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CO L L E G E P R O S P E C T U S 2013 - 14

N U R T U R I N G E X C E L L E N C E

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HOWELL’S COLLEGE

WelcomeI do hope you will find our prospectus helpful in discovering what Howell’s College can offer you. Students who study A levels at Howell’s College experience proven academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and personalised guidance for Higher Education and Careers. Our results, as well as the testimonials of alumni, are evidence of what a supportive and exciting place Howell’s is to study.

We pride ourselves that whether you stay with us from our Senior School, or join us in Year 12, you will quickly feel welcomed into our Howell’s College family and to ensure you settle quickly and feel happy and confident in your learning, we run a wellbeing programme called ‘First 50’. The aim of this programme is to ensure that over the first fifty days in Howell’s College, you thrive academically, socially and emotionally and are happy and successful in your studies. Approximately half of each intake are new to Howell’s and a third of the year group are boys, so with an intake of over a hundred a year, that’s a busy new environment, just like starting at university.

You will quickly learn that the established teaching expertise and outstanding results at A level is the framework for a much wider and rewarding college experience in which we encourage you to become active and informed individuals who care about each other and our world. You will also have a key role to play as leaders of our school community and your contributions will be encouraged and valued. What you give us is as important as what we offer you.

I am immensely proud of the college experience we offer students and of the success achieved by the young men and women who have been part of our College. Why not join us and make the most of the exciting opportunities we can offer you to excel academically, to discover new talents and to achieve your personal goals.

Mrs Chyba,Head of Howell’s College

CONTENTSPage

Letter of welcome 1

The College offer - Reasons for choosing the College 2 - What’s in it for me? 3

The curriculum - Subject choices, including new subjects 4

College life - General information 5 - Higher education preparation/Career support 6 - Leadership 7

Extra-curricular activities - Sport 8 - Drama and Music 9 - Citizenship 10

Further information - Honours Programme 11 - Finance and scholarships 11 - Special Educational Needs 11

Curriculum subjects on offer - Subjects 13

Index of subjects Art and Design 14-15 Biology 16 Business Studies 17-18 Chemistry 19-20 Classical Civilisation 21-22 Design Technology (Product Design) 23-24 Drama and Theatre Studies 25-26 Economics 27-28 English Language and Literature 29-31 English Literature 32-34 Geography 35-36 Government and Politics 37 History 38-39 Information and Communication Technology 40-41 Latin 42-43 Mathematics and Further Mathematics 44-45 Modern Foreign Languages – French, German, Spanish 46-51 Music 52-54 Physics 55-56 Religious Studies 57-58 Welsh 59 Welsh (Second Language) 60-61

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THE OFFERWhy should I choose Howell’s College?

• Specialist teaching which achieves outstanding results In 2013, we achieved 23% A*, 58% at A* or A. 85% of students gained grades at A*, A or B and a 100%

Pass Rate.

• Academic Enrichment Our stretch and challenge agenda provides students with exciting opportunities to pursue their super-

curricular interests. This includes Open University Modules, the Extended Project, Pre-University Skills Modules, Engineering Scheme, Science Olympiads, UKMT Challenge and GDST, local and national competitions.

• Honours Programme Howell’s awards Scholarships to talented students in Sport, Music, Art and Drama as well as for

academic ability. Honorary Scholarships are also extended to students with an exceptional GCSE profile. All honours students participate in the Honours Laureate Programme.

• Study Skills Programme All students engage in a Study Skills Programme which promotes successful learning and prepares

students for university.

• Our Higher Education and Life Skills Programme We provide outstanding guidance and support for higher education and offer College students a

unique programme of life skills and preparation for the workplace.

• Personalised Pastoral Care for students Every student has a Personal Tutor and access to individual mentoring to maximise progress. We will

get to know you quickly and support you with your ambitions. Our First 50 Wellbeing Programme helps students settle in quickly and happily.

• Enrichment Programme The College Enrichment Programme timetables opportunities for all College students to enhance their

personal development through Sport in Action. Please see the separate Enrichment booklet.

• Extra-curricular activities We nurture talent, build confidence and encourage teamwork and leadership skills through a diverse

range of sports clubs, activities and teams. These include drama, public speaking, debating, music, choir, orchestra, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, Envision, Interact, volunteering and charity events.

• Young Leaders Students can apply for key roles as Head Students, House Captains, Senior Prefects and Prefects.

Together they play a key role in shaping the Howell’s experience and act as our ambassadors at high profile events.

• College Council Elected students from each tutor group are given a student voice through the College Council and are

encouraged to be part of the democratic process of the School. There is also a School Council for students.

• Preparation for Life We model ourselves on a university-style education encouraging independence, leadership and

ambition. Hard work and fun combine to create a rewarding and successful College experience which will help you with the next stage of your life.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

Academic Enrichment

Super-curricular activities Honours Programme

Howell’s Laureate AwardsCritical Thinking Course

Extended ProjectOpen University ModulesTrust Masterclass Lectures

Engineering SchemeScience Olympiads

UKMT ChallengeGDST Competitions and Prizes

Develop Your Intellectual Curiosity

Extra-curricular Opportunities

Enrichment Programme Music, Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Group

Sport: social and competitiveDrama, Public Speaking & Debating

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold AwardHouse Competitions

Charity Events and VolunteeringEnvision and Interact

Parties and Social EventsResidential Trips at home and abroad

Language Clubs

Invest in Your Talent and Interests

Life Skills

First 50 Wellbeing ProgrammeOrganisation, Time Management

Study Skills ProgrammePre-University Skills Course

Independent LearningConfidence Building

Risk TakingSelf-reliance and Effectiveness

Teamwork OpportunitiesLeadership Roles

Outstanding Pastoral CarePersonal Tutorials

Enhance Your Personal Resources and Resilience

Preparation for Competitive Courses and the Future

Flexible University-style EnvironmentPersonal Tutors

Oxbridge and Medics ProgrammesCareerStart Workshops

Specialist Careers AdviceMock Interviews

Higher Education ProgrammeAlumni Network and GDST Internships

Networking for Work ExperienceOutstanding UCAS Support and Guidance

Maximise Your Academic Potential and Pre-University Skills

ACADEMIC COREAS and A LEVELS

Established Teaching Expertise Outstanding Results


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THE CURRICULUMYou can choose up to four subjects at AS level. Subjects currently available are:

What should I choose to study?The subjects you choose now are important for your future plans. Do choose subjects you are good at and think you will enjoy but bear in mind any career aspirations you may have at this time. Certain course choices and careers require specific subjects at A level or a balance in your subject combination. Do ring us if you would like to discuss this further. We can arrange a careers interview with our specialist team.

What’s it like to learn at Howell’s College?• You will be mixing with new students from different backgrounds and with different ideas – it is a great time to develop your confidence, resourcefulness and independence

• You will have teachers who are approachable and supportive but who will challenge you to do your very best so that you are effective independent learners

• Your lessons will vary in style but be prepared for a faster pace than at GCSE

• You will be encouraged to become involved in extra-curricular activities but you will be expected to manage your time and workload and meet all deadlines

• ICT will be used in lessons to maximise your learning. There is a College intranet for use by staff and students. The Library offers excellent facilities to support independent learning. Students have access to laptops, charging stations and Wifi

• The teaching in the College will bridge the gap between A level and the demands of higher education. It will enable you to prepare for the way in which you will have to study at university

COLLEGE LIFEWhere do College students study and relax?Students study in the Library, which is refurbished and very well-equipped. You can access 8,000+ books titles, quality newspapers, academic journals, online databases, DVDs and other media to help with your studies. College students are encouraged to engage with their academic interests beyond ‘set text’ lists and the Library is the ideal place to do this. Library staff will always help you find what you need and there is a dedicated silent study area for independent work and revision.

The College has three common room areas which are popular places to relax and to meet friends over a cup of tea or coffee. Two of these are in the College Houses, Oaklands and Bryntaf and a third is in the Senior School. This is called the Science Common Room.

The Senior School and both College Houses have study rooms for students.

You will have unrestricted access to full cafeteria facilities in the main school, whilst the College has its own kitchens for coffee, tea and light refreshments.

What do I wear?Students at Howell’s College wear a range of College tops. College Tee shirts, polo-shirts, hoodies or rugby tops must be worn for all top layers. The rest of your clothing must be sensible and appropriate for the College. Jeans are fine. All College tops are available in the school shop, situated alongside the Junior School.

At all times, students should be dressed for a working environment and remember their role as examples to the younger students.

College Bonding Day

Art & DesignBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryClassical CivilisationDesign & TechnologyDrama & Theatre StudiesEconomics

English Language and LiteratureEnglish LiteratureFrenchGeographyGermanGovernment & PoliticsHistoryICT

LatinMathematicsFurther MathematicsMusicPhysicsReligious StudiesSpanishWelsh


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Preparation for Higher Education, Competitive Courses and Top Universities

One of the distinctive advantages of choosing Howell’s College lies in the extensive expertise we have in preparing students successfully for Higher Education. Our Higher Education programme starts in December of Year 12 with regular information seminars, events and visiting speakers throughout the two years. Personal tutors provide individual guidance and specialists work with you to support particular career and course choices.

Representatives from top universities also lead a most helpful Higher Education and Oxbridge evening. Our Oxbridge Programme and Medics Programme are detailed in their guidance. Our Career Breakfasts and regular meetings ensure that all students are receiving quality support. The Mock Interview Programme gives students likely to receive an interview every chance to be prepared and confident for the real thing. Following AS examinations, we introduce students to the UCAS application process. Students learn how to write their personal statement as well as how to complete the UCAS application form. A carousel of events related to higher education takes place throughout June and July.

Career guidanceOur Careers Department organise events throughout the year and also offer private individual guidance interviews. All students have mock interviews should they need or request them, with appropriate and constructive feedback. We are also ably supported by the Independent Schools’ Careers Organisation, which offers excellent courses through the year. As part of our Careers and Higher Education Programme, every student has the opportunity of taking the Futurewise series of psychometric tests which is then followed up with an interview. The report is helpful in indicating a student’s true strengths and abilities as well as giving advice about possible careers and appropriate Higher Education courses.

The Trust CareerStart Programme provide workshops for students and we are fortunate that many alumni come back to our alumni networking events to speak to students. This year, students have gone on to study at Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Exeter, Imperial, King’s, London School of Economics and Oxford to name but a few. Every year, some students choose to take a gap year and consequently we have students who will be undertaking voluntary work, employment and personal challenges.

If you take a gap year, we will invite you back to complete your application with us the following year.

“The Careers guidance that I have received at Howell’s has been outstanding. There is always someone available to give you help and advice when you are faced with sometimes difficult decisions”

LeadershipWe actively encourage you to take on leadership roles. You could:

• Represent your Year group on the College Council which meets every fortnight• Run a club, activity or event • Co-ordinate raising awareness and funds for a charity • Get involved in debating or public speaking• Enter competitions • Take assemblies • Become a Young Leader

We also have prefects responsible for helping with activities such as Charity, Marketing and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as traditional subject prefects such as Languages, Government & Politics, Mathematics, Geography, Science and Classics. Throughout their term of office, students holding any of these positions take on considerable leadership and teamwork roles.

Throughout your time at Howell’s College you will always be expected to act as a good role model for the younger students and as an ambassador for the school when meeting parents and visitors.

Students’ comments:

“Being given positions of responsibility has really helped me to develop my confidence.”

“Howell’s College provided me with fantastic opportunities to develop as an individual not only through my studies, but also through the many extra-curricular activities on offer.”

We hope that your experiences with us will improve your resourcefulness, resilience and confidence.

Oxbridge Seminar

Head Boy and Head Girl 2013-14

Leading on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition.


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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES• A Freshers’ Fair during AS induction week showcases the impressive diversity of clubs, societies and

activities you can choose to join. Do sign up and get involved.

Sport

• Whether in team sports or in individual physical pursuits, Howell’s students enjoy a remarkable range of on-site sporting facilities, from several playing fields and netball courts to a well-appointed sports hall, swimming pool and fitness suite. Astro-pitch facilities at the Talybont University site and the facilities of the Welsh Institute of Sport are within close proximity.

• Every week, all College students are timetabled together one afternoon to take part in social or competitive sporting activities. These include opportunities to do football, rugby, netball, swimming, aerobics, badminton, basketball, Zumba, ski-slope skiing and personal use of the fitness suite.

• Our overall aim is to allow all students at Howell’s the opportunity to take part in enjoyable physical activity, and to benefit from the skills that participating in sport encourages: team spirit, co-operation and communication, health and fitness.

• The school celebrates the students’ distinctive achievements in school, College, county, national and international competitions. We are proud of those talented students, who have been selected to represent their County and Wales in a wide variety of sports including lacrosse, hockey, squash, rowing and golf.

• Leadership and teamwork skills can also be developed through the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Those who have not completed the Bronze or Silver Awards can participate directly in the Gold Award.

“It was an amazing experience to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition, as I had not been camping very much before.”

What opportunities are there for Drama and Music?

Drama

• In October 2013 the students from Years 10 to 13 will be involved in a production of “Romeo and Juliet”. We will be presenting the key scenes but adding music, movement and generally updating the play to, hopefully, something quite innovative!

The College will also be involved in a House Pantomime Competition which takes place in the last week of the Autumn Term. The students are in complete charge of this project-from scripting it, auditioning for roles, scheduling rehearsals to the final production in front of the whole school.

There will also be a series of theatre workshops which will introduce students to the works of theatre practitioners and will concentrate on movement and dance.

Throughout the year, the Drama Department runs many trips to the theatre and everyone is welcome to attend these events.

Music

• The extra-curricular activities of the Music department play a vital role in the life of Howell’s School and College. In the College, there are many opportunities for you to take part in musical activities. There is a thriving Senior Orchestra, a Senior Girls’ Choir and a mixed College Choir as well as many varied chamber ensembles and rock/jazz groups. Rehearsals are arranged weekly to take place either at lunchtime or after school between 3.45pm and 5.00pm. The Music department organises a busy schedule of concerts and competitions throughout the year. Some of the many highlights are the Carol Service at Llandaff Cathedral and the College and Senior School concert which occur annually.

• Over the years the department has achieved many successes at competitions and festivals. Students are encouraged to take on these challenges and are also given the opportunity to perform as soloists and/or in groups at the weekly College meeting and at charity events in the community. Visits to concerts and the opera are frequently arranged. Higher education establishments are fully aware of the many skills learned and the discipline required to produce music of a high standard. If you play an instrument or would like to sing, do get involved!

College Rugby

College Netball

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition

House Panto directed by College Students

Members of College Choir


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Citizenship

• There is a strong tradition of charity work amongst our students which often extends to the wider community as well as international support. Other opportunities include our eco initiative or participating in a partnership project with our own or another primary school.

• Competitions, including those organised by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), are regularly promoted within the College. In addition, we have an annual Eisteddfod which College students organise, and many sporting events and competitions.

• Budding public speakers and debaters are very well catered for: we take an active part in the Council for Education in World Citizenship, providing speakers for mock United Nations debates, and are closely involved in national competitions such as the Oxford and Cambridge Schools’ Debating and the Debating Matters and CEWC competitions. With communication identified as a key skill in today’s world, debating and public speaking offer challenging opportunities for cultivating presence and confidence.

• Science students in Year 12 are encouraged to apply for a Nuffield Science Bursary. This enables them to carry out research in a university or hospital department for several weeks during the summer holidays. They are then asked to write a report of their findings, which is also submitted for a Gold Crest award. Several of our students in the past have participated in this scheme and have gained valuable insight from the experience as well as receiving Gold Crest awards.

“One of the reasons that I came to Howell’s was not only because of the impressive academic record, but also the wide range of opportunities available to us”

FURTHER INFORMATIONHow good are Howell’s College results and what academic standard will you require?We are used to our students achieving excellent results, often the best in Wales.

In 2013, we achieved 23% A*, 58% at A* or A. 85% of students gained grades at A*, A or B and a 100% pass rate.

• It is expected that you will have already achieved a range of at least six good grades at GCSE with an A*, A or B in the subjects you wish to take at AS/A2 level. You must have grade C or above in English, Maths and Science even if you are not pursuing these at AS level.

Honours ProgrammeScholarships are awarded for academic ability, Sport, Drama and Music and Art. Our Honours Programme aims to recognise individual achievement and potential. In addition, students who achieve the highest number of A* grades at GCSE will become Honorary Scholars. They will be offered opportunities throughout the College to stretch themselves academically over and above the challenges of their chosen A level subjects. This will include the chance to take part in local, national and Trust competitions, the Laureate Programme and to take the Extended Project or an Open University module.

Howell’s Laureate ProgrammeAll students in Year 12 are invited to embark on a Laureate programme linked to an area in which they have been recognised as having considerable talent. Commitment to the programme will encourage students to develop those talents and will provide recognition for their efforts and achievements. Each Laureate has a central core of leadership, personal enrichment and contribution to Howell’s. Students can choose from five Laureates: Sporting Excellence, Musical Excellence, Academic Excellence, Artistic Excellence and Dramatic excellence.

Finance and Scholarships If you already have a Trust bursary, it will carry over into the College if you are still eligible on financial grounds, after the annual re-assessment. If you are a holder of a Trust scholarship this will also carry over.

Scholarships and bursaries are available to students entering the College. There is a scholarship examination and interviews for scholarships which are awarded on academic merit. These are held in the Autumn Term. It is available for both internal and external candidates, although those students who already hold a Howell’s scholarship will not be eligible. Scholarships for Art, Drama, Music and Sport are awarded following submission of a letter, CV and an interview.

Trust bursaries will be available for those entering the College in September. These bursaries are means-tested. If you would like to receive information about the bursary scheme please ask the Admissions Officer. Applications for bursaries must be made before the end of the Autumn Term. Academically able students have always been able to come to Howell’s irrespective of family income and it is our intention that they will continue to do so in the future.

Tŷ Gwyn Special School Party

College Debating opportunities

Yr 12 Biology


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CURRICULUM SUBJECTS ON OFFER

Art and DesignBiology

Business StudiesChemistry

Classical CivilisationDesign Technology (Product Design)

Drama and Theatre StudiesEconomics

English Language and LiteratureEnglish Literature

FrenchGeography

GermanGovernment and Politics

HistoryInformation and Communication Technology

LatinMathematics

Further MathematicsMusic

PhysicsReligious Studies

SpanishWelsh

Additional or Special Educational Needs in the CollegeIf you know that you have a diagnosed specific or additional learning need such as dyslexia or English as an Additional Language (EAL), it is important you or your parents let us know during the application process so that we can do our very best to support your learning needs. We have qualified teachers in an on-site Dyslexia Action Cymru unit and a specialist EAL teacher who can offer individual tuition if appropriate; both of these services can be provided at extra cost. In addition we offer a specialist dyslexia tutor who can offer individual guidance on, and prepare assessments for, public examination access arrangements for SEN students.

College bonding


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ART AND DESIGN (WJEC)

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”Albert Einstein

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”Pablo Picasso

Is this course right for me?Creativity is at the heart of the AS and Advanced Level in Art and Design. Creativity is also a core competency for the leaders and managers of the 21st century and a crucial component of innovation. Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources, says “...imagination which is the process of bringing to mind things that are not present to our senses; creativity, which is the process of developing original ideas that have value; and innovation, which is the process of putting new ideas into practice.” Art and Design at AS and A2 cements these qualities, offering an area of study which is fundamentally different from many other subjects within the College curriculum. Art and Design as an Advanced Level qualification is perfectly acceptable, whatever course you apply for through UCAS in Year 13.

What is it about?The GCE AS and Advanced Level Art and Design course is an open-ended and flexible programme of study, combining practical, historical and critical work. It aims to accommodate a wide variety of interests as well as different experiences and cultural perspectives. This is realised through a personal exploration or journey of discovery. The primary aim of the course is to nurture and develop your individual interests and abilities in Art and Design.

How will it be studied?The Art and Design Advanced Level course stresses individual development through personal exploration. You will be expected to persevere and demonstrate motivation to see your ideas through to fruition which is supported by regular personal tutorials and written guidance. As a student it is important that you are prepared to try new ways of working and to sometimes make mistakes. It is how we learn.

The CourseThe GCE AS course comprises of two units known as ART1 and ART2.

ART1 Coursework Portfolio (60% of AS, 30% of the full Advanced GCE)In this unit you will explore a theme demonstrating a creative exploration of ideas related to the theme. This body of work will be realised in a portfolio which addresses the assessment objectives.

ART2 Controlled Assignment (40% of AS, 20% of the full Advanced GCE)This is externally set, starts in the Spring Term, and comprises a preparation period followed by an eight-hour controlled test.

GCE Advanced Level The full GCE A level qualification consists of the two AS units (ART1 and 2), plus a further two units known as ART3 and ART4.

ART3 Personal Investigation (30% of Advanced GCE)This unit consists of two-linked elements –

1. Creative practical work2. Personal study

This unit encourages greater specialisation in a chosen area of study to reflect, evaluate, document and communicate your personal intentions and interests as a form of critical investigation. In addition to the creative practical work, you are expected to investigate the work of other artists to show a rigorous and in depth understanding of the context of your chosen area. This should be integrated into the visual work and is part of a continuous process as the creative practical work develops.

ART4 Controlled Assignment (20% of Advanced GCE)At this stage of the course, you will have developed your own personal visual language and this is your opportunity to bring together the Art and Design skills, knowledge and understanding you have experienced across both AS and A2. In this unit, you will be required to generate a response, which demonstrates the pinnacle of your creative achievements. This is externally set, starting in the Spring Term and comprises of a preparation period followed by a twelve hour controlled test.

AssessmentThroughout the course, regular formative assessment will guide you towards building a strong submission. The award of A* at Advanced Level will provide recognition of the additional demands presented by the A2 units in terms of ‘stretch and challenge’ and ‘synoptic’ requirements.

What can I do with Advanced level Art and Design?Art is a means of personal expression that provides the tools to think and create independently. It gives form to ideas and actually requires students to think “outside the box” in an authentic way. These qualities are sought after in many areas of professional life today. Art and Design prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in areas such as,Architecture; Fashion and Textile design; Photography, Film, Video and Television; Advertising and Illustration; Computer graphics; Interior design and interior architecture; Furniture and product design; Theatre, Film and Television set and costume design; Art therapy; Art conservation; Working as a painter, sculptor and crafts person. Art and Design provides a framework for genuine creativity within the College curriculum, encouraging students not to rely on templates but to think dynamically and connectively towards practical outcomes.

Art in Action


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BIOLOGY (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?

Biology is a challenging, varied and rewarding course. This is a really exciting time to be studying Biology because so much new research is being carried out which affects all of our lives. Genetic engineering, the human genome project, genetic screening, biotechnology, cloning, conservation and sustainability of resources are some examples of important areas which everyone should know about in order to understand new developments and make informed decisions.

What is it about?The course aims to develop the essential knowledge and understanding of biological concepts from the cell through the whole organism to the level of ecosystems. The relevance of Biology to everyday life is emphasised throughout. Your main reason for choosing this subject must be that you are interested in living organisms and their interaction. If you enjoyed the subject at GCSE it is likely that you will enjoy the AS and A2 courses.

AS topics include:BY1 Basic Biochemistry and Cell OrganisationBY2 Biodiversity and Physiology of Body SystemsBY3 Practical Assessment

A2 topics include:BY4 Metabolism, Microbiology and HomeostasisBY5 Environment, Genetics and EvolutionBY6 Practical Assessment

How will it be studied?Study at this level requires curiosity and an ability to work conscientiously. You will experience a range of learning and teaching styles, carrying out group work, practical tasks in the laboratory and develop independent learning skills. You will be given opportunities to attend extra-curricular lectures (Cardiff University), take part in competitions (Biology Olympiad), go on trips (Bristol Zoo, Techniquest) and attend a residential Field Course (FSC Orielton, Pembrokeshire).

What can I do with it?Biology is a valuable subject for a wide range of careers. Many of our students go on to study Biological Sciences at university. If you are interested in a career with a medical or bio-medical bias e.g. medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, then Biology is an essential subject. Many medical schools now have A level Biology as an entry requirement. An A level in Biology demonstrates that you possess good literacy, numeracy and practical skills and that you can absorb detailed information and apply this knowledge to novel situations.

BUSINESS STUDIES (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Business Studies is a very well established subject, with a significant number of students going on to study business or economics degrees at university. This is not surprising because a greater emphasis is placed on business skills, knowledge and practice in every profession. Success in almost every profession today requires an understanding of how an organisation operates – simply talk to your general practitioner or a head teacher to realise how their jobs have changed over the last ten years. As a result, Business Studies combines very well with any discipline in both arts and sciences.

What is it about?As a subject, it combines knowledge derived from other disciplines such as marketing, accounting, economics, management, sociology and psychology and aims at developing an understanding of the inter-relationships between these various components. Business Studies involves finding out how business operates and how decisions are made. You will tackle questions such as:• How do businesses develop, launch and put a new product on the market?• Inwhatwaysdofirmsrecruit,trainandmotivatetheiremployees?• Howdowebalancetheneedsofbusinesswiththoseoftheenvironment?• Whateconomic,legalandpoliticallinksaretherebetweenbusinessandgovernment?

How will it be studied?The theoretical content of the course is mainly delivered through a series of core lessons and student-led seminars, prior to which the students research a variety of central topics. Tutorials will be held where appropriate to monitor students’ progress and resolve areas of difficulty on an individual basis. The nature of the subject allows a variety of alternative teaching methods, which may be adopted during the course:• Some issues can be

studied through computer simulations and business games on a local and national basis.

• Collectinginformationthroughsurveys,questionnairesandsamplingoutsidetheclassroom.• Undertakingproducttestingandanalysisandpresentingtheresearch.• Visitingfactories,businessesetc.,inordertoenhanceunderstandingoftherealworld.

Fieldwork

Kidney dissection

Proshare IFS Team 2013


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The AS course• Unit 1 The Business Framework – an introduction to Business Studies• Unit 2 Business Functions – a more detailed look at marketing, accounting and finance, people in

organisations and operations management

The A2 course• Unit 3 Business Decision Making – an overview of business strategy including business objectives,

growth, external influences/change, business analysis• Unit 4 Business Strategy and Practice – how business objectives are achieved, including: sales

forecasting, costing, investment appraisal, employer and employee relations, decision making

How is the course examined?AS (2 units) BS1 1 hr 15 mins (20%) – The Business Framework: short answer questionsBS2 1 hr 45 mins (30%) – Business Functions: Data response plus short answer questions

A2 (2 units)BS3 2 hrs (25%) – Business Decision Making: Compulsory questions based on a Case StudyBS4 2 hrs (25%) – Business Strategy and Practice: Section A – Problem-solving questions Section B – One synoptic essay from a choice of three

Course ContentThe content is both varied and wide ranging but can be summarised under six main headings:• Marketing• Accounting and Finance• Operations Management• People• External Influences• Business Objectives and Strategies

What can I do with it?When you leave school you may wish to pursue a degree in Business Studies or Economics. Many students combine their interest in business or economics with another subject in order to enhance their career prospects. Increasingly, students are combining degrees in management studies with a foreign language. German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese are particularly useful for employment in international companies. In fact, the subject combines well with most disciplines; even doctors today have to manage large budgets in their practices and would find an understanding of financial issues invaluable. It is almost inevitable that during your career – whether working in the public or private sector, or setting up your own enterprise – knowledge of business-related issues will be helpful to you in carrying out your job effectively. Other areas of study which many students have recently combined with a business degree are ICT, law, nutrition and environmental studies.

CHEMISTRY (OCR)Should I choose this subject?Chemistry at Howell’s is a rewarding academic experience, developing both theoretical understanding and practical experimental skills in a successful, vibrant department. Chemistry is the study of matter. It looks at the structures of molecules that comprise all matter, and the changes that molecules undergo during reactions. As the Royal Society of Chemistry asserts, “Chemistry is everything”, from the microscopic world of atoms and molecules to the macroscopic world of stars and galaxies.

Chemistry is the study of the elements and their compounds. It is a science subject, so practical work is an important part of the course. Other subjects that would go well with Chemistry at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) or Advanced GCE are Biology, Geography, Physics and Mathematics. You may be concentrating on arts, humanities or modern language subjects and wish to take Chemistry AS to broaden your studies by continuing to take a science subject. However, the inherent breadth of Chemistry means that it may also be considered with any subject.

What is it about?

Chemistry is a key science subject overlapping in its demands with Biology and Physics. The subject is a thinking science and it requires the student to really understand and apply the knowledge gained. You will also develop a range of other skills whilst taking the subject, such as ICT, numeracy and practical skills. Chemistry is an experimental science, and the AS and A level courses are concerned with observing how substances behave in their interactions with each other and under changing conditions. These lessons will reinforce what you learn and will develop your powers of analysis and evaluation. The lessons and tutorials will enable you to see the application of Chemistry in its widest context. You will be encouraged to develop your skills of independent learning and this is a key educational principle.

What can I do with it?With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to study Chemistry, other science-based subjects or even work in science-based industry such as chemical engineering, material science or biotechnology. It is essential for the medical field, pharmacy and environmental science. Chemistry is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of professions. Chemistry graduates enter many disciplines, not necessarily all scientific. It is a qualification that is highly sought after in today’s world; technically adept individuals remain essential to our rapidly developing society.

“Chemistry – our life, our future.”

Science Experiment

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How will it be studied?The OCR specification is delivered through seminars and tutorial sessions. These include different styles of teaching and learning in order to ensure that learning is tailored to the individual needs of students.

AS Level Course Content

F321: Atoms, Bonds and Groups• Atoms and reactions• Electrons, bonding and structure• The Periodic Table

1 hour written examinationAS level – 30%(A level – 15%)

F322: Chains, Energy and Resources• Basic concepts and Hydrocarbons• Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and Analysis• Energy• Resources

1¾ hour written examinationAS level – 50%(A level – 25%)

F323: Practical Skills in Chemistry 1• AS internal assessment

Internal assessmentAS level – 20%(A level – 10%)

A2 Course Content

F324: Rings, Polymers and Analysis• Rings, acids and amines• Polymers and synthesis• Analysis

1¼ hour written examination15%

F325: Equilibria, Energetics and Elements• Rates, equilibrium and pH• Energy• Transition elements

2 hours written examination25%

F326c: Practical Skills in Chemistry 2• A2 internal assessment

Internal assessment10%

How is this qualification assessed?Two units at AS and A2 level are assessed through written examination. One unit at AS and A2 level are assessed through internal assessment.

The specification is available to download at www.ocr.org.uk

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (OCR)

Should I choose this subject?Classical Civilisation is the cornerstone of the humanities subjects. This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the significance of Greek and Roman culture in our contemporary lives. The specification enables students both to gain a broad understanding of the major periods of classical civilisation, and to study selected topics at greater depth through the reading of Greek and Roman authors in translation.N.B: No previous knowledge of the classical languages or civilisation is necessary.

The emphasis is not upon a merely factual study of ancient life and institutions, but upon the value of the achievements of Graeco-Roman civilisation and its relationship with later (especially modern) European culture. You will find the course challenging, enjoyable and stimulating and you will be encouraged to relate what you study to the modern world and your own experience. English, History, Modern Languages, Religious Studies, Drama, Geography and Art are helpful allied subjects, although other combinations with Classical Civilisation, including Mathematics and Science, have proved to be enjoyable and enriching.

What is it about?The AS courseThe subject matter of the course is likely to include the following selected topics:

Greek Tragedy in its Context – Its origins and development, Greek mythology, the religious and cultural context, roles of men and women, plots and characterisation. Four plays (currently Aeschylus’ Agamemnon, Sophocles’ Ajax and Euripides’ Medea and Trojan Women) are studied, with emphasis on both literary and dramatic qualities.

Homer’s Odyssey and Society – Homer’s epic poems (the Iliad and the Odyssey) are the first and originally the greatest European works of literature. You will read one of these in any given year. Epic explores, among other things, the Greek myths and concepts of heroes and gods, the interaction between mortal and immortal and the storytelling techniques of the ancient world.

The A2 courseThe subject matter of the course is likely to include the following selected topics and builds on the knowledge and understanding acquired at AS:

Virgil and the World of the Hero – Homer’s Iliad completes the study of Greek Epic. Virgil’s Aeneid offers a new, Roman perspective to the epic form and gives a deeper insight into the heroes of the Trojan War and enables students to examine the nature of heroism.

Comic Drama in the Ancient World – Two hilarious plays by the master of comic drama, Aristophanes, offer a brilliant insight into life in 5th century Athens through the comic playwright’s skill. All the elements of modern comedy can be found in the fantasy, satirical attacks on the behaviour of politicians and well-known figures of the day, verbal wit and outrageous slapstick in these plays. A Roman perspective on comic drama is conveyed by reading two works by the Roman playwright Plautus. Through quick wit and humour, often not unlike what one finds in modern situation comedies, Plautus gives us an opportunity to compare the different genres of comedy in the ancient world and to consider the relative humorous techniques of the comic authors.

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How will it be studied?The AS course Both topics have an examination of one and a half hours to be taken in May/June at the end of Year 12. There is no compulsory coursework within the AS course. In each examination you will answer one extract based question and one essay. During the year written work is assessed in accordance with OCR guidelines and students benefit from discussing their progress with the staff in tutorial sessions where appropriate.

Seminar sessions include group reading, textual analysis, discussion and presentations by students. Audio-visual materials are used where appropriate. Visits to plays, exhibitions and relevant cultural events are encouraged and arranged for the group when possible. You will attend external lectures and relevant College based cross-curricular lectures. You will also have access to a comprehensive range of resource materials, available in the Learning Resource Centre, on computer and within the Classics Department.

The A2 courseEach topic is examined by a two hour paper, to be taken in May/June at the end of Year 13. In each paper you will answer one extract based question and one essay. Both units at this level are synoptic. By this stage you will have developed confidence in your knowledge of the ancient world and an increased maturity in discussion and essay work. Similar arrangements for assessment and guidance are provided for students in accordance with procedures at AS level.

What can I do with it?Classical Civilisation has been a popular, refreshing and exciting choice at degree level with Howell’s students in recent years and there is a wide range of options at university.

Modern higher education courses embrace a vast array of disciplines related to Classics, e.g. European Literature, Art, Architecture, Linguistics, Archaeology, Ancient History and Philosophy. Equally numerous are the possible combinations with other courses in the humanities such as English, French and Drama. In most cases, the opportunity to learn Ancient Greek and/or Latin will be offered by the universities.

AS or A2 level Classical Civilisation also provides a useful foundation for those students who wish to read History, Law or Psychology.

In the long term, the multi-faceted approach to studying Classics at degree level has proved highly popular amongst employers in a very broad range of professions. Classical Civilisation graduates have been found to be eminently employable!

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY (PRODUCT DESIGN) (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Are you interested in fashion, style, innovation, products, images, the modern and the traditional, design and designers, buildings and architecture? Do you ever ask yourself questions such as I wonder how…? I wonder why…? What if…?

The Design Technology Product Design course offers the opportunity to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products relating to personal interests. Design Technology develops interdisciplinary skills, all six Key Skills and imaginative thinking, creativity and independence.

What is it about?During the course you will study:• The principles of design and innovation, including the communication of ideas and solutions using a variety of media• Research techniques – the discerning use of reference material from a wide range of sources• Problem-solving strategies – investigation, teamwork, modelling, prototyping and evaluation• Product analysis – the processes involved in the design and production, including the form and function, of a range of manufactured products• Human responsibility – awareness of the designer’s social, moral, ethical and legal responsibilities• Industrial and commercial practice – understanding various methods of production and the ability to apply commercial practices in practical projects• Public interaction – research, design and appropriate marketing of products. How a design idea may be transformed into a marketable product

How will it be studied?The AS and A level core theory is taught through the medium of lectures, seminars and teacher and student-led presentations. The nature of the subject requires students to acquire a broad knowledge, interest and experience of Design Technology in the world around them. This knowledge can be expanded through the research, design and manufacture of major projects in both years of the course. During project work students are given individual support in Design and Technology lessons. Regular tutorials ensure that students understand and complete work in order to fulfil the assessment criteria.

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AS/A2 CourseworkBoth the AS and A2 Design Technology Product Design courses have a significant amount of coursework (60% AS and 60% A2). This means that your final results can be affected by the amount of time and effort that you apply during the course.

The final deadlines for AS coursework are October half-term for the Product Analysis and the end of the Spring Term for the Major Project. The final deadline for A2 coursework is February half-term. Both courses will also include a number of interim deadlines to make sure that you are on target.

The AS course

DT1 Examination Paper (40% AS, 20% Advanced)This requires students to answer a number of questions that will assess their knowledge and understanding of design innovation, product analysis, materials and components, industrial and commercial practice.

DT2 Design and Make tasks (60% AS, 30% Advanced)Students will submit a portfolio of work and an extended practical task within Product Design.

The A2 course

DT3 Examination paper (20% Advanced)

DT4 Major Project (30% Advanced)Students will undertake a single substantial project that will require them to demonstrate the integration of designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding gained throughout the course.

What can I do with it?Advanced Level Design Technology is recommended for students wishing to combine it with science, humanities and creative subjects. It is an ideal subject for students wishing to undertake studies in the future in:

Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical)Computer Analysis/Programming/ControlPhysicsSystems AnalysisDesignFurniture Design Fashion DesignTheatre DesignArchitectureMaterials ScienceGraphic DesignComputer Graphics

DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Drama is a valuable subject in its own right but it also is of value to support a whole range of subjects at AS and A2. The course aims to develop personal skills such as confidence, creativity and the ability to communicate effectively and is designed so that you can make full use of drama and theatre arts as an opportunity for learning. You will be encouraged to develop critical thought about the nature of drama and the development of theatre and to integrate your use of theory and practice through individual and group experience.

What is it about?The AS course There are two practical projects where you will be assessed either on your acting skills or technical production skills. You will take part in a performance based on the following:• One scene from one of the prescribed performance texts• One devised scene based on the themes suggested by the above text

The main criteria for practical performance skills will be:• Identification with character• Voice, speech and sound• Movement, gesture and behavioural skills, using body, space and physical relationships• Listening and responding skills, interacting with others and contributing with the group to the presentation of a performance• Power to engage and hold an audience

In the case of a technical production skill, the following skills will be offered:• Stage design• Lighting• Sound• Costume• Make-up or masks

The course is made up of 65% written work and 35% performance/production work.

In addition to the above there is one written paper:

Text analysis: you will be assessed on your responses to two set texts. You will be required to read a short section of each play and analyse the scene’s content with regard to: (a) character motivation and action, (b) atmosphere and staging potential. The set texts will include:

A Midsummer Night’s DreamThe ChairsThe Country WifeThe Spanish TragedyBlue Remembered Hills

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You will also be asked to write about a theatre production you have seen during the year. We aim to see at least two productions a term.

The A2 courseThe students perform two pieces for their final practical examination. The first piece is taken from a play of their own choice and the second is of a contrasting style and devised by the members of the group. Both pieces have to link to a chosen theme which has been set by the WJEC. The students will perform both pieces on the same day in front of a live audience.

You will also be assessed on a Written Evaluation which accompanies the practical performance. The Report is an extended analysis with additional sections that allow for greater depth and detail in examining and evaluating the process of practical preparation and performance.

In addition to the above there is one written paper. You will be assessed on your responses to two texts and will be required to answer four questions. The set texts will include:

Uncle VanyaElectraThe Threepenny OperaThe Rose Tattoo

You will also be required to respond to an unseen extract from a play.

The theoretical content of the course will be delivered through a series of core lessons and student led seminars in which students’ research into theatre practitioners and major dramatists will help to inform the synoptic element of the course. Tutorials will be held monthly to discuss the practical progress of the groups and to determine the outcome against the original aims. The department will also hold lectures on the social and theatrical background to the set texts, providing useful links with Classical Civilisation and English.

What can I do with it?The skills developed in the study of Drama and Theatre Studies make an enormous contribution to your personal development. In today’s world employers are looking for mature creative people who can communicate effectively (precisely the skills that drama develops). Many of our students go on to study the more technical elements of theatre, such as theatre design, lighting design as well as combining the study of drama with English and classical studies or a foreign language. An understanding of drama and theatre will also enhance your appreciation of film, plays and the arts in general for the rest of your life.

Drama Presentation

ECONOMICS (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?If you have an interest in knowing more about the way the world works then studying Economics may well be for you. It is part of our everyday lives; and as consumers, voters, workers and individuals it is at the core of what we do. Economics will appeal to those students who:• are genuinely interested in current affairs• have an interest in, and concern for, other societies across the world• want to broaden their A level studies to cover both ‘sciences’ and ‘arts’• want to study a ‘social science’ with its own academic and intellectual

rigour – the subject is well regarded by admissions officers at leading universities

• wish to keep their options open – Economics is an appropriate qualification for a wide variety of higher education courses.

Do I have to be very mathematical?A common misconception is that a strong mathematical background is important for the A level – this is not necessarily true; an ability to understand graphs and correlation is the only mathematical requirement. Beyond this, all that is needed is an ability to argue a case, to compare theory with reality and observe the differences; but these are skills needed for almost any AS/A2 level. A ‘B’ grade at GCSE Mathematics would suffice in most cases.

What is it about?AS and A level Economics aim to give an insight into key issues in the news affecting everyday life. It will help you to understand the issues behind the rising price of fuel, the impact of the 2012 Olympics and why the current recession is so difficult to turn around. Significant areas of the course include:• Interest rates: what are they, why do they change, what effect do they have?• Unemployment: why does it happen, what can be done?• Exchange rates: why are they so variable, and why do they matter?• Prices: why do they always seem to rise?• Business: why and how do firms compete?

The WJEC course is split into two main sections:• Microeconomics – this looks at a smaller scale; the pricing of individual products like oil or wheat; the

salaries paid to different people, and the reasons for any differences.• Macroeconomics – this looks at the big issues affecting the economy as a whole (unemployment,

inflation, growth and so on).

From a broader perspective the course examines the reasons why changes occur, and builds models to help you to analyse changes. A student having studied Economics would understand clearly why prices of oil, copper, gold, silver and wood are continuing to rise strongly. They would appreciate why unemployment in advanced economies has risen so much in recent years. They would also realise how the UK government got into so much debt and the extent to which this matters.

Taken together, micro and macroeconomics give a comprehensive understanding of the economy as a whole that will be valuable in career terms, as well as bringing an increased understanding of those elements of ‘The News at Ten’ which are currently so mystifying. Governments and political parties often disagree about economic issues. This means that economics often appeals to those who enjoy argument and debate and take an interest in current affairs. Throughout the course there is great emphasis on relating economic theories to the UK economy.

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How will it be studied?The AS course

• Unit EC1 Markets and Society – An introduction to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. A basic understanding of how markets and the economy work.

• Unit EC2 Macroeconomic Theory and Policy – The use of basic models to develop a critical understanding of economic issues, exploring current economic behaviour by drawing upon local, national and international sources.

The A2 course

• Unit EC3 Competitive Behaviour, Macroeconomics and Globalisation (l) – What are the objectives of businesses today? How do they compete with each other? Are Monopolies good?

• Unit EC3 Competitive Behaviour, Macroeconomics and Globalisation (ll) – Unemployment, Inflation, Economic Growth, International Economics, Economic Development

How is the course examined?AS (2 units)EC1 20% 1 hour Written PaperCompulsory short-answer questions to assess all of the AS content.EC2 30% 2 hours Written PaperOne compulsory data response question (40 marks) and two, two-part essays (20 marks each) to assess all of the AS content.One of the essays from a choice of three will assess microeconomics and one essay from a choice of three will assess essentially macroeconomics.

A2 (2 units)EC3 25% 1 hour and 45 minutes Written PaperCompulsory short-answer questions (40 marks) and one synoptic essay (20 marks) from a choice of three to assess all of the A level content.EC4 25% 2 hours Written PaperOne data response question from a choice of two (40 marks) and one synoptic essay (20 marks) from a choice of three to assess all of the A level content.

What can I do with it?The course aims not only to teach Economics, but also to develop all of the Key Skills for A level students including ICT, numeracy, communication – presentations, problem solving, working in groups and own study skills. It would therefore be useful for anyone contemplating a career ranging from accountancy, business management to journalism or politics. Many students chose to combine their interest in economics with another subject, such as a language, in order to enhance their career prospects. Economists are employed as analysts and forecasters by investment banks in the City of London; many are employed by the Bank of England. Others work in consultancy firms giving advice to leading firms and industries, to the Government, to political parties, to pressure groups such as Friends of the Earth, and to charities. In fact, there is a great deal you can do with it!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (WJEC)

“Everyone plays with language or responds to language play. Some take mild pleasure from it; others are totally obsessed by it; but no one can avoid it.”David Crystal

What can I do with it?Improve communication skills.Combine the techniques of GCSE English Language and English Literature.Open doors!

Understanding how information is communicated is still essential in our world. The study of A level English Language and Literature will help develop your ability to engage with the way language is used in almost any context and allow you to explore with precision how that language works.

While certainly challenging, the rewards are many and varied. Successful students of A level English Language and Literature develop an abundance of skills that can open many doors in future studies and careers. Understanding how language works as a system, combined with exploring how meaning is created, provides a firm foundation for continued study and success in virtually any profession. The course is particularly useful for those careers in which communication is paramount, such as law, journalism and media, business and marketing, politics and many more. It is also suitable as a complement to many science subjects. Medicine, microbiology, engineering and research all require the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.

Should I choose this subject?Yes!

If you are interested in language, studying English Language and Literature provides the perfect way in which to develop an awareness of the relationship between language and literature. This course will suit you if you are interested in how written and spoken language is manipulated and builds on the same skills and knowledge that you will have developed in your study of English Language and Literature at GCSE. The course looks at a vast array of different types of text, from the literary to the transactional, from drama texts to the functional texts we see in the world around us. This variety means that there is always something new to explore and evaluate. An attractive feature of the course is the opportunity it provides for you to use your language skills, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy writing as well as the exploration of texts.

What is it about?The AS course

The AS course has been designed to serve as the first half of a full A level course and also as a discrete course for those wishing to follow just one year of study.

The course involves the critical reading of a wide range of texts that includes poetry, transcriptions of spoken language, fictional prose and journalism, requiring you to develop your skills of comparing and contrasting texts, exploring relationships between them and identifying and describing how meanings and effects are created. The internal assessment unit provides you with the chance to use a range of techniques in producing your own texts for different audiences and purposes, following your own interests.


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Students need to show knowledge and understanding of:• the key constituents of language and how they work;• how variations in language, form and context shape and change meanings in both speech and writing;• the different ways in which texts can be interpreted;• analytical and creative approaches to the critical study of texts.

The A2 course

The A2 level specification extends the study of spoken and written language in breadth and depth, developing and enhancing students’ techniques of analysis, evaluation and comparison.

Students will show deeper knowledge and understanding of:• a wider range of spoken and written texts from different times and from different literary genres; • the significance of contextual factors in the production and reception of texts;• how to apply linguistic and literary methodologies and concepts to inform responses to and

interpretations of texts.

As well as detailed study of a range of texts, the course also includes another opportunity for creative writing.

How will it be studied?Class SeminarsClass seminars adopt a diverse range of textual study methods. One of these is the expectation that students will, at times, lead seminars and share responsibility for the exploration of set texts and thematic areas of study. This may involve:• preparing handouts• leading seminars on a given text or extract• analysing literary or linguistic features• exploring a theme• evaluating format and style• explaining contextual influences

Cross-Curricular Approaches to StudyWe encourage students to be aware of positive cross-curricular links. This is especially pertinent with literary and linguistic study – any text or use of language, be it written or spoken, that is around us can be employed for analysis and used to develop our understanding of how meaning is communicated.

Lectures and PerformancesOpportunities to attend subject specific and cross-curricular lectures and events are arranged whenever possible. Visits to productions of set texts or workshop events are organised when available and students are informed of additional activities and performances that may be of interest.

Independent LearningThe college offers excellent resources that support self-study and research. The ICT suites allow students to pursue a variety of critical approaches to texts and periods studied and the Library houses an excellent range of texts, both literary and non-literary, as well as a wide variety of reference texts to support critical study.

WJEC: This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of English Language and Literature or a variety of other courses in higher education; progression to the next level of vocational qualifications; or direct entry into employment. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for candidates who do not progress to further study in this subject.

“The English language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself.”Derek Walcott

“Words, so innocent and powerless…when standing in a dictionary, how potent for good or evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Our chosen areas of study this year is ‘The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature’This course provides students with an introduction to the discipline of advanced literary studies and presents opportunities for reading widely and for making creative and informed responses to each of the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama, as well as evaluating non-fiction texts. The specification requires students to show knowledge and understanding of:• the functions and effects of structure, form and language in texts;• some of the ways in which individual texts are interpreted by different readers;• some of the ways in which texts relate to one another;• some of the contexts in which they are written and read.

Examples of the texts studied during the AS year are:The Color Purple – Alice Walker Spies – Michael FraynThe Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald The World’s Wife – Carol Ann DuffyThe Poetry of W H Auden The Crucible – Arthur MillerEquus – Peter Shaffer The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret AtwoodThe French Lieutenant’s Woman – John Fowles Skirrid Hill – Owen Sheers There is a coursework element; students have to produce two essays by the Spring Term.

The A2 courseThe A level course extends the studies followed at AS level in breadth and depth, developing and enhancing students’ techniques of analysis, evaluation and comparison of literary texts in the context of a wider range of texts of cultural and literary significance. The specification requires students to show knowledge and understanding of the significance of:• the ways in which writers use and adapt language, form and structure in texts;• the interpretation of texts by different readers, at different times;• how texts relate to literary traditions, movements and genres;• the cultural and contextual influences on readers and writers.

For A2 Level there is a compulsory Shakespeare unit and the title of the theme for the year is ‘Love through the Ages’.

How will it be studied?Class SeminarsClass seminars adopt a diverse range of textual study methods. One of these is the expectation that students will, at times, lead seminars and share responsibility for the exploration of the set texts. This may involve: • preparing handouts• leading seminars on a given scene/chapter/poem• analysing a character• exploring a theme• giving a critique of a writer’s style• explaining contextual influences

ENGLISH LITERATURE (AQA)

“Only connect”E. M. Forster

What can I do with it?Anything and Everything!English Literature in Howell’s College is undoubtedly hard work but it is also very rewarding. It helps you develop into an articulate, logical and sensitive person, confident in expressing your own views and skilled in responding to the opinions of other people.

The course helps you to develop valuable intellectual and personal qualities, notably the ability to analyse, synthesise and empathise, all of which will open doors to a range of professions: law, teaching, politics, publishing, writing, journalism, public relations, marketing, business, advertising, theatre and media work and many more.

Should I choose this subject? This is a very popular course for College study and it provides a natural progression from the English Literature GCSE course for those who wish to develop further appreciation and enjoyment of the subject. It will also lead to increasing confidence in written expression and the ability to articulate ideas more clearly and effectively. This course will suit you if you love reading and gain pleasure from discussing texts in order to enhance your understanding and appreciation of them. An interest in theatre, film and the arts will be a great advantage, as it will add breadth and depth to your grasp of texts and their place within literary and cultural traditions. You may also want to study this subject to enhance other writing based options or even to contrast with your other choices, giving your A level studies depth and variety. This course has proved to be both challenging and popular, allowing students the opportunity to follow their own interests in wider reading as well as participating in more structured seminar work. Texts are chosen to suit relevant groups.

What is it about?The AS courseThe AS course has been designed to serve both as the first half of a full A level course and also as a discrete course for those wishing to follow just one year of study.

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GEOGRAPHY (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject? It is not a requirement that you should have studied Geography at GCSE in order to take an AS level or A2 level course in the subject. Several topics covered in the course are developments of work covered at GCSE, but others are new. What is more important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

Those students who have studied GCSE Geography will find that the material and the skills they have learned will prove a valuable foundation for further studies at this level.

This course will appeal to those students who:• Have an interest in and concern for the environment• Areinterestedincurrentaffairs• Enjoystudyingasubjectthatisrelevanttotheirownlivesandexperiences• Wanttheopportunitytocarryoutpracticalworkoutdoorsaswellasclasswork• Arekeentobecomeindependent,criticalthinkersandlearners• WanttobroadentheirASorA2levelstudiestocoverbothsciencesandhumanities• Enjoytravelandfindingoutaboutnewpeople,places,landscapesandevents• Wanttokeeptheiroptionsopen–GeographyASorA2levelisanappropriatequalificationforavery

wide range of higher education or career choices. As a ‘facilitating subject’ AS/A2 Geography is highly sought after by employers and the Russell Group of universities

What is it about?• What are the forces influencing our natural environment – the landscapes, the plants and animals, and

the weather and climate?• Whataretheissuesaffectingpeopleandtheplaceswheretheylive?Howarecitiesandthecountryside

changing? Why are they changing?• Howarepeopleaffectingtheenvironmentwealllivein?Whataretheopportunities,thechallenges

and the constraints?• Whataretheeconomicforcesthatdrivetheworldeconomy,andhowtheyarechanging?• Whatdecisionsarebeingmadeabouttheuseandmanagementofresources,andwhomakes

these decisions?• Anappreciationofcurrenteventsandworldproblemssuchastheeffectsofnaturalhazardsandthe

plight of refugees• Howtoplanafieldworkinvestigation–thecollectionofprimaryandsecondaryevidenceandhowto

analyse it• Youwilldeveloptheabilitytomakelinksandconnectionsacrossawidevarietyoftopics

Iceland Expedition

Cross-Curricular Approaches to StudyWe encourage students to be aware of positive cross-curricular links including dramatic genre, linguistic techniques and historical or artistic influences, particularly where students’ other AS/A2 subjects inform their appreciation of literature.

Lectures and PerformancesOpportunities to attend subject specific and cross-curricular lectures and events are arranged whenever possible. Visits to productions of set texts or workshop events are organised when available and students are informed of additional activities or performances that may be of interest.

Independent LearningThe College offers excellent resources that support self-study and research. The ICT suites allow students to pursue a variety of critical approaches to texts and periods studied and the Learning Resources Centre houses an excellent range of fiction, drama and poetry as well as reference texts to support critical study.

“Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered.”W. H. Auden

“Medicine for the soul“Inscription over the door of the Library at Thebes

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject? There are no specific GCSE requirements but the ability to write coherently is important. You do not need to have strong political opinions, but you do need to be curious about the political world, the way it operates and the way in which it is changing. An interest in current affairs is helpful and a willingness to explore new ideas and form your own opinions.

How will it be studied?The Government and Politics course is suitable for students who enjoy finding out how decisions are made that affect everybody, and who want to find out how to influence decision making and enjoy debating. The course also encourages students to develop and express their opinions and to undertake individual research and find their own answers. The course would also suit students who enjoy working as part of a group and making presentations. AS students will be encouraged to attend a two-day conference at the National Assembly of Wales, where they will gain first-hand experience of how the political system operates. Students will also be invited to hear visiting speakers, usually local politicians, at meetings of the Politics Society.

What is it about?The AS course in Year 12• GP1 People, Politics and Participation This unit focuses on the theme of political behaviour in the UK. It explores the ways in which people

participate in a democracy and how people’s different patterns of participation can be explained.• GP2 Governing Modern Wales This unit focuses on the process of governing Wales and the UK as a whole, and the extent to which

Britain’s unique constitution regulates the process of government and maintains the balance between individual rights and the power of the state.

The A2 course in Year 13• GP3a The Politics of the USA This unit focuses on how the US political system works, examining the role of the political parties,

pressure groups, etc.• GP4a The Government of the USA This unit focuses on how the USA is governed as a federal state, with an examination of the separation

of powers between the President, Congress and the Supreme Court. Assessment At the end of Year 12 you will take two papers to gain the AS qualification. At the end of Year 13, for the A2 there are a further two examination papers. There is no coursework.

What can I do with it?Students with AS and A2 level Government and Politics will have developed a wide range of skills. You will be able to analyse, evaluate, research, write coherently and form opinions. These skills are welcomed by higher education establishments and by employers. Government and Politics combines well with many subjects at A level and different combinations would make it possible to go on to read either arts or science degrees. A variety of employment opportunities are open to students with qualifications in Government and Politics, such as law, the media, journalism, management and public service.

Student’s comments:

“I enjoy Government and Politics because I like to understand what’s going on in the news. I think it’s good to understand the way the British political system works, especially as we’re coming up to being able to vote. I also think it’s important to understand how the USA is governed, as it plays such a key role in the world.”

How will it be studied?The AS course The specification is that set by the WJEC. The two papers to be taken at the end of Year 12 will cover Physical and Human Geography focusing on the formation and management of river landscapes and tectonic hazards (volcanoes and earthquakes) together with global population and urban/rural issues. One question in the summer examination will focus on geographical enquiries and investigations which are carried out throughout the course and are the focus of field courses in the local area. Overseas residential field visits are also available and have included Iceland and Lesotho in recent years.

The A2 courseThe A2 course explores coastal processes and their management, global development issues and global sustainability. Students will carry out personal enquiries into relevant geographical issues of their own choosing, such as crime, disease, deprivation, ecosystems or rivers.

What can I do with it?Students with AS or A2 level Geography have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. A variety of transferable skills are taught and used throughout the course. These include collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating the findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers and universities and Colleges as being of great value.

Geography combines well with almost all other AS and A2 level subjects. Cross-curricular lectures will be available. They may include topics such as:• Global warming for Physics/Geography students• LocationofindustryforBusinessStudies/Geographystudents• WildernessecosystemsforBiology/Geographystudents

Taken with sciences like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Geography supports applications for almost any science-based university course like Engineering, Psychology, Environmental Sciences, Oceanography and Geology; taken with humanities like English, French, History or Business Studies, Geography supports an equally wide range of university courses such as Business, Law, Media, Politics and Philosophy.

AS or A2 level Geography can develop the transferable skills and the key skills that employers are looking for and can lead to a very wide range of employment opportunities. This can include further training in such areas as law, accountancy and journalism.

“A level Geography is an excellent subject to help make sense of the events in the news.”

“The skills and styles of learning has really helped me to prepare for university.”

Parent’s comment:“Geography has really changed from when I was at school, I wish I could study it now!”

A level Geography Fieldwork


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How will it be studied?The study of History encompasses a variety of learning styles including presentations and debates. It appeals to all kinds of students, from the quietly reflective to the avid debater. You will work in pairs and groups as well as independently. You will be encouraged to read and develop note-making and essay writing skills.

You will study primary and secondary sources, and discuss your own and historians’ views in class. You will develop your ability to present clear, concise and well-supported arguments. Perhaps most important of all, you will be helped to develop your own abilities and capacity for individual study which will equip you for the next stage in your educational career. To this end, you will be encouraged to attend lectures delivered by both in-house and outside speakers.

AssessmentAt the end of Year 12, you will take two papers to gain the AS qualification. In Year 13 you will complete coursework and a final examination for the A level qualification.

What can I do with it?History at AS and A2 is a strong academic qualification welcomed by all institutions. The skills of analysis and research are valuable for the study of a wide variety of subjects at degree level. The broader skills gained are also highly valued by employers recruiting students for a wide range of careers, such as law, management, accounting and the media, as well as for those where the subject matter is of obvious direct relevance such as teaching, museum and archive work. History combines well with a variety of subjects at A level, and students go on to read for both arts and science degrees, including medicine and engineering. Whatever your future career plans, from diplomat to doctor, the study of history could be right for you.

Students’ comments:

“History is interesting because it shows you how we got to where we are. You can’t understand what’s going on now if you don’t know what led up to it.”

“I like History because, although the facts are the same, the way you look at them and the judgements you make are up to you.”

“As an evidence-based subject, History combines well with science as well as arts subjects, and is valued by universities.”

Howell’s students at the United Nations

HISTORY (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject? Are you interested in studying a subject about people – groups and individuals – and events? Do you enjoy discussing ideas?Does a subject that continually presents questions, and allows you to formulate your own opinions, stimulate you?If the answer to these questions is ‘yes’, you would almost certainly enjoy studying History.

What is it about?You will study two separate topics over the two year course:Aspects of the History of Wales and England c. 1880-1980Nazi Germany, c. 1933-1945

AS Unit HY1: British history• Wales and England in transition, c.1880-1929 Living and working conditions; the Liberal reforms; the impact of World War I on the Home Front; the

decline of staple industries after 1919 and the General Strike of 1926• The changing role and status of women, 1880-1929 Early challenges to traditional views of the role and status of women; Suffragists and Suffragettes;

attitudes to the issue of female suffrage; the role of women during the Great War; factors affecting the development of emancipation and enfranchisement to 1929; the changing role of women in society and employment, 1880-1929

AS Unit HY2: German history• Reasons for Nazi party growth and support by 1933; Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor; the

establishment of the Nazi dictatorship• The roles of propaganda, indoctrination and terror

in the Third Reich; Nazi social, religious and racial ideology and policy

• The nature and organisation of the Nazi political system; Nazi economic policy: recovery and rearmament

• Nazi foreign policy up to 1939

A2 Unit HY3A sources-based coursework assignment on the origin of the Holocaust.

A2 Unit HY4• Depression and austerity in Britain, 1929-1951• Social reform in Britain, c.1880-1980• Nazi Germany: support, opposition and resistance within the Third Reich, c.1933-1945

AS History Workshop

A plaque photographed at Auschwitz


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The A2 course

Unit 3 The Use of and Impact of ICTThis module looks at the fast changing subject of ICT, including developments in technology and ICT system capabilities, and how this might affect the world that makes use of ICT. The content is designed to address issues associated with the implementation and management of ICT systems in business organisations, whilst also addressing the wider impact of ICT within society. The examination is 2 hours and 30 minutes, 60% of the total A2 marks and 30% of the total A level marks.

Unit 4 Coursework: Relational Database ProjectThis module provides candidates with the opportunity to complete a project involving the production of an ICT system over an extended period of time. In so doing candidates will enhance their transferable practical skills whilst also directly working through an ICT systems life-cycle process. Students will make use of internal programming features, advanced table relationships, system security and industry standard design and implementation techniques. The project counts for 40% of the total A2 marks and 20% of the total A level marks.

What can I do with it?The world is hungry for those highly qualified to degree level and beyond in this field but the very nature of the way in which the world is developing demands that all professionals need to be computer reliant. This means that the ICT course offered will be invaluable in its own right, regardless of the future career path chosen.

The course is skills-based and part of that involves the ability to use ICT in a constructive way, adapting to the rapid changes in both the technology and the software.

“I thoroughly enjoyed studying ICT at A level. The support from the teachers was excellent.”

ICT Coursework

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Information and Communication Technology has many facets and pervades the whole of our society. The technology evolves at an exponential rate and with its development comes a body of principles, knowledge and above all skills which constitute Information Technology as a discrete subject. ICT is offered as an AS and A2 subject.

The practical nature of ICT allows students to develop independent skills relating to problem-solving and project development; a one-to-one tutorial programme led by the subject teacher supports this. In exploring ICT and its role within society, students are expected to lead seminars and present electronically the research undertaken. This is seen as an opportunity for students to develop their communication and presentation techniques.

What is it about?In addition to a range of workshops, direct teaching, seminars and individual tutorials, ICT students will have the opportunity to video-conference with other GDST schools in order to exchange ideas and work in a collaborative way. This is beneficial in developing a context for ICT and its application in everyday life.

More specifically the course will enable students to develop:• Problem-solving skills through the practical application of ICT• The ability to analyse, appraise and make critical judgements about the use of ICT in society• Interpersonal skills necessary for communicating with others• An awareness of the nature of information, its structure, application and implications of its use• An awareness of the role of ICT in the management and dissemination of information• An awareness of current information systems• An awareness of professionalism and ICT, relevant to their own future• An awareness of the economic, social and ethical implications of the use of ICT systems


Unit 1 Information SystemsToday’s students are living in a world where the use of ICT surrounds them and where they, and others, frequently take this use for granted. Unit 1 is designed to give students the wider picture of the use of ICT, to enable the understanding of basic terms and concepts involved in the study of the subject. Students should be able to discuss and comment on issues from a position of knowledge and they can only do this if they have the knowledge and understanding that underpins the subject. The examination is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and counts for 60% of the total AS marks and 30% of the total A level marks.

Unit 2 Presenting InformationThis coursework-based module requires students to exemplify how organisations use ICT software in streamlining business processes and creating professional multi faceted documents. Students should be able to collectively describe a house style and ethos from several publications by an organisation they select. Unit 2 requires students to subsequently create several publications using advanced features from several software applications. Unit 2 is 40% of the total AS marks and 20% of the total A level marks.


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Combinations with LatinLatin combines well with most of the arts subjects and particularly with Modern Languages, English and History. It can also successfully be taken in combination with Mathematics and the Sciences. You will find by the end of the course that studying Latin has given you the key to the Romance languages (Italian, Spanish and French), an experience of the literature and mythology that resonates through English literature and an understanding of the language of legal, diplomatic and religious communication for many centuries after the Roman era.

What can I do with it?If the classical bug has bitten you and you want to pursue your interests at degree level, you will find a large selection of university courses involving varying amounts of language work and literature with related subjects, for example Greek, Ancient History, Philosophy, Art and Architecture and Archaeology. A glance through university prospectuses will reveal that in fact you can combine Latin with practically any subject, including ICT. Several students have opted for Latin in combination with French. Students wishing to take Greek will find a number of excellent summer schools offering the subject at all levels. Grants to assist with financing these courses are available from these schools as well as the GDST.

The situation will be the same for you as for all arts graduates in that you will need further training in (for example) law, accountancy, journalism, teaching, business etc., but remember that the Classics graduate is invariably well regarded by prospective employers, because she/he has already been trained to be rigorous, analytical and logical, precise and perceptive!

Latin Lesson

LATIN (OCR)

Should I choose this subject?Latin is naturally studied in more detail at Advanced level but there is a sense in which it is no harder than GCSE, by which time you will have met most of the grammar and syntax. You will already have read some Roman authors in the original. The AS and A2 courses offer the opportunity to study your chosen authors in greater depth and to consolidate and expand your language and translation skills. The precise, analytical thinking which arises from studying Latin at this level is an invaluable skill for any future occupation or field of study.

What is it about?The choice of author in each particular year is wide and regularly changes: you may find yourself reading Cicero and getting embroiled in Roman politics in Julius Caesar’s time, encountering the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas, eyeing the corrupt court of the later emperors with Tacitus’ steely gaze, reading Ovid’s stories of love and despair or the outlandish adventures of all kinds of mythological heroes.

Whatever texts come your way, you will be introduced to additional and related works in translation to give you a more balanced and sound insight into the background of your set authors, thus enhancing your interest in and understanding of the richness and fascination of classical literature.

How will it be studied?The AS course There are two examinations at the end of Year 12 (one literature and one language). You will usually study one prose and one verse author (currently we are reading Cicero and Ovid) in Year 12. You will answer:• A commentary paper consisting of questions (in English) based on two extracts from the set texts (one

and a half hours).• Anunseentranslationpaperforwhichadefinitivevocabularylistisprovided(oneandahalfhours).

Group sizes tend to be small (up to seven in recent years) and this enables students to participate freely and with enjoyment in discussion and translation work, to enjoy a close and mutually supportive relationship with other members of the group and to benefit from individual help from staff.

Weekly translation, vocabulary learning and translation and discussion of the set texts form the basis of the seminars. Latin students are encouraged to attend both extra-curricular and subject based lectures and trips together with their Classical Civilisation peers. Tutorial sessions are available when the need for discussion of individual progress arises.

The A2 courseThere are two examinations at the end of Year 13:• Latin Verse: For Section A of the paper students study one poetry author and answer a commentary

question on a selected passage. Section B contains an unprepared passage of poetry for translation and comprehension (two hours).

• Latin Prose: For Section A of the paper students study one prose author and answer a commentary question on a selected passage. Section B contains an unprepared passage of prose for translation and comprehension (two hours).

There is no coursework in the subject.

A level Students


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The 13 units comprise 4 Pure Mathematics units, 3 Further Pure Mathematics units, 3 Mechanics units and 3 Statistics units.

Each paper is of equal weighting, of 1½ hours’ duration, and the total number of marks allocated to each paper is 75.

The 13 units are:C1, C2, C3, C4, Pure MathematicsS1, S2, S3 StatisticsM1, M2, M3 MechanicsFP1, FP2, FP3 Further Pure Mathematics

S1 and M1 cannot be taken without the knowledge of C1, C2S2 cannot be taken without the knowledge of C1, C2, C3, C4, and S1S3 cannot be taken without the knowledge of C1, C2, C3, C4, S1, and S2M2 cannot be taken without the knowledge of C1, C2, C3, C4, and M1M3 cannot be taken without the knowledge of C1, C2, C3, C4, M1 and M2,

The combinations offered by Howell’s College are:C1, C2, S1

Or C1, C2, M1 for the AS choices

These can be added to with the following possible choices for A level, although there may be some restriction in preferences due to options within the timetable:

C1, C2, S1 with C3, C4, S2Or C1, C2, M1 with C3, C4, M2

Further Pure Mathematics modules together with the Advanced Statistics and Mechanics modules comprise Further Mathematics.

Further MathematicsVery able students can opt to take Further Mathematics as a second A level subject. It is essential that students have always been able to achieve over 85% in all previous tests and examinations. They sit A2 Mathematics at the end of Year 12 and A2 Further Mathematics at the end of Year 13.

If you are considering a degree in Mathematics and wish to study at Oxford or Cambridge, in particular, you would be wise to study both Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Students considering Physics or Engineering at Oxford or Cambridge would also find Further Mathematics an advantage.

What can I do with it?An obvious choice is to study for a degree in Mathematics. Apart from a straight Mathematics degree, Mathematics could be a positive asset if you are wondering about a career in computer studies, medicine, engineering, accountancy, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, optics, chiropody, economics, business studies, management and psychology, to name a few. A number of students have gone on to study for a joint honours degree in university with Mathematics as one of their subjects.

A level Mathematics Students

MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject? Do you like Mathematics?Are you good at Mathematics?Do you enjoy a challenge?Do you have a logical mind?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to the above, then Mathematics may be the subject for you.

The pace and difficulty are much greater in the College and you have to be prepared, with help and guidance from the staff, to undertake a great deal of consolidation and problem-solving on your own.

Lessons are taught in small groups, very much on the basis of lectures and interactive group tutorials. Personal help can be given within the lessons or on a one-to-one basis as an extra tutorial. As an extra-curricular activity, students are entered for the Senior Mathematical Challenge which is a national competition.

Many students study Mathematics every year combined with a wide variety of subjects both in science and the arts.

What is it about?The AS and A2 specifications in Mathematics have been designed to respond to changes in the post-16 curriculum following the Dearing Report on 16-19 qualifications.

The specifications:• Provide a complete course in mathematics for those who do not wish to proceed further in the subject• Provide a firm mathematical foundation for those who wish to proceed to further study• Complement other studies and provide support for those who are taking AS/A level courses in other subjects

How will it be studied?Students opt for Pure Mathematics with Statistics or Pure Mathematics with Mechanics. We try to ensure that you can take your chosen combination, although sometimes there are timetable restrictions.

MathematicsThe specifications in AS/A2 level Mathematics contain 13 assessment units. Students will select from specified combinations of 3 units for an AS qualification and specified combinations of 6 units for a full Advanced GCE qualification.

Interactive Maths


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At the end of Year 12 students will sit two examinations:

Unit 1 – Oral Examiner-led discussion of topicsGeneral Conversation

Unit 2 – Listening, Reading and Writing Listening and RespondingReading and RespondingGrammar TasksTranslation French – EnglishEssay

The Advanced level (A2)The topics studied will be:• 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, world of work (employment, commerce, globalization etc.)

These topics will be examined through the structured discussion in the oral component and also through the reading and listening comprehension papers in the examination.

Throughout Year 13, students will be expected to prepare an oral exposé on a French film, French book or a region of France. The written paper will include a short translation from English into French as well as an essay on one of the two French films studied during the year.

A2 examinations are:

Unit 3 – OralStructured discussion Exposé based on a film, book or region from the WJEC prescribed lists or of the student’s own choice.

Unit 4 – Listening, Reading and Writing Listening and RespondingReading and RespondingTranslation English – FrenchFilm Studies Essay

What can I do with it?A College course in French will allow you to develop not only practical language skills, but also the skills of communication, analysis and argument which will be essential in any career you may pursue. You might also want to study for your degree in Paris where The University of London has a base. Whatever path you choose, there is no doubt that a knowledge of French will always be an invaluable asset and, as recently mentioned in the Guardian, élite universities are now looking for modern foreign languages students.

Developing Confidence in French

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGESFRENCH (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject? The ability to communicate with people in Europe and globally in a variety of languages is essential in the modern world of work. International mobility within companies and between countries is a reality and so knowledge of a foreign language will be a deciding factor in recruitment. French is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and is also spoken in Canada, many countries in Africa and even parts of Asia. It is therefore one of the main languages used in the business world. This suggests that an AS/A2 in French will be a significant asset whatever career path you may choose. Even if you are considering a degree in a science-related subject, many universities offer the option of spending one year studying your chosen subject in a French university which will enhance both your language skills and career prospects.

What is it about?You will continue to develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking which you have acquired at GCSE. The specification for both AS and A2 covers a range of current topics which aim to increase your awareness of the French language and culture, to encourage discussion and to improve your accuracy and fluency.

The WJEC Specification includes a Film Study option. You will be studying two films, the first one being Les Choristes and the second Amélie.

We are using current newspaper and magazine articles relating to each topic either from the press or the internet. You will be encouraged to use the internet for independent research and the use of news websites will enable you to listen regularly to French programmes.

The course will be delivered by two teachers, one of whom is a French national who is responsible for oral work and essay-writing. Your other teacher will concentrate on comprehension skills and grammar. In Year 12 and 13 you will have a compulsory additional oral class in a very small group to prepare you specifically for the oral examination. This is held during a lunch time or independent study period and taken by an assistante who is a French national.

We hope that anyone studying French will make an effort to visit a French-speaking country. We have also set up a pen-friend scheme for Years 12 and 13 and have been running a week-long Work Experience Exchange with our partner College in Paris for the last five years. This has proved to be an invaluable venture as much linguistically and culturally as for building long-lasting friendships with the French students. This experience always enhances very favourably any UCAS application. For next year, we are hoping to carry on with a College based in the centre of Paris.

How will it be studied?At AS and A2 level the topics studied refer not only specifically to France and other French-speaking countries but also to Britain and the wider world.

The AS course The topic areas studied will be:• Leisure and Lifestyles, including travel and tourism, sport, hobbies, entertainment, customs, traditions, healthy living – health and nutrition, diet and exercise; unhealthy living – drugs, AIDS, smoking, alcohol etc. • The Individual and Society, including relationships and responsibilities, gender issues, youth culture (values, peer groups, fashions and trends etc.), education, vocational training and future careers.


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The WJEC AS examinations test all language skills – speaking, reading, listening and writing. There are two units:• Unit 1 is the oral test. • Unit 2 provides assessment in the following areas: listening and responding, reading and responding, application of grammar, translation from German into English and essay writing.

The A2 courseThe topic areas studied for A2 are all related to German-speaking countries:• Environmental Issues• Social and Political Issues

In Year 13 you will take Units 3 and 4.• Unit 3 is the oral test, which includes an oral exposé. You prepare a talk on an issue of interest to you. • Unit 4 provides assessment in the following areas: listening and responding, reading and responding, translation into German and the guided studies option (including the World of Cinema, the World of Literature and/or the Regions of Germany).

What can I do with it?After leaving school you may wish to continue studying German in higher education. It is possible to combine German with many other subjects, for example, Law, Engineering, Physics, History, Business Studies etc, as well as with other languages. German is particularly popular when combined with Economics or Business Studies. As a future business executive, banker, administrator, lawyer, interpreter, scientist or teacher, you will find that your knowledge of German enhances your career prospects.

Nurturing German Language Skills

GERMAN (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?“Eine Sprache muss man sprechen” – a language is for speaking. German is the most widely spoken language in modern Europe, and students who choose to study it in the College will above all want to learn to speak it well, and probably hope to use their language skills in their future careers. German is the second language of the internet (after English) and Germany is Britain’s second biggest trading partner (after the USA), so speaking German can be very useful.

What is it about?You will study contemporary topics in German by reading German newspaper and magazine articles, listening to taped material and talking and writing in German. You will learn to express your opinions orally and in writing, acquiring a wide range of new vocabulary and language skills. Most lessons take the form of discussions or group tutorials. There is also regular grammar work, and for specialised oral lessons the class is divided into smaller groups. Oral work includes discussion of the set topics and presenting talks on issues which interest you. We expect you to do some reading and vocabulary work on your own initiative. Anything in German is useful – even television quiz shows or pop magazines! You can also watch German DVDs and videos, available from our Learning Resource Centre. Any cross-curricular lectures – for example linking German with History or Business Studies – are given in English.

We hope you will take the opportunity to visit a German-speaking country while you are in the College – perhaps by participating in European work experience, or in a study trip. We also have information on individual visits and on language courses in Germany and Austria.

How will it be studied?AssessmentYou will take Units 1 and 2 in Year 12 (AS) and Units 3 and 4 in Year 13 (A2). Units 1 and 3 are the oral assessments and together are worth 40% of the final mark. When doing listening examinations (in both Year 12 and Year 13) you will be given an individual recording and will listen to it on your personal CD player. Within the overall time limit you can stop, rewind and listen to the recording as often as you like. Some files will also be available for use with MP3 players.

The AS courseThe AS specification is topic-based and the topic areas are:• Leisure and Lifestyles• The Individual and Society

Developing confidence in German


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The A2 courseThe topic areas studied for A2 are all related to both Wales and Spanish-speaking countries:• Environmental Issues• Social and Political Issues

In Year 13 you will take Units 3 and 4. • Unit 3 is the oral test, which includes an oral exposé. You prepare a talk on an issue of interest to you. • Unit 4 provides assessment in the following areas: listening and responding, reading and responding, translation into Spanish and the guided studies option (including the World of Cinema, the World of Literature and/or the Regions of Spain).

What can I do with it?After leaving school you may wish to continue studying Spanish in higher education. It is possible to combine Spanish with many other subjects, for example, Business Studies, as well as with other languages. A sound knowledge of a European language is becoming increasingly popular amongst employers who operate in the global market place.

Spanish Students

SPANISH (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Who is learning Spanish these days? Residents of the United States are studying Spanish in record numbers. Spanish, too, is becoming of greater importance in Europe, where it is often the foreign language of choice after English or French. With some 400 million speakers, it is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world (after English, Chinese and Hindustani), and according to some counts it has more native speakers than English does. It is an official language on four continents and is of historical importance world-wide. Whether you plan to go on to further study at university or just wish to deepen the knowledge you gained at GCSE, remember that Spanish is almost completely phonetic and although mastering the grammar of any language can be challenging, a knowledge of basic Spanish grammar will enable you to communicate freely when you visit Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. Speaking Spanish will give you the insider view and enable you to gain cultural insights that are missed by the majority of visitors.

What is it about?You will study contemporary topics in Spanish by reading Spanish newspaper and magazine articles, listening to taped material, working with software and talking and writing in Spanish. You will learn to express your opinions orally and in writing, acquiring a wide range of new vocabulary and language skills. Most lessons take the form of discussions or group tutorials. There is also regular grammar work, and for specialised oral lessons the class is divided into smaller groups. Oral work includes discussion of the set topics and presenting talks on issues which interest you. You are expected to do some reading and vocabulary work on your own initiative. Anything in Spanish is useful – even television quiz shows or pop magazines! You can also watch Spanish DVDs and videos and listen to music via the internet.

We hope you will take the opportunity to visit a Spanish-speaking country while you are in the College – perhaps by participating in European work experience, or in a study trip. We also have information on individual visits and on language courses in Spain and South America.

How will it be studied?AssessmentYou will take Units 1 and 2 in Year 12 (AS) and Units 3 and 4 in Year 13 (A2). Units 1 and 3 are the oral assessments and together are worth 40% of the final mark. When doing listening examinations (in both Year 12 and Year 13) you will be given your own individual recording. Within the overall time limit you can stop, rewind and listen to the recording as often as you like using either a CD or MP3 player. Speaking examinations are assessed by an external examiner.

The AS courseThe AS specification is topic-based and the topic areas are:• Leisure and Lifestyles• The Individual and Society

The WJEC AS examinations test all language skills – speaking, reading, listening and writing. There are two units. • Unit 1 is the oral test. • Unit 2 provides assessment in the following areas: listening and responding, reading and responding, application of grammar, translation from Spanish into English and essay-writing.


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MU3 40% Appraising A 2 hour examination divided into two parts. Part 1 (24%): 1 hour appraising test based on extracts of music (set works) taken from the two Areas of Study (one of which must be from List A) chosen by the school.

Areas of Study List A (Western Classical Tradition 1650 – 1900) Orchestral Music Vocal Music Chamber Music

List B Jazz, Rock and Pop Musical Theatre Songs of Wales Part 2 (16%): 1 hour aural perception (melodic dictation, keys, chords, cadences) based on unprepared musical extracts

The A2 course

A2MU4 15% – 20% of A level Solo and /or ensemble

performance, assessed by a visiting examiner.

Performances should last between 10 and 12 minutes. One piece should reflect the new area of study (music in the 20th and 21st centuries). Optional 5% specialism study – one piece reflecting a further area of study.

MU5 15% – 20% of A levelEither Two contrasting compositions, lasting between 6 and 10 minutes.or One composition demonstrating the musical techniques and conventions associated with the

Western Classical Tradition (area of study continued from AS) and one composition reflecting the new area of study (Music in the 20th and 21st centuries). Optional 5% specialism study – one free innovative composition. Submitted in March.

MU6 15% – 20% of A level Part 1: (6%): 1 hour listening examination based on extracts of unfamiliar 20th/21st century music (new area of study) Part 2: (9%): 1 hour listening/written examination requiring candidates to analyse a set work and place the work within a broader musical perspective. Optional 5% specialism study – Part 3: 1 hour written examination requiring candidates to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the overall musical style and output of one of the set work composers

Concert at Llandaff Cathedral

MUSIC (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Howell’s School has an excellent reputation for Music. The Music Department is housed in its own separate building and comprises thirteen purpose-built sound-proofed practice rooms, several individual teaching rooms, a rock room and percussion room as well as an octagonal chamber music and rehearsal hall. The newly refurbished computer suite is equipped with the latest computer and recording technology including Sibelius 6 and Cubase software.

What is it about?The AS course prepares candidates for a three-part examination, which is an extension of the same GCSE components of listening, performance and composition. You are also encouraged to follow a schedule of listening to recordings using the extensive CD collection. The performance element is guided by the experienced music teachers who with the instrumental staff also coach ensembles for those interested. The team of 20 are all specialists in their field and many are distinguished performers working both as solo artists and for the BBC and WNO. Composition is retained in the Advanced GCE level specification and more formal work in harmony and counterpoint is also included. There are modules on history and analysis and opportunities for individual research reflecting personal interest.


MU1 30% Performing Ensemble and/or solo performance assessed by a visiting examiner. Performances should last between 8 and 10 minutes. One of the pieces performed must be a

realisation of a composition in MU2 OR a reflection of one of the Areas of Study chosen in MU3. The performances will be recorded and assessed by a visiting examiner. You will be required to provide the examiner with details of the programme and photocopies of the music performed. The visit will take place in April. Note: the minimum required standard at AS equates to approximately Grade 5 of the current public music examinations.

MU2 30% Composing: Coursework externally assessed Two contrasting compositions, teacher assessed and externally moderated. This unit will allow candidates to develop and demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of musical elements such as the fundamentals of harmonic progressions and relationships as well as showing an awareness of certain musical styles. You are required to submit two contrasting compositions. One composition must reflect the musical techniques and conventions associated with the Western Classical Tradition. The total playing time of the submission should be between 4 and 8 minutes. The compositions will be submitted on CD. The use of music technology is encouraged in this area of study. Each composition should be accompanied by a brief summary of the stimulus and compositional process. The compositions will be internally assessed (early March) and a sample sent to the Board in April.


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PHYSICS (OCR)

Should I choose this subject?Physics is a fascinating subject in its own right and provides a basis for careers in any science as well as careers in music, film, television and finance. Your achievements could unravel the mysteries of the universe, save the lives of unborn babies or create the most dazzling effects in the cinema.

What is it about?Lessons use a variety of styles including lecture, discussion, practical, private research and student-led seminar. The department also makes use of the school’s extensive ICT facilities. Some lessons are given by visiting lecturers from university. Students also have the opportunity to take part in the Young Engineers programme, which recently has been supported by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics.

The school’s Learning Resources Centre has a range of A level text books and a good selection of popular science books. These include Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman! and Galileo’s Finger, which will give you a fascinating introduction to the subject. These resources will help you to understand something of the nature of the subject. Physics is a thinking science and it requires you to understand and apply the knowledge gained; you will learn to develop your powers of analysis and evaluation, and to see the application of Physics in its widest context.

How will it be studied?At A level we currently follow the new OCR Specification A.

The AS courseThe topics covered in Year 12 are shown in the table below. These units are firmly based on the corresponding topics studied at GCSE. OCR approved textbooks are used which complement the course. The text books provide worked examples and self-answer questions, and at the end of each chapter are examination-style questions. The books also come with a CD ROM packed with ideas on revision and examiners’ tips. Students are provided with notes but will be encouraged to study independently to broaden their knowledge.

AS Module Content Assessment Weighting

Unit 1: Mechanics Forces and motion Examination 15%

Unit 2: Electrons, Waves and Photons

Current, waves, quantum physics

Examination 25%

Unit 3: Practical Skills Three tasks; qualitative, quantitative, evaluative

Examination 10%

Physics Experiment

What can I do with it?Music combines successfully with many other subjects, both arts and sciences, and need not necessarily be your principal subject. For those wishing to pursue music as a career, the music industry is currently one of the largest employers in the UK. In addition to teaching, performing and composing there are numerous other opportunities including administration, publishing, working for recording companies, instrument manufacturing, broadcasting and journalism.

Performances at St. David’s Hall, Llandaff Cathedral and School Events


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RELIGIOUS STUDIES (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Do you want to study a course that considers some of the World’s Religions and analyses their philosophical and ethical beliefs, cultures and lifestyles?

Are you interested in investigating and analysing people, their beliefs, attitudes and behaviours?

Do you enjoy discussing and debating?

Do you wish to take a subject that will allow and demand you to formulate self opinions with reasoned justifications?

If you answered ‘yes’ to some or all of these questions above, then Religious Studies is the correct choice for you.

GCSE Religious Studies is an advantage but not essential. You do not need to be religiously committed yourself but you must be open-minded and prepared to consider alternative viewpoints.

What is it about?The AS courseIn Year 12 there are two units of study:

a) An Introduction to an Eastern Religion – Buddhism;b) An introduction to a Western Religion – Islam.

The A2 courseIn Year 13 there are two further units of study for the full Advanced GCE. The world religions unit will either be:

A Study in a Western Religion – Islam orA Study in an Eastern Religion – Buddhism

The second module is synoptic based – RS4 Religion and Human Experience. Students will use their knowledge from the two modules at AS and the one module at A2 to investigate and research a topic based on the issue of ‘Life, Death and Life after Death’.

Student-Teacher Interaction

The A2 courseThe topics are shown in the table below;

A2 Module Content Assessment Weighting

Unit 1: The Newtonian World

Newton’s laws, oscillations, thermal physics

Examination 15%

Unit 2: Fields, particles & frontiers of physics

Fields, nuclear physics, medical physics and astronomy

Examination 25%

Unit 3: Practical Skills Three tasks; qualitative, quantitative, evaluative

Examination 10%

What can I do with it?The study of Physics is valuable preparation for a wide range of careers such as medicine, engineering, veterinary science, pharmacy, dentistry, architecture, optics, geophysics, oil exploration, meteorology, scientific research, architecture, electronic engineering, computer design, finance, etc, and it’s fun. Physicists have also become actors, authors, financiers and rock stars. The study of Physics will enable you to take part in making the future.

College Laboratory Investigation


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CYMRAEG/WELSH (WJEC)

Should I choose this subject?Welsh is one of the oldest languages in Europe. Its literature, dating back to the sixth century, continues to flourish and a wide variety of Welsh books, magazines, weekly and monthly papers is published today. Wales has a heritage that has survived and profited from many foreign influences throughout the centuries. We are able to offer two Welsh courses in the College: Welsh First Language AS to those who have studied Welsh First Language and Literature at GSCE and Welsh as a Second Language to those who have studied Welsh Second Language Full Course at GCSE.

WELSH FIRST LANGUAGE

What is it about?The course is offered according to demand and its aims are• To develop your ability to communicate effectively orally and in your written work.• To develop your skills in using language imaginatively.• To promote the ability to respond to literature and contemporary multimedia material thus nurturing an appreciation of Wales’s cultural heritage.

How will it be studied?The AS courseUnit 1 will be an oral examination conducted by an external examiner on the film Hedd Wyn and the play Siwan by Saunders Lewis. Unit 2 will be an internal assessment and candidates are required to complete three tasks – script writing, creative writing and an essay based on personal research. Unit 3 consists of grammar and poetry and will be assessed by a written examination in the Summer Term.

The assessment is divided as follows:Unit 1 – 20% (oral examination) Unit 2 – 15% (coursework)Unit 3 – 15% (written examination)

Developing confidence in Welsh

The History of Welsh Heritage

AssessmentThe specification is divided into a total of four units, two AS units and two A2 units.

• At AS level students will sit two 1¼ hour papers. Two structured essay questions will be answered from four.

• At A2 level students will sit two 1¾ hour papers. The first paper (RS3) will be two structured essay questions from a choice of four. The second paper (RS4) will be the synoptic paper. The topic areas are pre-released in January in the year of the examination. Candidates prepare a suggestive written response in class and then answer the linked examination question in June.

How will it be studied?The study of religion encompasses a variety of teaching and learning styles. You will be encouraged to develop independent learning skills, acquire effective research and essay writing skills. You will be required to read around the subject area to develop a deeper level of knowledge and understanding. You will develop your range of Key Skills especially communication and ICT. You will regularly participate in class discussions, debates and presentations. You will develop the ability to consider and evaluate alternative viewpoints. Perhaps, most important of all, you will be expected to present your own point of view with the expectation of reasoned justifications to back it up.

The department uses a variety of resources that are up-to-date, e.g. textbooks, DVDs, artefacts and ICT resources. Students are encouraged to attend conferences given by outside speakers, to visit communities and interview people from the faith traditions.

What can I do with it?Modern universities look for someone with an enquiring mind, understanding and appreciation of other people’s point of view, an ability to communicate and come to clear and informed decisions. These are all skills which are developed in Religious Studies. As such, a qualification in Religious Studies is relevant to a wide variety of career paths. In the last decade the results have been outstanding and have enabled students to gain entry into university and pursue a variety of careers including Medicine, Law, Journalism, Dentistry, Criminology, Teaching, Philosophy, Archaeology, Marketing, Business, Personnel, Nursing, Social Work, Theology, indeed almost anything. Whatever career path you intend to follow, Religious Studies could be the correct choice for you!

Students enjoying an interactive RS lesson


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What can I do with it?The number of Welsh learners of all ages has increased a great deal in recent years and there are many varied job opportunities. These include specific professions such as teaching and media work of all kinds as well as various other opportunities – advertising, law, accountancy, personnel work, to name but a few. Many of these professions more than welcome employees who have a sound knowledge of Welsh, which is often essential nowadays. One only has to turn on the television or radio, open newspapers, and look around in shops, offices and town centres, to see that the language is alive and well used in daily life.

We are also able to offer additional support to Welsh-speaking students who join the College having studied their GCSE subjects through the medium of Welsh.

Enjoying a Welsh discussion

WELSH SECOND LANGUAGE

The AS course

What is it about?The course is a modern, communicative course and its aims are:• To develop fully your communicative skills and consequent command of the language enabling you to speak it fluently and confidently as well as to read and write with ease and confidence.• To broaden your outlook and enable you to appreciate Welsh culture.

The course will be delivered by two native Welsh-speaking teachers. Teaching will take the form of seminars and tutorials. We also have a language assistant who conducts oral lessons on a weekly basis. Cross-curricular lectures, regular visits and talks given by guest speakers will be arranged throughout the course. We also attend the College conference at Glan Llyn and attend the Welsh Department lectures at Cardiff University.

How will it be studied?The AS course Unit 1 will be an oral examination with candidates assessed in groups on a film studied, a variety of Welsh television programmes and a Welsh theatre production. Unit 2 will be an internal assessment and candidates will be required to create a pack on a subject of local or international interest with a traditional or contemporary appeal. The coursework will be completed by the middle of the Spring Term. A written examination will be set to assess Unit 3 and the paper will be in two parts: the use of Welsh and questions on poetry.

The A2 courseThe Advanced GCE is a combination of AS and A2. Unit 4 will be an oral examination and candidates will first of all be required to discuss a set text and assess the media and film studied for the AS synoptically. Unit 5 will be a written examination where candidates will be required to discuss four short stories and respond to a given topic, expressing their own opinions. A final written examination will be set to assess Unit 6, which will attempt to bring together the units of the course (synoptic assessment) using the language and appreciation of poetry.

The assessment is divided as follows:ASUnit 1 – 20% (oral examination)Unit 2 – 15% (written coursework)Unit 3 – 15% (written examination)

A2Unit 4 – 15% (oral examination)Unit 5 – 20 % (written examination)Unit 6 – 15% (written examination)


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Work produced by students in the Art and Design Technology Departments


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Cardiff Road, Cardiff CF5 2YD

Telephone: 029 2026 1832Fax: 029 2057 8879 Website: www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net

What our students say about the College: “I came to Howell’s College from another school, and was amazed by how quickly I felt as if I really belonged. By the end of the first week there was a real family atmosphere.”

“One of the best opportunities Howell’s offers is to do the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The experiences gained and lessons learnt will be of great value in the future.”

“Howell’s College has been the best two years of my life and the teaching quality is second to none!”

“The music and drama school production of Beauty and the Beast really brought the whole school community together.”

“The teachers are really supportive and are always willing to give students any further assistance they may need.”

“The Debating Society, Rotary Interact and Envision all allowed me to take part in many activities that I’d never had the confidence to do before.”

“I feel the support from the careers guidance and numerous careers-related seminars is invaluable, and has prepared me for applying to and attending university.”

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