mark rutherford sixth form prospectus 2014

Mark Rutherford SchoolSixth Form Information Booklet

2014 – 2016

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Welcome 5

Important Dates 6

Introduction to the Sixth Form 7

Sixth Form Team 7

Life in the Sixth Form 8

Sixth Form Organisation 8

Ethos and Expectations 9

Dress Code 10

The Application Process 11

Entry Requirements 11

Frequently Asked Questions 12

Course Selection 13

The Curriculum 13

Vocational Qualifications 14

One Year Bridging Course 14

Academic Mentoring 15

Assessment and Reporting 15

Life After Sixth Form 16

Financial Support: 16-19 Bursary Fund 16

Courses and Staff 17

Subject/Course Information 18 - 27

Contents

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WelcomeWelcome to the information booklet for the Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford School for students applying to study between the years2014-2016.

The high quality teaching, the dedication of our staff and the support of the tutors in the Sixth Form should ensure that you achieve tothe very best of your abilities as you prepare for your chosen career path.

The Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford School is an important feature of the whole school. Many of our Year 11 students elect to stay onin to the Sixth Form to continue with their studies; however we are also pleased to welcome students from other local schools andbeyond.

Life in the Sixth Form is challenging, academic, self-motivating and also fun! We offer a range of enrichment and extra-curricularactivities that students can take part in and enjoy to compliment the more academic and formal learning elements.

All students applying to our Sixth Form will be expected to complete an application form and have a discussion with a senior memberof staff in the school. We see this process as an opportunity for us to support you in transferring into the Sixth Form and to provideyou with the advice and guidance required to ensure you choose the right subjects. We offer an induction programme following yourGCSE examinations in the summer to allow you to get to know new and existing students before starting officially in September 2014.

Please feel free to contact the Sixth Form Office direct if you have any questions or need any more information.

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your application.

Mrs K FosterAssistant Headteacher – Director of Sixth Form

Email: [email protected]: 01234 290200

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Important DatesOutlined below are the key dates and deadlines for applying to the Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford School.It is important that all deadlines are adhered to, to ensure this process is both efficient and smooth.

Thursday 24th October 2013 - Sixth Form Open Evening.- Sixth Form Prospectus issued.- Prospective students (internal and external applicants), parents and carers are invitedto our evening from 6.00-8.00 pm. There will be a talk at 6.00 pm in the Drama Hall.

Friday 15th November 2013 - Application deadline for internal applicants.- External applications must be returned to the school, for the attention of Mrs Foster.

Thursday 30th January 2014 - Options Choices Careers 4 U (OCC4U). This event is primarily aimed at our Year 9 students moving into Year 10 and any Year 11 students applying to our Sixth Form. The evening will provide you with the opportunity to walk around, gather information and ask questions on options, choices and careers from school staff, external agenciesand other professionals. Prospective Sixth Form applicants, both internal and external,are welcome to attend this event.

Spring Term 2014 - All applicants to the Sixth Form will meet with a senior member of staff to discusstheir application.

- Letters will be sent to all applicants to confirm the school’s decision, based on the submitted application form and individual discussions.

June/July 2014 - Two day Sixth Form induction course to enable students to learn about life in theSixth Form.

Thursday 21st August 2014 - GCSE results are published.

Wednesday 3rd September 2014 - Start of term.

Introduction to the Sixth FormThe purpose of this information booklet is to explain the process of application and entry into the Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford School.

We aim to offer students and parents/carers as much information and guidance as possible about the opportunities we offer. If yourequire any further general or specific information then please do not hesitate to contact either Mrs Foster (Assistant Headteacher –Director of Sixth Form), Mr Nicholls (Head of Sixth Form) or Ms Hibbert (Student Support Assistant).

A potential student in the Sixth Form must be prepared to study hard but also be keen to develop as an individual, gaining furtherqualifications and preparing for life after school. It is important that you carefully consider all of the options after Year 11, thinkingabout what best suits your needs and being sure that school, or any other institution, will meet your requirements at an academic andsocial level.

Over the next few months it is important that you research into, and consider, all of your options carefully - it is your future. You shouldtalk to your teachers, parents/carers, friends and students already in the Sixth Form. It is also important that you make the finaldecision about further education in a post-16 environment, carefully considering your capabilities and attributes.

Studying in the Sixth Form brings a change in the emphasis of your learning. We are keen to accept students in to the Sixth Form whowant to continue their education by improving their qualifications and by taking part in all that we offer at Mark Rutherford School. Youwill be expected to undertake more independent study and take an increased responsibility for your learning and progress. We expectyou to be an active learner, something necessary for this level of study; however, we are also keen to support you in developing at apersonal level.

In addition to your parents/carers, tutor and subject teachers, Ms Hibbert (Sixth Form Student Support Assistant) plays a key role inthe day to day running of the Sixth Form. From attendance queries to more general day to day questions, Ms Hibbert is a useful aidto your progress in the Sixth Form.

The Sixth Form TeamThere are a number of key staff to support the running of the Sixth Form. It is structured as follows:

Mrs Foster Assistant Headteacher – Director of Sixth FormMr Nicholls Head of Sixth FormMs Bustard Assistant Head of Sixth FormMs Hibbert Student Support Assistant

Tutor groups are mixed with students from Years 12 and 13 in each tutor group. The following teachers currently have a Sixth Formtutor group:

BlakeB11 Mrs Morrell and Mrs FarnsworthB12 Ms VinesB13 Mr SmithB14 Miss McAloone

NovelloN11 Mr GoodyearN12 Mrs WellsN13 Mrs Stuart and Ms PinsentN14 Mr Moreton and Ms Hudson

TurnerT11 Mrs BrownT12 Mr MacLennanT13 Mrs HumphriesT14 Miss Smart

WoolfW11 Ms DalgleishW12 Mr HarrisW13 Mrs Ewang and Mrs BriggsW14 Mrs James

The Sixth Form Open Evening is an opportunity for potential Sixth Form students and their parents/carers to meet with specialist subjectteachers, curriculum leaders and current Sixth Form students. You will also be able to gather information about subjects you areinterested in studying.


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Whatever courses and subjects you choose to study, once you enter the Sixth Form you have a different status in the school. You areexpected to lead by example for all of the other students and will be treated differently by staff. As a responsible young adult, you willtake increasing responsibility and be more independent in your learning. You will be expected to approach your studies, includingtimetabled private study time, with full commitment and provide the other students in the school with the aspiring image to be part ofour Sixth Form.

Life as a Sixth Form student is different from life in the main school in the following ways:

● You will no longer be required to wear school uniform; however you will be expected to follow and adhere to a dress code.● You will have a number of timetabled private study lessons.● You will be based in the Sixth Form Common Room for recreational time.● You will have access to, and use of, ICT, study and library facilities, whenever your timetable allows.● You will elect members to the Sixth Form committee to raise funds for Sixth Form events as well as organising charitable and

social events.

It must be remembered that the Sixth Form is part of the larger school community and there are a few basic rules to ensure effectivestudy takes place:

● Punctual attendance to tutor time and all timetabled lessons.● Completion of all work for the set deadline and to the expected standard of your subject teachers.● Readiness to use private study lessons effectively.

Life in the Sixth Form

Sixth Form OrganisationIn the Sixth Form students are mixed for tutor time, with a number of Year 12 and Year 13 students in each tutor group. This is designedto develop the Sixth Form community and build relationships between the two year groups. Sixth Form students are also part of thehouse system, with students in Year 13 being elected as ‘House Captains’.

Year 12Most students are expected to study four A Level subjects, unless you opt for the one year bridging course. Once your GCSE resultsare published, we will consider how you have done and ensure you follow a suitable programme of study.

The Tutors are responsible for the academic mentoring of their tutees, as well as providing day to day advice and guidance. They willalso write any references, including those for UCAS (the university application process).

Year 13Students will complete the A Levels started in Year 12. You may also be able to complement your learning with a new AS Level too.

A key focus for Year 13 is preparing for employment or entry into the higher education system. Tutor time is geared towards supportingeither/both of these routes.

Each year a high percentage of the Year 13 students leaving the Sixth Form choose to go on to higher education courses at university.The rest primarily go in to employment with training opportunities or opt to further their qualifications at college, for example completingan Art Foundation course.

If you apply to our Sixth Form you have made a decision to continue with your studies and this shows you are committed to youreducation. As a Sixth Form student you are expected to work hard and take part in the enrichment and extra-curricular activitiesavailable to you.

Staff and students in the Sixth Form are encouraged to create an atmosphere based on mutual respect between teacher and studentsthat is conducive to high quality teaching and learning. As a Sixth Form student you will have more freedom and some private studytime that needs to be used wisely and to your advantage. In order to encourage you to make the expected progress, there are anumber of expectations that we have of our Sixth Form students. These are detailed below.

Attendance:● Attend school on all school days for 8.30 am, other than when absence is unavoidable.● Register with your Tutor by attending tutor time.● To remain on the school site all day, excluding break and/or lunch time if necessary.● To attend, and arrive on time to lessons, participating fully in all activities relating to your subjects and enrichment courses.● To inform Ms Hibbert, your Tutor and/or subject teachers of any planned absence in advance.● To contact the school as early as possible on the first day of unforeseen absence (eg for illness) and ensure absence notes are

provided by your parent/carer to your Tutor, upon your return to school.● To ensure any work missed through absence is discussed with your subject teachers and appropriate action is taken to complete it.

Attitude and Behaviour:● To behave in the manner expected of senior and influential students in the school and in a way that would be expected of an employee

in a professional working environment.● To adopt a responsible and mature attitude to the common room, its facilities and the other students using them.● To make appropriate use of the Sixth Form private study facilities and adopt a quiet working atmosphere when using other learning

environments.

Dress Code:● To adhere to the published dress code.

Additional:● To use private study time in school effectively to ensure all homework and coursework deadlines are met.● Complete all set work to the best of your ability, including undertaking all suggested support work or wider and background reading

as appropriate to your subjects.● Work with your Tutor to keep up to date and have regular academic mentoring appointments to ensure your progress is tracked and

support is actioned as required.● Discuss any issues that may require support with either your Tutor or the Sixth Form Team at the earliest opportunity.● Make the most of life in the Sixth Form, contributing and participating in the range of activities on offer.

In return you can expect the following from us:● To provide high quality teaching and learning opportunities which are appropriate to the final examinations and reflect your progress

and ability.● To provide facilities for independent and private study in school, wider research, background reading and recreation time.● To provide opportunities for wider development and experiences.● To provide support and guidance on meeting the demands and deadlines relating to your chosen subjects.● To provide leadership and other opportunities for responsibility within the school.● To provide guidance and academic mentoring through your Tutor or Sixth Form Team to support you with setting and managing targets

and reviewing your progress at key stages throughout the academic year.● To motivate and encourage you to achieve the best level of performance. This will be done through academic mentoring sessions,

reporting to parents/carers and consultation evenings.● To provide an introduction to, and preparation for, life after Sixth Form, such as employment opportunities or application to the higher

education system.

Ethos and Expectations


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Dress CodeDetailed below is the dress code for the Sixth Form. It is important that students are dressed appropriately for a teaching and learningenvironment as well as setting the right example to the rest of the students in the school.

Approved● Tailored and smart trousers.● Stiff collared shirt.● Waistcoat.● Tailored/suit jacket.● Tie (optional but preferred).● Jumper (round or V neck) or cardigan.● Smart shoes or boots.● Tailored and smart:● Knee length skirt;

Trousers, or;Dress.

● Shirt or blouse.● Plain fitted top.● Tailored/suit jacket.● Jumper (round or V neck) or cardigan.● Smart shoes or boots.● Fine or opaque tights.

Not Approved● Loose fitting/casual clothing (including combat style).● Jogging bottoms.● Smart/sport/surf style shorts.● Ugg boots.● Lycra clothing.● Body-con style clothing.● Vest/strapless tops.● Leggings.● Hooded tops.● Sweatshirts/tops.● Trainers/trainer style shoes.● Flip flops.● Pumps/plimsoll style footwear.● Denim/denim style clothing.● Hats/caps.

No logos/emblems on clothing.

Please see the school website for the most up to date details.

The Application ProcessThere are a number of key stages to the application process for Sixth Form. It is important to remember that your attendance andpunctuality record, behaviour history and ability to meet deadlines are key feature of this process. All students, whether internal orexternal applicants, will be expected to complete this application process. The application process includes the following stages:

Stage One:Attend the Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 24th October 2013.

Stage Two:Complete and submit the Sixth Form application form, by Friday 15th November 2013.

Stage Three:Meet with a senior member of staff within the school to discuss your application to the Sixth Form.

Stage Four:Applicants will receive a letter to confirm the school’s decision for securing a place in the Sixth Form from September 2014 and anyother conditions linked to an offer we may make, for example attendance.

Stage Five:Applicants will be expected to take part in the induction to Sixth Form following examinations in the summer term - actual dates will beconfirmed further into the application process.

Stage Six:Students receive their GCSE results on 21st August 2014. There will also be a post examination advice clinic available for thosestudents who need to discuss their results and the impact these may have on entering our Sixth Form.

Stage Seven:Students start Sixth Form on Wednesday 3rd September 2014.

In the first instance, all courses in the Sixth Form require:● A mature and positive attitude to learning;● A good punctuality and attendance record;● A keen interest in your chosen subjects;● A willingness to work hard, in lessons and independently;● A commitment to the extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities available.

All courses will also require you to meet their specific academic entry requirements; details of which are available in the individualsubject information sheets at the end of this prospectus and in a separate summary sheet.

The minimum requirement for you to join the Sixth Form to study A Levels or their equivalent is seven GCSE passes at grade C or above,to include English or Maths. Some subjects have higher entry requirements. Compulsory re-sit lessons are available for both Englishand Maths as part of the Sixth Form timetable for those students who do not achieve a grade C. Depending on GCSE results, moststudents will take three or four A Level subjects and we pride ourselves on the wide variety of subjects on offer.

Entry Requirements


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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy stay on or join the Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford School?

We believe that, for the majority of students, you will learn best in a familiar environment with teachers who know you and want thebest for you.

We are able to offer a range of programmes to suit your learning styles and needs, from the traditional academic route to the morevocational and work related options. It may even be that you choose to follow a combination of the two.

Other courses, leading to specific qualifications, are also available in the Sixth Form. This will enable you to add greater breadth toyour study programme and also give you valuable UCAS points for Higher Education.

What if I do not get the grades required?

For those students who do not achieve the minimum GCSE requirements there is the option to follow and complete a one year course.This places a greater emphasis on work related learning and vocational skills. You will also be able to increase your GCSE profile.

We strongly advise you to complete an application form to join our Sixth Form, even if you are considering other options.

What is an AS Level?

This is an Advanced Subsidiary, which is the equivalent of half an A level.

How many subjects should I take?

You will be expected to select four A Level subjects (or equivalent). However, we will look at the GCSE results of every student andadvise in some cases that students either take more or less.

Can I study a combination of A Levels and BTEC Level 3 qualifications?

Yes, you can. BTECs vary in their equivalence from one AS level to three full A levels. Please refer to the section ‘VocationalQualifications’ for more information about BTEC level 3 qualifications.

What if I don’t get a grade C in my GCSE English Language and/or Maths?

We timetable both GCSE English Language and Maths re-sit lessons. Attendance to these lessons is compulsory as in order to be ableto progress to university you will almost certainly need a grade C in these subjects.

I definitely want to go to university. Should I start my research now to ensure I am taking the right A Levels?

There is a lot of guidance available to you to ensure you are making the right subject choices. Start by looking at the UCAS website asthey manage all university applications and have ‘entry profiles’ which describe the types of candidates they are looking for. You couldalso speak to our careers adviser for further information advice and guidance.

What am I expected to do in the study periods on my timetable?

This time is allocated for wider reading, private study and working on homework and/or coursework assignments set by your subjectteachers. You are also encouraged to spend this time in department areas, the study room, where computers are available, or theSpace for Learning. By giving you study periods in school we are helping you to manage your time more independently to ensure youmeet all the set deadlines. Study periods are not to be wasted – you need to remember that what you don’t do in school only has tobe done in your own time.

Can I go home during my study periods?

Only once all of your lessons have finished for the day. The option to arrive later to school one day per week will be considered whenyou have demonstrated a good attendance and punctuality record. This will be reviewed at the end of each half term and we will thenissue a, ‘Home Study Agreement’ if you meet the conditions set out at the beginning of the academic year.

Course SelectionChoosing the right course is a very important decision. You need to fully understand the requirements of the courses you are interestedin as well as being realistic about your performance at GCSE, looking carefully at the entry requirements for A Levels and their equivalents.The minimum entry requirements are there for a reason: primarily to ensure you can cope with the academic elements of the subjectand therefore succeed by the end of your time in Sixth Form. There will be a number of opportunities through Year 11 to discuss thesubjects in which you are interested. This process will endeavour to keep everyone happy to ensure you can study your chosen subjectsin the Sixth Form.

In order to help you make a decision about your subjects, you need to consider:● The subjects you currently enjoy at GCSE;● Any new subjects we are offering that are of interest to you;● The ambitions you have once you have left school;● The subjects in which you are achieving high grade predictions;● Whether you prefer subjects which are examination or coursework based, or maybe a combination of the two;● If you need to have studied a subject at GCSE before being able to take it at A Level;● The subject requirements for courses of interest at University.

You also need to remember:● Unless you are very well organised, it is best not to study more than two subjects that are coursework heavy;● We suggest that you do not take more than one new subject;● Your chosen subjects should complement one another and help with progression once you have completed your A Levels;● Keep your subject choices broad if you are not sure what you want to do post A Level;● Choose subjects that suit your skills and are of interest and not because your friends have chosen them.

Remember that you can seek advice from:● Those subject leaders identified in the subject information sheets in this information booklet;● Your Tutor and/or your current subject teachers who will be able to advise you about the subjects you should continue;● The careers adviser will advise you on how best to prepare for particular career pathways;● Current Sixth Form students can pass on first hand experiences about specific subjects and courses.

The CurriculumThe Sixth Form at Mark Rutherford School works on a two week timetable. Students have nine hours per fortnight for each subjectthey study. In addition all Sixth Form students attend a fortnightly lecture programme on a wide variety of topics of general interest,often presented by speakers from outside school.

Outside of lesson time students are encouraged to take an active and positive role around the school. Many will choose to support inlessons lower down the school, whether these be subjects they are studying at A Level or a subject they have previously enjoyed – thisis called PDA (Personal Development Activity).

Mark Rutherford School is able to offer you a range of courses within the Sixth Form and its curriculum. The majority of these subjectsare at AS/A2 Level; however we also offer BTEC and vocational/applied qualifications. This enables all students to enhance their portfolioof subjects, particularly if you have a career path identified.

All the courses identified in the next section of this information booklet are organised into option blocks. We endeavour to keep allstudents happy; however, if there is a clash of subjects then the Sixth Form Office will inform and support you with choosing alternativesubjects or courses. We will endeavour to ensure all students can study their preferred courses and subjects.


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What is Academic Mentoring?Academic Mentoring is the involvement of you, your parents/carers, your teachers, your Tutor and the Sixth Form Team in motivating,supporting and encouraging you with your studies and life in the Sixth Form. It is just one method of us working with you in realisingthe high expectations that we have of all the students at Mark Rutherford School.

Academic Mentoring is not just about your attainment, progress and academic performance, it is also about your feelings, your self-confidence and how we can support you in developing responsibility for your own learning.

Academic Mentoring is primarily led through a regular dialogue with your Tutor, during tutor time. However, additional and more one-to-one appointments are made for a Tuesday morning. In each meeting you will discuss issues including your progress, your studies,the standard of your work and any help you need in solving problems. It will also be an opportunity for you to celebrate yoursuccesses, discuss your views and any concerns or aspirations you have, your interests in and out of school and your involvement inthe life of the Sixth Form. A record of the Academic Mentoring sessions held with your Tutor will be kept. We believe that theAcademic Mentoring process should be a positive and encouraging one.

Why do we do Academic Mentoring?Academic Mentoring is a useful tool in supporting and guiding you with your studies. Its main purpose is to help you in thefollowing ways:● To provide you with an opportunity to get the help, support and guidance you need whilst studying in the Sixth Form;● To help you identify and assess your strengths, weaknesses, progress and achievement;● To help you with the different elements of being a Sixth Form student;● To use the dialogue with your academic mentor to improve the standard of your work, which hopefully in turn will help you get better

examination results.

Academic MentoringVocational QualificationsVocational qualifications are work-related and develop a broad range of skills useful for immediate employment. They aim to provideaccess into the workplace and provide progression into higher education.

Applied A levelsAn applied A Level provides an alternative to the traditional academic qualifications whilst enabling students to continue participatingin post-16 education. Applied A Levels are graded A*-E in line with the more academic A Level subjects. At Mark Rutherford we offerone applied A level, in ICT.

BTEC (Level 3)We offer several BTEC (Level 3) qualifications; these are work-related qualifications that develop a range of transferable skills coveredin a combination of compulsory and key skill based units. You will be graded pass, merit, distinction or distinction* for each unit; andat the end of the course, an overall grade will be awarded.

BTEC subjects offered are as follows:Applied Science, Travel and Tourism, Single Health and Social Care.The BTEC certificate, equivalent to one AS, is a one year course.The BTEC subsidiary diploma, equivalent to one full A level, is a two year course.

Double Health and Social CareThis BTEC diploma, equivalent to two full A levels, is a two year course.

Sport and Exercise Science, Performing Arts, Triple Health and Social CareThese BTEC extended diplomas, equivalent to three full A levels, are two year courses.

It is possible for you to take a combination of courses/subjects to include traditional A Levels along with a vocational and/or BTEC Level3 qualifications.

One Year Bridging CourseAs part of the Sixth Form, we also offer two one-year courses. These are designed to support students in progressing onto the level 3courses if they have not met the outlined GCSE grade requirements and criteria. Work experience is available to support each vocationalarea of study chosen. The entry requirements are a minimum of four GCSEs at grade D or above.

Those students following the one year bridging course will be part of the Sixth Form experience. There will be opportunities to undertakePDA in addition to the specific course content being studied as well as GCSE re-sits in English and Maths, if required.

We currently offer:BTEC Level 2 Health and Social Care – co-ordinated by Mrs WellsBTEC Level 2 Applied Science – co-ordinated by Mr Harris

In addition to the above courses, all students, where required, are expected to re-sit their GCSE English and/or Maths qualifications.Lessons are timetabled within the Sixth Form and are studied by those students on either the one year bridging course or other level 3programmes whereby they have not secured either or both of these qualifications in Year 11. It is a requirement that students wishingto progress to courses at a higher level will have a GCSE qualification in English and Maths. Students will follow the same specificationfrom Year 11 and are required to make a full commitment to the course.

The one year English and Maths subject co-ordinators are as follows:English – Ms VallanceMaths – Mr Wilson

It is important to note that any other re-take courses are not able to be timetabled. Full details of each one year course are outlinedalongside the other subjects available in the Sixth Form in the next section of this document.

Early in the Autumn term of Year 12 you will be given a predicted grade for each of your subjects. This information is based on youracademic performance in your GCSE examinations. This will represent the minimum standard that we feel you should be achievingin each subject, each year. We then use this information to complete regular internal assessments to measure your progress.

This information is provided as early as possible to provide you with a focus and help you to improve your attainment. Your Tutor willuse this information in Academic Mentoring sessions to work with you and guide you on a one-to-one basis in order to set achievabletargets for improvement over the course of your time in the Sixth Form.

Formal assessments are undertaken within subject areas and are reported to your parents/carers over the course of the academicyear. The first of these is in October, half way through the first term. These assessments enable us to work with your parents/carersand support you with your studies. We aim to build a regular dialogue with your parents, both on a formal and informal basis. Thisallows us to overcome any issues linked to your performance, to ensure effective strategies are put in place, as required.

Assessment and Reporting


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A high percentage of our students choose to continue with their education within higher or further education establishments. We willsupport you and provide you with the information relevant to the subjects of interest to you.

Towards the end of Year 12 we start to help you plan for life after Sixth Form, with visits to higher education fairs, where representativesfrom all of the UK universities are available to discuss their courses with you. There will also be an information evening for your parentsto help you with this important decision making process.

If you decide not to continue with your education, we will support you in gaining specific work experience placements and the skillsrequired from the profession you are interested in. We work closely with the Jobs Hub and we can help you organise a careers interviewas required.

There is also the option of taking a gap year at the end of your time in the Sixth Form. This can be an opportunity for you to travel orgain extended work experience, preferably linked to your chosen higher education course. We are able to help you with this process ifyou decide to opt for this route.

Life After Sixth Form Subject/Course Informationand Staff

Detailed below are the courses we currently offer at Mark Rutherford School and the staff responsible for each course. Please feelfree to contact them direct if you have any questions. The curriculum offer of subjects is however subject to change. Please see theschool website for the latest information and more specific details about the course structure and modular information.

Subject/Course Subject LeaderLevel 2 – Health and Social Care Mrs WellsLevel 2 – Applied Science Mr HarrisArt – Painting and Drawing Mr BriggsArt – Textiles and 3D Ms SaundersBiology Mrs StuartBusiness Studies Mr BakerChemistry Mr MoretonDance Miss CaddickDrama and Theatre Studies Mrs FarnsworthEnglish Language Ms VallanceEnglish Literature Mrs JamesFrench Mr HéniqueGeography Miss SmithHealth and Social Care (BTEC) Mrs WellsHistory Mr OlsenICT Miss SamosaItalian Mrs BriggsMaths and Further Maths Mr WilsonMedia Studies Miss LeachMusic Mrs Morrell/Ms BustardMusic Technology Mr MoretonPerforming Arts (BTEC) Mrs FarnsworthPhotography Mr BriggsPhysical Education Miss BrownPhysics Ms PinsentProduct Design (all options) Mrs WellsPsychology Mrs StrongScience – Applied (BTEC) Mr HarrisSociology Mrs StrongSpanish Mr HéniqueSport and Exercise Science (BTEC) Miss Harrison/Miss BradleyTravel and Tourism (BTEC) Mr MacLennan

Please note that course co-ordinators are not always heads of department; however they will also be happy to discuss anycourse/subject specific questions you may have.

The 16-19 Bursary replaced EMA in the academic year 2011-2012.

Students in care, care leavers, young people receiving Income Support or Universal Credit, and disabled young people receiving bothEmployment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, will receive a bursary of at least£200 every half term, which is paid by the school.

Other students from households where there is a low total income (under £21,000, to include any benefits) may also be eligible forbursary payments.

There is a formal application and review process for both types of bursary. If you think you may be eligible, then further informationand advice is available from www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund and you can pick up an application form from the Sixth Form Office.

16-19 Bursary booklets are authorised at the start of every half term and are signed every lesson by the subject teachers. Failure tomeet the expectations below could result in non-payment for one week. Payments are authorised weekly by Ms Hibbert, the SixthForm Student Support Assistant, based on the conditions outlined to the students. Payment will not be authorised for any of thefollowing reasons:● Exclusion from a lesson at the discretion of the teacher;● A poor attitude to staff, a subject or both;● You are late to any lesson;● Lack of effort in or out of lessons with set work;● Inappropriate behaviour in or out of lessons, in and around school, including during private study time or whilst in the in the

common room;● Homework or coursework submitted late with no valid reason being provided;● Evidence that your reasons for absence are regularly the same or you are absent due to:

- a holiday;- undertaking part time work;- a birthday;- looking after younger siblings;- shopping;- taking a driving lesson

● You fail to attend a lesson, despite being present in school, or there is evidence you have attended other lessons during theschool day.

These guidelines are set out by the Young Persons Learning Agency and are endorsed by the teachers and Sixth Form Team at MarkRutherford School.

If you consider you will be eligible for this financial support then more specific information will be given at the start of theacademic year.

Financial Support:16-19 Bursary Fund


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This course is primarily offered to students who have completed BTEC art and design who wish to continue with their art studies;however a student who has completed GCSE art may also wish to opt for it. During the first year, students will develop coursework withthe main focus being to experiment with a range of textile and 3D media and processes and to develop personal ideas and approachesusing a range of artists’ techniques. Through the project students will be expected to develop a greater understanding of the place ofart, craft and design in history and contemporary society. This will take the form of an extended personal investigation into a range ofartists. Students will be taught various skills and techniques but the emphasis is on developing independence with the role of theteacher as one of support in the development of personal ideas. For coursework, students will be expected to produce two outcomes,one being based on textiles, the other 3D. The second year will build upon the techniques learnt in the first year to explore personalideas into more refined and finished pieces of work. Students will also produce a written and illustrated personal study relating to theHistory of Art.

Art: 3D and Textiles(mixed media)

We follow the AQA Biology course, which emphasises the way in which biologists work and the contributions of Biology to society. Itcovers a wide range of topics including human and plant physiology, biochemistry, genetics, the diversity of life and ecosystems andbuilds on knowledge gained at GCSE; it will also include a field trip in the July of year 12 as well as other trips to see biology in use.

Biology

This course will suit students who have an interest in working with people and as such all students will spend periods of time duringthe course on work experience. This will enable them to get a real sense of the world of work and help them to consider a variety ofdifferent career routes in this rapidly expanding field of employment. Core units include Health and Social Care Values; Human LifespanDevelopment; Effective Communication; and Healthy Living. Specialist units include The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Wellbeing;and Care of Disorders.

The BTEC First Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care is broadly equivalent to 4 GCSEs grade A* to C.

BTEC First (Level 2) ExtendedCertificateHealth and Social Care

If you are interested in Science and you like practical work but prefer to be assessed through your class work then this is the coursefor you. The Applied Science course covers elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a wide range of short units. CoreUnits include Principles of Science, Chemistry and our Earth, Energy and our Universe, Biology and our Environment, Application ofChemical Substances, Application of Physical Science, Health Applications of Life Science, and Scientific Skills. In addition you willstudy four specialist units.

The BTEC First Extended Certificate in Applied Science is broadly equivalent to 4 GCSEs grade A* to C.

BTEC First (Level 2) ExtendedCertificateApplied Science

This course is primarily offered to students who have completed GCSE Art who wish to continue with their art studies; however a studentwho has completed BTEC Art and Design may also wish to opt for it. During the first year, students will develop coursework with themain focus being to experiment with techniques and to develop personal ideas and approaches in a variety of media using a range ofartists’ techniques. Through the project students will be expected to develop a greater understanding of the place of art, craft anddesign in history and contemporary society. This will take the form of an extended personal investigation into a range of artists. Studentswill be taught various skills and techniques but the emphasis is on developing independence with the role of the teacher as one ofsupport in the development of personal ideas. The second year will build upon the techniques learnt in the first year to explore personalideas into more refined and finished pieces of work. Students will also produce a written and illustrated personal study relating to theHistory of Art.

Art: Painting and Drawing

The Business Studies course enables learners to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays insociety. The syllabus covers economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages acritical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. Learners examine the management oforganisations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external environment.

Business Studies

In the first year, students are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. The specification introduces the chemical reactivity ofatoms and molecules and provides an understanding of their structures. The methods and techniques used in physical chemistry areintroduced, and the mechanisms underpinning organic reactions are explored.

In the second year the specification develops the concepts of physical chemistry introduced in the first year. Students study kinetics,equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Students further develop their descriptions and understanding in organic chemistryand spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds.

Chemistry


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Drama offers you the opportunity to develop your individual creativity and to broaden your understanding of the complexities of theatre.If you enjoy practical exploration of drama and want to expand your knowledge of performance analysis, this course will enable you toappreciate the demands and rewards of a holistic approach to theatre. The emphasis is on Drama and Theatre Studies as a practical,intellectual and artistic subject.

Drama and Theatre Studies

A Level Dance aims to develop students’ understanding of Dance as an art form. The practical elements of the course give studentsthe opportunity to develop their choreography and performance skills. The course also requires pupils to analyse and interpretprofessional dance works and study the History of Dance. Advanced Level Dance will involve practical elements that demand strongcommitment to extra-curricular rehearsals.

DanceThe course will appeal to students who enjoy learning and using French for its own sake. French is a major European language andwill be an asset to any chosen career. The integration of practical French themes with other subjects will be of interest to students whowish to develop foreign language skills as well as enhance their career potential. Students taking the French programme will have theopportunity to gain valuable foreign language skills and to learn about aspects of life and culture in France and French-speaking regionsof the world. The course is taught using a wide range of resources including text books, interactive and authentic materials.

French

English Language at A Level provides you with a natural progression from your GCSE study of English and encourages you to developyour interest in and appreciation of English, through learning about its structures and its functions, its developments and its variations.The course allows you to develop your ability to express yourself in speech and writing, producing texts for different audiences, purposesand in different genres.

In the first year, the course focuses on Categorising Texts, Original Writing and Social Contexts, with an emphasis on Language andGender, Language and Power and Language and Technology. The coursework is focused on original writing, with an analyticalcommentary. In the second year, topics are Child Language Acquisition and Language Change, and a Language Investigation providesthe coursework element.

English Language

The course you will follow is OCR English Literature. You will study a range of novels, a selection of poetry, a play and a variety ofliterary criticism. Teachers will use a variety of strategies in class to encourage greater independence in your learning. You will beexpected to complete research, to present your ideas, to work collaboratively, and to participate in whole class discussion. You willalso be expected to meet deadlines. Students who work hard and are willing to be actively involved in lessons invariably do well in thissubject.

English Literature

Geography is a dynamic and relevant subject that encourages you to think critically and engage with a wide range of issues that faceour planet and our species. Contemporary geography is a subject which explicitly engages with the relationship of human populationsto each other over space and time and their relationship with their physical environment at a variety of scales from the local to theglobal. The course we offer at Mark Rutherford is the AQA specification, which offers opportunities for candidates to consider:● Their own roles, values and attitudes in relation to themes and issues being studied;● The roles, values and attitudes of others including decision-makers.

In examinations it is always likely that relevant and measured expressions and evaluations of such values and attitudes will becreditworthy and on occasions may be explicitly required by examination questions and tasks. In other words, if you like to think foryourself, debate your point and enjoy sharing and articulating your opinions about the world around you then this could be the coursefor you!

Geography

There is the opportunityfor you to study either the extended diploma, diploma or subsidiary diploma in this subject.

BTEC Health and Social Care is an ideal opportunity for students who wish to either focus fully on this vocational area or mix withtraditional A levels. Within the context of the subject there are opportunities for students to study one or more of four specialist areas.The course is flexible and allows students to opt for a variety in the number of units studied and each unit will accrue UCAS points forthose wishing to continue to higher education.

The style of this course suits students who do well at coursework and who are able to manage their time effectively to meet the demandsof all of their tutors. Each unit is graded pass, merit or distinction and has a points value contributing to the qualification awarded. Thisqualification is aimed at students anticipating choosing either a degree course or other form of higher education in a related area toHealth and Social Care, but does not necessarily have to be. Previously students have gone on to degrees in Psychology, PrimaryEducation, Animal Husbandry, Nursing, and Childhood and Family Studies. This course is also an excellent starting point for studentswho wish to go directly into employment in either the public or private sector.

Health and Social Care BTEC


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We offer courses which we think are relevant, interesting, challenging and rewarding. Throughout you will have to analyse sourcematerials, form your own judgments about them, master historical controversies, and solve problems by a process of logical, rationalargument and debate.

The History course at Mark Rutherford stretches students’ ability to analyse and structure coherent arguments. The study of the subjectis designed to facilitate easier access to such courses as Law, Journalism, Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University.

AS level:Civil Rights in America, 1945 to 1968.Protest and Reform in Britain, 1830 to 1885The war in Vietnam from 1945 to 1975

A2 level:The making of Modern China from 1900 to 2010 (coursework module)The Cold War from 1945 to 1989

History

This qualification will give you an opportunity to develop further as an ICT end-user. End-users are those who use ICT, typically desktopapplications, on a daily basis in a work role to enhance personal productivity, facilitate communication, enable collaborative workingetc. You will learn how to use appropriate ICT tools and techniques to carry out investigations, capture and handle data, solve problems,develop solutions using event driven programming and plan and manage projects. You will also learn how to effectively present yourwork in a multimedia e-Portfolio. Applied GCE ICT is popular course at A Level as not only does it provide a good stepping stone forfurther/higher education, work or training but also complements other subjects.

Applied ICT

The AQA A-level course builds on work met at GCSE and extends to a greater depth topics such as number sequences, trigonometry,graphs of straight lines and curves, as well as introducing new ideas and powerful techniques for solving problems, for example Calculus.The mechanics module introduces and develops the idea of forces, Newton’s laws of motion and the study of motion (kinetics), whilststudy of the statistics module develops understanding of probability models (binomial and Normal distributions), confidence intervalsand correlation & regression. The delivery of the course is similar to GCSE, but due to the smaller group sizes and shared interest thereis much more discussion and interaction between the students.

Students can choose to study Pure Mathematics & Statistics, or Pure Mathematics & Mechanics. Students studying Physics orconsidering a career in engineering may wish to consider the Pure Mathematics and mechanics option, whilst students studyingGeography, Biology, Business Studies or Psychology will find the statistics option supports their other subjects. However, Mathematicscan be usefully combined with any A level course.

Mathematics

The A Level Italian course provides an opportunity for those already studying Italian at GCSE to extend their knowledge of the country,language and its culture. By the end of this course you will be able to communicate with greater confidence in Italian; write moreaccurately in Italian; compare and contrast aspects of Italian and English culture, and demonstrate an extended knowledge of thegrammatical structure of Italian. You will be required to debate issues relating to current affairs, and so an ability to express justifiedand balanced opinions will be an advantage.

You can progress on to:● Italian or European language degree courses● A wide range of careers including translating, interpreting, international business, sales, and teaching

A language is an excellent addition to a wide range of subjects, from medicine to business, and will enhance your employability.

Italian

The AQA A-level Further Mathematics courses enable students to both deepen their mathematical understanding, particularly throughthe further pure units, and to widen their mathematical understanding by studying another branch of applied mathematics. Althoughchallenging, students taking further mathematics find it to be an enjoyable, rewarding, stimulating and empowering experience. Studentstaking Further Mathematics must also study Mathematics.

Further Mathematics

Studying for this specification encourages students to develop an interest in, and enjoyment of, all platforms of the Media, includingprint based texts, moving images and electronic media (internet and games). The course is designed to encourage students to becomeactive consumers of media texts and understand that the world around them is constructed by mass media messages and images.Making sense of the media enables students to make sense of the modern world!

Media Studies naturally leads to careers in journalism, marketing, advertising or public relations. But an awareness of how the worldof media works can also support other careers, such as social work, law, medicine and education. By knowing how the media operatesyou will be able to decode messages more skilfully and engage with topics that interest you.

Media Studies

This course extends the GCSE skills of performing, composing and appraising, in ways which emphasise their interdependence. Thereare no limits on the instruments (or voices) and types of repertoire which may be presented in performance and the study of the widestpossible range of music, including folk, popular and classical traditions of non-Western origin as well as those of jazz and Westernclassical and popular traditions, is encouraged.

Please see also the Music Technology A level course. It is possible to study this alongside A level Music as the two are complementary,with some overlap.

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Music technology plays a key role in music across the world. This qualification is designed to open up a range of exciting and usefultasks, and to encourage students to learn about the application of technologies to the composition and production of music. Students,including those who do not play a traditional instrument, are encouraged to explore their musicality and create original materials usingtechnology. This course retains an emphasis on practical tasks, and is complemented with areas of study that help the studentsdevelop skills in the analysis of musical forms and styles, alongside the techniques needed to produce contemporary music.

Music Technology

If you enjoy performing in music, drama and dance, then this course will be of interest to you. You will also need to have a willingnessto work with others. A BTEC Extended Diploma is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignmentsthat are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you havechosen, you develop the skills you need to start a career. It is equivalent to three A levels which means when you have finished thecourse you can choose whether to get a job straight away or go into higher education first.

Performing Arts(Musical Theatre) BTEC

Students will have the chance to take on 2 of the roles of either ‘performer’, ‘leader’ or ‘official’ at AS Level, before focusing on justone of these roles at A Level.

In addition, students will learn about sport, from grass roots to elite level, and the development of competitive sport in the UK, andacross the world. Healthy lifestyles, fitness, diet and training, as well as preparing for practical sports performance are also coveredextensively.

Students who complete this course could move on to a number of sport related courses at university, including Sports Science, Sport& PE, PE teacher training, Physiotherapy, Sports coaching, Sport Journalism and Personal Training to name a few.

Physical Education

During the first year, students will develop coursework with the main focus at first of developing an understanding of how the cameraworks, and an introduction to Photoshop techniques as well as chemical (darkroom) processes. Students will then develop a personalproject in which they will be expected to develop a greater understanding of the place of photography in history and contemporarysociety. This will take the form of an extended personal investigation into a range of photographers and artists. Students will be taughtvarious skills and techniques but the emphasis is on developing independence with the role of the teacher as one of support in thedevelopment of personal ideas. In the second year students will build upon the techniques learnt in the first year to explore personalideas into more refined and finished pieces of work. Students will also produce a written and illustrated personal study relating to theHistory of Photography.

Photography

Are you the kind of person who wants to know how the world works? Do you have an enquiring mind? If you have enjoyed the Physicstopics in your GCSE Science course and have logical and mathematical ability then this course will suit you. The Physics is approachedthrough various real-life contexts and you will find that there are many practical experiments and demonstrations to help you tounderstand the key concepts. Physics is a challenging subject; you will have to work hard but it opens up many good opportunitiesbeyond the Sixth Form.

Physics combined with Mathematics at A level offers a wide range of opportunities including Physics or Engineering at University. Besuccessful in your physics studies and no potential employer will doubt that you have the ability, both in intellect and hard work, tomake a real contribution to their organisation.

Physics

This exciting course aims to stimulate and sustain an interest in Food Technology and the food industry as a whole.

Areas of study include Quality of food, Processing of food, Packaging and labelling, Nutrition value and contribution to dietary controland sustained good health, Health and safety, and Chemistry of Food.

Students build upon skills already acquired in both design and practical aspects of the subject.

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Product Design encourages you to think about design development and product evolution. You will develop your designing and modellingskills in relation to product development and it requires you to respond to problems in creative and innovative way. The flexibility withinthe coursework elements allows you to focus on different material areas; however core skills in sketching and modelling will befundamental. Product Design is an interesting and popular subject at A Level, especially if you have an interest in products and makingthem function better.

Product Design:Graphics/Resistant Materials

A Level Psychology falls under the category ‘humanities’ and is an academic subject. At Mark Rutherford, we follow the OCR specificationat A level. In the first year you will become familiar with four techniques for collecting and analysing data: self-report, experiment,observation and correlation. You will also study fifteen core studies relating to social, cognitive, physiological, developmental andindividual differences. In the second year, one unit covers forensic psychology and clinical psychology. The second unit covers researchmethodology, where you will be required to design a practical project, and structured synoptic questions on approaches, perspectives,methods, issues and debates.

Psychology

Sociology falls under the category ‘humanities’ and is an academic subject. We follow the AQA specification at A level. Learning takesplace through a mixture of essays, examinations, group projects and peer-assessed presentations, aimed at developing traditionalacademic skills as well as practical transferrable skills in social research. The first year units include Culture and Identity, Families andHouseholds, Wealth, Poverty and Welfare, Education with Research Methods and Health with Research Methods. In the second year,you will study Beliefs in Society, Global Development, Mass Media, Power and Politics, Crime and Deviance and Stratification andDifferentiation.

Sociology

If you enjoy Science and would like to continue your studies without specialising in one particular area of Science then this is a verygood course for you. Being a vocational course, it also involves developing more practical employable skills such as communication,organisation, independent working and time management.

The Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science is a two year course and is equivalent to one A level in Applied Science. Ifyou stop after one year then you qualify for a Level 3 BTEC Certificate in Applied Science which is equivalent to one AS level. Thesequalifications are also referred to as BTEC Nationals and carry the same UCAS points for university as AS and A2 qualifications.

Applied Science BTEC

The course will appeal to students who enjoy learning and using Spanish for its own sake. Spanish is a major European language andwill be an asset to any chosen career. The integration of practical Spanish themes with other subjects will be of interest to studentswho wish to develop foreign language skills as well as enhance their career potential. Students taking the Spanish programme will havethe opportunity to gain valuable foreign language skills and to learn about aspects of life and culture in Spain and Spanish-speakingregions of the world. The course is taught using a wide range of resources including text books, interactive and authentic materials.

Spanish

Travel and Tourism is a very dynamic global business and represents probably the world’s largest industry. Organisations offering traveland tourism products and services are constantly striving to anticipate consumer needs. The course is designed to be adaptable toyour needs, interests and career aspirations. There are four compulsory core units: Investigating the Travel and Tourism Sector, TheBusiness of Travel and Tourism, The UK as a destination, Customer Service in Travel and Tourism; plus a choice of two units from avariety of specialist areas such as European Destinations, Long-haul Travel Destinations, UK Visitor Attractions, Airfares and Ticketing,among many others.

Travel and Tourism BTEC

This vocational course is aimed at those who wish to enter the dynamic area of sports specific employment. There is a core of sciencebased modules specific to sport and exercise which is complemented with exercise and practical sports modules. Core units includeanatomy, sport and exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, research methods, a research project and sports biometrics.Specialist units include sports nutrition, sports injuries, sports coaching, work-based experience in sport, practical individual sports,practical team sports, outdoor and adventure activities, among others.

Sport and ExerciseSciences BTEC


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