing Psychology to A Level students and teaching Health and Social Care to Level 3 students. She has extensive experience in lecturing and her roles have embraced those of Head of Psychology and also managing Health and Social Care. Kalbinder has a wealth of knowledge in Educational Practice. As part of her degree in Psychology she specialised in both Clinical and Social Psychology and would consider herself a Social and Humanistic Psychologist. Kalbinder is an Associate Examiner for Edexcel and she has experience in marking all Psychology A Level units.

David muritu Lecturer in MathsDavid Muritu graduated in Astrophysics from University College London. He has taught A Level Maths in Further Education for over 20 years. Having been a subject learning coach he has developed and used innovative teaching and learning techniques to deliver the subject to 16-19 year-olds and adults. David is a keen sportsman; he captained the London University Hockey team and represented Essex County Cricket Club 2nd XI and Middlesex County Cricket Club at Under 25 level.

It’s a fantastically designed building and a really great learning environment.

Jack Brooks – Chemistry, Economics & History

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WHAT SUBJECTS shoulD i Choose?it is absolutely critical that you choose the right combination of A level subjects for whatyou might want to do when you are 18. talk to us, and we will give you expert advice onwhat to apply for.All students receive an individual interview which parents are encouraged to attend. This will enableus to discuss with you your choice of subjects and the combination which will suit your interests andmatch your career goals.You should choose subjects that you enjoy or which are aimed towards a particular career.In order to help students choose subjects we have set out various ‘pathways’ which set outsubject combinations which are useful for particular careers:

■ medicine, veterinary or Dentistry pathway: Chemistry, Maths, Biology or Psychology. ■ law and Criminology pathway: Law, History, Politics or Sociology. ■ Business and Accountancy pathway: Business, Economics, Law or Accounting. ■ Journalism pathway: English Language, Film Studies, Philosophy Studies or English Literature. ■ teaching and social Work pathway: History, Sociology, Psychology or Health and Social Care. ■ expressive Arts pathway: Art, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies or English Literature. ■ engineering pathway: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, ICT or Chemistry.

At college you will also have the opportunity to study subjects (such as Law, Psychology, FilmStudies and Politics) which you may have not been able to do before. The important thing isto talk to the subject lecturers to discuss whether these new subjects are right for you.We want to make sure that you are doing subjects you enjoy and which will enable you to getinto the university of your choice and get that dream job. Therefore, students are free, in thefirst few weeks of the course, to change subjects if they want to.

if you do not have gCse maths you will be expected to study this in your first year.

We’re incredibly proud of all our students have achieved. Our A Level provision is

going from strength to strength.Sandwell College Principal,

Graham Pennington

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CENTRAL SIXTH A level suBJeCt griD, 2015-16students would usually study three As levels in their first year. Choose one subject from up to three columns.

As levels 1 2 3 4 5 6

english, film,media,Art & modernlanguages

EnglishLanguage

FilmStudies

French

Art

EnglishLanguage& Literature

MediaStudies

EnglishLiterature

Drama & Theatre

EnglishLanguage& Literature

sciences Chemistry Biology Physics Chemistry Biology

history,politics,geography,religiousstudies &sociology

History

ReligiousStudies

Sociology History Politics

Sociology

Geography Sociology

psychologyand health& social Care

Psychology Health &Social Care

Psychology Health &Social Care

Psychology Psychology

Businessstudies, law,Accounting &economics

Business Law Economics Accounting Business Law

mathematics& iCt

Maths(Mechanics)

ICT

Maths(Statistics)

ICT Maths(Statistics)

© Abby Hartill

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Who is this Course for? Put simply, Accounting is for people who are interested in a career in financial management or business management. Even the very best of business ideas will not get off the ground without sound financial management. Accounting is about the way in which organisations measure, record and present information about the financial affairs of the business; in other words it is about helping to ensure there is sound financial management. One of the most important aspects of accounting is about making sure the financial records are accurate. However, it is just as important that the information taken from the records is used in the right way. It is, therefore, part of the job of the accountants in the business to give advice on how to use financial information in a meaningful way.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. We will count Level 2 BTEC Diplomas towards this total, but only merits and distinctions will be counted and each diploma will count as one GCSE.

Additionally, you will need GCSE Maths at B grade or above.

WhAt Does the Course involve? In the first year, the AS Level Accounting course looks at the nuts and bolts of accounting to develop a good understanding of the role and purpose of accounting and also to demonstrate why good accounting is essential to good business. You will learn double entry bookkeeping and build on those foundations to cover aspects essential to good accounting practice. The first year is split into two units ‘Introduction to Financial Accounting’ and ‘Financial and Management Accounting’.

The second year of the course builds on the AS Level and is also divided into two units, again covering the two main areas of accounting – financial accounting and management accounting – but to a greater depth.

Financial accounting focuses on how to calculate whether the business has made a profit or a loss. This helps investors make choices about which companies to invest in. Management accounting looks more at what is likely to happen to the finances of the business in the future, and helps the managers in the business make decisions.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A Level Accounting are assessed through a series of written examinations. There is no course work involved in the subjects. You take one exam for each of the units; so that’s two for the AS Level and a total of four for the full A Level. Any of the units can be retaken if you don’t do as well as you had hoped. The examinations are a mixture of numerical and discussion based questions.

Where CAn i go next? Most A Level students go on to study at university. Students who have studied Accounting often follow the subject at degree level or study for a related subject such as Business, Law and Mathematics. Many students opt to go straight into further accounting training via one of the professional accounting bodies, CIMA or ACCA.

The study of accounting is useful in a wide range of business related or other organisational careers such as charities. The course also offers a foundation for further study and a career in accountancy via one of the professional accounting bodies.

ACCounting(AQA)

Make the Grade!

Who is this Course for? Art and Design A Level is for people who enjoy creating works of art and have a talent for doing so. The syllabus is very broad, which enables students to focus on virtually any aspect of Art including painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, graphics and alternative media. Students will be required to work in one or more of the disciplines. Any combination of disciplines is permitted.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs at A*- C in academic subjects including GCSE English at C or above. We would also expect a student to have GCSE Art at C or above or Level 2 BTEC Art and Design at Merit or above. If you do not have a GCSE or BTEC in Art, you will need to show a portfolio of work to the course leader.

Students must have a D grade at AS Level in order to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Work produced for this qualification will demonstrate the use and development of formal elements through drawing and other creative skills, and give visual form to individual thoughts, feelings, observations and ideas. Students will show evidence of trying to explore and extend their own and others’ ways of seeing the world. They will use the visual language of the subject sensitively and thoughtfully to support their intentions.

The first year (AS Level) is divided into two units. In September the first unit’s theme is chosen by the student and work begins. The second unit is set by the examining body (AQA) and starts in early February.

Students gather mainly visual resources, and are shown how to create art and develop responses to those visual resources as well as how to criticise their own work. Students will create a sketchbook or portfolio of mainly practical artwork, plus an A4 sketchbook for each unit.

In the second year (A Level) the course is again divided into two units; the first includes an illustrated essay of a minimum of 1,000 words, about an artist or art movement of the student’s choice which has influenced their Personal Study. As in the first year, students are encouraged to develop their imagination, artistic and investigative skills as well as their ability to critique their own work so as to develop their ideas more effectively.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? As: In May there will be a 10-hour exam, split into segments, the first of which will be a minimum of three hours’ duration. During this 10-hour block of time, you will produce a Final Piece derived from the work you created as preparation for the second unit. 90% of the work is practical. Everything the student makes during the year is assessed.

A2: In May there will be a 15-hour ‘exam’ split into five, three-hour segments. All the work produced during the year is assessed, including the piece(s) produced during the exam.

Students going on to do the full A Level in this subject will have their final grade based on the assessment of their work at the end of the two year course, which no longer includes the grade obtained for their AS.

Where CAn i go next? Most A Level students go on to study at university. Students who wish to pursue art as part of a career path will usually continue to a one year Foundation course in Art followed by a degree in a particular field such as: Fine Art (painting, print, sculpture, video), Photography, Fashion and/ or Textiles, Graphic and Media Design, Product Design, Ceramics.

Art can be useful to whole series of different careers including artist, product design, graphic design, design, illustration, TV advertising and website design.

Art AnD Design (AQA)

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Who is this Course for? Biology is a vital subject for anyone who is thinking of working in health care, pharmaceuticals, the food industry, environmental science and a wide range of other careers. Biology is the science of life. Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either. The human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya 30 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues.

formAl entry requirements You would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including English and Maths. In order to do Biology you must have either a Grade B in Biology and in Chemistry or BB in Double Science. You must also have an average of five B grades (30 points) in your best five academic subjects.

In order to progress from AS to A2 you will need to have a D grade at AS.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Biology A Level is split into six modules: Modules 1 to 4 constitute the stand-alone AS Level qualification; Modules 1 to 6, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A Level.

The modules can be summarised as:

1. Development of practical skills in biology

2. foundations in biology

3. exchange and transport

4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease

5. Communications, homeostasis and energy

6. genetics, evolution and ecosystems

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A Level Biology are assessed through a series of written examinations. There is no course work involved.

As level: AS Papers 1 and 2 can assess any content from Modules 1 to 4

A level: A Level Paper 1 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5

A Level Paper 2 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

A Level Paper 3 assesses the content from Modules 1 to 6.

Where CAn i go next? The study of biology is useful in a wide range of careers such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, biomedical science, biological sciences, marine biology, nutrition, chiropractic, physiotherapy and many more.

Biology(OCR)

Make the Grade!

17

Who is this Course for? Whether you wish to work in a large organisation or you have ambitions of starting your own business, Business Studies gives you an understanding of how business works. In Business Studies A Level, we investigate how organisations provide the goods and services that customers will use. This will involve studying firms and the environment in which they operate. We will look at how firms are affected by Government policy, overseas trade, other firms and the customers they compete for. What makes some firms successful and others failures?

formAl entry requirements All students studying A Levels must have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including GCSE English Language at C or above. In order to study Business you would also need GCSE Maths at C or above.

In order to progress from AS to A2 you will need a D grade at AS Level.

WhAt Does the Course involve? While drawing on real world examples, we will cover areas including:

year one, unit 1: Starting a Business – Exam 1 hour 15 mins What does it take to start a business, what sort of problems might you face?

year one, unit 2: Managing a Business – Exam 1 hour 30 mins Introduction to employing people, managing cash, doing budgets and marketing the business.

year two, unit 3: Successful Business Strategies – Exam 1 hour 45 mins How marketing, finance, operations and human resources can be used to improve a business.

year two, unit 4: Managing Change – Exam 1 hour 45 mins The importance of responding to competition, trends and the economy and the need to understand leadership and culture.

Studying Business Studies will help you understand more about the world in which we work and give you a greater insight into the everyday events that we see on the news and read about in the press. It will help you develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants. You will also develop an awareness of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals. Studying business will involve examining the operation of real life businesses, case studies, discussion of issues and internet based activities.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? AS and A Level Business Studies will be assessed through a series of examinations in the first and second year of the course. There is also a business case study, which requires you to apply business skills to a real life example. There is a pre-released theme for UNIT 4, such as business culture or the EU or China. The exam question will have general questions, eg ‘Why is business leadership important?’, but the student will be expected to make reference to the theme, having researched it during the year.

Where CAn i go next? Business Studies is a good preparation for careers in Accountancy, Management, Journalism, Marketing, Politics, Teaching/Lecturing, Retailing, Local Government, and any other career that requires a non specific degree.

Business stuDies(AQA)

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Who is this Course for? Chemistry is a critical A Level if you’re considering medicine, veterinary work or dentistry at university. It provides the basis for a whole host of different careers – whether designing chemical reactors for industry, working to protect the environment or developing new medicines and materials – a strong chemistry background is vital. Chemistry is a popular science and we have excellent laboratory facilities. The facilities allow the students a wide variety of learning activities including formal lectures, practical sessions and group work.

formAl entry requirements To study Chemistry you will need five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including GCSE Double Science at BB or above or GCSE Chemistry at B or above and GCSE Maths at C or above, plus an average of five B grades for your best five subjects.

In order to progress to A2 students will need a D grade at AS Level.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Year 1 has four modules of study:

module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistrymodule 2 – Foundations in chemistry including atomic structure and bondingmodule 3 – Periodic table and energy including elements of group 2 and group 7module 4 – Core organic chemistry.

Year 2 has six modules of study:

module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistrymodule 2 – Foundations in chemistry including atomic structure and bondingmodule 3 – Periodic table and energy including elements of group 2 and group 7module 4 – Core organic chemistrymodule 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements including rates of reaction and equilibriummodule 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis including spectroscopy.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? A Level Chemistry is assessed through a series of written examinations, which can cover content from several or all modules studied. Practical skills are not examined but activities carried out during the year are endorsed by the examining board through the college.

Where CAn i go next? Most A Level students who have studied Chemistry go on to university to study a wide range of courses such as veterinary science, biomedical sciences, physics, analytical chemistry and marine anthropology.

The skills you acquire as a chemist are useful in a wide range of careers. Apart from working in laboratory research and development, chemists are frequently employed in the financial sector, manufacturing industry, teaching and the law.

Chemistry(OCR)

Make the Grade!

19

Who is this Course for? How does an actor play and breathe life into his role? How does a director give life to the ideas in the play? How do you interpret a plain script into a stunning visual performance? If you’d like to learn how to do all of the above and more, this A Level is for you. You will be shown the wonderful diversity in theatre and will learn to analyse, interpret and create imaginative, stylish and effective theatre, while increasingly becoming a competent theatre practitioner. You will explore both the practical and theoretical aspects of Drama and Theatre Studies, including theatre text in performance, theatre text in context and dramatic performance.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C including GCSE English Language at C or above. GCSE Drama, Dance or Expressive Arts would be an obvious advantage. All applicants would need to pass an audition.

Students would need to achieve a D at AS in order to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or production role. You will also be required to write about drama and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights.

You will have the opportunity to take part in theatre visits and workshops by visiting professionals. You will also have opportunities to perform in the state-of-the-art drama facilities at the college including our new theatre.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? The AS year is essentially about taking a play from the page to performance.

You will begin by exploring two contrasting plays and learning about one recognised theatre practitioner. The approach is mostly practical with a high level of analysis. Through written and practical coursework assessment, you will demonstrate your understanding, practical skills and ideas. We will also visit the theatre to review plays, and here you will learn to critique all aspects of the production.

At the beginning of the A2 year, you will embark on an exciting project where you will draw on all of your experience, research and ideas to develop an original piece of theatre. You will be assessed on your rehearsal process, your performance and on a detailed written evaluation.

For your written exam, you have the wonderful opportunity to explore a play from the point of view of a director. You will develop your own production ideas. Within the bounds of relevance, you are free to be as imaginative and daring as you wish. You will also write a critique of an historic play you have seen, drawing comparisons with the play’s original performance context.

Where CAn i go next? The majority of A Level students go on to university. Some students study a combined degree in English and Drama. Other students choose specialist degrees in Performing Arts/Creative Arts, or go on to accredited Drama schools for intensive practical training.

There is an increased awareness in Universities and in the general workplace of the many positive attributes a Drama and Theatre Studies qualification has, not only in the industry itself, but in terms of the many transferable skills this qualification offers. Some students go on to teach English and Drama. Some become performers or technical practitioners themselves and some even set up their own theatre companies. Others simply use the skills and qualities they have learnt and developed on the course to help them progress along another career path.

DrAmA AnD theAtre stuDies (Edexcel)

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Who is this Course for? If you are interested in world events and your environment you will find Economics an interesting and useful subject and the topics covered in class will provide you with a greater insight into current affairs and economic issues. Economics is the study of how economies work and why they sometimes fail to work effectively. Among the areas of study are: the function of markets, competition and monopolies, why size matters, why some economies grow and others are stuck in poverty, how the British Economy works and how and why the government influences it, what determines the level of wages, why women earn less than men, pollution and the destruction of the environment, why unemployment still occurs, the benefits of international trade and Globalisation, the Single European Currency and the European Union.

formAl entry requirements All A Level students need to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including GCSE English at grade B or above. Due to the content of Economics you will also need GCSE Maths at grade B or above.

There are no additional qualifications required to study Economics and you do not need to have any prior knowledge of the subject. Indeed, many students who did not choose Economics as their first subject at college subsequently went on to study it at university. In order to progress from AS to A2 you will need a D grade at AS.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Like all A Levels, Economics is taught over two years with the AS Level being taught in the first year and the A2 in the second year.

First Year Units:

unit 1: markets and market failure Many modern economies, such as the UK, are capitalist systems which rely on the free market to distribute scarce resources. However, the market is not perfect and this unit studies how markets operate and how governments deal with market failures such as unemployment and pollution.

unit 2: the national economy Britain has the sixth largest economy in the world but the recent recession has prompted questions about how well balanced the British economy is. Do we rely too much on banking and services? Why do we import more manufactured goods than we export?

Second Year Units:

unit 3: Business economics and the Distribution of income How do businesses operate? How is income distributed in the British economy and is it fair? Why do women earn less money than men, and is an unequal distribution of income a natural and healthy consequence of a capitalist economy?

unit 4: the national and international economy We live in an increasingly globalised world in which the UK economy is closely linked in with those of other countries. What happens in the US or Japan impacts on the British economy. The balance of the world economy is also changing with Brazil, India and China becoming more important and this will have far reaching consequences.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? The assessment takes place in a variety of ways, including essays, multi-choice questions and case studies. However, to be successful in this subject it is just as important to follow world events related to Economics as it is to attend class and write assignments.

Where CAn i go next? Students might go on to careers in: Accountancy, Banking, Business, Civil Service, Insurance, Journalism, Management, Marketing, Media, Fund Management, Retailing, and the Financial Services. Graduates with degrees in Economics are among the very highest paid.

eConomiCs(Edexcel)

Your world will open up

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Who is this Course for? Although you will have studied this subject at GCSE at school, it comes as a surprise to many to find just how different the A Level is from GCSE. The course is all about analysing and understanding the written and spoken language of others and ourselves. It focuses on the power of words and the versatility of the speakers and writers who use them for different effects. You will develop your knowledge and increase your understanding of a language used the world over, as well as increasing your own skills as a writer.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. We will count Level 2 BTEC Diplomas towards this total, but only merits and distinctions will be counted and each diploma will count as one GCSE. Additionally, you will need GCSE English Language at B or above and, preferably, GCSE English Literature at C or above.

WhAt Does the Course involve? English Language is a single qualification that can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS qualification, or over two years as a full A Level.

At AS Level, you will develop your understanding of the key constituents of language and their contribution to meaning in spoken and written English. You will study how language is used through a range of texts from different periods including spoken language in the media. You will be expected to produce your own creative, original writing in a fictional, literary mode and write a commentary analysing how you have produced it.

At A2, you will continue to build on the skills acquired at AS with further study of phonetics and phonology, lexis, morphology, grammar and discourse. Topics for study include language acquisition, language and power, language and gender and the study of language change over time. There is another opportunity for production of your own writing with the focus on extended functional writing and analysis.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? AS and A Level English subjects are assessed through examination, with an internally assessed language research project for A2.

Where CAn i go next? Many English Language A Level students go on to study the subject at university; some choose to follow degrees in Journalism, Creative Writing and Media related courses. A Level English is a very versatile subject to study and if you are considering going into employment after College, this qualification will demonstrate your ability to communicate at a high level of competency. The study of English is useful for a wide range of careers including the legal profession, teaching, the media, the forces and marketing.

english lAnguAge (WJEC)

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Who is this Course for? At Central Sixth, you have the choice to study one of three qualifications at AS and A Level: english language, english literature or english language and literature (as a combined subject). The combined English Language and Literature course allows you to explore a variety of types of writing (fiction and non-fiction) and to produce some writing of your own (adaptations rather than original writing). So why choose the combined English and Literature qualification? If you enjoy producing your own writing such as short stories, drama scripts, newspaper reports and speeches, and have a genuine interest in different types of literature, then this course is for you! The course provides an exciting way of looking at both Language and Literature. Rather than seeing them as separate entities, you will be looking at how each informs the other.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for any AS English qualification will be expected to have a minimum of five GCSEs grade A*-C in academic subjects. These must include a grade C or above in GCSE English Language and a grade C or above in GCSE English Literature. In order to progress from AS to A2 students would need a D grade at AS Level.

WhAt Does the Course involve? In the first year, you will analyse language and meanings in a novel and 14 poems and in non-fiction texts, personal letters, spontaneous speech, multimedia texts, and even charts and diagrams, transcripts, and lists. You will also make adaptations of texts and reflect on how you created those adaptations.

In the second year, you will analyse language and meanings in two novels, 14 poems and a play, and also in non-fiction texts, personal letters, spontaneous speech, multimedia texts, and even charts and diagrams, transcripts, and lists. You will also make adaptations of one of the novels and reflect on how you created those adaptations. For coursework, you will explore a theme or a technique in literary and non-literary texts.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? AS and A Level English subjects are assessed through examination, with an internally assessed language research project for A2.

Where CAn i go next? Most students will go on to study at university. Many A Level English students go on to take the subject at degree level; some choose to follow degrees in Journalism, Creative Writing and Media related courses. A Level English and Literature is a very versatile subject to study and if you are considering going into employment after College, this qualification will demonstrate your ability to communicate at a high level of competency. The study of English is useful for a wide range of careers including the legal profession, teaching, the media, the forces and marketing.

english lAnguAge AnD literAture (WJEC)

Make the Grade!


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Who is this Course for? If you love reading and have a genuine interest in different types of literature, then this course is for you! The study of English Literature is for anybody interested in how and why people live their lives the way they do: it involves thinking about life and death, love and relationships, good and evil. You will study nine texts in total from the three main genres of prose, poetry and drama, and from Shakespeare to twenty-first century writers, with the two main themes of Love Through The Ages and Modern Times. You will develop critical preferences and support them with evidence and relevant terminology. You will explore relationships between texts and the contexts in which they are written and received, and will draw out similarities and differences between texts. You will debate the opinions of other readers and develop your own informed personal responses. English Literature will help you to develop your written and spoken communication skills as well as to think rigorously, interrogate texts for meaning, and construct and express convincing arguments.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for any AS English qualification will be expected to have a minimum of five GCSEs grade A*-C in academic subjects. These must include a grade C or above in GCSE English Language and a grade C or above in GCSE English Literature. In order to progress from AS to A2, students need at least a D grade at AS Level.

WhAt Does the Course involve? English Literature is a single qualification that can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS qualification, or over two years as a full A Level.

For the AS Level, you will learn how to analyse how techniques produce meanings in texts. You will study one Shakespeare play, an anthology of post-1900 poems, and two novels; you will be examined on all of these, and also on a previously-unseen prose extract.

For the A Level exams, you will revisit three of your AS texts and will additionally study one play, one novel and one poetry collection, all post-1900. For coursework, you will study one further novel and will work independently on a text of your own choosing (negotiated with your teacher); you will write a 2500-word comparative analysis of these texts in their respective contexts.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? AS Literature is assessed by two examinations. A2 Literature is assessed by three examinations and one coursework essay.

Where CAn i go next? Most students will go on to study at university. Many A Level English students go on to take the subject at degree level; some choose to follow degrees in Journalism, Creative Writing and Media related courses. A Level English Literature is a very versatile subject to study and if you are considering going into employment after College, this qualification will demonstrate your ability to communicate at a high level of competency. The study of English is useful for a wide range of careers including the legal profession, teaching, the media, the forces and marketing.

english literAture (AQA)

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Who is this Course for? Many universities and employers are looking for evidence that students are self-motivated and independent learners who are able to carry out research projects. The Extended Project is a separate qualification that A2 students do as part of their second year and is designed to demonstrate the ability to plan and write an extended piece of writing. The Extended Project is a piece of independent research undertaken by students in addition to their core A Levels. The research can be on almost any topic you choose but must not duplicate the specifications in your chosen A Levels. It is the equivalent of one AS Level (although unlike other AS Levels an A* grade is possible) and is viewed very positively by employers and universities as it provides evidence of independent learning and project management skills.

formAl entry requirements There are no formal entry requirements other than being an A2 student. However, it would be expected that students would be motivated learners who enjoy research and working on their own.

WhAt Does the Course involve? You have a free choice of project topic, so you can choose to explore a further aspect of a subject you’re studying, or another subject, or choose a topic in which you have a personal interest.

You will meet with a member of staff (supervisor) weekly to discuss your progress and to guide you and help you develop the necessary skills to complete a successful project.

Students have to: ■ Choose a topic to study ■ Complete a production log to document the project process ■ Plan, research and carry out their project ■ Prepare and deliver a presentation on the outcome.

Examples of the extremely wide range of projects students can research include: ■ Global Warming – Is the threat real? ■ All in the mind? – An exploration of the perceptions of mental health and learning disability disorders ■ Cystic Fibrosis – Is gene therapy the answer? ■ What are the inequalities faced by female police officers? Career aspirations and expectations of ethnic

minority women ■ A linguistic and literary exploration into 17th Century religious sonnets ■ Democratic or Autocratic – Which is the most effective management style? ■ Antibiotics and the dangers of resistance ■ Maths and its everyday uses ■ Childhood obesity – What are the problems? ■ Pancreatic cancer – Is gene therapy the answer? ■ The application of nuclear fusion to power generation

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? The assessment covers both the process and the end product. The final project, plus the production log, will be assessed as a whole, according to a generic set of marking criteria. We’ll be looking at how well students identify and use resources, carry out research, develop their ideas to realise an outcome and then reflect on the outcome and the process. The final project would be approximately 5,000 words in length.

Where CAn i go next? The AS Level Extended Project is excellent preparation for university or employment as it provides evidence of being able to organise and research a substantial topic as an independent learner.

extenDeD proJeCt gCe As level (Edexcel)


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Who is this Course for? Students will need a deep interest in film and many of the same skills required by English Literature. Film Studies looks at film as a commercial industry and as the range of experiences that it gives to audiences; it looks at how film communicates to audiences and the ideas that are portrayed.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. Students will need a D grade at AS Level in order to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? For the AS Level, we look at:

■ The language of film and how it works on an audience ■ The different components of film; what we see and hear and how it is presented ■ How these different components work upon us and how our responses differ according to who we are, where we

are and what we are seeking from the film ■ The British and Hollywood film industries ■ Who makes films, how they are funded, how we get to see them and how we get to want to see them.

We will look at a series of case studies of British and American films – how they are funded, produced and distributed and consumed. We will study two topics of British film – British horror films and rather gritty urban stories of ordinary people caught up in crime. Lastly we look at two American films – an original and a remake – and look at how they reflect the time and place in which they were made.

In the second A2 part of the course, we will turn to look at the wider context of world cinema, documentary, and different, theoretical approaches to cinema.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A Level Film are assessed through a mix of coursework and written examinations. In the first year, assessment is 40% coursework consisting of critical analysis and creative work; whilst in the second year, coursework accounts for 50% of the assessment, involving a personal investigation into a film topic and an extended creative piece.

Where CAn i go next? Most A Level students go on to study at university. Students who have studied Film often follow the subject at degree level or study for related arts subject such as English Literature, Music, or Photography.

The study of Film is useful in a wide range of careers such as television, journalism, arts administration, public service, teaching and charities.

film stuDies (WJEC)

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Who is this Course for? If you already know that you are good at languages, then learning French is a useful choice, as it is the official language of France, an official language of the European Union, and it is also spoken in parts of Belgium, Switzerland and Canada as well as many countries in Africa, such as Senegal and Ivory Coast. Studying the language is not only about understanding the grammar and structure of the language, it is also about how people live and use the language on a day-to-day basis. You will develop your ability and confidence to use and understand the language and the culture.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. There is a minimum entry requirement of a Grade B in French at GCSE. If you have spent a significant amount of time in a French-speaking country, it may be possible to join the course, after discussion with your tutors.

In order to progress from AS to A2 you will need a D grade at AS.

WhAt Does the Course involve? We aim to build on what you have learnt for GCSE in order to give you the confidence to be able to use French in class and on visits to the country. It helps if you have an interest in grammar, as accurate use of the language is even more important at AS and A Level.

French can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS Level qualification or over two years as a full A Level.A typical class includes a wide range of activities and starts with some general conversation in French. We then study some aspects of the structure of the language, and then look at some source material in French, using sound recordings or video extracts, written and spoken sources or the Internet. Most listening work is done individually, using sound files stored on the college computer system.

AS Level French will cover the following topics: ■ Leisure and Lifestyles, including travel and tourism, sport, hobbies, entertainment, customs and traditions; healthy

living – health and nutrition, diet and exercise; unhealthy living – drugs, AIDS, smoking, alcohol. ■ The Individual and Society, including relationships and responsibilities, gender issues, youth culture (values, peer

groups, fashions and trends) education, vocational training and future careers.

A2 Level French will cover the following topics: ■ Environmental Issues, including technology, pollution, global warming, transport, energy, nuclear energy, renewable

energies, conservation, recycling, sustainability. ■ Social and Political Issues, including the role of the media, racism, immigration, social exclusion and integration,

terrorism, the world of work (employment, commerce, globalisation, etc). ■ Two cultural topics from: the World of Cinema, the World of Literature, the Regions of France.

You will develop the ability to speak and write about these topics in French.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A Level French are assessed through pairs of examinations: one in Listening/Reading and Writing and one in Speaking. The examinations are a mixture of short answers, structured questions, essays and a speaking test. There is no coursework involved in the subject. You take one exam for each of the units; so that’s two for the AS Level and a total of four for the full A Level. Any of the units can be retaken if you don’t do as well as you had hoped.

Where CAn i go next? Apart from being beneficial at a personal level, your A Level in French can help with quite a few career paths. For those who want to specialise in language, there are teaching, translation or interpreting. There are also travel and tourism, journalism and the diplomatic service. You can combine a lot of subjects at university with French. Here are just a few examples: Art and French, Business and French, History and French, Law and French, Mathematics and French, etc. But even as an engineer or designer, being proficient in a language will give you broader career options.

frenCh(WJEC)


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Who is this Course for? The study of this subject is for those of you who are interested in geographical matters, from ecosystems, mountains and weather to cities, people and cultures. During your studies, you will use as many different resources as possible to discover more about the physical and human impact of various geographical events, including current issues such as global warming, climate change, international conflicts and sustainability.

formAl entry requirements You would be expected to have five GCSEs grade A*-C in academic subjects, including English and Maths at C or above. It is not necessary to have Geography GCSE to study this subject at A Level. You will need a D grade at AS Level to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? The AS course consists of two physical and two human modules: Rivers, Floods and Management, Coastal Environments, Population Change, and Energy Issues. In addition, there is a skills-based paper, using skills developed throughout the year (for example, cartographical, statistical and fieldwork investigation skills).

The A2 course comprises study of at least three modules from Plate Tectonics and Associated Hazards, Ecosystems: Change and Challenge, Globalisation and Contemporary Conflicts and Challenges. There is also a Geographical Fieldwork Enquiry paper based on a fieldwork investigation.

During this course you will investigate and evaluate a wide range of topics using real life situations, from urban growth in the West Midlands and London to heavy flooding in Bangladesh, flood management in China, as well as volcanic eruptions in Chile and Italy.

These issues affect all of us throughout the world, drawing together a diverse range of countries, nationalities and cultures in the quest to solve some of the problems that face the planet today – population increase, greenhouse gas emissions, famine and poverty on the one hand, compared with over-production and opulence on the other.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Assessment is purely by examination in May and June (there is no coursework).

Where CAn i go next? Those students whose A Levels include Geography may continue to study this subject at university, or study a related subject such as Geology, Social Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Planning or Archaeology.

An AS or A Level in Geography is a widely recognised and well-respected qualification, welcomed by employers and universities who appreciate that those with an A Level in Geography must have good communication and analytical skills, as well as a degree of practical application. It can lead to a wide range of careers including journalism, teaching, media and work with environmental agencies worldwide.

geogrAphy(AQA)

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Who is this Course for? A Level Health and Social Care is designed to provide learners with a broad introduction to the health and social care sector. The course aims to develop and sustain an interest in health, early years (care and education), social care and issues affecting the care sector. In addition, a study of this subject provides the learner with a range of skills (for example communications skills) which can be used in everyday situations. Health and Social Care is an Applied Subject, which means that you study the theoretical aspects of the subject and then you apply the theory you have learned to a practical situation. An important part of the course is the work experience which allows you to do this.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. We would expect students studying Health and Social Care to also have a GCSE in Double Science at CC or above, or a Level 2 BTEC Applied Science at Merit or above. The work experience requires an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

Students must achieve a D grade at AS Level in order to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Health and Social Care can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS Level qualification or over two years as a full A Level. It gives a broad base of understanding whilst allowing a focus on the four specialist areas of Health, Early Years (Care and Education), Care of Older People, and Individuals with Specific Needs.

For the AS Level we look at human growth and development from birth through to later adulthood and the factors which affect this development. Included in this section is a study of the health of individuals and how it can be promoted. Work experience allows the learner to look at how a positive environment can be promoted in any care setting. The work is linked by a study of communications skills from both a practical and a theoretical point of view. The course is divided into three units:

■ Human growth and development ■ Communicating in health and social care ■ Promoting positive care environments.

The second year of the course is more specialised; students study health promotion in more detail and have to plan and deliver their own health promotion event. On the more theoretical side, there is a study of the needs of individuals in care settings and an investigation of disease. Once again there are three units:

■ Health promotion ■ Meeting individual needs ■ Investigating disease

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A2 Level Health and Social Care are assessed through an examination (one unit) and coursework (two units). The coursework aspects are related to work placements or practical activities undertaken in a care setting. The examination part of the assessment is made up of short and long answer questions.

Where CAn i go next? Health and Social Care A Level gives students a wide choice of progression options into university study, training, or relevant employment.

Students hoping to enter the Nursing or Teaching professions have found the work placements particularly helpful, while the general skills learned such as the communication skills are helpful in any career.

heAlth AnD soCiAl CAre (Edexcel)

Make the Grade!

29

Who is this Course for? History is a subject valued by universities and employers because it combines logical investigation with reasoned and substantiated argument. George Santayana once said ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’, while Marx was convinced that history repeats itself, ‘the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce’. By helping us to understand the past, History sheds light on the issues of the contemporary world. Many of the problems we face today have their roots in the recent past. The Central Sixth History course aims to provide students with a wide-ranging investigation of modern history across Britain, Europe, and America.


WhAt Does the Course involve? The course covers a range of historical fields focusing on the concepts of power, ideology, terror, democracy and dictatorship.

The configuration of the units for AS and A2 is as follows:

As units

England 1485 to 1558, The Early TudorsDemocracy and Dictatorship in Germany, 1919-1963.

A2 units

Civil Rights in the USA, 1865 to 1992Coursework 3,500 – 4,000 words: a student choice relating to one of the three previous units.

The course will develop your skills of historical research, analysis and interpretation. It also includes a visit to the Cold War Museum in Telford, occasional guest speakers, and access to rare documents.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Assessment of the four units is structured as follows:

As unitsEngland 1485 to 1558, The Early Tudors (source based exam)Democracy and Dictatorship in Germany, 1919-1963 (essay based exam)

A2 unitsCivil Rights in the USA, 1865 to 1992 (thematic essay exam)Coursework 3,500 – 4,000 words.

Where CAn i go next? Students who study History often follow the subject at degree level or study for a related subject such as Law, Politics or Sociology.

The study of History is useful in a wide range of careers such as the legal profession, the civil service, teaching, local government, politics, and in pressure groups and charities. History skills are especially useful in research based occupations such as journalism, the police and the law.

history(OCR)

30

Who is this Course for? The ICT A Level is particularly useful for anyone who is interested in a technical, scientific or business career. It addresses issues associated with the management of ICT and its use within organisations. Each organisation will have the same ICT-related issues to consider on a scale appropriate to their own needs; for instance, the introduction and testing of ICT systems, the training and support needed for users of ICT systems, and the outside factors that affect the way the organisation runs its ICT.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including GCSE English Language. Students wishing to study ICT would also be expected to have GCSE Maths and GCSE ICT or Computer Science at C or above, or Level 2 BTEC ICT at Distinction or OCR National at Pass or above.

WhAt Does the Course involve? ICT can be studied either for one year as an AS Level or across two years as a full A Level.

As level: Students make practical use of a range of applications software, hardware and communication technologies to address different types of problem. The range of software used should cover the processing of text, images, numbers and sound. Students will develop the skills in analysing, designing, implementing, testing and evaluating systems.

A2 level:This is designed to address issues associated with the management of ICT and its use within organisations. A range of organisations should be studied, including charities, clubs and societies, small, medium and large businesses, and national and multi-national public and private organisations.

The number of people involved could range from one or two to many thousands. This provides students with the opportunity to complete a substantial project involving the production of an ICT-related system over an extended period of time. In so doing, students will enhance their transferable practical skills.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A2 ICT are assessed through a series of written examinations. The course also includes a case study and a project. Any of the units can be retaken if you don’t do as well as you had hoped. The examinations are a mixture of short answers, structured questions and essays.

Where CAn i go next? Students who have studied ICT often follow other subjects at degree level. The study of ICT is useful for a wide range of careers for every profession.

iCt (AQA)

Make the Grade!

31

Who is this Course for? Law is considered to be one of the core arts subjects, valued by universities and employers (though you do not have to study Law at A Level to do so at university). Law is a fascinating subject as it affects every aspect of our lives and enhances our understanding of how the Government, Parliament and the Judiciary operate in relation to each other. English law today is largely made by Parliament. However, Judges also make law by setting out their decisions in particular cases of importance and these decisions will be followed in later cases. These decisions are known as precedents and form the body of our common law system. As part of the European Union, the UK is also bound by European law. The law is not fixed and it changes to meet the needs of society and to reflect a changing morality. So, A Level Law gives you plenty to think about and to discuss.

formAl entry requirements All students are required to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects. Law students must also have a B grade in English Language.

Students must have a D grade in order to progress from AS to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Law can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS qualification or over two years as a full A Level.

As law:The first part of this course concentrates on sources of law. By this we mean how law is made and who is responsible for making it. We study the operation of judicial precedent within the courts. This means the decisions of previously decided cases applied to current cases of similar facts and legal principle. The making and interpretation of statutory law is also an important subject. In addition the Civil and Criminal Courts systems will be explored.

The second part of the AS develops an understanding of the basic principles of the law of Tort (Negligence). We also study an introduction to criminal law and concentrate on the non-fatal offences in particular.

A2 law:In the second year, the course focuses upon Criminal law in much more detail. A student can build upon the understanding of the basic principles gained in the first year to develop a detailed knowledge of the law of Murder and Manslaughter. Specific aspects Theft, Burglary and Blackmail are also studied along with broader subjects to include ‘law and justice’ and ‘law and morality’.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? There is no course work for this A Level. Both AS and A2 are assessed through a series of written exams. There are four units in total, two for the AS and two for the A2. The examinations are a combination of essay questions and problem scenarios where the student is required to apply their knowledge of the law.

Where CAn i go next? Many students who have studied A Level Law choose to study it at university and qualify to become either a solicitor or a barrister. Law is, however, a sound academic subject that can be useful if you want to go on to take related subjects such as History, Politics, Business or Criminology at degree level.

The study of Law is also very useful for a wide range of career choices such as the legal profession, the public sector, local and central government, charities, business, and the police and probation services.

lAW (AQA)

32

Who is this Course for? A Level Mathematics is a much sought after qualification for entry to a wide variety of full-time courses in Higher Education. There are also many areas of employment that see Mathematics A Level as an important or vital qualification. Mathematics A Level is a course worth studying in its own right. It is challenging but interesting. It builds on work met at GCSE, but involves new ideas that some of the greatest minds of the millennium have produced. We offer options in Statistics and Mechanics, for those of you who have particular degree courses in mind. Pure and Mechanics: This option is usually taken by students studying Science (especially Physics), Engineering or Construction.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. We will count Level 2 BTEC Diplomas towards this total, but only merits and distinctions will be counted and each diploma will count as one GCSE. Additionally, you will need GCSE Maths at B or above in the higher paper.

WhAt Does the Course involve? pure mathematics:Pure Mathematics extends your knowledge of topics such as algebra and trigonometry as well as introducing new ideas such as calculus. If you enjoyed the challenge of problem solving at GCSE then you should find this course very appealing.

mechanics:Mechanics describes the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting upon them, from cars in the street to satellites orbiting a planet. You will learn techniques of mathematical modelling by turning a complicated problem into a simpler one that can be analysed and solved using mathematics. Many of the ideas you will meet form an essential introduction to modern fields of study such as cybernetics, robotics, biomechanics and sports science, as well as the more traditional areas of engineering and physics.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Mathematics is assessed through a series of written examinations. If necessary, students can retake any module. There is no coursework involved in assessing mathematics.

Where CAn i go next? Most A Level students go on to study at university. Some have used Mathematics to go directly into the professions.

The study of Mathematics opens the door to many varied professions. Obvious choices would be in the area of Science, Engineering and Finance. To see the many varied careers that a student of Mathematics and Statistics may follow, from games programmer to weather forecasting, go to www.mathscareers.org.uk

mAthemAtiCs (pure AnD meChAniCs)(Edexcel)

Make the Grade!


33

Who is this Course for? A Level Mathematics is a much sought after qualification for entry to a wide variety of full-time courses in Higher Education. There are also many areas of employment that see Mathematics A Level as an important or vital qualification. Mathematics A Level is a course worth studying in its own right. It is challenging but interesting. It builds on work met at GCSE, but involves new ideas that some of the greatest minds of the millennium have produced. We offer options in Statistics and Mechanics, for those of you who have particular degree courses in mind. Pure and Statistics: This option is usually taken by students studying Business (Economics, Accounting or Business Studies), Psychology or Biology.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language. We will count Level 2 BTEC Diplomas towards this total, but only merits and distinctions will be counted and each diploma will count as one GCSE. Additionally, you will need GCSE Maths at B or above in the higher paper.

WhAt Does the Course involve? pure mathematics:Pure Mathematics extends your knowledge of topics such as algebra and trigonometry as well as introducing new ideas such as calculus. If you enjoyed the challenge of problem solving at GCSE then you should find this course very appealing.

statistics:Statistics covers the analysis of numerical data in order to arrive at conclusions about it. Many of the ideas met have applications in a wide range of other fields: from assessing what car insurance costs to how likely the Earth is going to be hit by a comet.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Mathematics is assessed through a series of written examinations. If necessary, students can retake any module. There is no coursework involved in assessing mathematics.

Where CAn i go next? Most A Level students go on to study at university. Some have used Mathematics to go directly into a career in accountancy.

The study of Mathematics opens the door to many varied professions. Obvious choices would be in the area of Science, Engineering and Finance. To see the many varied careers that a student of Mathematics and Statistics may follow, from games programmer to weather forecasting, go to www.mathscareers.org.uk

mAthemAtiCs (pure AnD stAtistiCs)(Edexcel)

3434

Who is this Course for? In the wake of the phone hacking scandal, the role and ownership of the media has come under examination more than ever before. The media can be used to infringe freedoms and protect the powerful. However, as the events in Egypt showed, modern media such as Facebook and Twitter can be used to bring down dictatorships. Media Studies looks at the mass media as a commercial industry, who runs it, how it is funded, how it targets specific audiences and the techniques or languages that it uses to appeal to them. If you like to understand the modern world and the way it is changing, Media Studies may be for you.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including a GCSE in English Language at B or above. Students will need a D grade at AS Level in order to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Media can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS Level qualification or over two years as a full A Level.

For the As level we look at media language, genre, narrative and audience:

■ The different components of media products; what we see/hear and how it is presented across the various platforms of broadcasting, print and e-media

■ How these different components are used differently according to the audience that is intended for the product.

We analyse a variety of media products across the media platforms, preparing the students for a ‘practical criticism’ exercise in the examination and we undertake a case study of a particular topic across the mass media. Coursework consists of research and practical work on tasks given by the examination board.

The A2 part of the course has a more theoretical approach and we use a variety of frameworks that seek to understand the mass media from different perspectives. The second year is very student-centred, with students undertaking their own case studies on the representation of a social group of their choice and an investigation and accompanying practical task into a topic of their choosing.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A Level Media are assessed through a mix of coursework and written examinations; examinations and coursework are weighted equally at 50%.

Where CAn i go next? Students who have studied Media often follow the subject at degree level or study for related arts subjects such as English Literature, Music, or Photography.

The study of Media is useful in a wide range of careers such as television, journalism, arts administration, public service, teaching and charities.

meDiA stuDies (AQA)

Make the Grade!

3535

Who is this Course for? The study of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics raises the big questions of life, about God, meaning and how we ought to live as human beings. You will have an opportunity to explore these issues in some depth with other interested students. In addition to the personal value of studying such a subject, you will also acquire valuable skills of critical thinking and philosophical analysis.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects (of which two must be B grades) including GCSE English Language at grade B or above. We will count Level 2 BTEC Diplomas towards this total, but only merits and distinctions will be counted and each diploma will count as one GCSE.

You do not need to have studied GCSE Religious Studies, or to have any particular religious faith, but critical thinking skills and a keen interest in Philosophy are necessary given the nature of the subject.

WhAt Does the Course involve? The College offers the Religious Studies Advanced Level awarded by AQA, covering the units on Philosophy of Religion and Ethical Decision Making. Study of world religions does not form a major part of the syllabus.

The AS course is split into two modules. In Unit 1, Religious Ethics, you will be exploring the ethics of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism, followed by Situation Ethics, along with ethical issues relating to religion as well as themes surrounding current philosophical debates on abortion and euthanasia.

In Unit 2, Philosophy of Religion, you will look at Thomas Aquinas’s Cosmological Argument and investigate the strengths and weaknesses of the argument. You will then explore religious experiences and the Psychology of Religion, looking in particular at the works of Sigmund Freud and Karl Jung. Following this you will also explore Atheism and postmodern perspectives on the decline and challenges religion faces in light of the developments that science has made.

The A2 course is again split into two modules. In Unit 3, continuing with religious ethics, you will be exploring the free will and determinism debate, asking the question, ‘Is life preordained or predestined, or are we the architects of our own lives and therefore truly free as individuals?’ You will then look at Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics and continue to explore how science and technology have played a role in shaping the way we make ethical decisions.

In Unit 4 you will finally go on to explore the controversial issues surrounding religious fundamentalism in both Christianity and Islam, exploring historical and current themes pertaining to the rise of religious extremism.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Each module is assessed by a written examination lasting 1 hour 15 minutes for AS and 1 hour 30 minutes for A2. This means that you will have two AS exams at the end of the first year and two A2 exams at the end of the second year.

You will also require a D grade or above to progress to the A2 course.

Where CAn i go next? An AS or A Level qualification in Religious Studies is most directly related to degrees in Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies. It is, however, relevant to many other fields of study, such as History, Psychology, Sociology, Literature and Politics.

Given the large component of ethics within the course, it is also highly useful for many people-centred careers, such as teaching, medicine, the police, and community and social work.

philosophy of religious stuDies AnD ethiCs (AQA)

36

Who is this Course for? Physics is the fundamental science and the first and oldest subject that humans were ever involved with. In fact, it existed long before we did and it will continue to exist long after we are gone. Physics explores all the way from the inside of atoms out to the whole Universe (or should that be Multiverse?). And in between, it covers such things as sound, music, light, telecommunications, engineering, electricity, energy sources. If you are interested in the fundamental forces of nature and you have a good grasp of Maths, Physics is for you. Physics is also fundamental to a multitude of good career opportunities; it shows that you can think and solve problems, which is a highly valued skill for many employers.

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including GCSE English Language at C or above. In order to study Physics, you are also required to have a B or better in GCSE Maths in the higher paper, plus Double Science at BB or above or Physics at B or above and an average of five Bs in your five best academic subjects.

You will need at least a grade D at AS Level to progress to A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? The course has been structured to give a sample of the many specialisms of Physics that exist.

The AS qualification covers forces and motion, materials, waves, quantum phenomena and fundamental particles, as well as the essential practical and mathematical skills required to become a successful physicist.

The full A Level course covers all these topics and skills, as well as further mechanics, electric, gravitational and magnetic fields theory, radioactivity and nuclear physics, thermal physics, rotational dynamics and thermodynamics.

We cover all of these so you can see which areas you find the most interesting and would eventually like to specialise in. We even study some rocket science!

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A2 Physics are assessed 80% through examinations and 20% through assessed practicals – experimental investigations carried out in class time that are then marked.

Where CAn i go next? There are many areas of Physics in which you can specialise at degree level (see ‘Course content’ above) but Physics at A Level is also required for a range of other subjects at University level such as Architecture, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or for careers such as in the RAF or the Construction industry. It is also studied alongside the other sciences for those who are thinking of going on to study Chemistry or Maths at University.

physiCs (AQA)

Make the Grade!

37

Who is this Course for? Politics is the study of conflict and power. If you follow the news and care about what is happening in the economy, in government or in foreign countries, Politics may be the right subject for you. In any society there are arguments about how we should run our lives and allocate scarce resources. Politics is the study of these disagreements and how they are resolved. In a democracy such as the UK, these conflicts are resolved peacefully through voting or pressure groups. However, in other countries, or on the world stage, violence, terrorism and war are used to resolve differences. Politics is an exciting and dynamic subject which draws on real examples from the world around us to answer the question of ‘how should we live our lives and organise our affairs?’

formAl entry requirements All students studying for A Level would be expected to have five GCSEs A*-C in academic subjects including GCSE English Language at C or above. Students will need a D grade at AS Level in order to progress to the A2.

WhAt Does the Course involve? Politics can be studied in either your first or second year as an AS Level qualification or over two years as a full A Level.

For the AS Level we look at some of the important ideas that we associate with politics and how they apply to the British political system. The course is divided into two units:

■ How people get involved in politics and why ■ How the United Kingdom is governed.

We will look at democracy, elections, the different political parties and their ideas, the role of pressure groups, the role of Parliament, what the Prime Minister does, how well our rights are protected by the courts and how membership of the European Union has affected the British political system, among many other things.

In the A2 year, we will turn to look at the political system of the United States of America. Once again this is divided into two units:

■ How people get involved in politics in the United States ■ How the United States is governed.

We will look at the ways in which the Americans make political decisions, focusing on political parties in the United States, the politics of race, what pressure groups do, how the Congress works, what the President does, and how the American Supreme Court protects liberties.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Both AS and A Level Politics are assessed through a series of written examinations. There is no course work involved in the subject. You take one exam for each of the units; so that’s two for the AS Level and a total of four for the full A Level. Any of the units can be retaken if you don’t do as well as you had hoped. The examinations are a mixture of short answers, structured questions, essays and data response.

Where CAn i go next? Students who have studied Politics often follow the subject at degree level or study for a related subject such as History, Law and Sociology.

The study of Politics is useful in a wide range of careers such as the legal profession, the civil service, teaching, local government, politics, and pressure groups and charities.

politiCs (Edexcel)

38

Who is this Course for? Ever wondered why you are the way you are, or other people behave the way they do? Psychology A Level will help you to understand yourself and other people much better. It is a subject that tries to get to the bottom of what you are like and why you behave in certain ways. It is more precisely the “scientific study of the human mind and human behaviour.”

formAl entry requirements As well as the general requirement to have five GCSEs at A*-C in academic subjects, you must have English and Maths at grade C or higher, plus Double Science at CC or Psychology at C or above or Level 2 BTEC Applied Science at Merit or above. In order to progress from AS to A2, you must have at least a D grade at AS Level.

WhAt Does the Course involve? A level (year 2):

topics 1 – 4: Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology, Learning Theories and Issues & Debates.

topic 5: Clinical psychologyClinical psychology is about explaining and treating mental health issues, and the different ways of treating them, including counselling and drug treatments. Individual differences and developmental psychology can be considered when learning about, for example, links between personality factors and mental disorders, and when learning about genetic influences (nature) or environmental influences (nurture) within different explanations for mental health disorders.

topic 6: Criminological psychologyCriminological Psychology is about the definition and causes of crime and anti-social behaviour, and the identification and treatment of offenders undertaken by forensic investigators. Individual differences and developmental psychology can be considered when learning about, for example, the possible causes of criminal behaviour, such as labelling, and when learning about self-fulfilling prophecy and social learning.

topic 7: Child psychologyChild Psychology is about the development of the individual from before birth to adolescence and beyond, in that what we experience as children affects our later development. Individual differences and developmental psychology can be considered when learning about, for example, differences that can come from the child’s age, gender, and social situation, and when learning about privation and deprivation.

psychological skills:This topic collates psychological skills from topics 1 – 7 in order to understand conceptual and methodological issues. Students will develop an understanding of how to use theories and evidence from many areas of psychology and apply them to the issues. Students must also consider issues and debates from across all topics in order to develop a general knowledge of key issues and debates.

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? You take five exams, two for AS and three for A2, which include a mixture of short answer questions and essay questions.

Where CAn i go next? Students who have studied Psychology A Level often go on to study it at university or choose a related degree such as criminology, sociology or teaching.

Psychology is very useful for any career that involves working with people e.g. nursing, teaching, health, business. There are few areas of life where knowledge of psychology is not valuable.

psyChology(Edexcel)

39

Who is this Course for? This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in the study of societies. Sociology is one of the ‘social sciences’, a group that also includes Anthropology, Economics and Psychology. It attempts to describe and explain people’s social behaviour and seeks answers to questions such as:

■ How can millions of people live together and yet avoid chaos? ■ Under what circumstances do societies change? ■ Why are some rich while others are poor? ■ What are the causes of crime? ■ Are we really free or is our behaviour controlled? ■ Why do people commit suicide? ■ Do the mass media reflect opinions or do they create them? ■ Why is it men rather than women who seem to gain positions of power and influence? ■ What are the implications for society of increasing divorce and illegitimacy?


WhAt Does the Course involve? Sociology involves studying subjects such as:

Families and Households (including topics such as: Divorce, Domestic Violence, and Why are so many women opting to be child-free?)

Education Theory and Research Methods (including topics such as: Are girls really doing better than boys? How can teachers label students? How does your ethnicity or class affect your experience at school?).

Beliefs in Society (topics include: Why do people join cults? Why is fundamentalism increasing? Why are women de-valued in religion?)

Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (which involves the further study of research methods as well as topics such as: Why do people commit suicide? Why is crime increasing? What makes people kill, rob or beat? Domestic violence).

hoW Will i Be AssesseD? Assessment is by examinations that may include short answer questions and extended writing.

Where CAn i go next? Sociology is a subject that is accepted at all universities on most courses. Many students who take A Level Sociology go on to university to study it as their major choice.

Many students who undertake a career in social services, social policy, teaching, business, the civil service, the police, etc, find the study of sociology invaluable to their understanding.

soCiology(AQA)

41

A level enquiry/Application formPLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS USING BLACK OR BLUE INK

All documents available in Dyslexia friendly formats.

please list up to five A level subjects that you might want to take:2

3 please give your reason for applying for these subjects

1

Mr / Mrs /Miss / Ms Surname / Family name First name

Postcode

name

Date of birth male female

Address

hometelephone

mobile e-mail

D D m m y y y y

4 please list qualifications you have or are studying for and if possible give key dates when youachieved / expect to achieve them

Subject Level e.g. GCSE, NVQ 2 Grade Expected grade if not taken yet

42

5

9

8

to be completed by all applicants: i certify that the information given in this form is correct in all respects.Applicant’s signature Date

have you applied to any other schools or colleges? no yes

if yes please name any other school(s) or college(s) you have applied to:

7 residencyHave you been resident in the UK or EEA for the last no yes3 years other than on a student visa? (please tick)

EEA Member Countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Will you need the following support? no yes

if yes please indicate if you wish the learner support team to make arrangements for you:

please send your completed form to:Sandwell College Central Sixth, New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PGDo you have any questions? Telephone: 0121 556 6000 Email: [email protected]

6 please help us to monitor equal opportunities policies by indicating the ethnic groupto which you belong:White mixed Asian or Asian British Black or Black British other

British White & Black African indian African Arab

irish White & Black Caribbean pakistani Caribbean Any other

gypsy or irish traveller White & Asian Bangladeshi Black other not provided

White other mixed other Chinese

Asian other

Communicator support for the Deaf hearing loop orientation for sight difficulties Advocacy support for Autistic spectrum Disorder / mental health issues Consideration for Dyslexia other (please state requirements)

43

THE AppliCAtion proCessADviCe AnD guiDAnCeCome to one of our open events or contact us to arrange an interview. We are more than happy to talk to you before you apply about how to choose the right A levels for what you want to achieve.

ApplyFill in an application form online or from the back of our prospectus and send it back to us.This does not commit you to that combination of subjects.

filtering AnD tWo stAge intervieWsAll forms are filtered by the Director of Sixth Form who may want us to speak to you to clarify yourchoices and set out alternatives. You will then either be guided towards alternatives or given anA Level interview.

A level intervieWAll students must complete a written exercise as part of the interview process. Parents will be invited.The interview will take students through the A Level course with particular stress on the entryrequirements, the work required and the academic commitment expected. You will either be made a conditional offer (based on achieving appropriate GCSE grades) or you will be offered alternative options.

introDuCtory DAyIn late June or early July an introductory day is held for students who have applied. This is to allowstudents to start to get a feel for the sixth form, to meet their tutor and their lecturers and start tomake friends. All students will meet their lecturers and be set work to complete over the summer tobring with them for the start of the academic year. Students unable to attend the introductory daywill be sent the preparatory work.

inDuCtionThe start of the course will feature an induction. This will introduce the students to the college andcarry out various administration tasks. We will set minimum target grades and aspirational targetgrades, identify learning styles and flag up any additional learning needs. Students will also meettheir lecturers again and their subjects will be confirmed and timetables issued.

pleAse Be AWAre:last year, we had

1,500 applications for 300 places

0800 622 006www.sandwell.ac.ukNew StreetWest BromwichB70 7PG

Where inspiration and aspiration meet

RATED GOOD BY ofsted

make the grade! - sandwell college · sixth form for the west midlands make the grade! ... if you...

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